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My own "Brokeback Mountain" began in 1996, and is now drawing to a close.
Back in the time people were just begining to get online, I met Curt. We did not meet online, we met the old fashion way-phone sex. I lived in Virginia, he in Tennessee, not too far from where I had gone to college. After talking a few times we agreed to meet, part way in between, in Roanoke, Virginia. We spent the night together ther, and then I took him to my house, where we spent a rainy afternoon laying in bed. He told me later: "I didn't know a rainy day could be so nice".
We hit it off from the start, we had many things in common. We were both 33, I was in fact, only about 20 hours older than him. Our life experences had been remarkably similar, with the exception that he had been married, and was currently seperated from a wife. I had never been married. I fell for him like the proverbial ton of bricks. I, who had always been so cautions decided the hell with it. I rushed in and declared my love for him before the weekend was over. What was the worst that could happen?
Our relationship lasted about a month. Long distants phone calls every night, finding the best long distance plan for "us". Letters, written every day and anticipated every evening when I got home. Curt was a jack of all trades, working for his brother in law in a family business that included a marina, a trailer park and several construction ventures. he had plans to build a house for us on the shore of Cherokee Lake in East Tennessee. He told me about his houseboat, named "Night fever" after the BeeGees song (he was a huge fan). He had plans for us to go to Atlanta for New Years, he even had his drivers license renewed years ahead of time so his picture would include a necklas of mine he wore.
I also saw inconsistancies in his personality that concerned me. I noticed that if we were discussing something and he didn't get an answer he anticipated, he would sulk, he would stew and suddenly he would be over it. It was a challenge, but I was ready to face it. I loved him. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.
We got together about the end of September, and by the middle of October I went to visit him in Tennessee. I met his mother, who lived next door to him and to whom he was extraordinarilly devoted, I met a couple of his sisters, and his brother in law, a stand-offish country boy entrepenure. He carried me on rides thru the country in his gigantic 1975 Powder Blue Lincoln Town Car that he loved, as we were unable to go out on the boat due to wind. The radio was tuned to a country station, and the song of the day was Deanna Carter's "Strawberry Wine".
Everytime we parted, it got harder. We would both cry, but I was positive thru it, I belived in what I thought we had. That parting was especially painful. We were planning to see one another the following weekend I consoled myself.
We talked thru that week and that Friday night he agreed to help out a friend by taking their shift at an all night conveinence store near his home. I knew it would throw off his system. I talked to him that morning when he got home, he was upset with his brother in law over something. He was going to go talk to him about it.
Later in the day I received word from him he had got in a fight with said brother in law and was no longer working for him. I was shocked by the news and felt like it would past, but proposed an alternative: bring all your stuff and come stay with me. He had to think about it, think about a great many things. I didn't think he would take me up on it unless his mother could come along with him. She would have been welcome. I told him I hoped he didn't mind Sunday mornings I usually went and ate breakfast with my mother. I had no idea what I was handing him.
I didn't hear from him later. It was halloween and I went to the party we'd been invited to by myself. I got no reponce to my calls. The next day I tried his mother, no answer. I called his sister, she was upset with him I could tell. She told me he had problems, this was not the first time he had shut out everyone. The following week, I got the letter. Curt accused me of never loving him. He accused me of being ashamed of who I was because my mother did not know about our relationship. He said he could not continue like this in such an unfair state.
I wrote him back, not addressing any of his off the wall comments. I simply told him he had completely broke my heart. The phone calls start not long thereafter. I got home and saw theywere comming at a frequency of one every two minutes. Then the phone rang. When I answered I could hear him crying on the other end. "I had no idea you really loved me" he said.
I told him I couldn't undertand how he had no idea, I told him every chance I got. Demonstrated it when ever we were together. I told him I thought he had a problem and he should get help for it.
"I am not crazy" he said sternly.
"I'm not saying you are, I am saying we all need help from time to time and I think you could benefit from it." He repeated that he was not crazy and that he was going now.
The following week I received a very "curt" (no pun) letter saying this would be the last contact we would have, that I needed to be true to myself, yada, yada. Fine. I had taken the risk, I knew now what the worse that could happen was. I was very sad for weeks there after. I packed up every sign of him into a box and put it in my closet. I raked the leaves and wondered how I could go thru the rest of my life without him in it, knowing he was out there, out of reach.
Time past, and a few months later I met someone at a Winter Solstice Party. He gave me a ride home and I asked myself if I were still on the rebound. "No" I decided. We began our relationship, which was totally different than my earlier experence.
Then the cards started.
The first one came in the early spring. Curt said simply "Thank you for being my friend". Okay, fine, I was not taking the bait.
A month or so later a letter arrived, it was sad. He said his life was a mess and he had no one to blame but himself. He said he couldn't even talk to his own mother about it, and she had cancer. I sensed he was sorry, but had decided he was probably bi-polar, and I had moved on with my life. I decided the best thing to do was nothing.
The last one was a birthday card. "I hope this year is your best ever" he wrote. The following day was his birthday. I sent him no reply, and silence ensued. He had finally got the message.
Years rolled by, I couldn't tell you were the time went. I grew and matured. My relationship had its ups and downs. I buried a sister, I buried friends. In 1999 while in Rome I thought about sending him a post card telling him how much he would enjoy it there, if his mind would let him get on a plane, one of his paranoias. I decided that was too mean a thing for me to do even from another continent.
In the 21st century "googling" people became a way to kill time. I located many a college buddy thru their websites, but when I googled Curt's name, nothing. Not even a white pages look up turned up anything. I would check ocasssionally, and then one day, on a whim, I checked the Social Security Death Index. There he was. He had died on the first day of February, 2000.
I was so sad, for days. I had told my partner about him, I explained to him it was a strange sadness I felt. I didn't really know how to feel. He had been the love of my life at one point, but that had been long ago. I resolved that when I went out there again for my alumni weekend, I would take an afternoon and drive down there and see if I could find his family. What had happened to him, I wondered. Did he had Aids? Was he murdered? Was he killed in in some sort of accident? Did I really want to know?
Alumni weekend came, and I got so rip roaring drunk the first night there it ruined the whole weekend and I came home Sunday, angry with myself about that and other things. The following year I didn't get drunk, but it just was not conveinent for me, I wanted to hang out with my friends, people I reasoned who had not turned their back on me, so why should I go try to find out about Curt, who had?
The next summer I thought I would pass thru there as I was returning fom a cross country road trip. By then time I saw the exit sign on the interstate, all I could think about was getting home that night. When alumni weekend came that year, I didn't even consider it. I just won't know-I told myself-let it be a mystery.
Then I saw Brokeback Mountain.
The film effected me in many ways, on many levels. I deffinatly identified with Ennis Del Mar, minus the kids. One of the things I had brought up for me was the unresolved mystery of what had happened to my old boyfriend. It was closing in on six years since he had died. I felt guilty about not knowing. The time had come for me to go to Tennessee.
The boyfriend of 9 years was was going to be out of town that weekend, so I told him what I had decided finally to do. He knew this was a serious matter for me and asked how he could support me. I told him to pray. Pray I found some answers, pray that no one would be hurt or offended by my intrusion. He said he would. On a friday afternoon when the office was having its basement painted, I took off early and hit the road. I drove straight there, four hours without stopping. It was a beautiful clear January afternoon and as I climbed the mountains the sunset on the Blue Ridge was golden, and I felt like I was passing thru a veil. Passing back in time, in a sense.
I drove down I 81, finally reaching Morristown just before the interstate ran out. I got me a room at the holliday in, and starting with the big boned woman at the desk, I wanted to ask everyone I saw if they knew my friend. After I unpacked, I got back in my car and headed north on Rt. 25, passed places I had seen only once before in my life and remembered. I crossed the bridge that crosses Cherokee Lake, passing into Grainger County. A short distance ahead was the little strip mall where the brother in law's enterprises had been head quartered. Behind it, the Marina, the floating dock where Night Fever had once been moored. The lake was low, just as it had been that October in 1996.
Next to it, the conveinence store where he had worked that faithful 3rd shift that was his undoing, now dark and empty Down the road from it, the road leading into the former trailer park, now planted with cheap houses and doublewides, all less than 9 years old. I could tell where he used to live, but not how. I went back out to the main road to a new conveinence story, and got me a bottle of beer.
Ahead of me in line, a redneck woman hollered at her 4 year old son: "Travis, c'mon if your coming with me." I glanced over across the way at the littleboy, who was actually waving a toy American Flag, a true Rockwell sight. Then I Iooked just past him, to the postcard rack. I left my place in line and passed Travis like a ship in the night.
Whirling the rack about I found what I was looking for: An aireal view of Cherokee Lake. The tear ducks in my eyes contracted a bit. I knew just what I would do with this 79 cent post card. In the inside of my closet in my bedroom, where Ennis Del Mar had hung two shirts on a nail, I had for years, the poem "Shirt" by Robert Pinsky, taped up, cut from the pages of The New Yorker back when I first moved in. Curt had thought it was the funniest thing he had ever seen the first time he saw it. This post card would keep it company, in my closet.
As I drove back to the Holliday Inn, the local public radio station WETS, played New Orleans Jazz funeral music, the joyous sound you hear when the procession leaves the cemetary, affirming the life that goes on. I thought it totally appropriate.
The following day I did not want to leave the room.
I got my stuff packed, I loaded the car and went to turn in my key and eat breakfast in the resturant off the lobby. I was paranoid, I felt like people were looking at me. I wondered if Curt had ever ate there, had this building even been here during his life? After the waitress took my order I was left in a deserted dining room with no newspaper, no TV, no company but my own thoughts. I used the time to pray. I prayed for the strenght to carry out what I had come there for. I prayed that I would be well received and that no one would be hurt my mission. I prayed for the strenght to deal with what I may come to know, potentially life changing information.
It was a perfect day, sunny, almost spring like. I retraced my steps from the night before. I saw more things in the light of day that I remembered, the flea market, closed for the winter. I drove around Cherokee Park, where he had driven me, and took pictures of the Marina from the other side of the lake. Then I crossed that bridge and went to the Marina. A woman was putting garbage in a dumpster. I drove past her and went down to the waters edge. It was a calm day, a good day to go out on a house boat, but no one to take me. I debated weather or not I could live with just seeing the sights of this place again with out talking to anyone about the hard things. The woman at the dumpster did not seem threatening. I decided I would ask her.
When asked if she had know him, she asked me if he had lived there at the marina. I said he had some, on his boat. She said the name sounded familar, but I should go up to the office and ask David, he would know. I backed the car up and parked it next to a boat with it motor in a thousand pieces. A guy talking to another guy with a kid seemed like he would be the one, and he was. I told him who I was and that I was a friend of Curt's and I had "recently" found out he had passed away. I was hoping he could tell something about it.
We went inside his office. He was silent for a short while, looking for the words to give me. He was nervous. I was nervous. I felt like the shit was about to hit the fan.
"I Love Curt like a brother" he started. This was strange. I was actually talking to someone who knew him. It felt weird.
"He was the best. Talented, he worked around here and they was nothing he couldn't do" David continued. "But at the same time he'd stay mad at me for a week if he thought I didn't say good morning to him like he thought I should" Oh yes, he knew Curt. He said he remembered me, I had been at his house once. It dawned on me. This was his brother in law, whose name I had long forgot and who no longer looked or acted like I remembered. He was friendly, and nervous, and dealing with emotions of his own.
"Can you tell me what happened?" I asked.
He had to think. "Hepititis" he replied. "Not even the bad kind. He was just so obstinate he wouldn't go to the doctor when he should have" it was belevable. He did not know where he was buried, could not recall it at all. He said he knew who would know, and pulled out his cell phone. He called Curt's sister, now his x-wife of four years, in Florida. He told he: "I got somebody here that drove a long way that wants to talk to you".
I told his sister who I was, and she said she could almost see my face. She sounded upbeat, much better than the last time I had talked to her. I told her I had learned that her brother had died sometime back and I wanted to offer my belated condolences to her and her family. I told her he was special to me and she appreciated that. They were close. She said she had stayed with him until the end, and the last week of his life, she said, in the hospital, he found peace. The chips on his soulders had fallen away. The fears he had vanished. He had always been afraid of thunderstorms. That week it stormed one night and he laid there, enjoying it. I wondered about that. I went back in my mind to a rainy afternoon in 1996. Wondered why she would pick that memory to mention. She sounded relived that he had reached that point. "He was in a better place." she said of that time. I knew what kind of death he had, a slow agonizing failure of the liver that my father had acheived with a lifetime of drinking. But he was at peace, he had reached a point of acceptance. In a way, I was relived.
I asked her where he had been buried, she told me he had been cremated, like he had asked for. The ashes, went to his wife. The wife he had never divorce. The wife I had forgotten about. She gave me her sister in laws phone number. I thanked her and told her this ment a lot to me and that I wished her and her family well. The number had an east Tennessee area code, I put it in my pocket. Contacting his wife would be another matter.
Thanking David, I left the marina, and headed north on Rt. 25, stopping up the road where a dry arm of Cherokee Lake came right up to the road. I pulled over and from a bag in the trunk I got a decade old cigar. Still wrapped in celophane I knew it would crumble when I opened it. I took the dry bits of tobacco and scattered it to the wind. An offering in the tradition of our native ancestors we had never know, but were fiercly proud of. I quietly sang to no one the lines of a Deanna Carter song:
"I still remember
when thrity was old
my biggest fear was September
When he had to go"
I thanked him for being my friend and I told him goodbye. There was nothing left for me there. On up the road I went, headed north on Rt. 11W, headed home. Teddy Thompson singing :
"I smoke
Old stogies I have found
Short,
But not to big around"
I said a prayer of thanks. It had gone better than I could have ever imagined. The andorphins were loose in my system. I felt confident, I had made the right decision for the time. I wished it could have been different, but it was not ment to be. It was a beautiful day for a ride, and was dark by the time I reached home.
By Sunday, I was worried about my partner, who I had not heard from since Thursday. When he finally called I answered the phone: "There you are" After some small talk he asked how it had gone. I began to tell him, and suddenly the words would not come. Only tears, only wails. I could not understand it. My partner told me he wished he was there to hold me. "I wish you were, too" I replied. I cried most of the afternoon.
I did a reverse look up of the phone number, and got the name and address of Curt's wife. I wrote her a letter. I thought that would be better than calling her out of the blue, catching her at a bad time. I told her the same things I had told his sister, offered my condolences. I told her he had ment a lot to me, but didn't deep into it. I asked if there was a place his ashes were scattered or buried, I would like to go there and pay my respects to him. I never heard back from her. It is not the end of the world.
In the end, I don't see myself as Ennis Del Mar. My path is different, I am immensely luckier than he.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=lewis&GSfn=curtis+&GSmn=estil+&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSob=n&GRid=24574197&
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What a sad and beautiful life tale. You are so brave to share it with us all -- an example of the transforming power of love and forgiveness we are in touch with through our shared BBM experiences. Sending you love and gratitude, Iris.
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Thank you Iris, for your kind words. I read what I wrote here and it seems like someone else wrote it.
I find BBM sneeking into my daily consciousness. i sell real estate and the other day I was at this house to get a listing and the 73 year old childless widow who had inherited it from her mother was going on and on about all the family "stuff" and there were no men left to take the tools, etc., she told me about all of them, how they lived, how they died, and I was getting pressed for time. I was trying to be polite and figure out a way to stay on task when I realized that this woman, like Ennis Del mar, was in a situation she could not fix, and she was having to stand it. (The difference was she would talk, and talk and talk and talk). I unclinched my teeth and settled back. We all have our cross to bear, and I could afford a few minutes for someone who could be me one day.
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What a moving story. Everybody needs to get resolution. One thing I noticed that you often hope that no one will be hurt by your actions. That is so touching but yet, I hope the thought of possibly hurting or offending someone doesn't hold you back from doing what you need to do. As I grow older one thing I've learned is that you have to stand up for what you need to be happy, nobody else is going to do it for you, and trying to do without never works in the long run. Do you know what I mean?
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Thank you for allowing me to read this. I was also struck by your concern and courtesy for the other people involved.
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Such a sad, but beautiful story.
I am so touched by the number of poignant examples, like this one, of real life illustrations of the story of Ennis and Jack. Annie Proulx said in an interview that after the story was published the first time she received many, many letters filled with bittersweet tales of men thanking her for telling their story.
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Thank you all for your kind words, they mean a lot to me. I guess the years spent in the closet have taught me to be overly considerate of how others might react to me. I can reall identify with Eniis sitting at the table with John Twist, who wouldn't even look at him. I have been in the situation of offering my condolences to some one who was offended by my very presence. Not always, but it happens.
Something crossed my mind last night about the story I'd like to comment on, and I'll warn you it might get graphic.
In the short story there is this whole part about Ennis remembering Jack tell about his father urinating on him. He tells that his father was uncircumcised and to quote: "I seen they cut me different" refering to his father foreskin. Then she goes on to the shirts, which she describes as: "the pair like two skins, one inside the other".
So it this some kind of intentional symbolism? She is such a deep writer that when scratc the surface you might realize your looking at a whole nother piece of the puzzle.
I will be getting back to work now. I am headed out of town next week for a trip to Boulder, Colorado, with a side trip to Laramie, Wyoming. Hope to have lunch at the Fireside grill where Matthew Shepard left from his faithful evening.
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Thought for the day: The name of the pience of music that plays when Ennis is going back up to the sheep the next morning, and when he returns to Riverton with the shirts in his truck is "He Who Looks For The Truth" by 21 Grams. I just love Brokeback Mountain Radio, it plays on my lap top at my desk all day, and fits the mood I find myself in these days.
I am excitedly getting thru the day, in anticipation of my trip tomorrow, I am flying out of Charlotte to Boulder, Colorado. Will spend about 5 days there, with a side trip to Laramie, Wyoming. We just had a thunder storm pass over, I hope the skys will be clear tomorrow.
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I feel sorry for the State of Wyoming, in a way.
After the first publication of the tragic love story Brokeback Mountain, the little college town of Laramie, Wyoming, was in the world spotlight for the murder of Matthew Shepard. One might be left with the impression that Wyoming is place where it is not safe to be gay. I can't imagine it is any more unsafe than the rest of the world, and can't really speak to that. I would have to spend more time there than I have.
Last week I had the extraordinary opportunity to go to Boulder to read from the 52 year long diary of a gay man who lived in Washington, D.C. the first half of the 20th century. His neice, who inherited the work, has lived there for 36 years. But that is another story. After days of decipering tiny handwriting, I took a break and drove up to Laramie, Wyoming. I wanted to see the countryside, and I wanted to pay my respects to Matthew Shepard and his sacrifice.
I knew already I would be unable to visit the place where he was found, beaten and tied to a rail fence. The property owners and the Shepard family had worked together to remove the fence sometime back to prevent it from becoming a tourist destination and a place homophobes could vandalize. I did know, from reading and watching the stage production and the film "The Laramie Project" that Matthew had met his admitted killers, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, at a bar called The Fireside Inn.
Driving north from Boulder on Rts.119 and 287, finally escaping the sprawl of Ft. Collins and its strip malls and McMansions, I was let loose into the wide open space I love so well. It was cold, and it was windy and the mountains in the distance still had snow on them. In some crevases the snow lingered. The cows and calfs didn't seem to mind it. The air was dry and my lips were chapped and once I crossed into Wyoming (humming "King of the Road", of course) I stopped at the tiny roadside town of Tie Siding, a couple of store that doubled as a post office and antique store. The old gas pumps out front still with nozzels in place, but the rubber hose long gone. Relief came in the form of imitation chapstick, which would do until I found the real stuff. I was real tempted to buy an antique Wyoming license plate for $35, but had enough stuff to carry home as it was.
Driving into town I saw the Chamber of Commerce. I decided to stop there and ask where to find the Fireside Inn. The two young ladies at the front desk were very plesant. The one speaking, I know from her facial expression, knew why I was asking about it, but was very professional and I thanked her. I feel her pain and the pain of those who have to endure the rest of thier lives the legacy of McKinney and Henderson, two of their own who put them on the map in the worst possible way. The bar was close by, at the corner of 2nd and Custer.
It does not stand out, it fits in well with its suroundings. Probably built when Johnson was in the White House, the most remarkable thing about the building is its mod 1960's beer glass shaped sign that advertizes everything but its name. You can tell where it should be, but it is not there. It did not open until 3 pm the day I was there, I read on a sign advertizing a live band that would soon appear. On the side walk I found some spilled gravels, the red stone variety native to that country, suggesting something that had been plowed up with the snow and left upon the side walk like a glacial erratic when it melted. I pocketed a couple of them, and set out to explore the town.
I bought me a "new" outfit at the Good Will at the far end of the street. Black Jeans and a button down print shirt for $6.00. Can't beat it. This part of town near the rail road tracks featured a boarded up theater, Majestic Elks Lodge, several gentrified shops and resturants and coffee houses. And, not far from the Fireside, an small park, with a monument to Louisa Swain.
Now who is Louisa Swain, you might ask? She was a 70 year old woman, who on 6 September 1870, became the very first woman in American History to cast a vote, one block away. The incription to the statue of her explained that in 1869 Wyoming became the first state or territory to grant women equal voting rights. They still could not vote in federal elections until 1920, but in Wyoming, they could elect all their state and local candidates. The statue of her looks like a frail, terrified Mary Todd Lincoln looking woman with ringletts and the standard issue bonnet. I need to know more about this woman, I decided.
The University of Wyoming, where Matthew was a student, sits on the other side of town, a sprawling campus. I visited the Student Union, a place where he would have walked and shopped and ate, where I checked my email. The students of Matthews' day are long gone, with careers and growing families of their own. There were a couple of tables set up for Veterans for Peace, who were selling buttons and another for students organizing an AIDS walk the following Saturday. They had a table covered with condoms, all free. I pocketed one, with the realization that it was in a way an affirmation I would have a reason to use it, which I found pleasing. I drove past the court house where Matthew's father, Dennis Shepard, gave his historic and empassioned speach, condeming Aaron McKinney to a life in prison, which I quote, in part:
" I would like nothing better than to see you die, Mr. McKinney. However, this is the time to begin the healing process. To show mercy to someone who refused to show any mercy. To use this as the first step in my own closure about losing Matt. Mr. McKinney, I am not doing this because of your family. I am definitely not doing this because of the crass and unwarranted pressures put on by the religious community. If anything, that hardens my resolve to see you die. Mr. McKinney, I’m going to grant you life, as hard as that is for me to do, because of Matthew. Every time you celebrate Christmas, a birthday, or the Fourth of July, remember that Matt isn’t. Every time that you wake up in that prison cell, remember that you had the opportunity and the ability to stop your actions that night. Every time that you see your cell mate, remember that you had a choice, and now you are living that choice. You robbed me of something very precious, and I will never forgive you for that. Mr. McKinney, I give you life in the memory of one who no longer lives. May you have a long life, and may you thank Matthew every day for it."
Lincoln said, at Gettysburg, the world will little remember the things that are said and done at a particular place and time. Laramie is no exception. I saw no memorial to Matthew Shepard there. Perhaps somewhere on the University campus there is, or a scholarship or some such. But there is no mention of him that I could see. Perhaps it is too soon yet. I would estimate Louisa Swain's memorial to be less than a decade old. Those people in Laramie suffered, horribly, in the spotlight of that murder and the spotlight it cast upon them. The subsequent play and film about the experence may have brought some closure to some involved with the case. These are good people. There are people who were ahead of their time with regard to women's rights, I don't condemn them. Matthew Shepard is ledgend now. His life documented and examined and laid bare. Laramie, Wyoming being the place it ended. There needs to be some kind of acknowledgement of that, it cries out for it.
On the way out of town I stopped at a conveinence store and got the real thing for my lips. The woman at the register, reading the local classified ads commented on the advertizement of an Alligator for sale for $100.00: "That is just wrong" she said, "on so many levels."
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My local library got a copy of the story story Brokeback Mountain, on CD, read by Campbell Scott, a talented actor and son of George C. Scott, he was the cancer patient in DYING YOUNG. I was surprised I had to get on a waiting list for it.
Today I walked into the branch and proudly told them who I was and what was reserved for me, by name. I got in my car, turned off my phone, and at nearly $3.00 a gallon, I drove and listened. The story poured out to me, and although I had read it, I enjoyed hearing it told to me. In someways the story tells so much more, tells better how these two men felt for one another. For an hour he read to me, and still, it came out the same. A lonely man caught somewhere betwixt what he knows and what he feels.
Check and see if your library has it, and patronize them, they have thousands of stories just as powerful as Brokeback Mountain, waiting for you.
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I downloaded it as part of my monthly audio book club. I haven't played it all the way through, but I like Campbell Scott. I'll check it out, thanks for the endorsement!
Juan
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"I'll tell you what", the Twist family ain't the only ones.
I have been involved with my family genealogy for many years, and am fortunate I live in the area where my fathers family comes from, in the foot hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Over the years several lists I am on have had posts from people looking for the grave of Grandpa Dickey and his four wives. Dickey and his first wife were my ancestors. He had died in 1859, and only one amazing detail about his life has come down to us. Having out lived all of his sequential wives, he arranged their graves so that he would have a place to be buried in the middle, with a wife on each side, one at his head and one at his feet. I had been to the grave yard before, in 1977. Situated waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay down in the woods, out on a ridge about 2 miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The old feller who carried me and my mother out there in his pickup packed a pistol to shoot snakes he told us. The monument erected on his grave in 1939 had fallen into disrepair.
The property is no longer in the family. Rumors abounded that access had been blocked and others from out west had been baffeled as to how to even find it. Dickey and three of his wives had 17 children, and we know of 108 grandchildren- you do the math.
So in January, after seeing Brokeback Mountain for the very first time and wanting desperatly to get outside and do something meaningful in my life I posted to the lists that I would lead a pilgrimage to the cemetery on the 29th of April, a date I picked out for no reason except it was a Saturday. I received enthusiastic responces from several cousins. I had to find the place again myself. A month ago me and my partner went up the mountain and met with the son in law of the man who had originally carried me in his pick up. He carried us right to it. The monument had been repaired by the Boy Scouts in 1986.
This week it rained, and I was so fearful we would be rained out. People were coming from New Mexico, West Virginia, South Carolina and Maryland. I sent out an email telling them to dress warm. I received a letter in the mail from a couple in their 80's who were not on line but who had heard about the pilgrimage and wanted to know where to meet.
This morning the sun came up on the most incredibly beautiful spring day you could imagine. I drove up the mountain to the resturant we were all to meet at and ordered me a coffee and read the paper. I had never met any of the people who were coming, hadn't a clue what they even looked like. When I saw a likely suspect, I asked him "Are you here for the trip to the cemetary?" He was, he was the one from New Mexico. He said a crowd was gathering outside.
Sure enough, 23 souls ranging in age from 14 to 84 were conversing in the parking lot, all shapes and sizes and hairstyles. All so thankful for the opportunity to be there. Some of them had spent days in the hills looking for their roots. Some of them had known my father and grandfather.
I climbed on the back of a red Ford Pickup from the place we had stopped to cosolidate into 8 vehicles. I rode with two retirment age brothers and their nephew who was writing a story about the trip for a creative writing class. I called thru the open sliding windows into the cab to the cousin who drove us, down the asphalt, down the gravel, down the pig path that has not changed in 200 years, to a clearing where we would have to walk from.
An older cousin, ("Mrs. Spangler" is all I could remember) bought out a Tupperware container with a large, green ceramic vase and she told her story.
She was 5 years old when she attended the Grandpa Dickey Monument dedication in 1939. The attendees were all told to bring a handful of dirt from their homes, and at the ceremony they put it in the vase and mixed it, and sprinkled it on the graves of the ancestors. I almost cried right then and there. The vase belonged to her granddaddy, and riding home in the back seat with him, he gave it to her. 67 years later, it returned to where it had been used.
I lead the group down the trail, over the creek, by the old homeplace, and into the cemetery. Shutters snapped, file folders came out, stories were swapped, ideas were floated. A cousin who lived nearby who had never been there before thanked me for arranging the trip, and asked me what had inspired me to take this on. I wanted to so bad tell her to ease my sadness from watching Brokeback Mountain, but I am still not that honest a person. "The realization that life is short" I told her.
We got a family plot, and now we have some characters to go along with it.
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That was so moving. Thank you for sharing your story with us. You have really done a lot with your life after the movie, this is inspiring me to make some changes too.
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Thank you all for reading, I am starting to enjoy this.
I think the heavens give humanity gifts sometimes, and I think the singer John Prine is one of them.
You will probably remember his from the early 70's country song: "Daddy won't you carry me back to Mulenburg County". He has a tremedous cult following, and recently won a Grammy for his last album, which features a song called "Some humans ain't human", which everyone needs to listen to.
I have been a fan for years and have been very fortunate to see him twice this year. He has recovered well from throat cancer, and sounds as good as ever. He sounds particularly well on one of my favorite songs he does, "Angel from Montgomery" which I think was written by Bonnie Raitt. It is a sad tale of an old woman thinking of lost love. When I heard him perform it the other week, I could not help but think of Alma, Jr. and Lureen in the years to come:
"I am an old woman, named after my mother
My old man is another child that's grown old
If dreams were lightning, thunder was desire
This old house would have burnt down a long time ago
Chorus:
Make me an angel that flies from Montgom'ry
Make me a poster of an old rodeo
Just give me one thing that I can hold on to
To believe in this living is just a hard way to go
When I was a young girl well, I had me a cowboy
He weren't much to look at, just free rambling man
But that was a long time and no matter how I try
The years just flow by like a broken down dam.
Repeat Chorus:
There's flies in the kitchen I can hear 'em there buzzing
And I ain't done nothing since I woke up today.
How the hell can a person go to work in the morning
And come home in the evening and have nothing to say.
Repeat Chorus:"
It goes hand in hand with the recurring theme of life that Brokeback Mountain embodies so well. All life is suffering, we are born in pain and we die in pain, we live with pain, but amidst the suffering we have have a few instances of pure joy. We connect with someone else and are taken somewhere else. For Jack and Ennis it was each other, for the rest of us, it was their story. For the singer of the song, be it Bonnie Raitt or John Prine, it was the promise of a rodeo cowboy.
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"In May of 1983 they spent a few cold days at a series of little ice bound, no-name, high lakes, then worked across into the Hail Strew River drainage."
I love this story partly because of its historical context. I am growing into the age now I can pinpoint where I was when something happened, marry it to my own story. I was born in August of 1963, I would have been 10 days old when that snow fell on the mountain and Heath Ledger's Ennis did that Chicken Dance in it. I was becoming a 4 year old uncle the month Ennis got Jack's general delivery post card.
And May of 1983....where were you? I was in full blow young adult angst, that stage AFTER you realize you don't have the answer to everything, or anything for that matter. I started the month as a sophmore in a small Baptist College in Bristol, Virginia. Mindful that year I was the May was the month of change, when I would leave my friends behind and go home and endure summer with my parents.
Somewhere between the 8th and the 9th, eithe late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, I was initiated into the the Gay World by a dawg-ugly guy driving a white 1967 Inperial. The part we drove to out to a park in the country is now a golf course. I reeled over the experence for long afterward. Feelings of shame and disgust mixed with accomplishment, the hope that now I could move on to women, maybe. It would be January of the following year before I attempted a hook-up again.
By mid-month I was home, working 12 hours a day, 7 days one week, in the lumber yard of a prefab housing factory. My co-workers a bunch of drop-out redneck heteros I had nothing in common with. I was amused by them, they were interesting, but I knew I did not fit in there. After a couple of weeks I volunteered to move a trailer, in an attempt to fit in. Having never drove a tractor trailer before I tore the door off the trail, and that was all she wrote.
I was a wreck. I'd never been fired before. I went off into the woods and cried.
A week later I got a job mowing grass at a state park nearby. It was deliverance. My first day on the job I was greeted by a big hunk of a professional tree surgeon, swinging from branch to branch with a running chain saw. "Lemuel" was his name. He somehow got to fanagle a cabin out of the rangers to live in for the summer in exchange for tree work. He could have had anything he wanted just for the asking. He never did of course, everything that came to his had came thru hard work. May gave way to June, and so on.
My father, an alcoholic, was not drinking that summer. It was the only time in our 21 years together that we had any kind of a relationship. We got along well. I had a flirtation with a charming young lady I took to see the Little River Band. We would leave each other notes in the ticket takers house at the park entrance. I made friendships with people I never crossed paths with again, but have never forgotten. I hated that summer had to end finally.
One of the "what if" memories of that summer a lifetime ago involved a late night visit to Lemuel's cabin, drinking to the wee hours of the morning and crashing on his couch. The next morning I grabbed on of his newly laundered shirts that looked like my park service uniform and groggily went off to work. He came by later and told me the shirt looked good on me and to keep it. (Nice of him) I know I kept it for years, I wonder if I still have it, back in the closet someplace.
Lemuel, he never married, has a tree business and I run into him ocassionally, never often enough.
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I am actually going to Wyoming, for the second time this year.
The idea was first floated on the Yahoo Bulletin Board for Brokeback Mountain a few months ago, and from that genesis it has come. One of the organizers commented to me that on the Dave Cullen's Ultimate Brokeback Board there are numerous gatherings all over being planned.
It is amazing to me how many boards are out there for this story and movie. Amazing the need so many people driven to participate in the discussion, and the thought that for ever one there are more, lurking, silent, or out there on their own. Somewhere there must be a line betwixt a force of nature, and a life of its own.
I think back to last, what was it, October, when I first heard on NPR that at the Toronto Film Festival a gay cowboy movie was getting a lot of attention. I thought I was going to have to listen closely for that name again because I sure wanted to get the DVD and see it at some point. Had no idea I would get to see it in a theater, six times. Had no idea....but the closer it got I was paying attention.
A friend of mine in D.C. saw it opening night. This guy IS Mr. Film. He knows the medium backward and forward, can explain the original idea behind cinemascope vs. the commercially sucessful version of the format, has see thousands of films. He is gay, and his excitement over this movie was palpable, but when he called me the next day, there had been a shift. He told me, very soberly, "it was the best movie I have ever seen." Jezus. That is saying something.
I bought a newspaper to see if it were playing at an art house theater where I imagined it could be found. At the top of their ad: "Brokeback Mountain Next Week". I could hardly wait. That next friday came, and me and my partner drove 50 miles to Roanoke, Virginia, to the Grandin Theater, met a friend there and managed to get tix for the next showing. The place was packed. The car drove down the River Road Logo, and those words came up: BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. I thought "I can't believe I am finally going to see it."
I had not read the story, had only a vague impression of it from the previews. Was not prepared for what I saw and have spent months trying to make it make sense to me. Well, all the boards are full of that tale, so I won't go into that again. I wonder though as I write this, what is it about these tears, the ones that always come when I get to THAT point, that place within me that remains as raw as it was four months ago. Will it ever heal? Am I making this trip to heal it?
What has welled up in me is a big ole black hole of sadness. It is a pain I feel daily, sometimes its prompted by thoughts of Ennis and Jack, sometimes not. It is an acknowledgement of generations of men and women cut off from one of lifes greatest joys. As a gay man I feel the duty to greive this pain for them. I also have a duty to myself to live my life and grow. How to find balance when your world has been rattled.....
Now, this force of nature is carrying me practically to the source, not very far from where Annie Proulx herself lives. There to meet people I have talked to on line, come to know somewhat, who have been effected like me. Gay, straight, bisexual, trangender, I wonder what it will be like. To hear their stories, not just with the BBM experence, but how they got to where they are in life now, and what they see ahead of them. It may well be a one shot deal, but there is a certain magic about a group of people being drawn together, around a campfire, on the greiving plain, who would be there for no other reason.
Plans call for trips to Riverton and Lightning Flat. Riverton I have read a bit about, a fair sized place, I was even able to chat with a gay guy from there who had heard his town was a part of the story, but had not seen the movie because it didn't play there. But Lightning Flat, that's another story. I wasn't even sure it existed until recently I spied it on a road atlas, the tiniest of dots at the end of miles and miles of unimproved road north of the Devil's Tower. Right on the Montana line.
Google it: you will find basically three things. It is where Jack Twist came from in the story. It had its own newspaper from 1920 to 1927, and its geographic coordinates. The huge county it is in has a population of about 5,200. I am not sure if anyone lives there. There are no maps of the place, it is not a mapquest has no details. I did find a satilite image that seems to show a human mark on the landscape. What must Lightning Flat be like? The most desolate destination in modern America?
I feel drawn to it some how, this is my preconceived notion of the trip that Lightning Flat will somehow be the highlight for me. It will be interesting to see how that turns out, how I look back on it. I know there will be no mailbox with John C. Twist on it, I know there will be no ranch hands as I am used to seeing them depicted, but what is there? What is the truth about Lightning Flat? What is the truth about anyone or anything? What will I learn about myself if I make that long drive out that dirt road.....perhaps only a greiving plain where I can speak to the lost souls Jack Twist has come to represent. Perhaps there greif can be let go of.
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So I checked out Annie Proulx's Wyoming Stories from the library, it is the book that Brokeback Mountain appears in as the last story. I am throughly enjoying it, reading one or two stories an evening. Oddly wonderful stories, full of despiration and violence and longing. I highly recomend it.
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So it is about mid day on Saturday, the 27th day of May, A. D. 2006. Me and the partner were heard to a campground south of Siler City, North Carolina. We are on Highway 49, approaching the town I know is the final resting place of the actress Frances Bavier, known to the world as "Aent Bea" on the 1960's CBS series "The Andy Griffith Show", which to this day remains in reruns in the area.
On the left hand side of the road is a building with a hand lettered sign that say: "Live Bait and Game Room". Directly across from it came a cemetary.
I says to him: "I wonder if that is where Aent Bea is buried?" I look almost over my right shoulder and recognize her huge granite monument from from the pictures on www.findagrave.com. I told him this would only take a minute, and appropriatly enough I turned around in the highway patrol parking lot and went back.
Frances Bavier I have not been able to learn much about, She was an actress on stange in New York way back, back in the 20's and 30's. She appeared in The Day The Earth Stood Still, and my world came to know her as Miss Beatice Taylor, maiden aunt of Mayberry, North Carolina's Sherriff Andy Taylor. Once it and its sequals left the air she retired to of all places, Siler City, North Carolina. She became a fixture I understand, and there is a vague recollection of a story involving a damaged green DeSoto. She died in 1989, unmarried and without issue.
Her headstone towers above her neighbors. It is also visited frequently. We placed a small buttercup and a small hawkweed we found growing there, but there was a pot of fresh flowers, and a gallon jar of kosher dill pickes that had been cooking in the sun for a while. We seemed to recall an episode with the plot calling for some drama betwixt the characters Aent Bea and Clara, over a pickle recipy or contest. See attached photos.
One wonders at times like these, this woman with no known family, in an adopted home, still inspiring devotion in people stong enough to make them u-turn. There were no such gags as the pickles on the other graves, with their Twist Family Plot plastic arrangements. One has to wonder at a person who played a character people loved. Who loved this woman? What was her joy? Who was her joy? No, gaydar is not ground penetrating, but I point out the epithapt: "To Live In The Hearts Of Those Left Behind Is Not To Die".
I sang "Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye!" and we took off down 421.
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The Pix are too big, will have to figger out how to resize them and then I'll post them.
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OMG! I can still hear her say in that unmistakeable soprano voice..."Andy!"
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In my life prior to Brokeback Mountain there was Jeb and Dash. It has been the story I have lived with for several years now, and one I want the world to know about.
In 1965 Ina Russell buried her beloved batchelor uncle. An excentric little man who lived in an ungodly cluttered apartment in Washington, DC's Adams-Morgan area. When his will was read, he left her his diary, and the fire proof cabinet it was stored in. What he left her was more than a book, it was a life unto itself.
Between 20 January 1912 and 14 August 1964, uncle had written ten of thousands of pages of his everyday existance. Begining with the weather, and ending with the time and temperature, this man told his life story in installments. She opened the books, looking for confirmation of what she already knew. Her uncle was a homosexual.
Inspite of the risk, this little man admitted in writing that he was attracted to men. He wrote of his painful search for a "kindred spirit" in the streets and parks of the nations capitol. He wrote of his sucesses, and more often his failures. He wrote of the theatrical performances and movies he saw, the trips to Europe, his adoration for Woodrow Wilson, the young man on the street car, the quest for booze in the days of prohibition, the friend who returned from Florida with "Marajuana cigarettes".
While residing at the YMCA on "G" Street, NW, he met the love of his life. One evening he knocked on a friends door and an unfamilar voice bade him come it, and it was all over. He fell, head over heels, in love with a young man from Tennessee who had just got off the train. Thus was born "Jeb and Dash".
It would be more than 20 years before his the words of the flustrated aspiring author would see the light of day. In the late 1980's, Ina Russell knew the time had come, and to the fire proof cabinet she went. She open those books and like film running thru the sprokets of a movie projector, a world opened up again. The pavement of Washington, D.C. receeded and the wildflowers bloomed. Men appeared in the street with hats and never took off their ties. Her uncle fell in loved, and in a few short months, had his heart broken into a million pieces.
He never recovered from it.
Dash, the fictional name his amour was given, was not one to settle down. He was more the social butterfly who came to view "Jeb" as a ball and chain. They would never have a secluded mountain top, or the deserted tropical island Jeb imagined for them. The did have an on going friendship that lasted until Jebs death some 30 years later. They had drunken parties, they had uncountable breakfasts, lunches and dinners, they had the crushing mob of people outside the gates of the White House on VJ day. There were dreams that would not die.
The diary, became his surrogate. It was who he told how his day went because no one was there to tell it to, because he would not let anyone else in. Maybe oneday, his Dash would return. He never did.
Eighteen months she labored with tiny hand writing about as legible as sanskit to a blind person. In the end she had two hundred pages that covered twenty-seven years. Beyond that, was the nothingness, the grieving plane, the story whose end she already knew. In a series of strokes, in a pittiful decline and burial in just outside the district line.
Her family was scandalized that she would publish "Jeb and Dash, Diary of a Gay Life, 1918-1945" (Faber and Faber, 1993). She went to Washington for a booksigning the next spring, her uncles only surviving sibbling stood in line and got his copy, and rush home to learn who his brother was.
I read the book and was moved by it. I wanted to know more, I wanted to know who these men were. I wanted to uncover their psyudeonyms, wanted to learn what had happened to the others, something Ina did not know when she published the book.
I did not know the real life Jeb had left his papers to his alma mater. The person who wrote the description of said papers for their website probably had not read Jeb and Dash, (or maybe they knew just what they were doing) and gave so many details about him I recognized him, sitting alone in my ungodly cluttered house in front of my desk top. It scared me to death. I looked over my shoulder to see if anyone was looking. He has been there ever since. A little man in a coat and tie.
Two and a half years later, sitting in a Subway resturant in Boulder, Colorado, having read the diaries myself, trying to get some sense of what it all ment, I tell Ina Russell I felt she had redeamed her uncles life. She had took his story and made sense of it to the world, had changed the direction of my path and many others. She took that with the grain of salt I offered with it.
And me, I try to write in my journal every day. I try to take it to the next level. I make it my mission that Jeb and Dash, and all those men and women are not forgotten. I go on line an buy used copies of his book, and I give the to anyone and everyone I think will read it. If you'd like a copy, email me, I'll send you one.
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I'm ejoying your writing mate. Thankyou.
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shakestheground thank you for sharing the story of Jeb and Dash, you have intrigued me....I'm headed as soon as this posts to my favorite on line used book retailer to see if I can get a copy of that remarkable story. My Mother had a uncle in North Carolina who is the spitting image of the man you so eloquently describe. I only knew Great Uncle Hardy briefly in my childhood but always remember him fondly as a dapper little man with a wry wit and a charming smile, but the saddest and loneliest eyes I have ever seen.
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Thank you for sharing this with us - my hands are shaking a little as I type this.
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Yesterday was 6-6-06, time for Hollywood to realease another "Omen" movie, time for doom sayers to pick another date that things will end.
Cruising thru the postings on Bettermost.com I came across one made by gattaca, and notice his signature line:
"God is actually a committee of small blue parakeets that intended to do a better job with the universe, but got distracted by their image in the mirror, and forgot."
I liked to have fell plumb out. Such an on target observation, and beautiful metaphor for creation, a modern creation story I can relate to. Having been raised on the notion of an all powerful god who exists as a seperate being from the world, who is perfect and knows everything, it was a long trip to my present belief that all things are a part of god, that if god were to look in a mirror, that being would see the outside world. That would distract me. The idea of god being less than perfect is like relaxing my shoulders at the end of telephone call at work that went on too long.
So I copied and pasted his line to a few friends under the subject line: "Thought for the day 6-6-06" and got responces from them of appreciation.
In the evening I went home, made an attempt at the yard and settled down with my copy of Annie Proulx's Postcards. (stange story about that book, I was on the phone telling my partner I wanted to read it and looked up on the shelf and saw I possesed a copy, inherited from my sister some years ago) Loyal Blood was someplace outwest, prospecting for Uranium when the call came.
High up in the Damson tree, a bird I could not id, a parakeet looking little yellow bird lit and started calling, in responce, a bunch of squawking, and here came the Titmice, tiny little birds with tufted heads, hopping, jumping, flitting from limb to limb. They would change direction with the blink of an eye. They came across the branches to where I sat, fearlessly, about ten of them. They took turns it seemed, one or two of them come within 4 feet of my head, bellering to high heaven. I thought maybe they had a nest nearby and I should move, but when I did they stood right there, in their ritual. I sat back down and watched them, gradually they moved on to the Pear tree, to the Redbud tree, squawking and chattering all the way.
I says to myself: "Now, that is a committee!"
This morning I go back and check to see what new has been posted on bettermost and I saw that gattaca had made a responce to an earlier post of mine, then I did plumb fall out. When I see something like this happen and it just connects and connects, I say to myself: "Yes, this is the right path".
Have a Nice Day.
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I forget where I got that tagline from, but I've used it for years (probably almost as long as I've been dabbling on the Internet).
I was raised Congregationalist (a sort of casual Lutheran; a New England variant - after all, I'm a Boston boy originally) sans the fire & brimstone of the Calvinists). but I have seen enough and lived enough to bring about a sea-change to my Christian upbringing. There a measure of serendipity to our existence (have I become an agnostic? Not quite yet) and I can easily imagine a troupe of small, chattery parakeets having the power of creation, and then forgetting exactly why they did that.
They're incapable of evil acts.
Thank you for the anecdote. :)
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This morning I go back and check to see what new has been posted on bettermost and I saw that gattaca had made a responce to an earlier post of mine, then I did plumb fall out. When I see something like this happen and it just connects and connects, I say to myself: "Yes, this is the right path".
Have a Nice Day.
Tru - this is beyond wonderful. Thank you.
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;D
I have been watching Lonesome Dove the past few days. I remember when it came out (17 year ago!) and think now: "why was I so close minded in my youth? I would not watch this because it was all the rage" I have throughly enjoyed the first DVD, and am waiting on netflix to send me the next one. There is a good interview with Larry McMurtry at the end, it seems very amaturish, which I like. He is just like the plainest person you could ever encounter. If I an into him in a hardware store i would never have guessed he was one of the screenwriters of BBM.
The interview with the producer, a beautiful lady whose name I think is Suzanne DePriest, you can tell the whole time she is choking back emotion. I know where she is coming from. Daily my eyes water when my mind just thinks about most anything, certainly Jack and Ennis, but most everthing I feel deeper than I did last year.
I think Robert Duvall's Gus is probably his best performance. He makes me happy just to look at him. You can imagine my surprise when I saw basically the same character appear on TBS in an ad for a new western miniseries or movie. Robert Duvall is appearing in a production called <<get this>> BROKEN TRAIL. What an interesting name. I wonder where they came up with that. Is it "code" for something, are they trying to ride on Brokeback coat tails? I will probably be watching.
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:D
Now I'm gonna have to put Lonesome Dove in my Netflix queue - that's another one I managed to miss...
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An Open Letter to annieproulx.com:
Please bring back the forum. I know you have been saying you were gone switch servers and bring it back, and I imagine you might have been a bit overwelmed by the responce once Brokeback Mountian was released as a film. Who knew the tital wave of comment it would foster. Who knew they was gone be so many hateful people out there with computors.
"The Trolls" they were known by on the yahoo list. They are still there, always will be. Anonymous in their attach, vanishing like some vague southwestern apparition I have long forgot the name for. There is some serious hate going on out there still, but it probably worries me less than at any other time in my life.
And all people wanted to talk about was the movie. Forget the story, or the other stories, the books. People just wanted to talk about that movie and maybe compare it to "The Shipping News" movie, ocassionally the book. Those discussions were better played out in other forums.
You promote the author, her writing, and a discussion thereof. I hope this word will reach you: lets give it a go again, please. There was some good discussions going on, if you hunted for them.I learned about a great book: Native, by William Heywood Henderson. Some lush language there. The guy that recommended it "Tiawahillbilly" me thinks, never got to tell him thank you.
Since January of this year I have not only read Brokeback Mountain, but all of the Wyoming Stories. I am closing in on the last parts of Postcards and I'd like for there to be some place where I could ask others their opinions of Loyal Blood. I'd like to ask what language Jewel was speaking in when she told Mernelle how her grandfather counted to twenty. Do these people have an aboriginal connection to the land?
So please consider it, I think there are others here who could fund a discussion.
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Good points. WHH has a new book out: Augusta Locke. It will be the next book I buy.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670034916/104-5766778-2158315?v=glance&n=283155 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0670034916/104-5766778-2158315?v=glance&n=283155)
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I would also very much like to see the forum revived at annieproulx.com. I never had a chance to see the original forum.
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I try to exercize, mostly by going to a walking trail behind the county administration building, 8/10's of a mile of winding asphalt built on a former landfill. If I miss a month or two going there I can detect the undulation of the ground settling.
Part of the trail winds behind the county jail. On a hill above the exercize yard there is a dual cain link fence, topped by razor wire. In the space betwixt the two fences the sherriffs department has stored all manner of recovered property, mostly four wheelers and gas grills, and right by the gate, a couple of concrete lawn statues: Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, and a nameless Lawn Jockey. They has stayed there for years, arranged so the jockey's out stretched arm reaches out to Mary, as if he is comforting her in their confinement.
The other day I passed and looked over there and saw them differently. This time the jockey became Jack and Mary became Ennis, they were by a fire and Jack was tugging at Ennis's ear. How fast do tears come to your eyes? Mine have become like a light switch, one that comes on easy, but you have to fiddle with it to turn it off.
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The other day I passed and looked over there and saw them differently. This time the jockey became Jack and Mary became Ennis, they were by a fire and Jack was tugging at Ennis's ear. How fast do tears come to your eyes? Mine have become like a light switch, one that comes on easy, but you have to fiddle with it to turn it off.
Sometimes it hits with no warning (or so it seems to me). On my way home two days ago, I drove by an intersection with a small cluster of houses and there was a man in a light jacket wearing a Stetson and boots who was fiddling with the mailbox in front of his house and I immediately teared-up thinking of Ennis and how the hell are you supposed to drive when tears spring up like that?
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How are you supposed to drive? Or carry on a conversation? Or think clearly about anything when your heart and mind is raw from being confronted with such greif?
I do occassionally make light of it, the other niight I was thinking about changing my profile, adding a picture of Ennis when he tells jack "You know I ain't queer" and changing my signature line to" "You know I can't spel".
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I finished reading Annie Proulx's Postcards yesteday. It was a hard read for me. I get the sense she goes into a trance and writes sometimes, I have to go back repeatedly to reread what she has written, to get the full meaning of a sentance.
The story is about the Blood family of Creme Hill, Vermont, and how their world unravells. The eldest son, Loyal Blood, accidently kills his girlfriend, I never picked up on what happened but I think they were having sex in the woods. He goes into a self imposed exile, heads west into a lonely world of isolation and stange characters. When the book ended I felt cold and alone, and aching for Loyal Blood as I have ached for Ennis. Proulx really seems to understand the isolation of those who don't fit in society, and when you get right down to it, no one does.
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I also read Postcards several years ago and it had a strong effect on me. I particularly liked the mother and was moved by how she died. It was a gripping portrayal of the Depression and helped me understand people who have been through that. I'll never forget Loyal's last post card, "Hoofing it."
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I haven't yet read Postcards and now I will have to read it. :)
From your interpretation of her prose, it seems to me that it might read a little like Burroughs (that's William S. and not Edgar Rice) who was an icon of the Beat generation and who also had an intimate understanding of exclusion and self-imposed exile.
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That is an interesting comparisson, I think you may be right, but I think Proulx had a clearer mind when she wrote. The beats, I have no ability to read them, I find myself overwelmed by the words. Now I can listen to them being read on a CD, driving down the road, that is how I listened to "On the Road". My partner read me "Howl" the night after Burroughs died, in 1997, I think. It was profound, I should go back and see if I can read it now.
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That is an interesting comparisson, I think you may be right, but I think Proulx had a clearer mind when she wrote.
Oh - I'm quite sure that Annie had a MUCH clearer mind when she wrote than did Burroughs! I can relate to both however. Annie pulls at my heartstrings, and Burroughs forces me to remember my addictions. At one time, I was convinced that the way to my heart was through Schedule 1 and 2 controlled substances. :-\
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"Emotional healing, renewal, regeneration and the release of some disappointment, giving way to the feeling of pleasure."
These are not my words, but maybe words for you?
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Thank you friend, as "Mrs. Fanooken" would tell Frank McCourt in Angela's Ashes:
"Those are powerful words"
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Greetings from Buffalo, Wyoming !!!
It has been an exceedingly wonderful day, beging with a wake up call at 5 am eastern time. I drove the two hours from my house to Charlotte, North Carolina last night and stayed at the Microtel to make getting on the plane at 8:44 am.
Arriving at the terminal with my bags and my "Jack Nasty" Ball cap I was met by an unbelievably long line. I fell in at the end, chatted with 4 other travellers, all headed for Detroit. I adopted the cattle attitude. I reasoned that if the passangers are treated like cattle, hurded and packed in and shipped out, why not adopt a cows mentality. "It's cool, we'll all get there". It worked well for me.
I was surprised to encounter my insurance agent at the head of the line, her flight cancelled, headed for Casper. I shouldn't be surprised, stuff like that is always happening to me.
Neither of my flights were with a window, I read over a hunderd pages of Annie Proulx's Accordian Crimes, a terrific book of sequential stories all tied together by an accordian. Very readable.
Arriving in Billings, Montana at 1 pm local time I procured a Nissan Altima, wished everyone a wonderful day, yipped and carried on out of the parking lot and set off on the roughly 175 mile trip to Buffalo, Wyoming. I stopped at an IGA grocery at the adge of the Indian Reservation and loaded up on necessities, (water, beer, bananas, and windex). The cashier was a young native American girl who was new on the job. I think I was the thrid person she rung up. She apologized for how long it took. I told her it was no problem, it was an honor.
Beautiful country, just jaw dropping. Spped limit is 75 mph and really no traffic to speak of. The skies full of billowy clouds and land, lots of land rolling out as far as the eye can see.
I think I am the first to check in, I have not yet met anyone else from the group. This is a nice, circa 1952 log construction motel they gurantee postage for any of their lost keys, just drop in any mail box.
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I'm glad you got there safe and sound. You know we're all hanging on the edges of our chairs for details of your experiences! :)
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I hope you are having a great time there. I am kicking myself for not going but I ended up having to work both Friday and Saturday. I thought of you as I was going home from work at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday; there was a pounding hailstorm and I'm surprised my car was not damaged! But I'm in Colorado and hopefully it is peaceful there in Wyoming. Enjoy your roaming in Wyoming.
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Can't wait to hear the news of your journey upon your return, friend.
C
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Friday morning, still on east coast time, I rise at 5:30 AM, I feel a sense of urgency for the day to start, to not miss a thing. Presently the four of us: Joe, Judy, Wayne and myself pile into Joe's rented Impala for the ride downtown to Tom's Main Street Diner, a tiny little place where they will warn you how big the portions are and offer half portions if you like. The bacon was straight off the hog, homestyle.
Returning to the Z-Bar Motel to gather our belongings we were approached by a young woman who asked Judy if she were in cabin 21. Judy thought she was there to fix the phone, that rang all night with people calling the front desk looking for a room. Wrong. She was "I am Mouk", known to us from the Yahoo board. This French woman from Alsace, now living in England, had just two day earlier been in Namibia. She has flown half way around the planet to be here, and we almost missed her. She had arrived in Billings late the night before and stayed there and drove over in the morning light. She offered to follow us to Lighning Flat. "No way", we were all piling in that Impala, it holds 5.
The drive down I-90 to Gillette was spent primarily in discussion of Brokeback, prompted by some responce someone gave in the form of dialogue from the movie. Here five people who had never met before, drawn together by a story of the consequences of rural homophobia unloaned on one another what up till then they had only an internet board to post on. Ocassionally we caught the scenery, the abundant Antelope we say all day, and a few deer to play with them. The ocassional oil pump, slowly bleeding the world dry. My on tears slowly starting to drain me as we talk, I am glad I have brought along water.
In Gillette we gassed up and stopped next door at a farm supply place that advertized a new shipment of Wrangler shirts. Had to have one. The first one I saw reminded me of Ennis's shirt, Wayne found him a denim one, Judy a disposable camera, Mouk a jar of Almonds, Joe a relief driver.
"You finding everything allright?" I was asked by a female clerk. We engaged in conversation a good five minutes, she asking where we were all from and why we were visiting.
I told her we were on the trail of Brokeback Mountain, and did so gingerly.
"That was filmed up in Canada" she said.
"Yeah, but Lightning Flat is here." I told her. We talked a while longer and all the clerks were wishing us a good day when we left.
We continued up Rt. 16 a ways, missing the turn off for state road 59 while gawking at the open faced coal mine. I had no idea this area produced coal. It is quite a big deal. We doubled back and headed up the paved road to the National Grass Lands, missing the turn onto the gravel road that lead to Rocky Point. While pulled over to let a HUGE piece of equiptment, like a giant diesel generator pass on a flat bed truck we chanced to consult the maps again and realized we needed to go back. We were being looked after well.
The country side was wide open, rolling and rich. So green, greenish yellow, we past well maintained modern looking ranches infrequently with old car tires painted "No Tresspassing", signs that read "No Hunters Wanted, Don't Even Ask". We crossed numerous cattle grates and encountered several free range calfs standing in the middle of the road, taking off when we inched close enough. Both Cows and Calfs were branded, something I'd never seen in real life. Some sixty miles total on the best maintained gravel road I have ever seen. Our conversation continually peppered with with lines from the movie, we could make a whole conversation out of Brokebackspeak.
The countryside gave over to cultivation, huge round and rectangular bales of hay. The area betwixt the fields and the road a wash in Mustard, Cone Flower, Lupine. The Antelope herds growing in number and frequency. We encountered two vechiles and a grading machine the whole time on the gravel. It is not the poor, rough county I expected, it is still early in the season.
Reaching the community of Rocky Point we came upon the Rocky Point Cemetary, the only indication the place had a name. We had to stop, photograph the plot, the tired American flag flapping in the breeze. I produced a prayer tie from the trunk and fixed it to the fence, with my prayers for healing to be caried away on the wind. This was just the kind of place Jack's ashes would have gone into. We are quoting from memory now the passages in the story that describe the family plot, it faded plastic flowers and Ennis not wanting to think Jack was going in there. From that 90 degree angle at the entrance the road began its zigzag meandering toward our destination. Indentified in our Wyoming Gazettier at the "Rocky Point and Ridge Road", we meanered back and forth, like a cutting horse, past the Rocky Point Community Center, an abandoned looking prefab metal building with matching prefab metal out house, grounds choked with weeds, forlorn looking kids playground, long unused, one of those accordian looking white wedding bell decoration hung in the window for god knows how long.
I asked my travelling companions this question: "What does this story mean?" Judy asked me "Why are we here?" Yes, that was at least part of it, why were five people who had never met each other in this car headed to a ghost town where a fictional character never lived. The answer Wayne offered: because in this story something wrong happened. Because we cannot accept what happened to Jack and Ennis, we cannot stand it, and we will do anything to try and fix it. We discussed the hordes of fan fiction out there, where people pick up on a certain point in Proulx's story and carry it off into an alternate universe. Suddenly the closing of the story became a challenge from Proulx herself. There was no sign to tell us we had crossed into Crook County.
Up ahead a tank sat on the hill, a big white tank, be it for water or petrolium I don't know, and off to our right, a big old abandoned, unpainted house on a slight rise. It was a stunning sight, and we admired it more and more as we approached, almost did not notice the small white and green sign tacked to a fence post: "Entering Montana". Ah hell, we had made it. We were in Lighning Flat. We pulled into the road leading to the old house and stepped from the Impala into a place, to paraphraise Proulx: "Some where between what we knew and what we believed".
The house bore a resemblence to the Twist home, there was a piece of farm equiptment parked there, the remains of several collapsed buildings, the barn, a shed. Had Proulx herself been to this place, beheld this sight, or perhaps Ang Lee, or one of his scouts? We took group picture after group picture of ourselves with this foresaken relic in the back ground. The air and the sun were perfect, the sound was quiet, except for a breeze and the birds.
We started for the house, the ruts of the old road disclosing the bones of antelope, the over grown yard a mine field of old boards, junk, car parts, and old metal bedspring frame covered a 20 foot deep, dry, cistern. Judy was hesitant about going thru the weeds, but I took her hand and told her she had come too far to stop now. Why any of us thought going into the old place was a good idea, I dunno, but we did. A grand old place, bay windows not one pane left anywhere. Roof gone, floors in many places gone. Bird nests, cow dung, a skeleton in the closet, I think it was an Antelope. Not one wire, not one bit of plumbing had ever been in the place "in its life". The steps to the second floor were partly gone, it did not stop all of us from climbing to the second floor, all so oddly and errily familar until I realized I had seen this sceen a dozen times: it was the same as Ennis clibing the steps to Jack's room. The view out the empty windows I now recognized, it was the same greiving plain you see when Ennis shuts the door on the shirts, and the screen goes dark.
Outside swallows buzzed around the house, outside had once been a town with a post office and a newspaper. Here a family had lived, a large one maybe. Maybe they were buired down the road in the Rocky Point Cemetary, all its internees perhaps some extended family. Here someone had affixed something to the wall with a straight pin, whatever it was had long since vanished from the earth. We were perhaps the last visitors the place might every receive. Far to the south we saw a storm appraching, was treated to a display of Lightning in Lightning Flat. A place more ghost than town.
I collected the bones from the road, a handful of gravel, a bit of sage from the overgrown yard. I fastened a prayer tie to the barbwire fence and spoke quietly: "Jack, Ennis, Spirit, whoever, whatever you are that has come into this world and tormented me so, I acknowledge you. I will hear you, I will testify."
We all cried. We all greived our griefs, we all collected our paper sack and in the muted light of the late afternoon rain cloud, headed south the way we came, playing the soundtrack. "He was a Friend of Mine"
I sit here tonight, tears in my eyes still, still wondering. I no long wonder when it will end. It won't. I am forever changed by "this thing" that has grabbed hold of me. Maybe one day, if I am lucky to live out the normal course of my life, from that perspective I can tell you what, if anything, any of this means. Right now I know only this:
Whoever is moved by the story must one day follow the zigzaged road to Lightnin' Flat.
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I asked my travelling companions this question: "What does this story mean?" Judy asked me "Why are we here?" Yes, that was at least part of it, why were five people who had never met each other in this car headed to a ghost town where a fictional character never lived. The answer Wayne offered: because in this story something wrong happened. Because we cannot accept what happened to Jack and Ennis, we cannot stand it, and we will do anything to try and fix it. We discussed the hordes of fan fiction out there, where people pick up on a certain point in Proulx's story and carry it off into an alternate universe. Suddenly the closing of the story became a challenge from Proulx herself. There was no sign to tell us we had crossed into Crook County.
I sit here tonight, tears in my eyes still, still wondering. I no long wonder when it will end. It won't. I am forever changed by "this thing" that has grabbed hold of me. Maybe one day, if I am lucky to live out the normal course of my life, from that perspective I can tell you what, if anything, any of this means. Right now I know only this:
Whoever is moved by the story must one day follow the zigzaged road to Lightnin' Flat.
I feel as if I just have...
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You know, I feel especially priviledged to be along for the journey, for the words take me there. Thank you.
:)
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Thank you, it has been an extraodinarily long day of travel, got a motel in Charlotte rather than drive home exhausted in the rain 150 miles. Sat on the plane in Minneapolis ("that don't look right") 2 hours while Dick Cheney's plane landed.....
Stay tuned, more to come!
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(If this works I will be so happy)
The house in Lightning Flat, Wyoming
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Geez, must have been an honor to wait in a plane on the tarmac for Dick Cheney's plane to land....not. ;)
But seriously, I'm glad you're home safely. Get some rest. :)
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On Friday evening after or trip to Lightning Flat, we hurried back to the motel in Buffalo to meet with some new arrivals and some others of our group camping at a reserved sight high in the mountains 15 miles west of town. We agreed to get together for supper at the Pines Lodge, down hill from their campsite.
It was really a blessing to have that campsite to go to in the evening, with all the stars out. It was private, except for the ocassional Moose and the Coyotes howling in the distance. A couple in their camper and a single guy with his sister and brother on law, in tents, all from the Denver area hosted our evenings on the mountain.
The Pines is a charming historic place. Guest cabins, a fine resturant and full bar with more beer that I could drink in a lifetime, and of course the horses. Our trail ride organizer told us over supper that in talking to the owner he felt he should clue him in a bit: "These people are mostly from the city and pretty liberal" he said. "They are coming here because of that movie, Brokeback Mountain".
The owners respoce reported was: "Hell, I don't care, people are people".
That was wonderful. The next time the guy at the far table sitting with his family stared at me I thought: "Buddy your outnumbered."
Supper was wonderful, the service terrific, and when we got the checks the owner came out, said hi and spoke to us as he helped bus the tables. "Are these anyones glasses?" he held up a pair of ladies oval shapped glasses found on the floor. They looked just like the one Annie Proulx wore in the most recent photo I had seen of her.
"I'll add it to the collection" he told us.
Now the last time I was on a horse was twenty years ago. A party at a trailer on Beech Creek in Hawkins County, Tennessee in the summer of 1986. Even then I just rode the poor animal around a field. Twenty years. I knew I was gone be so sore.
Wayne, Mouk and myself hurried to get back up the mountain the next morning by 9 a.m., only to remember we really needed to get on what we came to call "Wyoming time", which was more like "in the morning". We signed the waivers and watched as the wranglers saddled up our geldings, all trail horses. Animals that could carry us home in the dark if they had been on the trail one time. My horse turned out to be a 16 year old named Indian who is headed out to pasture next summer.
The owner introduced the Wrangler to us and showed us where to keep our feet in the stirrups, told us to let the horses do their thing, they knew what they were doing. The Wrangler asked us once how we all knew each other, that time the answer was "the internet", which was not lying.
Out the gate and across the creek and we climbed up to a windy ridge high above the road that brought us there. Chilly, windy and a bit overcast I told myself I had to "stick it out". We descended into a pine forest and then into the aspens, and down a steep gravelly hill to the creek again. By this time I had a renewed respect for these animals and the people who rode them. You'll remember the sceen where Ennis (in a fresh shirt) and Jack "bring 'em down". I'll tell you, going down hill on horseback with gravels under your feet ain't as easy as it looks, but Indian went right along like it was nothing.
Back over the mountain and down again, as we neared home the horses picked up the pace, knowing they were in the home stretch. Those of us of the male pursuasion not always so happy to have out mount take off trotting to catch up (I'll draw you a picture).
After a leisurly two hours we reached the corral. When I dismounted the problem I'd been having keeping me right leg in the stirrup found a home in my right lower back. I'd expected my thighs to be sore, not my back. I limped back up to the lodge where a wedding was about to take place. There on the plank walkway stood a man with George Jones hair and polyester pants, must have been from the brides family from the sour look on his face and I though "That's L.D. Newsome!"
Inside the lodge the young man who took our money came out and asked if anyone needed anything. I requested a spinal transplant. Turns out they were not doing those at the moment but he did offer a cold beer from their extensive inventory. A cold beer at that altitude was like 2 at sea level. I could have stayed there all afternoon with my friends and watched the wedding and reception out of the window.
If you ever get to Buffalo, Wyoming, head off went on Rt. 16 into the Big Horns about 15 miles, Pine Lodge will be on your left. Stop in and check it out, spend the night. These are good people who treated us right.
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Thank you again for the recap, I will definitely plan a trip to Pine Lodge. I have to visit my company's coal mines near Gillette anyway sometime this summer. LOL about seeing L.D. (stands for loathesome doggy??)!
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"The truth is" I had no idea Wyoming produced coal before last Friday, when we drove past a mine on the way to Lightning Flat. One of the participants in the weekend was a retired "Packer and Blaster" for the mines, I thought that was a very funny title for a job. I am sure it is hard work thought.
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I always seem to be looking at the back end of a horse.... ;D
Seriously, this is wonderful. :)
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Yes, some of the finest coal in North America, commands a premium price, clean burning. Never thought I'd be shilling for a coal company! Wyoming is coal-rich in the northeast corner and oil-and-gas rich in the southwest corner. It's a good thing too, they couldn't make it on sheep or cow raising, specially with all that predator loss!
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Returning to the Z-Bar Motel to gather our belongings we were approached by a young woman who asked Judy if she were in cabin 21. Judy thought she was there to fix the phone, that rang all night with people calling the front desk looking for a room. Wrong. She was "I am Mouk", known to us from the Yahoo board. This French woman from Alsace, now living in England, had just two day earlier been in Namibia. She has flown half way around the planet to be here, and we almost missed her. She had arrived in Billings late the night before and stayed there and drove over in the morning light. She offered to follow us to Lighning Flat. "No way", we were all piling in that Impala, it holds 5.
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Hi Shakes, your story did bring tears to my eyes..just when i thought i shed my last tear for Jack and Ennis. Honestly, deep down i know i will never, ever be the same. Thank you so much for sharing your zigzag trail to Lightning Flat..This is dev from the Yahoo board..I had no idea Mouk was a woman! So happy for all of you to have shared your trip to Brokeback Mountain together. What an awesome experience.
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And a lovely woman she is. Glad you tuned in. Here come my last two installments.
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The official line is: Brokeback Mountain is a fictional place. The Wyoming Tourtist people will even tell you that.
My new buddy Wayne had arrive a day before us and took off into the Big Horns in his rented car and reported to us seeing "Broken Back Creek" in his travels. He showed it to us on his map, just a little north east of Ten Sleep, on the far side of the mountains from Buffalo.
We learned as the weekend progressed how blessed we were to have a "local boy" in our midst, from way far to the south near the Colorado border. He'd driven probably 6 hours to join us, and had spend much time in the area on his own Brokeback quest. Some were already familar with "wyo_men" and his posts, some already knew what he told us that night at the camp fire, that there was indeed a Broken Back Mountain, about 40 miles to the west, where he had planted a small shrine, a weather proof box of memorabelia and messages from fans, concealed in a hiding place at the summit. And best of all, he was willing to take us there.
Joe had said to me when we went to Lightning Flat we would be hard pressed to top the experence. That was about to be put to the test. The plans were made, Sunday we would gather and head out west. A carvan of three off road vehicles and one car, all twelve deciples on a pilgrimage. We couldn't all ride horses, but all of us wanting to climb that mountain.
I had asked wyo_men that morning if my shorts and sandels would be okay or would I need boots, no I was fine he told me. So with that I did one last prepartion: I went to my lap top and searched thru my extensive collection of BBM related images until I came to one of the first I ever saved. Ennis and Jack, high on Brokeback with their backs to the camera. "You know I ain't queer".
When we reached the Powder River Pass, (Elevation 9666 feet) we stopped so he could show us the mountain in the distance. Such tourists we were, take a picture of it, take a picture of me with it in the back ground, take one with my camera. It was so chilly I thought to myself that I might freeze up there. O-well, I could blame it on wyo_men if I did.
He, was like a kid in a candy shop. I could see him grin ocassionally, clearly enjoying answering our questions about local flora and fauna, Forest Service regulations, land ownership, weather, geography, gas prices. We parked Mouk's rented car near a motel beside Ten Sleep Creek. The road going up there was rough though and we would need to go up in trucks or jeeps. Cars were too low to the ground and might get their oil pans punctured by rocks. The four of us passengers finding seats in the three off road vehicles. I climbed in wyo_men's big white GMC King Cab pickup with Judy, Wayne and a feller from Portland. We took off up a gravel road, camping trailers pulling off to let us pass, winding around and out of the trees. The road rose to a point where we turned off onto a road the forest service originally put in to haul cattle in and out, but no longer maintains to discourage people from going up there. Back east we call such a road a "Pig Path". It was rough, and rutted, and sometimes a driver would have to make a decision which was to get around an obsticle. We were able to drive to within a tenth of a mile of the summit I would hazard a guess. Here we parked, and with our staffs, our offerings and our cameras, began the trek up the gentle grade.
wyo_men showed us the two sets of spiny rock formations, seperated by the little valley we parked it, the broken part, the saddle, and we headed for the pummel. It was a beautiful day, the sun shown, it was warm there, the ground was covered with sage and a multitude of wildflowers in bloom. some hurried, some took their time and savored. Many of us viewed the sight thru tears.
Now think, here we were, miles, oceans even, from our homes. Most of us having never met before. Many of us having never even met on line. Strangers for the most part a few days ago. Fellow pilgrims now, going to the mountain to pray at the grotto, to seek a miricle, to seek a healing, to have a vision, a vision of what it could be like, always.
wyo_men produced his air tight and water tight shrine from its hiding place in the rocks. We gathered around as he opened it and shared its contents, the book Close Ra ge: Wyoming Stories, a horse shoe, bandana, fan fiction, a sign in book. We passed around a beautiful piece of fan fiction someone had left, their interpretation of the death of Ennis Del Mar, with Alma Jr. at his side. Joe produced two small cowboy hats, one black and one white from the showing of BBM at the Castro Theater in San Francisco recently. I wanted to contrribute something myself but had brought nothing much with me. I did have a pen and paper (don't leave home with out it.).
I took as sheet from my note pad and on it I scrawled a pray for the life and the soul of the unknown cowboy who was spotted one night in a bar watching the young guys play pool. The core mystery of this mysterious thing "we got going on here". I wrote: "'You have no idea' what you have done". I slipped it inside the pages of Brokeback Mountain and added my name to the guest register.
Climbing the rocks that lead to reach the 9,600 ft. summit, I looked out of the world spead out before me, the great distances to where you could just make out the Absorakas. The distant mountains covered with snow, and the quiet, the immesurable quiet you find when you are suspended high above the cares of the world below, among friends that you don't have to explain yourself to. I talked with Judy about people we had known and loved and lost. Lives we once lived and could not be paid to go back to. I grabbed two of the guys and got them to pose as Jack and Ennis, gazing out over the landscape in the "You know I ain't queer" sceen. I gathered some sage, got me a rock to place in me own shrine at home, and just breathed in the clean mountain air. This time last year I had never heard of this story, never heard of this place and had no reason to come into contact with these people. I thought of those who had climbed mountains, Moses, Jesus, The Von Trapp family, Dr. King, and I looked out into the far valleys, as far as I could see, to try and discern the future. It is a hazy meadow it the distance, with many flowers. I said to my friends, and I don know why I said it: "Some of us will never be here again".
This story started with a mysterous unknown man in a bar whose identity will probably never be known. It has grown to fill in the empty spaces of our lives, the ones we create and the ones we cannot fill ourselves. It is multilayered like an onion, you peal and peal and it makes you cry, and you find more onion. It is a microcosism of the mystery of life itself, of love that cannot be appreciated until it is too late, of hind sight and plans we make for ourselves.
wyo-men said he had prayed on this mountain top, prayed that love would come to him. He said he felt our presence there that day was an answer to his prayer. He, a single guy in a sparcely populated land has a lonely path to walk. I pray his prayers will continue to be answered.
What answer did I get to my question? What does all this mean? For that I have to go back to two things, the idea of having to stand something you cannot fix, and the writers original intent as she wrote. Saint Francis of Assissi is famously cited as praying for the courage to change the things he could, peace to accept what he could not, and wisdom to know the difference. I see so many respond to the story by writing an alternative ending, taking a path less travelled it a pivotal moment in the story and finding a sweet life, or seeing redemption for a lonely cowboy growing older. I have no problem with that, I will never discourage anyone from writing. I myself have wondered if Earl and Rich had a story, what would it have been.
For me, I follow another path. Proulx writes that this was not a gay cowboy story, but the results of of rural homophobia on her characters. That is something I think we inadvertantly confronted just by gathering there. Without even trying, our presence in public defyed the what Ennis Del Mar feared. People looked at us and knew who we were and I never felt anything but at peace. That is what I will continue to confront in my life, weather I want to or not. No more tire irons for my people. Never again.
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One last thought on my trip to Wyoming that my account would be incomplete with out, a rememberence of those I met.
A gay friend of mine I showed my pictures to said: "What were women doing there? Were they lesbians?" Well I had no indication they were, but I though it was great to have them along. It was such a good group, gay and straight, male and female, from all walks of life, with many things in common besides our ability to tear up to the opening strains of "Wings".
Judy and Joe who organized the weekend and worked to keep it going, skiiguy who grew up on a ranch and could explain things to us like the difference betwixt a Donkey and a Mule, why cattlemen and sheephearders don't get along, branding and '55 Caddilacs. The straight couple from Colorado who kept us laughing, kept us warm with a truck load of wood. Their campsite became a haven on the mountain every evening, with a canopy of stars you'll just have to see for yourself to believe. And to "Joe the Second", thank you for the music, for the lyrics to the whole sound track. Singing "A Love That Will Never Grow Old" by the fire was wonderful. Thank you also for sharing your own lyrics to "Wings". They are so beautiful, so complete and accurate. I have been singing it to meself ever since.
Thank you Wayne, for wanting to dance with me. I no longer needed a spinal transplant after that adjustment you gave me.
The conversations we had, the emotion we shared, the insights. I was flored by some of the ideas I heard. There was a school of thought presented that BBM followed the tale of the Christ, that Jack was sent as Ennis's salvation and that he had to die for Ennis to become himself. The comparison of Mrs. Twist to the Mary the Virgin, comforting Ennis as Mary comforted the disciples.
This is the filter I watched BBM thru on Saturday night, on an amazing set up. skiiguy and his partner set up a generator behind an outhouse, ran the cord to the TV and boom box and we watch the DVD in the cold, I think it was probably 42 degrees F when we finished. Had we thought we could have set it up in the parking lot and had our own drive in. Jack gets out, kicks his truck and looks at Ennis and thinks: "There he is, the one I was sent for".
I lost count of the "F" word at about 20.
There was the thought that "The Maker Makes" being the song Jack has in his heart for Ennis, "doggies" there meaning a calf that has lost its mother.
mouk had also told us a strange thing: when she saw the film in Europe, some critter runs by the door as the camera pans from Alma scrubbing clothes to Ennis unloading the horses and the radio announcer talks of pushing that buggy down the aisle. She told us there was a thread about it on the French BBM Board. We watched for the critter but it did not appear. Perhaps the Europeans got a slightly different version that the one I saw?
I had wondered aloud to someone that if Ang Lee had picked John Malcovich and Steve Bushemi to play Ennis and Jack, would it be the same movie. Probably not. The impression we got from reading the story was that Proulx's Ennis and Jack were not nearly as pretty and Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal. And while they are easy on the eyes, it is the characters they represent I mourn for.
I will never forget these people as long as I live. They have enriched my life, and I pray blessings for all of them. I pray blessings also for Pat Matheny and Charlie Hayden whose 1996 CD "Beyond the Missouri Sky" features the track "Spiritual" that Annie Proulx says she listed to repeatedly as she wrote the sceen of the "drousy embrace" ("your sleeping on your feet like a horse") If you've never heard it, you can get a copy from amazon. The words, by Josh Hayden bear reading:
"Jesus, I don't want to die alone
Jesus, oh Jesus, I don't want to die alone
My love wasn't true
Now all I have is you
Jesus, oh Jesus, I don't want to die alone.
Jesus, if you hear my last breath
Don't leave me here
Left to die a lonely death
I know I have sinned
But Lord I'm suffering
Jesus, oh Jesus, if you hear
My last breath.
All my troubles
All my pain
Will leave me
Once again
Once again"
Next year: ALBERTA.
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I can feel the crisp air, smell the freshness of it, sense the hard rocky ground under my feet, feel the wide open sky with sun shining on my head.
Thank you for taking me along with you on this wonderful journey, friend.
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Thank you Wayne, for wanting to dance with me. I no longer needed a spinal transplant after that adjustment you gave me.
:) ;D :D :laugh:
Yeah it was fun! Glad we didn't break our necks hopping around in the dark too!!!! :)
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Friend, I can't get your email to work, in that Norweigian Zero with the hash mark thru it a regular zero or what?
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Here is a link to where we went horseback riding, please check them out:
http://www.pineslodgewyoming.com/
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I can feel the crisp air, smell the freshness of it, sense the hard rocky ground under my feet, feel the wide open sky with sun shining on my head.
Thank you for taking me along with you on this wonderful journey, friend.
Ditto what Celeste said, Your trip sounds amazing and you've made it very real for all of us with your wonderful pictures and your incredible stroytelling. Thank you
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thanks for the wonderfull reteling shakes very moving and that house :'(
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Thanks for an interesting tale of your recent travels to Buffalo and Lightening Flat Shakes. Your photography is great. I feel like I went along on your journey with you.
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Thank you all for your knid words, I enjoyed sharing the story with you. I hope next year, or when you can, you'll join us on one of out "little fishing trips".
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"Traveller, there is no path,
Paths are made by walking."
--Antonio Machado
If I had any doubt about the effect of BBM on society in general, it was put to rest last night.
I went with my partner to our favorite Mexican Resturant, got a table outside next to one with a young lady, her date and a third wheel. The young lady's brother and his date were at the table on the other side. I know this because he verified that was her on her i.d. for the waiter.
They boyfriend and the thrid wheel were what I would call "Redneck Metrosexuals" Well dressed, perfect skin, product on the hair, and deffinatly only a generation out of the trailer park. What got my attention was when the third wheel said he had seen Brokeback Mountain.
I whispered to my partner: "Did you hear that?" We tuned in to hear him say there was only one or two places that "you know" and that it was a really good movie. I glance over at the other guy, the look of stunned, wide eyed amazement on his face. His buddy said some girl had asked him if there really was gay cowboys. I didn't catch all of it.
They finished before whe did and left the young lady sitting by herself while they both went in to pay the bill. In the parking lot I saw them one more time.
"Look" I said "It's Ennis, Jack and Alma" They young lady was patietly waiting, not realizing she had become the third wheel, and not just in my mind.
I know not what will come of these three, but today I will have in mind all the spouces, Callies, Almas and Lureens, who have been effected by their loved ones confronting their truths. It ain't their fault.
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your accounts of the WY trip are wonderful. I feel as though i had been there with all of you. I was in awe of your detailed descriptions. I could feel the emotion behind the words and they brought tears to my eyes. I especailly liked the side trip to Broken Back Mountain! Wow, a real place! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I have come to appreciate your style of writing and have gone back to read your blog since the beginning. I was very touched by your personal story. It was almost like reading a published story, very moving. I would definately like to go on one of those little fishing trips. You mentioned Alberta for next year. I have already looked up their special BBM tours. I will continue to read your posts with great enthusiasm. Thanks again. :) a friend from CA lil darlin
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... Now think, here we were, miles, oceans even, from our homes. Most of us having never met before. Many of us having never even met on line. Strangers for the most part a few days ago. Fellow pilgrims now, going to the mountain to pray at the grotto, to seek a miracle, to seek a healing, to have a vision, a vision of what it could be like, always.
...
I scrawled a prayer for the life and the soul of the unknown cowboy who was spotted one night in a bar watching the young guys play pool. The core mystery of this mysterious thing "we got going on here". I wrote: "'You have no idea' what you have done". I slipped it inside the pages of Brokeback Mountain and added my name to the guest register.
...
I thought of those who had climbed mountains, Moses, Jesus, The Von Trapp family, Dr. King, and I looked out into the far valleys, as far as I could see, to try and discern the future. It is a hazy meadow it the distance, with many flowers.
...
wyomen said he had prayed on this mountain top, prayed that love would come to him. He said he felt our presence there that day was an answer to his prayer. He, a single guy in a sparsely populated land has a lonely path to walk. I pray his prayers will continue to be answered.
:) :) :)
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Does anyone here know the way to the Cullen Board, I seem to be lost..................
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so does that mean he found it? I geuss this is a little off topic, though, so nevermind...
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Ohhhh I understand. It's not a problem to be fond of someone even when you're married I think. :laugh:
Yeah this is kind of off topic..off I go, too.
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:) Oh well thass good then. :)
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Welcome, friend! Think about you all a lot in the past week. My mind wonders what the real lives of you amazing people are like.
Winding down from the first in a series of extended family get togethers over the long hoiday weekend. As wdj can attest, in the south, it is Deviled Egg Season...
I am full as a tick.
(Of what you ask.....)
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O.K. I'll ask..............
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Sometimes: "**it"
:) ;D
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Hey shakes! Just droppin by to say howdy - we're up in the mountains and i only get the phone line for a couple of minutes ::) ::)
Hope you're having a good evening - talk w/ya over the weekend sometime I hope!! :) :)
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I have seen the fuscia, and it looks like pepto-bismol.
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Hey shakes! Just droppin by to say howdy - we're up in the mountains and i only get the phone line for a couple of minutes ::) ::)
Hope you're having a good evening - talk w/ya over the weekend sometime I hope!! :) :)
Hey Bud, at least you got a phone line. My folks were on a party line until 1985.
You have a good weekend. Pass me the bottle.
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Lets do it:
http://messages.movies.yahoo.com/Movies/Films/threadview?bn=12172484-hv1808403312f0&tid=39583&mid=39583&tof=1&m=tm&rt=2
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Joe told me on the phone about the mural in the Riverton, Wyoming Post Office. When I found the picture of it he had posted I was floored. There, about the time they would have been born, was Jack and Ennis, tending the sheep.
Annie Proulx does not mention in her essay ever visiting the post office or seeing the mural. We do know the production crew traveled thru the area scouting location and getting a feel for the place. Perhaps someone of them saw this, and it galvanized the characters appearence in their minds.
But what if none of the above happened?
According to http://www.wpamurals.com/wyoming, the artist was one George Vander Sluis, who acording to other sources lived 1915-1984. Askart.com says of him:
"George Vander Sluis was a painter in acrylics of figure, portrait and landscape, a muralist, and an art educator, who spent much of his career in Syracuse, New York. There he was a Professor of Painting and Drawing at Syracuse University beginning 1947. Between 1940 and 1942, and 1945 to 1947, he was a teacher at the Colorado Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs.
He studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art and the Colorado Fine Arts Center and from 1951 to 1952, had a Fulbright Scholarship."
A google image search turns up many posters and other works by him. I am real curious as to what his life was like, how he came to Riverton, Wyoming to paint a mural in a post office.
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The mural really is stunning.
So so much
was
stunning
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Remember the scene where Jack is cutting up an ear of corn into a pot of water? He look up and here comes Ennis with them horses and his kreel case, price tag still on it after five years. They are so happy in the scene.
My partner called me at lunch Friday and told me Southern States had fresh corn. Ah hell, its summertime.
The actual reason for the call was to acertain if I could EAT corn. I can't eat popcorn. That's another story. I have no problem eating corn. I enjoy a food that the body obviously has no use for.
We both came up eating corn on the cob. A lot of time we had it boiled, the ears shucked and cleaned of all the silk.
My Mamma told me once that in the days of slavery the white people ate the yellow corn and left the white corn to the slaves. The moral of the story being the white corn was actually better for you, to which I have no research. All I know about corn, I have stated above.
Now we rememoried the reunions, the fish frys, the midsummer parties of our parents, the ears of corn roasted on coals, sometimes after roasting a pig for 24 hours. Sometimes in Aluminun foil, often as not just in the shuck.
"Those Northern Europeans didn't know about corn" I told him. "That's what come from the Indians". We smiled and tosted in recognition, something from our raisin' had transfered from "what we knew to what we believed". We had been taught "we", being largely white people, learned about corn from the Indians. Now "we" has come to include the Indian ancestors my family would not talk about for years. We didn't so much learn it as we inherited it.
But as for the corn, I like to rub it in butter and spice it with mint pepper and wrap it back up in the shuck and roast it on the gas grill on low 5-10 minutes. Corn don't give us much, but it is a good delivery system for flavor. We tore into those ears of corn like we hadn't ate in a month, thankful for the bounty, and the teeth to eat it with.
And then, we also had the first tomato of the season. I only eat home grown tomatos. There are indeed only two things that money can but, that's true love and home grown tomatos. Plus Dan Quayle would have a hard time with them. I especially love Yellow Tomatos, but enough of that.
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I go on record: My friend Mouk is not crazy. There IS a varmit outside the kitchen door as Alma is scrubbing cloths on a worsh board. I think it is a rat, I cannot see it very well but it is there, about half way betwixt the concrete stoop and where Ennis is de-trucking the hourses. It moves just a little bit.
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:o I seen it too! Here at the Fox last week. It was a sizable animal, don't know what sort.
Funny, I don't think we saw it on the DVD in Wyoming, but here at the moving picture show, sure enough, there it was.... :)
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Sixty Five years ago this morning my father asked his brother it he could borrow his car.
He took a bath, put on his suit, and grabbed his grip from under his bed and snuck out of his parents house. He drove up the hill to the house where I now live. Knocked on the front door and gathered up my Mother and my Granny, both dressed for the ocassion. They road in my uncles car to Martinsville, to the small home of a Baptist preecher and his wife, and were married.
Upon leaving they stopped at the grocery story so my Granny could do some shopping. Daddy carried the groceries in the house for her and they were off, into the Valley of Virginia, to Luray Caverns.
About dark my uncle came up to Granny's house and asked her if she knew where his car was.
On this day I don't think about the 44 years that followed, I think only of two happy young people with nothing to their names and the whole world before them. I am grateful to be part of the world they created.
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Awww. That's a sweet story, Shakes! :) :)
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A few months ago, back before the leaves come on the trees, I was contacted by the daughter of a former coworker who was looking to buy a house with her new husband. So I said cool, and met them at this trailer out on the back side of the moon one Saturday morning. I reacquainted with her and met her husband, a man who NEVER stopped talking. Redneck as hell.
We did some looking and shortly they found a house they were very happy with and we had a deal. At the closing this week they reminded me they wanted to buy me supper one night, meaning name a date, so I said how about Friday at the local Mexican resturant.
Okay now, I want to state for the record I am not making any of this up:
The wife could not go on Friday because she had tickets to take her Mamma (my former co worker) and his Mamma to see and Elvis Impersonator in Greensboro, North Carolina. "(Jack), I swear" I am not making this up. People actually make a good living impersonating Elvis and I have never understood why. Husband says "Well I'll meet you over there".
So 7 pm this evening I meet Mr. Roudy Countruction Worker X-USMC Harley Rider, and as I was later to learn, fully ordained minister in the church of god, that he no longer attends. It was the most interesting supper I have in a long time. Helped out by a very large Margarita, this feller sat acrost from me and unspooled his whole world, including that he had a friend who was gay.
Today's Date is 14 July 2006.
We talked about everything betwixt Bill Clinton's cigar to the lost books of the new statament. We see eye to eye on many things, are poles apart on others. I told him I was not religious, but spiritual. He knows that Bible backward and forward and the good things is I think he interepreted it for himself, he seems to not buy into most dogma.
I did not tell him I was gay, but I will. I will tell him when I am sober, and do not have a drink in my hand because I consider it a serious thing and past experence has taught me that coming out under the influnce is a crap shoot at best. I imagine it will be in the tore up kitchen of their new home.
On another site today I posted that Chad Allen was "easy on the eyes". This guy is past that. he is easy on my brain. I stood out in the parking lot listening to one last tale and I thought: "I will be this guys friend. He will know who I am". The last story delt with his grandfather. Oddly, he had the same name as my grandfather. "We are cousins" I told him, and shook his hand goodnight.
Today is 14 July 2006, and a better day I think I have never had.
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This guy is past that. he is easy on my brain. I stood out in the parking lot listening to one last tale and I thought: "I will be this guys friend. He will know who I am".
Today is 14 July 2006, and a better day I think I have never had.
Tru -
I love these visits to your world. It was a place I inhabited for a time, but knew I never belonged. I was always a visitor, betrayed by my lack of kudzu-cred. I always talked to fast for folks to trust me as their own... But even in my own too-distant way, I am entranced, intrigued and compelled by the unvarnished fascination of that world.
Your writing is such a great invitation each and every time. Thanks always for what you share here.
Celeste
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Thank You for sharing your stories Shakes. I love them all! They always give me pause and often make my day :D So human, so heartfelt, how could they possibly be made up.
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I always enjoy hearing your stories Shakes! Glad things are going well. :)
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The Virginia Museum of Natural History (www.vmnh.org) is building a new museum on the sight of my birthplace, across the street from my office. It seems like it has been going on forever but is supposed to be finished this year.
Last year I bought a memoria brick for their walkway "In Memory of Jeb and Dash". I got a proof in the mail Saturday to check for ypos and to solicit me for more brick and of course, I am dying to buy on to somehow memorialize my experence with Brokeback Mountain.
I thought about getting "Ennis and Jack Forever" or something more obscure like "Jack, I swear", or "You girls need a push?". Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions? Still have a month or so I think.
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I thought about getting "Ennis and Jack Forever" or something more obscure like "Jack, I swear", or "You girls need a push?". Anyone have any thoughts/suggestions? Still have a month or so I think.
I love "Jack, I Swear." It's the essence of the movie, and has a particularly important meaning to Brokies. But then again, you could say the same for every line in the movie.
- I wish I could quit you (too sad though really)
- Jack F*ckin Twist
- Lil Darlin
- S'alright, s'alright
- We was good friends
Just some that come quickly to mind.
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Maybe: JACK & ENNIS
"We was good friends"
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I don't know how much room you're allowed. But I like 'It could be like this, just like this always.'
-Lynne
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Maybe: JACK & ENNIS
"We was good friends"
I like it!
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Maybe: JACK & ENNIS
"We was good friends"
What a wonderful idea!
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I just made my first visit to your world. Your stories are amazing and the description of your trip to Wyoming brought tears to my eyes. I really hope I have the time to make it out there, but then again, I'm not sure if it is something I could handle by myself. I tend to be very emotional about the way this movie affects me. In fact, on the way back from Alberta I had to stop driving because I was just crying too much. Looks like I'll have to do some reflecting on this.
Thank you so much for everything you have posted here :)
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Speaking with the museum this morning I learned I could get a Jumbo Brick with 78 characters on it. I don't think I will need one that large. Have had amny wonderful suggestions, that I hope will be used by anyone anywhere to put a brick someplace.
So here is what I have finally decided to put:
ENNIS & JACK
"Ole Brokeback got us good"
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:) :) :'( :) Thass a good one Shakes! :)
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Hey Cowboy, how you been? I really like the pics you posted of your road trip in Wyoming before we met up. That multicolored, eroded ladscape shot, where was that?
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The before and after of my moustash:
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I like ya better without the 'stache. Dang it all if Aunt Bee ain't got a big ole monument...
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I like ya better without the 'stache. Dang it all if Aunt Bee ain't got a big ole monument...
Ditto what Celeste said :D
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Hey Cowboy, how you been? I really like the pics you posted of your road trip in Wyoming before we met up. That multicolored, eroded ladscape shot, where was that?
I'm glad you liked that!! It was such a surreal and wonderful day ... course the whole trip was!
As for where it was ... You went on to Signal, I mean Ten Sleep and the rest, right? Well, right in the middle of downtown Ten Sleep, there's a road that turns right, so heading north. You take that road, and just keep going. It becomes a dirt road, goes 45 miles, and then lets out at the town of Shell.
I want to play a little with that photo -- there's a faint rainbow effect in that hump in the foreground ... I'll show you in a while...
Take care buddy!! :) :)
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Here is me this evening, in the gloaming twilight of me driveway, with my beloved material posessions, me car and me house.
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Ohhhh!! :) :) :) An' you ain't even botherin' to wear nothin either !! :) :)
Thass so sweet!!! :) :)
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Man it's July, I do have my britches on.
I need to post a photo of that Iris.
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In the evenings I go out to water the house plants on the covered patio area, hoping the deer have not got brazen enought to come that close. In the peace lillie I rescued from the office a wren emerges and fly to a nearby tree and commences squalking at me. She has built a nest in that plant.
I think to myself: bird, who do yo think put that plant there? Who do you think bought the bird feeder and put it up not 10 feet from your nest? Who puts the seed in it for you? But this is all beyond the bird, she only sees me as a threat to her nest. Insted of being agrivated with her, I will try to remember there are things that are beyond my comprehension as well, that the very thing I fear may be my salvation sometime.
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Two nights before Xmess, 1935, my alcoholic, Irish-Catholic, yankee Grandaddy was walking home from his bootlegger, in the middle of the road, and was run over and killed by a produce truck being driven by a sober driver.
His sister, a saint of a woman, traveled all day by train from Emporia for his funeral. She had never met my Granny, and had to share a bed with her. The following day she took Granny by the hand to the insurance agents office. Her brother had died one day past the grace period for his monthly payment, but she had all the right words. Metropolitan Life paid my Granny double indemnity, since it was an accident. She received two thousand dollars.
Granny bought a car, which she could not drive, and it is unclear what became of it. She also bought a lot and put a down payment on a house. She was the first woman in the history of her family to own her own home. She splurged by having electricity, but saved a bit by not having indoor plumbing, only a spiggot in the front yard. For the next ten years she and her daughter took turns, buying the groceries and making the twice monthly payments of $12.50. It would take their entire paycheck from the mill.
In 1945, my uncle returned from the war in Europe, he had a 90 day leave before he was to ship out to the Pacific, that long hot, mixed up summer the war was half over and the bomb was not on their horizon. He borrowed a steer from my fathers father and terraced the front yard, plumbed the house, dug out a basement and poured a retrofitted foundation thru holes cut in the floor, one wheelbarrel load of concrete at a time. He hoped his efforts would lead to forgiveness from his mother, for striking a match in their neighbors barn when he was 4 years old, which lead to their fleeing Burlington, North Carolina, in the middle of the night and my Aunt being born in the back room of a boarding house. The jury is still out on his suscess.
When I was a kid the house was a crazy place fill with seven TVs, two of which worked, a picture of Jesus with heartburn, dusty knickknacks, a platform rocker with cracking patent leather upholdstry painted with yellow house paint. Patterns of conk shells on worn linoleum, an oil circulator in the middle of the living room the only source of heat, coconut sprinkled marshmellow pies. Decorative Xmess candles, melted and impregnated with dust. I learned how to tie knots there. I watched Yellow Submarine on her color TV once she got cable. I was standing on the front steps, leading up to the road, "when I was what, 9 years old" and her neighbor called to tell her George Wallace had been shot.
It was built out of green pine lumber my mother said, never any great prize to anyone but Granny. It was her pride and joy. She lived there from the fall of 1936 to the fall of 1979, when she started living part time with her children. The push was on to get her to sell, she was too old to live alone anymore. She was pursuaded of this one bitter afternoon in 1980 and tore out of the place on ruined knees as fast as she could, not looking back. I was what, 16, awkward kid, out of place, knowing the stress she was under could make the anurism near her heart rupture and then what would we do?
At thanksgiving, 1989, Granny had been buried for a year, and her old house sat empty. I took my sister, visiting from out of town, over there. I knew the guy who know owned it, he would not mind it we looked around. We found an open door and went in. So much had changed, so much had been forgotten. I stood where the sink would go and looked out the window and was washed by the realization I could own this, I could make this my home. I would probably not get another chance to own something of the ancestors. I went home and called the guy. On 1 February 1990, I became a home owner.
That seems so long ago now. The house has become full of all my stuff now, which includes some of Granny's, which now includes 1/3 of my sisters, I could never move, I would have to just leave it all behind and start over. I replaced the roof, the windows, the wiring, the plumbing. I share my home with a black snake that lives in the walls and ocassionally eats the Starling babies that hatch in the eves. One year I had a family of Possums living in the attic. I get the ocassional batt in the house. My dog is buried in the back year, with generations of her feline friends.
I gave up trying to have flowers a few years ago and decided it was cheaper to appreciate the deer that devoured them. Currently I live in the territory of a set of twins I have watched grow up. I don't know what happened to their Mamma, but I can make the clicking noise she used to make to call them, and they look at me like "who are you?"
I heat the house with propane wall heaters, I cool it with box fans in the window. it only gets about 3 hours of direct sun a day, I am blessed with many trees.
I am probably the last person who will ever live in this house. It is functionally obsolete, people these days want McMansions, people don't want to put up with things like crickets. So I will enjoy it, me and my house, barreling toward our own day of parting, and in the meanwhile, I need to stop at the hardwear store today and get some weed eater line.
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It is so wonderful that you were able to save this part of your heritage. I'm a big believer in family and remembering where we come from, passing those stories on to those who come after us. I love to tell the stories my Mom and Dad Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents told to me to my neices and nephews and their children. It is a comfort to know that all those who went before us will never truly die as long as someone remembers. To that end I have started to record some of our family "stories" and am adding them to the family Bible so there will always be a record.
So much of my family hertage has been lost to the ravages of time and the greed of my Mccousins by the dozens. You can still visit the foundations and chimney stack of the house my maternal Grandfather was born in, way down in the North Carolina woods and the streets on Harkers Island all bear my maternal family sir names, Mason Street, Willis Way, Lewis Lane.... The house my Mom was born in is still a private home in Morehead City but the house my Mom grew up in met the bulldozen when Harborside was built in Norfolk. There is a vacant lot where my paternal Great Grandfather's house stood in Belleville Illinois but the house my Dad was born and raise in, in St Louis is still a private home and the neigbhood still retains some of it's old charm with the Catholic Church where my Dad was baptised and was an altar boy, where my Grandmothers funeral was held, where my Mom and Dad were married still a active and vital part of the community. Continuity, I love that.
I envy you your old house. It is a blessing and a priviledge to be a part of one's own history.
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Wonderful story about the house, Shakes!!!
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Thanks Wayne, and what was it again, a bag is no place for a cat....?
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In the evenings I go out to water the house plants on the covered patio area, hoping the deer have not got brazen enought to come that close. In the peace lillie I rescued from the office a wren emerges and fly to a nearby tree and commences squalking at me. She has built a nest in that plant.
I think to myself: bird, who do yo think put that plant there? Who do you think bought the bird feeder and put it up not 10 feet from your nest? Who puts the seed in it for you? But this is all beyond the bird, she only sees me as a threat to her nest. Insted of being agrivated with her, I will try to remember there are things that are beyond my comprehension as well, that the very thing I fear may be my salvation sometime.
I love the angles at which you view the world.
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Thanks Wayne, and what was it again, a bag is no place for a cat....?
:D :D
Truman's thought of the day, dutifully recorded by yours truly!!! :D
Cats do not do well in bags,
so it is often best to let them out.
(http://www.jonco48.com/blog/cat_2Din_2Dthe_2Dbag_2D50e.jpg)
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Law Wayne, you are a magician! Look, its a cat walker!
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I cain't tell whether he's happy or mad! My cat likes to be swung around in a basket.
Maybe I should try this bag thing on him ... :-\ :o :D
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I have decided to take tomorrow afternoon off and go to the mountains and do so praying, thanks for all my blessings, and friends, and for all those who need help. Anyone want to be included, let me know. Maybe pray I don't get rained out.
I think it will help me focus and get priorities in order. Calm my brain down so I am not so irrational at work, and with my family. I am hoping also to go to Floydfest this weekend (www.floydfest.com/2006). On sunday Iris DeMent will be preforming. I love her twany voice, I wish she could have been on the BBM soundtrack somehow.
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Floydfest does sound fun - and I love Iris DeMenthe! Where's she from anyway?
Ever heard of the Black Mountain festival in North Carolina? I used to go there pretty often in April and October. Square dancing and contra dancing, pretty much only mixed sex couples, but it was still fun.
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I will have to check that out, going to Black Mountain at the end of August.
Iris is from Paragould, Arkansas, the youngest of 14 chillins.
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I cut on me phone this morning and had a message! My friend from chicago called me for the very first time and I was so tickled. I had cut the thing off when I got home to get me some peace and quiet. But it was nice to hear your voice Y, you cound kinda like I expected. Like everyone else ;D
Will talk to you this weekend for sure.
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"shakestheground -- I've just started reading your thread in this forum, because I was wondering about the source of your name. It reminds me of, well, earthquakes. (I've got a bit of a fascination with earthquakes -- I'm a geologist, and I was in an earthquake at a pivotal point in my life.) Anyway, your posts are incredible and moving, and I'm only on the 2nd page."
Elly law have mercy, you gone make my head swell up so big I ain't gone be able to leave the office until someone comes and deflates me. It won't be too long, I assure you.
So the name, well, I could make up something about the amount of coffee I drink. I believe the world is not operatiing on a sleep deficit, but a caffine deficit, you can sleep when your dead. But it is more mundane than that. About 1992 I was going to a lot of Pow Wows, trying to learn about the remnant native culture of the southerastern US. I thought I would like to have an "Indian Name" and knew I would have to come up with one for myself. I love how those names seem more authentic if they are adjectives reather than nouns, like "Paints His Shirt Red" vs. "Peaceful Doe" (yes, I watched Jeremiah Johnson last night on DVD, It had been recomended to me a while back by someone I forget who, amazing the difference in movie making 34 years makes).
So anyway I decided I would just look for the name and would recognize it when I saw it. One day at lunch at the hospital I worked at, garnisheeing the paychecks of the uninsured working poor, one of my co workers was laughing and while her mouth was open in laugh I heard her voice say "Shakes The Ground" and I said "Oh, okay". I can't explain how she did this, but she was probably talking about a cable tv character Shakes the Clown, and I consider myself to be a clown, if this were still a traditional society I would have job security.
It appealed to me because of the genealogy I have done and continue to do, shaking the gound in which the ancestors are buried and making them wake up and tell their stories, largely by directing me to where they can be found in the written record. I believe the written word to be sacred. ever time we commit a thought to writing we are sanctifying it.
My cup runneth over it looks like.....
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Cool story about the name. :) I like it.
Your stories about the Wyoming trip are just amazing, by the way.
I like the idea that by committing an idea to writing we are sanctifying it. (Though I have too much of a tendency toward inappropriate humor sometimes; my writing ends up being sanctified by Coyote or Loki or some other kind of trickster archetype, I'm afraid.)
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Well its all good, in a hundred years someone reading what you wrote will have a handle on your personality they might not have otherwize.
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Last night my partners son and his girlfriend came for a visit. They brought a long a copy of The Brothers Grimm, which delighted me, I had not seen Heath Ledger in this one. My was I impressed! Heath really can act. His Jake Grimm wasso sad and believable. His range seems like a blank canvas.
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Omigosh omigosh when is your birthday Shakes?!? Happy Birthweek!! :) :)
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My natal anniversary will be observed on Thursday the 3rd day o' August, hopefully with a large margarita. I will be 43, hopefully it will not make me petty.
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This is kinda scary! I have had people say that my writing seems like more than one person is doing the writing....maybe I AM insane....or at least have other personalities!! Do insane people wonder if they are insane?...LOL
I think everyone has facets to their personality, and I have noticed in my life that when I am under attach, it is only one of theose facest, so the rest can figure out what to do. I think that if you stay under that pressure a long time, or are abused, the facets become fractured, and you get the classic insanity. I ain't no psychologist. I hope someone does read all this one day and cry about us like we have cried ourselves.
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Yeah I can identify with that, I feel like I am writing to all me friend s here so sometimes I mist a wurd.
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I didn't make it to Floydfest, a dissapointment, but me natal anniversary will be sepnt in an inner tube on the New River at McCoy Falls near Blacksburg, Va., a cold drink in me hand and a warm spot in me heart. That is home for all me friends.
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I will be 43, hopefully it will not make me petty.
:laugh: :laugh: {{{shakes}}}
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I knew someone from down south would get this.
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There is a lull, most of the agents have gone out into the heat to do god knows what. The phone is not ringing at the moment, but will no doubt, with the 548th call of the day from someone with a screaming baby wanting to rent a house. A moment, to relax, to breath. To wonder if I have been gritting me teeth all day or just the last hour or so.
Do you ever measure your life experence against Ennis and Jack? My partner did the first time we saw the movie. He said he was Jack, in so many ways. We don't live together. Partly because of my unwillingness to deal honestly with my family about what I consider to be none of their business anyway. Partly because I am unwilling to give up my home, unite my stuff with his stuff. I end up feeling like I am caught between two worlds. Not living in either.
A sweet life I do not see, and sometimes I think of what the character Mona Ramsey told her friend Mouse in "Tales of the City": "Sometimes I think all I really need is five good friends". I don't see his identifying with Jack automatically making me Ennis, maybe that is denial on me part. I dunno. Its a hard balancing act, and there are issues with both sides.
Yes, I am sabatoging my life.
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Yes, I am sabatoging my life.
Sometimes what looks like sabatoge is just part of you protecting what it knows needs protecting. And letting go of that protection happens when you feel safe and strong, not through force or requirement.
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U are in good company, Shakes. J.K. Rowling will be 41 tomorrow (the richest woman in Britain--richer than the Queen and Madonna--and she's a writer of children's books! That tells me there's hope for the world.) And the state of Colorado will be 130 this week. Happy Week!!!!!!!!!!! :)
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....sometimes I think of what the character Mona Ramsey told her friend Mouse in "Tales of the City": "Sometimes I think all I really need is five good friends"....
And I know you've got not only five good friends but likely many times those.
Off topic, Shakes, but what a service you've done us by citing Tales. For those not familiar, Armistead Maupin's series began as a serialized story in the San Francisco Chronicle about 1976. Later, the stories were published as a series of books with some becoming made-for-TV movies. Many became the kind of followers of Michael, Mary Ann, Mona, and Anna Madrigal and their lives as we've become of Ennis and Jack with our perceptions of theirs.
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Yes, and Maupin's books The Night Listener, has been made into a movie staring Robin williams that comes out this week, Friday I think. It is based loosly on the experences of another great gay writer, Paul Monette, of blessed memory. It was a real page turner when I read it.
Thanks everyone, lets us all be aware.
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Mamma Bird has her hands full if she were to have hands. The baby wrens hatched the other day and they cry all the time wanting more food, none stop she flies too and fro. I wonder does she thisnk "who laid your egges, who sat on them all this time, who protected you from the giant who comes out the door." If she does, what goes around...
But I doubt she does, I doubt she rebels gainst one of the main functions of her life, and sometimes I envy her tiny brain that cnnnot spare the space for anything non essential.
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I think I've figured out the birthday notifications at the bottom of the main page...
And happy birthday! :)
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Happy Birthday Truman!!! :) :) Do something fun just for you!!
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Truman...
I have relatives that have been on welfare all my life...they never try to do anything. They sit in their government housing and wait for the check. day in and day out. I always wanted more. I wanted to see things and learn things. Thought I would never be like that. so listless and uncaring.
but it is hard to do more. It is hard to strive and save and work for your money. sometimes I see them going off fishing for the day on a lark...living like that bird....just existing in the moment and I envy them...
sometimes I wish I had never gotten this feeling this need to be more...would I also be content to be a grasshopper letting life just happen?
Where did it come from? How did I get it when no one else did? Was it the reading I did?
Would I change things if I could go back? I don't know...
You know I have seen the same thing many times, seems like in the final analysis everthing balences out. Maybe your relatives don't have a lot of assets, but they have a good time. Maybe you don't have a good time but you don't have to worry about the next meal. It is all in the balance, knowing when you need to take a mental health day and get out of the routine. Take a day and live in the moment, spend some money, take lots of pictures.
Yeah, the birds are free, but they have short hard lives and get eaten by cats.
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My late sister told me our mother knew she was pregnant at Xmess, 1962, but was embarrassed to say anything. She prayed the whole time I would be born before she turned 41, (didn't happen) and that I would not be "Mongoloid" i.e, have Downs Syndrome. (I don't). She was sick as a dog for months and could only eat watermelon. There are no pictures of her pregnant with any of her children.
This sister, the younger of the two, turned 15 that summer. There was no air conditioning. As teenagers and parents typically do, they argued alot. Sister left to go to a swimming competition in West Virginia and told her bitterly "I hope you have that baby before I get back".
Friday night, 2 August 1963, my father gets home and it is time to go to the hospital. I often say my father was drunk when I was born. I say this because my father was always drunk, except for the summer of 1983, and it was Friday night. When my elder sister, then age 20, got in that evening from her summer job, they were leaving for the hospital.
My mother has only said she was in a great deal of pain with my birth, which occured the next morning at 6:55 AM. Having had two daughters she had picked out girls names, in the mistaken belief she could only have girls. She proposed naming me Joseph. My father, in strongest evident to me of his intoxication, named me for the former U.S. President, Harry S. Truman.
My father returned home that morning, my elder sister already up. He told her she had a brother, and according to her, her responce was: "You want me to fix you an egg?"
The two sisters later beseeched our mother to please not let me go thru life with the name of a U.S. President. She said she would take care of it and secretly had the first name changed to that of my father's, an idoitic name of an even earier president that he never like himself. He did not discover this until I was in the 1st grade and eagerly showed him my report card. I still remember that argument. "What the hell do they have__________ on here for?"
There was still a great admiration for Harry S. Truman as I was growing up. People often made the prediction I would one day be President (If elected, I would run and hide). You should listen to people who have a consensous.
I despized my name for the first 30 or so years. I was the only person with such. I have only met one other person in 43 years now with the same name. My father died in 1985, my sister in 1998. Prior to her death, I think it was about 1995, I decided I would "Fix It", I had stood it long enough. For $26 I legally changed my first name to President. People thought I was insane. "I am just fulfilling prophecy" I told them.
But today, I am going off into the woods, comune with Ow-ee's cousins, write, pray for the world, and best of all, turn off my f**kin' cell phone.
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Happiest day birthday boy! Here's to a future full of promise and wonder, a solid reflection of the person you've become.
(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j125/yaadpyar/happybirthday.jpg)
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Thanx for telling us about your natal day and the origins of your name! There are worse things than being named after a president. When I learned I was going to have a son, I had a terrible time finding a name that wasn't that of a soldier or warrior. I finally settled on Christopher. But then I realised that, it being the Quincentennial of Columbus's "discovery" of the New World, there would be a lot of Christophers out there. So I changed it to Christian. I'm happy with that name but my son still shows tendencies to want to be a soldier anyway! I know U are off floating down the river right now, Tru, but here's a toast to U for when U get back. 8)
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(http://lua.weblog.com.pt/birthday.JPG)
Just wanted to stop in and say... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!
Have a great day!
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Happy Birthday P. True!! :) :)
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Thank you! Thank you! I sure do appreciate it. Yaad, where did you get that picture of me?!?
I had a wonderful day, a real mental health day. I made one call and turnt off me phone, grabbed my journal, a chair, bug spray, water and "The Old Ace In The Hole" by Annie Proulx and hit the road.
Back in April when I was in Colorado there had been a forest fire near where I live, on Bull Mountian. I had been meaning to go see the aftermath and had about forgot about it. It is a nice drive, gravel road for about 5 miles. Bull Mountain was the sight of a plane crash a couple of Octobers ago, the family of a NASCAR crew was killed on their way to the race in Martinsville. I had heard that a cross had been erected and since the fire was visable from down below and errily enough it is.
From there I went to a conveinece store known for their gas to get me a hot dog. Then I went to my favorite spot to chill out, on the Smith River, just below Philpott Dam. The air temperature was about 94, but when they are generating electricity, the water that comes out of the bottom of that lake is just above freezing. If you can find a nice spot close enough to the river, you can enjoy a temperature of about 72 degrees. Heaven.
The drive is about 7 miles on a dirt road, past old corm fields and abandoned houses. Beautiful country. It is so remote there is little traffic on a week day and the only folks I saw all afternoon was a couple in kayaks and one redneck couple who wandered in, hand in hand, in their early 60's, the woman all plastic and rhinestones, she stuck her toe in the water and shreeked.
Read Annie Proulx all afternoon, wonderful book about a man scouting for hog farm locations in the Texas panhandle. His character reminds me some what of Quoyle (?sp) in The Shipping News, but with a few more brains. So much of what she writes is so tragic, like Ennis Del Mar or Loyal Blood. It is a welcome break to read something you know is just going to be entertaining. "The year of Proulx" is how I will remember 2006, when I read everything she had written.
I was also visited by a ground hog who came out to nibble, and an Inch worm and several Cardinals (the Protestant ones). I read about 100 pages and then wrote 4. Studied on a revelation I'd had in the shower, which I need to investigate more. Prayed for Chris, and everyone else I could think of.
I came bouncing in the office this morning in the best mood I have had all week. Tomorrow the New River, can't wait.
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So in my my mailbox this morning there was a confirmation from the Virginia Museum of Natural History that the Ennis & Jack brick has been ordered. Just tickled to death.....
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Luv yr pictures, and thanx for the birthday report! Loyal Blood is one of my favorite people too, I think of him often. Wasn't that a sad book? I got the CD of Bad Dirt and started listening...they are short stories but somewhat related to each other...some of them are pretty funny. Lookin forward to hearing more about yr revelation, if U care to share it, PT.
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Thank kew FRont Ranger, yeah, I would like to share that personal revelation.
I as getting in the shower the other morning and realized I now posessed memories of thisngs that happened more than 40 years ago. One of the earliest memories I have is of going to the first birthday party of a kid who parents ran the local recreation center. I remember standing up in a barrel backed kitchen chair, the light green colgolwall tile of the room, the wading pool pool of sand on the kitchen floor. I can rememory me mother and the other women there.
My mother had put a picture of it in my baby book, and wrote about it, including the date 14 August 1964. I was 1 year and 11 days old. In the fictional world it would snow on Brokeback Mountain in another 2 days. Then it hit me. I had to stop the shower and go get me notes.
You'l rememory my post about Jeb and Dash, the diary I went to see in Boulder back in April that had been kept by a gay man living in Washington, D.C. I checked my notes and "sure enough" the last time "Jeb Alexander" wrote in his diary was Saturday, 14 August 1964.
And I remember the day.
;D
I had been looking for a sign, a connection to him all this time and had it right in front of me for months.
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That is eerie and kind of scary! You'll have to revisit that story next Saturday!
Regarding memories, so often I have posted a memory of an experience of mine on here and then realized that it actually happened long ago. I remember very clearly things that happened to me in my 20s and 30s, and then there is just a deep dark gulf between then and now. I remember things about my children, but hardly anything about myself. With seeing Brokeback Mountain, I feel like I have come out of a fog.
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Yeah, I do pretty good remembering when and what, until about 1990, and since this it is like trying to rmemory someone else's life.
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Luv yr pictures, and thanx for the birthday report! Loyal Blood is one of my favorite people too, I think of him often. Wasn't that a sad book? I got the CD of Bad Dirt and started listening...they are short stories but somewhat related to each other...some of them are pretty funny. Lookin forward to hearing more about yr revelation, if U care to share it, PT.
I would like to go back and hear all those books on cd now, Bad Dirt had the two best stories in it I think I have read (beside BBM), The next to the last about a woman who inheritis a magic tea kettle and "Florida Rental".
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Ahhh Tru I missed your Birthday! Damn I didn't mean to do that hope it was a happy one!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h153/vkm91941/Lines%20Visualized/lion_ns24.gif)
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Thank you Victoria, I got many well wishes and I treasure each one. I treasure them much more than the below slice of pizza I encountered last Friday night at Pappa's Pizza in Bassett, Virginia, which contained, I am not kidding, hot dogs and french fries:
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the slice of pizza I encountered last Friday night at Pappa's Pizza in Bassett, Virginia, which contained, I am not kidding, hot dogs and french fries:
Hey Tru -
I will assume that what looks like a slug sitting on the plate is, in fact, not actually a slug, and just an odd-shaped piece of hot dog? Or is that just a new pizza flavor that hasn't made its way to Chicago yet?
Mmmmmmmmmm - hot dog pizza. Yummy???
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Yes, that was a piece of hot dog, imagine this area ahead of Chicago in the cullinary department.
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Hot dog and ff pizza! THE HORROR OF IT!
(http://www.ladybugsgarden.com/garden/shed/screams.gif)
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There are some scary things around here to eat, that is for sure, but the other night on the food network, they had a slice of Key Lime Pie on a stick, dipped in chocolate. Yum!
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(http://www.kwkl.com/images/PieBarKeyLime.jpg)
Key lime pie on a stick dipped in chocalate, now that is yummy!!
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:) :) Enjoyed your birthday pix and story Truman!!!
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Cowboy Wayne, I hope you had a good trip to the mountains. I know it has to be cooler up there.
You ever eat at Sheeley's, out in the western part of Lexington County?
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the last time "Jeb Alexander" wrote in his diary was Saturday, 14 August 1964.
And I remember the day.
;D
Goodness Truman ... and you remember the weekend before it snowed on Brokeback ... gives me shivers!
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"And why is is always so cold, we orta go some place warm, like" TEXAS IN AUGUST!
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:laugh: I can't decide if you're being naughty or sentimental!! Knowing you probably some of both! ;)
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A little of each, and then some. :o
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I went to see a lady the other day about a house she wanted me to manage. Very attactive math teacher at a local community college, I was surprised at her vocabulary.
She had bought this house because it was next to hers, wanted to have some control over her world around her but knew it should not sit empty. "Right now I am in balance, but someone needs to live in this house" I agreed. She was not looking forward to the prospect of dealing with renters and hence I was called upon. I told her she had taken on a major weight, but seemed centered about it. She smiled. I think she'll like me.
I feel like a magician sometimes, running from place to place, keeping the plates spinning on the tops of quivering sticks.
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I read just now that Armisted Maupin has a new book comming out next year, centered on one of his maine characters from the Tales of the City series. Michael Tolliver will be a 55 year old long term HIV survivor with a 34 year old boyfriend. Looking forward to that read.
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A while back I posted about listing a house for sale, inherited by a childless widow who was having to stand what she couldn't fix. Well, the house sold, amen, thank you I will now have the $$$ to go to Boston for the brokeback get together there and seen New Hampshire and Maine.
She came in to sign the papers this morning, still going on and on and on and on and on and on about this that and the other think, each sentance on my part eliciting a paragraph on her part about some aspect of something. She told me in the middle of it all "It would do no good to get mad about it, I would only be hurting myself". Yes, she was right, I can't remember the circumstances, but I think that thought is applicable in many situations.
I escaped later to lunch at a small place down town run by Christians, they play Christian music and sell family bibles at the counter. They do have good food and a friendly staff, so I don't mind the rest. I heard my name being called and was happy to see an old co-worker of mine (yet, town full of them) who now works for the Virginia Museum of Natural History. She handled my order for the Ennis and Jack Memorial Brick. Never said a word about it but went out of her way to be nice to me. She knows.
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My partner has a mostly Shelty famale dog named Lady, actually his son's dog, but his son lives in another city now. She is about 15 years old as near as anyone can figure. When I first met lady 9.5 years ago she ran away from me. She was the most frightened dog I had ever seen. I took nine months before she would let me touch her.
There are few pictures of her, wherever anyone trys to take one she flees when she sees the camera raise up. If you even bring you hand to your eye she flees, I theorize as a puppy she may have been shot at.
My partner told me she appeared in his Aunts back yard, and after they caught her she went to the SPCA where she was fixed and adopted by them, in 1991. Before I met her she had her hind leg accidentally run over by him, and still walks with a limp, made worse now by arthur.
Her hearing is almost totally gone, but she can see well and there is nothing wrong with her sniffer. A couple of years ago she was attacked by a wild animal that clawed at her head, permanently damaging her ear. She had a long recuperation indoors where she bitterly shreded all plastic she could get her mouth on. She healed, and bravely goes about her self appointed duty, patrolling her territory to make sure it is free of unauthorized animals, totally missing the family of kittens under the tarp. I see her in the mornings, peering down the drive way, always on guard from predators, seen and unseen, that may try to slip in. She has no animal friends there, but has loved the series of dogs my partners parents have had over the years.
But my favorite image of Lady is how she will come out to meet me when I go over, hauling herself up and teetering out to the driveway as I turn around. She stands there like Mrs. Twist standing on the porch as her visitor arrives, and moves to the driverside door to soak up the attention I give her, hoping I will brush the shedding fur from her coat with the brush I imagine must remind her of her mother's tongue. I stroke the underside of her jaw: "Hello Lady" I tell her, "blessed art thou amongst dogs". She is an old girl, her sleep is filled with dreams that make her bark and cry and sometime I fear, it won't be long before she returns into the mystery from which she emerged.
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What a wonderful, but sad and touching story. I enjoy your writing style.
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Oh, I dunno about all that, but thank you.
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Souped up coffee is more like it.
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What else will come down the pike?
I stood by your fathers grave and saw your name
On a bronze tablet, attached
to a piece of granite, usually sunken into the
ground it was so big, it must have been
disturbed when they dug his grave.
Propped up at the foot of the cross with no
consideration to you, the attic child,
would you not see it or would it just not matter
because you were you.
My cousin the undertaker.
If I had a ball bat sometimes I would hit
a home run when I hear him open his
mouth, spew forth his selfrighteousness, call
the name of your living brother, his wife,
their son and admonish them to live and
ignore you, sitting next to them, what in his
vocabulary he has nothing to say to the mentally
ill, the thin, gaut redneck dying for a cigarette.
I shake your hand and offer my condolences.
You are inhaling now, you are more
composed than anyone else there, you are of
this moment and last night when the rain
poured, you rose to smoke and ponder would you
have reason to bury your father this day. We are
two relics of the Nixon administration, we are
closer this day than when I see you in a parking
lot looking for your ride. They will take
you back to your home soon, and return to theirs,
to eat, and you to smoke, where there are no
hands to shake. And I will return to this place soon,
to continue my journey alone.
I wrote these words in September 2003 after attending the funeral of the father of my childhood friend, Darryl. The day to return is now at hand.
Darryl was my best friend in the 2nd grade. He and his older brother Kevin would come over to spend the night often, in the summer we would sleep in a pup tent in the back yard, telling dirty stories and giggling most of the night. Building forts in the woods and staging funerals for the mice his dog Frisky would kill.
On 16 September 1971 Darryl and Kevin did not come to school. The principal and my teacher spoke to me in the hall about their absence. I learned when I got home their divorced parents had fought and their mother took the two of them and fled, leaving another son with his father. I remember the date, because after that nothing was ever the same. No one ever replaced the best friend slot in my childhood.
Two years later they returned to the Roanoke area, and my friendship with the brothers renewed, especially in the summers, I would go stay a week with then in their mobile home (not a trailer they insisted). We swung from sapling trees, singing "Fly Robin, Fly" and "Kung Fu Fightin'". We watched the Miss Universe pagent. Kevin, at the age of 13, stayed indoors and listened to his extensive collection of Doris Day albums, you guessed it, he was the gay one.
We lost contact in high school. In college I contacted them both again, getting a letter from Darryl saying he had not been invited to his mothers wedding and one from Kevin, telling me about his best friend, who he thought the world of, and his anger at his father for not contiuing to finance his college education.
One year at spring break my mother told me Darryl's father had called, Darryl had been hospitalized "for his nerves" and wanted me to come see him. I did, but the very medicated person who starred at the TV, who was this? Where was my old friend? In time full disclosure came: Darryl had Schitzophrenia.
In the years that passed we would infrequently get together. He liked to drink beer. He became more and more socially isolated as the nicoteen stain on his hand grew. He told me of Kevin's decline, his DUIs, his dark basement apartment, his toupee. The drinking lead to diabetes. Kevin was found by his father one day in 1998, he had been dead several days. At the funeral Darryl held things up by telling me over and over his DUI was not his fault, the old lady had pulled out in front of him and he drank that six pack after ward to calm his nerves.
Their father's death took me by surprise. I went to the grave side service and saw Darryl's bronze headstone, ready and waiting, propped up against a cross, no consideration for him at all. He was sitting there on the front row in a clean shirt and dirty hair, he was itching to get away from these people and back to his trailer (not a mobile home) and let all those people pass from his line of sight. He later moved into his fathers house and called me to sale the trailer, which required a signature from his surviving brother that was not forth comming. Darryl was in many ways like a child in that he could not understand things, was not sure where to direct his flustration. One evening I came out of the movies and cut my phone on and was treated to a series of ever more angry messages from him. I cut it back off. The next day I tried to reason with the entity who had replaced my best friend. It was no use.
I would see Darryl walking down the road to the store where he bought his beer and cigarettes, matched step by step by his live-in girl friend, one of a series he met at a support group. About a month ago I saw him standing in his house, the windows convered iwth tim foil, hands on hips, looking down that road in the direction of the store. It seemed he was wanting to get the energy up to make the half mile walk. Part of me wanted to stop and give him a ride. A bigger part of me today wishes I had.
I opened the paper this morning to learn he had died yesterday. My cousin the undertake will have to deal with him after all.
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Ahhhh, Truman your writing never fails to move me. Loved the story about the old dog (I'm sucker for dogs) but this last about your friend, so sad, so poignant.
One of my brothers is manic depressive and I went to support groups with my Mom and his wife for a bit and what I learned is that when you care for someone with schizophrenia or any mind altering mental illness you count in days. If the illness is present you start counting in hours...'between 5 and 7 was calm ,then things were chaos until midnight, slept for an hour at 3am' .Life seems to slow down and each minute is weighted with a mixture of anxiety and hope.
As things improve you start counting in days, Monday was good,Tuesday ok,Wednesday good etc .Then you can start chalking off months.
January was a very good month.There was no sign of the illness at all and February has started well.... It's like constantly trying to go up the down escalator but NOT just for us the family and friends but for them the afflicted as well and they are doubly troubled because they see what it does to us too.
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The day after learning of Darryl's death I received a call from his sister in law, asking me if I was not busy could I be a pall bearer. "If I'm not busy?" I thought. I told her sure, I was planning on attending the funeral any way. "I'll be happy to!" I said and then back pedaled on my cheerfulness, she knew what I ment.
When I told my 84 year old mother that he had died and I was going to be his pall bearer, she said she wanted to go and pay her respects to the family. This was odd for me, all part of keeping worlds seperate from one another to insure less friction, less confrontation. "He was the cutest little boy" she remembered "I'd love to see his mother again" and that cinched it for me. She had been part of this story, yes, she should come.
The sister in law had told me there would be a visitation and hour prior to taking his remains to the grave, where there would be a short graveside service. I got there a bit early, made some quiet inquiries, trying to get some answers. What I was able to learn was this: the last time anyone saw him alive was on Saturday the 5th, when he walked to the store for his daily ration of beer and cigarettes. The following day he talked to his mother on the phone, and then entered into what I call "the quiet" the point at which you are beyond your last human contact and your story is all conjecture. On Wednesday the 9th, a friend of his stopped by to check on him, got no answer. On the following Sunday, the 13th, his mom could not get him on the phone and asked his brother to check on him. He found him. There the details ceased to be forth comming. The casket was closed. There was no word on what caused his death. Just like his other brother, 8 years ago.
I told the surviving brother, a jolly guy of few words, I was sorry, about everything he had to go thru with Darryl, he said thanks. His mother seemed well composed, almost relived that the day she long knew she would see had arrived. She hugged me and showed me the spray on top of the blue steel casket, to the side sat his high school graduation photo, those big bow ties they put on us in 1981. I had never seen the picture, it was him in his fulfilled glory, the face I had memorized as a child, mature and strong, he was so handsome. Within two years the voices of demons would invade his head, may have already been there. Within two years of that photo being made he would loose a quater of his weight, his eyes would sink, his hands would become stained with nicoteen. I wanted so badly to grab the photo and kiss it right on the lips, something I would never have done to him.
Darryl's former girlfriend, who had not lived with him in some time, came solemly in, escorted by her mother. She too suffers from some undisclosed mental illness and was mournfully reserved. I spoke with her, as flatly as Kansas she told me how good a person he had been to her, how she would miss him. Had she still been living there things may be different today. I think that was weighing on her mind, but no one blamed her. There was nothing she could do. There was no blame here, only a river that could not be stopped.
"...he was a a sweet boy" my mother told his, the hand clasp that women have, of a certain age anyway. She told of Darryl once saying he was going to build a flying machine so he could fly from Roanke to see me. I searched my memory for that, belive it is the first I have ever heard of such. It was real sweet.
I met two other pall bearers, a former neighbor and a buddy of his who had both befriended him. They were good people. One had discovered Darryl had gone for an extended period with out hot water and bought him a water heater and installed it for him. The other gave him rides 10 miles to the nearest supermarket to get the things he could not get at the Lucky 2, a store a mile from his trailer. (Uphill on the way back). The water heater man had checked on him the previous Wednesday and got no answer. He expressed a feeling of responcibility, which I felt was not nescessary. I told him if he didn't answer the door, it was probably too late. A small boom box was carried by, one of the men wondered aloud if they were going to play Lynyrd Skynyrd's Freebird, which I think most people in the south fear will one day happen at a funeral they attend.
So oddly then we were lined up and insted of marched into the chapel, to the front door, followed by the casket, heavy in me right hand, careful down the steps into the hearse.The family went out the side door to their cars. The sherriff's department guided us thru traffic, most people on the road still pull off to the side to let processions pass. We went right past the house I grew up in, the place where we kids had been kids, now sigular.
Under the canopy advertizing the funeral home was locally owned and operated we laid his casket and the family filed in. A lady minister, clad in purple petrochemical based material and perfect hair made her remarks, the boom box was cut on and from it unrecognizable chords emerged that she fashioned into song: "I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses.....".
We had sang. Something, I asked Darryl in my mind what it was I remembered us singing. A stiff breeze hit me in the face at once and it started to come back to me: riding on the back of my Daddy's truck, on summer evening, the three of us boys sang all one hundred verses of "A Hundred Bottles of Beer on the Wall". It got to be a chant towards the end, which if you have never heard it goes: "no more to take down, none to pass around, there's no more bottles of beer on the wall." Moment of artless beauty in our seperate and difficult lives, let be, let be.
The service complete we laid out carnation buttoniers on his casket and filed out, I kissed his mother on her cheek and shook hands down the line. The former neighbor returned from his car with a confederate flag, a pack of cigaretts and a lighter. Darryl had said he would place those items in his friends grave when the time came because he was sure he would out live him. The flag, he always had one them on his wall, his African American former girl friend regarded it the same as she regarded the flowers on the grave, something colorful in a sad time. The red and white of a carnation twirling in her hands. "He was a good man" she said "I'm going to miss him".
I got back in my car and cut the air on. Over head two hawks, on their back and forth reconnisence in the sky over us. My mind in its search for meaning named one of them Kevin and the other one Darryl, who the first would lead home. I waved to them, thought it nice of them to come by and bid us farewell. The end of a long farewell that started nearly 35 years ago. I, in my little silver car not unlike a coffin itself, slowly mauvered away thru tears. Eager to consume a strong drink, I settled insted for an ice cream, as I still had another visitation to attend that evening, it comes in threes, you know.
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Gosh Truman ... I'm sorry... :( Will be thinking of you.
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Goodness Truman. :-\ Life is something. Thanks for sharing it with us. :'(
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Bless you Truman
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Thank you all, ain't words a wonderful thing.
I finished reading The Old Ace in The Hole this week, a really good story, it has a similar tone as The Shipping News. It is amazing to me how many gay characters, both latent and open, Proulx manages to put in her stories. Well the only bokk of hers I have not read now is the first one, Heart Songs and other stories. My library does not have it so I guess I'll check out Amazon.
Getting excited now about the Brokeback gathering in Boston. I was so tickled my partner was like sure, we can go then. He was moved by the movie, but not to the extent I was. My friends Judy and JoJo will be there from the Wyoming trip, plus many others I have corresponeded with and read. I came to the conclusion this moning that it is important to have friends who live in other places, important to maintain contact with old one who have moved. The more connections around the world a person has the more likely we will be to get along in the long run.
Beautiful day here, and all my clothes and dishes are washed at the same time.
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A beautiful time this morning, driving to work, just after nine in the morning I cross the old bridge, soon to be replaces after 75 years, and make my right hand turn in front of the line of box cars whirling past. They seem so fast but by the time I reach 45 mph I look up thru the trees to my left and see I am passing them. On the right the river is running the color of chocolate milk from last nights rain. We are all travelling in the same direction, each of us some force of nature. The sun is shining and the air is clear and my partner calls me to read me my horrorscope. It is going to be a wonderful day.
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Last night I finally got to see Adam and Steve, a terrific movie by Funnyboy Features that is now out on DVD. while it was no Brokeback, I throughly enjoyed it.
It is set in NYC (as are about 90% of gay movie) and tells the story about a couple of out guys who fall in love, only to discover they have met before, years earlier. I won't give away anymore than that. It is well written, positive, and while is does have this strange dance number toward the end, it will have you thinking the next day.
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I believe it would. There is intimacy, but not the sex act itself. There is drug usage in the begining but it is done in a way to show the consequences of their actions. Yes, I think you all should see it.
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LETS DANCE!
http://www.floydcountrystore.com/
A buddy of mine who lives out of town has been wanting to go to the Friday Night jamboree at the old country store in Floyd, Virginia, for some time. So this week when I ran into him at his grandma-in-laws funeral I said hell yeah lets go Friday night. His wife is in her thrid trimester so she could not go, just the two of us, and it was such a good time.
Now, you might think, does this guy ever do anything but go to funerals? Well, let me explain: it is a small town an I know a lot of people. I am also kin to a lot of people. I think it is good to honor them as they leave this world, and see folks who have come in from out of town and reconnect. Plus they always have a great meal afterward. I met my partner at his Aent's funeral. I know people who refuse to attend even the funeral of a spouce they are so opposed to the proposition of death, but hell, for me it is like going to the car wash.
We traveled about 40 miles, taking an hour because Floyd, Virginia is up on the mountain. It is a small town of local mountain people and trust funded hippies who have sent the realestate prices thru the roof. The store itself no longer functions in its original capacity but is more of a music hall for old time and bluegrass music every friday night and sometimes a special show on Saturday night. Admission is $3.00 and there is a drawing for a ham each night. Lucklity Floyd does not have a fire marshall (I guess) the place is always packed. Mostly locals attend, very authentic people, and last night they had folks from Ontario and a soldier from Baghdad. I have seen Africans there (as well as African Americans, regular attendees).
My buddy was amazed by the crowd, two groups who was picking outside on the side walks and the alley next to the store held our attention for a while. We went inside and "Twist"ed our way to the front, glad to have arrived after the first hour of gospel music. The Smith River Band was finishing up a song and starting a slow one. A local boy in jeans an a straw cowboy hat and chained wallet took the opportunity to get a bottle of water. When next they began the Orange Blossum Special he was leaping over people to get back to the dance floor, where he put his hands on his hips and faced the audience and began to pound the floor. Soon he was joined by a dozen others and when they all began pounding that old oak floor in unison it was like the heart beat of everyone in the place was beating in unison, mesmerized and bobbing, harkening back to the days when people lived out doors under the moon and all the cycles we in sync.
I thought to myself: I want to host a BBM get together here sometime, I want people to see this. And that I will do, maybe next summer, on a night with a full moon. C'mon and get you can of potted possum.
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Soon he was joined by a dozen others and when they all began pounding that old oak floor in unison it was like the heart beat of everyone in the place was beating in unison, mesmerized and bobbing, harkening back to the days when people lived out doors under the moon and all the cycles we in sync.
I thought to myself: I want to host a BBM get together here sometime, I want people to see this. And that I will do, maybe next summer, on a night with a full moon. C'mon and get you can of potted possum.
Love the image of everyone's heart beating together...it's the thing that used to create community, and I guess in some places still does.
Dare one ask what a can of potted possum is? What you do with it? And why it's called that?
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I have seen groups of guys, usually younder ones, up there dancing. I think we'd have to teach the band the sang thought...that is such a good album, do you have it?
As for the possum, it is mostlikely regular potted meat, with a different lable on it. I don't know anyone who has ever actually opend a can. Possum is one of the ledgends, that back in the old days when people were so poor they would eat the unbelievably greasy meat. One bands there has a song about a man needing to feed him family and the refrain is: "I got five pounds of possum in my head lights tonight!"
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I have been to Wyoming twice this year, and both times I heard the same song.
Driving up from Boulder to Laramie in chilly April I had the radio tuned to this cool station and on came this driving guitar and I was like "hell yeah" and this woman singing: "you ain't the one for me" I looked at the speedometer and I was going 85 mph!
Come June, a beautiful day I am on I-90 rolling down the road from Billings to Buffalo and up ahead is the Welcome to Wyoming sign, and on the radio, here comes that driving guitar again "Ohhhhhhhhhhh no, ohhhhhhhhhhh yeah, yeah, yeah, your not the one for me" I turned it up, I made a mental note to find out about that song.
The other week I was listening to KFOG out of San Francisco on my laptop and here it come, I recognized it on the first note. It is "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" by K.T. Tunstall, a talented woman I think from the UK, it has been a while since I read up on her. I ordered the cd, and here are the words to the song:
two, three, four
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
well my heart knows me better than i know myself
so i'm gonna let it do all the talking.
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
i came across a place in the middle of nowhere
with a big black horse and a cherry tree.
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
i fell in fear, upon my back
i said don't look back, just keep on walking.
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
when the big black horse that looked this way,
said hey lady, will you marry me?
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
but i said no, no, no,no-no-no
i said no, no, you're not the one for me
no, no, no,no-no-no
i said no, no, you're not the one for me
(ooooo,woo-hoo)
and my heart had a problem, in the early hours,
so it stopped it dead for a beat or two.
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
but i cut some cord, and i shouldn't have done that,
and it won't forgive me after all these years
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
so i sent her to a place in the middle of nowhere
with a big black horse and a cherry tree.
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
now it won't come back , cause it's oh so happy
and now i've got a hole for the world to see
(woo-hoo,woo-hoo)
but it said no, no, no,no-no-no
i said no, no, you're not the one for me
no, no, no,no-no-no
said no, no, you're not the one for me
(ooooo,woo-hoo) (not the one for me, yeah)
(ooooo,woo-hoo)
said no,no, no,no, no, no, no
you're not the one for me
said no,no, no,no, no, no, no
you're not the one for me
big black horse and a cherry tree
i can't quite get there cause they've all forsken me
big black horse and a cherry tree
i can't quite get there cause they've all forsken me
Today I stopped by the P.O. and there was the cd, I popped it in and headed to the office. Even on a monday in the humid southeast I was transported, I was headed to meet my friends in Wyoming. If you get a chance take a listen.
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I could read your wonderful stories all day long!
You are a great storyteller.
(http://www.artprints.com/images/ARTISTS/111-terpning/large/111-176.jpg)
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Its because me people were from Kerry. ;)
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(http://www.photoatlas.com/photo/irland_ring_of_kerry_02.jpg)
Well that certainly explains "The gift of gab"... :laugh:
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Ain't that the truth. I knew you were Irish, and knew you would know Kerry people are the kind that follow you down the driveway as you are trying to leave, telling you one more thing. :laugh:
In 1996 I went to Eire and my friend Eileen asked me to carry her Auntie Eilo in Killarney several cartons of cigs. I carried them for days before we got to Killarney and I walked over to her house with the bags and knocked on her door and she opened it and looked at me and said: "You must be the one".
She went on to tell me this wild tale about her late sister having an affair with a priest. She said they were in Austria and were captured by the Nazi's and murdered. I was shocked. When I got home I asked Eileen about it and said "that's B.S.! they were run over by a trolley in Brooklyn!"
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Last night we were down in the basement and noticed there was a cricket up in the globe of a floor lamp. We undid it and walked him outside and "freed" him to be with the other crickets.
I says: "Can you imagine the tale he is gone tell the other crickets?"
"All my life they promised me, go to the light and your going to have sex! Well, I went all the way to the light, I was there, you couldn't get any closer to the light than I was and there was no sex going on, there were no other crickets there, just a dead moth and some dust!"
And all the crickets in the neighborhood turned nihlistic and filled up on cheesecake.
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Ain't that the truth. I knew you were Irish, and knew you would know Kerry people are the kind that follow you down the driveway as you are trying to leave, telling you one more thing. :laugh:
In 1996 I went to Eire and my friend Eileen asked me to carry her Auntie Eilo in Killarney several cartons of cigs. I carried them for days before we got to Killarney and I walked over to her house with the bags and knocked on her door and she opened it and looked at me and said: "You must be the one".
She went on to tell me this wild tale about her late sister having an affair with a priest. She said they were in Austria and were captured by the Nazi's and murdered. I was shocked. When I got home I asked Eileen about it and said "that's B.S.! they were run over by a trolley in Brooklyn!"
Ain't that the truth. Some members of my family are like Auntie Ello .Oh the stories! But not an ounce of truth to any of them. But damn good entertainment! It's easy to confuse them if you wait long enough and then ask them" what ever happened to..."
My family is from Dublin and Kildare. For the most part I still have four times the amount of kin there than I do here. With a few scattered throughout England.
you have got to excuse my sterotyping ,but, Shakestheground sounds like an Indian name to me. I did picture you to be an American Indian. I must of watched Dances with Wolves to many times.
but please keep your wonderfully entertaining tales up. Even though I live Irish, i do believe yours to be true!
Geri
(http://www.12travel.com/goto/ie_maps/Ireland/IRELAND.jpeg)
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I am just a small bit Indian, any tibal affiliation long lost from generations of denial. The closest I get to it are a great great great great grandmother from southern Pittsylvania County Virginia named Rachel Leonard. The tribe that lived here were the Saura. There is a native decended community nearby, in Goingstown. I don't consider myself to be native american, but I honor that part of me best. It in some ways becomes a place you can direct your pride when you can't exactly be "out".
We got us some stories, don't we?
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we sure do! :laugh:
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Maybe I'll have some more stories when I get back. We are going to leave tonight to go to the beach for Labor Day, driving at night thru the eye of tropical depression Earnesto to emerge on the far side, hopefully radiant in the morning sun.
We both had been to this island were going to before as kids, the place was full of fishing shacks and junk cars, understand it has been cleaned up. Wher eis my metal detector? Hope everyone has a nice relaxing and long holliday weekend.
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Oh so this is where the Irish come to meet. My family's from Clare, all wild green hills and windswept for miles. My Dad is full of the blarney, why tell the truth if you can tell a tall tale instead, but we all know there's a nugget of truth in there somewhere.
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Law, and you know what the county seat of Clare is: Ennis!
Yeah, if you look for the truth in something you may be looking for a while, if you look for meaning the meaning will change. If your looking for a good time, its all around you.
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You made me think of a quote Shakes...
"What is happiness? ......To have achieved one's longing, yes. But also, when one hasn't a thought beyond what to do next minute; one looks back after and there it was"
From The Persian Boy by Mary Renault.
that book is full of wisdom...
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I will have to read that one. I started reading a very dull biography of J. Edgar Hoover that I think is going back on ths shelf.
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Man the Tuesday after Labor Day is always like a double Monday. Glad I finally reached the end of it so I could get back here and catch up with the board.
We went down to Core Banks for the holliday. It is on the southern most point of North Carolina's outter banks, the barrier islands that give it its eastern shape. We had both been there seperatly when we were younger, 30 years ago, seperatly before we ever met. In those days fishermen rented a fishing shack for a dollar a year and brought their old junk cars down there on the ferry. The place was littered with car carcasses in those days. When they quit running they just left them to catch the blowing sand and make a toxic sand dune.
Much different place today, the federal government came in and cleaned up the cars (well most of them) and tore down the fishing shacks. They were replaced with modern cabin with running water, a gas stove and water heater so you can have a shower, and a little house to park your generator if you want electricity.
We took off on Thursday evening, after dark driving into the outer edge of tropical storm Ernesto, a harrowing experence. By 11 pm the rain was coming 50 miles an hour sideways at us. The storm drains were small lakes and we were hydroplaining. Cars were only ocassionally going the other direction. It became Friday, and on the radio Madonna sang "Like a prayer" Yep that was us, and soon it was followed by "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree"
We stayed the night in Morehead City, and rose the next morning to drive the final hour to the ferry. A few branches down, all the numbers from the gas prices were gone, and the coast guard was not letting the ferries run until 3:30 pm. Nothing was open, there was no electricity. All the stores were full of people standing around, starting their holliday early.
Once we backed the jeep onto the island from the teeny-tiny boat, we checked with the ranger, who told us we didn't need a key, he'd already unlocked it for us. If we locked it we would have to find him to get back in. Imagine a place where you are encouraged to leave the doors unlocked. The weather cleared up and we had two wonderful sunny days among fishermen and their "sand yachts" big giant Winnebago type campers with attacked porches and racks to carry their cans of gas.
Our first trip to the beach, a mere hundred yards from the cabin door we saw on the beach an 8 cyl. engine and a frame exposed on the beach by the storm. Marveled at it, like it was our confirmation we were in the right place, just for a bit, the next day it was barely visable, the next day it was gone entirely.
Having knocked out one in a series of Coronas, I filled the bottle with sea water and then dribbled sand into it, the escaping water loosining the sand in my hand to feed the bottle. I resolved to take it home and let it dry and have a sand painting of the tan and black sand as it had settled.
Last morning I threw my back out, no I was just putting on my underware! It was murder, but at least it happened at then end of the trip. The older I get the more I start to worry about things giving out on me. I was able to drive most of the way home, recalling what things looked like in the driving rain. Touring Beauford and Havelock, such a nice spot on the map.
This morning I looked at my bottle of sand and saw a tiny creature swimming in the water at the top. Guiltily I had no idea what to do, not like I could just let it go in my yard. Amazed that such a tiny life could have slipped thru my hand undetected into a beer bottle.
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I think more about getting on a horse. I have fallen off before...been thrown off.
when I was young it hurt but now I think..what if I really get hurt? Will I be handicapped or killed?...it has become something I think about.
Just don't feel as invincible anymore..
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It is a battle, fighting against your own enlightenment to do the things you once did. When I was a kid I would scoff at the "old people" admonishing me to be careful. I know what they mean now.
I could be in better shape than I am, maybe these things would happen less frequently. The days drift by like forgotten resolution about going to the track and walking. Labor Day has come and gone, the cooler days of autumn I anticipate with relish, which I understand they put on hot dogs insted of chilli where I am headed.
The maple leaves are already crumbling brown in my drive way, how does the stem of one always get wedged in something, flapping down the road to 45 mph when it crumbles or escapes. Would that some of the baggage of life fall always so easily, cares out run like the neighbors dog.
If I were there Jess, I would give you a boost on that horse, and would help you up when you fell off.
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Mmmmm, your stories are like a little trip to the beach for all of us Truman! Thanks for bringing us in on it. :)
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It is a battle, fighting against your own enlightenment to do the things you once did. When I was a kid I would scoff at the "old people" admonishing me to be careful. I know what they mean now.
I could be in better shape than I am, maybe these things would happen less frequently. The days drift by like forgotten resolution about going to the track and walking. Labor Day has come and gone, the cooler days of autumn I anticipate with relish, which I understand they put on hot dogs insted of chilli where I am headed.
The maple leaves are already crumbling brown in my drive way, how does the stem of one always get wedged in something, flapping down the road to 45 mph when it crumbles or escapes. Would that some of the baggage of life fall always so easily, cares out run like the neighbors dog.
If I were there Jess, I would give you a boost on that horse, and would help you up when you fell off.
Truman, how beautiful...and that last? Made me cry for some reason....you have SUCH a gentle, kind soul...
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I think you do too, Jess, I think about everyone here does for that matter.
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It is a battle, fighting against your own enlightenment to do the things you once did. When I was a kid I would scoff at the "old people" admonishing me to be careful. I know what they mean now.
I could be in better shape than I am, maybe these things would happen less frequently. The days drift by like forgotten resolution about going to the track and walking. Labor Day has come and gone, the cooler days of autumn I anticipate with relish, which I understand they put on hot dogs insted of chilli where I am headed.
The maple leaves are already crumbling brown in my drive way, how does the stem of one always get wedged in something, flapping down the road to 45 mph when it crumbles or escapes. Would that some of the baggage of life fall always so easily, cares out run like the neighbors dog.
I know what you mean. I am 38 and I already have started to be fearful of things I use to do all the time. I have developed a horrible fear of hieghts that I never had before. I wake up in the night sometimes feeling like i'm falling .I always enjoyed amusement parks that had the tallest and fastest rollercoasters on the planet. Now I break out in a cold sweat thinking of them. I have also become a slower driver. I was never fearful on the highways before. I am always thinking of accidents now.i dont know maybe I have just grown up. But i do find it sad to do so sometimes.
this beautiful post has made feel depressed for some reason. Maybe because it is turning into Autumn once again. I always feel a loss at this time of year. I know it has a name; Seasonal Affective Disorder. It does feel Like something is over. gone. And that's something I didn't have when I was younger either. Its weird ,and I don't like the feeling at all.
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Yeah, summer is so hot and miserable and when it is over, it is like gloom and doom.
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Recently I wrote about seeing the Robin William movie The Night Listener. It is based on the Armisted Maupin novel about a writer who is apprently duped into beliving a book he had reviewed has been written by a 14 year old AIDS victim. Williams' character, Gabriel Noone, has only spoken on the phone with the boy, and the question gets raised, and all breaks loose.
This past week something similar hit close to home. I received an email informing me of the passing of someone I had never met, but whose online company I had enjoyed. Said email also planted a seed I wish it hadn't.
As I have come to look at things: the difference betwixt what I know and what I believe, and there is not so much distance betwixt the two. They are such subtle differences that I can pass over the boundry like driving a car onto a bridge. It got me to thinking what do I know and believe this time.
I know: there is a presence gone from my life, small inside, but appreciated.
I believe: that presence entertained and informed many.
I know: this presence generated alot of warm wishes and healing energy. I learned ways of visualization that I will use again.
I believe: healing energy is not wasted. The universe will benefit from it all.
I know: I once fell in love with two young men who never existed, but were composits of so many others.
I believe: love is not wasted by the universe.
And with that, I look forward to the weekend.
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I believe: healing energy is not wasted. The universe will benefit from it all.
I believe: love is not wasted by the universe.
Perfectly put.
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I read the other day on Chez Tremblay that Equality Wyoming was sponcering a talk in which Annie Proulx would be one of the lecturers in October, in Laramie I believe. Man, what I wouldn't give to go to that, a third trip to Wyoming this year. I thought of the possibility of swinging it and the travel elf on my shoulder sat down and looked very weary. The finance fairy turned the page on his newspaper, not even offering an opinion.
"I hope wyo_men goes", I thought. I hope he gets to see her and ask her a question. I hoped maybe the program would be tapped. Wow, to see Annie Proulx.
Then Sunday, I was scrolling down Chez Tremblay, having been away from the net all day Saturday and lo and behold, Adrian Del Mar posted that Proulx would be giving a lecture at Davidson College in North Carolina, this coming Thursday evening, easily within driving distance for me.
WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am going to see Annie Proulx in person! I am going to get to hear her speak and hopefully get to speak to her and get a book signed. I don't know what to expect, she is giving a lecture in a named series, have no idea what she will talk about, and I am only hoping she will take questions.
If I get to stand in front of a microphone and ask this woman a question, I think I would ask about Lightnin' Flat. I would quickly tell her I went there with friends, saw the Rocky Point Cemetary and the abandoned house, and ask her if she, too, had see these places, were they what she pictured when she wrote of Ennis traveling to the Twists to ask for Jack's ashes. I will hope I can get it all out.
But I want to ask you all, I am open to suggestions, tell me, if you get the chance, what would you ask Annie Proulx? About Brokeback or anything else she has written, or about what she thinks on other topics. Post it here, or pm me, I'll be headed south about 5 pm on the 14th. Say if your there.
Additionally, wyo_men emailed me and someothers an article about an appearance she is making at a Methodist Church, she is apparently on tour. Any idea how to find out when and where she will be? That would be some useful information for Brokies for sure.
Malayse, get outta my way, I gotta find me good shoes.
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ADRIAN!}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
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That would be my no. 1 question. Will be very surprised is the answer is not "yes."
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What I have learned so far is that all the tix are gone for the hall where she will speak, but I can watch from a remote location and still get to meet her at the reception following.
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oh I am so glad you get to go!
I would ask about the old cowboy that inspired the story...she had said she had seen him around....wonder about him..
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Truman, I've been perusing your wonderful thread off and on this summer, and I happened to be reading it yesterday when you mentioned going to see Annie on Thursday and wondering about other places she might be speaking. On a whim, I checked her website, and then e-mailed her agent, who luckily answered me with "I don't know of anything, except her appearance in NYC at the Guggenheim on Tuesday night."
I was :o
Today, John Gallagher bought four tickets for me, newyearsday, JCinNYC and himself to see her tonight!
Thank you, Truman! We'll report tonight or tomorrow. :-*
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Ain't that just amazing! It's like clicking the heals of the ruby slippers together three time and poof! She appears! Can't wait to hear how it went, it is now 10:12 pm and I imagine it is about at an end.
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she better come back!! tonight!
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I'm back from our evening with Annie! :D
We had a great time. The Guggenheim brochure said she would be discussing the West as "regional and cultural space," as a complement to their new Jackson Pollock exhibit (Pollock often described himself as being from Wyoming). What she actually ended up doing was presenting her ideas on how much she thought Pollock's art had been influenced by Native American art. She made a pretty interesting case for it, and I hope somebody who's an expert in Native American art does some more research on it to back her up.
She was very articulate and poised, not at all like a folksy Wyoming lady (she was born on the East Coast) and wore a nice black pantsuit. She looks younger than her 71 (?) years. The program lasted about an hour and a half, and the audience asked some questions. "Brokeback" didn't come up, unfortunately, since that wasn't the subject.
Afterwards, we saw that people were lining up to speak to her, so Jenny and I decided to go for it. Jenny got to mention her T-shirt line and received Annie's OK to use her words ("you do what you want"). She told her she's trying to distance herself from "Brokeback Mountain" and move on to other things. I shook her hand and thanked her for the talk and also for writing "Brokeback Mountain." She was kind enough to autograph my copy of "Story to Screenplay" (her signature is teensy!).
Jenny, John, Juan and I went looking for a place to eat after the lecture, and what did we find but a Jackson Hole hamburger joint! So we ate huge burgers and contentedly talked "Brokeback" for an hour.
I hope you're able to see Annie and talk to her on Thursday, Truman. Thanks again for the kick in the arse--without it I wouldn't be writing this report! 8)
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*sigh*
perfect...thank you!!
(except the part about distancing herself from BBM!!)
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I imagine she has tired of BBM, she has lived with it longer than anyone else, plus she is a creator, she needs to move on to other things. I think I will gague how it goes, if she lectures for an hour about the fiber content of shoe laces in outer mongolia, I feel somewhat obligated to ask her some kind of half way intelligent question about ilets.
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Truman = ever the gentleman!
:-* :-*
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I imagine she has tired of BBM, she has lived with it longer than anyone else, plus she is a creator, she needs to move on to other things. I think I will gague how it goes, if she lectures for an hour about the fiber content of shoe laces in outer mongolia, I feel somewhat obligated to ask her some kind of half way intelligent question about ilets.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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My partner plays guitar, and plays it well.
His father scoffed at him and his brother when they first took it up, saying no one in their family had any musical talent. He didn't maintain that position long. They get together often with friends and play everthing from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Zappa, with heavy doses of the Beatles and CSNY and when the alcohol content reaches critical mass, Methodist hymms.
Last Thursday I was on my lap top and he asked me to play him the first song I ever bought from i-tunes:
"Cowboys are Frequetly Secretly (Fond of Each Other)" recorded by Willie Nelson and release last Valentine's day, 2006. He sat there with his guitar and learned that song in 30 minutes. I learned where to restart it to get that riff between verses, Willie's funky way of playing. He sounded damn good.
Friday night his son came for a visit, brought his bass, and his brother came over with his guitar and he said "I got a song I want us to learn" and he played it. I took pictures so he could see their reaction later. His brother, when concluded, said: "That's Willie Nelson".
The next day partner and son go to the music store to buy strings. They know eveyone there, and everyone they (thought) they knew them. A buddy who works there, who used to be in a band with him, told him to try out this guitar and he did, strumming and then softly singing:
"There's many a strange impulse out on the plains of west Texas,
There's many a young boy who feels things he can't comprehend."
His buddy of 30+ years said: "Ain't that that Brokback Willie song?" and he said it was, and started over, singing them a few more lines. He asked his son (who was standing behind him) what he thought about it and he said:
"Oh I moved closer to you."
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I would ask about the old cowboy that inspired the story...she had said she had seen him around....wonder about him..
My question would pertain to this general subject as well. More specifically, I am curious to know more detail about the bar and the specific time that Annie encountered this older gentleman who inspired the story. As a time-saving measure, let me direct you to a post made by Natali where she shared the story in Annie's own words:
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=4510.msg87117#msg87117 (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=4510.msg87117#msg87117)
In the same thread in which that post appears, I made the following response, which contains the question about which I am curious:
It was 1995 and Proulx, who lives in Wyoming, visited a crowded bar near the Montana border.
It just occurred to me that this nameless Wyoming bar has become sacred ground of no little significance. It was the scene of the first flash of divine inspiration, and saw the shades of Ennis and Jack gain refuge within Annie's mind and heart. If others knew the location, it would become a locus of pilgrimage as charged and meaningful as any other in Wyoming, or any of the Alberta sites associated with the film.
Our fellow member shakestheground plans on hearing Annie speak in North Carolina in the near future. He asked others to post or PM him if they had any particular questions they would like addressed to the author, assuming that he is able to meet and speak with her. I think I will submit this one, however trivial it might appear to some: What was the name and more precise location of that bar, and if possible, what was the exact date of that fateful 1995 visit?
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In regard to the post I made above this one, I just read a contribution by Mel to the thread I cited there, where she asserts that the bar was located in Sheridan, Wyoming. That narrows it down by quite a bit.
Edit:Mel directed me to the following post made by Adrian, where he states that the bar is called the "Mint", and is located in Sheridan:
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=4224.msg84557#msg84557 (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=4224.msg84557#msg84557)
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Perhaps this will help you. It's a post made by Toast in the "ABCz of BBM" game, reply #3405.
(http://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/mintbar05.jpg)
The Mint Bar
151 North Main Street
Sheridan, Wyoming 82801
Annie Proulx discusses where the character Ennis was created:
"But the incident that actually made me start writing it was one night when I was in a bar in Sheridan, Wyoming—the Mint bar. There was a ranch hand I used to see. This guy was back leaning against the wall by the pool tables. The bar was packed with good-looking women, and he wasn’t looking at them—he was watching the guys….He was about sixty, and he watched them with a kind of subdued hunger that made me wonder if he was country gay."
She counted back from his age and decided to set the story in the ‘60s, when he would have been a young man.
NewWest (http://www.newwest.net/index.php/main/article/4463/)
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That is WAY COOL, Fran! Thank you so much! :D :D
Dreaming of Wyoming,
Scott
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It might not look like it, but the clift notes version of see Annie Proulx is over at Chez Tremblay. I may write a longer piece about it here this weekend. I am infused alright, I could have pawed the orange out of the crescent moon last night driving back.
Thank you for the information on the Mint Bar, we were a short distance front there, Wayne flew in and out of there, but we didn't know to go.
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I wonder if the guy in the bar got to see the movie. I know it didn't play at many places in Wyoming -- most were too small of markets for an independent film. I wonder if he has access to a DVD and a DVD player.
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Mel, I'm curious about that too. Does this man have any idea of the impact he has made on so many people? Is there some elderly ranch hand in the Sheridan area who has read any of these stories, and is wondering, rightly or wrongly, if he is the guy? What a remarkable, if unintended distinction that would be. I really do hope that he encountered the story in some form, and that he has attained some kind of peace.
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In reply to the film playing in Wyoming, it did get seen. When we were there Dana told us about the theaters in Riverton, initally they would not show it. A group chartered a bus to take them to Theromoplois to see it and on the way there there was drinks and laughter and on the way back tears and sadness.
Joe had talked to a theater owner in Buffalo about showing it, we went another route, but the owner told him he had got a lot of callto not show the film but was determined to anyway. When he got it as a second run it did better than Mission Impossible did as a first run.
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I wrote a few weeks ago about the cricket that went all the way to the light and lived to tell about it. I wondered how I could compare that to meeting Annie Proulx, nothing so dramatic, but it was a good experence, th emoderate amount of "I wish I had done X differently" but all in all it added to me rather than being anticlimactic.
Driving down the road to Davidson I popped in my "Wings Remix" CD I just acquired. At first I was like "uh, I dunno", but driving on I40 at 80 mph changed all that. Good travelling music, good dance music. It added the flavor of a soundtrack over my on life, like I was taking a step back and watching me thru a camera lens. Ah, the inate gay ability to be dramatic. I was going to the mountain to hear the goddess speak in a way.
The reality is Annie Proulx is a very plain woman with a very beautiful mind. If you read her biography on her website you know she has had her share of ups and downs, and had suceeded largely to two things: She never gave up, and she has had a long life.
Thought I was watching her on a screen, she came out and sat in that chair and with her text in her lap, she foulded her hands in front of her and bowed her head. As she was being introduce she kept her head down, but when something amusing was said she would rise up and smile the smile of a country woman, teethy and broad, and would fade back into herself. Speaking, she was hunched over her papers, close to them and the microphone, no eye contact with the audience, exect when a cell phone when off. She read her wors, told her story and andswered her questions. There was no pretense about her, no drama, no pounding rhythm except that of her heart.
She is the most unlikely person to have ever written the things she has. Agnis Hamm uninating on her half brother/molesters ashes, where in this lanky woman did such a thing come from? One of the questions I did not hear but read about later in the Charlotte Observer article was how she could get in the head of a gay 19 year old, she replied "we all have our secrets". Reminded me of Rose dawson explaining to her granddaughter in "Titanic" that a woman heart is a deep place. So it is. Thankful I am of it.
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It amuses me when people say that a straight woman should not have written such a thing about gay men...what does she know?
but if we only wrote about what we experience and we know then think how many wonderful things we would not have...
Jules Verne never went in a submarine, never went to the moon...Shakespeare was never a woman yet his Juliete is considered a icon....people have written about other sexes and things they never did themselves for as long as people have been telling stories. The things that connect us are much stronger than the things that seperate us. We have more in common than differences.
once in a great while a writer is touched by a special story....when that golden moment happens, the writers circumstances are immaterial...
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What a beautiful description of your meeting with Annie at Davidson! Thanks for writing it - it almost feels as if I were there with you, watching her. It makes you believe that we all have unplumbed depths and should never ever give up on our aspirations and dreams, far-fetched or normal as they may be.
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Amazing Shakes. I felt like I was there, wonderful discription!
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I agree with you Jess. One of the worst myths foisted on writers is the adage to "Write what you know" IMO. Didn't that start around the time of Louisa May Alcott? We mostly underestimate the power of imagination except for a few stalwart spirits like Walt Disney, Jack, Annie Proulx, Ang Lee, George Lucas, Tolkien, etc. Some really powerful minds with an accompanying belief in oneself. It's humbling and astounding to read and view them.
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It amuses me when people say that a straight woman should not have written such a thing about gay men...what does she know?
.....
once in a great while a writer is touched by a special story....when that golden moment happens, the writers circumstances are immaterial...
You are right, there are somethings that are universal, like loving another person, finding sexual gratification, experencing loss. She said she spent twice as long writing this story, and it shows, she is determined to get it right before she lets it go.
She told in her lecture she had sent BBM to the publisher and had to call and tell them to hold up, it needed one more line at the end. Apparently it had ended with the pillow sometimes wet, sometimes the sheets. She then felt she needed to add there was some space between what he knew and what he tried to believe.
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Boston approacheth. I am startin' to get excited. I am going to see my "old" friends Judy and Joe, II. I am going to get to meet some of you all I have conversed with, making my vague online personality association a full fledged, tactile experence. Such a gratifying experence.
I was watching the movie Sunday night, it was unlike any other time I have seen it, and I am kind of at a loss to explain why. Something, a seed change must have occured in my psyche, which is alright. I look forward to being in a room full of people once again, watching it on a fairly big screen. Look forward to the fellowship, the excange of ideas, the broadening of horizons.
One of the paths I would like to pursue with this now is to identify the place Proulx wrote Brokeback Mountain. I think this needs to be honored as a historical place in the future. I have also given some thought to the identity of the man in the bar she say that started her on this path we are now all on. I have mixed feeling about this. On one hand he is very important and on the other, should his identity become known, even to friendly folk, it might turn his world upside down. I imagine the only person who might know who he is is Proulx herself, and there is no gurantee of that. She might have just seen him around and not known what his name was. Then we would have a mystery for the ages.
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I am on the board of my local library system and I was so pleased today to walk in and see the new titles added was the "Confession" of forer NJ Gov. Jim McGreevey. (?sp) and beside it what made me heart skipp a beat:
An outline for the case for the impeachment for the current President of the U.S. It is long over due.
Yeah, I'll get the title.
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I am on the board of my local library system and I was so pleased today to walk in and see the new titles added was the "Confession" of forer NJ Gov. Jim McGreevey. (?sp) and beside it what made me heart skipp a beat:
An outline for the case for the impeachment for the current President of the U.S. It is long over due.
Yeah, I'll get the title.
I was thinking about Mr. McGreevey...he was on Fox tonight did anyone see it?
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It might not look like it, but the clift notes version of see Annie Proulx is over at Chez Tremblay. I may write a longer piece about it here this weekend. I am infused alright, I could have pawed the orange out of the crescent moon last night driving back.
Thank you for the information on the Mint Bar, we were a short distance front there, Wayne flew in and out of there, but we didn't know to go.
Yes, what a great pic!! Too bad we didn't know to go! :) Oh well, next time!
And thanks so much Truman for the story of seeing Annie in NC ... I wish I could have gone too! :-/
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Shakes.....Dont know if you have gone yet....but before you go, just wanted to tell you, that after all this bloody time, I finally came into your blog.....dont know why i havent been here before....but now im here, you might be sorry....anyway......I have just decided, that while you are away, I am gonna read your blog from the first post to the last, and then after that, I might feel worthy of posting my two cents worth here.......
Have a great time in Boston, give judy, wulf, chris and lisa a big big aussie hug for me..........
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I did, I did, and received from Tamarac a wonderful harmonica and pin to wear until the pilgrimage to Alberta next year. It was so wonderful seeing Judy and Joe again, and meeting Wulf and Chris. (You Bet I am going to make sure they get to Alberta too!) They are the John Travoltas of the Contra Dancefloor.
Lynne, I am so sorry I didn't get to sign your book!
That is all from the Public Library in Rangeley Lakes, Maine, my 50th state! Lets go find some Chaudah!
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That is all from the Public Library in Rangeley Lakes, Maine, my 50th state! Lets go find some Chaudah!
Truman, now you'll need to start aiming for the U.S. territories. I've heard that Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands are beautiful.
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I did, I did, and received from Tamarac a wonderful harmonica and pin to wear until the pilgrimage to Alberta next year. It was so wonderful seeing Judy and Joe again, and meeting Wulf and Chris. (You Bet I am going to make sure they get to Alberta too!) They are the John Travoltas of the Contra Dancefloor.
Lynne, I am so sorry I didn't get to sign your book!
That is all from the Public Library in Rangeley Lakes, Maine, my 50th state! Lets go find some Chaudah!
who are the john travoltas of the contra dancefloor? lol Truman i want to say it was a fking pleasure to meet you ive talked to you off and on for a while and want to make sure we continue to talk you are one class act and very cute, kind, friendly, loving person and I for one am glad to have met you finally. i put my harmonica on top of my computer still in the box to remind me of the time in Boston
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Dear Truman,
I am so very happy that I got to meet you Saturday! Do not give the book another thought! I'll bring it to Alberta...I'll prob'ly be toting it around until someone tells me to stop it, already. ::)
My big regret is that I did not realize that you and your partner were splitting off after Contra dancing and that I wouldn't see you guys again that weekend!! Nevertheless, I loved meeting you, and I hope that your NE wilderness adventure is proceeding wonderfully. Is the foliage nice yet? There were some colors on the Blue Ridge Pkwy, which I took partway home, but it's still a bit early there. Post some pics if you get a chance!
One of the paths I would like to pursue with this now is to identify the place Proulx wrote Brokeback Mountain. I think this needs to be honored as a historical place in the future. I have also given some thought to the identity of the man in the bar she say that started her on this path we are now all on. I have mixed feeling about this. On one hand he is very important and on the other, should his identity become known, even to friendly folk, it might turn his world upside down. I imagine the only person who might know who he is is Proulx herself, and there is no gurantee of that. She might have just seen him around and not known what his name was. Then we would have a mystery for the ages.
I read somewhere that Annie saw the cowboy in a bar, noticed a 'look' [of regret? nostalgia?] at some other cowboy that she somehow 'read' and that her imagination took it from there, implying [to me] that Annie did not actually know him, or at least know him well. But I can't remember where I read that now. It may be in Movie Resources somewhere.
At any rate, the historical preservation project portion of this project sounds extremely worthwhile to me. I admit to having mixed feelings about identifying the man in the bar. Perhaps he should remain anonymous, even if we could track him down. He represents 'everyman' to a great extent. Of course, if he personally feels differently, that would be a different matter entirely.
If you want some help, post something on one of the main boards, solicit some volunteers, and delegate some work. I'd be willing to help in any way I can.
Best regards,
Lynne
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Oh, Truman, you're in the Rangely area! I grew up near there. There's really beautiful river gorge with the most amazing person-sized potholes in the stream bed, and gorgeous metamorphic rocks. I wish I could remember which river it's on -- it's a great spot, just below a picnic area, and sort of off the beaten path.
I haven't been back there in a long time. :(
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Truman, now you'll need to start aiming for the U.S. territories. I've heard that Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands are beautiful.
I was thinking wbout that this morning, trying to rememory all of them. American Samoa is waaaay out yonder.
Will try an spend some time on the board this evening, after three nights of camping we got a room in an old inn in Bar Harbor. It is like the Reyes Point of the east here, the end of the world. I can't rememory being this exhausted and fired up.
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I will say this about the LaFayette campground at Franconia Notch State Park in New Hampshire: It is a very nice place to stay if you are deaf. A nice wooded setting just across the creek from I-93, we did manage to hear a bard owl above the sound of the semis.
It was Sunday night and I was tried and worked up and flustrated. Sitting by the fire I let my eye travel into a chamber of pure flame, glowing red, I imagined what it would be like to travel into such a place.
I reached into me pocket and found the tissue I used at the Cooledge Theater when I saw Brokeback the day before. I cast it into the fire and watched it blaze out of existance, its smoke carrying with it a prayer of thanks to heaven, thanks for my friends, for the opportunity to spend time with them, and like LaShaun emerging from the powder room, rudely cut out.
The idea of seperate and unequal lives resonated thru me. It was like the time I had just spent in Boston was the special time, it was where I belonged. How long now, until Alberta, until a chance to reconnect again.
"You don't have to watch that fire" comes the voice from the tent.
"I know" I said, and under that I thought anyway: "I'd just as soon sleep in the car."
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very poetic truman
im very honored to call you a friend
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Shakes......is Alberta going to be in June or July?.....
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I believe it will be in July, or maybe there are two different trips. Lets send a message to Tamarack, she was up on it when I talked to her.
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Upon sneeking in the office this morning to see how backed up the work was, I found a package on me desk from the LBJ Library in Texas, the photo of Lyndon Johnson kissing his Daddy on the mouth has arrived and it is a hoot. I have already bought an inexpensive frame for it and look forward to the show and tell segment of the Tuesday office meeting.
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lol truman
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They look like a strange animal out of Greek mythology, if you stare at them long enough.
27 April 1937: Lyndon Baines Johnson leaves Austin, Texas for Washington, D.C. after his election to the United States Congress. He bids farewell from the back of a train car to his father, Sam Ealy Johnson, Jr.. The son is positioned above the father, they apparently clasp right hands, each uses their left hand to steady theirselves on the rail car, creating a whirlee-gig, with the bending of the elbows just so, reminescent of the flying feet of the Isle of Man. Each left hand bearing a wedding band. Father wears his brim low and tilts up his head as son leans down at a 45 degree angle, his hat in his steadying left hand to allow the camera man from the Austin Statesman to bullseye on their locked lips. The rest of the photo spins around this, so that if one were to put this image on a turn table, the result would be the endless ying yang progression of the noses of the future President of the United States, and his Daddy.
In the background a woman who can only be described as proud looks on with the slightest of smiles pursed upon her lips.
I first saw this image in college when I was studying for my bachelors degree in Photography, the art, as opposed to the trade. It was in some text somewhere, along with some article I scanned for an explaination. The article spoke to how social custom had changed from what the photograph as document spoke to that change. Perhaps it was not even a photographic text I was reading. So long ago now. I never forgot that image. I looked at it for a long time.
Never saw it again either until it recently dawned on me that I should contact the Johnson Presidential Library. Ever effiecient in their responce, a search was made, and a copy provided to me for a small fee. 8x10 Black and White Glossy, it arrived in the mail and was waiting for me on my desk upon my return from vacation.
Looking at it again for the first time in so many years, yes, it was the image I remembered, like an old friend come back to me, with explainations. What I look at now was not the cropped image in a text, but the full frame photograph, snapped no doubt, with a speed graphic press camera utilizing a flash bulb that erupted with a crackle and was then immediatly jettisoned to smash on the ground and be avoided by pedestrians for awhile as a dangerously hot piece of glass. Etched upon a 4x6 inch negative of panchromatic film with an ASA rating of 125. Rich in detail and gradation of shade.
I think the placement of the pressed lips of the two men was the photographers sole focus, a white point amidst shades of grey and black. The sceen may have been about a father bidding a son farewell, but the image itself is not. It was about two grown men kissing each other, on the mouth, in public, in Austin, Texas, in 1937. It got the phototgraphers attention, it got my attention a half a century later.
It serves too, to document that at that place and time it was an accepted custom, at least between fathers and sons, and their female relatives, to show effection by kissing. This in itself is an amazing and wonderful thing. It is evidence that what came later was not what had always been. The distance between men, reluctence to show emotion, or affection, so note worthy in the post World War II era, was not because that was the way it had always been. Hell no, its right here in black and white. There are religious sects in this country who have long practiced the Apostles kiss, similar to the one Judas is said to have given Jesus at his betrayal. I have long suspected a host of same sex practices like this have been condoned by involking the name of the carpenter.
And what of the act itself, the kiss, the symbolic breath of life, passed from old to young(er) and the closed eyes of at least the elder man, as if this is some dream come true. His boy has become a man, and is going off to congress. LBJ does not so much have his hat off to show off for the camera, he does not want to knock off the hat of his elderly father, and he himself, is already on the train, headed inside where any southern man of his generation would have immediatly removed his hat.
It is sweet to me in that they do resemble some kind of twisted, winged animal, in their pairing. Like together they will take off flying for Washington is some great wirlwind. The Texas farmer, and the man who will one day become one of the most powerful humans in the world. A kiss binds them together.
Image copywrite The Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library:
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Beautifully written, Truman, and a fascinating image. This kind of physical demonstration was alien to this particular Texas boy, who was city-raised by two people bred in the state's small towns. We have definitely, I think, become more neurotic as a culture in regard to the issue of touch, and have impoverished ourselves, in this supposedly sophisticated society, of this basic human resource.
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They look like a strange animal out of Greek mythology, if you stare at them long enough.
two grown men kissing each other, on the mouth, in public, in Austin, Texas, in 1937.
:) :-* :-*
They so sweeeeeeeet!!!
Thanks for sharing this with us Truman! Austin always was a progressive kinda town! ;D :-* :-*
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...its smoke carrying with it a prayer of thanks to heaven, thanks for my friends, for the opportunity to spend time with them...
The idea of seperate and unequal lives resonated thru me. It was like the time I had just spent in Boston was the special time, it was where I belonged. How long now, until Alberta, until a chance to reconnect again.
Friend, you truly have a way with words. I am so proud to know you.
It is roughly 42 weeks until Alberta, which I know because I started my serious training today, complete with an Excel worksheet to track my weekly progress. Clearly, that is too long to wait. Maybe we could think about a short weekend winter camp, somewhere in the Smoky Mountains or other middleway spot for the southeasterners? Something very simple and economical.
-Lynne
P.S. I love the picture of LBJ and his father; thank you for that. It makes a poweful statement about society then and acceptable ways of demonstrating affection compared with now. Simply wonderful. I know I've never kissed any family member on the lips in my lifetime.
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Wow! That was really amazing writing : ) I really enjoyed! Thanks for sharing the picture and the story.
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I love that picture......
I always feel when i see or have it done to me, a kiss on the lips, no matter who it is between, is so real.....it shows a lovely, true affection, as different from the "obligatory" air kisses that we see so often now.
When I see two people, kiss on the lips, it shows a strong bond, an unashamed, un embarrassing affection.....it is so strong, and looks really beautiful.
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Last night I saw our boy Heath in the movie "Lords of Dogtown". My goodness what a versitile actor he is, I almost didn't recognize him at first. Make me look forward to all the years of movies he can make.
I am in Bristol, Virginia this weekend for my alumni event. My friend who made all the arrangements called this morning and told me she would not be making it because her husband was sick. So, she is not here for me to complain about this overpriced SUITE she put me in with a balcony view of a very busy I-81. I'd rather make the most of this than someplaces I have been. These weekends are always interesting, to see who showes up and catch up on the gossip. Hope the sun comes out.
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The distance between men, reluctance to show emotion, or affection, so noteworthy in the post World War II era, was not because that was the way it had always been.
My father was born in rural Kentucky in the early twentieth century. He had a lot of the notions of that time and environment, one of which was that bringing up children was women's work. So I didn't talk with him very often as I grew up, though I listened at the dinner table. To his own father's way of thinking, boys were of no interest or use till they could do a full day's work in the fields. My father qualified that attitude to an extent--he was proud of being the first person in his family who went to college, and higher education was his chief ambition for my sister, my brother and me. However, he didn't think there would be much point in talking to me till I got it. So our relationship mostly began when I was an adult. A memory of him taking me for a ride on his shoulders once, lasted for my entire childhood.
As my father got older, his feelings for his children developed. He and my mother retired in the town my older sister had settled in, and he kept expressing the wish that my brother and I would both settle nearby, or at least in the same state. Neither of us did. I visited a few times a year. My father had begun intervening for the good in the lives of some of his neighbors. There was a boy he befriended and sponsored from the time he seemed to be in danger of drifting into crime until he grew up to became a school principal. There was a neighbor, a skilled mechanic who was gentlemanly until he drank, for whom my father gave character references in court. Both were grateful, constantly visiting him and doing kind things in return. The mechanic, T., often expressed regret that he saw me so seldom on visits to my father .
On my last visit before my father's death at an advanced age, we were sitting together on the back patio. He reached out and took my hand, and we sat together holding hands for several minutes. T. came up to us from across the lawn and his face immediately lit up when he saw us together. The three of us talked for some minutes while my father and I continued to hold hands. At last the moment passed.
A few months later my sister called to say that my father had died peacefully in his sleep.
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Goodness Andrew! Have to let that one sink in for a while... thanks for the story.
Hey there ol' Shakes! Hope you're having a good start to the weekend! Do you get Monday off? I'm gonna write my dissertation this weekend! :)
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Andrew.....omg...Andrew....finding words after reading what you wrote, is difficult....
My heart feels twice as big as it did before I read it....my eyes dont know whether to cry....
Your father......wow, what can I say.....just a nice man, doesnt sound good enough....very insightful, very compassionate, a good father.....gee, I dont know if thats enough.
How precious that you have that moment of you holding hands, to remember, I guess that that gesture said it all, said " I did my best"....said "i love you, son"....no doubt you will never forget that......while ever that is in your memory, your father will never be gone.
Thank you for sharing it with us, thank you for leaving me, personally, with the impression of that scene in my mind.......
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Thank you for sharing your wonderful story Andrew. It is amazing how we never stop growing and learning, and changing.
My father was an alcoholic, and growing up he was largely unapproachable. He had a ninth grade education and worked hard all his life. When I turned 20, the summer of 1983, he was sober, the whole summer. It was so nice to be able to relax and not have to worry about what he might say or do, not have to make excuses for him. I though "so this is how it could be."
It didn't last, he died in 1985 after his liver and kidneys gave out. A hundred people shook my hand that evening at the funeral home and told me what a wonderful man he was, how he had done so much good for people. It hurt because I knew it was true, and thanked them, it was pointless to protest.
After he died I found he had saved a wooden postcard I sent him a few years earlier, the kind you could hang on the wall that said something like "This block of wood is worthless, kind of like me without you" I had wanted to send him some smart aleck one, but my mother made me send the one I did. He dysfuntional way of keeping the peace. He had written on it my name and the date. It was one of those times after the funeral when you can give in to emotion and I did.
I guess the moral to the story is you should make the effort, it may pay off in ways you will never know.
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Shakes.....your story brought to mind a similar thing when we went to my Dad's place after he died.....
I found letters I had written him as a child, fathers day cards and photos that I had forgotten had ever been taken.......
I know this is probably common, that people keep these things, I am known as a hoarder of all things "memorabilia"....some things I have in a box, that I just move from house to house, things I have that my kids gave me when they were at school, their baby cards, even my engagement cards and wedding cards.....dont know why I have kept them, but cant seem to bring myself to throw them out.
Hopefully, when I am gone, and the kids find all these "treasures" it will give them a little laugh that their mum was such a "softie", but also remind them, how much all those little things were taken and kept as tokens of love.
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OMG,
In college,we drank. When we get back together, we drink. If I had one more drop last night I would be a mess today, insted I woke with a bit of fuzzyness, a vague recollection of hollering about Lightning Flat with a straight couple who loved BBM and a real need to tell the rest of my life, the worrisome details to go f'off. Reunion, is a wonderful thing.
Now, where is my chef's hat.....
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;D :)
(http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:mFI0hfZfuwjigM:http://chef2chef.net/features/chef-humor/smiley/smiley03.gif)
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OMG,
In college,we drank. When we get back together, we drink. If I had one more drop last night I would be a mess today, insted I woke with a bit of fuzzyness, a vague recollection of hollering about Lightning Flat with a straight couple who loved BBM and a real need to tell the rest of my life, the worrisome details to go f'off. Reunion, is a wonderful thing.
Now, where is my chef's hat.....
*gasp*
you drank in college??!! ;)
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<gasp> you drank lastnight !?
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*Jess with her hat in her hand...digging at the dirt with the toe of her boot*
Mr. Truman sir....me and Rick...we's real sorry we come in here and done stank up your nice thread...wont happen no more...will it, Rick??
Rick??
RICK??
*Jess looks around sees Rick done ran off to let her deal with Truman by herself*
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iz here mrs jess !
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"You are welcome" to come on my thread, stinking or not, anytime. You are my friends.
Two things fill my mind today, what is left of it. The first being the gossip and update on people unseen by me for two decades. I went to a very small Baptist affiliated school and we all knew one another. The folks I seen this weekend received a lot of confirmation from me that yes, they did know more about me than I'd ever admitted. It was wonderful, they had questions, they wanted to know about my life, etc. It was very gratifying.
The other is the Amish. I heard on a news report, and discussed with my old friends, that the families of the murdered school girls went to the family of thier killer and told them they forgave him, and went to his funeral. What a selfless act of compassion! They are free to greive their losses without the added burden of dealing with anger toward the killer. They can do that, I can certainly do the same on a smaller scale everyday.
Yes, I drank in college. I started drinking there at the age of 19 and told meself I was playing catch-up for years. Now I feel I just drink socially, but oh my how easy it would be to fall in that hole again.
My favorite memory of the weekend was telling two young sisters (in their early 20's) I once went to class where they were lecturing about nuclear war after dropping acid. I never laughed so inappropriatly in my life. The sisters were dumbfounded.
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"Two things fill my mind today, what is left of it. The first being the gossip and update on people unseen by me for two decades. I went to a very small Baptist affiliated school and we all knew one another. The folks I seen this weekend received a lot of confirmation from me that yes, they did know more about me than I'd ever admitted. It was wonderful, they had questions, they wanted to know about my life, etc. It was very gratifying."
thats great truman honestly
when/if my reuniuon comes up ill go proudly and tell them if they ask, or if im with someone ill take him with me, that all the rumors bout me were true if they dont like me after that then they can kiss my white arse cause i didnt get along really with my class anyway i was a outcast prtty much
"The other is the Amish. I heard on a news report, and discussed with my old friends, that the families of the murdered school girls went to the family of thier killer and told them they forgave him, and went to his funeral. What a selfless act of compassion! They are free to greive their losses without the added burden of dealing with anger toward the killer. They can do that, I can certainly do the same on a smaller scale everyday."
i dont th ink im big nuff to do something like this
makes me respect t hem though
"Yes, I drank in college. I started drinking there at the age of 19 and told meself I was playing catch-up for years. Now I feel I just drink socially, but oh my how easy it would be to fall in that hole again."
i started drinking around 20 and turned quickly into a alcoholic drunk everytnight had atleast 2 bottles of liquor in my freezer this went on for several years was the only way i could deal with life at the time one of my very few roomates once told me that when he came home and i was still alive he was surprised just a sad little chapter out of my life not to depress the thread lol
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You know it is strange, it is the third day now and I feel as damn depressed as hell. I need to get me some andorphins going quick. I think it is residual alcohol, plus the curve after euphoria, nothing good ever goes unanswered.
Alcoholism is a real problem for us. My drinking subsided proportionally to my on self acceptance and comming out. I think really it was an act of self medication to help me cope with lonliness, fear, etc. Not that I am so strong now, just in a better place. Except right at the moment. Can these idoits not see I am busy.
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which idiots? =P
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You know it is strange, it is the third day now and I feel as damn depressed as hell. I need to get me some andorphins going quick. I think it is residual alcohol, plus the curve after euphoria, nothing good ever goes unanswered.
Alcoholism is a real problem for us. My drinking subsided proportionally to my on self acceptance and comming out. I think really it was an act of self medication to help me cope with lonliness, fear, etc. Not that I am so strong now, just in a better place. Except right at the moment. Can these idoits not see I am busy.
{{{{{Truman}}}}}}}
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truman you can always call me if you stil have my number we can chat for a few sometimes it just takes a friendly voice to help
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Thank you, both, Wulf you are in my phone, as is Judy.
Speaking of which, please note that the United States Mail will deliver to al other places before delivering to Fieldale, Virginia. Everbody else got their calendar before me! I ended up feeling alot better after lunch. Now to get ready for the next road trip this weekend to South Carolina.
Takes a deep breath, dramatically.
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lol i wish icould travel as much as you =P need a travel buddy? =P :laugh:
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C'mon, and lets go! Dont need no map.
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just keep driving? hot damn ! im ready !
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I called my friend Dawn yesterday to remind her today the Kiwanis would be having pancake day, all day long. She said she would bring the peanut butter, I said I would bring real forks.
Dawn is orginally from Arkansas, where peanut butter on pancakes is apparently the norm. I had never heard of it, but I am glad I did. For 5 bucks we got three buttermilk pancakes smothered in melted butter, two pieces of greasy sausage and a drink. We parked her 2 month old daughter in her purambulator and smeared on the peanut butter while they were still hot and poured on the syrup and yum!
I wore the tightst pants I could today so I wouldn't go back for seconds. I am so ready for a nap now.
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ya those seconds woulda kiled you im sure ::)
pb on pancakes sounds rather.......................... odd
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pb on pancakes sounds rather.......................... odd
Sounds YUK !!......i like pancakes with lemon juice and sugar.......
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Peanut butter on pancakes makes for a really good change from the normal syrup. Especially when they are reallllllly hot and the peanut butter melts! YUM! And I'm from Michigan so I don't know how I got the peanut butter on pancakes bug! I've also been known to eat pancakes with strawberry jelly as well as chocolate syrup. All great alternatives to pancake syrup. I'd happily join in on a pancake and peanut butter gathering *lol*
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still sounds rather odd but maybe ill try it
i went to high school with a girl that dipped pringles chips in frosting
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Lemon juice and sugar, I'll have to ry that.
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Now to get ready for the next road trip this weekend to South Carolina.
:o Will you be visiting exotic West Columbia?!?!? Oh how I envy you Shakes!! :)
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I called my friend Dawn yesterday to remind her today the Kiwanis would be having pancake day, all day long. She said she would bring the peanut butter, I said I would bring real forks.
Dawn is orginally from Arkansas, where peanut butter on pancakes is apparently the norm. I had never heard of it, but I am glad I did. For 5 bucks we got three buttermilk pancakes smothered in melted butter, two pieces of greasy sausage and a drink. We parked her 2 month old daughter in her purambulator and smeared on the peanut butter while they were still hot and poured on the syrup and yum!
I wore the tightst pants I could today so I wouldn't go back for seconds. I am so ready for a nap now.
:D are they that bad? Pancake with peanut butter, i mean.
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i think he did that cause they were THAT GOOD lol wtf is truman anyway ! youll have to let me know when you get the thing i sent ya !
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Well Wulf, I ain't got it yet, but I am looking.
Now the pancakes with peanut butter, hell yeah, they are da bomb, Esp. when they are good and hot, remember it is peanut BUTTAH, and you can do lots of things with it.
;D
Now Katie really has my q-rosity up about how she eats them, perhaps she could expand on the process. (stomach growls)
But you know I was so bummed out last week and stressing and I was headed to Charleston on friday and it was like "Gloom and doom" all down the road to Walkertown, North Carolina and I stopped at this Wendy's that was bad in the weeds with the lunch crowd and I ordered a Chrispy Chicken Sammich and ended up with a Jr. Cheese Burger and I have been try to avoid red meat and I didn't even feel like going up and complaining about it so I ate it and DAMN! in ten minutes I felt like a million dollars. I had that MSG back in me and I was like "Hell Yeah! Let's go the Charleston!" It was a Miricle.
And please promise me you will go see Quinceanera. I think thats how you spel it, it is a tear jerker.
And Katie, would you send me a jar of Vegimite? Does it come in jars? Please, pretty please?
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http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809424704/info
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charleston where?
i just mailed it today before work so i hope only a few days before you git it
"Quinceanera" what is this ?
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Truman, firstly the pancakes......sprinkle the sugar all over the dry pancake, then squeeze the lemon juice over the sugar.....roll up, and eat..........
So where did you learn about vegemite?.......it is our favourite spread on toast or fresh bread here......
I did hear that they tried to introduce it over there, but it didnt work, because the yanks spread it on their bread or toast, like jam or jelly.......it is far too strong a taste for that......it is only spread very very lightly, just a touch of it, gives a lovely savoury flavour.....
Every house in australia would have a jar of vegemite.....and I would be happy to send you some.
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I heard of it from a song back in 1982, who sang it now I wonder:
"I said do you speak-a my language,
and he jus' smiled and gave me a Vegimite sandwich
I come from a land down under...."
I will try the pancakes this week, it might take some practice. :-X
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"Quinceanera" is a movie that is out now that centeres around a Mexicano family in Echo Park in Los Angeles. The main character is about to turn 15 and in her culture had a ceremony called a Quinceanera, the last "n" actually is an "eneay" with the tilda over it, but I dunno how to do that.
Anyway, her cousin, played by Jessie Garcia (who is from Riverton, Wyoming of all places) is gay and forced out of the house to live with an old uncle. It is partly in Spanish with American subtutles (I am sorry but I don't live in England) and it is a real tear jerker. I highly recommend it.
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Truman, that song was by an Aussie group called Men at Work, and the song, "I Come from a Land Down Under".....
Actually it became very popular at the time when Australia first won the America's Cup yacht race from America....it was like an unofficial national anthem for the event.....
Vegemite is a black savoury tasting spread.....the poms have a similar one called Marmite.....(but vegemite is nicer)......dont know what its made of, i did hear once it was made from the waste from the yeast after beer has been made, but im not too sure if thats true......all i know is that every child in australia grows up on vegemite....at least half of all the school kids would be taking it on their sandwiches for lunchtime......its also nice with a little bit of it wiped on a cheese sandwich too....
Let me know how the pancakes work out.......
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You're right Sue. Vegemite is made from yeast and it is an excellent source of one of the B group vitamins (I forget which one.). I don't like Marmite either, it's too sweet. Black gooey spreads should be tangy, not sweet!!
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ill have to catch thta movie sounds good
black gooey spreads? sounds nnnnnnnnnaaaaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssstttttttttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
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I rememory that yacht race, the media went nutz, you would have thought someone had broke into George Washington's grave and solt his teeth. They made the biggest damn deal over getting that cup back, the Captain was held up as some savior, meanwhile the rest of use went to work and wondered how to pay for our Betamax.
Now what is a Pom?
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Aw Shakes.......The Aussies won something from the Yanks....its like i mentioned in a post sometime back......little brother and big brother......and the Yanks had held the cup forever, so when us Aussies won it from you, we thought we were fantastic......
I think the following year or the year after, New Zealand won it off us, it hardly made the news here.
"pom" is what we refer to people from England.......now theres another case of little brother and big brother......seeing as most of us Aussies descended from English convicts who were sent over here to settle the country in the 1700's and 1800's.......
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Have you ever see "On The Beach" with Gregory Peck and Ava Gardner? I love that movie, love "Waltzing Matilda" too.
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Now Truman, you know Matilda is too young to go waltzing - hey now.
Maybe I'll just take her daddy instead. I could do that for you. Quite a sacrifice,
but for my friends, I would do that. Hmmmmmmmmmmm. [That Irish Ohio Woman ]
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mmmmhmmmmmm
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Judy! Hey! Matilda has a Daddy?
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His friend had told him he should read Jeb and Dash.
"It's about Washington when you lived there" he said.
John had been a widow for 5 years, after his partner of 49 years had died suddenly. He was helping to care for his mother who still read at the age of 104. After a year he got a copy from the library, it did not have a dust jacket so he did not see their photo in the cover.
As he read, he remembered. When Dash when on a Mule Boat trip to North Africa, he remembered his friend Perks had done the same thing. Then other things started ringing a bell. Then he began seeing himself in the story. He flipped to the photo section in the middle of the book and there sat his long dead friend Carter. There behind him, the bookshelves he had help build and paint. He phoned up the friend who had suggested the book at midnight: "I'm Little Nicky!" he cried.
And so the person behind the only character that dies in the book, was the only one left to contact Ina Russell thru her publisher. This man who for three years had shared a house with Jeb and Dash was not only living, he was flourishing. Ina photocopied all three years of her uncles diaries at that house and sent it to him. Like an old friend come back from the dead, the little man told his story again. The parties, the times he felt left out if he were not invited along, the sister who came to stay with her baby and the tub full of freshly washed diapers. John, at his desk, quietly annotating with his own notes, twenty pages of them.
When I began to research Jeb and Dash I picked up on references to him. A letter Dash wrote in 1938 about their epic road trip to South Dakota even spelled out who he was. Then in 2005 I was headed to Philadelphia for a reading of a play that had been created from the story. On the train from Washington my friend Brian (Mr. Movie) told me "He is supposed to be there tonight!" My god, this was too good to be true. I was going to meet someone who not only had known them, but been part of the story. I knew the moment I saw him enter the room. Dressed in a blue jacket and tie, identical to the actor on the stage playing Little Nicky, how weird was that.
I went up to him and searching for a way to break the ice I asked had he been the one who had gone to Hermosa, South Dakota in 1938 with two friends. Indeed he was, he could hardly remember now, except for the time they went skinny dipping and locus got on their clothers and ate small holes in them. I told him I had a letter at home detailing the trip, I would send him a copy. He reached into his jacket pocket, and drew out an envelope. Pictures, old black and white pictures of long dead friends, on the beach, in suit and tie.
John left Washington in 1940 to go home to Charleston, South Carolina to write a novel. Staying in a beach house with is Aunt, the 28 year old received a letter from a female acquaintance who told him of someone he had to meet. So, John dutifully wrote a letter to Edwin, and invited him to dinner. Edwin arrived on a borrowed motorcycle wearing white shorts. John's Aunt recognized him immediately, they often spoke to one another on the ferry. For John it was love at first sight, and for Edwin it was too.
But this was 1940, and like Ennis and Jack, the man writing a novel did not have the words to express his feelings, that he suspected were mutual. All summer they got along "like a house on fire", but could not connect beyond that. John finally told him: "I love someone but they don't know it". Edwin replied "Well you should tell her". Both standing at the brink, hand in hand, afraid to jump.
John proposed they go on a hiking trip to the Smokies. The power of the mountains, where ever they lay, would have to save them. There on Clingmans Dome, in the moon light, in the fall of 1940, "suspended above normal affairs" John and Edwin came together. Their ride would last for nearly five decades. Ah, the power of the mountains.
They knew the war was comming, and neither of them felt they would ever be able to kill anyone. It was decided that the navy was the safest place to be in time of war, and they went west, to New Mexico to join, because they didn't want to be inducted in the east and end up sitting in a boring office someplace. There were separations of many months at a time, coded messages that passed the eyes of their superiors. "I owe Joe a dollar, will you see he gets it?" meant John had been to Iwo Jima. When John developed a kidney problem in the south pacific, they sent him home.
In San Francisco they had briefly shared an apartment, and made a pact if they ever arrived there separately they would go to their old land lady for news of the other. This poor woman had lost two sons in the war, and welcomed John with open arms. Edwin was indeed there, gone out to the grocery store. She let him in the apartment and he waited. "I had to carry the news paper in front of me for a week" he told me.
After the war they returned to Charleston and opened the city's only bookstore, next to the College of Charleston. They never made much money, but they didn't smoke, only drank at home, and drove their one car until it had over 200,000 miles on it. Living frugally they we able to travel the world, all over Europe, Turkey, Iran, New Zealand, North and South America. Their bookstore saw the likes of Carson McCullars, Wanda Landowska, Anna Anderson Manahan (the woman who claimed to be Czarina Anastasia).
This past weekend, armed with John's handicapped parking permit, I scrambled to keep up with the 94 year old as he showed me the brick walkways his partner had laid down in the 1950's, their apartment in the old stables, the pedestrian walkways that were once College Place and Green Street. Showed me the quad in front of the main building at the College where his family had taken refuge from the earthquake in 1886. Showed me the house where his rich cousins lived, the ones who had taken his mother to see Sarah Bernhardt. He took me to see Quincerana, which he had hoped to get to see. We sat right thru the pounding Latin rap at the closing credits, wiping out eyes for this family that had been brought back together, both on the screen and in the audience.
"I'll stay here as long as I can" he told me. "As long as I got someone to take me places, I'll stay right here" Climbing steps to his front door, climbing steps to his living room, climbing to the third floor where his office is, he sits there now in front of a manual typewriter, still writing that novel.
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I got an email from my friend Vickie LaVern that had "Imo" in the subject line, so I knew she had a plan.
"go to the Snappy Lunch this Thursday something I've been aiming to do for 100 years and Imo just do it taking the day off" she said. I quickly emailed her back: "I'll meet you there if you like."
The Snappy Lunch (http://www.thesnappylunch.com/) is located in Mt. Airy, North Carolina, about an hours drive for both of us coming from different directions. Mt. Airy is the home town of Andy Griffith, and is plumb eat up with all things Mayberry. It has an active tourist driven downtown, but the Snappy Lunch predates TV.
As I was nearing town Vickie LaVern called me and told me the people she had encountered told her if we waited till noon we'd have a long wait, so we agreed to go right then and have lunch at 10:45 AM, we're always ready to eat. Even at this earlier time we had to stand in line 20 minutes to get a table near the photographs of Oprah Winfree's visit. While we were inline we marveled at the guy cooking pork chops on the grill in the front window. Nothing about the place was greasy spoon, they must clean it with degreaser every night.
We each had the fried pork chop sandwich with mustard, slaw and tomato, with a bag of chips and sweet tea, delicious! And the friendlies people you ever seen. I am glad we went early, a bus pulled up while we were there, full of pilgrims looking for the nearest approximation to their Brokeback.
The store windows were filled with photos of the cast of The Andy Griffith Show, there is Opie's candy store, Floyd's barber shop, and a vintage car fixed up like the Mayberry cruiser that you could tour the town with. We didn't do that.
Mt. Airy, North Carolina is also known for being the final resting place of the original Siamese Twins, Eng and Chang Bunker, and for their wide variety of oversized concrete lawn sculpture.
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We each had the fried pork chop sandwich with mustard, slaw and tomato, with a bag of chips and sweet tea,
OMG.......isnt that what killed Elvis.......
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Elvis probably downed his share, but I understand his all time favorite was deep friend peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Probably ddep freind in lard. Add to that an endless supply of barbituates. I wrote a really bad song about him once that had a line in it: "He fell off of the toilet seat and died for me and you."
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I wrote a really bad song about him once that had a line in it: "He fell off of the toilet seat and died for me and you."
You sure have a tender streak in ya, Truman...!!!!!
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Here are the not very helpful fruits of my research:
From Wikipedia:
The town dates from about 1840, when the Estill family, which owned considerable property in the area, donated a right-of-way for railroad construction. Mineral springs in the area had been long been known to the Native Americans. The combination of mineral water, which was much in vogue as a health remedy at the time, and convenient rail access caused the settlement to develop as a small-scale spa town and eventually gave it its name.
From the Chamber of Commerce:
As we begin, let me give you a brief history of our town. Estill Springs is the fourth largest town in historic Franklin County. Before 1840, the Estill family had acquired considerable property in and around the area that bears their name today. Frank Estill offered the railroad company a right-of-way for the construction of a railroad track through his land. After the railroad was completed about 1850, there was much attraction to the area.
The mineral springs were probably first discovered by the Cherokee Indians who inhabited the area and hunted along the Elk River. Originally, the springs contained Sulfur, Chalybeate, Limestone and freestone water. Those remaining springs are still the source of the town's water supply. Thus the name..... Estill Springs.
And from RootsWeb:
Frank Estill was a very prominent member of the Winchester bar for many years prior to his death.
So....not very interesting, I'm afraid...unless your friend was somehow a relative of this Frank Estill....
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Estill Springs is the fourth largest town in historic Franklin County.
:o It must be a very fine town indeed !! Lots of skyscrapers, a monorail, and international commerce! :)
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:o It must be a very fine town indeed !! Lots of skyscrapers, a monorail, and international commerce! :)
LOL Wayne...try two proper stoplights and two flashing yellows :). And Franklin County...don't even get me started...it has the honor of being the only county to secede from TN and join AL because TN wasn't joining the Confederacy fast enough. And naturally, there is a very nice marker commemorating this noble heritage on the courthouse square.
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:) Sounds like a sweet little town !! :)
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"If we're gonna be workin' together, we might as well start drinkin' together"
I remember those words come out of my TV months ago, as my eyes fixed on what my brain was catching up to. Two guys I didn't know from Adam, riding in a truck as one of them dubbed in: "If you can't fix it...."
You can go to the movie's websight now and watch the trailer, the faces of stern looking mechanics, persumably at a garage someplace. That has been the only place you'll see them, tantilizing clues we draw upon to try to make sense of what happend to our Jack. That is what they have become, our Jack and Ennis, who we have loved and cared about and cried over like they were our own children, our own lovers.
Now, the marketing people have promised us additional footage, "they" seeing a bottom line, "us" hearing a promise of answers. My expectation is that we will have access to a deleated sceen that will go into some detail about that last day and that flat tire. We will watch helplessly as he goes off with them, not knowing what danger he is in. In his world, we are the ghosts that can do nothing to stop the physical violence about to happen.
I am not looking forward to it. But it will be alright.
As I write in my own journal, I am always conscious that I am reporting to some unknown authority where I have been, what I have done, what I hope to do. I am conscious every time I close it that I am entering the dark, the land of the unknown, and whoever I am writing to will know nothing until I tell them. I know to one day I will not come back to tell anyone anything. I will go off into that dark and the reader will be left to piece together what happened. It is like when I lost my sister in the crash of a small plane some years ago now, I asked the authorities why there was no black box in her Cessna. It would double the price of the plane I was told. From my perspective, it didn't seem like that much of a burden, if I could have a few more clues.
I do look forward to the Hippy Rescue. While I think the story as written and as originally depicted on film is as perfect as you can get, I want to see this sceen. In all their time together we see Jack and Ennis in the company of only 4 other people, all known to at least Ennis: Aguirre, Alma, Alma Jr. and Jenny. Each of these encounters are brief. How are our two boys going to interact with a bunch of hippies in a (supposed on my part) stuck microbus. Is that were they got that joint?
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Hey, Shakes...
I can never (or rather don't want to) get over the profound effect of the two itinerant sheepherders going up on Brokeback and coming down forever transformed...I see what you mean, though, anticipating that scenes we've only had glimpses of in trailers or promo shots, are likely to be included uncut in deleted footage, and I'm afraid they may somehow taint/tarnish our understanding of the original as intended by Ang Lee. I firmly believe the original movie is the Director's Cut. My greatest wish is for a director's commentary to essentially reassure us that so much of what we've analyzed to the n-th degree these past months was, at his level also intentional, much as Annie Proulx responded to Lee/Front-Ranger, that the parallels with classical Greek mythology were intentional, for those familiar with the allusions.
I think you're prob'ly right to anticipate more graphic/explanatory details of Jack's death...especially with clues of the three mechancs having individual credits. It's going to be hard to prepare ourselves for that. I've always been in the camp that Jack died at the hands of homophobics because he was careless after he lost hope of a future with Ennis. But there's always been some ambiguity, and I think you're right to think that if there is additional footage of the events leading to Jack's death, it will serve to close - or at least narrow - that space between what we want to believe and what we know. For me that space wasn't very wide , but I know that others viewed it differently.
If there is the 'rescue' of the hippies included, I look forward to it also. The reporting about Schamus favoring the scene to show Ennis and Jack, interacting with and helping travelers, I think is probably accurate. It's classic Greek mythology, again, that one of the greatest goods a man can perform is to be a good host to travelers - the sacred guest/host relationship.
Of course, this is sight unseen, and may never be seen, but I keep thinking that it's the late 60's early 70's...If Jack and Ennis were born somewhere else or raised just a little bit differently, they could have been freer to head west (presumeably like the hippies) and start a new life together in the counter-culture movement that was going on at the time. Obviously, that's not the story...but it's, in a way, evocative of the bus station scene where the cowboys in the black and white hats are buying tickets to somewhere, while Ennis eats his pie alone. Ennis is able to see what could have been with Jack...again if some circumstances were different.
I did not realize that you lost your sister so tragically - Please accept my condolences. It seems you have a great deal of experience in understanding the difference between what you want to believe, the story you are told, and some nebulous 'what you hope' happened, and for that I am truly sorry.
Love,
Lynne
--Edited for typos...Lynne
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thanks for the card truman was a nice surprise !@
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I loved that card, I think imogo back to the store and get one just to keep.
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This past Saturday, we went to the Ferrum Folk Life Festival at Ferrum College, (http://www.blueridgeinstitute.org/folk_festival.htm) about 20 miles from us. The day before had been miserable and raining and I had said if it were like that on Saturday I would not go, but the sun was out, it promised to be a nice fall day, with gusty winds the reports said.
In some ways I believe the main purpose of the festival is a conspiracy to make people use port-a-johns, as all the buildings are locked up. We made our way thru the craft exhibit, got out cat head biscuits with damson jelly, heard some old time music and had a box lunch curtesy of the Gethsemane Pentecostal Holliness Church, which had a slice of pumpkin pie loaded with ginger and a touch of molasses. I went back and let them know it was the best pie I ever ate in my life.
There was a larger food area opened up down the hill from us, several churches selling BBQ and Chicken, and the Working Women of the Cole Creek Church, set up selling Chitlin's.
Now if you don't know what Chitlin's are, you will need to know the actual speling of the name is Chitterlings, so you can google it, because I don't really care to discuss them. Every year this group is set up and I don't know why, there is a 20 minute wait in all other lines and no one ever gets any chitlin's. The Working Women had one of the largest tents set up too, 10X40 feet at least, shiny aluminium colored tarp stretched over an aluminum frame, we had just read the sign when all hell broke loose.
A gust of wind roared thru, overturning chairs, trash cans, and anything not nailed down. The women all dashed for stryofoam plates and paper towels, when suddenly the tent roof began to seperate from the polls that supported it. The women hollered, and they were heard, soon thirty pairs of hands were holding onto the woodbe parasail. One of the Working Women was hollering for some one to get a hammer, and my tangential mind brung up an image of M.C.Hammer and his parachute pants, but not for long.
I heard it first, in the trees nearby, the wood groaned. I had time to get out: "Hang on!" and pow, it slipped up under the gable end of the tent, and and we were all hanging on for dear life. My mind then showed me a picture of all of us being carried off, a short distance to out demise, and taking a few by standers with us. My hat blew off, over the bank of a nearby creek. I looked after it and saw people running for cover. Saw others rushing to help hold us down, it won't gone jack-board us. Black and White, Indian in all of us, male and female, gay and straight, young and old, LDS Missionaries, rednecks with Confederate Flag bandanas on their heads, all of us, determined the tent would serve out its intended function, and nothing more.
The wind ended as quickly as it began. The hammer arrived and my hat was found. I still doubt very many chitlin's were consumed. I fulfilled my quest for Peach Butter across the road, at the tent for the Climax (Virginia) Volunteer Fire Department. It, too, had been rattled by the wind. One of their customers telling them: "That Black Church almost flew to glory".
We left right after that, taking Highway 420 to Bent Mountain, where our friends were visiting from Hawai'i, enjoying their first fall in 3 years. The road was so littered with leaves and sticks it looked abandoned. I studied on a sermon I had heard earlier in the week, a preecher had described the being generally regarded as God creating Adam and Eve and breathing life into their nosrils. He explained that faith was like the wind, you could not see it but you knew it was there. Perhaps, I though, God saw a need to bring a few of Adam and Eve's children together, perhaps the Working Women have a larger purpose in the world than supplying it with chitlin's.
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Truman, thanks for the hearty laugh! Glad you got your hat back. :laugh:
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What a lovely narrative, Truman. You have a real gift as a storyteller. Thank you for sharing it!
BTW, Did you know the term 'jack-board' before Brokeback Mountain? I did not...
-Lynne
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No, I sure didn't, and don't really know what it means.
Have a Heinous day!
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Hey Truman, I took this pic yesterday......thought you would like it....
Its at a garage in my town.....
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Ned Kelly! That is wonderful! If I had thouhgt about it I could have been him for Halloween, well I guess I still could.
I wonder if decendants of the people Kelly killed ever run up on something like this and what do they think. As time passes you know there can be individual decended from both Kelly and his victims, kinda like a healing I'd say.
In the US, I would have to compare this to a statue of John Dillenger or Bonnie and Clyde, they were kinda of underdog criminals who had a following.
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That is the slogan our local Chamber of Commerce puts forth to tell how wonderful my hometown is. Yep, we also get a lot for our entertainment dollar, here is what I woke up to this morning:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/11/02/sheriff.indicted/index.html
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Gee Shakes.....they are really bad cops.....the bastards that give all the good cops a bad name.....I'm glad they caught them......
I wonder if decendants of the people Kelly killed ever run up on something like this and what do they think. As time passes you know there can be individual decended from both Kelly and his victims, kinda like a healing I'd say.
And Yes, there are many descendents of Ned, his family, and also the police who were involved in his drama....I have seen and read many interviews from some of them over the years.
Heres a couple of pics i found here on the net..one showing ned, without armour, and the other of his hanging....
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Not bad, but he's no Heath Ledger.
It is a telling example of how the wold has changed in 120 years. He was a hero for the downtrodden, and I'm comparing him physically with someone who playe dhim in a movie.
We need Ned Kelly right now to fight the corruption of my local sherriff. Somethings never change.
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I just saw that movie and thought Heath was a fright in it! When he took off his helmet I wanted him to put it back on again! Especially that beard! There were a couple of good scenes though and some that reminded me of BBM, like when the mean father shot the horse even after Ned offered to break it for him.
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Shakes, I just got Jeb and Dash and I'm well into Jeb's years at Washington and Lee. It really is fascinating. He can make the most ordinary incident interesting by the classical, incisive way he writes. You could say that he gives a precise picture of a time and milieu that puts you right there in the picture, or you could say that he writes of such common experiences that the difference of time becomes irrelevant. I'm glad you are advocating for thiis book.
Your piece on Jeb's friend John and John's lifelong relationship with Edwin in this thread (Oct 18) is really poetic. I hope you end up writing a book of biographical sketches of this type, you really have your own voice.
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There is deffinatly a book in my future, but it is a lot like Jebs and I try to work on it every day.
I finally tore myself out of the office to vote this afternoon. I am anxious to see what the break down will be on the state marriage amendment. It is miserable and raining here and I approached the poll to be greeted by one lonely cold man handing out sample ballots to vote in favor of it. I told him that was not the way I was voting, but I would take it baceuse he had stood out there. He seemed to appreciate it, and I was glad for the opportunity to be non polar.
Remember wat Judy Shepard said: "If you don't vote, you can't bitch."
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Remember wat Judy Shepard said: "If you don't vote, you can't bitch."
Good...now I can bitch then.
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Remember wat Judy Shepard said: "If you don't vote, you can't bitch."
I dont know about that....over here, voting is compulsory, but there is still a lot of "bitching" goin on.....
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Compulsory you say, what happens if you don't vote? ???
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Over on David's Heartland thread Sue said people were fined for not voting!
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thats actually a good idea i think
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I agree, in this country we have had such a history of keeping people from voting it is no wonder so many do not. Shoot yeah, I have voted in every election since 1981, I would like to see this happen in the U.S.
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I think making voting compulsory is not a bad idea!
But in a country as big as the US, enforcing that law wouldn't be a walk in the park, that's for sure.
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Truman!! You juvenile delinquent!! I have filed a report with Sheriff Roland!
>:( >:( >:(
Don't make me talk to your Momma!!
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The thing is, when voting is optional, people are encouraged to think of it as something they only need to do if they think they are going to benefit personally from one of the candidates' winning. Not exactly civic responsibility. In fact, it's why too many elected officials have always run - because they thought they were going to benefit personally from being in office! Whereas if we really thought of it as civic responsibiliity for everyone, maybe in time more of the politicians would also start thinking in terms of their responsibilities to others.
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I guess with our small population, 20million, the politicians need all the votes they can get.....But on election night, the polls close at 6pm, and by 9pm, even though by then only half the votes have been counted, it is clear by then who has won.......
Our political system is different to yours over there too....ours is cut up into different electrates, and it is who wins most of the electorates who wins power, and that is not necessarily which party gets the most votes overall......
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Sounds like our electorial college, which comes into play for Presidential elections, which is how Bush got elected.
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The fecundity of life continues.....
As often happens, the party opposite the one in the White House has control of both houses of Congress again, and life goes on. Aside from the price of gas I can see little if any direct effect on my life. Now if I were to aspire to greater things, I would run into opposition. I still can't get married, but I never had any plans of doing that anyway. It bothers me that a majority of the voters in my commonwealth would want to ammend the consititution because they are so fearful I would want to be like them, but in an odd twist it seems like the joke is on them. I don't need their approval.
What amazes me is that only 57% of the voters voted in favor of the amendment. 43% voted against it. I have never been proud of a defeat, but I almost am this one. Tennessee and South Carolina had much wider margins, and just a few years ago I could not have imagined the total in my state exceeding 10%. At my own polling place, out of 300 and some votes, 91 people voted against the amendment. I wish I knew who they were, probably know some of them.
In the short run, little may change, but at least we have the perception now that the regime has a friendlier face on it. That those who yell and holler at us that we are immoral and damned, have a lower platform from which to criticize. The tide of war, hopefull recceding on all fronts.
I recall too, that once my country changed to constitution to prevent people from consuming alcohol. That didn't last very long. You can't stop a river. You can divert it, you can make it back up somewhat, but that force of nature has to go somewhere.
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Truman!! You juvenile delinquent!! I have filed a report with Sheriff Roland!
>:( >:( >:(
Don't make me talk to your Momma!!
why are you reporting him to sheriff roland? he does vote
i on the other hand have never voted yet but there has yet to be anyone that i would actually give my vote to maybe in the next prez election
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Sounds like our electorial college, which comes into play for Presidential elections, which is how Bush got elected.
Theres my ignorence.....thats who I thought you were voting for.....a new president.......
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For Andrew, a million words for all time:
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Now that's a diary! Very impressive. It looks as if the final published version is a tiny fraction of all that.
Thanks Shakes. Been too busy to get much further on in it but I can't wait.
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It is the time of year that Jeb and Dash erupted in my life and became an obsession, in 2003. Seems like the planets are aligning again as I discovered another researcher over the weekend. I always wonder what, if anything, it means.
Over the weekend I also got to see Prairie Home Companion, which I highly recommend, but those not familar with the radio show on NPR will probably be scratching their heads. I think Garrison Keillor should be the patron saint of nerdy people everywhere, he' one of my heros. (And Woody Harrelson, they gave him the right name!)
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What amazes me is that only 57% of the voters voted in favor of the amendment. 43% voted against it.
Exactly!! I mean, 43% of Virginia voters DON'T want to ban gay marriage?!?!
WOW!!!!!!!!! Now that's a REAL cause for celebration. :)
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It is the time of year that Jeb and Dash erupted in my life and became an obsession, in 2003. Seems like the planets are aligning again as I discovered another researcher over the weekend. I always wonder what, if anything, it means.
You mean, someone else researching Jeb and Dash? If so, did you hear from Jeb's niece?
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He has been in contact with her in the past, and I did get an email from her today, about an obituary I had forwarded her. It is like some one somewhere has a synchronicity, or maybe a seredipity hammer, and is banging it on the xylophone of my life, or certain notes there of.
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I'll tell you what, the end of the year holiday season is upon us and already I am exhausted.
I saw something on the TV news the other night about Walmart breing in a price war with it conpetitors and saw all that red and white and green stuff and I groaned. The sheer consumption aspect of it all disgusts me. "The Toy", "The Electronic Device" of the year, the tempo of people's stress as the dead line approaches, The food, the SUGAR, everywhere sugar, the music, cookie cuttered from every previous season til now, yes, call the Grinch and book us two tickets to the islands. I am not wanting to do "Xmess" this year.
Last year my sister told me not to get she and her husband anything, as they had everything already. That is no stretch of the imagination I found out. While shopping Good Will for some recycled bargains I happened up a small terra cotta figurine that looked vaguely Mayan. The pedistal it sat on said "Male Figure With Skin Leisons" it was all of a dollar, so I got it. Surely to god they didn't have one of these.
When my sister opened it she turned white and immediatly hid it from her husband. "Where did you get this?" she whispered over to me and I told her at the Good Will. "Ohhhhh my ga...." I heard her mutter as she took off for the basement. ("WTH" I thought). She reurned in a few minutes with a small terra cotta object, covered in dust, a duplicate Male Figure With Skin Leisons. It was part of a set a pharmacutical company gave out to doctors in the early 1970's. My attempt to come up with an original gift had resulted in nothing more than a few minutes of terror for my sister who thought that some of her husbands stuff had been disposed of with out their knowledge. I should have kept the thing.
So this year, I am going to give my two balding nephews du-rags to cover their heads, my grand neice will get a jar full of nickles, and the rest I am working on. I will send out my cards next week, only because I found the most wonderful greeting to print out and inclose:
"Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for
an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress,
non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday,
practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion
of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the
religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice
not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. We also wish you a
fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated
recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but
not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose
contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that
America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America
in the Western Hemisphere . And without regard to the race, creed, color,
age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.
By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is
subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no
alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to
actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and
is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of
the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual
application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance
of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is
limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole
discretion of the wisher."
Eggnog huh? Wha'cha got t' go init?
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I stood at my kitchen window this morning, it is a window of revelation sort of because many things have come to me while gazing out of it. My revelation this morning is that the one of the birds I have been feeding is extrememly angry with itself. It sits on the drivers side door frams and attacks its reflection in the mirror. In its excitment you know what else it does.
No good deed goes unrewarded.
I also have been watching a small chip munk that comes out to eat the spilled seed on the ground. A couple of years ago when I had cats that would not have been possible. I think I prefer these low maintenance pets, I can leave for a couple of days an not worry so much about their being fed, they know what to do.
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The bird thing? All I can say is...have we himan beings psychologically damaged even nature itself? We've ven given birds complexes.
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Well some of them maybe, the bigger birds like to attack their reflection, but the sweet little cute ones don't. :-X
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He had done mixed up the cake mix from the yellowed, stained index card covered with his recently deceased aents handwriting. His son had done cracked open the coconut with claw end of a hammer on the counter top.
Went I heard the funny noise I got on my cell phone and called them in the basement and told them: "The stove is making a funny noise"
At midnight they decided the breaker in the breakerbox was bad. He left out at first light hunting a new breaker on Thanksgiving day. They were no place to get one open. He called me up and asked could he come get one of mine. My first thoughts were: "Like a kidney transplant?"
He had the old one in his pocket and he said this would work. They looked nothing alike but he knew more about this stuff than I did. My drop in range sits in the kitchen like a lifeless relic and the breaker did not fit his box.
However, when they old one was reinstalled, it worked. Perhaps a bad connection, perhaps a symptom if something worse.
The Coconut cake sits on the green glass cake server, dripping a sugary glaze not seen since way the hell back in the last century. The survivors gather round it in awe, in rememory, in amazement this bit of her has come back. The Aent had written her name on both sides of the folding table we sit at, so as there is no doubt whose it is. I start to see whats going on.
The written word is sacred, be it in the bound pages of a book, on a computor screen, or a soiled index card. One whose author may have neglected to put down you have to let them ingrediants ferment in the refrigerator overnight to make that cake with cake flour be the thing of beauty it is.
I think of the aent, and hear Michelle Williams' tormented Alma voice in my head: "There wa'nt nothin' wrong with them breakers."
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Yesterday I went to the funeral of a 86 year old lady who had been the sister of my aunt and a friend of my mother's. I did not know her very well, had a few conversation with her. Was always amazed by her looks, caked on face and perfectly quaffed hair, she reminded me a bit of Dear Abby.
So I was not particularly emotional at this gathering, until we stood to sing "How Great Thou Art" (words and music by Carl Boberg and R.J. Hughes) and the second verse came out of no where like a dump truck:
"When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze."
It triggered my Brokeback pain, our boys comming down from the mountain, and I cried and cried, and felt bad about who I was crying for at this fine lady's funeral.
It was a good reality check, by the end of the service no one was not crying. I was glad to emerge back into a beautiful warm fall day. I told me cousin who is a wiccan, if she comes to my funeral, not to hide her pentagram in her dress. We both laughed then, from our own seperate closets.
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We all need a good reality check every now and then Shakes!
Sending hugs to ya ..{} {} {} {} {} {} :)
~M
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Yesterday I went to the funeral of a 86 year old lady who had been the sister of my aunt and a friend of my mother's.
I'm assuming then she was the sister of your aunt by marriage? I told me cousin who is a wiccan, if she comes to my funeral, not to hide her pentagram in her dress. We both laughed then, from our own seperate closets.
I'm telling anyone showing up to my funeral that formal dress is optional. I have always hated wearing ties, and would never wish to subject anyone else to that sartorial burden on my account.
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I am with you Scott, I gave up ties when I turned 41 and have not worn one since. "Casual Dress" should be the rule in my send off.
Yes, the deceased was the sister of the wife of my father's brother. What relation would that be???? Kissin' cousin I believe. ;D
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Kissin' cousin I believe. ;D
Cousin, to be sure. All terrestrial life is genetically related, so that even the trees and blades of grass are our distant cousins (a science teacher in high school once explained that simply being able to digest an organism suggests genetic and chemical similarities to that organism).
I read once, in a 1978 book by Guy Murchie, that the furthest one human being could be related to any other human being on the planet was about fiftieth cousin, give or take a few degrees, and that most of us are a lot closer, regardless of appearance, culture, or creed.
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I have heard about the 50th cousin thing too, in my little town I am related distantly to just about everyone. As a realtor I also have to disclose any familial relationship involved in a contract. I have actually had to write contracts where I stated that everyone involved was related to one another.
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I have actually had to write contracts where I stated that everyone involved was related to one another.
I can be a royal pain in the posterior to my family sometimes, when I remind them, upon some casual remark along the lines that the Lites were only kin to the Youngs by marriage, that EVERYONE on earth is biological kin, making the Lites and Youngs cousins (specific degree of consanguinity presently uncertain).
We really are one human family, with our similarities much stronger than our differences. This thought could instill a feeling of shared purpose across the nations, which is one reason that I think Murchie was so keen to stress it (apart from the fact that is simply a matter of scientific record).
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I was on this genealogy list once that was discussing the Thomas Jefferson-Sally Hemmings liason. It was mostly people yelling at each other pro or con what they believed about the genetic tests that basically proved one branch of her descendants shared dna with the Jefferson family.
I pointed out to them that no one was arguing about weather or not John Wayles, Jefferson's father in law, was also the father of Sally Hemmings. No one cared what he did, they were only worried about the third president of the US.
Indeed, everyone we see everyday, we share dna with, share ancestry with, even if it were just a breif encounter long ago. If people could just learn to think that way.
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Indeed, everyone we see everyday, we share dna with, share ancestry with, even if it were just a breif encounter long ago. If people could just learn to think that way.
Truman, I remember another argument that Murchie made involving how likely we all were to share some pretty major ancestors in our mutual family tree. He wrote that the further you go back in time, the more likely you are to be descended from someone of that time who procreated. Thus, not only is the overwhelming majority of humanity descended from Abraham (assuming his historicity), we are all also very probably the direct scions of Confucius, of Muhammad, and of Zarathushtra, to name just a few. We are the seed of scoundrels like Marc Antony and of saints like Augustine, the heirs of both princes and paupers. And again, it doesn't matter what you look like, what language you speak, what religion you profess or how you vote.
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i try not to get to far into my family first couzins is bout as far as i go cause its confusing
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Yeah Wulf and Scott, I try to treat everyone like I would want to be treated, but sometimes all I see is a person I would like to grab and shake and ask them why the hell they are doing such and such. Like Sandra Bernhardt.
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Now to cousin Sandra.
I was watching The Graham Norton Effect on Logo last night and she was the guest. She was being her usual loud, obnoxious self and Graham had one of his gag contests set up, one of the participants was a young man from continental Europe, Stefan, whose first launguage was not English, but plowed ahead with his bit.
Sandra Bernhardt lit in to him. Graham Norton said something like "Now Sandra, we like Europeans here" and she kept on and told Stefan "Fuck You". I was a ghast. The auidence turned, and the show, not live, was edited and concluded rather quickly.
I don't know when this took place, I don't know why Logo chose to broadcast it. It was one of the worst examples of Ugly Americanism I have had the misfortune to witness. I know Bernhardt largely from her apearances on Roseanne years ago and the ocassional appearance she makes here and there, but my god, is she always like this? That was shameful and uncalled for and a poor example of how to treat people. I'd like to grab her and shake her and ask her what the hell is wrong with her. ???
My apologies to people everywhere who have had to put up with the arrogance of my countrypeople.
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Mel, you are a jewel, your posting of your questions about continuing with this set my mind in motion, all afternoon.
Why do I come here? I have never really participated in an online community before. My posts on the net have always been academic in nature, genealogical, work related. I like having a place I can come to and express my thoughts and ideas with people I feel are open enough to read them. There is nothing in my life that remains untainted by this experence with Brokeback Mountain, so naturally this is where I come.
For those of us of a certain age we have, some of us, laid the fabric of that story against the contours of our own lives and find fits like a fitted sheet on a single bed. We take from it the lessons and apply them in our lives, and in that way the story becomes more. It becomes a parable. It teaches us. It is not just a story, not just a tragedy, it is a lesson.
I like telling people moving to my town that we are blessed with a lot of characters, we just don't have a plot. Indeed, I marvel in these characters, their stories, how they interact with mine and always looking for that hook, that thing that will make it a story and not just a bunch of random observations.
When I lay the fabric of Annie Proulx's creation against my own life, I see that pair of duces and their seperate but unqueal lives, in toto. Ennis, standing before his creation, the shirts and the postcard, acknowledging closure: "Jack, I swear". I knew it the first time I saw it, this is all he will ever have. It took me a long time to understand what that ment. That closure is the hook that gives meaning to our lives. It makes a bunch of scenes a story.
I saw in mine the story line of my failed affair long ago and how to reach closure with it. I wasn't made whole, but I was, as my friend Rick puts it, Bettered. I was freed to go on to other things, had a little less weight off my shoulders. Every person I come out to now, that is a little less weight. Less space betwixt what I know and believe. Those little story lines, you got to tie them up, or you remain a prisoner of them.
That Annie Proulx is either brilliant, or devine.
I am still looking for meaning, and I check this board everyday for it, and other interesting stuff. We are all our characters, and we are writing our stories. Thank you for sharing your with me.
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Things around my office always are crazy, the hollidays just bring a bit of flavor to it.
Last night we had the local Xmess parade. 140 floats, bands, fire trucks, tractors, horses, classic cars and the guys with the funny hats that have them teeny tiny cars zippin' around. We had been promised a ModelT to ride in, but that fell thru late in the week. The scramble was on to find a replacement and Friday afternoon I remembered an old friend of mine who has a 1970 Oldsmobile 442 convertible. I called her up and she said sure, it had been a long time since she had it in a parade. I was the hero for 10 minutes until we looked at the fine print on the paperwork from the parade committee: "There is only one Santa Claus in the parade, and he is at the end." The secretary had already left on an hour long drive to a costume store to get me a Santa Suit to wear.
Thankful for cell phones, we were able to contact her and confer. It was decided to get an elf and a grinch costume. It all managed to come together, the car arrived at 2, was decorated and in place at 5, and by 7 pm we were finally underway.
I have been in this parade many times before, driving the company moving van, last year shimmying out the back window of a pickup when the rain let up to wave at the miserable. This year was totally different. This year my identity was concealed and in its place was a beloved cartoon character. Those little kids were mesmerized. I would stroke my chin and roll my fingers at them and try to single out as many as I could. I loved being in character. Thru the eyes slits I also had the opportunity to look at the faces of the adults with them. It was totally different than if they were looking at me, these folks were smiling, remembering being a kid, and being happy for their kids. They had no idea inside was a guy thinking this is how it must feel to be a celeb.
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You look good in green, Truman! Thanks for the story. That sounds like a hoot. ;D
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I *LOVE* the photo, Truman! Excellent story!
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awsome story truman !
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What happened to the weather, it was almost 8o degrees F on Friday and on Monday it is barely above freezing! S'arite, I feel like my heart has grown three sizes.
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truman your heart is so big to start with i dont think i t can get any bigger !
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This afternoon a small group from th elocal Realtors Association got to take a tour of the new Virginia Museum of Natural History. This is the museum I purchased a couple of memorial "paver bricks", one of which is for Ennis and Jack.
The director showed us where they will be planted and told us they have arrived and will be installed any day now. I am tickled, can't wait to see them, and have my picture made with them. Can't wait to see and hear peoples reaction. :o
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yay truman
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This afternoon a small group from th elocal Realtors Association got to take a tour of the new Virginia Museum of Natural History. This is the museum I purchased a couple of memorial "paver bricks", one of which is for Ennis and Jack.
The director showed us where they will be planted and told us they have arrived and will be installed any day now. I am tickled, can't wait to see them, and have my picture made with them. Can't wait to see and hear peoples reaction. :o
OOOOhh!! Terrific!!! Will the pics be digital? Or do you need to order extra prints?? I WANNA see! I can drive thru your town next week - will they be in place then?...I KNOW where you live! ;) Well, not exactly, but you bet I can find a museum!
And WTF is up with the weather anyhow??!?!!??
We better pack hikin' clothes instead of ski gear!
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This morning I went on a frantic search for a key I had last night. I retraced my steps, called places I have been and found it finally, in the posket of the shirt I am wearing.
And they guy I who is supposed to pick it up has yet to show.....such is life. 8)
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Last week after work I was helping decorate the office for Xmess. I was one of three people untangling some lights, the others being a man originally from Manchester, England and a woman originally from Mexico City, Mexico.
The Englishman made an observation and the Mexicana looked at me for a clarification and I had to tell her:
"I'm sorry, I don't speak English." ;D :laugh:
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I know how you feel Shakes......we have a Scottish friend....when we first met him he had only been out here for a couple of years......OMG did we have trouble understanding him.....many many times I said to him "Jimmy, I didnt understand a word you just said".......
I remember one incident, that we still laugh about....we were at a wedding and he went up to the bar and asked for a "cork" (he was saying "Coke")...the girl behind the bar asked him if he wanted one out of a wine bottle.....
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In my quest to see all of Heath Ledger's movies, last night I watched a charming film from 1999 entitled "Two Hands". It was made in Australia, in Australian, in association with Showtime Australia. I am going to read up on it more. I thought: Here is is at 19, wow.
Heath plays a thug wanna be named Jimmy, and it opens with Jimmy's dead brother digging his way up from hell. The brother says something in the intro that was so cool I went back and wrote it down:
"If you are going thru some sort of shit in your life, chances are someone else has been thru it before ya, and, they've written it down. Some poet of philsopher has been thru the same type of crap and they've written about it. And when you find that poem or that piece of writing and you think 'Bloody Hell! This bastards just summed it all up.' It's kinda comforting. Know what I mean?"
Yes, I do. I recognize too how it is all related, and will continue to be.
In the movie Jimmy finds nothing written down, but he learns the truth about his brothers death. The only thing close to a revelation is when the brothers spirit touches him on the cheek on the train, waking him in time.
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??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
So late last week one of the agents in my office gets a call from the elementary school her grandaughter attends (she has part custody). Seems the little 4th grader's class was making gingerbreadMEN and she made one with breasts. The teacher sent her to the principal, who refered her to the local mental health agency, which entails a call to social services. This is insane.
We are all so livid we don't know where to begin. why can't there be GingerbreadWOMEN or GingerbreadWOMYN or gingerbreadsheep, etc? what are wrong with Breasts? A lot of people have them. This little girl will probably have them and is being told something is wrong with them. What in the hell is wrong with these people?
I told grandma to call Inside Edition.
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I can't remember when I had such a good time, oh yeah I do, in Boston last September.
Lynne, Ellemeno and myself had been planning to meet for lunch for about three weeks, with Lynne making the heroic road trip from the central time zone o' Tennessee. I invited her to come by my place and she did! I hope she suffers no long term ill effects of my bony futon.
Meanwhile Ellemeno went on line and found us a nice smoke free environment to have lunch roughly half way betwixt my house and her mothers, in Lynchburg, Virginia, right across the street from Jerry Falwell's Liberty University. If you are one of the few people on earth that don't know about this place, check out the link:
http://www.equalityride.com/liberty
It was a nice day for a trip, partly cloudy and warmish. I wore my Jack Nasty cap and we took off up Rt 57 to Chatham, them up Rt 29 to Lynchburg, the four lane turning into Wards Ferry Road, we found our destination with plenty of time to spare. Plenty of time for mischeif.
There is surely more than one entrance to Falwell's encampment, a sprawling place with winding narrow roads crawling aside hills. The entrance we saw was accessed thru a Sonic Drive In parking lot, up a hill, across railroad tracks, and on this day, past the carcas of a smashed rabbit, before entering the gates. We both felt strange being there, paranoid even though my car has no stickers on it to id me as a sodomite. We located the student center and parked by a car that advertized it was protected by the second amendment.
It was the perfect cover, male and female, just like on the bumperstickers that tell us what marriage should be, I got a young man is shorts to take our picture, with the sign in the background, wished him happy hollidaze.
Lynne has the sweetest mischevious grinn, opening the doors and steping inside, the hours of operation stating when they would be closed for church. What could they do to us? We weren't doing anything. Most of the students had already left for Xmess, but a kind young lady at the counter, like, directed us, like, to where the vending machines were, as we were getting hungry.
That was when we say the cameras. Those mirror semi-ball things attached to the ceiling usually, these dangeled down to get a better view and we could soon see why. On the unfinshed sheetrock of the hallway of this prefab metal building , some one, perhaps more than one, had written, GRAFFITTI!
I mean it was nothing offensive, something like someone had a flea market booth set up there once. I looked at Lynne, I looked at the camera, we were going to have to be quick. I whipped out my pen (never leave home without one), what to write, "Jack Twist died for your sins?" nah, this is about love, this needs to be a message of love. I drew a heart, I put an arrow thru it, "Jack -n- Ennis". I should have wrote "loves" I was in too big a hurry.
We walked at an excellerated rate toward the front door, giddy with excitement. We had had been to the cave of the beast, and left our mark. Now come and get us.
Lynne suggested we go ahead an head to Crackerbarrell to get a table since it was getting near lunch time. I told her from memory about the time back in the early 90's when a Crackerbarrell down south had fired all its gay employees, and the local gay community had staged a quiet sit in. On sundays they would go in, sit and only order tea. Tea has free refills. They would sit there all afternoon, tipping with waitstaff handsomely so as not to cause them financial hardship, until the powers that be gave in. We ended up doing much the same thing.
I told the young hostess lady we needed a table for three.
"Your last name?"
"Delmar"
Ellemeno strode into the establishment like she owned the place. Neither of us had ever seen her before, suddenly she was made real. Here was a person who was not a client, not a professional acquaintence, but someone I would be getting to know and hopefully become friends with. Improbable meeting of three people who a year ago were in different worlds, and now were in Lynchburg, Virginia, to speak our truths to one another, and anyone else listening. Our table sat under an old MovieTone advertizement of Max Factor restoring dignity to some post war wife whose husband had shorn her hair to keep men from looking at her. Poor old Rosalie, what if she were an 85 year old woman come in to eat her green beans and cornbread and looked up to see her long ago dark humiliation?
We spent FOUR HOURS at that table. Burning the ears of our friends, acquaintences, people remembered, threads remembered, toasting Jake Gyllenhaal's 26th Natal Anniversary, proudly and boldly, as generations of diners about us sometimes hazard a glance when they head us say "gay' or "fuck" or "Brokeback". We remembered and entoned Geoffrey Chapman, Matthew Sheppard, Geraldine Peroni, shared and got to know one another like late night dorm mates. Decks of card sailing across shag carpet. Spoke to wulfar and Dee on the phone, where are those paper plates?
The sweetest moment I think was Ellemeno telling us how she had switched on the TV the night before and there was Brokeback Mountain, just coming on, the title just comming up. She watched it of course, and later on when her daughter came in on Cassie dragging Ennis to the dance floor, she point out what a careful dancer she was being. "She's looking both ways".
When we gather, and share our knowledge, it is amazing the extent this thing has been carried. The rhyming meter that was found in some of the dialogue for one. Jack's tugging of Ennis's ear and Ennis's tugging of Jenny's ear. The last hour or so, no one brought us any tea, which was fine, we were floating.
I hated to say good bye. We hugged and hugged mightily. It was time to go down from the mountain, back to our seperate and unqual lives. Bless you, Friend.
Driving back down Rt. 29 me and Lynne listened to Cambell Scott's recording of the story, she'd not heard it. Ennis tells Jack: "Earl and Rich, they were purdy tough old birds" and ahead of us, a wild turkey flew across the four lane.
"Why do we do this to ourselves?" Lynne asked me when the CD was done. I don't know why really, but as much sadness as it sometimes brings up in my, it also brings release, thru tears, and like any other addiction, I am unwilling to give it up.
The security guard, clip board in hand, makes a mental note from the survalience tapes, yes the man was Jack, it was on the hat he wore. The woman must have been Ennis. "Strange name for a woman, must be Irish."
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what are wrong with Breasts? A lot of people have them.
Almost all human beings have breasts, though they remain undeveloped on many (such as males) or as yet undeveloped on others still (such as prepubescent females). There probably is some kind of medical anomaly by which some people are born without any breasts at all, which would account for the small fraction of humans who truly lack them.
This story is more evidence of the absolute hysteria our culture has devolved into regarding children and sexuality. We have really regressed in this area, a century after Freud, and are now in an historical moment where children's innocent and natural curiosity about the body and its processes cannot be seen except through the lens of anxiety and suspicion. Lives have been damaged and families broken over this endemic social immaturity.
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What a great story about meeting Clarissa! Thank you for sharing that. :)
And the gingerbread chyk with breasts? You know, it's a weird world we live in. Kids watch TV and movies from young ages, so much so that I've read complaints that there aren't any movies for kids between 6 and 10. (That would be because the kids have already watched the Spiderman movies when they were THREE.) And they're bombarded with sexualized images, on commercials during TV sports, in the PG-13 movies their parents show them when they are toddlers. And they're maturing earlier. And at the same time, there's this incredible fear of the human body, male and female. (A friend of a friend got called to talk to a teacher because her son knew the word "penis." Come on. Yes, he's got one. It is not a bad thing to know what it is called!) And breasts -- so there's this movement to convince mothers of newborns to breastfeed their babies for at least a few weeks, if not for a year or more. It's good for the babies, and good for the mothers, and it's especially helpful for people who can't afford expensive formula. But in a lot of places, women get in trouble if they try to breastfeed their babies in a public place. (A woman recently got kicked off an airplane for breastfeeding. The flight attendant was new, and hadn't yet learned that a screaming newborn is far more disruptive than a bared breast!)
Anyway... rant over. ;D
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Wow, Truman, what a gathering of good friends....thank you for the great story,made me feel like I was there with you....so good you left your mark there with the heart, now that is really special.....
I can't remember when I had such a good time, oh yeah I do, in Boston last September.
We spent FOUR HOURS at that table. Burning the ears of our friends, acquaintences, people remembered, threads remembered, toasting Jake Gyllenhaal's 26th Natal Anniversary, proudly and boldly, as generations of diners about us sometimes hazard a glance when they head us say "gay' or "fuck" or "Brokeback". We remembered and entoned Geoffrey Chapman, Matthew Sheppard, Geraldine Peroni, shared and got to know one another like late night dorm mates. Decks of card sailing across shag carpet. Spoke to wulfar and Dee on the phone, where are those paper plates?
A special thanks for the conversation and remembering of my dad (Geoffrey Chapman).....you got no idea, how my heart swelled to think that his name was mentioned and that he too was a part of a such a special gathering......to have his name mentioned in a conversations between three people all the way over there, well, its a little overwhelming, but truely wonderful....thank you, thank you so much for remembering him.......
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There is a belief I have heard attributed to Native Ameircas that a person dies three deaths, the physical one, the one that occures when the last person who remembers them dies, and finally the last time their name is spoken. I suppose number three could occur prior to number two, but I like calling their names, keeping part of them with us.
And hell, after what he went thru in his time, his name should be called in ours.
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Shakes......those words are wonderful......and even though i sit here now, with tears streaming down my face, I have found some peace about my dad and his life and my part in it.......I hope you dont mind....I am going to attach one of my favourite photos of him....just so anyone who reads this, can see who we are talking about..........
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quite a striking man
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thank you wulf......that pic was taken probably around 1960 when he was 34 yrs old......
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iw ish i looked like that ;D
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Sue, I hope you don't mind if I link to the beginning of your thread, for anyone new who might be reading this? To where you told about your dad?
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=4283.0 (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?topic=4283.0)
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Shakes, I hope you dont mind me using your blog as a bit of a phot gallery, but I thought to do this properly, I should also attach a couple of pics of dad's partner Allen......
As you know, after I saw Brokeback, I made the effort to contact Allen again after 25years of not even knowing where he was......We keep in regular contact now...he is now 64....
These pics were taken around 1959, when Dad and Allen were doing an around Australia trip....Allen was 17 yrs old.....
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There is a belief I have heard attributed to Native Ameircas that a person dies three deaths, the physical one, the one that occures when the last person who remembers them dies, and finally the last time their name is spoken. I suppose number three could occur prior to number two, but I like calling their names, keeping part of them with us.
There is some wondrous beauty in this thought. There is so much wisdom in the Native American traditions, precious vessels of the spirit that came so close to being completely wiped out due to the greed and incomprehension of merciless conquerors.
Gorgeous story about your meeting with Lynne and Clarissa. Truman. Gorgeous photos, Sue, of your beloved father. Thank you so much, both of you, for sharing.
Peace,
Scott
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We walked at an excellerated rate toward the front door, giddy with excitement. We had had been to the cave of the beast, and left our mark. Now come and get us.
Chalk one up for the good guys! :laugh: :laugh:
Thanks for the great report, Truman. High class entertainment, and no mistake. 8)
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I came here to thank you for telling us about your and Bob's anniversary and to say that his memory lives on. And I got several treats, most notably the story of your meeting with Clarissa and Lynne and the great pics that Sue posted. Thank you and happy Solstice!!
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(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e99/mrandmrsmonro/congratulations.gif)
Truman and Bob on your tenth anniversary!!
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No problem Katie, my blog is open to anything and I feel a bit of honor that you would post their pix here.
When I scrolled down and come up on the photos of Allen, and his name, it was one of those transcendant moments, one of those oh my god, mystery solved. what a sweet young man. (And you Dad, girl he was HOT!)
I hold my cheep Mexican beer aloft and call their names, tost them, tost Allen in his life now. It is the winter solstice, the longst night of the year, for those of us north of the equator, and tomorrow there will be a bit more day light, but somehow knowing you'll be on the loosing end makes me sad.
Bless you, Mate. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
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I came here to thank you for telling us about your and Bob's anniversary and to say that his memory lives on. And I got several treats, most notably the story of your meeting with Clarissa and Lynne and the great pics that Sue posted. Thank you and happy Solstice!!
A hap, hap, happy solstice to you too, Lee, and no fears, Bob is the one who is still here, putting up with me. ;D
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(http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d140/Jeaniece11/Winter_Solstice-760594.jpg)
Happy Anniversary!
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happy anniversary truman and bob may you have many many more happy ones !
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Let's get this party started with......Chex Mix! ;)
(http://www.rachelleb.com/images/thanksgiving_2003_rb_chex.jpg)
Bob, a belated thank you for the delicious Chex Mix of yours that Truman gave us in Lynchburg. You are a lucky guy - Truman is a lovely, tender, hilarious, multi-faceted delight. Here's to the next ten. Yay Truman and Bob! :)
P.S. to Everyone. As Truman can tell you, this is not a picture of me. :)
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I am going to hazard a guess this person comes the same end of the gene pool as you. :laugh: I seem to know those big brown eyes, the Delmar family trait. 8)
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Hello Truman ~
I guess I missed the Anniversary Celebrations, but
Happy 10th Anniversary!!
Many, many, many more happy years to you and Bob, friend! :)
~M
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Happy Anniversary, Merry Mithras, and may all the joys of the solstice be yours Truman!!! :) :-* :-*
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??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
So late last week one of the agents in my office gets a call from the elementary school her grandaughter attends (she has part custody). Seems the little 4th grader's class was making gingerbreadMEN and she made one with breasts. The teacher sent her to the principal, who refered her to the local mental health agency, which entails a call to social services. This is insane.
We are all so livid we don't know where to begin. why can't there be GingerbreadWOMEN or GingerbreadWOMYN or gingerbreadsheep, etc? what are wrong with Breasts? A lot of people have them. This little girl will probably have them and is being told something is wrong with them. What in the hell is wrong with these people?
I told grandma to call Inside Edition.
I thought of this story yesterday--my daughter was watching a CD of an Eddy Izzard show!!
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I love Eddy Izzard, he is just right on the edge, enough. :P
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(http://members.cox.net/kayko531/nucard/popcork2.gif)
Belated wishes to you and Bob.
Sandy
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Merry X-mas!!!!
(http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/2282/snogging1vf6.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
they don't need hot chocolate :P
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Yes they are, and they look very happy too. I think I identify more with him, but wouldn;t mind being her for a while.....
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I had an email exchange with bbmiswear this morning about the year 2006, and both of us agree it is the best fucked up year of our lives. And we have enjoyed every bit of it.
Everyday since the 6th of January 2006, I have cried. I have been distracted, I have been moody, forlorn and generally absent from the day to day. I have at the drop of a hat made trips across the continent to meet people I had only spoken to online. I crawled in a car with them to drive way the hell out in the middle of no where to take pictures of waving grass.
So here I sit, five days until the end of the year, broke, my back hurting, and think of how lonely it would be with out Bettermost. Thank you Phillip, for creating this site, Thank you Lynne, Clarrissa, Andrew, Wulf, Scott and Scott, Katie, Gattica, Celeste, Geri, Lee, RouxB, Eric, Pete, Jeff, Pheonix, Leslie, Paul, Lauren, Laurel, Theresia, Randolph, and good gawd all the rest, Professor and Mary Ann too, I am sure. You are the twinkling stars in my sky. Thanks for being along the way.
Happy New Year, 2007. :'(
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Yeah Shakes, gotta admit, its been a hell of a year (and I say that in a good way)....
Reading thru your list of friends you have made thru here, I think to myself, "hey, I know them too".....pretty amazing isnt it......people from all over the world, such good friends now, part of our every day communication...we've shared the highs, and shared the lows, felt so comfortable in each others company....
Yes Shakes, 2006, is a year that we wont ever forget....now lets get on and see what 2007 brings.....
Happy new year mate!
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i wouldnt change this year for anything ilove everyone ive met and look forward to meeting more !
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>:(
Borat: "In my country they take them [homosexuals] to jail and finish them."
Bobby Rowe: "That's what we're tryin' to git done here."
If you have seen the movie: "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan" You will no doubt recall how he was almost lynched at a rodeo in Salem, Virginia, about 60 miles from where I live.
He also encountered the promoter of the rodeo, Bobby Rowe of Dicksville, (I am not making this up) Tennessee, who had the above remark about homosexuals.
The first weekend in January Bobby Rowe is bringing his Imperial (as in wizzard?) Rodeo back to the Salem Civic Center, and while I have seen a lot mentioned in the media about his Borat appearance, I have seen no one speak out against this bigot returning to town.
That is one reason I am going. I had been looking forward to this rodeo since seeing the movie last January, but now I got something more imprtant to do. I have to find Bobby Rowe, and I have to forgive him.
I hope, and my imagination plays out a scene in which I can confront him, tell him I am a homosexual and forgive him for the things he said should be done to me. By doing so I am not only disarming him, I am disarming Sacha Baron Cohen and the greif he visited upon the dozens of stupid people he encountered in the making of his movie, which on some levels I almost enjoyed. It would be pointless to rail against him, it would be a good point to show him I am not afraid of him, and that he has offended me. That he has done something that call for forgiveness.
Wish me luck.
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Truman, can you take a friend with you? It's a beautiful vision.
Spending time with you and Lynne was a highlight of 2006 for me.
Hug!
Clarissa
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I hope, and my imagination plays out a scene in which I can confront him, tell him I am a homosexual and forgive him for the things he said should be done to me. By doing so I am not only disarming him, I am disarming Sacha Baron Cohen and the greif he visited upon the dozens of stupid people he encountered in the making of his movie, which on some levels I almost enjoyed. It would be pointless to rail against him, it would be a good point to show him I am not afraid of him, and that he has offended me. That he has done something that call for forgiveness.
That's a fine idea and you know I'm 100% for it. Please do take a friend with you, though, k?
Spending time with you and Lynne was a highlight of 2006 for me.
Same goes. :D
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I will be taking someone with me, hopefully to get me picture made, a la Pat Robinson at the Homested. I told my partner today what I wanted to do, his eyes rolled, he knows he is going to have to go with me but would just like to see the rodeo. Ain;t it funny how life intrudes upon the enjoyment of itself.
The highlight of 2006 huh? That is the finest compliment one can receive. Thank you Ellemeno. I think those four hours at Cracker Barrell were the best four hours I have spent in a long time.
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I crawled in a car with them to drive way the hell out in the middle of no where to take pictures of waving grass.
Omigosh I done that too!! :D
Yep, aught-six was a great one! Happy New Year to you too Truman!!! :) :-* :-*
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The highlight of 2006 huh? That is the finest compliment one can receive. Thank you Ellemeno. I think those four hours at Cracker Barrell were the best four hours I have spent in a long time.
Well, A highlight. :) I look forward to hearing all about Don Wroe's cabin.
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So I went to the Inperial Rodeo last night. It was a miserable drive to Salem, rainy. The first of three night of the rodeo it was the only one I would be able to go to, and went alone because I was anxious to be anywhere but Lightning Flat.
As I have stated before, my intention to go was to confront Bobby Rowe regarding his remarks about gays in the Borat movie. I had wondered why there was not some sort of out cry from the local gay community over this.
Never got to see Bobby Rowe, never even got to speak with anyone from the Imperial Rodeo, but from what I gathered he was not there that night. Just as well. The median age of the half full area I would put at about 16. Lots of families with kids, highschool kids with their girlfriends. All good people, no one I would want to traumatize with an agenda. Borat was mentioned once by the announcer, but in the reverb and his nonstop speil, no one really noticed.
The rodeo is indeed not what it was in John C. Twist's day. It is a package. With an adequate amount of fanfare they paraded out the stars and stripes and dedicated the eveings proceedings to Gerald Ford, whom Bobby Rowe met on several ocassions. Then came the rodeo clown, a man who had been with them 40 years as well. He and the anouncer carried on a dialogue of bad jokes via his wireless mike the whole time, jokes that were so bad you could see them coming and get out of the way. Intersperce betwixt all this was a bit of of bucking bronck riding, calf roping, and ladies bull riding. Not nearly enough of what I had hoped to see however.
But imagine now, you are on horse back, galloping along side a small calf, with horns, and you leap from your horse and wrestle the calf to the ground. I cannot imagine what nerve it takes to do such a thing. I admired these men and women for their resolve, and for following their dream. None of them were from west of the Mississippi, one of them had allegedly been a line backer for Virginia Tech. Yes, the longer it goes on the more it becomes like a poor imitation of the original, but I cannot leap off a horse and wrestle a calf. Never could.
In the end I realized no one was protesting Bobby Rowe but me because in a sea of information, a hundred channels of TV insanity and a billion websites dedicated to every concern imaginable, resolve has become spread as thin as the last of the peanut butter on a hot pancake. There is just not enough to go around, and you have to pick you battles, the ones you can fight, and the ones that are in reach. I can do noting about the Massachusetts legislature, but I will be ready and willing when ever it hits close to home.
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Hey Shakes ..
I never watched the movie Borat. I have seen some of his comedy skits in The Ali G show and he sets my teeth on edge, so I didn't bother to check out the movie. I can't believe some of the things that people say on that show .. I mean, do they not know who he is or are they paid to say stupid things? Anyway ..
You said something very crucial in your last post: "You have to pick your battles" .. so true, my friend .. so true. ;)
~M
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Hey, Cowboy, I finally wandered over here from Dave Cullen's BBM site and have spent half the evening, late into the January night, grazing on your thread, cryin' a bit, as I remember last summer up on the meadow of Brokenback Mountain. Our own stories, great clouds from the past, boiled down around us, but we were safe on the meadow, safe with each other for a little while.
What a zigzag road into our hearts this story has been!
And now there's goin' a be a big get-together in Colorado over Memorial Day Weekend with another trip up to Brokenback. Sure hope I see you and all our folk there...and maybe even up in Alberta in July. Time to get goin', Folks!
Larry
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Thanks for the update Shakes. See you this weekend! :D
And Larry!! Hey buddy, glad to see you! It's a long drive over here from "DC" :laugh:
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I had to send out the late notices today to the renters who had not paid their rent by the 5th. A while back just for the hell of it I stocked up on a bunch of Dr. Seuss stamps just for these notices.
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Hot damn, we are leaving in the morning about 8 am to head for West Virginia. Yes, WE, my partner is going with me. I can't believe it. Sometimes he is like seeing the Pope, but we are taking his 4 wheel drive to the Charleston airport, and pick up RouxB from her heroic red eye flight from LA and then beat a path to Hico, West Virginia, to Don Wroe's cabin. There to be joined by Wayne, Lynne and Wulf.
Paranoia: "We cater to a primarily family like clientele" the website says. No fraternities, no parties, but a family? Yes, we are. We are the Twists, We are the Del Mars, but I hope they do not ask us to prove it. I would just as soon be left alone by the peeps who have our money. And anyone can look at us and tell our hard partying days are behind us. The bottle out in the vehicle is Shiraz, not Mad Dog. It will be good.
The bug, every year this time, it hits me in my head and I fight it for weeks to keep it out of me lungs and it ends up there anyway. Dang. I don't wanna make anyone sick. I refuse to let this stop me, this is one of the few moments in our seperate and unqual lives we get together. Lungs be damned, if I am diving into the darkness from wince there is no return, know I went woopin' and hollerin'!
And Lee and E. went up on Brokenback in the snow! I am eating up the reports, seeing the sights I rememory from the seat of a snow mobile, a vehicle I have never operated. Oh god, so little time, where is me list, where is me pen.....
In a dream this evening I saw my walking stick, a piece of California redwood I carried back on a plane, standing erect, singularily with the back drop of my front yard n the summer time. Nothing clouded my view, nothing competed with the sight of it in my mind, it was purity, absent of all the rigamaroll of life. Hard to describe, almost three dimentional.
See thee soon!
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:D Enjoyed being with you this weekend buddy!! Hope y'all had a safe trip home! Lookin forward to next time!! :D
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:D Enjoyed being with you this weekend buddy!! Hope y'all had a safe trip home! Lookin forward to next time!! :D
Is the cat goin' a drag you folks out to Colorado? This O'Dog is plannin' on checkin' out Brokenback again AFTER the BBQ.
Readin' Roughnecking It, by Chilton Williamson, 1982. Everything you ever wanted to know about oil rigs and their men in Wyomin' near Sage (Ennis' hometown).
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That is good to know, I had not heard of that one, will add it to the list. (Where did I put the list?)
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This is only one of your many gifts, friend. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seanachie
"A seanachie (pronounced "shan-a-key" or "shawn-a-key") is a traditional Irish story teller. Alternatate spellings include seanachaí, senachaí, senachie and shanachie. The word is an anglicized form of the Irish language seanachaidh or seanchuidh. It comes from the Irish words "seanachas" or "seanchus" meaning "history" or "lore".
The traditional art
Seanachie utilized a variety of storytelling conventions, styles of speech and gestures that were peculiar to the Irish folk tradition and characterized them as practitioners of this particular folk art. Although tales from literary sources found their way into seanachie's repertoires, a traditional characteristic of the seanachie was the way in which a large corpus of tales was passed from one practitioner to another without having been written down.
Because of their role as custodians of an indigenous non-literary tradition, the seanachie are widely acknowledged to have inherited the role of the fili of pre-Christian Ireland. However, unlike that of their ancient predecessors, the seanachie’s role was informal.
Some seanachie were itinerant travelers who went from one community to another offering their skills in exchange for food and temporary shelter. Others were members of a settled community and might be called "village storytellers."
The distinctive role and craft of the seanachie is particularly associated with the Gaeltacht, but storytellers recognizable as seanachie were found in rural areas throughout English-speaking Ireland as well. In their storytelling, some displayed archaic Hiberno-English idiom and vocabulary that would be out of place in ordinary conversation."
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archaic Hiberno-English idiom and vocabulary that would be out of place in ordinary conversation
:D Neeet!
:o ::) I wonder if there's any relationship between Hiberno- and Hebrew ...
I mean, since the "Celts" came from Galatia in Turkey and maybe Galilee and Gaulanitis (Galilee of the Gentiles, the other side of the Sea of Galilee) :D :o ::)
P.S. Hm - here's some stuff along those lines
http://www.britam.org/namesakes.html
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Thank you for that information Lynne, tht sounds like a lifestyle I could have easily fit into. I think the Irsih today all have a bit of that in them.
This is my thoughts I put together from last night as I tried to sleep:
"Pentecost, noun, a Christian festival celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorating the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the apostles....."
--From Webester's Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language, 1996
I knew a bit about the Pentecost. I remembered the story I had heard once that involved flames appearing above the heads of the apostles, 50 days after the crucifixion.
I knew Cowboy Wayne knew the Bible. In our first meeting I had lernt that. Our first morning in West Virginia we even got it out and read from it. Double checking the chapter and verse used in Latter Days on the pocket watch. So I asked him "what is the pentecost?" and he explainned it thusly: The followers were promised that in the old testament that they would be sent a comforter. When this spirit arrived they spoke in flaming tongues, a sign that the gospel would be spred out to other nations.
Jack had said his mother never explained it to him. That can happen, you just assume people know what your talking about, which is why I am still hesitant to classify people by the color of their collar. I don't really know what that means.
In the story we are told that it was several months before Ennis know about the accident. Certainly some amount of time passed before he went to the Twist ranch, but when he got there, Mrs. Twist demonstrated that spirit of comfort to him in her acts of kindness. He received the shirts, left there like an abandoned burial shroud in an empty tomb, and then.....
"Around that time, Jack began to appear in his dreams, Jack as he had first seen him, curly headed and smiling and buck-toothed, talking about getting up off his pockets and into the control zone, but the can of beans with the spoon handle jutting out and balanced on the log was there as well in a cartoon shape and lurid colors that gave the dreams a flavor of comic obsenity. The spoon handle was the kind that could be used as a tire iron. And he would wake sometimes in greif, sometimes with the old sense of joy and release; the pillow sometimes wet, sometimes the sheets."
Jack, in this way, came to Ennis in spirit and comforted him. Ennis experenced Pentecost in the form of Jack in his dreams. That question he had asked so long ago was answered.
May we all find answers, or at least never stop asking.
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some amount of time passed before he went to the Twist ranch, but when he got there, Mrs. Twist demonstrated that spirit of comfort to him in her acts of kindness. He received the shirts, left there like an abandoned burial shroud in an empty tomb, and then.....
Ennis experenced Pentecost in the form of Jack in his dreams.
:o OMG! :'( :'(
That's really good, Truman! This goes in the book about BBM Symbolism and Imagery.
I miss you!!! :) :'( :)
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I miss you too, miss that safe and secure place Lynne described, the magical place, all of which remains of are our pictures, and some mud on the tires.
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Dang it, quit making me cry, dude.
Never mind, s'alright. :-*
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Thanks for letting me know about this posting.
That's some excellent analysis of the Pentecost, its history and its application to Brokeback Mountain.
It's another example of the richness of the literary masterpiece, both story and screenplay.
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Meryl, you ain't cryin' alone, believe me.
Pastor Fred, Thanks for checking it out, it is like peeling and onion and meeting up with yourself in the process.
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:) :'( :)
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I miss you too, miss that safe and secure place Lynne described, the magical place, all of which remains of are our pictures, and some mud on the tires.
I dunno...all those feelings are still here threatenin' to drown me sometimes if I don't find somewhere to put them.
What was it you said? A person has three deaths...
Their literal death
The death of the last person to know them
The last time their name is spoken
??? :-\ ???
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I dunno...all those feelings are still here threatenin' to drown me sometimes if I don't find somewhere to put them.
What was it you said? A person has three deaths...
Their literal death
The death of the last person to know them
The last time their name is spoken
??? :-\ ???
Truman told me the Indian thoughts on death, in a PM when we were talking about my father, and I too, have not forgotten it, and have re-told it to many people since I heard it.....the response has been that of intrigue and agreement, and I'm sure it will be repeated many more times.
You are so lucky Lynne to have been able to spend time with Truman, no doubt, some of your conversations must have been quite spiritual......I'm hoping I will get over there for the Alberta trip, and meet up with him too.
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I dunno...all those feelings are still here threatenin' to drown me sometimes if I don't find somewhere to put them.
What was it you said? A person has three deaths...
Their literal death
The death of the last person to know them
The last time their name is spoken
??? :-\ ???
Truman.... are you Native too? This sounds suspiciously Lakota. I remember my Mother telling me people of our tribe suffer two deaths; The day we physically die, and the day the very last person who remembered us passes from this world.
This was "Nakun" to the Sioux (to be "known" or "remembered")
Perhaps my Mom was combining "The death of the last person to know them" and "The last time their name is spoken" together. Or perhaps I am not remembering it correctly. :)
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Hey, Cowboy, I finally wandered over here from Dave Cullen's BBM site and have spent half the evening, late into the January night, grazing on your thread, cryin' a bit, as I remember last summer up on the meadow of Brokenback Mountain. Our own stories, great clouds from the past, boiled down around us, but we were safe on the meadow, safe with each other for a little while.
What a zigzag road into our hearts this story has been!
And now there's goin' a be a big get-together in Colorado over Memorial Day Weekend with another trip up to Brokenback. Sure hope I see you and all our folk there...and maybe even up in Alberta in July. Time to get goin', Folks!
Larry
WELCOME TO BETTERMOST LARRY from a fellow oregonian,,,good to see you here with us janice
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Thursday morning, seems impossible a week has passes since I was gearing up for the trip. On my windshield this morning ice pellets fell, that storm is coming in from the south, so I am not going to stay at the office long. We were just a week off in planning our trip, huh Lynne? ;D
David, I do have Native American in my back ground, but it was so long ago we have no real memory about it with the exception that various women in the family were "mean, because they had so much indian in them". I heard that wispered growing up. My father, you could tell by looking at him was part native, but he denighed being anything but 100% white. I also had an uncle on my mothers side who was married to a woman who was part African, but "passed for white".
I emersed myself in Pow Wows and Native literature at one point in my life, and heard the thoughts on death at some point then. I would hold on to what your mother told you, it is closer to the source, real and not a hallmark sentiment. I could see someone adding the last line to make it more acceptable, give it a happy ending, start a new tradition.
Lynne, I know what you mean about drowning. If you can change your point of view to look at it as a river, go with the flow as it were, but even a river is turbulent. Maybe a nice high perch above the river, on the side of the gorge, where you can get some perspective, where all you r problems look like dots crossing an old suspension bridge, and you can hum softly to yourself the words of an old Hank Williams song. Until some dumb ass outside your cubicle clears their throat and asks you for a paper clip. ;)
In the end, all Ennis had left of the power of Brokeback Mountain was what he held in his hands.
Katie, I really hope you can make it to Alberta, that would be so awesome! I know many here who would love to meet you.
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Ah miss you!!! Truman I wish you was here in town where I could see you from time to time! :-\ :)
Hope you're having a good evening buddy!! :)
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A trip to Highlands might be in order!
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funny i was just thinkin of a visit to VA sometime soon!
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Hope you're doing well too Mr. Wulfs, and the Mizzez Lynne and RouxB!! It was a happy time. I still feel all warm and fuzzy!! :)
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im doing eh ! atm 2 months to my trip to dc plannin that atm and worrying bout the money i need
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Hope you're doing well too Mr. Wulfs, and the Mizzez Lynne and RouxB!! It was a happy time. I still feel all warm and fuzzy!! :)
I think that's called "afterglow" ::)
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You are so lucky Lynne to have been able to spend time with Truman, no doubt, some of your conversations must have been quite spiritual......I'm hoping I will get over there for the Alberta trip, and meet up with him too.
You are a hunnerd percent right on that point, Katie. It is a privilege to know Truman. I also hope you'll get to this side of the world for Alberta. It'd be an honor to meet you!
Thursday morning, seems impossible a week has passes since I was gearing up for the trip. On my windshield this morning ice pellets fell, that storm is coming in from the south, so I am not going to stay at the office long. We were just a week off in planning our trip, huh Lynne? ;D
...Lynne, I know what you mean about drowning. If you can change your point of view to look at it as a river, go with the flow as it were, but even a river is turbulent. Maybe a nice high perch above the river, on the side of the gorge, where you can get some perspective, where all you r problems look like dots crossing an old suspension bridge, and you can hum softly to yourself the words of an old Hank Williams song. Until some dumb ass outside your cubicle clears their throat and asks you for a paper clip. ;)
A week early and still never enough time! Though I'm sure I wouldn't have been so happy with snowboarding if I'd also been freezing my buns off! ::)
You're a sweetie and that's a better point of view, for sure. This will pass. It always does. I was all set to reply yesterday when Judy (next cube over) said..."Lynne, why does this..." and I just closed the window. Good grief..priorities, yanno?
Hope you're doing well too Mr. Wulfs, and the Mizzez Lynne and RouxB!! It was a happy time. I still feel all warm and fuzzy!! :)
{{{{Wayne}}}}
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So my partner is gone for the weekend to a retreat. He usually gets his parents to baby sit his 16 year old dog, Lady. I have written about her before, bless her heart. I spoke up and volunteered to keep her this time. He said he forgave me if she died while I had here.
So last evening I went over to his house, woke her from her sleep, and loaded her in the car. The last time I took her someplace she had gone out and rubbed her face in something dead and I had to get a stick of incense and burn in the confined space to get the smell out. She did well this time, jumped out on her own and wondered what was going on. She had only been to my house once before and then only breifly.
Oh this was going to fun. I had a small package of ground cow flesh to prepare her a special meal, garnished with bits of cheese, on a sauce of alpo gravy. Of course I had no batteries in the camera to document the Dog Food TV masterpiece, but o-well. I had not cooked cow flesh inside my house in over a decade, and man the grease, it went everywhere, I slid on the floor presenting her with a big bowl of water. Then I put my creating on the floor for her and she snifferd it and tottered away.
My friend James, who does not drive, called me from our friend Carol's house the next county over. Carol was gone for a couple of days to a glass blowing class and he wanted to know could I come by and visit. I had long thought
Lady might enjoy meeting Carol's dog, Cole, a big friendly black lab almost as old as her, so I loaded the stiff bag of bones back in the car and off we went.
In the darkness I could sense she was laying down. I wondered how she would take all this upset to her routine. I remembered his words saying he would forgive me if she expired on my watch, but I wondered if I would be able to forgive myself. "I am just not set up for this" I thought.
About that time my phone made a wreid sound, one it rarely makes, but I now recognize as an incoming text message. I hardly ever get one of those. I knew immediatly it was Lynne, and she knows what she wrote and how perfectly it fit with my train of thought. Yes, Friend, you would be a big help, I know you would. I pulled over and collected Lady's feces from the back seat, at least they are solid.
Cole was sleeping when we arrived. James was immediatly wondering at the wisdom of introducing the two. Poor old girl, tottered around the house, sniffed the trash, the water bowl, went into the living room and lay down and went to sleep.
We watched one of them millionair shows on Carol's 4 inch portable TV (Black and White at that).
"You want some whine?" James asked. Part of me still cringed in memory of last Sunday night in West Virginia.
"Sure" and I had a glass.
Presently Cole got up and waddled in the den and demanded attention. I took him by the collar to the living room, he saw his own kind, where none had been expected, and furiously swished his tail in joy. Poor old Lady, stiff old bag of bones held real still and let him sniff all over her, not hazzarding any encouragement by sniffing him back. We kept an eye on them, but in five minutes the courtship was over, they were totally ignoring one another.
Back home she still would have nothing to do with the gournet supper. I went to bed and dreamed of vacation rentals that didn't allow pets, where one might find a spoon handle jutting out of a can of beans. She went to her nightly ritual of walking, patrolling to make sure her territory is safe from tresspassers. Around and around she'll go in his house, but mine is laid out differently. About 4 am her clicking toemails woke me, in the twilight of the dream time I wondered if this was the way parents and infants become bonded, in the weak vunerable times of the days and the lives. Thinking of how we revert to childhood again and need sitters as we age I heard her tumble down the stairs. Ah hell.
I jumped out of bed and hopped to her as quick as I could. She was shaken but okay, I opened the door and let her into the basement and let her explore there. I laid down on the sofa in the downstairs room and tried to go back to sleep, but her constant wet nose and muzzle kept getting under my wrist and arm and demanding attention. She needed reassurance, love, anything but cow meat. When I awoke at 8 am she was sleeping in the bathroom, when I woke her she was as dazed and confused as I have seen her, I told her it was time to go home.
Safely back at her own territory, she ran to her water bowl and drank a long measure. I fixed her some breakfast of dry food augmented with Alpo. She devoured it and climbed under the Azeleas and curled up to sleep the day away.
I called his Mom and told her I would bring Lady up there about 5:30.
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"You want some whine?"
:laugh: Mimmmm, reez!! :laugh:
Hope Lady's doing ok! Have a good weekend! :)
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Near as I can tell she is, I have talked to that dog for years and she has never answered the first question, so I concoct answers for her that generally fit.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Looks as if we'll get some more weather tomorrow.
Whine!
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We had a tad of sleet night before last as I was driving home from work, but only enough to hear it clicking on the windshield.
I don't think we've even had a freeze since that 20 degree thing in early December, at least here near downtown.
Weekend's going great - I'm writin my dissertation!! :D
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Well don't forget to break for some Dessertation! :P
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<pokes truman on the side>
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I sure would like to go to Andorra.
I have always had a fastination with the micro countries of Europe: Andorra, Lichtenstein, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, Luxembourg, and that tiny piece of Spain that is totally inside France I cannot think of the name of.
In 1999 I got to travel to Italy and of course got to visit the Vatican, but to my shagrin, did not got to see San Marino.
But Andorra, that looks like such a beautiful place. I would love to go and spend my days there.
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Hey, Truman--
That tiny bit of Spain surrounded by France is the town of Llivia. Italy similarly has an enclave within the country of Switzerland, called Campione d'Italia. I found this article on enclaves and exclaves, with an interesting international list of such entities, at the following URL:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enclave (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enclave)
I share your curiosity for the microstates of the world. There is a certain fascination in a place, like Monaco, that is smaller than New York's Central Park, that is yet its own sovereign nation. Bigger isn't necessarily, or always, best!
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I would have fantasies as a child about being the ruler of some little country someplace, my own little bastion.
I ment to write about this the other day but it slipped my mind. Sunday I was driving thru town, it was raining and almost freezing and I saw two LDS missionaries scurrying down the sidewalk with their books. I rolled down the window and asked them: "Wouldn't you like an umbrella?" They seemed somewhat relieved by a jesture of good will, but told me their car was around the corner, so I didn't detain them. Bless their hearts, I may not entirely agree with their mission, but they have a hard row to hoe.
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Your comment about the LDS missionaries, brings to my mind what I often think about us Brokies.....
Sometimes I think of us as missionaries, trying to get people to understand the real meaning of the movie, and how if more people could get the message, this world would be a far better place.
Not unlike us, those LDS missionaries have found something special, and want to share it, and no doubt they get frustrated like us, when their goodwill is taken as an afront and not understood in the concept that it is meant to be understood.....same frustration we feel, when we try to explain to someone what a beautiful love story BBM is.
We dont have to agree with their beliefs, but I do now have some compassion for what they are trying to do.
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they have a hard row to hoe.
Plus they're really hott! :D :-* :-*
;)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latter_Days
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In the darkness I could sense she was laying down. I wondered how she would take all this upset to her routine. I remembered his words saying he would forgive me if she expired on my watch, but I wondered if I would be able to forgive myself. "I am just not set up for this" I thought.
About that time my phone made a wreid sound, one it rarely makes, but I now recognize as an incoming text message. I hardly ever get one of those. I knew immediatly it was Lynne, and she knows what she wrote and how perfectly it fit with my train of thought. Yes, Friend, you would be a big help, I know you would. I pulled over and collected Lady's feces from the back seat, at least they are solid.
I've been ruminating on this for nearly a week, sadly without benefit of whine, and I'm alternating between XFiles-style 'skeert' and bliss approaching tent scene 2...and that's only a little bit of an exaggeration.
Seriously, Meryl has said elsewhere that this whole Brokie business makes us feel like 'we're part of something bigger than ourselves.' I completely agree with her, but it's so hard to put into words. What is this need to quantify, qualify, anyway? The need to figure out what in hell happened is big, though. We spent some time talking about it in WVa. Is there a reason? What is it? I'm no closer to answers, but I think it's important not to stop asking the questions.
I've caught myself making calculations...assuming we have 1,000 Brokie phrases imprinted in our neural network, assume that's 10% of all the stuff we know (obvious overkill for a margin of safety), factor in time spent together and adjust it for the delta since we've seen each other - what is the likelihood? I dreamed about it last night - think Anthony Hopkins in Proof. I probably need help from Wayne for this calculation ;), nevermind a therapist, but I still get something approaching winning the lottery.
But Vicki and I still can finish each others' sentences and we haven't spent much regular time together since high school - that doesn't make me see ghosts where there aren't any. Hunh.
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Hey Mister Shakes! Hope you're having a good evening. I made a little progress on the dessert-tation :D :P
On the way now to some dinner ... wish you was around the corner so I could call you up and take you along!
Take care - talk w/ya soon!! :)
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Just gone have to make a trip to Atlanta Wayne, been so long, like 1987.
You know you live in a small town when your excitement for the day is yelling at a car with "what would Jesus do" plate on the front bumper doing a U-Turn that Jesus wouldn't do that. :laugh:
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You know you live in a small town when your excitement for the day is yelling at a car with "what would Jesus do" plate on the front bumper doing a U-Turn that Jesus wouldn't do that. :laugh:
lol..
Just how small is this town you live in, Shakes? ;D
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Just gone have to make a trip to Atlanta Wayne, been so long, like 1987.
Tell you whut, that'd be fun! Soon as I finish this dessert-tation!! :D
You know you live in a small town when your excitement for the day is yelling at a car with "what would Jesus do" plate on the front bumper doing a U-Turn that Jesus wouldn't do that. :laugh:
::) Shakes if that brings you excitement then you're gonna be REAL busy when you come to Atlanna! :laugh: :laugh:
My thing is with the "Left turn YIELD on Green" sign - people just stop and wait for the light to cycle through when there's no oncoming traffic!! :o >:( >:( ::) :P
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I just roll down the window and holler "Justin!! I'm calling your momma!!"
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In 1998 my entire extended family took a trip to Florida to see the Space Shuttle lift off. My sister had the tix and she was in a motel in Orlando and we were in CoCo Beach. Miles and miles apart. We agreed to meet outside the Astronaut Hall of Fame on the way to the gathering point to catch the bus the rest of the way. Never mind there would be a hundred million people passing by, 80% from Ohio, and I had to wait out there 45 minutes before they came rolling up with the tix.
That is how I take the small town with me.
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that tiny piece of Spain that is totally inside France I cannot think of the name of.
Baja Cerdaña? Lower Cerdanya in English, I guess. (Not to be confused with the italian island of Cerdeña). I was there a few years ago, in the town of Puigcerdá (pronounced something like: pooj-sir-dah). It's a ski village with breathtaking views. We only stayed for one day. Little Spanish or French is spoken there. Locals speak mostly in catalan.
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Is that the same as Llivia?
Your post raises another question I have yet to find and answer for: how do you make an "enyay" the "n" with the "tilda" over top of it? Is there a comand that does this or do you have a different key board?
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Is that the same as Llivia?
Your post raises another question I have yet to find and answer for: how do you make an "enyay" the "n" with the "tilda" over top of it? Is there a comand that does this or do you have a different key board?
I have a keyboard in Spanish, which includes the letter ñ and the tilde. I don't know if there's a command to it in other keyboards.
As for Llivia, yes it is the town you were talking about. It belongs to Cerdaña, but it's separated by a piece of land that belongs to France. I've never been there, though. Here's a map. But Puigcerdá is practically France. There's very little resemblance to Spain, except in the food.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/mapallivia4.gif)
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Your post raises another question I have yet to find and answer for: how do you make an "enyay" the "n" with the "tilda" over top of it? Is there a comand that does this or do you have a different key board?
;D One way you can do it, if there happens to be one on the screen already, is just to block and copy it ... ñ <- I took this one from opiñonista's post ;D (you know you can just highlight it, then Ctrl-C, then move cursor where you want it, then Ctrl-V)
Course that only works if there happens to be one on your screen at the time.
There is also a combination of ALT plus some 3-digit numeric code that will often but not always work. e.g., it's not working on my keyboard right now ... ::) I think it only works with a number pad? The codes for the usual Euroextra letters are in the range of about 130 to 160. Alt-130 is "e" with an acute (bottom left to top right) accent.
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;D One way you can do it, if there happens to be one on the screen already, is just to block and copy it ... ñ <- I took this one from opiñonista's post ;D (you know you can just highlight it, then Ctrl-C, then move cursor where you want it, then Ctrl-V)
Course that only works if there happens to be one on your screen at the time.
There is also a combination of ALT plus some 3-digit numeric code that will often but not always work. e.g., it's not working on my keyboard right now ... ::) I think it only works with a number pad? The codes for the usual Euroextra letters are in the range of about 130 to 160. Alt-130 is "e" with an acute (bottom left to top right) accent.
Good idea wdj. Here you go, so you can copy and paste: Ñ ñ á é í ó ú ;D
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I have, perhaps, a Truman-style thought of the day.
If it snows, whatever else you do, do not crawl on your hands and knees on the roof to sweep the snow off the skylights. :-\
Oh, and if you do, don't do it wearing shorts. :(
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I was gonna make a funny but then realized it would not be lady like....
so I will pm you!!
:laugh: :laugh: O0
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I have, perhaps, a Truman-style thought of the day.
If it snows, whatever else you do, do not crawl on your hands and knees on the roof to sweep the snow off the skylights. :-\
Oh, and if you do, don't do it wearing shorts. :(
:laugh: :laugh: :D :D :laugh: :laugh:
Just one question - is anything broken, bruised, or otherwise injured (besides your dignity, that is)?
::)
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Nope, thanks, I'm fine! Now that my hands and knees have finally warmed up!!
I was slinking along the roofline on my hands and knees so's not to slide off.
BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!! Snow is COLD!! :o :o :o
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(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/mapallivia4.gif)
:D Speaking of exclaves, there's one in Kentucky too!! Somewhat intriguingly, they divided the states in a very strange way at New Madrid, that place in the middle of the continent where the contintental plate is also divided strangely so that they have big earthquakes :o
A bayou in sight of Kentucky... strange things indeed! :o :o
(http://www.public.asu.edu/~redsall/triplepoints/august2004/arkansas/newmadridbend.jpg) (http://www.public.asu.edu/~redsall/triplepoints/august2004/arkansas/egrets.jpg) (http://www.public.asu.edu/~redsall/triplepoints/august2004/7.htm)
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Ñow that is what I call ingenuity. ::)
I have noticed that Kentucky enclave, I would like to visit there sometime. I had ancestors who lived near there briefly long long ago, in Obion County, Tennessee.
So many places I want to go, what has stopped me in the past from just getting in the car and driving? (Sure sign of a mid life crisis).
So Wayne, what to you call that French "C" with the tail on it? Like in Francois?
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Hey Shakes ! Hope you don't mind Lynne and me helpin ourselves to some whine at your place ! :laugh: How you doin?
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So Wayne, what to you call that French "C" with the tail on it? Like in Francois?
:-\ Sorry, my dial-up shut off on me! The tail on the "C" is called a cedilla. I reckon they wanted to make the c look and sound like an s.
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how do you make an "enyay" the "n" with the "tilda" over top of it? Is there a comand that does this or do you have a different key board?
Hey all-- I couldn't get along without a Character Map, and this is not talking about folks who post.
With Windows XP, it should be found at Start > Accessories > System Tools menu. I use it so often I put a shortcut for it on the Start menu. As Wayne said, it must be done on the numeric keypad (a pain on laptops); and in some situations it may not work. Most times, it does for me.
ñ = Alt + 0241
Ç = Alt = 0199
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Hey all-- I couldn't get along without a Character Map, and this is not talking about folks who post.
With Windows XP, it should be found at Start > Accessories > System Tools menu. I use it so often I put a shortcut for it on the Start menu. As Wayne said, it must be done on the numeric keypad (a pain on laptops); and in some situations it may not work. Most times, it does for me.
ñ = Alt + 0241
Ç = Alt = 0199
Thanks so much for that! :D
I have been trying to find that character map for the past year. ::)
God, I couldn't remember where it was.
Welcome To Bettermost! :D
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Hey all-- I couldn't get along without a Character Map, and this is not talking about folks who post.
Ya can't tell the players without a program!! :laugh: :laugh:
Hey Joe, how you dooin? ;) :-* :-*
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Ya can't tell the players without a program!! :laugh: :laugh:
Hey Joe, how you dooin? ;) :-* :-*
Pretty good until I looked at my message. Then decided not so well.
Ç = Alt = 0199 should have read
Ç = Alt + 0199
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That is so cool, I knew there was a way to do that!
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;) Last night my friend Carol, the sage of Elamsville, told this story involving her maternal grandparents, it happened about 70-75 years ago:
Granddaddy would keep his bottle in a hollow fence post out by the road. When his ride would drop him off in the evening he would have a nip before going up tot the house.
One evening he caught a ride home with his boss man and wanting to impress him, offered him a nip, handing him the bottle first.
Now my mind is thinking how this translates into a 1930's, male bonding type thing. He is letting the boss man know where he hides his liquor, like he is welcome to come by and help himself. Or was it just brown-nosing?
The boss man soon starts throwing fits, as Grandma has discover the bottle and replaced the contents with cayenne pepper.
I gather they stayed toe up about it a long time.
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Do you know if Grandpa kept his job?
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So then my friend James has to tell a story too. He is Native American from northern California, and his Aent Mildred just died.
Mildred had a husband named Jimmy, who James described as a Mexican national with limited English, and perhaps intellect, who stood about 4 ft. tall. (yes I cleaned that up, can you tell?). Mildred had cancer, but her death I gather was unexpected. James said the call came somewhere between 1 and 3 in the morning, a voice on the phone asking him: "Are you related to Mrs. Mildred because she has been laying here dead for 40 minutes and no one is here with her and her wig has fallen off...."
They went down to the ER and found her behind a curtain, with a terribly distraught Jimmy standing beside her, kissing her hand, tears pouring down his face. Apparently he is so small he had escaped detection.
James did not know what became of him. He was certain relatives had probably put him on a bus. Literally or figuratively I do not know.
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I' have to ask her that, Lynne, I imagine he did, because they all worked in the mill and it was the kind of place where both would have been too embarrassed to let it get out. The people in the mill would have give them hell about it for 20 years.
The men in my fathers generation and older, hell they picked on one another unmercifully.
When my daddy named me after a Democrat President (as opposed to a Democratic one I reckon) the grocer in town would see us coming and ask how "Lill' Ike" was. Just to fret him. Ike being the Republican sucessor in office to the president I was named for.
When I was 3 my Mamma took me in that place. Monroe-esque guy with a cig hangin' out his mouth and a big old pot belly behind an apron said "Hi ya Lill" Ike"
And my Mamma says I started yelling:
That Damn Fool, That Damn Fool, That Damn Fool!
and she had to drag my ass out of there.
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"Lill' Ike"
:o >:( :laugh: :laugh: Poor thang!!! :-* :-*
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This evening after celebrating the 71st natal anniversary of a friend, I rode back by the office to collect my lap top and I looked across street at the new museum, all finished and lit up, and thought yeah, I should go take a look and see if my memorial bricks are in place.
I am pleased to report that the love of Ennis and Jack is now memorialized for the forseeable future at the entrance of the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville, Virginia, on the spot I was born. I dedicate this to all my friends here, there and everywhere, the sentiment on this brick is for us all:
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YEE HAA!
Looks Great!
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loooks awsome truman
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Thats really what they mean by "set in stone"......wonderful.
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This evening after celebrating the 71st natal anniversary of a friend, I rode back by the office to collect my lap top and I looked across street at the new museum, all finished and lit up, and thought yeah, I should go take a look and see if my memorial bricks are in place.
I am pleased to report that the love of Ennis and Jack is now memorialized for the forseeable future at the entrance of the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville, Virginia, on the spot I was born. I dedicate this to all my friends here, there and everywhere, the sentiment on this brick is for us all:
That's terrific Truman. 8) I remember you asking about it here on BM. I was the one who had never heard of anything like this and couldn't imagine what such a brick could be and how it would look like.
Yeah, it really got us good...
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:D That's great Truman!! Right along with that happy face and them pretty blue eyes!! :) :-* :-*
So is it horizontal or vertical? A walkway or a wall?
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Just in case people were wonderring? Tru has THE sexiest southern accent in the world:)
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I am pleased to report that the love of Ennis and Jack is now memorialized for the forseeable future at the entrance of the Virginia Museum of Natural History in Martinsville, Virginia, on the spot I was born. I dedicate this to all my friends here, there and everywhere, the sentiment on this brick is for us all:
(http://apollo.divshare.com/files/2007/02/07/109054/TrumanBrick.jpg)
Thank you, Truman. It's just perfect.
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That is so cool, Truman. How wonderful! Congratulations...
Leslie
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That is beautiful,, Truman! Just wow! And thanks! :D
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All honor to the Brick! Thanks, Truman, and congratulations on the nice outcome of your idea. 8)
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:D That's great Truman!! Right along with that happy face and them pretty blue eyes!! :) :-* :-*
So is it horizontal or vertical? A walkway or a wall?
On a walkway, right by the front door, I was laying on the (dirty) ground taking the picture.
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Just in case people were wonderring? Tru has THE sexiest southern accent in the world:)
Sheeeee-it, you gone scare them sheep off if you don't quieten down. :laugh:
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Sheeeee-it, you gone scare them sheep off if you don't quieten down. :laugh:
Sorry there buddy...and I posted that before I saw them hypnotizin eyes a yers...there I go again.
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Your eyes are getting heavy...
Your clothes are getting heavy....
You are taking off your heavy clothes.... ;D
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Your eyes are getting heavy...
Your clothes are getting heavy....
You are taking off your heavy clothes.... ;D
Hell the boy has me blushin...that's damn hard...to do.
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...and such a nice shade, too! 8)
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...and such a nice shade, too! 8)
Ummm...wrong cheek boy...now get your hand off that...hehehehehehehe
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Shade of eyes or blush?? I'm havin trouble following, guess I need to consult th' instruction manual.
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What is the line..."in an odd way everything seemed mixed..."? ;D
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"Even when the numbers were right Ennis knew the sheep were mixed. In a disquieting way everything seemed mixed."
Lord don't I know it
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Sometimes it is like someone came into the room where all of our gigzaw puzzle lives were laying on a table, missing pieces and all and scraped us all off into a box and mixed us up and hoped for a real purdy picture. :D
(I know I do)
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Sometimes it is like someone came into the room where all of our gigzaw puzzle lives were laying on a table, missing pieces and all and scraped us all off into a box and mixed us up and hoped for a real purdy picture. :D
(I know I do)
And what they got was a bunch of bent cardboard...Hehehehe
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Truman, the message on the brick is really cool. Good idea! Thanks!
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Truman, I've been meaning to ask you.. ¿Hablas español?
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Me hablo muy poco español, y muy malo español. Me no ha falta mucho para casarmie.
mi amiga, Lourdes, a Mexico, D.F., a trabajo con mi, Mi hablo a Lourdes:
"Lourdes, te busca aligne aqui abajo!" pero mi hablo:
"Lourdes, te busca aligne aqui carajo!"
(And it just goes down hill from there)
Last night we were leaving our favorite Mexican resturant and the Manager tell me: "Buenos Nochies" and I told him:
"Vaya Con Huevos!"
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Me hablo muy poco español, y muy malo español. Me no ha falta mucho para casarmie.
mi amiga, Lourdes, a Mexico, D.F., a trabajo con mi, Mi hablo a Lourdes:
"Lourdes, te busca aligne aqui abajo!" pero mi hablo:
"Lourdes, te busca aligne aqui carajo!"
(And it just goes down hill from there)
Last night we were leaving our favorite Mexican resturant and the Manager tell me: "Buenos Nochies" and I told him:
"Vaya Con Huevos!"
Really Truman. The carajo and the vaya con huevos are terms you understand spell perfectly! LOL
It is funny. I have two cousins who were born and raised in New York City. One of them speaks spanish very well, the other one not so well but she has not problems when it comes to bad words. LOL
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At one time I could say mierda in like 6 lanuarges. In the the native american language of Wintu it is Chanis. They only have 30 speakers, but I know THAT word.
My mind is in the gutter... :-\
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Lourdes also taught me whenever I see a group of Spanish speaking women I should point to myself and say: "Soy Caliente" and they always bust out laughing. I have no idea why.
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Lourdes also taught me whenever I see a group of Spanish speaking women I should point to myself and say: "Soy Caliente" and they always bust out laughing. I have no idea why.
It means: I'm hot! but it really sounds kinda ridiculous to say it in Spanish. I don't know why.
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It means: I'm hot! but it really sounds kinda ridiculous to say it in Spanish. I don't know why.
We know this... ;D
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Well im on my knees asking for ablutions for taking so long to
get in here and say hello...I have read some of the things you
have put in here, and think of all the fun and interesting things
that i have missed over the months.
The story about the dog,,,is so great..You have a way of writing
that i dearly love. You come through, like a warm breath of
fresh air on a winter day.. I can say i will be checking in on a
regular basis now however...i had read some small bit from you
before,, but now i love you.... in a non threatening and older straight woman way... janice
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Well I love you too friend. I hope I will have some time to write a bit this afternoon. ;D
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If i could save time in a bottle
the first thing that i'd like to do
is save every day 'til eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you..
Janice I just love those lyrics, always have since I saw that TV move 30 some years ago where the young mother had cancer and was dying...Sunshine, I think? Haunting words.
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If i could save time in a bottle
the first thing that i'd like to do
is save every day 'til eternity passes away
Just to spend them with you..
Janice I just love those lyrics, always have since I saw that TV move 30 some years ago where the young mother had cancer and was dying...Sunshine, I think? Haunting words.
The movie you're thinking of seems to have been called "She Lives!", and was first aired on television in 1973. Here is the link to this production's IMDb page:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070683/ (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070683/)
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Truman, I love the brick. I'm going to come see it sometime this year. :)
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Oh do, we'll make a field trip out of it! ;D
I read the most wonderful article in Redneck Today magazine last night, about what to do with your old satellite dish, make a bird feeder out of it:
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Redneck Today magazine
:o :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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And what they got was a bunch of bent cardboard...Hehehehe
Lovely brick. Lovely face. Lovely eyes. Lovelier idea.. that is
just plain...did i say lovely.. janice
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So this good friend of mine asks me to go with her to deliver a teddy bear to her 13 year old son's girlfriend of the week for Valentines day. He did not want to be embarrassed by having his Mamma deliver it.
So. mission accomplished we go thru the drive in to get a couple of cokes and the car hop woman, a frazzled old hippy, brung them out and asked how we were doing.
"Fine and you?"
"I'll be fine when I get rid of this infection."
OMG, what is this woman doing handling food? I managed to contain myself until we had pulled away and then busted out laughing. :o
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Was she the girlfriend du jour? I hope to hell not.
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Hey Truman,
I received your stamps yesterday! :D
Cheers mate! ..
And ..
You sure have big hands! :P
Thank you! :)
~M
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Oh Milli, you flatter me! :D
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Was she the girlfriend du jour? I hope to hell not.
Nah, the girlfriend du jour is in the 7th grade. :laugh:
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I had the most wonderful news yesterday, my friend Joe who posts here ocassionally as essefjoe will be paying me a visit in less than a month. Woo-Who! Hope it will be warmer by then, so the mountains won't be in the friggin' cold all the time. ;D
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Good for you. Saying a silent prayer that Springs gets here soon.
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It is uncommonly warm here today, I have rode around with the windows down, everone will be sick this weekend probably.
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It is uncommonly warm here today, I have rode around with the windows down, everone will be sick this weekend probably.
Enjoying a balmy, spring-like day in central Texas, as well. Brilliant blue sky and a delicious sun-kissed quality to the air. It's nice, but making me want to take a nap (and I'm still at work!).
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Friday evening I stopped by a friends house for a drink, it was about 6:40 in the evening when I was leaving, pausing on the front porch as she smoked a cig we notes the light still in the sky and the mildness of the evening.
"I can feel it coming" she said.
"I can too, can't wait for it to get here." I replied.
This time of year, when warmer weather approaches, it seems like the most wonderful thing there ever was. Like somehow your going to be 18 again and riding in a car down a tree lined road by moon light, to park next to the lake and gaze at the stars, or not. ;D
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This time of year, when warmer weather approaches, it seems like the most wonderful thing there ever was. Like somehow your going to be 18 again and riding in a car down a tree lined road by moon light, to park next to the lake and gaze at the stars, or not. ;D
Oh Truman, you are such a beautiful romantic.......what a wonderful way to describe the weather.....
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Ah, romance....(long pause as he stares off into the distance and smiles a little)
Sunday was one of those days you would just like to stay in bed all day.
It was cold and rainy and wet outside. I was curled up in bed near noon when my phone rang with a number I thought looked familar so I answered it. It was Lisa, with the promised phone call from Bay City. She was sitting at a table full of friends, all wishing I were there. What could be nicer?
So nice to hear their voices, hear of their exploits, of their plans. Judy and Chris who I never hear from enough, happy with the moment, and then almost when I think this dream has ended I hear a voice: "This is Front Ranger" (OMG, she sounds just like I imagined!) How I wish I was there, why was it I could not be now, I can't seem to remember.
The day progresses and me with it. The lunch at Wendy's, the open house and the pull down stairs, my mothers stained glass project, Moby my company on the ride home to the snug futon.
As I drift away I see her wavey hair under her black cowgirl hat, she turns, flashing her smile, they are arm in arm, trudging thru the snow, their way lit by the Marquee.
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the light still in the sky and the mildness of the evening.
:) Mmmm, yeah. The days are noticeably longer these last couple of weeks. I'm gambling we won't get another freeze this spring! :o I have lots of impatiens ( ::) :laugh: ) that come up volunteer along with the plants I bring in, so I planted a buch of them in the ground!
I've put most of the potted plants back outside so they can enjoy the sunshine and the rain! :D They get so much stronger out in the real weather. Tell Bob his lemon tree is all full of flowers and honeybees. Hundreds of flowers!! :D And I know you're looking forward to your calamondins!! :laugh: :P
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Thanks to global woarming, I am having impatents coming up wild in my flowerbed. How about posting a pic of that Calamondon tree in bloom? Should be lots of things blooming in the mountains still in May!
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Tonight's youtube recomendations:
Hank Williams, Sr. on the Kate Smith Show, 23 April 1952:
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My dad loved Hank Williams, and he often used to get out his guitar and sing his songs for us............I remeber many many years ago, going to see the movie of Hank's Life, and dad walking out ot the cinema, crying.
I have downloaded many of Hank's songs, and every time I listen to them, I think of my dad.
I will definately go have a look at the you tube you mentioned.
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I love Hank Williams, Sr., he lived one of those James Dean type existances, wrote and sang some hauntingly beautiful songs and passed into legend. He died from an overdose and/or the effects of them in the back seat of a car being driven by an underaged, unlicensed driver. when he arrived in Oak Hill, West Virginia in the wee hours of 1 January 1953 they found him dead in the back seat, they don't even know where he died.
That is amazing that your father shared the same admiration for him. He had good taste. The Kate Smith Show I have heard about for years, it might have been the only time he was on TV, it seems to be the only video footage you ever see of him. When I found it on youtube I cried.
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Sang for WSM, eh? In HIV prevention that means "women who have sex with men." ;D
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Sang for WSM, eh? In HIV prevention that means "women who have sex with men." ;D
Ain't that a hoot! Next time I am at the Opryland Hotel I will stop by the station and ask them if they know that. :-*
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I had been feeling the past few days that I was out of touch with things. I had in mind that if I just slowed down and relaxed the feeling would pass, take in the blooming daffodils, buy a coconut for my squirrel, pick up the twigs in the back yard.
How had I not heard there was going to be an eclipse of the moon Saturday evening? I had seen it grow fuller and fuller all week. Had I not agreed to go with him to the store, well then he would have seen it first. Up thru the branches, the moon was not full, the stars were out, huh? "Is there supposed to be an eclipse tonight?!?"
We ran out to the end of the driveway, like we were going to miss it. Out past the branches of the trees the big two thirds of the white orb, I could sense the horror primitive peoples felt when they saw such. Would they have prayed, chanted, made an offering?
We whipped out our cell phones and started calling people: Quick, go outside and look at the moon!
Maybe it is a sign I am coming back in touch with the world around me.
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Maybe it is a sign I am coming back in touch with the world around me.
Something tells me, that you have not been out of touch with world around you. The observations you have made, are hidden from most people these days. It takes a special pair of eyes to see what you've seen.
"It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."
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I agree with scott about your being very much in touch. And will
agre with Katie also,, My parents were huge Hank Williams fans as
well. Especially my dad.. There may be something particularly in him that appeals to the men, he was the Elvis of his time...
Janice
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As we were having our full moon chat on Saturday, we were wondering if anyone would have the opportunity to see the eclispse. Everyone on the chat had cloudy weather. That's great that you saw it! The full moon definitely has an effect on me.
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Yeah, I think I do see a fair amount with my heart, but it is kind of a lonely way sometimes. Sometimes what the heart sees is troubling.
Saturday I threw a load of clothes in the washer and went back to bed and slept almost all day. A beautiful day that I know I will wish I had back, but I just couldn't go out and do anything. I wanted to sleep. Sunday was no different. I had breakfast with my mother and went home and went back to bed, but man the dreams I had!
I think part of me thrives on the craziness of my job, and I was almost happy to get back to it today. We are putting up a booth for a local Chamber of Commerce Trade Show and I needed to run to the hardward superstore to get some bolts. I was wearing my Jack Nasty ball cap trying to figure out what I needed when the store musack stared up:
"No combination of words I could write on the back of a postcard...." which I instantly recognized from BBM Radio. I just started smililing and swinging my head like Stevie Wonder and danced a little jig right there in the aisle. I attracted a bit of attention from the Carhartt wearing construction types, I just looked at them and said "Hellyeah, Monday, I love it!"
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Tonights youtube recomendation, the wonderful Emmylou, Mary Black, Iris Dement, and some other fine folks:
&mode=related&search=
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buy a coconut for my squirrel
??? Is that some kinda inuendo? :laugh:
P.S. I missed the eclipse - didn't hear about it till the next day - so I was hoping it wasn't visible from here!! :P
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It is the best thing in the world if you have a squirrel around your house at you bird feeder, get a coconut, crack it open, enjoy the coconut, the only fruit that has cholesterol, and put the husks out in the feeder.
The squirrels f'ing LOVE coconut, they have a great time with them husks. I read about it in Redneck Today.
(I know Lisa you warned me about this and I know better)
Donald Trump really pissed me off the other night when he fired that guy for identifying himself as white trash. I'm like if that is how he sees himself I would be more innerested in why than just to knee jerk react and fire him, sweep his ass under the carpet.
Anna Nicole comes to mind as well. I mean I have seen some things in my 4 decades, but where she went, still amazes me.
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Donald Trump really pissed me off the other night when he fired that guy for identifying himself as white trash. I'm like if that is how he sees himself I would be more innerested in why than just to knee jerk react and fire him, sweep his ass under the carpet.
Well, Donald Trump might be rich but to me he is in some ways a white trash. I can't stand the man.
ps. Did you get my response to your pm?
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Yes and I apolgize for not getting back with you. It makes sense that the dialect around Madrid would be the one exported easiest to the new world.
A couple of years ago the police in my area when out to investigate an armed robbery at a Tienda and the man who was robbed described the robber as hispanic, with a Honduran accent. The police looked at one another "a Honduran Accent?!?" it opened up new worlds to them.
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Yes and I apolgize for not getting back with you. It makes sense that the dialect around Madrid would be the one exported easiest to the new world.
A couple of years ago the police in my area when out to investigate an armed robbery at a Tienda and the man who was robbed described the robber as hispanic, with a Honduran accent. The police looked at one another "a Honduran Accent?!?" it opened up new worlds to them.
Native English speaking people can't usually tell between a Mexican and a Puerto Rican for example when it comes to the accent. I can understand if someone can't tell between a Puerto Rican and a Venezuelan given that our accent are very similar. But Mexicans have a very distintic accent and so do the Hondurans. It's funny because even with my disability I can tell between them and also between a British and an American, even by reading the lips. British, for example, pronounce the T in a very distintic way. Perhaps it is because I've been exposed to the American accent for a long period of time. However, I cannot diferentiate between the irish accent and the british, even though everyone says they very different.
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I didn't know you had a disability, may have missed that somewhere.
We have an agent in our office who is an old school Massachusetts native, the kind who would say: "Phark tha' Khar in the Gherage" even after 42 years of living in Virginia. He went out showing a house to a woman who olny lip reads and she said "Where are you from?!?!"
I can tell the difference betwixt the Brits and the Irish speaking the same language, and I can tell the difference between somefrom Brasil speaking English and a Spanish speaker, but I cannot differentiate between Spanish speakers or those with Germanic languages like Dutch and Danish.
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I didn't know you had a disability, may have missed that somewhere.
Well, some people know but I'm not really sure who does and who doesn't. I have a neurosensorial hearing loss. In my case (not everyone's case is the same) when I have my hearing aids on I can hear almost all the low pitch sounds but I have trouble indentifying some, especially the ones I'm not familiar with. However, I have little or no hearing for high pitch, which gives me trouble understading speech sometimes. I tend to have more trouble with the English language because I can't tell the difference between some sounds. For example, sh, ch and z. I pronounce the s and the ch because I was taught when I was a kid. But the z is pronounced different in Spanish (in Puerto Rico like an s, in Spain like th) , and the sh does not exist in the language.
So my inability to make those sounds properly makes it hard for some people to understand me when I speak English. However, I'm told that I speak quite normally (in Spanish that is) and people usually can't tell I'm hard of hearing until I make a mistake or fail to understand something, or my hearing aids are showing (I have long hair).
So, in that sense I function quite normally during conversations but the type of problem I have is not very well known or understood. When I say what? what comes into people's mind is she didn't hear me, and tend to yell, holler or move lips very very slow and that actually makes it worse for me. I always explain how it works with me. Some people get it, some others don't. Also, some sound amplifier devices don't work for me either. It's hard to explain. I need to see to understand.
My audiologist says I am a great lip reader. I think that's because I like looking at people's mouths and faces. This has made a few men think that I'm in love with them, but that's not usually the case. I'm usually just reading their lips. :-\
But well, it makes my life a little harder sometimes but I don't let that get to me. After all everyone has some kind of shit to deal with. I think bad attitudes are the worse kind of disability.
I don't mind talking about it, so if you have any question, feel free to ask, really.
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I so agree with you about bad attitudes being a disability. I encounter many people daily shackled by them.
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This just in from the Department o' Nostalgia:
Good ole' Flipper!
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Spring is in the air, and as I promised Lee I will post some pix of my native plants as they come up. Yesterday I saw my first Blue Bell Bloom:
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And for Wayne, my Mrs. Twist Iris is poppin' up, hope the deer leave it alone:
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Yesterday was a rough day at work, one of those days that make you question why you even bother getting out of bed.
I have been a realtor for over 7 years now, and to say I am burnt out on it would be an understatement. My market area has been depress ever since I got into it, and has consistantly had the highest unemployment rate in the state, and is about to go up again.
The past few years I have been doing property management, which amounts to being a Nanny for landlords who don;t want to be the fall guy demanding rent from deadbeat tenants. Sixteen hours of continuing education due by December, I have started entertaining the fantasy I will just let my license expire and move on to something else. What I have no idea. I have had many careers and will hopefully have a few more. This is the longest I have stuck with any of them.
But who knows......
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Thanks, Truman! It's great to see that iris sprout!! I might be seeing a few Spring Beauties around my house this weekend and maybe a start on the Columbine!!
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Yesterday was a rough day at work, one of those days that make you question why you even bother getting out of bed.
I have been a realtor for over 7 years now, and to say I am burnt out on it would be an understatement. My market area has been depress ever since I got into it, and has consistantly had the highest unemployment rate in the state, and is about to go up again.
The past few years I have been doing property management, which amounts to being a Nanny for landlords who don;t want to be the fall guy demanding rent from deadbeat tenants. Sixteen hours of continuing education due by December, I have started entertaining the fantasy I will just let my license expire and move on to something else. What I have no idea. I have had many careers and will hopefully have a few more. This is the longest I have stuck with any of them.
But who knows......
Awww sweetie, i was saddened to read your post about your chosen field of employment. It
seems to be the way of the economy for the Republican encumbancy. I hate to blame yet another, ugly thing on the Reps. but i have observed, in my history. Which is longer than I care to
tell. The economy is always bad when they are in office. It has been happening since the Eisenhower years. I was too young to even vote then, but i remember well the way of the depressed economy.. It seems also the only way they have to try and fix it. Is to start a war, of one kind or another.
Naturally the war machine has to be rebuilt. and making jobs more plentiful. I may be wrong, I dont think so however. It has repeated this pattern too many times by my own observation.
I dont know if it will change quickly, but hopefully if we get the Dems in, it will eventually make a difference... But there are no guarantees.... sorry,,, janice
your flowers are beautiful. So nature compensates sometimes
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In a small town, you have to make your own entertainment:
8)
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Funny, property management strikes me as an interesting field of employment, especially for a Faulknerian person like you. But that's me romanticizing it. Maybe you should look into doing a similar thing but in a different place, like Wyoming for example!!
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A sampling of my day: I cut my phone one Monday morning at 9 AM and have the following messages:
"My drawer guides are completly broke, they need to be replaced, I get my rent in on time, I expect some service!"
"My sister step grandson was killed in a wreck in Atlanta over the weekend so we are headed down there for the funeral, he wasn't but 24 years old, so if you try to call me and I'm not here that's why."
"You remember the woman at Sonic with the yeast infection? Well I rode thru there yesterday and she has located her daughter she gave up for adoption 42 years ago and they are going to be reunited this week!"
"Call me as soon as you can! The doctor says I have Toxoplasmosis from going to that Black History Program in that moldy church basement! You need to wear a face mask when you go in these nasty houses, I have some I will give you that are perscription."
I kid you not, and it was like that all day long.
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I was mad at my mom one day and i went for a walk, and we did nothing but text the entire time. :laugh:
haha! I'm a loser
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A sampling of my day: I cut my phone one Monday morning at 9 AM and have the following messages:
"My drawer guides are completly broke, they need to be replaced, I get my rent in on time, I expect some service!"
"My sister step grandson was killed in a wreck in Atlanta over the weekend so we are headed down there for the funeral, he wasn't but 24 years old, so if you try to call me and I'm not here that's why."
"You remember the woman at Sonic with the yeast infection? Well I rode thru there yesterday and she has located her daughter she gave up for adoption 42 years ago and they are going to be reunited this week!"
"Call me as soon as you can! The doctor says I have Toxoplasmosis from going to that Black History Program in that moldy church basement! You need to wear a face mask when you go in these nasty houses, I have some I will give you that are perscription."
I kid you not, and it was like that all day long.
I think you are lucky not to be the manager of the building I live in. It'll drive you really crazy, I'm sure!
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Today, it hit 80 degrees Fahrenheit! :o Global warming at it best, and it was a beautiful day.
I belong to a group involved with raising finds for the expansion of our local history center. It is a wonderful genealogical library, one of few you will find (http://www.bassetthistoricalcenter.com/). Tomorrow night we are having a fundraiser, a bluegrass and gospel music show at the old high school auditorium. The school, built in 1948, closed and was sold off a few years ago and the owner is graciously letting us use the auditorium. It did however require cleaning. Lots of it.
Talk about deja vu, a cloudless sunny morning and I climbed those stairs to the front door, it could have been 1966 with little imagination. Inside, past the memorial for the 5 students who died in Vietnam, I was handed my rag and can of Pledge, and headed into the great concrete and wood paneled hall where as a boy I saw and got the autograph of the great Lester Flatt and the Osborne Brothers. The rows of seats covered with graffiti, some of it carved with knives in the days before metal detectors by men who are now Pap-Paws. "Hello Dolls" one seat read, I could not count the initials.
I made a full circle of the room, wiping down the paneling and baseboards, the edge of the stage. There were about a dozen or so other volunteers, all awash in their on memories, of school rivalries, of the band class that practiced on the stage. It is amazing how nasty a place can be when it is shut up.
My pocket rang and I seen it was me friend esseffjoe, so I ducked out into an adjacent court yard to speak to him. The place was a-bloom in forsythia and daffodils. It was like something you would see at an old girls school. I sat on the bench in the warm sun and took it all in.
I will be listening tomorrow night, to the vibrations of the strings, and think of Scott in his performance, best wish to you my friend, and you and you and you!
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It sounds like a very interesting day. Thank you for writing about it. I didn't get to go outside today at all. I missed it so much. Hope you have a good weekend. If you have a minute, join us in chat tomorrow.
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I will try and do that, my, the 24th again.
I saw me first butterfly this morning, a Monarch, flying across the road thru traffic, I always cringe and dodge them. More will be following I am sure, this heat wave is supposed to last thru next Friday.
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The carhop, I'll call her Lisa, has been having an unravelling, a glorious blooming. Me and the other agents are enjoying it.
You might recall Lisa from earlier posts, a wild middle aged woman who works at a drive Thur fast food joint, bringing food out to the cars, her hair all wild and loud as can be. Always willing to share too much information, she had recently been encumbered by an irritating infection we couldn't believe she was talking about.
Then one day come the news: Lisa was coming out of her closet and announcing to the world she had a daughter she had given up for adoption when she was born, 42 years ago on the 9th of April. She had never had any other children and hoped one day to be reunited with her daughter. Recently she became making inquiries and learned her daughter had recently begun to look for her. All she knows at this point is the woman is local, has some kids of her own. Social Services is working on a meeting betwixt the two in a couple of weeks.
Then the paranoia set in. What if this child of hers had driven thru and been waited on by her, what is she would be looked down upon for being a car hop and a free spirit? It grieved her to think so.
We rode thru this afternoon to grab some lunch and my gawd, she had her hair all done up, her clothes were clean and she was wearing glasses. She looked like someones mother. She looked "respectable". She is still so excited, to learn the child was still alive, to have the opportunity to explain to her that her parents would not let her keep her daughter; "I hope she is not mad at me" she said, with that look in her eyes of a lost pet on the road.
"Surely not" I told her. "She wouldn't have been looking for you if she was" and I wondered if in her exuberance to tell the world she might tell the one person she gave birth to on 9 April 1965. I am hopeful for her, I am caught up in her drama. I am emotionally investing in the outcome of this situation. It feels good.
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Hey Shakes! Hope you're having a good evenin! Hope everything works out great for the lady with the yeast infection ... :)
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It is off to DC this weekend. I am meeting up with Lynne and we are gonna join Wulf and hopefully Dee in D.C., hee, hee, that rhymes.
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I woke up this mornin' so convinced I knew who that adopted daughter was I went to the court house this morning and looked up her marriage license. She was four month to the day too young. ;)
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Have a great 'n safe trip! :)
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It is off to DC this weekend. I am meeting up with Lynne and we are gonna join Wulf and hopefully Dee in D.C., hee, hee, that rhymes.
Bye darlin' have a good and safe trip. Take pictures!!
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What a great story about Lisa. I hope they connect by her birthday!!
Keep us posted.
Say hi to our buddies and take pics!!
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Well, this afternoon is the ribbon cutting for the new museum, and it may prove to be an interesting event.
Yesterday's newspaper carried and article that a group of 20-30 people had obtained a permit for a protest there this afternoon in support of a former employee, a man named Michael Moore, who has brought action against them claiming he was fired because he is gay. It is the first I have heard of the case, perhaps I will have a chance to meet him, or learn more about it.
Yesterday held a wonderful experience for me also. An acquaintance who is an African American gentleman asked to meet with me to compare notes on our ancestry. We learned we are third cousins, he being descended from a relative who was a confederate veteran, a man who never married but fathered two large African American families in his community. I was so tickled to know this I told everyone I could.
It is shaping up to be a wonderful spring, and tomorrow I get to see Lynne and Wulf in D.C.!
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Give them both a hug from me, too. You three are some of the brokies that i would love to
have met when i was way down east last week....Have a great time. And like Scott said,
take lots of pictures.... janice
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Where was you way down east? And is your picture over on Scott's blog?
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Yep im on there, as bad as i hate to say so, and two of the worst pictures I have ever taken as well...but that is how it is later in life...im not 19 anymore... But my grandaughter is, at least for another week..
We went there, and had a wonderful 6 days, and met up with some wonderful people. We saw some beautiful places, and faces. And contrary to the early notices, the people were absolutely warm, and friendly.. Just wish you could have been there too.... good luck this weekend, and have a wonderful time with your dear brokie fellows... janice
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I want to see a picture of Trument !! :)
Karen
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Hey, Linda! Watch where you're slinging those coffee filters!!
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Hey there fella, yoo hoo,,,where are them pitures....anxiously waiting.
janice
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OMG, that is better, never thought I would have to have an exorcism, but my gawd, that Linda Higgins demon was too much!
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:) Hey buddy! Y'all back from DC or what? Hope you had / are having a great trip!! :D
Tell us more about the museum?
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So share Truman. Waiting to hear all the dishy bits about your visit to DC. How was the museum, and how were all the compatriots..??
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I am working on it, man it was a whirl wind of a day. I headed out in the wrong direction on the beltway and ended up driving down 95 to Richmond, which was okay, it leads to Rt 360 to South Boston, which is without a doubt THE BORINGIST DAMN ROAD IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA. I;ll have to recover and post my thoughts and pix tomorrow. I had a wonderful time with Rico and Laura. We saw the ruby slippers! I wonder if Adrain would ever donate the horse to the Smithsonian. ;)
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I think it is a wonderful thing to be able to get in a car and drive to the capitol of the country in which you live. It is a luxury I have not taken full advantage of. When Wulfar (aka Rico Suave) mention back in January he and his friend Laura were going to go to Washington, D.C. at the end of March, I told him I would meet them there.
Now Lynne was going too, but her ankle came unscrewed. She will have to tell you about that, if we ever hear from her again because methinks, maybe, she might be in love, or at least serious lust. But that is another story.
Rick and Laura had already been there two days when I arrived on Saturday and were old hands at the Metro system, not to mention the traffic. Laura, who was not quite 4 months old when I turned 20, drove her Toyota Echo like a bat out of hell to the New Carrollton, Maryland, Metro Station where we boarded the capsule that took us into and under the city, depositing us at the Smithsonian Station. I felt almost giddy with excitement as we ascended the escalator onto the national mall. An overcast Saturday afternoon, the sidewalks clogged with people, the air and trees littered with kites and the trash cans over flowing with trash. it was like a great circus, in which the audience was also the performers.
I had forgotten how the ground on the mall undulates, in my mind it is always flat. We climbed the hill to the Washington Monument, the last tix of the day having already been sold, dodging the kite flyers we made our way to the World War 2 Memorial, a broad space of granite and brass and flowing water that cannot be used for wading or as a repository for pocket change, going against hundreds of years of common practice. "If I had to be homeless" I told them, "I would want to be homeless in Washington" there are plenty of steam grates, plenty of tourists with disposable pocket change, and the neighborhood!
We meandered over to the Vietnam Memorial, pausing to gage the merits of some of the more mobile local scenery. Pausing at the memorial statue of the Vietman Nurses I told them all about the one on the back side who was looking, eternally, for a lost contact while the other two comforted the dying and looked for incoming choppers. They did not know this, so I happily shared more of my knowledge of D.C. folklore with them, for instance: The Lincoln Memorial was built like a cage in case the giant statue of Abraham Lincoln inside ever came to life he would be unable to escape and terrorize the city. Same with the Jefferson Memorial. With the FDR memorial they did not have to worry about an animated statue coming to life as much because he would still be in a wheel chair and they made all the exit ramps too small for him to escape.
The cherry trees on the Tidal Basin, as well as everywhere else in the area, where in full bloom, which had brung on the tourists. One of those wonderful times when you hear every language being spoken and you feel compelled to walk up to strangers and communicate Thur a motion of your hand you are willing to take their group photo so they don't have to photo shop the photographer in once they get home. I also saw the highest numbered school bus of my lifetime so far: #2300.
There was no late night partying for us, we were exhausted and in bed by 10:30. The folowing day we took the Metro back into town to the L'Enfant Plaza station in order to visit the Air and Space Museum. The plaza was named after the Frenchman who laid out the grid pattern of streets in the District, and of whom them only exitsting image of is a single silhouette. Personally I am not sure if the man was a genius of totally insane.
The Air and Space Museum holds two of my most favorite objects in the entire world: Charles Lindberg's Spirit of Saint Louis and the Wright Brother's Flayer, the first heaver than air craft to fly. I can remember seeing them the first time I ever went to Washington, as a brat of 9. They were suspended from the ceiling of a different building then.
One of the other Smithsonian museums was closed for renovation at the time so part of its exhibits were moved to a section of the second floor of Air and Space, and it was a treat in itself. Standing in line we solemnly filed past the Ruby Slippers, the shoes Dorothy claimed from the wicked witch o' the east when her house landed on her. (hence the connection to Air and Space) There was R2D2 and C3PO, a Stradivarius, The remains of an Oak tree, shot to death in the American Civil War, Patsy Cline's Blouse, George Washington's coat, The quilt panel of Roger Gail Lyon, who testified on 2 August 1982: "I CAME HERE TODAY TO ASK THAT THIS NATION WITH ALL ITS RESOURCES AND COMPASSION NOT LET MY EPITHAPH READ HE DIED OF RED TAPE". I was so glad to see that there, many people who would otherwise not ever see a panel of the AIDS Quilt got to see that one, a profound statement.
And just the bazaar arrangement of stuff, in the last cabinet before we exited the room was 1. Jerry Seinfeld's Puffy Shirt; 2. Mr. Roger's red sweater; 3. Archie Bunker's chair; and, 4. The manacles worn by LaVar Burton in the TV Miniseries Roots. All of those artifacts meant so much to me for so many different reasons and here they all were, lumped together like the national treasure.
We briefly went into the Museum of the American Indian, where the gift shop had bracelets that were mystically connected with the previous days' yellow school bus ($2,300.00) and I highly recommend visiting there, but plan to stay all day. They do not have the ruby slippers, but they do have the ruby sneakers.
Continuing on up the Mall toward the capitol building I noticed there was an on going protest against circumcision, which I enthusiastically related to my companions as soon as I could get it out of my mouth. It was to say the least, the photo op of the entire trip. It was also a wonderful balance betwixt the serious nature of their message and total juvenile guffawing. The photo of the baby being circumcised was a powerful thing, something that should be on a billboard everywhere. It really strengthened my resolve to oppose the practice, and I successfully ignored the devil on my shoulder that sought to make me a victim. I have spent too long over coming the burdens of living to take on another one at this point in my life. What is done is done and I am not going to grieve over what I never missed. Still, seeing that screaming baby and thinking that was me one made me shudder.
And why on earth they didn't have the protest at the Washington Monument I cannot understand, it would have been much more effective.
As we meandered up to the capitol itself I pointed to the now blocked off steps where on the evening of 11 November 1985, I sat with my college friends Marty, and Cherokee now living in Hawaii and Masa, a Japanese national whose whereabouts are unknown, and enjoyed a joint while the sun when down. No one bothered us, there is the center of things. I thought of Flight 93, and how different it would be had those passanger es and crew not stopped that plane. Bless their souls.
We followed the trail over to Union Station, where we saw a Duck Boat tour, I didn't know they had those in DC, I bet that would be fun. There we got back on the Metro and went to DuPont Circle, the gay center of D.C. (in fact in sted of being AC/DC, DuPont Circle is D.C., D.C.).
While there I received a call from another Brockie from the Cullen Board that Lynne was hopeful we would meet up with, but he was unable to do so having just returned from France. I also had to call the office to help locate a key, said call being made difficult by a passing fire engine with it's siren blaring. I finally had to put the office on hold and scream at the passing vehicle "EXCUSE ME, I AM ON THE PHONE !!!" Oh it is so wonderful being in the midst of people who don't know you and whom you will never see again, the only thing making it better is having a few buds along to appreciate it. I felt so in love with life at that moment. I even engaged the timid Scientologists to answer their three questions I never bothered to find out why they were asking. (I thought of Annie Proulx at that moment, we were robbed!).
Lambda Rising Books I drug them into, one of the oldest gay bookstores in the country. We got us some trinkets and I found me a new book to read: "Dear Boy" 2,000 years of gay love letters, it looks interesting. Problem with books is they don't read themselves.
Rick and Laura were patient with me, the old hipster trying to remember how to be cool. I may be getting too old to take off on a lark like that, but I know one thing, next year I will be older. I am so glad they decided to go there, and let me come along, to walk in the footsteps of Jeb and Dash, and all those before and since.
And this is what comes next, this is what grows from the legacy of Jack and Ennis, people, real people, coming together and having adventures. The time of sadness and grief have ended, the time of joy and spring has returned and with it the smiling faces of two friends with pierec ed ears, in a little car going too fast on the interstate, or maybe Laura, not fast enough?
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Thanks, Truman. I love reading your stream-of-consciousness. :-*
I even engaged the timid Scientologists to answer their three questions I never bothered to find out why they were asking. (I thought of Annie Proulx at that moment, we were robbed!)
And I love that I got that without even having to think hard. ;D
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thanks for the recount truman cant wait til we can spend some more time together
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I"m looking forward to that too, come on down and we'll go get my hair cut! ;D
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:D Love the story and the great pix!!! :D
CIRCUMCISION DECREASES SENSATION right in front of the Capitol bldg.... :D :laugh:
An' hey Wulfie!!! :D :-* :-*
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Dont cut too much,,,you look like such a little boy with that hair...
And I agree with Meryl...That was a wonderful tale ...you made us feel like we were there too..It sounds absolutely wonderful...i particularly felt near, during the viet nam memorial part...I remember my brother going there. He couldnt even talk about it when he returned....thank you so much.................janice
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duno i think his hair looks best when short but im going to try and head truman's way during the summer time =_)
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When wulf comes to town...
Janice I first went to the Vietnam Memorial on Veterans day, 1985, it was the largest silent crowd I have ever been in. The monument had only been open about 3 years at that point and it was all so raw, the emotion was palatable. It just felt like an over whleming crush of sadness but me and my friends (this was before we got stoned on the capitol steps) could not tear ourselves away. I think now it was because we were witnessing healing.
It is not quite the same when I go there now, of course I didn;t go on a holliday, but the tourists are still respectful. Its a strange feeling being confronted by all those names, knowing each represents a life ended, and as you read then you see your reflection in the stone and of course that reminds me I am older than any of those names got to be.
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My brother was the communications officer, for Ben Hoa airbase. Many of the names listed there, he knew of and knew personally. And he had some part in the notification of the deaths, and injuries to
loved ones, and families....It was such and experience he couldnt even discuss it...
To many people that go to that monument...It is a work of art. To others, it is a place where a loved one is recognized...However to he, and others that were there... in Viet Nam, It is faces, and real men they knew, and cared about....I guess in a certain way,,,that is what is great about it...It is something different to everyone that visits it.
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when wulf comes to town? whta =P
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I received word tonite from my Cherokee friend in Hawai'i that their daughter, born last week, had to be airlifted to Oahu for a variety of strange problems. Her name is Maya Olivia. If you would keep her in your thoughts I would appreciate it very much. :'( :(
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ill be thinkin of her truman and sending mucho good thoughts her way
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I will be thinking of your friends Truman. :-\
Well, this morning I was thinking of that song "Friend of the devil" you had on CD up in WV... looked it up on the internets and found this
http://arts.ucsc.edu/gdead/agdl/fotd.html#title
and this
http://www.hunterarchive.com/files/newjournal/56journal_2006.html
Robert Hunter, the guy who wrote it writes like you, kinda. :)
Check out his story "Curvature" on 8.04.06
"Have you ever noticed that the oceans and the Great Lakes appear motionless from the air? You can see waves but they seem frozen. This is a verifiable fact as anyone flying over big bodies of water can attest. Why is nothing ever said of it? Because it goes to show that what is real up close is something else altogether from a distance."
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And now I'm *finally* catching up with one of my favorite blogs around these parts!
..."I hope she is not mad at me" she said, with that look in her eyes of a lost pet on the road.
"Surely not" I told her. "She wouldn't have been looking for you if she was" and I wondered if in her exuberance to tell the world she might tell the one person she gave birth to on 9 April 1965. I am hopeful for her, I am caught up in her drama. I am emotionally investing in the outcome of this situation. It feels good.
You've got us all invested in this story too, Truman - keep us posted as things develop. You sure do have a gift for knowing the right thing to say. I'm sure you gave her some much-needed reassurance...I can't imagine how traumatic that would be...It's just two days until 4/9 - maybe they'll have a birthday reunion?!!
Well, this afternoon is the ribbon cutting for the new museum, and it may prove to be an interesting event.
...
Yesterday held a wonderful experience for me also. An acquaintance who is an African American gentleman asked to meet with me to compare notes on our ancestry. We learned we are third cousins, he being descended from a relative who was a confederate veteran, a man who never married but fathered two large African American families in his community. I was so tickled to know this I told everyone I could.
How was the ribbon-cutting? Were the protesters there? I think it's terrific that you and your acquaintance have a common ancestor - very neat news, indeed!! I wish I had my family tree traced back further. I'm particulary interested in my maternal grandmother's side (Cherokee), but it seems to get trickier with the women, best I can tell....one day, one day...
Now Lynne was going too, but her ankle came unscrewed. She will have to tell you about that, if we ever hear from her again because methinks, maybe, she might be in love, or at least serious lust. But that is another story.
::) :o :o ;D 8)
You are incorrigible!! It goes without saying that I'm going to put a lot of thought in how to get you back for this one! :-*
Rico Suave, eh? I'm loving it! That's a perfect moniker for wulfie!!! :laugh:
The quilt panel of Roger Gail Lyon, who testified on 2 August 1982: "I CAME HERE TODAY TO ASK THAT THIS NATION WITH ALL ITS RESOURCES AND COMPASSION NOT LET MY EPITHAPH READ HE DIED OF RED TAPE". I was so glad to see that there, many people who would otherwise not ever see a panel of the AIDS Quilt got to see that one, a profound statement.
Very very neat - I'm really sorry I missed that one. I have yet to see the quilt.
And why on earth they didn't have the protest at the Washington Monument I cannot understand, it would have been much more effective.
Excellent point, friend. I am also 100% opposed to this. If I'm ever fortunate enough to have a child - 'no freakin way.'
And this is what comes next, this is what grows from the legacy of Jack and Ennis, people, real people, coming together and having adventures.
Well said. I sure missed out. It sounds completely wonderful! Next time, next time...
I received word tonite from my Cherokee friend in Hawai'i that their daughter, born last week, had to be airlifted to Oahu for a variety of strange problems. Her name is Maya Olivia. If you would keep her in your thoughts I would appreciate it very much. :'( :(
Absolutely, Truman...healing wishes are winging their way to Maya Olivia.
Well, this morning I was thinking of that song "Friend of the devil" you had on CD up in WV...Robert Hunter, the guy who wrote it writes like you, kinda. :)...
"Have you ever noticed that the oceans and the Great Lakes appear motionless from the air? You can see waves but they seem frozen. This is a verifiable fact as anyone flying over big bodies of water can attest. Why is nothing ever said of it? Because it goes to show that what is real up close is something else altogether from a distance."
IMO, Robert Hunter is one of the best lyricists ever to grace us with music. Here's another of his that's a favorite of mine:
"It goes to show you don't ever know
Watch each card you play
and play it slow....."
--Robert Hunter
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:D Hey Miz Lynne!! How yoo doin? ;)
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Friends, we have to coordinate with Ms. Tamarak, we all need to engineer ourselves on the same trip.
Wayne, I'll bring the rock, and the shot guns shell. And the sage. And the picture.
I told someone tonight I nailed a piece of my heart to the movie screen when I seen Brokeback Mountain.
When I go up there, I expect to see the pointed end of the nail. Jus' commin out the air.
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Wayne, I'll bring the rock, and the shot guns shell. And the sage. And the picture.
:D What about the stitch-seam beer can? Did you find that or was that somebody else?
Yeah I told Miz Tam I want to ride on the same day with y'all ;D
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:D Hey Miz Lynne!! How yoo doin? ;)
I'm doing great, Mistah Wayne! How're you? I've been meaning to check in with you. I thought about you on 3/15, wondering if you have a new title? Catch me up on your news...I'm trying to catch up on everything I've been missing around here these past few days, an impossible task, even if I exclude the feed store! (Don't tell Jess! :-X :-*)
-Lynne
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I see there are tres amigos on right now! :)
Hey Lynne you were once talking about moving ... is that still on? What's the latest? :D
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3/15
:-\ Oops - did I say I was supposed to finish school by then? ::) I am so-o-o-o-o not finished! :P But making progress, all is fine.
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Friends, we have to coordinate with Ms. Tamarak, we all need to engineer ourselves on the same trip.
Wayne, I'll bring the rock, and the shot guns shell. And the sage. And the picture.
I told someone tonight I nailed a piece of my heart to the movie screen when I seen Brokeback Mountain.
When I go up there, I expect to see the pointed end of the nail. Jus' commin out the air.
Lovely way to put it, Truman!
We do need to get organized on this...with smaller groups of 6, I don't know how much flexibility we'll have with the riding. I told Lauren I didn't *have* to be in your group, that her group would be cool with me, or another one, wherever I fit, but that you and Wayne oughta be put together so we'll at least be paired with folks we know and love. Daryl needs to be with me because he probably won't know anybody else yet.
I had a long phone call today with Milli and I think it's becoming more crucial for us to get our act together - I'm getting the Alberta travel guide next week so we can get going on looking at lodging and camping spots. I emailed my friend Gary today asking for the details from his trip there last summer. He and his fiancee found some good camping from what I understand.
Here's my sketchy plan at the moment:
Try to be there 7/21 - 7/31. I know that seems extravagant, but this is my first *real* vacation in about 6 years, otherwise it's just been long weekends, so I want to make the most of it. I'm looking at putting Mom in respite care for the last two weeks of July to give Chris a break too.
I'm hoping to cross paths with Milli 7/21-22 in or around Edmonton because she is leaving to go to Europe toward the end of the month for her sister's graduation in Europe - her plans are still murky, tho. Our call really got us going though, so I think plans will start to come together soon.
The only official things I know I'm signed up for is the hike up Jack Ascending on the 24th and the riding on the 26th. Are y'all up for the hike and the rodeo too? I believe it's the 25th, but don't hold me to that.
I think we should go in together and rent an SUV or minivan or something, don't you?
-Lynne
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I see there are tres amigos on right now! :)
Hey Lynne you were once talking about moving ... is that still on? What's the latest? :D
I still want to move - the west coast keeps calling, but no definite plans right now. My resume is in good shape, but for some reason I'm not able to wrap my brain around the logistics of moving Mom, finding new doctors, and all that. So I'm sort of just hanging out, regrouping, saving some $$$ because having that danged house for so long made a serious dent in my finances. I'm thinking of looking for another job locally (Huntsville or Nashville) where I can get some Java and web development experience before I make a bigger move. Those are serious gaps in the resume at the moment.
:-\ Oops - did I say I was supposed to finish school by then? ::) I am so-o-o-o-o not finished! :P But making progress, all is fine.
I'm glad to hear it! Progress is excellent - I'm very proud of you and brag about you whenever I'm given an opportunity! You be sure to let me know the details because I intend to invite myself down for a celebratory dinner. :D
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A Winnebago, we could rent a winnebago.
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Renting a vehicle together sounds like a good idea, yes!
I heard there was to be a rodeo gathering on the 28th.
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I am all for camping, except for the last night. I am also not opposed to a cheap motel .
OMG Wayne, if we went back up to Broken Back, I would so stay, at , the lodge, you know,
(Where we rode the horses, and maybe, you think......... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D)
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A Winnebago, we could rent a winnebago.
We could and then we'd be assured of clean bathroom facilities!
Maybe we need a Winnebago and a regular car so we could mostly keep the Winnebago parked and use the Taurus or something normal for all the driving about. Otherwise, gas will cost us as much as our plane tickets!
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I'm going to read the Alberta thread to find out when the rodeo is and if there's any firm dates for group gatherings yet...brb.
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Sorry, got my realities confused.
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Sorry, got my realities confused.
Is that anything like MultiVerses?? :D
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I still want to move - the west coast keeps calling, but no definite plans right now. My resume is in good shape, but for some reason I'm not able to wrap my brain around the logistics of moving Mom, finding new doctors, and all that.
Yeah, that sounds reasonable, for sure!
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But we can assure clean bathrooms with a can o; lysol, Let's get a SUV. ::)
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Is that anything like MultiVerses?? :D
Exactly.
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OMG Wayne, if we went back up to Broken Back, I would so stay, at , the lodge, you know,
(Where we rode the horses, and maybe, you think......... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D)
Oh, you mean where Jack and Ennis rode each other! :D ;)
I didn't check out the lodge itself in Wyoming there but did see some really cool cabins nearby. Very rustic, but they had that wonderful smell of old wood :)
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I did the best thing this past week. I restored my clothesline.
I had been reminded recently abou the wonder of line dried sheets. I desired it.
I restrung them giant crosses of nobody;s savior for the first time this century and I washed and hing my sheets out to dry in the morning before I went to work and I come home one day and took them off the line and put them on the bed. And I laid down and slept about an hour. It was so nice.
And th towels, the excisite dryness of line dried terry clother, you have to bend thenwhen you take the off the line.
Oh Milli, I must meet you!
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How far apart are these places we'll be visiting? Are we going to need to move around to different hotels or are they close together?
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Oh, you mean where Jack and Ennis rode each other! :D ;)
I didn't check out the lodge itself in Wyoming there but did see some really cool cabins nearby. Very rustic, but they had that wonderful smell of old wood :)
Yeah you rememory we got off them horses and went inside and .........WES..........
....opened the bar for us?
You rememory ....WES?
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It's like herdin cats! ::) :D
Wayne, you're right - the rodeo is Saturday the 28th.
The only 'official' gathering I'm seeing planned at the moment is on the 29th, a full moon gathering near a place called Canmore.
There's a suggestion around that people take some initiative and 'plan' an activity, sort of the way Lauren/tamarack took the lead with planning the horseback riding and the JA hike.
After doing some more research, maybe our group can take the lead on planning/hosting something? That'd be nice, I think.
What day is y'all's horseback ride on? Lauren told me mine is on the 26th...
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I like the idee o; hosting something. It would have to be something fun, like an art happening. 8)
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How far apart are these places we'll be visiting? Are we going to need to move around to different hotels or are they close together?
I have no real clue, Wayne, which is why getting that book and some maps Monday is critical. I kinda have the idea of flying into Edmonton, hotel night one, camping someplace strategic subsequent nights to minimize driving in circles, and staying in a hotel the last night. I don't *HAVE* to camp the whole time, but in truth, it's more my style of vacationing, plus I like the idea, that somehow I'll feel closer to Jack and Ennis.
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I like the idee o; hosting something. It would have to be something fun, like an art happening. 8)
Please elaborate, my erudite friend. Are you talking about a gallery with whine and cheese and canapes? or fingerpainting naked before skinny dipping to wash off the paint? :D
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:D
http://www1.travelalberta.com/en-south/index.cfm?PageID=460&FeatureId=236 (http://www1.travelalberta.com/en-south/index.cfm?PageID=460&FeatureId=236)
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Thanks, Wayne - that looks like a terrific resource!
Milli tells me she's about 2.5 hours north of Calgary in Edmonton.
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;D
http://www.canadream.com/pages/specials/brokebackmountain.aspx (http://www.canadream.com/pages/specials/brokebackmountain.aspx)
If you are arriving by air today and picking up your CanaDream motorhome call 1-800-461-7368 for pickup from the airport.
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OK, gotta run to dinner ... i'll check back w/yall in a while! :)
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This one is the smallest one that would suit our needs, I think...four adults, two children accommodated...$3220 for eight days (picking up 7/22 and returning 7/30)...not sure if that's Canadian or American. It looks like 800km are included then you're charged for additional mileage...hmm...
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I have spoken with Maya Olivia's father thisevening and they are still with out an answer, however her condition is still very, very strange.
Her heart has improved, but she has renial faliure and brain swelling. What in the wolrd can you say to that?
I bless them, all around.
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which would be $805 each if dividing by 4 or $537 if dividing by 6...
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I have spoken with Maya Olivia's father thisevening and they are still with out an answer, however her condition is still very, very strange.
Her heart has improved, but she has renial faliure and brain swelling. What in the wolrd can you say to that?
I bless them, all around.
That does not sound good at all, Tru. How old did you say Maya Olivia is? Is she an infant?
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This one is the smallest one that would suit our needs, I think...four adults, two children accommodated...$3220 for eight days (picking up 7/22 and returning 7/30)...not sure if that's Canadian or American. It looks like 800km are included then you're charged for additional mileage...hmm...
I need to find out if he is coming with me or not. But that looks like an excellent idea.
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That does not sound good at all, Tru. How old did you say Maya Olivia is? Is she an infant?
She is a week old, she did okay the first couple of days.
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She is a week old, she did okay the first couple of days.
That really really sucks. I'm so sorry for them.
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:-\ Wishing the best for your friends Truman ...
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Checking back, and hoping for better news my friend...Maybe next time will be better.
Keeping her in my heart and thoughts....Bless them all....and you, for being a kind and caring friend as well.. janice
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I have spoken with Maya Olivia's father thisevening and they are still with out an answer, however her condition is still very, very strange.
Her heart has improved, but she has renial faliure and brain swelling. What in the wolrd can you say to that?
I bless them, all around.
I concur with Lynne in saying that this doesn't sound very good, from an earthly perspective. I'm so sorry for having to say that, and I do hope that the child's health may recover.
At the same time, I do believe, whatever may happen, that little Maya Olivia is blessed, and that she is in God's heart and hands. I hope there can be some comfort in such a thought. Please, God, protect and cherish Maya Olivia and her family, and grant us the courage to endure the mysteries of Your will.
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Hiya Truman!
Dropping by to say hello mate! ;)
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My goodness friend, I understand you will be headed to Europe the last week of July. What are your travel dates, if there is anyway I can meet up with youo on my trip to Alberta, I sure want to make it happen. ;D
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Maya Olivia's condition continues to grow grave. She is being placed on dialysis today, and the neurologist seems to think she has suffered several strokes.
I have been really torn about how to feel and approach this situation. I will pray for the best outcome.
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{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
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My goodness friend, I understand you will be headed to Europe the last week of July. What are your travel dates, if there is anyway I can meet up with youo on my trip to Alberta, I sure want to make it happen. ;D
I'll let you know when the dates are good and final.
Take care .. :-*
~M
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My goodness friend, I understand you will be headed to Europe the last week of July. What are your travel dates, if there is anyway I can meet up with youo on my trip to Alberta, I sure want to make it happen. ;D
What about joining us in Colorado/Wyoming at the end of May? I thought you were planning to join us?? Whaddaya waitin for, a matin' call??
;D
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Whaddaya waitin for, a matin' call??
I'll volunteer for that! ;D ;)
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Maya Olivia's condition continues to grow grave. She is being placed on dialysis today, and the neurologist seems to think she has suffered several strokes.
I have been really torn about how to feel and approach this situation. I will pray for the best outcome.
Thank you for the update, Truman. I'm keeping Maya Olivia in my thoughts and prayers. I almost called this afternoon for a check in. I don't know what to tell you. Complete recovery if at all possible, but if not, as painless passing as possible, I suppose. So very, very sad.
:'( :'( :'(
Hugs,
Lynne
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Thinking of you and your friends Truman... I wish everyone the best.
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I would like to say something about the murders in Blacksburg, Virginia. I wish I knew what to say.
I cried today when I read the names and the paragraphs about the victims. The holocaust survivor who died holding the door back so his students could get out a window.
The professor who was known as one of the leading researchers in matters relating to Cerebral Palsy.
The girl who went to high school with the shooter.
The young lady who won a talent contest by doing a belly dance last year.
It sounded more and more to me like 9/11. I have half a notion to drive up there and be witness, but I resist. I could add nothing but body heat and I fear the grief is just too great to be endured just yet. I will go on Saturday. I have to pass by Blacksburg, I will make a point to stop.
I see on the news how Australia gathered all their guns, as did the UK, where it is five years if your found posessing one. I think, "Why can we do that here?"
I am in favor of it. I don't believe it will work. We tried banning alcohol once, it didn't work. Marijuana is illegal and Jack and Ennis smoked a joint. No one cared.
I fear we collect all the gun in this country, it will result in the expansion of an already lethal black market.
I dunno what the answer is. We have done so much to change the hearts of people in America I almost feel safe sometimes, but then I remember sometimes it is not their hearts, but their minds. This shooting may be one of those times.
The shooting has just been one aspect of the whirlwind of my life. The wind blew so hard that day it took down trees. The electricity and phone went out, its been a mess. But Maya Olivia seems to be making some improvement. I got a pic of her this evening hooked up to her tubes and monitors, it was quite frightening. I pray her mamma and daddy get to hold her soon. The rest of her life I cannot imagine, but this I think is obtainable.
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Hey there, friend...Thank you for taking the time to write. I know that the past few days must have been traumatic for you to say the least.
I'm very glad to hear that there's some positive word about Maya Olivia - that's a spot of brightness in this otherwise bleak period.
I'm with you about not having any real good answers about how to prevent tragedies like Columbine, Simon's Rock, now Virginia Tech.
I don't think rounding up the guns is a good answer because, like you say, it creates more of a black market. I do think it would be helpful if our legislature would properly fund the enforcement of existing gun control laws like background checks and waiting periods. I think that too many times these are not really enforced, leading to people getting guns who should never ever have them.
Here's a random fact - the 'Golden' kid who killed at his high school in Jonesboro(?), Arkansas several years ago is a distant cousin on my maternal grandfather's side. My grandfather abused his wife and children and was mentally unstable (understatement).
I've been thinking about how disaffected and isolated the murderer must have been. Anyone who would do something so heinous has to be seriously mentally deranged. I'm not trying to excuse his actions, but it makes me wonder if there were less of a stigma in this country about mental illness and seeking help for emotional problems, if he could have been reached before he completely snapped?
What would the world be like if you could say to an acquaintance - 'You know, you're not sounding real stable right now - how about seeing a therapist, getting a checkout?' And the response is 'Not a bad idea - I'll look into it.' No weirdness, no defensiveness - just a fact of life like 'that mole looks weird, better let a dermatologist check it out...'
???
Anyhow, I hope your pilgrimage to your alma mater is good this weekend...have a moment or more of silence in Blacksburg for the families and for all of us here too, please.
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I'm with you about not having any real good answers about how to prevent tragedies like Columbine, Simon's Rock, now Virginia Tech.
I think there are several answers to these tragedies. And one of them is that there is too much weapons available in the United States. I was shocked to learn that Bush when giving his condolences didn't mention the problem. What saddens me about all this is that both the police and the press now is vilifying the murderer, calling him a loner, a violent person who even stalked women and aren't looking beyond. Sure, this guy was definitely a dangerous or a very disturbed individual, but I think the root of the problem lies someplace else.
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I think the root of the problem lies someplace else.
I think your right. Cho Seung-Hui is just the latest manifestation.
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I am so appalled by these kinds of actions, as to be virtually speechless. I cant for the life of me
get inside a persons head, that chooses these type of actions...Having said that, and the fact that
i think we should have tighter gun control. No assault type weapons, or automatic rifles or hand guns. I also dont believe taking away guns is the answer..In my opinion then the only people that
would have guns, would be the least likely to be safe with them....
You dont often hear of a regular gun user, going on a rampage, that is usually a person with problems of a mental nature...Most as in this case, are people who were know to be a mentally
confused character.. The problem seems to be in the ability to have a person forced to seek help when all symptoms point to a problem that could and probably will turn to violence.
I am definately not one that believes in taking people guns arbitrarily. I am one of the ones, that
believe in the statement; Guns dont kill people, people with guns kill people...All people with guns
dont kill people. Just as all people that drink, dont get in a car and drive drunk...
My very own brother killed himself with a gun. I dont believe to not allow him to have a gun,would have stopped it. He would have found another way. Just as deadly. Just my opinion
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I think a total ban on assault weapons would be a good place to start. There is no other use for an assault weapon than to kill people.
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Hey friends ... Sorry for the sadness, yeah.
I think of Maya Olivia and her family every day and wish them all the best. Thanks for the update Truman.
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Thank you Wayne. Her parents always comment they are so moved by the level of responce they have had. They can feel the love pour in. I hope to hear something daily but it is usually every other.
I learned just now where Cho Seung-Hui was for those two hours betwixt shootings was, mailing the package to NBC. I first heard about it on 4:30 news breifing at Tech on the public station. The media in the room, it was palatable. They wanted to know WHY NBC had it!?!? What was it.
It is pandora's box I am afraid.
Tonight on the local news some college in North Carolina had a student with the same MO as Cho Seung-Hui, and they have publicly advised their students to stay away from him.
I think everybody needs to chill. Real quick.
And I am going to learn to spel (here I go) to spel Cho Seung-Hui (did it) and not cut and paste it any more.
And Friday is.......4/20!
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Ok Truman, what is with the 4 -20 thing,, am i being nosy i really would like to know....and how is that baby...i think of her all the time...I am sure hoping her dear parents can get thru this terrible time and feel ok...be sure and send them all our love and caring thoughts....there is a great deal of power in a group of well wishers..
hoping to hear better news...
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Well 420 is what the fish and game people would have used on their radio to report Jack passing Ennis a joint. So when there is a day that numerically is the same number........I forgot where I was going with this...what were we talking about? ;D 8) :laugh:
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So another weekend, another road rocket ride away from home. I have a meeting of my college alumni ass(ociation) tomorrow morning. I fully expect the president to come in an announce the school is closing, I have been waiting for that news for 20 years. www.vic.edu
Beautiful spring day today. I decided to minimumize my time on the interstate and drove thru the country, Rt. 58, ever westward, the towns growing smaller and smaller, Hillsville....Galax.....Mouth of Wilson......finally at Rugby 58 took a sharp right, and I continue-get this- I went straight- on Rt16, Past St. Clair's Bottom, beautiful country, a national forest. I past the sight of the old WOLD, the radio station made famous by Harry Chapin, and came out on I81 at Marion, just down the hill from where Sherwood Anderson is buried.
I decided this time insted of staying in Bristol where my college is, I would go to Johnson City, Tennessee, about another 20 miles. Johnson City has a gay bar, New Beginings, and I want to check it out. http://www.newb.com/
When I was in college "the bar" was another one, The Connection, a hole in the wall in another part of town, now just a memory. I only went in it a couple of times toward the end of my college career, armed with liquid courage. New Beginings I visited once, in 1990, 17 years ago this month. Where does the time go?
I am curious to see a slice of gay life in East Tennessee. New Begingings offers me a conveinent look, but only one aspect. There are men and women in this town living their lives openly who have never set foot in there I am sure. Anyway, I hope the music is good, I need to dance. :) Staying in these motels always makes me homesick sort of.
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Have a great visit Shakes! :D Interesting how you west(ern) Virgina / east Tennessee folks seems to share a common culture ... Nice!
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Well Truman, go for it...Cutloose everybody just go footloose..Kick off your sunday shoes,,,,,have a good old cowboy time.. see ya when you are back with the story to relate... go for it. goforit....janice
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Well......
I went over to the bar at 11 pm, it was crowded. I would guesstimate the average age of the people there was about 19 or 20, college kids. A hand full of guys my age, and the guy taking the cover charge I am sure was the same man who on my only other visit there asked "now you know this is a gay bar".
The demographs were about 50/50 m/f, 99% Caucasian and they all seemed to know one another. They were having a drag show that night, both male and female impersonators. Everyone was Reilly into it, everyone but me. I have never really cared for drag shows. I wanted cowboys. Owell. I stayed long enough to have a beer and went back to the motel and dreamed about umbrellas with "Sam Adams Beer" on them.
The following day I went to my alumni association meeting. The majority of the alumni are older women as it was a girls school until 1972. The grief was evident was the president told us that they could not make the next payroll. It is a shame and an outrage how the place has been run, robbing Peter to pay Paul. I have volunteered to send out an appeal to my class mates, an appeal that I myself would not even buy into. A hundred and twenty two years and it comes to this........ :-\ :'(
Had a wonderful spring lunch with friends at an outside table at the nearby pizza joint we used to frequent. So strange how you can sometimes just pick up where you left off. I left here and headed to Blackburg, to Virginia Tech, and another world. I am posting some pix over on the thread about the shooting in Current Events.
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Sorry about your school Truman.. Isnt it odd how we can get so attached to inanimate things.
At least you got to visit with your friends. Hope you had a great time, and I know they were happy to
see you... janice
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Yes we can get attached, but the real gifts to be enjoyed at the intangible ones, the times with friends and the memories we make.
BTW, congradulations on your wedding anniversary! Hope you will have many, many more!
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I stopped by the Sconic Drive In today to see how "Lisa's" reunion with her daughter went. They met each other for the first time in 42 years last Friday.
"Lisa" was back to her normal looking self. She met not only her daughter, but her three grandchildren and her great grandchild. The daughter has been married 4 times, has been in rehab, lives with her adopted parents and is a cook at Pizza Hut. Lisa admitted she had been hoping for a doctor or a lawyer rather than someone who would ask her to cosign a loan for a car.
Still, after all this time she is glad her daughter has all her fingers and toes.
There is no wind that can make an apple fall far from its tree. The apple has to want to land someplace else.
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Tonight's YouTube reccomendation: Miss Virginia Hensley Dick:
&NR=1
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Wow. So cool to see you writing about places i know so well. Galax, Hillsville etc.
I know ri ght where you were and where you were going. I sure miss being home.
I talked to some friends from up home yesterday. They said the whole wrea is just devestated over the shootings. My Cousin works in the New River Mall. She said it's just aweful. People walking around in a daze and crying.
Well, Thanks for writing about your trip. It put a smile on my face to see those places and remember all the times I have been to them. I used to go to Newport and Gray alot when I was younger too.
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Newport, Tn or Newport, Va.? I know Gray is in Tennessee. You ever been tubing at McCoy Falls?
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Have either of you fellas ever been to Lexington? I've been a reading a bit about Lexington lately because artist Cy Twombly was born there, in 1928 (has lived in Rome since 1957).
I've been to Virginia once, in the summer of 1980, visiting in the Alexandria area (saw Mount Vernon) and driving as far south as Charlottesville, visiting the University of Virginia campus (very lovely) and Monticello. I really wanted to go to the Williamsburg and Jamestown area, being such a history buff of the colonial era, but that was a bit out of the way at the time for my uncle (lives in Oxon Hill, Maryland).
I read the Newsweek article on the details of the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech, and it really captured the terror that those poor people must have experienced. So horrifying how a benign or neutral space like a classroom can be transformed into a nightmare zone within a split second. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.
As an alumnus and employee of a university that was the site of one of the earliest campus massacres, I can say how important it is to try and go back to a normal routine as soon as possible. No one should forget about the tragedy (it is forever now an unfortunate component of the place's history), but the violence should not be allowed to define the place. Life should go on, hearts and minds should be cultivated, and in doing so, the slain will be honored and vindicated.
Peace to all.
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As an alumnus and employee of a university that was the site of one of the earliest campus massacres, I can say how important it is to try and go back to a normal routine as soon as possible. No one should forget about the tragedy (it is forever now an unfortunate component of the place's history), but the violence should not be allowed to define the place. Life should go on, hearts and minds should be cultivated, and in doing so, the slain will be honored and vindicated.
Peace to all.
I was just reading about this event in Austin last nite in the latest issue of The New Yorker. It was sobering to read how often violence against students has happened in the U.S. I thought it was just a phenomenon tied to the Vietnam War protests.
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Newport, Tn or Newport, Va.? I know Gray is in Tennessee. You ever been tubing at McCoy Falls?
New port TN. One of my mothers husbands had a gas station there with his brother.
Never been tubing there. In college, a friend had a lakehouse near there so we went sometimes but just stayed there.
We were a bunch of drunk college kids so we styed put and partied there LOL!
Mojo,
i have been there but I was small so I don't remember anything significant. I went to Williamsburg as a child and loved that!
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I sure have been to Lexington, Virginia. The Leyburn Library at Washington & Lee University has the papers of Carter N. Bealer, the man who was Jeb in Jeb and Dash, and I have been thru them as well as visiting the tomb of Robert E. Lee and his family, and the grave of his horse, Traveller, buried just outside the chapel.
Lexington was used in the movie "Somersby" staring Richard Gere and Jodie Foster, it was supposed to be Nashville in 1868 or so. They brung in tons of dirt to put on the street.
Additionally Scott, you may be interested to know Lexington is the birthplace of Bigfoot Wallace, a hero of the Texas Republic, and the only place outside of Texas where people know who he was.
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Thanks for all the interesting info, Tru! My late paternal grandfather was born in Bigfoot, Texas, which is named after Mr. Wallace. Sam Houston was also born in the Lexington area. I guess as a son of Texas, I should make a pilgrimage one of these days to this venerable town.
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Hi Tru and Friends,
I just took a couple of days to read the last 10 or 12 pages of your thread. I'm wishing Maya Olivia the best, your Sonic friend and her birth daughter the best, your third cousin the best, everyone in Blacksburg the best.
How did the Sister Big Bone Pageant turn out?
And are you goin' a respond to Scott's matin' call to join us in Colorado?
Thinking of you and our wonderful lunch together,
Clarissa
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the tomb of Robert E. Lee and his family, and the grave of his horse, Traveller, buried just outside the chapel.
:o :D omg, we have a bunch of pictures on the wall in the breakfast room and one is Cliff at Traveller's final resting place!! :)
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New port TN. One of my mothers husbands had a gas station there with his brother.
(http://apollo.divshare.com/thumbs/2007/04/27/495613/495613-c10_mid.jpg)
:D 8) 8) :D
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Truman, thanks for posting those photos you took of people's inscriptions at Virginia Tech. That one in Arabic slapped me upside the head with its irony. Why don't we all just knock it off? I mean just all at once, everyone just quit fighting. And then I could see a (presumably) compassionate note written in Arabic without feeling guilty.
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OMG How did I forget about Sam Houston!
Well Colorado is not going to happen for me.
The final straw came with my Mother's need to go to the Grand Canyon the first week of June to walk on that glass bottomed semi-circle way out over the canyon. I will be taking her there and to Albuquerque to see her great grandson. That coupled with a miriad of other impending diasters just makes it impossible. I am sorry I won't be there, you all are going to have so much fun and I will miss it. Never enough time. Maybe if I lived in Oklahoma and all these north american things were equalized distancewise, never enough.
I am not sure the Sister Big Bone Pagent happened, never heard another word about it. I was on my way home from Blacksburg that evening so I didn;t get to go by.
Wayne I am going to get the scanner out this weekend, post a picture of me and my Shull cousin at Traveller's grave in 1993. I axed the woman in the chapel if he was buried standing up and she was like "WHY does EVERYBODY think he was standing up?!?! I was there when they buried that box of bones in 1971 and he was NOT standing up!"
But I am going to Alberta, I have my horse reservation send in and I am going to make my air/car reservation this weekend. Only three more months.
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But I am going to Alberta, I have my horse reservation send in and I am going to make my air/car reservation this weekend. Only three more months.
:D :D Yay! I intend to be there too... have paid for half my horse. ;)
Hey Truman the full moon thing is on Sunday July 29th right? Are you going to be there for that?
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Truman, early June is not the best time for a human bean to be in what is essentially a big lens suspended over the Grand Canyon! You know how Boy Scouts make fire, don't you? I would recommend early October--it's much nicer at the Grand Canyon plus you can catch the balloon festival in Alb. and the great grandson will be older and cuter!!
((Lee orders industrial strength matin call, with capability to send vibrations through ground, air and water!!))
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Thank you Lee, i am sad that I won't be there, but you will be in Alberta, right?
Wayne, yes, I will be there for the new moon. And since the weekend is fast drawing to a close I should make those reservations.
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Thank you Lee, i am sad that I won't be there, but you will be in Alberta, right?
Wayne, yes, I will be there for the new moon. And since the weekend is fast drawing to a close I should make those reservations.
First things first, I am going to the BBQ, gonna serve a big feast for my Brokie buddies and after it's over I will think about Alberta.
(I was just in Calgary last week and there was a blizzard going on!!)
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um recommend you go ahead and pay for a whole horse...them half horses are a heck to ride!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
It'll be OK, Truman - you'll have a good time with your Mom. But my wheels started spinning...if I took my Mom, they could hang out during the BBQ, then we could ALL go to the Grand Canyon, and then... [you get the idea!]
Then reality prevailed, namely I looked at my checkbook and impending Alberta and impending moving and decided I need two or three more jobs for a while, not more vacations! ;) Love you.
I can't wait to tell you about 'The Rambling Nut'! Don't let me forget!
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Truman, i am so so sad...I have decided to go ahead and go to Colorado.
a big part of the reason, was to meet you. I have wanted to meet you,
very much..I am so sorry you arent going to be coming too...you need to
learn to tell mama, you have other plans, and she has to wait for more
important things................... ;D ;D hehe Janice
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Aw, Janice I am so sorry. I am wanting to meet you too. (Shit!) things like this always seem to happen. Dang it Dang it Dang it.
My Mamma will be 85 years old when I am in Alberta, she still drives and still finds ways to fill her days, but I know how much it means to her to have someone to take her places while she still can go, and after all she did give birth to me and everything.
But law Lynne, she would have your Mamma so toe up by the time we got back you'd never speak to me again! :laugh:
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Now for my gripe of the day: I do not need instructions on how to leave a voice mail message.
Why do the phone companies have to go on and on in endless detail about how to leave a message after the beep, press x for more options or simply hang up!?!? And tell me this, when in the history of the world has ANYONE ever sent a fax to a cell phone?
I think it is a conspiracy to burn up our cell phone minutes and generally annoy everyone.
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Instructions on how to leave a voice mail are right up there with how to fasten your seat belt instructions on a plane. Not only do we have to listen to the instructions and watch a demo, then we are supposed to read the same instructions on the card in the seat back pocket in front of you. "To fasten, insert the metal clip into the buckle until it clicks. To release, lift the metal flap. Adjust the belt by pulling on the loose end. It should fit low and snugly across your hips."
Do these folks think none of us have ever been in a car before?
L
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Information about safety measures needs to be repeated over and over again by law, no matter how easy it seems. It also needs to be easily available, hence the card in the seat back pocket in front of you. Research have proved when an accident happens some people don't remember what they should do. Believe or not, some even forget how to fasten a seat belt. They get nervous and don't think straight. I think it is a good idea to spell out rules and safety measure indications as if the public was stupid because there are stupid people out there. I have ran into some who don't know how to fasten an airplane seat belt, believe it or not. Even after they're repeated all over the place, they still have trouble with it.
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You are right, of course, Natali. It is just that those of use with Gold frequent flyer cards get a little bit tired of hearing it over and over...LOL
L
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But law Lynne, she would have your Mamma so toe up by the time we got back you'd never speak to me again! :laugh:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I dunno, Truman - It might be draw ;).
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um recommend you go ahead and pay for a whole horse...them half horses are a heck to ride!
maybe he intends to ride it half-baked backed.
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Lee, I think you may have invented a whole new subculture. :laugh:
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:laugh: I love the one about "please listen carefully, because our menu choices HAVE changed" that you hear for years and years on end.
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:laugh: For español, press three. ::)
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There has got to be something we can do about it, maybe the FCC regulates such.
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:laugh: Wish they cared that much about the likes of us!! :laugh:
How's your day going Truman? Did you get your tix yet? I haven't ...
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No, haven't yet and I don't know what I am waiting for, a minute of quiet reflection? I think I have run thru my allotment! ;D
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LETS DANCE!
http://www.floydcountrystore.com/
A buddy of mine who lives out of town has been wanting to go to the Friday Night jamboree at the old country store in Floyd, Virginia, for some time. So this week when I ran into him at his grandma-in-laws funeral I said hell yeah lets go Friday night. His wife is in her thrid trimester so she could not go, just the two of us, and it was such a good time.
Now, you might think, does this guy ever do anything but go to funerals? Well, let me explain: it is a small town an I know a lot of people. I am also kin to a lot of people. I think it is good to honor them as they leave this world, and see folks who have come in from out of town and reconnect. Plus they always have a great meal afterward. I met my partner at his Aent's funeral. I know people who refuse to attend even the funeral of a spouce they are so opposed to the proposition of death, but hell, for me it is like going to the car wash.
We traveled about 40 miles, taking an hour because Floyd, Virginia is up on the mountain. It is a small town of local mountain people and trust funded hippies who have sent the realestate prices thru the roof. The store itself no longer functions in its original capacity but is more of a music hall for old time and bluegrass music every friday night and sometimes a special show on Saturday night. Admission is $3.00 and there is a drawing for a ham each night. Lucklity Floyd does not have a fire marshall (I guess) the place is always packed. Mostly locals attend, very authentic people, and last night they had folks from Ontario and a soldier from Baghdad. I have seen Africans there (as well as African Americans, regular attendees).
My buddy was amazed by the crowd, two groups who was picking outside on the side walks and the alley next to the store held our attention for a while. We went inside and "Twist"ed our way to the front, glad to have arrived after the first hour of gospel music. The Smith River Band was finishing up a song and starting a slow one. A local boy in jeans an a straw cowboy hat and chained wallet took the opportunity to get a bottle of water. When next they began the Orange Blossum Special he was leaping over people to get back to the dance floor, where he put his hands on his hips and faced the audience and began to pound the floor. Soon he was joined by a dozen others and when they all began pounding that old oak floor in unison it was like the heart beat of everyone in the place was beating in unison, mesmerized and bobbing, harkening back to the days when people lived out doors under the moon and all the cycles we in sync.
I thought to myself: I want to host a BBM get together here sometime, I want people to see this. And that I will do, maybe next summer, on a night with a full moon. C'mon and get you can of potted possum.
Oh my Gawd!
Thank you so much for sharing that!
Wow! Seeing pictures from home is awesome!!!
I have been there so many times.
Oh goodness, I am so homesick right now I can't stand it.
:'(
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I have seen groups of guys, usually younder ones, up there dancing. I think we'd have to teach the band the sang thought...that is such a good album, do you have it?
As for the possum, it is mostlikely regular potted meat, with a different lable on it. I don't know anyone who has ever actually opend a can. Possum is one of the ledgends, that back in the old days when people were so poor they would eat the unbelievably greasy meat. One bands there has a song about a man needing to feed him family and the refrain is: "I got five pounds of possum in my head lights tonight!"
Hee Hee! I've had possum before! :P
Thank goodness I don't remember eating it.
I had an aunt who lived down in Sugar Grove and they ate whatever they could catch.
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Is that up there on Rt. 16 betwixt Mouth o' Wilson and Marion? I think I just drove thru there last week.
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Friends, i think this is a long time overdur:
I hereby call publicly for the Impeachment of Geroge W. Bush as President of the United States for his failure to uphold the Constitution, playing fast and loose with his office, and for playing upon the tender spot caused by the events of 11 September 2001 to get us in a war for no other reason than to prove something to his daddy.
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Friends, i think this is a long time overdur:
I hereby call publicly for the Impeachment of Geroge W. Bush as President of the United States for his failure to uphold the Constitution, playing fast and loose with his office, and for playing upon the tender spot caused by the events of 11 September 2001 to get us in a war for no other reason than to prove something to his daddy.
And I hereby call publicly for the Impeachment of George Bush as President of the United States for committing crimes against humanity.
What he has done in IraK is a crime.
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I absolutely concur. If the current Congress were truly representing the will of the people, they would be pursuing this matter unequivocally.
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Tru, I'll be in Richmond May 10-18. Would love to see you again, if that can work out.
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:D
(http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2007/05/03/news/top/news02_impeach_bush_plate.txt)(http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/content/articles/2007/05/03/news/top/news02_impeach_bush_plate_thumb.jpg)
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Oh that is cool, both the license plate and the propspect of seeing Clarissa again! You'll be there starting next week, lets see, I will be in Hampton,VA the 7th and 8th, what does your weekend look like?
You know, if it wern't for the currency differential betwixt the US and Canada, this Alberta trip would be a very generic one.
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Is that up there on Rt. 16 betwixt Mouth o' Wilson and Marion? I think I just drove thru there last week.
Route 16? You and I been on the Sweet 16 Route before, tho not together <sob>. That's the route between Buffalo and Ten Sleep, going to Worland.
Where do I sign up for your impeachment initiative! Sounds like a plan, which is what we haven't had up till now!!
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Yes, that is another mountainous road, and in the summer time the veterans from the Veterans Home come out to the road in their wheelchairs and waive American flags at the passersby. I remember waving to them.
Lynne told me in West Virginia there were grounps of homeless Vietnam era survivalists up in them mountains, living off the land. Like modern day Grizzly Adamses.
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Yes, that is another mountainous road, and in the summer time the veterans from the Veterans Home come out to the road in their wheelchairs and waive American flags at the passersby. I remember waving to them.
Lynne told me in West Virginia there were grounps of homeless Vietnam era survivalists up in them mountains, living off the land. Like modern day Grizzly Adamses.
I tried to do some research on where they are and what people know about them..didn't get very far. I think I'll write to the writer where I first read about them - see what her sources were and how we can get more information.
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Well, $543 later I am on me way to Alberta.........anybody wanna buy a house?
It is a cool snap going on right now, down into the 50sF at night, and wet.
This morning I went up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, it was still foggy at 10am. I met up with three cousins at the Rakes Mill Pond overlook to take them out to the family plot at Woods Gap. There was no traffic on the road at all, so while I waited I got to check out the beaver dams on the creek, contimplate if Dannilynn would be at the Kentucky Derby and meet the Queen, and free up space in my camera by deleting photos of nasty rental houses off the hard drive.
Two of the cousins I met last year on the pilgrimage I lead. They are brothers. The other guy was from SF and shared a common grandmother, who had been lured away by her second husband from her first. Like most people looking for the Woods Gap Cemetery he had been there before and looked all thru them hills with no luck.
So we headed off down the pig path, past the pond. The road to the plot has been regraded and if it were dry we might have drove all the way too it. Right now my boots are caked with mud, drying in the corner.
We are so lucky we have this place few can find. A place where the ancestors can rest in peace and the world around them change very little in 150 years. In face, it shows a lot less effects of humanity than it did a few decades ago. We spoke of our recent family, people who 60 years ago lived in a three room house with 12 children and wondered how they could have the privacy to have so many. How they struggled to have a pair of shoes for each, a few clothes for each. Compare that with today. Walmart existing like some temple for us to come fill up with plastic crap and processed sugar. How did it change so fast?
I watched a really good movie last night, "Mrs. Henderson Presents". It was so nice to see Judi Dentch fixed up and look glamorous. If you have not seen it I highly recommend it.
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In yesterday's mail I received a package from my friend John in South Carolina. He sent me a most welcome gift: his published poems to his partner of 49 years, The Edwin Poems.
I had the opportunity to read some of them before when I visited him in October, but what a wonderful testament to his love for Edwin this volume is. There is a handsome picture on the back of the two of them in their navy uniforms.
Please take a moment to visit http://www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.asp?bookid=38727 there is an excerpt you can read there. They make wonderful gifts. ;)
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Thank you for that news and the link, Truman. I read your friend's sonnet 'Meeting', and thought it quite good. I know you and Edwin and Mr. Ziegler's other loved ones must be very proud of him.
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So today while wait for my oil to be changed I treaded my self to the email exchange betwixt an openly gay man and one Marcia Ramode, a U.S. Army recruiter who had contacted him after reading his online resume. She initially offered him employment until he told her who he was.
The army has reassigned her. I guess they can't fire her, but that is what she deserves. It is an interesting dynamic that she seems to be getting away with her treatment of him as a black man because he is gay. You can down load a pdf here:
http://www.sldn.org/templates/press/record.html?record=3907§ion=2
I tried sending her an email, the address no longer works.
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Most fastinating thing I heard on NPR this evening: Emory University has released the personal corrspondence betwixt the author Flannery O'Connor and her friends.
The focus of the story was the correspondence of a "recluse" who worked for the credit bureau. One Elizabeth Hester, a woman discharged from the military for an apparent lesbian act. Flannery O'Conner worte back to her that she could not write back fast enough and tell her she had not changed her opinion. She added it was good that she told her, but after they had become friends and they quoted her as saying the most wonderful thing:
"We are not our history."
(You promise?)
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Thanks for telling us about this. That is wonderful! I must know more!
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Here is a link to the story:
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/stories/2007/05/13/0513metflannery.html
I am puzzled as to why O'Conner did not save any of Hester's letters, it is like hearing one end of a phone conversation.
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Wow ... Ms Hester Prynne... :)
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she seems to be getting away with her treatment of him as a black man because he is gay.
Reminds me of the assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Moscone.
If Dan White had killed only the mayor, who happened to be straight, they would have executed him.
But he killed a gay man too, so they gave him life in prison instead.
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Did he even get that? I thought he was out of jail when he killed himself.
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I am confused about those sentencing as well. I thought a life sentence meant the prisoner would die in jail, then they get parole or are set free on good behavior. Though some get life without parole. However, the punishment does have an effect on them even if they are set free before completing their sentence. Have you seen the movie The Shawshank Redemption? I guess what happens to Brooks happens to a lot of inmates that are set free after so many years locked up in a jail. They become too institutionalized and unable to survive on their own.
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There are two versions of life in prison.
Life without the possibility of parole and life with the possibility of parole.
If the convict can convince the parole board that they have been rehabilitated then they can get parolled.
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A lull in the cacophony
Last week was just nutz, now way of getting anything completed with the constant interuptions. I have reached that point int he spring when I get home in the evenings to a yard that needs mowing and I don't have the energy to mow it.
I think: I will go in late tomorrow, take part of the morning for myself and write. By the time morning comes some emergency pulls me to the office, with it endless supply of coffee and drama. Another day goes by.
Saturday comes, it is time for the Fieldale Festival. The second one they have had. I have to get up early to man my groupe's booth for the morning and I pray for the stregnth to withstand THAT question. That question used to be, "Are you seeing anyone?" or "When are you going to get married?". I have heard neither in a while. The question I steel myself for now is "How is the market?"
It is the question you are asked because you are a realtor and the askor feels a need to ask something. I, the adult product of alcoholic dysfunction, feels a need to analyze the various market factors for them and give them a reasoned and realistic answer. My broker always says:"Great! It's just great!" and I would like to tell them: "Sucks, it flat out sucks!" and the real truth would fall somewhere in betwixt.
Saturday I settled for "Time for you to buy a house!" that always send them packing.
Among the days accomplishments:
*I talked with a hundred people that day and never got frustrated.
*I corner my elementary school principal and ask him, point blank, what happened to Ms. X in the 4th grade, who dissapeared after the first six weeks.
*I learned the guy who tried to sell me pot on my very first job (at a Jewish Bar Be Que) was now a sherriff in Michigan.
*I hear from my cousin that chickens do not necessarily get out of your engine when you crank the car, nor does their carcase cook from riding under the hood for three days.
*I meet the 5th generation of one family I have always known.
*I pay $4.00 (in nickles) for a funnel cake, the one a year I eat.
*I hear the names of the long dead called, and remember these sidewalk had been walked on me grandfather who died long before I were thought of.
*I meet up with an old classmate whose child not only is bald, but has no pigment on the top of their head.
In the evening I went to the street dance, to watch the handful of pre-teen girls twist and do the tango to recorded music from the 1960's, recount with an old friend all of her old boyfriends and our old coworkers. It was a perfect evening, chilly enough for a jacket. I am encircled by the townsfolk and the kinfolk and I think how lucky I am to be right here in this place, and things were as they were supposed to be.
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So what did happen to Mrs. X, anyway? Inquiring minds want to know!
L
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Well it was just past the first six weeks of the 1972-73 school year, I was in the 4th grade and we came to school one morning and the principals secretary was there instead of the teacher, who was in a conference with the principal and when she returned she was mad as hell. She told us that Ms. X, next door, was gone and her class was being divided up and we were getting some of her students, I think it made 40 in our class. We then had 5 Jimmys, 4 Timmys and 2 Mikes. She said she could not tell us what happened and not to ask her.
Well we all wondered, as did our parents but I never heard what happened and never forgot. I recently ran into a woman who has the same last name, a very unusual one for this area, and asked her if she was Ms. X and she said earnestly she was not.
Well, later on at the same location I encountered one of the forth grade teachers who had to take up the slack and he refused to discuss it, never seen someone try to change the subject so fast.
The principal told me Saturday he could not really remember much about it, but that "it was nothing bad". He did however mention the ladies first name. It was the woman I met in recent years. So now I am thinking I should go an apologize to her for sticking my nose in her business and that I am glad to know she is alright.
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apologize to her for sticking my nose in her business and that I am glad to know she is alright.
:D And, of course, to ask her what happened!! ;D
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I know, I will always wonder.
Well, I got the email today I had been expecting. My dear friends in Hawai'i have lost their daughter, Maya Olivia Dillon. She was removed from the respirator yesterday and her family took her outside to sit under a tree for the second time in her life. She slipped away quietly. I realize now that this is the first time in a long time I have had tears run down my face that have nothing to do with Jack and Ennis. (But they sure make the plumbing work good.)
I am so sad I never got to meet her. I hope she will come and visit me in my dreams.
R.I.P.
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Oh ... I'm so sorry Truman ... so sorry.
How wonderful that they just took her outside to enjoy a few minutes together.
That's really the best thing we have isn't it.
Hugs to you Truman and your friends and their beautiful baby.
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Oh im so sorry Truman; she was a beautiful little soul. I wipe your tears, and hug you tight..
Some times it just gets too hard to go another step.....I had to learn that. So we have to allow
them to rest.........hope you feel better soon.
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I know, I will always wonder.
Well, I got the email today I had been expecting. My dear friends in Hawai'i have lost their daughter, Maya Olivia Dillon. She was removed from the respirator yesterday and her family took her outside to sit under a tree for the second time in her life. She slipped away quietly. I realize now that this is the first time in a long time I have had tears run down my face that have nothing to do with Jack and Ennis. (But they sure make the plumbing work good.)
I am so sad I never got to meet her. I hope she will come and visit me in my dreams.
R.I.P.
Truman, I am so sorry.
Wish I could do or say more.
She's a precious wee girl!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and her parents!
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Truman, you are a Light, Bud. :-*
There's something about the love you write with that makes me care so much about the people you write about.
I sure have been thinking about our wonderful time with Lynne at the Cracker Barrel. Just realized that Jerry Falwell probably ate there many times.
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So why would I go to Jerry Falwell's funeral?
Aside from personal reasons, I saw it as a historic event and living only and hour and a half from Lynchburg I saw it as a wonderful excuse to play hookey from work. Few people I told questioned it, I guess they thought it was just another off the wall thing for me to do.
The local public radio station I listen to this morning said the schools were letting out early because of the expected high volume of traffic. They told of certain roads and exits that would be closed after certain times and I sipped me coffee. I had done me homework last night and pinpointed on mapquest the location of the Thomas Road Baptist Church (which is not on Thomas Road) as just north of Liberty University, not far at all from where I had lunch with Lynne and Ellemeno on Jake's birthday last year.
So after gassing up (there goes Xmess this year) I took Rt 57 north to Chatham, and then left on Rt. 29 another 45 miles to Lynchburg. There were signs at businesses on the way offering their condolences to the Falwell family, and a helicopter circling in the air. I parked my car in a strip mall down the hill from the church and stocked up on batteries.
When I had been there in December I remember seeing a huge patch of hill side above the town had been cleared off. I was now landscaped into a huge circular "LU" with a gazebo at the top. Branded you might say, the property of Liberty University. Unavoidable as an all seeing full moon. I trudged up the hill to my first ever encounter with the members of the Westboro Baptist Church.
The "God Hates Fags" gang had about 6 members present, none of them Fred Phelps, (he was at another protest)but I think they are all his kin people. The main woman, I think she is Phelps daughter, was straining to hold up three signs at once proclaiming the "Gay Loving" Falwell was now burning in hell and eating up the media attention. They were conducting intervies left and right, with local TV stations, a Christian based youth group from the Bedford, VA area, law enforcement and me. I approached one young lady and struck up a conversation:
"Are you from Kansas?"
"I sure am."
"I drove thru there once, it is a beautiful state."
She agreed it was and then went on to describe how part of it was destroyed in the recent tornado.
"God sent that tonado to destroy Greenburg because of the sin its people were living in" (paraphrasing) "He destroyed the whole town, except for a tavern".
I thought to myself that quote attributed to Benjamin Franklin: "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." I took her picture and moved on.
A side note: If I outlive Fred Phelps and am at all able to get to his funeral, I will be there. I will be tailgating (pun acceptable to me) and I invite the world to join me.
Crossing the road I noticed several Harley riding type people were helping with the traffic direction, like they were needed. I saw the Liberty University Police, The Lynchburg Police, The Lynchburg Sherriff's Deputies, The State Police, Several people in military uniforms and a legion of badge carrying Liberty University staff managing things. Since he was going to be buried such a short distance away I couldn't imagine the bikers were going to give him an escort.
The Thomas Road Baptist Church has one very striking architectural feature about it: A false front. It looks like a massive three story structure that is actually a facade for a foyer leading into a long hallway, but I will get back to that. Not seeing anything else of interest I focused in on the rapidly moving line of people. I knew Falwell had been on display for two days already and thought maybe this was the last of those to view his body. I decided I would take a chance myself and went searching for the end.
The end was around the corner and way down the side of the church, about a 5 minute walk. When I finally fell in it moved well and I thought they were probably hearding them by like at Gerald Ford's viewing. The crowd was largely white, under 45, many were students. Many of the families had more than 4 childrens and the mother looked salon polished. There were a few minorities including one group of men who seemed to have travelled from Asia for the even. As we momentarily stopped I saw I was in front of Falwell's designated parking space, the sign decorated in flowers of remembrance. We picked up again, passing the media pavilion that was adjacent to the VIP entrance. I heard an official sounding voice say "This is the last thousand" hearkening thoughts of some biblical amount of people who would be welcomed into the kingdom, and that was prophetic. The line had continued to grow behind me but after me and the 5 behind me entered the church another authoritative voice commanded: "Close the doors!" I looked behind me to see the stunned look of a suit clad father toting one of his daughters. The looks on their faces was one of disbelief. Here I was, a tourist and temple defiler, taking the place of someone who truly wanted admittance.
O-well.
It turns out there was no more viewing. The huge sanctuary was filling with people for the funeral. I was in! I asked myself again: "What am I doing here? What purpose does my being here serve?" I meandered down the hall that reminded me of a swanky hotel, and a bit like Heritage USA (another story), past the gift shops, the book displays. I found a coffee bar called "The Lion and The Lamb" where I got a sandwich, smiling to myself, if there was a lamb in the house it was me. But I had no paint brand, so I passed for just another person.
After eating I wandered about, signed one of many registers they had set out, designated for "Family and Friends", "Church Members" and "Guests". I noted with interest that not long before the register had been signed by Michele Williams. Across the way, being ignored, was a table with letter sized sheets of paper, pens and a basket. A sign invited people who wanted to send a person message to the Falwell family to do so.
I told the Falwell family I was an out and proud homosexual, and that I had come here this day to offer Jerry Falwell my forgiveness for the things he had said about me. I told them I meant no offence to them and I hoped for blessings for us all. I signed my name and dated it and put it in the basket. There, I had my protest. I got my program then and went into the holy o' holies. It was a huge place with a huge balcony and a back drop of fluffy white clouds projected onto the walls. That is where heaven is, somewhere on a cloud. Plasma monitors all over so it didn't matter I was behind a post.
At first I walked down toward the casket, as close as I could get. It was roped off and guarded. A small rounded thing with iridescent colors, it put me in mind of both a Miata and an Altoids Tin. I went to the back of the room and got a folding chair and took in the pregame powerpoint presentation. It featured still photos and video clips from Falwell's' life, in the corner the "Jesus First" logo of the Moral Majority. I remembered a class mate in high school who had one of those pens on his lapel and how now the same guy can be found trolling at the local reservoir for someone to go down on. The images were rather inane, pictures of him with republican presidents starting with Nixon, and suddenly there flashed a sleeping Jerry Falwell on a plane, with someone holding a Tinky Winky doll up beside his face. A cackle of laughter swept thru the holy o' holies and the fare became lighter. There was Falwell diving for first base when he was only half way down the base line, Falwell in a dunking booth, Falwell in suit and tie going down the waterslide at Heritage USA after the PTL Partners had bailed the operation out. The hundred member choir filed in, and then everyone rose, and the family came in, not 20 feet from me.
The funeral was quite the production. There were singers belting out praise, the ones not crying. There was the fella with the big ears who a week ago had shared Falwell's last breakfast at the local Bob Evans. There was the friend of 60 years who told of driving a thousand miles one way to go to Bible college in Missouri. Another friend of shorted duration who could hardly get the words out. Then came Dr. Ronald S. Godwin.
I have never heard of this guy before, but he presented himself as a member of the "Bush Cheney Administration" (when have you ever heard the Vice President included like that? Evidence of who is really calling the shots I think.)He is apparently on the White House Staff and read the message from George and Laura. Then the things he said, truly scared me. He spoke of Falwell's place in the policy making of the government I live under. It was creepy. Very creepy. It got no better when Billy Graham's son Franklin took the pulpit and praised Falwell, the misquoted. He said: "He championed traditional family values, who would have ever thought that would be controversial?" which got several amens. I thought to myself: Glad I could help.
There was much applause, several standing ovations, including one for his daughters unscheduled remarks. Toward the end I stopped clapping. It is never my custom to bow my head when others pray but 99.9% of them did. I sat there taking it in and marveled at this huge machine, built to turn out Christians, to tell them how to think and feel and act. How far we have come over all these generations, what a monster we have created out of our need to perceive and describe a imagined larger reality than ourselves. I know Falwell did some good things, like an alcohol treatment program and a home for unwed mothers, but in the analysis, they too are vehicles for indoctrination. The speakers reminding the congregation that Falwell's legacy was bring his way of thinking into the mainstream and impact the events of the world. Join our church, be one of our numbers, we are borg, we will make you immortal.
As they called people to come forward and dedicate or rededicate their lives to the man who had been a Sheppard, I decided it was time for me to dedicate myself firmly to my beliefs: namely that I am not a Christian. I do not believe I or anyone else was born less than perfect. I do not know what comes after death, nor do I know what comes before births so I am not worried about it. I do not believe in damnation. I do believe in treating people with respect, no matter how little they deserve it sometimes. I forgive those who offend me, as a way of not carrying around the injury of their offence.
It would be nice if there is a heaven, a wonderful place were all we have known and loved are waiting for us, and we will spent forever being perfectly happy, but I am not holding out for it.
I cut out right at then end. Outside amidst the press photographers I encountered this redneck couple, the man with rotten teeth and the woman chain smoking. They asked me if there were extra programs inside. I assured them there was. They complained bitterly about not being able to get in, about the press and their impact on the family. "They need to grieve" she said "not have to face this". I told her I imagined they were used to this and she roughly retorted "not the grandchildren, Jerry shielded his grandchildren"
Jerry is gone I thought. The grandchildren will grow today. I however, am still here. My presence there today served that silent purpose. I was not done in my the mans intolerance, I was made stronger by it.
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Thank you, Truman, for bearing witness to this event, and sharing your thoughts and experiences with us.
It can be hard to forgive.
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Wow Truman!
That was powerful.
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Thanks, Truman. Reading your down-to-earth, honest take on this event is the best way I've found to deal with the anger I feel toward people who think like Jerry Falwell. You remind me that even the intolerant deserve tolerance. I'm glad to know you.
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Tru-ie,
Thank you for writing about your experience at Falwell's funeral. I didn't know you meant it when you suggested I stick around Virginia for it.
I remember that huge patch of hillside that had been cleared from when we were there together in December. Nice to have something to connect to visually in your story.
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Thanks folks, I will have pictures later today posted.
It turns out one of Liberty University's students was so concerned with people exercizing their right to free speech that he was ready to bomb: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/05/22/va.bombarrest/
I wonder if he was intending it for the Phelps bunch.
Other thoughts that have occured to me since then: When that uy from the White House got up and spoke, it was like the entire atmostpher in the church changed, it became focused on him with a seriousness like lives depended on it. It is hard to describe, but it felt like a presence in the room.
Then there was one point where a speaker said Falwell's ministry had converted 3.5 million people worldwide. I got to thinkings: "3.5 million world wide and there are 300 million in the US alone....your not as big as I thought..."
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Truman
You are a better person than me. I applaud that you can forgive this man.
Interesting that the Phelps protested at his funeral - when they were almost on the same page. Do the Phelps think only their 80 stong congregation are going to heaven?!
Also interesting that Bush would have a representative there... what a president america has.....
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Also interesting that Bush would have a representative there... what a president america has.....
Yes lawd, the only one in a hundred years to get elected without winning the popular vote.
Here is the program from the funeral:
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That was so informative, and insightful..Seeing things from inside your head..You have a way of relating your views both figuratively and truthfully...You could have been a televangelist if you had been directed to do so..
Who else to relay that story and event so perfectly...You should go out and be a reporter for the papers in your area,, or maybe a freelance writer such as the country doesnt see these days...You remind me of the everyday
talk so much a part of Mark Twain....So in case you are looking to do something else with your time,...maybe..??? You are our Will Rogers
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Thanks Truman ... I feel like I was there - in fact, even better! ;) :-*
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do you know truman, janice is right.... I'm sure there is a few LGBT publications who would be interested in what you wrote there...
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First set:
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do you know truman, janice is right.... I'm sure there is a few LGBT publications who would be interested in what you wrote there...
Kelda is right, Tru. I think maybe ANY open-minded publication would be interested in this right now. I'd love to buy a copy and point to your article and proudly say, "My FRIEND wrote that."
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My dear friends in Hawai'i have lost their daughter, Maya Olivia Dillon.
God bless this sweet child. She is gone from our sight now, but will live on in our hearts, and in the heart of God. Thank you, Truman, for introducing us to her.
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(http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=654.0;attach=11996;image)
This picture right here really lets ya know we're dealin with some inbred mental midgets!
Anyone who thinks Falwell is pro gay is delusional. Anyone who spews this crap and calls themselves a Christian obviously can;t read cause they haven't read the Bible.
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Thank you Kelda and Janice and Lee and Scott and Wayne and Clarissa and Paul and Meryl, you all gone give the the big head. It was my pleasure to contribute.
A day after I look bac and realize I had never been to such an emotional even and had nothing invested in it, it was weird.
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Thank you Kelda and Janice and Lee and Scott and Wayne and Clarissa and Paul and Meryl, you all gone give the the big head. It was my pleasure to contribute.
A day after I look bac and realize I had never been to such an emotional even and had nothing invested in it, it was weird.
Huh? What did I do? I'll do it again. ;)
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Hey, buckeroo! Well, It's been a year since I've moseyed on over here to the Bettermost Ranch from the Brokeback Ranch (almost a charter member!) but followed your post from [BBM], bud! Like Sylvia though, I can't find your writeup, just the funeral pics! Sure looks like an eclectic gathering of opinions.
Rob (Dwight)
P.S.: Hope I'm doing this right, BTW. Didn't know you were a Mod here - good stuff!
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Well I actually ment Mojo Scott, but I am ALWAYS glad to hear from the sexiest performer in the northeast! ;) :-*
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I know, I will always wonder.
Well, I got the email today I had been expecting. My dear friends in Hawai'i have lost their daughter, Maya Olivia Dillon. She was removed from the respirator yesterday and her family took her outside to sit under a tree for the second time in her life. She slipped away quietly. I realize now that this is the first time in a long time I have had tears run down my face that have nothing to do with Jack and Ennis. (But they sure make the plumbing work good.)
I am so sad I never got to meet her. I hope she will come and visit me in my dreams.
R.I.P.
oh Tru, thats terrible. Bless her little heart.
Kelda is right, Tru. I think maybe ANY open-minded publication would be interested in this right now. I'd love to buy a copy and point to your article and proudly say, "My FRIEND wrote that."
Hear! Hear! Or should i say YEEEEEE-HAAAAAAAAWWWWW!!!
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Hey, buckeroo! Well, It's been a year since I've moseyed on over here to the Bettermost Ranch from the Brokeback Ranch (almost a charter member!) but followed your post from [BBM], bud! Like Sylvia though, I can't find your writeup, just the funeral pics! Sure looks like an eclectic gathering of opinions.
Rob (Dwight)
P.S.: Hope I'm doing this right, BTW. Didn't know you were a Mod here - good stuff!
Hey Dwight! Glad to see you here, go back to page 52 and you can read all about it. As Mrs. Twist would say: "You come see us again."
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Anyone who thinks Falwell is pro gay is delusional. Anyone who spews this crap and calls themselves a Christian obviously can;t read cause they haven't read the Bible.
??? Isn't that bizarre? How did they come up with that idea?
Was it because he "apologized" for saying 9/11 was caused by gays, lesbians, and feminists?
Actually, I think he was right about that. Like the man says, they hate us for our freedom. They and Jerry Falwell and Fred Phelps and every other person who opposes equal rights. :P
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I agree with David, the fake front picture is very telling.
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Truman,
Thank you for being a dignified witness, and for travelling to Jerry's funeral to forgive him. He needs all the forgiveness he can get.
You aren't alone: I forgive him too.
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I was shocked when I saw that facade, it was like they were thumbing their noses at the world with it.
This morning I read the following at the Advocate website:
Liberty student arrested for planning to attend Falwell funeral with bombs
A Liberty University student who told a family member he had made bombs and planned to attend the funeral of the conservative evangelical leader Jerry Falwell in Lynchburg, Va., was apparently upset about an antigay fringe group that protested at the funeral, authorities said.
Officials were still trying to figure out what Mark David Uhl planned to do with the bombs. Police do not believe he intended to disrupt the funeral Tuesday or harm the Falwell family, Campbell County sheriff Terry Gaddy said.
Uhl, 19, was being held without bond in the Campbell County Adult Detention Center on charges of manufacturing an explosive device. It was not known if he had a lawyer, and messages seeking comment left at numbers believed to belong to his family were not returned.
Uhl, of Amissville, Va., was arrested Monday night after a family member contacted authorities, who found homemade bombs in the trunk of Uhl's car, Major Steve Hutcherson said.
Gaddy described the five bombs as ''sort of like napalm'' and about the size of soda cans.
''We do not believe the Falwells were ever in any danger,'' he said.
The funeral proceeded at Thomas Road Baptist Church without incident. More than 10,000 people attended the service on the campus of the evangelical university, which Falwell founded.
Investigators determined that Uhl had problems with a group that protested at the funeral, Gaddy said. Fred Phelps and his Kansas-based Westboro Baptist Church sent about a dozen members to protest across the street from the funeral, claiming Falwell was a friend to gays. The group has also picketed soldiers' burials, claiming the deaths are God's punishment for a nation that supports homosexuality.
Falwell frequently spoke against homosexuality, and gay rights advocates have consistently opposed him. A group of Liberty University students staged a counterprotest; it was not clear whether Uhl was involved.
Jesse Benson, 19, of Zanesville, Ohio, said he lived with Uhl this year and that both shared the view that the Westboro group is a ''sorry, disgraceful bunch of people'' but that he was certain Uhl would never have done anything to harm them.
''He had a very, very deep respect for Jerry Falwell, as do I,'' Benson said in a telephone interview. ''Jerry Falwell would not have approved him harming anybody for any reason. Out of respect for Jerry Falwell, he never would have done anything.''
It was not clear whether Uhl knew the group planned to go to the campus, but the group had listed the funeral as an upcoming event published on its Web site.
Benson said Uhl was in Liberty's Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps program and was studying to become an Army chaplain. Gaddy said investigators in Fauquier County were interviewing several people who had been in an ROTC program with Uhl in high school and may have been involved in making the bombs. One is now in the Army, he said.
The sheriff said Campbell County authorities informed the Falwell family and Liberty security personnel of the arrest Monday night and gave security personnel photos of other possible suspects in case any of them showed up at the funeral.
Falwell, 73, who helped turn the religious right into a powerful force in American politics, died a week ago after collapsing in his office at the university. His physician said Falwell had a heart condition and presumably died of a heart rhythm abnormality.
More than 33,000 people had viewed his body over four days as it lay in repose.
A private burial was planned on the grounds of Liberty University near a former mansion where Falwell's office was located. (Sue Lindsey, AP)
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That is not a "fake" facade; it is a designed entrance/portal to the facility. this is often done to save expense and/or save a historical entrance. This is often done here in san francisco, too.
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Hmm, this facade is neither historic nor thrifty. I'd call it fake. Grandiose. With nothing to "back it up".
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Well, its too new to be historcal, it was built that way I think to creat an impression, put on a face if you will.
Perhaps my calling it a fake facade is redundant, but it is the largest physical metaphor I've ever seen.
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Well, its too new to be historcal, it was built that way I think to creat an impression, put on a face if you will.
Perhaps my calling it a fake facade is redundant, but it is the largest physical metaphor I've ever seen.
Ya know, I think it's very fitting. Growing up as a Southern Baptist I have learned that perception is everything. The people I would see Sunday with their Bibles tucked under their arms shouting Amen are the same people I would see drinking and Carousing the previous Saturday and Sunday nights. There are some genuinely good Chruch folks I know but many are just a facade.
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There are some genuinely good Chruch folks I know but many are just a facade.
Sad but true.
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Thank You Shakestheground
Great coverage of the event Truman
But as you are aware, these events have ramifications in our daily lives - especially if we let ourselves get indoctrinated.
..... I decided it was time for me to dedicate myself firmly to my beliefs: namely that I am not a Christian. I do not believe I or anyone else was born less than perfect. I do not know what comes after death, nor do I know what comes before births so I am not worried about it. I do not believe in damnation. I do believe in treating people with respect, no matter how little they deserve it sometimes. I forgive those who offend me, as a way of not carrying around the injury of their offence.
It would be nice if there is a heaven, a wonderful place were all we have known and loved are waiting for us, and we will spent forever being perfectly happy, but I am not holding out for it.
Touché Man.
You are a gentleman.
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The fact that someone thinks that they can keep the peace - at a funeral or anywhere - with a bomb seems to ring a bell somehow.
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Here's WBC's spin on it...
http://www.godhatesfags.com/fliers/may2007/20070523_christian-army-bomb.pdf (http://www.godhatesfags.com/fliers/may2007/20070523_christian-army-bomb.pdf)
What a bunch of FREAKS!! >:( >:(
There's no distance great enough between my front door and their's. :P
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Here's WBC's spin on it...
http://www.godhatesfags.com/fliers/may2007/20070523_christian-army-bomb.pdf (http://www.godhatesfags.com/fliers/may2007/20070523_christian-army-bomb.pdf)
What a bunch of FREAKS!! >:( >:(
There's no distance great enough between my front door and their's. :P
That press release says they were "picketing peacefully." How can they consider those written messages peaceful? :(
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I was this morning at me desk, frantically juggling all the balls I have in the air currently. Acrost from me another agent had her radio on a classical station and I heard this tune, what in the world was that.....the music from Monroe & Alma's TV, the ice skating competition he settles down to watch with Alma, Jr. and Jenny, cigarette in hand. Oh, to be able to stop and listen to the whole piece.
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:o Now I'm impressed that you would remember / recognize that piece ! :D
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I saw a phone advertised yesterday that can 'listen' to a tune for a few seconds; then recognise it and give you its name and the artist...now THAT would be handy!
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:o Now I'm impressed that you would remember / recognize that piece ! :D
me too!
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The highlight of my day today: going to the post office and finding two post cards from my friends in Colorado! I read the names and messages and I saw one from Amanda and her name really struck me, wow! Their hand writing, these have been in their hands.
Yes, best part of my day, that and the suv coming down the drinveway right now.....
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I was this morning at me desk, frantically juggling all the balls I have in the air currently. Acrost from me another agent had her radio on a classical station and I heard this tune, what in the world was that.....the music from Monroe & Alma's TV, the ice skating competition he settles down to watch with Alma, Jr. and Jenny, cigarette in hand. Oh, to be able to stop and listen to the whole piece.
During the BBQ weekend, I had a rare downtime moment in our room alone. Quiet, nothing happening. Suddenly from across the room, "The Wings" wafted to me. Jesus H! It was Lynne's cell phone ringing. :)
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Yep, at Brokie gatherings the ringtone gets set to Wings for the duration. During regular life, the phone plays Wings for Brokies, specifically. :)
Truman - I hope you have a wonderful time at the Grand Canyon. Safe travels. And you know the drill, take lots of pictures... ::) :D
:-*
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Great report on the funeral. Thanks for taking the time to do this!
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Yep, at Brokie gatherings the ringtone gets set to Wings for the duration. During regular life, the phone plays Wings for Brokies, specifically. :)
I'm the same way. Any "Brokie" phone numbers I have, are set to "The Wings".
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:o omg Chuck these are the first posts of yours I have noticed, but you have 120 posts already!!! :o Welcome to the most erudite living room in all Bettermost! :D
Wish I coulda been at the bbm bbq :-\ school :P Maybe next time! :D
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Lynne led me to your account of Falwell's Funeral and I just want to say that it is Absolutely Fantastic. Thanks for writing it. By the way, I am Jack from Asheville, NC, a fairly new BetterMost member. I believe Lynne mentioned me to you. Again, thanks for the article :)
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:o omg Chuck these are the first posts of yours I have noticed, but you have 120 posts already!!! :o Welcome to the most erudite living room in all Bettermost! :D
Wish I coulda been at the bbm bbq :-\ school :P Maybe next time! :D
Hiya wdj!
Yes, I'm up to 120 already. I hadn't intended to join here, not because I didn't want to, but because I mod on 3 other sites, and have other forums I am a member of, and my time is limited.
But since I had met some of the great members here, and Lee posted pics of me, it only seemed right that I come here to keep the connections I made in Co. fresh, and meet new people.
;D
Oh, most of my posts are pics from the weekend! Share the wealth! ;)
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Thanks so much for sharing this Truman. It is beautiful. Very sad, but very beautiful.
Jack
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Truman is absolutely one of our greatest bettermost members...so dedicated, and sincere...He is a precious commodity...Not to be wasted for sure. Our resident will rogers....
Nice to see you here Jack, and hope you make it a habit...Loved meeting you in Colorado...Janice
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Yep, at Brokie gatherings the ringtone gets set to Wings for the duration. During regular life, the phone plays Wings for Brokies, specifically. :)
Truman - I hope you have a wonderful time at the Grand Canyon. Safe travels. And you know the drill, take lots of pictures... ::) :D
:-*
I need to get that on my phone!
Where on earth did you get that? :o
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Greetings from the lobby of the San Juan Inn, on a cliff overlooking the beautiful San Juan river in wonderful Mexican Hat, Utah! I have seen some of the most gorgeous scenery today, I love the werstern US, Even the poverty appeals to me, I could be poor here, no problem.
I will write more soon when I get a wifi connection, but I have enjoyed reading the recent postes here, you folks are wonderful. I wish I could have meade this coincide with Denver, but you know, "never enough time!"
Jack, you live in Asheville! I am about 3 hrs away. My people lived in Morganton once when they were carpet baggers. I look forward to meeting you! And Janice, And Chuck. You all pm me with your addresses if you like and I will send you a post card (You Bet!)
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I need to get that on my phone!
Where on earth did you get that? :o
Hey there, Lee!
Many phones that have a 'Get It Now' option that lets you browse and download ringtones, graphics, games, etc...I've found Wings, I Don't Want to Say Goodbye, King of the Road, and others. Another option is that if your phone will let you record, you could record a portion of it, then assign it as a ringtone. Let me know if you need technical help, and I'll PM you my number!
-Lynne
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Hey there, Lee!
Many phones that have a 'Get It Now' option that lets you browse and download ringtones, graphics, games, etc...I've found Wings, I Don't Want to Say Goodbye, King of the Road, and others. Another option is that if your phone will let you record, you could record a portion of it, then assign it as a ringtone. Let me know if you need technical help, and I'll PM you my number!
-Lynne
I have get it now so I'll have to dust off my manual and see if i can do that.
I'd love to have that on my phone!
Thanks
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Greetings this evening from Room 7 of the lovely Canyon Motel in really cool Williams, Arizona. I stayed here once before on my first trip thru in 2001 and except for the addition of the RV park it is much the same.
So what am I doing here? My Mother decided she needed to go to see that Sky Bridge that an Indian Tribe has built out over the Grand Canyon, a glass bottomed semicircle a mile in the air. I am at a loss to explain why this would be appealing to anyone let alone an 84 year old widow. So she say she would foot the bill if I enabled her, so I agreed.
We have family in Albuquerque, so we flew out on Sat. and visited with them over the weekend. I love Albuquerque, it has such a good vibe to it, it is the only sprawl I think I could live in. We got to see the Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater with was really cool and then on Monday morning we took off for the 4 corners.
For those of you not familiar, the 4 corners is the spot where the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona all meet. Getting there meant driving thru Cuba, (New Mexico) and on thru Farmington where we stopped for lunch. My mother was the only person in the restaurant over 70 not on oxygen. I think this has to do with the dusty conditions people live in there. I did witness two middle aged cowboys hug each other in front of god and everybody and still had that on my mind when in the town of Ship Rock, NM, I saw a truck in traffic that looked a lot like Ennis's. As a result of this sighting I missed my turn and drove half way to Gallup, loosing a whole hour and dealing with that frustration. So we back tracked to Ship Rock and got on the right road and crossed into Arizona, then back into New Mexico and then took a left hand turn into the parking lot of the road side attraction that is the 4 corners.
This point is out in the middle of NOWHERE. It is completely on Indian land (3/4 Navajo and 1/4 Ute) and they run the operation under the auspices of the land management folks. Their wares are sold around the parameter in flea market style to the steady stream of people who come to this spot because in the last century white men intersected two lines here. Yes, I stood on the spot, I was in 4 states at once. I got me a t-shirt too, featuring some natives from the old days toting guns. It reads: "Homeland Security: Fighting Terrorism since 1492".
From there we went into Colorado briefly and then took a left hand turn into Utah, where we were greeted by a dead horse on the side of the road. The horses and cattle run free out there and I hate to think what the vehicle looked like. Whereever it is it will probably be there the next 100 years, as are all junk cars in Utah. No rain to make them rust, eventually people from back east come and find them for the classics they are restoring back home.
As we approached the town of Mexican Hat, (population 50) we saw the hat itself, set against a back drop that was truly amazing, zig zagged and swirled colors in the mountains, rocks that looked like people, it was stunning. Right at the beginning of monument valley. Our rooms at the San Juan were small but tidy and they are pet friendly. Mexican Hat was the filming location of part of "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon".
This morning we took off south into Navajo land, the valley itself. I saw one road I recognized from "Thelma and Louise". There was no cell phone reception, and no radio for that matter. The beauty of the place was only compounded by the abject poverty of the people who live there is old trailers and run down houses, most without electricity. Everywhere there was a place to pull off someone was set up sell jewelry and pottery. You have to do what you can to make a living out here.
Crossing back into Arizona we reached Tuba City where we came upon a horrible accident. An S10 pickup apparently pulled out in front of a semi. The truck was destroyed and the semi jackknifed and was a wreck. Traffic was diverted thru a dry stream bed that was nothing more than red powder. People got lost, people got stuck, tour bussed and RV's towing SUV were negotiating the ruts. I never did learn what happened to the driver.
This afternoon we reached the eastern entrance of the Grand Canyon. We got our pass and I asked the lady selling it to us, a Native woman if this also covered the sky bridge. No she told us, that was an enterprise solely of the Hualapai Nation, and she let her feelings be known it was not in keeping with the mission of the nation park service to preserve the character of the canyon, nor was she going out on it. "It's against my religion" she said.
I don;t know how many pictures I took at the canyon, but each time I took one I knew it would not do justice it. When you visit the canyon I think the best thing to do (if you are not exploring the trails) is to pick a spot and just sit and look at it. It is like a big explosion of erosion, which I realized was the main attraction of this trip: erosion. I had a close encounter with ravens and a coyote mama looking for hand outs, but I only offered them an apology for getting hooked on our junk food.
So we have travelled about 600 miles so far, and tomorrow is the bridge. I don't know how I am going to handle the bridge, I have nothing in my experience except a morbid fear of heights to back me up.
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{{{Truman}}}
wish I had some words of wisdom to help.
you will get thru it...keep breathing.
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Oh hell I am enjoying it, it does get tiresome, but I ain;t at work!
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Oh hell I am enjoying it, it does get tiresome, but I ain;t at work!
:laugh: :laugh:
I was refering to that glass house of horrors!!
:-X
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Wow Truman.....sounds fantastic.......want to see pics from the bubble.......and read how u coped with the heights...........
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Truman, I trust you coped with the bridge somehow. I do envy you and your Mom that trip. Just driving through that country is a marvelous experience, and the Canyon is beyond words, no matter whether you're on a glass-bottomed bridge or just sitting there like you say. Hope to see some of your pictures when you get back.
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As always you have given us a trip you take , and give us the chance to follow along. I will just stand on the sidelines at the glass bottom bridge however. I will cheer you and your mom on. Yee haw. I will watch...enjoy.
I dont like heights much, and it just doesnt sound right to me for some odd reason...Im not sure why
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I've heard about this bridge - hope all goes well and take some photos looking down for us!
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Oh, I've heard about that bridge over the grand canyon. Not sure I could go in it.
(http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/08/images/040826_grandcanyon.jpg)
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I got dizzy just looking at that picture.
No way.......... I would pass out !!
K
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Jeez, that gives me sinking feelings to look at it! :P
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Oh wow---that is a spectacular sight!!
Can you imagine being one of the guys who constructed all that?
What a commute to work every day!
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Law have mercy...........................
Well, this above image is a artists rendition (where is Artiste, btw?) the building it is coming out of has yet to be built. It is a work in progress for sure, and sorry to say I have no pictures because cameras, cell phone or personal items in general are not allowed, but I do have a certificate that says I have been out on it..........
But first let me say "this thing" has got to be the most remote human made creation on the planet earth. From I-40 we drove 26 miles on Stockton Hill Road, then another 7 on Pierce Ferry Road, and then we got on this dirt road, I forget the name, it was twisting and winding and DUSTY as hell, for 14 MILES, washboard all the way. I decided it we ever got there, there was no way I was not going out on it. It truly is the best example of "If you build it, they will come" I have ever seen.
As soon as we reached the Havalupai reservation, the road became paved, for the last 5 or so miles to the construction site. This bridge only opened last year. The offices were in trailers, earth moving equipment was stirring up more dust than the wind could. There was helicopter tours (no-way, forget it). It was a bit over $150 for both of us to have our fifthteen minutes on the glass, which was another bus ride of about a mile. We put our belongings in the lockers provided, had our tickest scanned, went thru a metal detector, had our wrist bands scanned, and then were allowed to walk out to the thing.
I guess I would liken it to the first time I flew, but that was so long ago.....we climbed the steps and some daddy was carrying his screaming toddler son back. I told the kid not to feel bad I didn't know if I could go thru with it either.
We had to put booties on our feet to keep from scratching the glass. 5 panes 1/4 of an inch thick, (sorry I don't know for sure, I would say 1 cm thick) specially tempered, made in Germany, $30,000 per pane we were told. On the inner and outer loop was a steal beam about 18 Inches wide, where everyone was walking. Glass on the side came up maybe 4 feet, some one could climb over it easy. There was a photographer set up to take pics and so everyone was in line for that. I held on to the rail and took a deep breath and concentrated on the horizon, on the beauty of the western grand canyon. The line for photos was holding me back, I didn;t like it. Some people were walking by on the middle of the glass, not many.
We had out picture took, I look hung over. I thought about how I recently rode an old wooden roller coaster, not really scary but I kept my eyes closed the whole time. I thought for a second maybe I could do the same. I thought about a friends blind aent and what she would think about this. I concentrated on the horizon and got 70 feet out over nothing. The bottom of the canyon is 4000 feet lower, but the walls slope so your probably only half that, I got out there and started on around. Heard an interpretor talk about how it was assembled nearby and rolled into place in one piece, how engineers all over the world worked on it. I quickly glanced down, saw the wall below me. OMG, I started moving to the end. At the canyon edge there is another cross beam that connects the two, everyone utilized its psychological qualities to cross to the other side. On the inside loop I looked down again. My mind could not get around it. I saw it was beautiful, but just wrong I felt.
My Mom had inched her way around the semicircle and was talking to a tribal member about the wind measuring apparatus. I inched my way back out to the fartherest point. I made my self look down. Gawd it was a long way down. I put one foot out on the glass, I let go of the hand rail. This was okay. I moved across to the other side, and then I saw below me, the shadow of the thing on the canyon wall. I saw the dots of the people moving thru it like a tube. I stepped out on the bridge and waved my arms. I saw my dot. I saw my shadow, just barely, way down below me. I had never seen my shadow separate from me before. It was a weird feeling. I thought of the shadow self and all it represents. (maybe call it an out of shadow experience?) It was okay. I looked up and looked around and told people to look at their shadow and I wasn't afraid. 15 minutes, hell I could have stayed there all day.
But I didn't. I walked to the end, my shadow climbing up the wall to meet me faster than I have ever moved in my life, to join me again. To make me whole again. I made my mom come out and look at it, look at hers too.
I heard it called a bridge to nowhere. Well, it ain't the destination, it is the trip it takes you on.
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I raptly read your account of the trip on the bridge, shakestheground.
Whew!! When I was finished I had to take a deep breath---I must have been holding it until you got back to solid ground!
That sounds like an amazing experience! Thanks for sharing so vividly!!
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Somehow that bridge and Falwell's funeral in one month...
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Thank you darlin, for that vivid description...You have told that tale so well, I too was holding my breath, and didnt realize it. I dont have to do it now..THANK THE GODS you did it for us..As If..!!!!! No freaking way you could get me on that thing...I aint scared of much, but you got yer point across..Thanks but
no thanks. janice
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I don't know if I'm more scared of the bridge or the ticket fee! :P
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I stepped out on the bridge and waved my arms. I saw my dot. I saw my shadow, just barely, way down below me. I had never seen my shadow separate from me before. It was a weird feeling. I thought of the shadow self and all it represents. (maybe call it an out of shadow experience?)
Wow ! Thanks for sharing your story Truman ... you're like Peter Pan up there in the air, need some glue to make your shadow stick to your feet! :D
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I took a lot of pictures. But the best part of the picture taking was the deleating:
I was standing in the surf at Myrtle Beach deleating the pict of Falwell's funeral to make room for the beach pics, one by one, good bye Phelps family! Gone, Gone, Gone,
I was standing at the foot of Mexican Hat deleating Myrtle Beach, good bye foot print in the sand...
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so cute
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So I get home from being gone a week and the damn snakes have decided to come out of the wall and take over the house.
I got home Sunday evening from playing catch up at the office and damn it there wern't two black snakes copulating on my bedroom floor. This just would not do. I can coexist with snakes, but not fertilizing their eggs on my bedoom floor.
I tried the cold water fix, I had seen it used with great effect by the mother of a party host when I was in college, she turnt the hose on this couple rolling in the grass with an audience of about 60. I had no effect on the snakes at all. It did make me realize I needed to clean the floor.I thought about calling animal control, which in my county is the dog catcher. He would probably be unreachable until the morning. I wished I knew some snake handlers, but I know of none locally.
Shit, I thought, I have walked on the glass bridge for gawd sake, I can handle this. I went down into my packrat basement, found a length of PC pipe, an old phone cord and some string. I ran the string thru the pipe, pulled the cord thru the pipe till I had me a noose. I marched back upstairs and slipped the noose around the snakes' heads and gently tightened. I dragged their asses (if snakes have asses) out the front door. I let them go, and they slithered away nonchalantly thru the grass.
"Go lay your damn eggs" I hollered at them. They will do that under a rock someplace. Damn reptiles think they own the place.
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OMG TRuman.............. I would have to move !!!!!!!!! :o :o :o :o :o
Karen
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I dragged their asses (if snakes have asses) out the front door. I let them go, and they slithered away nonchalantly thru the grass.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
A job well done, Truman. ;D
That picture of you is great! Would make a nice avatar. 8)
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It might just, Lynne thinks I need to use the feather duster head dress one, but I won't because its from Walmart.
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It might just, Lynne thinks I need to use the feather duster head dress one, but I won't because its from Walmart.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Now there is an image! ;D
I'm glad you made it home ok! Snakes and all.
Good thing about black snakes is they chase off the poisonious ones!
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That is one of the best stories you have ever told us yet. I could just see you being a snake wrangler. Funny picture...Sounds like some of my adventures. When we got to the cabin in the woods the night after we
were in the run down little cabin and there was a spider on the wall..me and Roubx, and four or five guys...guess who had to climb onto the back of the futon and kill the spider, so they could all sleep in their beds comfortably...Jeff had the futon right below it. So I think he was the most worried.
Does all this remind you of a song...I dont like spiders and snakes.
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"...and that ain't what it takes to love me,
Like I wanna be loved by you....." :-*
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"...and that ain't what it takes to love me,
Like I wanna be loved by you....." :-*
Gottlove Jim Stafford! :laugh:
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Truman,
Thanks for the vivid description of your Sky Bridge adventure. That's one of the stops on our family vacation in August, and I was wondering what it was going to be like and how they run it. From your description, it seems like they've got it down to a science.
I'll remember to look for my shadow. I think it's going to be a very cool experience. (It better be, at that price.) :) And like you, I think I'll pass on any helicopter tours of the canyon.
Thanks again.
Fran
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Oh I was so excited today, I got your beautiful postcard. thank you so much...I just cant believe
the things that BBM has brought my way...{{{{hugs}}}}
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Shit, I thought, I have walked on the glass bridge for gawd sake, I can handle this. I went down into my packrat basement, found a length of PC pipe, an old phone cord and some string. I ran the string thru the pipe, pulled the cord thru the pipe till I had me a noose. I marched back upstairs and slipped the noose around the snakes' heads and gently tightened. I dragged their asses (if snakes have asses) out the front door. I let them go, and they slithered away nonchalantly thru the grass.
"Go lay your damn eggs" I hollered at them. They will do that under a rock someplace. Damn reptiles think they own the place.
Tru, you're living quite a life. Now you can replace the thought in blue with, "Shit, I lassoed me two snakes in my bedroom, I can handle this."
Re the part in purple, they were probably a pair a deuces (with scrawny asses). Maybe they would have moved faster if you had barked, "Pronto!" at them.
:)
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Truman,
Thanks for the vivid description of your Sky Bridge adventure. That's one of the stops on our family vacation in August, and I was wondering what it was going to be like and how they run it. From your description, it seems like they've got it down to a science.
I'll remember to look for my shadow. I think it's going to be a very cool experience. (It better be, at that price.) :) And like you, I think I'll pass on any helicopter tours of the canyon.
Thanks again.
Fran
Fran, I am so glad your going, take plenty of water, it is very dry out there. You will love it.
Also if you are in the William, AZ area you can take the Grand Canyon Rilway to the canyon, it is relaxing esp. after driving so much.
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So I get home from being gone a week and the damn snakes have decided to come out of the wall and take over the house.
I got home Sunday evening from playing catch up at the office and damn it there wern't two black snakes copulating on my bedroom floor. This just would not do. I can coexist with snakes, but not fertilizing their eggs on my bedoom floor.
I tried the cold water fix, I had seen it used with great effect by the mother of a party host when I was in college, she turnt the hose on this couple rolling in the grass with an audience of about 60. I had no effect on the snakes at all. It did make me realize I needed to clean the floor.I thought about calling animal control, which in my county is the dog catcher. He would probably be unreachable until the morning. I wished I knew some snake handlers, but I know of none locally.
Shit, I thought, I have walked on the glass bridge for gawd sake, I can handle this. I went down into my packrat basement, found a length of PC pipe, an old phone cord and some string. I ran the string thru the pipe, pulled the cord thru the pipe till I had me a noose. I marched back upstairs and slipped the noose around the snakes' heads and gently tightened. I dragged their asses (if snakes have asses) out the front door. I let them go, and they slithered away nonchalantly thru the grass.
"Go lay your damn eggs" I hollered at them. They will do that under a rock someplace. Damn reptiles think they own the place.
You're such a good story teller Tru! I would have screamed and stood looking at them until they went away! How do you know if they were harmless or not? You get alot where you live?
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So I get home from being gone a week and the damn snakes have decided to come out of the wall and take over the house.
I got home Sunday evening from playing catch up at the office and damn it there wern't two black snakes copulating on my bedroom floor. This just would not do. I can coexist with snakes, but not fertilizing their eggs on my bedoom floor.
I tried the cold water fix, I had seen it used with great effect by the mother of a party host when I was in college, she turnt the hose on this couple rolling in the grass with an audience of about 60. I had no effect on the snakes at all. It did make me realize I needed to clean the floor.I thought about calling animal control, which in my county is the dog catcher. He would probably be unreachable until the morning. I wished I knew some snake handlers, but I know of none locally.
Shit, I thought, I have walked on the glass bridge for gawd sake, I can handle this. I went down into my packrat basement, found a length of PC pipe, an old phone cord and some string. I ran the string thru the pipe, pulled the cord thru the pipe till I had me a noose. I marched back upstairs and slipped the noose around the snakes' heads and gently tightened. I dragged their asses (if snakes have asses) out the front door. I let them go, and they slithered away nonchalantly thru the grass.
"Go lay your damn eggs" I hollered at them. They will do that under a rock someplace. Damn reptiles think they own the place.
"Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?" --Indiana Jones
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Truman, you should share your serpentine story in FRiend Lee's 'Snakes Alive' thread. Seriously, I would have freaked out big time if I had been in your shoes. Opossums and raccoons (of which I saw one in my back yard this morning) are bad enough!
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So I get home from being gone a week and the damn snakes have decided to come out of the wall and take over the house.
I got home Sunday evening from playing catch up at the office and damn it there wern't two black snakes copulating on my bedroom floor. This just would not do. I can coexist with snakes, but not fertilizing their eggs on my bedoom floor.
I tried the cold water fix, I had seen it used with great effect by the mother of a party host when I was in college, she turnt the hose on this couple rolling in the grass with an audience of about 60. I had no effect on the snakes at all. It did make me realize I needed to clean the floor.I thought about calling animal control, which in my county is the dog catcher. He would probably be unreachable until the morning. I wished I knew some snake handlers, but I know of none locally.
Shit, I thought, I have walked on the glass bridge for gawd sake, I can handle this. I went down into my packrat basement, found a length of PC pipe, an old phone cord and some string. I ran the string thru the pipe, pulled the cord thru the pipe till I had me a noose. I marched back upstairs and slipped the noose around the snakes' heads and gently tightened. I dragged their asses (if snakes have asses) out the front door. I let them go, and they slithered away nonchalantly thru the grass.
"Go lay your damn eggs" I hollered at them. They will do that under a rock someplace. Damn reptiles think they own the place.
??? Do snakes run (well slide) around free in Virginia?
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??? Do snakes run (well slide) around free in Virginia?
Yep! All over the US except in cities.
The snakes there are the two legged kind! LOL ;D
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Yep! All over the US except in cities.
The snakes there are the two legged kind! LOL ;D
ESPECIALLY the South, where Truman lives.
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I'm so glad I live in Europe. I don't know what I'd do if I find a couple of snakes putting eggs all over my bedroom!
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You're such a good story teller Tru! I would have screamed and stood looking at them until they went away! How do you know if they were harmless or not? You get alot where you live?
About the only poisonous snakes we have are copperheads and water moccasins. The black snakes hate them so if you have black snakes they will stay away. Black snakes also catch mice. They are fairly common in my area, but only in the summer months.
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"Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?" --Indiana Jones
I know, my partner only get squirrels in his house, I have to have snakes.
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Truman, you should share your serpentine story in FRiend Lee's 'Snakes Alive' thread. Seriously, I would have freaked out big time if I had been in your shoes. Opossums and raccoons (of which I saw one in my back yard this morning) are bad enough!
We have all those, and sknunks, but only the possums got in the house, before I trimmed the dampson tree back, they would climb up in the eves and get in the attic.
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??? Do snakes run (well slide) around free in Virginia?
Yes, all kinds, but only two that are poisonous. We have the black snakes, corn snakes, green racers, green snakes, and a few others.
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Yep! All over the US except in cities.
The snakes there are the two legged kind! LOL ;D
And sometimes three legged....LOL.... :laugh:
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he, he! There's more on snakes in this Snakes Alive! (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,6741.0/all.html) thread on Anything Goes!!
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I ran the string thru the pipe, pulled the cord thru the pipe till I had me a noose.
:o omg Truman the Bible was rite!
"They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
- Mark 16:18
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Fran, I am so glad your going, take plenty of water, it is very dry out there. You will love it.
Also if you are in the William, AZ area you can take the Grand Canyon Rilway to the canyon, it is relaxing esp. after driving so much.
I imagine it will be very hot out there in August, too. Thanks for the suggestions.
We visited Yellowstone a few years ago, and seeing Old Faithful erupt brought tears to my eyes. I think I'm going to be so in awe at the Grand Canyon that I'll be rendered speechless.
Oh, and I'm glad you helped your mom fulfill her wish. Good for her. Good for you.
OK. Back to snakes.... :)
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Do snakes run (well slide) around free in Virginia?
I loved this question Natalie. I dont really kknow anywhere that keeps all their snakes in zoos, or
terrariums. But thats an idea..its an interesting thought though. Now that we have a real life snake catcher, and wrangler...He also knows their mating call. When he sees it...
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:o omg Truman the Bible was rite!
"They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover."
- Mark 16:18
I think that is the state motto of West Virginia, hoome of Jolo, the vatican of snake handling.
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About the only poisonous snakes we have are copperheads and water moccasins. The black snakes hate them so if you have black snakes they will stay away. Black snakes also catch mice. They are fairly common in my area, but only in the summer months.
And cottonmouths? We had those when I lived in Louisa County.
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And cottonmouths? We had those when I lived in Louisa County.
Yeah they live around the water, swim in fact. That was one of my worst childhood nightmares that one would get me while I was swimming.
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I dreamt a couple of nights ago that my momma's neighborhood had a minor flood.
Not likely since they're on a hillside that slopes gently southeast for a hundred miles to the Atlantic Ocean. ::)
Be that as it may, I was enjoying swimming in 3 or 4 feet of water in the back yard. The water began to recede fairly quickly and I came to be worried about snakes.
Turned out there were some at the lower fence, but they were sort of flattened down, compressed, freeze-dried, inactive. So I got a towel and dried off.
This is the thread to post dreams about snakes, right? :D
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Snake dreams are supposed to be about sex...the snake representing the phallus.
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the snake representing the phallus.
:o Oh! :D
:-\ oh! :laugh:
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:laugh: :laugh: Oh my gosh Jess that is creepy...and funny...........because it wasnt me. :o :o :o :o
Wonder what millions of creepy crawley spiders represent ??
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author=ifyoucantfixit link=topic=654.msg204509#msg204509 date=1181692324]
Wonder what millions of creepy crawley spiders represent ??
Well, since you asked, in the same way that snakes represent the phallus, spiders represent the female genitalia.
Aren't you sorry you asked?
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Excuse me. Snakes have always been, since the dawn of time, the primordial symbol of the feminine. Because of the way they writhe.
Here we go!
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-8/1210035/ladywsnakes.gif)
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Woo-hoo! Jack the bullrider!!
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-8/1210035/bull1-color.jpg)
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Snakes and snakes!!
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-8/1210035/threewomen.gif)
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And more snakes, woo-hoo!!
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-8/1210035/minoan%20octopus%201.jpg)
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And more snakes, woo-hoo!!
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2006-8/1210035/minoan%20octopus%201.jpg)
I think that one's an octopus. :)
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I have a picture of an octopus on the side of a pig...along with other marine creatures. ie a frog a dolphin, and a killer whale, from in front of the hotel where we had breakfast Elle kinda purty, but odd. But no snakes.
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I think that one's an octopus. :)
Just seein if you were awake!
8)
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Hey there, Truman - I'm just about caught up here with your thread! That bridge sounds like quite an adventure - I'm very glad you were able to spend that time with your mother. I'm trying to talk Mom into a trip to Chicago to visit her favorite nephew in the next couple of weeks and she's not the least bit interested. I think I'll just stick her in the truck and go - she'll like it once she gets there.
And thank you very much for the postcard! V took it away from me promptly when I showed it to her - she wants to paint the stamp - she's fascinated by those piercing eyes. :D
I don't think I've ever laughed harder than I did about the snake story - Friend, you handle whatever comes your way with grace and style, without a doubt. You're amazing.
:D
Speaking of snakes and females, Medusa had snakes for hair...
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So what makes me happy and proud today: Paul Potts, a nervous, overweight Welshman with rough looking teeth and health problems who went on TV on Britians Got Talent and sang opera. And man can he sing. Even Simon said he was not expecting that. He got a standing ovation! The man went from being 30,000 Pounds in debt to being a international star.
Potts will appear on the Today show on NBC on Thursday.
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/realitytv/a61896/paul-potts-vows-to-clear-debts.html
http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=646496&cache=1
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[youtube=425,350]http://youtube.com/watch?v=i0dzZTPWrSM[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]http://youtube.com/watch?v=nHYYz_mGP1U[/youtube]
This was his big competition on the night - everyoe thought this little cutie wold win,
[youtube=425,350]http://youtube.com/watch?v=QWNoiVrJDsE[/youtube]
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That guy is beautiful. Thanks, Kelda, for posting the YouTube clips. 'Course he was might smart in his choice of songs - known weep-inducers. Still he and his singing are lovely.
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Was very intrigued to see the you tube clip of Paul Potts, and I agree, he has a great voice, and that song Nesun Dorma, is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.......
And its very intersting, and I wonder if there is any coincidence, that the bloke who won our Australian Idol, last year, also sang the same song, on the second last night of competition, and subsequently won the title of Australian Idol, the following week....He too, was just a bloke working in a factory, and he sang a variety of songs thru the competion...Roy Orbison's Crying.....Chris Isaac's Wicked Games....and the best love song of all...Unchained Melody.....as well as many others that he did full justice to, and then to finish it off with an opera song like Nesun Dorma....well there was no way he could lose...(and, not meaning to take anything away from Paul Potts, I think our bloke was better)....
But, we cant take all the credit, Damien Leith is an Irishman, living in Australia, married to an Australian, and now an Australian citizen.
I have been fortunate enough to go see him in live concert since he won Idol, and once again, was in awe of his talent.
His name is DAMIEN LEITH........remember it....look it up on youtube if you are interested......DAMIEN LEITH.......
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Katie, it is good to hear from you, and Janice I got your post card in the mail today. I love those rocky beaches of your homeland, and the rainy weather. It is like Ireland, but with trees. do you all ever go to the beach and sun bathe I wonder?
I am in a quandry this evening. Tired from a day of running around seeing to the worlds needs. I regret not spending more time here in this community which is just as real to me and as important as anything else in my life could be. And then there is RL. Sometimes trying to describe something I have learned here or seem go on just does not translate to the people I am talking to. And I find I do not have the time to sit and thoughtfully read thru peoples posts like I should, scanning them to get the gist I realize I am letting my time here become another job.
Life seems to be a constatnt propcess of making new resolutions, rededication oneself to do better. I think that will never change.
I had a call from Celeste last weekend, Yaadpyar who used to be a moderator here. I saved her number, but tomorrow it will be a week and I have yet to call her back. I feel bad about that, but I will, and I want to. I want to hear how she has been doing, if she has heard from Ray, where she has been lately.
Well, Sunday is the 24th, I'll go up on the mountain and have a little toast in honor of "this thing". You know the story has seased being the be all and end all for me, now it is the circle of friends that came with it.
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Well yeah we do.. Not too much however, I have never been much of a sun worshiper.
I like the wet and rainey weather, much better. Thats why we moved to Oregon in the first place.
We prefer the cool...I am so fair, I burn easily..But our beaches are beautiful just to look at..
Im glad you liked it...I tried to pick cards to fit the people.. but still show Oregon/ Maybe they arent what the true intent of the cards were. But it was mine.
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Please tell Yap i was aksing for her and tell her to tell ray the same!
Shakes - you do what you can do and thats good enough for us. You're posts are always so thoughtful and heartfelt - thats what I love about looking at your blog.
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Last night I realized it had been a year since my trip to Wyoming. I went and checked my picture dates and sure enough, last night one year ago I was eating supper with wyane and Joe and Judy at the Virginian Resturant at the Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming.
And this morning, piling into an Impala, a young french lady approached us and asked Judy "Are you cabin 22?" "I am Mouk" she told us, come from the other side of the world to make that trip on the Zig Zagged road to Lightnin' Flat.
Bless you my friends.
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I've been thinking as well about everyone and our journey to Lightning Flat. We'll never forget our first view of that house. Much love to all; let's think about a Wyoming reunion sometime in the future. Much love to all, Joe (esseff)
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/sanfranjoe/WY%200606/IMG_0267.jpg)
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I've been thinking as well about everyone and our journey to Lightning Flat. We'll never forget our first view of that house. Much love to all; let's think about a Wyoming reunion sometime in the future. Much love to all, Joe (esseff)
(http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g183/sanfranjoe/WY%200606/IMG_0267.jpg)
My God, thats a beautiful picture!
I can't wait till one day I walk that grassy field up to the house.
I know it's not "really" the Twist house but oh to walk through that green grass with the wind whispering at my side.
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:) That was a wonderful day! Thanks for reminding us of the anniversary Truman and Joe!!! :)
OH! and are those some of Mrs. Twist's blue irises in the foreground?!? or maybe some other blue flower - I don't remember seeing that many irises blooming, though there were a few. :-\
blue as Jack's irises ... :D
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It seems strange to see that dirt road stretching into Montana and to see the house. After seeing it in person it makes it so much more special. I sure would like to know more about the history of that house and I would love to see a picture of it during its heydey. It must have been something else. It is actually quite large and obviously was built extremely well. Have any of the rest of you ever had a glimpse of the upstairs? Joe and I very, very, very carefully went up the stairs making sure not to stand on anything but the risers. We only went far enough so that we could get high enough to look around. I would not recommend going up there to anyone though. There are many rooms up there. So sad to see the house decaying so much though.
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Well, Sunday is the 24th, I'll go up on the mountain and have a little toast in honor of "this thing". You know the story has seased being the be all and end all for me, now it is the circle of friends that came with it.
Firstly, Truman, let me tell you, how privilged I feel, to be part of that "circle".
Secondly, we all move on......there are different stages of everything we go thru in life.....love, hate, grief, happiness, sadness.......but no matter what stage we are at, it is still inside us.
There is no doubt in my mind, that in twenty years time, I will still see something that reminds me of Brokeback, still feel a twinge of sadness, maybe giggle about something that reminds me of the boys, or just think of how one story could make such a difference to my life, and to so many others...........There is no doubt, either, that in twenty years time, you will feel the same way as well..................
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Very true Katie. The feelings that the story gives us is things I have no doubt will last a
lifetime. Those of us that have been given the opportunity to travel thru the highways and byways of Wyoming. Have an added dimension to our treasury. The houses, the mountains.!! But the thing I shall never forget, and hopefully never lose one iota of. Is the feeling I get from the people. All of us that have the feelings for this story and place.. We have a very special feeling for each other. I feel that long after our total obsession with the story has lessened and maybe waned. I think the feelings for the people will live on and on forever. I know I shall never forget that part of the story....I personally call it joined at the heart. By this wondrous story...thanks Truman for reminding me of your trip. I shall hope to do so for others of mine as well...some time in the future. janice
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You two ladies are wonderful.
Well I make a lot of plans and have a lot of ideas, but when today came and I thought of how I'd planned on going up on the mountain, I was just too tired. I had breakfast with my mother this morning and I got back home and asked myself what I needed to do, and I settled on sleep. So I took a nap form 10:30 to 2 pm and it was wonderful.
My partner called me up and asked if I wanted to go get lunch and fertilizer. Sure I said. That was when things started falling into place.
The day had become over cast, and in the west thunder boomed. I swigged from a ginger ale rather than a budwiser and I don't smoke cigarettes, but I sat at the winder and watched for his vehicle. When he arrived I ran out the door tucking in my shirt tail. There are two flights of steps betwixt my house and the road. I took them two and two. We didn;t embrace as after a four year absence, but when he said "Ready to go?" I replied "Yup", and we were off.
Nothing wrong with making plans, as long as you let things turn out like they are going to anyway.
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Tru, a hot jolt scalded me, reading this description. :)
"Lunch and fertilizer" makes me think of "Eat Here and Get Gas." :)
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLARISSA!!!!
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That was very sweet Truman. I think you celebrated the meaning of the mountain..Just right.
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Yeah, I think you have to just let be sometimes.
In other news I spoke with Celeste (Yaadpyer) on the phone yesterday evening. I past along everones well wishes (Kelda esp.) and got the update on her. She had visited with Ray in Australia back in March, but now he has dissapeared for the time being. She herself is packing up and leaving Chicago by the end of the summer to be closer to her family in the Kansas City area. She is excited about it, and I am happy for her, happy to hear from her.
Also, I received an email from Dana (wyo_men) on Saturday. He was headed up on Brokenback in observance of the one year anniversary of taking us up there. Bless both hearts.
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You know I still kick myself in the rear for not joining you and Judy and Joe and Wayne and everybody on that Wyoming trip last year. Joe was trying so hard to get me to go. That was before I got the travel bug. It was missing an event like that that made me realize I wasn't going to miss any more of 'em. ;D
I remember Joe razzed me at Christmas when I told him I regretted not going. :laugh:
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You know I still kick myself in the rear for not joining you and Judy and Joe and Wayne and everybody on that Wyoming trip last year. Joe was trying so hard to get me to go. That was before I got the travel bug. It was missing an event like that that made me realize I wasn't going to miss any more of 'em. ;D
I remember Joe razzed me at Christmas when I told him I regretted not going. :laugh:
Eric, you are everyone else's Brokie-travel role model. :-*
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Such memories and safe-keeping of journeys past are testaments to the values placed on matters of the heart. The thoughts here are purely soulful.
the flowers in the foreground of the "twist" house appear to be chicory. This is a wonderful wildflower that has a pure blue color, which is very hard to find. most blues are that purpley blue that just does not pass for blue. Chicory delivers a gorgeous sky blue/baby blue flower that welcomes one along the roads and byways of the great midwest. And interestingly, once picked, it starts to wilt in seconds; it yearns for its roots and structure to be left in tact.
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Bless both hearts.
bless you for thinkin it up Shakes!! :) :-*
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Thinking Of Some Very Dear Souls Up On Brokenback Mountain Last Year While At An Oregon Coast Motel This Saturday...
Awoke before five
Daybreak rustles the light surf
Swallows slice across the window
As the sound of an early truck scratches the road.
Later this morning have to be packed and away.
New guests will be coming,
Bill was settled the day before,
The owner saying "Just leave the keys on the table,
When you're out of here."
Gonna be a while before coming back,
Yet am suffused with a sense of pleasure
Because Truman, Noelie, Joe Owen, Joe Chapadeau, Wayne, Dana, and Judy were in my dream.
The stale coffee boils up, but caught it before
It goes over the side, poured it into a cup and
Blew on the black liquid, letting a panel of the dream slide forward.
If I do not force my attention on it,
It might stoke the day, before departing,
Rewarm that year-ago time on the mountain
Far to the east of here, when we owned the world
And nothing seemed wrong.
Dreams need tending*, even at a motel on the Oregon Coast...
(Thoughts paraphrased from Brokeback Mountain)
(*Jessi Ford on ennisjack.com)
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In other news I spoke with Celeste (Yaadpyer) on the phone yesterday evening. I past along everones well wishes (Kelda esp.) and got the update on her. She had visited with Ray in Australia back in March, but now he has dissapeared for the time being. She herself is packing up and leaving Chicago by the end of the summer to be closer to her family in the Kansas City area. She is excited about it, and I am happy for her, happy to hear from her.
thanks Tru!
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Last night we watched the Ben Stiller movie "Night at the Museum" I had been meaning to watch it for a while. I won't get into a lot of the premise but among the characters and two diorama figures, a Cowboy played by Owen Wilson and a Roman Centurion played by Steve Coogan. They battle each other, their peeps battle each other, and finally they have to join forces to stop criminals trying to steal a valuable relic.
The miniture guys use the Roman's staff to push in the pin on the tire valve of the get away van , the rushing air blowing them away one by one. The centurion turns to the cowboy and says: "Save yourself" to which the cowboy replies: "I ain't gonna quit you".
OMG, I busted out crying. That line in an otherwize middle o' the road picture hit a home run. I wondered if this was an intentional reference to Brokeback Mountain, and I wondered "what if" What if Jack or Ennis had ever said that to one another insted of what was said. What a difference I would have made.
If you get a chance, check it out. If for no other reason, to see how these two characters interact. Bill Cobbs, Mickey Rooney and Dick VanDyke are amazing in their characters as well.
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Well, now I have to watch it!
I got the DVD for my daughter on her birthday and she has worn it slap out! I haven't seen it yet but i will now.
I'm sure it was intentional. That phrase is used a lot these days.
What if Jack or Ennis had ever said that to one another insted of what was said. What a difference I would have made.
I wonder stuff like that myself. How great it would have been if they had lived the sweet life. But then, I have to wonder if the film would have had the same impact on me.
It's been an emotional rollercoaster since seeing it but i sure appreciate the wake up call!
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You know I still kick myself in the rear for not joining you and Judy and Joe and Wayne and everybody on that Wyoming trip last year. Joe was trying so hard to get me to go. That was before I got the travel bug. It was missing an event like that that made me realize I wasn't going to miss any more of 'em. ;D
I remember Joe razzed me at Christmas when I told him I regretted not going. :laugh:
That would have been so cool if you had, but you know it was uncharted territory then. Many people expressed an interest but just didn;t know how they would feel when they got there. I decided hell I'd be in Wyoming and I'll take that over being at home any day of the week. It was the first experence I had with fellow brokies in person, and it was so liberating, I could tear up and not have to explain anything.
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Such memories and safe-keeping of journeys past are testaments to the values placed on matters of the heart. The thoughts here are purely soulful.
Excellent sentiments HerrKaiser, thank you for sharing.
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The miniture guys use the Roman's staff to push in the pin on the tire valve of the get away van , the rushing air blowing them away one by one. The centurion turns to the cowboy and says: "Save yourself" to which the cowboy replies: "I ain't gonna quit you".
OMG, I busted out crying. That line in an otherwize middle o' the road picture hit a home run. I wondered if this was an intentional reference to Brokeback Mountain, and I wondered "what if" What if Jack or Ennis had ever said that to one another insted of what was said. What a difference I would have made.
OMG, Truman.......I felt the impact of that, just reading your thread.........
And Yes, the mind wanders to another story that might have been told, about our boys living the sweet life, and that feeling of sadness, that it was a story never written.........
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OMG, Truman.......I felt the impact of that, just reading your thread.........
And Yes, the mind wanders to another story that might have been told, about our boys living the sweet life, and that feeling of sadness, that it was a story never written.........
thats why fanfiction is/was so appealing. I used to love Brokeback fanfiction soooo much. Its a great alternative.
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I never knew about fanfic before all this, and have read some. It is a continuation of the story telling process I think we have lost in the last hundred years. I see in it Jack and Ennis and all the others crossing over into the ranks of Paul Bunyan and Johnny Appleseed.
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I never knew about fanfic before all this, and have read some. It is a continuation of the story telling process I think we have lost in the last hundred years. I see in it Jack and Ennis and all the others crossing over into the ranks of Paul Bunyan and Johnny Appleseed.
The Hills Are Alive With Jack's Harmonica!
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New directions in your life can start with the oddest things, like Chinese food.
I was have lunch one day a couple of months ago with my friend whose daughter had just become engaged to a nice young man from Brisbane, Australia. (The first time I met him I was sure to tell him what a fan of Heath Ledger I was.) She said the couple was having a time finding someone to marry them as they are not religious and there are few alternatives civil celebrants nearby.
I made the fateful statement: "Well, I'm a notary public, maybe I can marry them."
Well it took off like a lit match in a sawdust pile. Before I could even think about it again the bride was calling me saying how wonderful an idea that was. So I checked, and no, in the Commonwealth of Virginia Notary Publics cannot marry people. To do so one has to be appointed a Special Justice by their local circuit court.
Hmmmmmmmm......a challenge, and one with a potential reward. I told the bride to be sure and have a back up plan, but I would see what I could accomplish. Calls were then made to the court, to a lawyer, back to the court, to the Judge's secretary, to the clerk, the deputy clerk. Finally all the right ducks had been educated. A special justice had not been appointed since waaaaaay back in the last century, for some involved it was their first time.
A couple of weeks ago I filled out a yellowed form and paid $19, went to the DMV to update my drivers license (long story) and it "went upstairs". I would try to check on the progress without making a nuisance of meself. The last time I check I was told they had my number, they would call me. Do you think I gave them a chance?
Over the weekend I lay awake at 3 am wondering what to do. Life is such a mine field, and we go tiptoeing thru it looking for something worth risking our legs over.
This morning I went by the court house non nonchalently (like what is the opposite of Nonchalant I have often wondered) and one of the deputies asked if I had come for my appointment. "Is it ready?" I asked, indeed it was.
So this morning, I, who cannot marry the person I would marry if I were so enclined, took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and became commissioned to unite one man and one woman in matrimony. My first wedding will be this Saturday, 7-7-07.
Wulf, I'll be wearing the harmonica necklace you give me. ;)
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Wow!
That is awesome.
Congrats for you!
Can I call ya preacher now? :laugh:
However, this part makes it all bitter sweet!
So this morning, I, who cannot marry the person I would marry if I were so enclined, took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and became commissioned to unite one man and one woman in matrimony.
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Life is such a mine field, and we go tiptoeing thru it looking for something worth risking our legs over.
That's a great one. Sounds like something Mark Twain might have written. Were you channelling him, maybe? 8)
Congratulations on your appointment, Truman! It is indeed one of life's ironies that you are now in that position. :)
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It is indeed one of life's ironies that you are now in that position. :)
My life is so full of irony I wonder why my clothes are wrinkled. :-X
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My life is so full of irony I wonder why my clothes are wrinkled. :-X
ROFLMAO!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Taht was great!
May I use that if the situation arises?
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My life is so full of irony I wonder why my clothes are wrinkled. :-X
Truman, that is priceless. You are priceless. :)
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Lee and Paul, the feeling is mutual.
Now here is another: I can't leave the office because my head is so big it won't fit thru the door.
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Well one more reason for you to be nominated our resident Mark Twain.. Your life is truly a
study in irony.. Maybe you could just widen the door. You definately deserve that big head. It is so great, its so sad. sigh* My most sincere :) CONGRATULATIONS :)
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:-*
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:o
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The food looks yummy Tru... but whats with the scary dog!? look like its creeping up on you ready to pounce!!!
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We went to my friend Carol's (The Sage of Elamsville) house and to get there you have to go thru the country, and thru the territory of three dogs that live to chase vehicle out of their territory. I was real tickled to get that shot, I held the camera out the window and looked at the view screen in the side mirror.
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Is that coconut between the blueberries and strawberries?
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iI would rather have been with you. That food looks great, and the
flag cake is a beaut.
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Is that coconut between the blueberries and strawberries?
Yep, that is the only fruit with cholesterol: Coconut! Yum!
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Yep, that is the only fruit with cholesterol: Coconut! Yum!
But it is good cholesterol.
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Yep, that is the only fruit with cholesterol: Coconut! Yum!
I know a lot of high cholesterol fruit...oh wait...you're referring to the kind that one harvests. :laugh:
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Truman, I saw a Virginia license plate just minutes ago, perhaps the first one ever for me. I had taken our office van to the Classics library, to deliver their daily mail to them (and pick any outgoing mail up), and while parking, saw the pertinent plate adorning the car directly in front of me. The name 'Jamestown' was at the bottom (no doubt in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of that English colony); otherwise, the plate was very austere.
But it reminded me of you.
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I know a lot of high cholesterol fruit...oh wait...you're referring to the kind that one harvests. :laugh:
OMG, Scott in Mass you just doubled my vocabulary!
Scott in Texas: Am I austere (I have never spelt that word before) ? ;)
And squirrles love coconut husks.
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Yep, that is the only fruit with cholesterol: Coconut! Yum!
Actually, cholesterol only comes from animal sources, so go crazy with the coconuts!
Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, however, which is believed to raise cholesterol levels in people.
I think squirrels are high in cholesterol. :)
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Am I austere...?
Certainly not! I meant to suggest merely that the Virginia reference sent my thoughts your way. I'm glad I didn't use the first word that came to mind when describing the license plate: plain (which most certainly does not describe you, my friend!).
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Actually, cholesterol only comes from animal sources, so go crazy with the coconuts!
Coconut oil is high in saturated fat, however, which is believed to raise cholesterol levels in people.
I think squirrels are high in cholesterol.
DOES THAT MEAN WE HAVE TO TAKE SQUIRREL OFF OUR DIET
IF WE WANT TO WATCH OUR CHOLESTEROL?
Dang, I had planned on squirrel stew for dinner..Ive been fatening em up too. Lots o peanuts.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/squirrelsandbirds197.jpg)
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Certainly not! I meant to suggest merely that the Virginia reference sent my thoughts your way. I'm glad I didn't use the first word that came to mind when describing the license plate: plain (which most certainly does not describe you, my friend!).
No problem, just a bit of fun with you. Virginia has soooooo many different kinds of license plates, but the Jamestowne one is the most popular one right now.
I like the Washing, D.C. plates that have "Taxation Without Repreentation" on them ;)
One of my female co-workers told me it was national kiss day. So I started humming "I was made for loving you, baby" and walked off.
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Tru you are a tease?? LOL
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Tru you are a tease?? LOL
Hehehehe, ocassionally.
Speaking of squirrles, I have a friend whose grandma was from the mountains, and she said when she first got preganant she had a craving for squirrel. To eat that is.
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I second what Texas Scott said. You are certainly not austere!! Austere is to you as Proulx is to Faulkner!!
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Well mine are all pets, never would consider eating them, any more than the cat
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Austere is to you as Proulx is to Faulkner!!
I've been working this one over in my mind, and don't think I've quite got it yet. But it's being an interesting exercise. I've read more Faulkner than Proulx, but don't have any Faulkner passages memorized. :)
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"My mother is a fish." >:(
--William Faulkner, As I Lay Dying
"Catch some fish Daddy, Big, Big ones" ???
--Alma Jr. (Ossana & McMurtry)
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(http://images.ciao.com/ide/images/products/normal/193/Ben_Jerry_s_Phish_Food__2198193.jpg)
(Lynne's favorite ice cream)
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"The Lodge" is as old as the town. It had been built as a place for the big wigs of Marshall Field & Company to stay when they came to visit the mill where their towels were made. It was not a place that was accessable to those people making the towels. It was seen only o the sly, when someone got the nerve to drive up the mountain to it, on a single one lane road, worrying they would meet an on coming big wig. Not that there was ever an official policy, but when you are not invited, you certainly don't feel welcome.
The towels are made in central America now, the mill is a warehouse for other things. The Lodge, and its accompanying 600 acres is now a retreat center, and the setting for the wedding I would perform. I had originally turned down the bride and grooms offer to spend the night there, then thought better of it. It was approaching midnight when I walked up the hill from the pool, sufficiently buzzed, the grand pile of rock in the starlight. "I am going to sleep in the Lodge" I told myself, giddily, with an imagined town of spirits standing behind me.
In the wee hours of 7-7-07, my uncle, aged 77, slipped away after a short and miserable battle with Leukemia. I got the news when I woke up.
Thirty years to the day it had been 7-7-77. I had gone to Dixie Caverns in Salem, Virginia with my family. I called one of my nephews to remind him of it. "That was 7-7-77?! How can you remember that?"
"Quite easy" I replied. I knew Katie's birthday was approaching, but did not know it was that day, as I met her countrymen, fine people from New South Wales, who could not explain why it was not just New Wales. People who'd never seen a lightening bug. The day rolled on, beautiful in its heat, June bugs swarming over the terraced grounds. "No thanks" I said to a beer. "Not drinking till they're married".
The evening was perfect, hot, but golden in the first stages of sunset when the ipod played the didgerdedoo R&B selection. I stood at the end of the shuffleboard court, with the groom and his brother, the best man, and the bride and her father stepped off the veranda. It was one of the most surreal sights I have ever witnesses. They came down the board, I told them to stand on the 7's and take a deep breath.
The babysitter said she clocked the ceremony at 2 and a half minutes. Not a second more.
"C'mon they're call for all the single men to catch the garter" I replied I wasn't single. "Oh that's right".
A couple of rum and cokes would be fine, and when the rum was gone there was the tequila, and in the morning, there was the unbridled visitation by the demon of regret. The need to purge and to get the hell away from The Lodge.
I could not even attend my uncles visitation. The next day I had still not ate and I couldn't sit with the family, I might have to make a dash for it, quick. As the preacher spoke thru tears at how my uncle had helped to removate the church, how his mark could be found in every inch of the place I slipped out to find the the god of porcelain they keep in a little room in the basement, and upon finding it not fastend very well to the floor I looked upward.
"Very funny, Uncle" I said.
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Shakes - you always write so beautifully!
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Hehehehe, ocassionally.
Speaking of squirrles, I have a friend whose grandma was from the mountains, and she said when she first got preganant she had a craving for squirrel. To eat that is.
I love Squirrell and dumplins!
Well, I did when I was a boy.
Don't know about now.LOL
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Do you guys eat squirrels seriously? I thought it was a joke!!!
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>:( >:( :'( :'(
SORRY TRUMAN you shouldnt have had to go thru that{{{{{hugs}}}}
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Do you guys eat squirrels seriously? I thought it was a joke!!!
When your poor, meat is meat! LOL
They don't sell it in the grocery store though!
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Its sick, but I just had this picture. Going to the meat market, and asking how much is a side, or a loin of squirrel. :laugh:
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(http://www.binkyrecords.com/images/merchandise/squirrel-sticker.jpg)
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When your poor, meat is meat! LOL
They don't sell it in the grocery store though!
And if your REAL poor, there is always Possum.........which is why I swore off potted meat.
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And if your REAL poor, there is always Possum.........which is why I swore off potted meat.
Been there done that!
I don't remember it but I have been told I had possum pie at my great aunts house.
They lived in Giles county out in the sticks!
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You have got to be the youngest person I have heard of who has consumed the possum!
Now the place down the road from he has a Brains and eggs special for breakfast.
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You have got to be the youngest person I have heard of who has consumed the possum!
Now the place down the road from he has a Brains and eggs special for breakfast.
i don't know which is worse :P
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You have got to be the youngest person I have heard of who has consumed the possum!
Now the place down the road from he has a Brains and eggs special for breakfast.
Yum...had some just the other night...we wa sittin' by the ceement pond, jawin', cousin Joe Bob was pickin' a fine banjo... ;D...kidding... :laugh:
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Yum...had some just the other night...we wa sittin' by the ceement pond, jawin', cousin Joe Bob was pickin' a fine banjo... ;D...kidding... :laugh:
We were too poor to have a cement pond! We just swam in the ole waterin hole! :laugh:
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When I was a kid my Mamma would get rid of me for a week during the summer by sending me to "Vacation Bible School" at the Methodist church. Them women were so stingy they resued styrofoam cups year on year, they were brown inside. :laugh:
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Here is a first: I learned of the death of former US presidential widon Ladybird Johnson from the top of the forus page here at Bettermost. (Way to go Phillip!)
I turned to my partner and told him and said with BIG eyes "You know what this means?!?!?" and went on to explain how Bess Truman's record as longest living "first lady"is safely intack.
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...and it will be interesting too, to see if Ladybird comes to be indentified as the first first lady of Hispanic descent. Her mothers maiden name was Patillo.
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I saw Mrs. Johnson in person twice, both times in Austin. The first time was about a quarter of a century ago, when my mother and I were enjoying a stroll on one of the city's Hike and Bike Trails near Town Lake. My memory is a bit vague, but I remember seeing a woman of some mature years walking past us (from the opposite direction), with maybe one or two men beside her. My mother told me immediately afterwards that the woman was Lady Bird Johnson.
The second time was some twelve or thirteen years ago, when she walked through a hall in the Peter T. Flawn Academic Center on the campus of The University of Texas at Austin (which then housed the now-defunct Undergraduate Library, where I then worked). She walked right past my open office door, with security men on either side of her. My eyes briefly met those of these three individuals as they quietly made their way to the building's rear exit...and I immediately recognized the former First Lady, though I had only seen her live some ten years earlier, and otherwise knew her image only from photographs. I learned later from my then-supervisor that Mrs. Johnson enjoyed the privilege of passing through the staff areas of our library, if she chose to make her rounds on campus easier thereby. I never saw her in that area other than that one time, though.
I learned yesterday afternoon that Lady Bird had died earlier that day. My sister told me when I met her at her church following her choir practice. She said that the former First Lady was lying in state for two days at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library, also on the University of Texas at Austin campus. There seems to be little comment or commotion on my corner of the campus today, however. The days seems like any other...perhaps her death was expected, considering her age and recent history of illness.
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Quote from: Shakestheground on Yesterday at 02:19:11 PM
You have got to be the youngest person I have heard of who has consumed the possum!
Now the place down the road from he has a Brains and eggs special for breakfast.
Yum...had some just the other night...we wa sittin' by the ceement pond, jawin', cousin Joe Bob was pickin' a fine banjo... ...kidding...
Report to moderator Logged
cracked me up...and made me kinda sick at the same time.......... :P :P
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I remember Mrs Johnson very well of course. Being somewhat older than the rest of you..She seemed to be the quintessential southern "lady." She was very soft spoken and kind, and she was always polite.
I will forever be grateful to her for the campaign to reinstitute the wild flowers growing by our highways and fields. I had remembered them from when I was a child, and by the time my kids were born, they had all but disappeared..Now I see them flourishing again.. It may not seem very important in the giant scheme of things. But I think food for the soul is just as nourishing as food for the body.
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I told them to stand on the 7's and take a deep breath.
Truman, :)
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I had remembered them from when I was a child, and by the time my kids were born, they had all but disappeared..Now I see them flourishing again.. It may not seem very important in the giant scheme of things. But I think food for the soul is just as nourishing as food for the body.
Janice, the wildflower season this past spring was the most spectacular I can remember seeing in all my Texas days. One unexpected, and unexpectedly beautiful, result of my decision to turn back from my intended trip to Colorado in May was getting to see the absolutely gorgeous wildflowers that carpeted the sides of the road to Kerrville from Abilene. The northern part of Llano County was particularly impressive--my mother and I had never seen anything like it, and it took our collective breath away.
So, yes, that could be yet another thing for which we should gratefully remember Lady Bird. And I agree that food for the soul is absolutely essential to a life fully lived.
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I thought this was a very moving account of Ladybird's passing:
Priest describes Johnson's last moments By KELLEY SHANNON, Associated Press Writer
Thu Jul 12, 4:48 PM ET
AUSTIN, Texas - Lady Bird Johnson died amid song and prayer as she spent her last moments with her two daughters, other family and friends at her bedside, a priest said Thursday.
"It was a beautiful scene, truly," said the Rev. Bob Scott, a friend of the family who was called to the former first lady's Austin home Wednesday and was present when she died at age 94.
Johnson, the widow of President Lyndon B. Johnson, is Episcopalian. She and her family knew Scott for years because of his association with St. Austin's Catholic School, attended by some of her grandchildren.
Scott, called by Johnson's daughter Luci Baines Johnson and granddaughter Nicole Covert, was told that she was in a coma and close to death, he said in a news conference Thursday.
When he arrived at her home overlooking the city, the multi-denominational group of about a dozen people asked that he lead them in prayer. He said he suggested giving Johnson a welcome into heaven, and he read the prayer "Litany of the Saints."
After each saint's name was read, the group responded, "Pray for Claudia," Johnson's given first name. As soon as he finished the prayer, a nurse at the head of the bed said, "She has passed," Scott said. "At that very moment."
There was also a hymn, sung at the behest of Johnson's older daughter, Lynda Johnson Robb. Scott said he couldn't recall the name of the hymn.
"It just seemed to be sort a song of triumph, to me," he said. "It was something that both Catholics and Protestants sing together. We all knew the words, so that was surprising."
He said Johnson was unconscious before she died, and that her death was peaceful.
"Even though death scenes are not exactly enjoyable ... the meaning of it was so beautiful, the faith of these people," Scott said. "The Holy Spirit sort of works with us once in a while, gets us to do what we should do at the proper moment and for the proper situation. I felt myself blessed to be there."
Johnson's family members are declining to speak publicly this week. But Luci Baines Johnson issued a statement Thursday through a family spokesman thanking her mother's caregivers and "all who ministered to her at the hour of her ascension into heaven."
A series of services to remember the former first lady will begin Friday with a private family Eucharist at her beloved Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Johnson, an environmentalist devoted to preserving wildflowers and native plants, founded the center in 1982 on her 70th birthday.
On Thursday, admirers of Johnson visited the center to remember her and sign a condolence guest book. She last visited the center in May for its annual fundraising gala.
"Everybody around here today sort of has wet eyes," said Marsha Bissett, 70, a volunteer clerk in the center's gift shop. "There goes one of the great ones."
The public can visit her casket at the LBJ Library and Museum at the University of Texas, where she will lie in repose beginning at 1:15 p.m. Friday until 11:30 a.m. Saturday. It will be in the same spot at the library where her husband's casket rested after his death in 1973.
An invitation-only funeral, which will be televised, will be held Saturday, and she will be buried Sunday next to her husband at the family ranch in Stonewall.
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Associated Press writer April Castro contributed to this report.
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When I go thats how I want it to be! :(
God bless her sweet soul and be with her family!
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I have had a visited by the serendipity fairy.
My partner has been reading this book from the library lately, "Pressing On" The Roni Stoneman Story as told to Ellen Wright (University of Illinois Press).
Stoneman may not be immediatly recognizible to most people, but if you ever saw the syndicated TV show Hee Haw she was the gap toothed woman living with her husband in a shack and she was always ironing and nagging him about something. I had always described her as the ugliest one on the show, but that turned out to be makeup. She is actually a very elegant looking woman, but still as authentic as they come.
Her story, simple and direct, was taken straight from interviews and chronical she life in a travelling musical family. Pure oral narative. Her family is from the Galax, Virginia area, but she has lived all over, in desperate situations, husbands who beat her, friends who were not friends at all. She had one hard row to hoe after another. The title is a take off on that never ending ironing, both in that skit which is her greatest claim to fame and in her life, smoothing out the wrinkles. When my partner left for a trip to Wisconsin this weekend I told him I would take the book back for him and check it out myself and read it.
So with a weekend to myself, I asked about and found a friend from work, her sister and kids, and the Australian couple who are the parents of the groom from last weekend, were all going to descend on Floyd Friday night for the Jamboree (www.floydcountrystore.com). I had not been there since the store was enlarged to accomodate more so I eagerly planned on joining them. I stopped in Elamsville at the Sage's invitation of Walmart hamburger and garden grown potatos and ended up taking her gardener, James, with me up there.
James was itching to be anywhere by Elamsville. He does not drive and being dependant on Carol for his transportation and has a bad case of cabin fever. He has recently been attempting a move to Roanoke where he would certainly have a better time of it, and detailed to me the two guys he met thru the MCC church who were supposed to help him find an apartment, but insted got him caught up in their personal drama. I finally had to tell him I had had enough personal drama myself this week and I was unwilling to listen to anymore. His tangential mind went on then to a number of other things and at one point mentioned his taking violin lessons as a child and that his 4th grade music teacher had been married to Buck Owens breifly.
"The woman with the blue fiddle who married him for 3 days?!"
"Yeah that's her! Janet Griph (?sp.) "
The crowd was pouring out into the street when we got there at 7, two or three other band were set up outside, both sides of the street.We found my friends and acquaintences and squeezed our way into the "new and improved" store. Standing room only, as usual. While James held back I twisted my way to the front with the ladies to the new laminate hardwood dance floor. Fans were trained on the floor, which was a blessing. They were all there, the regulars: Jerrold, the human question mark, Wendell, the only black man in Floyd, Turkeyhat Man, Glynnis, who always wears hotpants and who I met once at the Grand Ole Opry, and yes this would be a good night, Over-all boy was there.
Let me explain about overall boy. He is perhaps 32, about 6'2", perfect features, built like a brick shit house, always smiling, laid back, always wearing overalls and tap shoes and man can he dance. Friendly too. Of all the grain fed, farm use men in Floyd County, he is it. To be on the same dance floor with him is to have reason to grin all next week.
Having danced thru four songs, me and my new endorphins needed to go outside and get some air. I went out the front door looking for James when this middle aged blond woman comes up and starts rubbing my belly and hollers to her friends "Eat at Joe's!" and we all laugh and I add "and Tom's and Dick's" and she says:
"Awww, thank you for being a good sport, you are so good looking!" and she extends her hand and says "I'm Roni Stoneman."
I looked at her with widening eyes and the face in front of me matched perfectly with the cover of her book. "Lord God You Are! I'm reading your book!" I all but hollered.
Roni Stoneman went on to thank me and tell me all about he family. Most of her children it seems work for Nissan and she told me I looked like Tim White, an regional music promoter which I took as a compliment and then told me how I needed to get a hold of the Atkins Diet to get that gut off of me before it was too late (I thought had it not been for this gut I would never have met you!) I ended up buying a copy of her book which she autographed for me, but she declined my invitation to dance. I thanked her for telling her story. She is 69 years old now but does not look a day over 55. She was in her eliment, a minor clelbrity among friends, amonsgt people who hold her in high regard, who show her love.
I still wonder sometimes at my serendipideous good fortune. How things make themself know to me just before I see them. I am in that space right now, betwixt what I know and what I try to believe. Come again sprit of serendipity, I always love your visits.
Last night I dreamed I was back in high school again, but this time I was a teacher, not the student.
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Jesus H., Tru, I feel so effin' lucky to read this. Besides the miracles described, I love the "Walmart hamburgers and homegrown potatoes" and I also love that you instantly knew that your "gut" was a key part of the miracle. Thank you, Serendipity Fairy, for visiting Truman. :-*
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You are such a blessing to have here Truman. You are a source of never ending enjoyment. That was precious, and good to know that others
see your worth instantly as well.
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It is Tuesday before my departure for Alberta on Saturday. And it is official: I felt my first twinge of anxiety this morning. All this stuff I have to get done before leaving and on top of that more stuff popping up, like it always does when I try to go out of town.
I will pack every night this week. I have the books together, and tonight I will pick my clothes. By Thursday I will make an actual list, bt Friday afternoon I will be furiously hunting for it.
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It is Tuesday before my departure for Alberta on Saturday. And it is official: I felt my first twinge of anxiety this morning. All this stuff I have to get done before leaving and on top of that more stuff popping up, like it always does when I try to go out of town.
I will pack every night this week. I have the books together, and tonight I will pick my clothes. By Thursday I will make an actual list, bt Friday afternoon I will be furiously hunting for it.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
When ya get there----Have fun!!! ;D
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I will, anyone wanting a post card from Alberta, just PM me with their address.
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Tru, your serendipity fairy visited me. This happened the day I read about your experience with Ronnie Stoneman, but have been forgetting to tell you:
I was walking through the local variety store, and I was thinking about your story. Just as I was getting to the part where she suggested the Atkins diet to you, it suddenly occurred to me to wonder if she knew your last name, and if that's why she said that. And then I turned a corner, and there was a display of all these Atkins bars. "That's a weird coincidence," I thought, and turned another corner, to come upon a display of videos for sale. The only one I saw on the shelf, instantly, was "Serendipity."
"Whoa, I hear you, Serendipity Fairy," I said (almost) out loud.
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I think it is a good thing the seredipity fairy would be visiting us at this particular time. I think it means to travel with us to Alberta, Hummmmmm.......
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You ever wonder what Jack was doing out on that back road when his tire went flat?
They had called for rain every afternoon this week and I wondered why in the Hell didn;t I mow the yard last weekend. The call came from the office a key I had been waiting on was ready so I would head in and get iti so I could show this house. The new agent, she had called me. She has a Pippy Longstocking of a daughter who today coated her feet with some thing to make cracked heals peal.
She asked me if I could stop at Bojangles and get her a biscuit and I said sure. Then I rememoried they didn;t take debit cards so I had to run by the ATM, I cut into the parking lot, too quick, I hit the curb, hard my tire busted.
I got out the $20 Sears and Roebuck air pump which pointed out the busted place to me, n the rain. So I got the trunk open, full of shit, I got the spare out, the jack, but I am missing......, of all things. The tire iron.
Maybe the seredipity fairy made off with it, I dunno.
I knew the tellers and one of them handed he her keys and said she thought she had one, she did, laying right next to a box of romance novels. I carried the impliment to my jacked up car and groaned them lug nuts off. Here was this thing I had known all my life as a tool, and now it was a weapon.
I am driving very carefully now on the little baby tire. I'll go to the used tire place tomorrow and get a replacement. It will cost between $10 & $15. The guy who runs the place will give me back a dollar from my cash and tell me to buy myself a biscuit.
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This must be the serendipity fairys day to,make you know to keep careful track of your tires. Today we went to get our tires rotated, and the front end of the car aligned. The tire store we went to couldnt get us in. But reported we needed two new tires, and an alignment for the car. We went to another one of the same chain. They said we didnt need the alignment but we needed all new tires. Dang.. well that was a perfect start to our week. I am choosing to think, it is the fairys way of telling us we might have had big tire problems on the way to california. So now we can drive there with no worries about the car and tires...
At least we didn't have to use a tire iron. Oh by the way, I forgot to mention, they broke the center cap on one of our hubcaps...
Gosh it seems to me that prices are getting higher, and reliable work is getting harder to come by/ But its all good, they didnt charge us for the alignment which we didnt need. doh
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Truman, you sound like you live in a place where bluebirds sing, there's a whiskey spring, and bank tellers hand you their car keys..... :)
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Well, you can;t go fishin' in a whiskey spring. ;D
The other part of my story was when I got to the office with the biscuit I also dropped off my only piece of mail for the day: and box with red flowers on the outside sent to me, or current resident, from the pharmacy chain CVS. It contained a femine hygene product. :o
I sat it on the desk and told them they would get a kick out of my mail, and left. Before I got in the car I could hear thier piels of laughter. :laugh:
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Truman, I love reading your stories.
I feel like I was there with you. I guess it helps being from the same area. I'm going to have to get you and my cousin together one of the times you go up there. I think she'd love you!
Y'all would be good friends.
It helps to read your words sometimes and quench the homesickness I sometimes feel. I guess you can take the boy out of the mountains but you can never get the moutains out of the boy!
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I told them to stand on the 7's and take a deep breath.
Truman, :)
:) Yeah, I giggled at that line too !!
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"I'm Roni Stoneman."
:o Goodness Truman!! That's amazing!! :D
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I'll be enjoying the Alberta adventure through your posts. Hope you have easy travels.
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I wish i could go to Alberta!
Canada has a great appeal IMO. Idk...after Bowling for Columbine, i think it's peaceful there.
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It is deffinalty a different place, there is this whole absence of....something when I've been there before. Just to know you are standing o ground that has nothing to do with Washington, the IRS, Homeland security and the all prevasive feeling of entitlement.
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You ever wonder what Jack was doing out on that back road when his tire went flat?
I have. I've always wondered if he was coming back from one of his Mexico trips. Then again he could have been coming back from a rodeo show or something. As a rodeo man himself, I suppose he went to see those shows from time to time.
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Well, you can;t go fishin' in a whiskey spring.
No but ya sure as hell can go swimmin in it!!!! :laugh:
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Before you leave Truman, I wish you a safe trip and a wonderful pilgramage.....
I wish I were there, but I will be with you in spirit, and will enjoy it all by reading your stories and looking at the pictures..
Take care my dear friend.......have a drink out of that whiskey spring for me.......
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Oh goody, Truman is about to post from Alberta!!!
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Will do, Katie Sue!
Well it is the end of a long day. My first thought this morning was when I went to sleep it would be in ALberta, and I am about to do that very thing. It was a beautiful day for travel, to chase the sun across the western sky. At 10:45 mountain time I could see both the setting sun and the lights of Calgery from the plane window, it was like the light had to stick around to see that I got here.
I told the woman sitting next to me I was coming to see where they filmed Brokeback Mountain and she was like "They filmed that in Canada?!?"
Photo ids are being accepted, they are asking for passports but so far a photo id will do.
Earlier I operated a motor vehicle outside of the United States for the first time. A Toyota Yaris. Stranges thing I have ever driven.
Sleep tight.
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You Bet. :)
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:-*
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View from my motel window this morning:
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View from my motel window this morning:
Wow Truman!
Thats beautiful!
Thanks for sharing your adventure with us!!
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Enjoy Alberta, friend!
Wish I could've been able to make it.
:-*
~M
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Cant wait to see many, many more photos from the Alberta pilgrimage. You're so fortunate to have had the experience of great fun where they filmed Brokeback Mountain. Must have been great to share that experience with other Brokies from around the world.
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Yo Truman! I got a voice message from Lee - she wants to know if steaks would be welcome at the potluck. I left a voicemail message back that I'm still in Seattle for five more days. :)
Give my love to all a thems.
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Tru - enjoy!
:-*
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:D Woosh I could be there with y'all! :-\ :)
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I will try and make sense.
Meryl is Annie Proulx's twin.
i am happy.
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I am counting on pictures being worth a thousand words, my exhaustion level is unbelieveable.
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/
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:o Front Range found the piece of wood missing from the chopping block!
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It was a mixture, again in that space betwixt what I know and try to believe. I did well until the drive there when I realized the actors, the director and crew traveled this road, it started to hit me.
It is called Goat creek.
The walk thru horsefly country to a little place like all the beautiful places here, but different. Here Heath and Jake had been, had laid upon the ground, rolled over rocks, recited lines, changed my life. Here was the place the tent was, the fire, was this bit of charcoal one of those cooling embers? Here, now knitted into the fabric of the land, that rolls on and on out ward to all of you, to my home, now solid in its reality.
Thankyou, Darryl Solly, and all those involved with findingbrokeback.com.
When Ennis rode away from Jack that first morning the world had changed, this is what he saw around the bend:
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We were not the first there: a cairn of rocks stands on the spot of the dozy embrace, and a shirt, someone left their damn shirt up there.
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WOW!
Here come the tears! The beautiful writing mixed with the beautiful images and the scenes and emotions they provoke can be overwhelming.
Thank you sooo much for sharing it all Truman!
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I need to put my britches on Lee, gonna go up on that mountain where computor generated Jack moved across the face of it like and ant on a table cloth, and it is easy to feel like an ant out here. Good to know you are there, Friend!
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I need to put my britches on Lee, gonna go up on that mountain where computor generated Jack moved across the face of it like and ant on a table cloth, and it is easy to feel like an ant out here. Good to know you are there, Friend!
It's good to know you're there enjoing the moment and living it for those of us who can't be there!
(http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=654.0;attach=13301;image)
I love that there is a marker there. That is almost a holy site. I hope y'all re-enacted the embrace there!
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Oh my God, I'm recognizing this scenery! I honestly don't know if I could ever stand on this ground; I think the emotions would be too overwhelming. Thank you, guys, for going there for me (and for sharing the experience via beautiful pictures and words).
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These are awesome. Damn I wish I coulda got up there sooner this week. We should open up a thread in the Alberta section for photo's etc. like this.
Keep them coming! I'll see you Friday Truman! :D
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:D So wonderful to see what you're seeing!! :D And what they saw ... :-\ Wish I could be there too! :'( :P ;) :-*
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When Ennis rode away from Jack that first morning the world had changed, this is what he saw around the bend...
Transported, by words and pictures. Thanks!
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Wow Truman, so much beauty and good friends to share it with. Thanks for sharing your experiences of it for those of us at home. Just lovely. Hi to You and Meryl and my Sheriff honey Roland from me!
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I just wish I could write. I mean as verbose as I am sometimes there is just not words.
We climbed up what we "thought" was gonna be the mountain where Ennis raises up from washing the coffee pot and see Jack moving across the face of it. That is a computor generated image BTW, I figgered after my experences today that Jack and his horse would have to be about a hunnered feet high to be seen.
Any way, we climbed this mountain. Me and Rayn and Mouk got there late because of a lot of reasons, one of which being a ram and a moose. Tamarack and Nova and Goaboydc and another guy from Finding Brokeback done left, but Rayn hollered for them so loud they sent back a search party and we climbed up thru lodgepole thicket, strait up at a 45 degree angle, for three hours, to discover we were on the wrong ridge and the mountain we ment to climb was next to us. I found a nice spot on a shale strun clear spot and me and mouk enjoyed out lunches.
But that was okay, I told Mouk "If I have a heart attack, let me die, it will be okay." The experence I had today turned out to be real life rather than Brokeback,but damn, what a beautiful place to be.
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gorgeous.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUMAN!!!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Somebody posted a thread wishing you a very happy birthday, and I can't find it. Oh, it's there all right, but me and my simple mind can't seem to locate it.
Anyway, there it is. Happy Birthday Friend!! :D
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUMAN!!!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Somebody posted a thread wishing you a very happy birthday, and I can't find it. Oh, it's there all right, but me and my simple mind can't seem to locate it.
Anyway, there it is. Happy Birthday Friend!! :D
Its your birthdy Tru?? I can't find the thread either so on here I will say, Happy Birthday Friend! :-*
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(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i294/garich_66/thBirthdayAnimatedNeonCake1.gif)
What a great way to spend your Big day!!!!!
Hope it's very happy Truman!
(http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i294/garich_66/happy-face.gif)
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I just looked at the calendar, and Truman's birthday is on August 3rd. Sorry to spoil the party. However, I suppose he wouldn't mind celebrating it now. Would you Truman? ;D
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I just looked at the calendar, and Truman's birthday is on August 3rd. Sorry to spoil the party. However, I suppose he wouldn't mind celebrating it now. Would you Truman? ;D
have two birthdays like the Queen! or just have a birthday that lasts over a week! plenty of time to get over a hangover that way!!
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:-* HAPPY MOUNTAIN DAY, TRU!! :-*
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:D Happy Birthweek Tru!!! :)
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Thank kew, Thankew, I will gladly accept all the birthdays I can! This would be a good place to spend it for sure,
So if you can't be in Alberta for your birthday,
Be born again......
I have moved my horse back riding trip back to Thrusday and taking the day to chill out and do some post cards and writing and finally get to the bank to exchange my money. It is no problem spending American money here, but I always feel I am being rude.
I have also determined that the best way to sleep on a fold out couch is to leave it the way it is and sleep on it like a regular couch. I am sharing a condo with Meryl, RouxB, JCinNYC and Kirkmusic, so it is a full house. They are grea people and I am enjoying getting to know them, or know them better as the case may be.
In this wonderful compound we have as our neighbors Sherrif Roland, Southendmd, Mayor Phillip and John, Front Ranger, Mouk, Pete and Rayn. There are others staying in other places too, including Nerdyjock, who is driving back and forth from Calgery. I had a wonderful time talking with him last night about his experence in life.
Also have met Fabienne and her family. They have two very beautiful daughters. Last night I met BBMkat2006 and her husband. Let me tell you folks I have never in my brokeback experence seen a more supportive spouce. He is right there with her, documenting the sights, a bunch of them took off this morning.
Then there are the finding brokeback folks, they are in another whole dimension, they have the scenes memorized, the known locations memorized, the stories behind the finding of them, the stories of talking to the crew, one of them knows the "Ever Try Calf ropin'?" bartender, who had agreed to be interview. I learned that one of the extras at the pool table that Jimbo goes over to is gay, and we came upon them just after they discovered the Ennis leaving the mules up the mountain.
Hey wulf, I played a tune on the hormonica you gave me when I was up on tht mountain yesterday, even surprised meself. RouxB wants to know where hers is.
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;)
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;D
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:)
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Loving the pix!!!
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Only 5 more posts Kelda!
Hey the Canadians have updated their coins to show the Queen more like she is now. It is cool. Sorry to hear about all that rain and flooding the English are having.
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In Scotland we're absolutely fine - but my mum, sister and nieces are down staying at my aunts at the moment - in Gloucester! Luckily the house hasn't been flooded and they have water and electricity but they can't go too far as everrywhere is flooded! Not much of a holiday but they are safe...
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:D Thanks for sharing the trip with us Truman - keep em coming!
And say howdy to Mouk and RouxB for me!!
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You Bet Wayne!
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It is quieter on the boards, They are here, in this living room, fork in hand, the soft mummer of conversation punctuated by Phil laugh, RouxB tender meandering voice, bbmkat texture and Abe, grounding us all. I sit here in this comfortable chair and gaze out at them, this community of people, stepped out of their separate and unequal lives, to come together here.
I am still wondering. Most times I am wondering why shit happens, but this, wonder, this thing what got a hold of us, it ain't over yet. It will continue, it will turn the tumblers of my heart and either open it, or close it, as the case my be. It is a good thing.
And in the soft cacophony of this place I smile a little inward smile. I am happy, you have made me feel wonderful, and young again, and sure of myself. My eyes turn away from Brokeback Mountain, and I send you a wink.
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You may be calling them "dumb asses," but it don't take much lookin' to see who the smartass is! :-* Thanks for writin', Bud, we are drinking it up.
(http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=654.0;attach=13334;image)
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It is quieter on the boards, They are here, in this living room, fork in hand, the soft mummer of conversation punctuated by Phil laugh, RouxB tender meandering voice, bbmkat texture and Abe, grounding us all. I sit here in this comfortable chair and gaze out at them, this community of people, stepped out of their separate and unequal lives, to come together here.
I am still wondering. Most times I am wondering why shit happens, but this, wonder, this thing what got a hold of us, it ain't over yet. It will continue, it will turn the tumblers of my heart and either open it, or close it, as the case my be. It is a good thing.
And in the soft cacophony of this place I smile a little inward smile. I am happy, you have made me feel wonderful, and young again, and sure of myself. My eyes turn away from Brokeback Mountain, and I send you a wink.
Truman, you certainly have a gift for writing my friend!
i love your eloquent style and the details you give. I feel like I'm there with you.
Thanks for keeping us updated!
I'm so glad you are there living the dream for us!
Have afun and keep posting!
Tell the sheriff I said hey!
Lee
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Thank you Lee, I think sometime the Muse likes me, I think sometimes she is drunk on tequlia and throwing mudballs at me.
The manager of this place is a round feller, in the evening he walks his cat on a leash. The cats name is Lady Attitude. As he stands talking to a guest LA focuses her attention on the bushes and swishes her tail like she is planning on cutting them down.
Yesterday the horse rideing group had problems, as I heard, Mouk had to jump from her horse when it got spooked. She is okay, but Fabienne was kicked, directly in the knee. I am hoping she went to the hospital last night. I had switched with her so she could go yesterday and I feel bad about it.
I should head out myself, this day not only is a blank page, but some one has come along and erased all the lines.
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Yesterday the horse rideing group had problems, as I heard, Mouk had to jump from her horse when it got spooked. She is okay, but Fabienne was kicked, directly in the knee.
Oh my god! That's awful. I hope she's fine. Please, keep us posted if you have more news.
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Thank you Lee, I think sometime the Muse likes me, I think sometimes she is drunk on tequlia and throwing mudballs at me.
The manager of this place is a round feller, in the evening he walks his cat on a leash. The cats name is Lady Attitude. As he stands talking to a guest LA focuses her attention on the bushes and swishes her tail like she is planning on cutting them down.
Yesterday the horse rideing group had problems, as I heard, Mouk had to jump from her horse when it got spooked. She is okay, but Fabienne was kicked, directly in the knee. I am hoping she went to the hospital last night. I had switched with her so she could go yesterday and I feel bad about it.
I should head out myself, this day not only is a blank page, but some one has come along and erased all the lines.
oh goodness, please give Fabieene a hug from us here.. I hope she's okay.
cats on a leash - I had ones for my cats - a jokey present left by 'santa' the year i got the kitties. They did and skimble still does just sit firmly and get strangled if I try to use the leash .. they insist(ed) on getting dragged along!
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Yesterday the horse rideing group had problems, as I heard, Mouk had to jump from her horse when it got spooked. She is okay, but Fabienne was kicked, directly in the knee. I am hoping she went to the hospital last night. I had switched with her so she could go yesterday and I feel bad about it.
This is not good news. Give both a hug and well wishes from me, and do not feel bad about sitting out yesterday.
Reading your posts makes me even more sorry I could not be there.
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((((truman)))
please don't feel bad. my knee is swollen but the iboprufen and the ice are working, no need to go to the hospital. besides, it's laundry day anyway ::), so plenty of rest for me.
i'm so glad you wanted to switch with me, it would have been very difficult for me to get there today. :-*
and being on moose mountain was awesome, kick or no kick.
see ya
fabienne
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I am truly enjoying the posts telling us what is going on..So sad though about fabienne and the other lady to be horse pitched..
Low startle point indeed. Hoping you all continue and have no more incidents of injury or disasters...Only Good Fortunes From Now On............
janice
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It is quieter on the boards, They are here, in this living room, fork in hand, the soft mummer of conversation punctuated by Phil laugh, RouxB tender meandering voice, bbmkat texture and Abe, grounding us all. I sit here in this comfortable chair and gaze out at them, this community of people, stepped out of their separate and unequal lives, to come together here.
I am still wondering. Most times I am wondering why shit happens, but this, wonder, this thing what got a hold of us, it ain't over yet. It will continue, it will turn the tumblers of my heart and either open it, or close it, as the case my be. It is a good thing.
And in the soft cacophony of this place I smile a little inward smile. I am happy, you have made me feel wonderful, and young again, and sure of myself. My eyes turn away from Brokeback Mountain, and I send you a wink.
oh baby.......what a wonderful way to describe how you are feeling......and guess what?.....you got me feeling it with you, as no doubt everyone else who reads this....
What more can I add to such beautiful words......i wont even try......love u Tru....
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Hey Fabienne, I am glad you are okay, today on the ridge Allen (the head wrangle) had his horse bolt crossing the first creek and it came down on him hard. He was Okay, said he was any way and we did that 14 km trip Moose Mountain where we saw the I Ain't Queer scene and the running to the disembowled sheep scene and the moveing the sheep on the cliff scene.
I can't describe to you all what it was like to lay in the spot Jake Gyllenhaal laid on that ridge, it is like the twilight zone.
Katie, good to hear from you, be watching your mailbox!
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Wow!! The horses I used to ride on trail rides were so gentle--they were almost tooooo calm. These ones must be a little more frisky!! I'll need to take lessons before I go again. No more injuries, I hope! :)
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You Alberta pilgrims are living rough, just like Ennis, and Jack too, in his younger days. Sorry to hear about the kicks and bruises (and any flattened harmonicas), but you might think of it as one more way of getting closer to the boys.
Take care of yourselves, and happy riding.
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Dear Friends,
My last day here in Alberta and I have been able to get a connection. I apologize for the sporadic reposts, but RL has taken priority on this trip, and when I have had some down time it has been for rest.
I will be doing ALOT of writing later this week. I will tell you this trip has been the best trip I have ever been on in my entire life, I have done more, seen more and enjoyued myeself more than any other time.
Thank you Meryl, this would not have happened if it wernt for you, and thank you Thurson and Lovey, I mean Phillip and John, for giving us a home which this week was really a home on the range.
And I'll tell you what: Mayor Phillip is one of the funniest people I have ever met. He cracks me up evertime he says something.
The postcards are going in the mail this morning.
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Have a safe trip home Tru,
I can't wait to hear all about you adventure and see your pictures!
Dear Friends,
My last day here in Alberta and I have been able to get a connection. I apologize for the sporadic reposts, but RL has taken priority on this trip, and when I have had some down time it has been for rest.
I will be doing ALOT of writing later this week. I will tell you this trip has been the best trip I have ever been on in my entire life, I have done more, seen more and enjoyued myeself more than any other time.
Thank you Meryl, this would not have happened if it wernt for you, and thank you Thurson and Lovey, I mean Phillip and John, for giving us a home which this week was really a home on the range.
And I'll tell you what: Mayor Phillip is one of the funniest people I have ever met. He cracks me up evertime he says something.
The postcards are going in the mail this morning.
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Dear Friends,
I will tell you this trip has been the best trip I have ever been on in my entire life, I have done more, seen more and enjoyued myeself more than any other time.
The postcards are going in the mail this morning.
I am so happy for you Truman that you had the wonderful opportunity to go on this trip to Alberta.
I am looking forward to my post card!
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That really touches my heart to read of this being your best trip ever, Tru. BBM has been such a blessing in our lives, in part for bringing so many wonderful people together.
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Indeed Scott it has, and I'll tell you this, I don;t feel like the same person who arrived here a week ago. I think it has facilitated the real change in my life that Phil holds as the mission for the sight. In the past week I have hiked a mountain, rode horses twice, rode a mechanical bull, gone to a rodeo, danced, sang, rafted, swam, loved, lost, and had the biggestest emotional release of the century.
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Truman, I'll be downstairs with my bags in a few minutes. :) :-*
Hi Everyone - just a quick "Truman is the bestest," which I'm sure you'll all agree. :)
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Wow, Truman. So glad to hear you have had such a wonderful experience. That is what this movie is all about, isnt it. You are always the best in my book. And thank you very much.. I really appreciate that. You are such a caring and wonderful man.
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Glad you've had such a good experience.
:-*
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Safe journey home, Truman! :-*
I'm still in Calgary, resting up for an early flight tomorrow to the Tetons to see my brother for a few days. Never enough mountains, never enough. ;)
Thanks for your eloquent reports, Friend, and thanks for your smiling presence this week. The great fun and emotional highs we had on this trip made all the planning more than worth the effort. How about that moon last night? It don't get better than that. 8)
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Thanks for sharing the trip with us Truman!! We'll look forward to more of it soon!! :D
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I will be doing ALOT of writing later this week. I will tell you this trip has been the best trip I have ever been on in my entire life, I have done more, seen more and enjoyed myeself more than any other time.
:D
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" Yippee yi oh ky aye.".....yeehaw :laugh: :laugh:
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I won't be around on Friday so I want to take a moment......
To wish you..
Truman
Southern gentleman, sage and humorist of rare insights
a very happy and fulfilling Birthday!
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s64/dotEmatrix/beefcake/Beefcake%202/Smilies%20Emoticons%20and%20Avatars/bday.gif)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s64/dotEmatrix/beefcake/Beefcake%202/Smilies%20Emoticons%20and%20Avatars/pp_fooddrink_608.gif)
(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s64/dotEmatrix/beefcake/Beefcake%202/Smilies%20Emoticons%20and%20Avatars/bday2.gif)
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Even though I'm a king, you're still the top guy around here! Happy birthday my newfound friend! big big hug, J
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Thanks Dot! I hope to be around, sounds like I will be busym the office sort of went to hell with or without me.
I am really at a state about writing about all this, will be doing so in the next few days but it is so overwelming, so much of it, wanting to get it just right.
I will tell you that not only is it the best trip I ever took, it is the best thing I ever did in my life, life changing in fact.
Yeah, I know what I'm getting for my birthday. Running shoes. And this guy I have carried a quarter of a century is being evicted.
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Even though I'm a king, you're still the top guy around here! Happy birthday my newfound friend! big big hug, J
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Thanks Dot! I hope to be around, sounds like I will be busym the office sort of went to hell with or without me.
I am really at a state about writing about all this, will be doing so in the next few days but it is so overwelming, so much of it, wanting to get it just right.
I will tell you that not only is it the best trip I ever took, it is the best thing I ever did in my life, life changing in fact.
Yeah, I know what I'm getting for my birthday. Running shoes. And this guy I have carried a quarter of a century is being evicted.
We should have jogged while we were there! That path in Canmore was perfect. And don't worry about getting it right, however it comes out is gonna be you, that's all that counts...
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Hey Juan. Good to see you back around here. I've been missing you! 8)
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Truman if you dont really feel ready to tell about your trip. You should not feel obligated. If you want to keep it forever just for yourself, thats ok too. Some things are difficult to put into words even tho we have a very profound feeling about them. You can internalize that for yourself. No apologies. So take your time. If and when you feel like telling it. We will be here to llisten. janice
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Hey Juan. Good to see you back around here. I've been missing you! 8)
Gracias Natali! Oiga, este Truman necesita practicar espanol asi que tenemos que ayudarle! Hope you're well, been too long, J
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Yes Juan - its so nice to lok at the last posts at the bottom of the home page and loads are from you!!!
:-*
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hey Kelda! Great to see you too, you were missed this trip!! I am going to try and post more often...J
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hey Kelda! Great to see you too, you were missed this trip!! I am going to try and post more often...J
Well, thankyou! and YAY to posting more often!!!!
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Truman if you dont really feel ready to tell about your trip. You should not feel obligated. If you want to keep it forever just for yourself, thats ok too. Some things are difficult to put into words even tho we have a very profound feeling about them. You can internalize that for yourself. No apologies. So take your time. If and when you feel like telling it. We will be here to llisten. janice
Well I can;t keep it to myself, I'll bust. Now Phil and John they have the whole weekend on video, and when you see it I hope you will approve. We did a ceremony in which I attempted to honor your brothers memory. Wish you could have been there.
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That was a great ceremony Tru, very moving and a perfect way to close out the trip. J
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Gracias Natali! Oiga, este Truman necesita practicar espanol asi que tenemos que ayudarle! Hope you're well, been too long, J
yo trabajo en mi espanol!
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yo trabajo en mi espanol!
Bueno pero no digas la palabra que te ensene en Calgary! Es muy fea!
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Truman you are such a caring person, and thank you very much for that. I feel very honored to have friends that would do that. You are a joy and a blessing to this place..........thanks again.
Juan, I dont know if you remember the conversations we had over a year ago about the Rufus Wainwright music, late one evening on chat. I went to see him in concert last night with my two grandaughters. The concert was great fun and loads of energy. He really has a special and unique voice. The music was not what I am used to from him, but it was great. Just not quite what i expected. He had lots of kind of new age stuff in it, with horns, and other instruments not usually on his music. I am still trying to digest it, and find out if i really like it or not. I wish he had put more of his older stuff in. Only two songs, out of a 2 1/2 hr show. There was divided thoughts also on his opening act.. Sean Lennon. I liked it ok for steel rock music, but i dont think he will be close to his father in ability. His music did however have certain things in it that were a tribute to the guitar styles of his father.
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Julian Lennon certainly sounded like his father when singing, but he seems to have disappeared from the radar for the past many years. Even if Sean had no talent at all, and didn't possess a single creative bone in his body, he would still merit a place in musical history for inspiring one of his father's loveliest compositions...'Beautiful Boy'.
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Juan, I dont know if you remember the conversations we had over a year ago about the Rufus Wainwright music, late one evening on chat. I went to see him in concert last night with my two grandaughters. The concert was great fun and loads of energy. He really has a special and unique voice. The music was not what I am used to from him, but it was great. Just not quite what i expected. He had lots of kind of new age stuff in it, with horns, and other instruments not usually on his music. I am still trying to digest it, and find out if i really like it or not. I wish he had put more of his older stuff in. Only two songs, out of a 2 1/2 hr show. There was divided thoughts also on his opening act.. Sean Lennon. I liked it ok for steel rock music, but i dont think he will be close to his father in ability. His music did however have certain things in it that were a tribute to the guitar styles of his father.
Hi Janice! That rings a bell about Rufus. His name came up on the trip too, he does have a particular style and I was saying I tend to love the covers songs that he does (Across The Universe, Hallelujah, Bewtiched, Bothered and Bewildered) and certain songs that he wrote (a lot of Want Two, like Waiting For a Dream). When I read critiques of his music, the word "ambitious" comes up a lot, but when I've bought his albums, I'm not always totally satisfied. I can't say that I would've liked Sean Lennon at all either, but it sounds like the concert was worth it? J
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One of the things in his favor (Seans) it was difficult to hear everything he was saying, but he does seem to be very personable. Cracks jokes, and certainly doesnt take himself too seriously. I thought that was very likeable.
Rufus is such a wonderful personality, that even if you dont like the music, you can still enjoy his show a great deal. He first came out in a red and white candy striped suit with glitter stars placed over it.. I thought it was great. The second time after the break he had on the lederhosen. The last set was his tribute to Judy Garland, and broadway which everyone loved. They also remarked he had legs most women would envy.. All in all it was a great experience. But my favorite album is still the first one i bought. "Rufus Wainwright." I love all of that one.
He did a Foggy day in London town, and Hallelujah. He had the crowd in his hand for those. It was
amazing.
And Scott showing how my mind runs in odd ways sometimes. At the most unlikely of times. Strangely enough, while Sean was onstage, I actually did think of him as the wee babe his parents had wanted to deeply. How he is a very special person if only for that reason. The influence he had on his father.
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Hey Truman, here's an early birthday present for you. It's always nice when you know you are giving somebody something they really want. You will have to get the sound on your computer fixed...
(http://www.aboriginalvoices.com/images/logo.png) (http://www.aboriginalvoices.com/)
http://www.aboriginalvoices.com/
("Listen Now" button in the upper right)
Love from one of your many friends,
Clarissa
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Lincy wont work Elle.
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Bueno pero no digas la palabra que te ensene en Calgary! Es muy fea!
I am going to have to work on that one, but I think I sould probably say:
Oh, I'm sorry. ;)
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Hey Truman, here's an early birthday present for you. It's always nice when you know you are giving somebody something they really want. You will have to get the sound on your computer fixed...
(http://www.aboriginalvoices.com/images/logo.png) (http://www.aboriginalvoices.com/)
http://www.aboriginalvoices.com/
("Listen Now" button in the upper right)
Love from one of your many friends,
Clarissa
:o
OHHHHHHHHHH MMMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY :o GAAAAAAWDD ELLLLLLLLLLEEEEEMMMMMEEEEOOOOO!!!
:o
SHIT! That is Genius! We were like groving to that on the way to the airport and mentioned doing it and who knows if I ever would have or remembered and here you gave it to me, gave it to everybody here and that is so cool. Awe man, I have got to get song sound on this thing and like on tororry.
Whew!
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Well, it come up on me in fits and starts.
On friday, I got a call on my phone and the person on the other end of the line said "do you know who this is?" and
I says, "No, who is this."
And it's Lee! Our own Lee calling me on the phone I am telling you and I was just as tickled because I was freaking about going to Alberta. All the tumblers had come together satifactorally and it seemed the escape would be with out much drama but I think I was more fearful of the reentry because I had some festerin work situations that I knew might be ripe by the time I got back. It helped me lighten up. Thank you, Friend!
And then that morning, I just woke up and it was a beautiful day and I thought : when I go to sleep tonight it will be in Alberta! And sure enough it was. The tip there was one of the most unmemorable experences of my life, totally stress free and uncomplicated. The only memorable thing was that I read the whole book "I Had To Do Something" By Mike Jones. He is the call guy who outed Ted Haggard. It is a wonderful read. You learn a lot about what his world is like. I think he is cool. Abe later read the book too in Alberta, but I get ahead of myself.
The sun was still glowing red in the sky @ 11 pm mountain time when the lights of Calgary appeared in the dark below, the sun had seen me safely there like a dying parent. (I don't know, really, for some reason i have been talking like this all day.)
I told two Canadian women, one a realtor in Calgary (please go away) and an Ontarian living in Florida. I told them both I was going to see where they filmed Brokeback Mountain. They were familar with the movie and had no idea it was filmed in Alberta, let alone Canada.
In Wyoming they will tell you it was fimed in Canada. If nothing else, they will tell you that.
I told it to the Canadian Customs office upon 1.2 km hike thru the Calgary Airport. Twists and turns and ramps and stairs and it got to be a test to see if you were physicall fit enought. They did provide benches.
The nice young lady said: "Reason for your trip?"
Me; "Meeting some friends from online."
Her: "Are these Canadians?"
Me: "Some are, mostly the US, and one woman from France who lives in England."
Her with big eyes: "And the purpose of your get together?"
Me: "To see the sights where Brokeback Mountain was filmed."
Her, Surprised and suddenly satifsied told me to have a good time.
I did.
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The there was the car.
I had thought for MONTHS when I get there I am gone get me a convertible.
Well as the months went by the subcompact line was looking better and better so I asked Mr. Tudboll about
12:40 in the moring (I think that is either 24:40 or 00:40, one) just in case devine providence had a surprise for me. I am always expecting the wrong thing of devine providence. I got what I absolutly needed: An iddy biddy Toyota Yaris. I think I have seen them arond here,, but not many. I had never driven a car outside of the United States and I suddenly took it seriously. Took that and my hunger and found me a Wendy's and then a Travel Lodge that was populated by a biker gang, some with biker chicks who I think got into the fasion end of it than the ones I have seen. But they were a bit intimidating, one look just like the guy ennis kicked in the face. Their jackets and belts were all different MCs in Ontario and Roland is welcome to lay in on this anytime but they spoke French. But I seem them.
So then I head out on Hwy 1 the next morning. The Trans Canada Highway, head west, it is the main road and it goes right thru the middle of town and this is a good sized city. It ain't Denver as far as I can tell but it was big enough. especiall if you are trying to follow Kirk on the freeway. We'll get to that.
I found them with no problem at all. I just drove past the big olympic sky jump and out in to the country, it cuts off nicely. Out yondoer I tried to teach myself what a kilometer was by looking at the odometer but I was more turned on by the fact the speed limit was 110. That just looked nice even if I was intentionally reading it wrong for effect. Went right up to the Branch Boundry Lodge and got out and seen all these people standing on the porch, like Sunday at Granny's house and I got up there and I recognized Phillip, from having seen one small picture of him and hearing his voice once, which I think I recognized from the radio. He has a good voice and I never tired of hearing it. He is an amazing guy. He and John, and I lerned to think of them as such because they compliment the hell out of one another. If this heard of cats were Gilligans Island they would be Thurston and Lovey Howell, 21 st century edition that is.
And Phillip just cracks me up even when he ain't taking about that woman from Alabama and the mudbugs what got in her mailbox.
I got their attention and asked if they were Bettermost, Wyoming and then I hear my name called so I went up and the faces were coming at me like in a dream, the well known , the familar, the remembered.
And then the woman at the top of the stairs turned around. It was Mouk!
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Mouk, is special to me because I met her on that first trip but first, please let me go back tell you what I remember of her telling me her story and she can come up in here and tell me to myob and tellit herself if she wants to.
Mouk is from France, and lives in the UK. One day, a saturday I have always imagined because she said it was a matinee, she went to the cinima and say this poster for Brokeback Mountain and it had two nice looking cowboys on it, so having heard nothing about it and based upon the obvious appeal of the main characters she bought her ticket for her ride to North America.
I learned on this trip that it was the show for the hearing impaired and it had subtitles which annoyed her at first but as devine providence would have it, came in handy, huh? ;)
So then at the end of the credits, (she is gone kill me I know, but I won;t worry about that right now) the lights come up and it is her and one guy sitting there and she can't hardly breath and he turns to her and says something to the effect: You ok?
When I first met her on the Yahoo Board I could tell she was not from the US. It was kind of a new thing for me and I thought cool. I picked up on that and the gender fairly quick and as the fiirst gathering I went to approached we discussed by email the logistings of traveling to Wyoming from some place way far away but I don;t think I was clear on where. She would be without email for a period until the last minute. Any changes would have to be waiting for her small window of opportunity to abort if the thing didn;t happen. She was taking a risk.
I think she flew, what was it Mouk, 48 hours from Namibia? We were all in the car getting ready to go to Lightning Flat and her she come around the world in the nick of time. She had more window of opportunity to open than I ever realized. I was wowed by it. Wowed by her story, wowed by the power of this story. Words, placed in proper secquence to allow for the communcation of an experence had done this like dna comes together to make a person.
I know she enjoyed it, and when I give her a copy of Jeb and Dash befor dashing me and Wayne to our airports, their was tears in her eyes so when I seen here there at the top of them stairs I was looking, looking for that first and all I see was happiness. Hope I didn;t scare you slinging you around like that.
She has come across the water. Her intention is to remain in Canada. I am hopeful she can. If she can get into the travel industry there, she will be the person, folks from all over can come to and she could make it happen for them .
We have an express here where I live: Gurl, your the shit! And I mean that in the most positive way possible. I have long admired my ancestors who crossed that water for the crossing part but hell, your really doing it! I can;t believe it, it is wonderful! We sent up a little prayer for you. But then again, I get ahead of meself.
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I can almost call them, as I see them left to right, it was Phillip, and then Paul and Meryl and Juan and Roland and Rayn and John and RouxB was in the house. Well, you gotta go around and touch all of them, whch was no problem at all. I was so happy to be there. My jaw muscles was starting to loosen up.
(You see Janice I can't just write about it I gotta put on a show. At this rate I will be 44 when I finish.)
We had lunch at this really nice open air resturant in down town Canmore. Upon parting the car we observed a resident sweeping up a broken beer bottle in the street and he asked us did we want a beer, in a joking manner but it got me to thinking.
Now for a word from our sponcer: Having already had all the scapes with the law I entend having this lifetime I was mindful that I was at a much higher altitute and the effects it had on me last summer and I ordered a Guiness. Damn it was good.
Lunch was wonderful, I sat at then end with Mouk and John and across from Roland and then beside him Phillip. John at then end of the table. I decided right away that Roland was some kind of a shape shifter because he can do things with his face I have never seen another human being do. I thought I was having a flash back at first. I could tell right away there were all very intelligent people so I better act right. I soon lernt I didn;t need to be so uptight.
We went on the easy trail up to Grassi Lake as Pete had sent word to us. I knew about it from the banner Elle posted. I had seen it that morning. It was forshadowing. I would see a scene here and then after the so called easy trail saw it in real life, its green and blueish water made me say "Well, look at this...."
We were below what I later learned was a mountain peak formerly know as Chinaman Peak and addly enought there was a gentleman of unknow Asian descent with his daughter hoping to retrace his steps to his car, above. Unfortunatly we were not able to help him beyond showing him the map. After coming back from this trip I would probably have took him back, or got us lost one.
It was a good bonding with people I knew like RouxB and Paul and Mouk and people I did not know, like Juan and Meryl and Rayn. And the sun was real nice, and the air was clean, and Meryl said:
"Oh look up on the mountain, is that mist?"
It turned out not to be mist. It turned out to be DUST.
DUST I tell you, the reason Devine Providence would not let me have a convertible. Thank you.
We learned about the dust later, on Monday, just past our parting area for the Grasy Creek hike, Rt 743 (?right) turns to dust and gravel and washboard and there are people hiking and bikeing and climbing and there is dust like the dust bowl, like biblical plague, it is that dramatic.
In the Toyota Yaris with Mouk and Rayn we followed Mayor Phil and Vice Videographer John up there and it dawned on me" They travelled on this road, Jake and Heath, on their way to do a scene, many of them.
It put me right over the edge. ANd what it is like is this: you have done travelled acrost the continent, the country, the planet, and you are wowed by the incredible beauty of the Canadian Rockies and here in some place you have never been, never thought about going to, you come opon a place you know, intimately. Like the back of your hand, like the line of your lovers spine, you are walking down a gravel road past a locked gate and the flys are biting you and you look up, and there on a mountan side across the valley is this crevass, faint, in the greened trees of summer, you know it, know what it looks like with snow in it, as Ennis Del Mal pitches an empty whiskey bottle and the tears come up in your eyes, oh may gawd.
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Now according to the information provided on the findingbrokeback website, and with the aid of Phil and John's boundless supple of electronic gadgetry, we were soon encouncing Meryl in her spot on the thrown of Ennis. Ennis the lassoed prince. The fair haired boy of summer who is having to leave the mountain, and by extention, his true love.
Even tough I am 30 lbs over weight and far from them summers I had my picture taken there. I didn;t ever get me in but a few and ain;t really worried about it, I really didn;t even need a camera, there was so many cameras going off you would have thought Oliver North was about to testify. From there you really should take the high road thru the rip rap and not go thru the bog like I did, to get to the camp sight.
Here the FNIT. washed clean of tons of mulch brung in for the shot, washed by sping floods not enough to completely wash away some charcoal, in a spot. This is Goat Creek. A a bend in Goat creek where a hiking trail crosses on a foot bridge that you have to climb up on and tilts up stream. It is the bridge. These are the trees, this rock Carin is the spot of the Dozy embrace scene. Visitors to the spot are encouraged to add a rock. They are encouraged by someone saying so in such a manner as it sounds like a good idea. That is all the weight it has to carry. And people pass thru there on that trail all the time and never know.
Thank you Juan and RouxB for assisting me in the reinactment. Thank you Abe for handing me a rock from Goat Creek to place in the cairn. I believe they remain there still, after we are gone.
I made my video debute there, oh gawd I am gone have me such a margarita before watching that one!
But law it is getting late and I need to iron some clothes for tomorrow so this is it for me tonight.
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I'm more on the edge of my seat than when I was reading the Harry Potter book, and I was there! You sure know how to keep em coming back! Buenas noches mi amigo...J
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Truman, thank you so much for all your writing......I have only read it once, but im sure i need to read it two or three times more, which I will...
As usual, with your wonderful words, it is easy to be sitting there right beside you, seeing what you are seeing,hearing what you are hearing, and feeling what your are feeling.
Thank you for taking the time to write it for those of us that were not fortunate enough to join you.
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.....And i hear its your birthday.......
HOPE YOU HAVE A SPECIAL AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRU
LOTS OF LOVE FROM YOUR AUSSIE MATE....XXXXXXXXX
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wonderfull words truman as always !
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Oh Truman I am reading this with tears in my eyes! I can feel the joy coming right through my computer screen - just like I could feel it coming through my phone line all the way from Alberta to Maine last Saturday afternoon!!!
Truman I need more...more stories...and pictures...everything! (I know never enough with me, huh)?
Thank you so much for this...but I truly do want to hear more.....
Lisa xoxo
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Guinness-drinking Truman, Take Me Away (to Alberta again!!)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUMAN!! SO GLAD I FINALLY MET YOU!!
(http://www.divshare.com/img/1406048-870.jpg)
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8) HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUMAN! 8)
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8) HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUMAN! 8)
Is this for real or another false alarm???? :laugh: :laugh:
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Yes, it is for real this time, less than 18 hours and I will be 44 years old! ;D
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Yes, it is for real this time, less than 18 hours and I will be 44 years old! ;D
Well HAPPY BIRTHDAY
I hope it a great one and all your birthday wishes come true!! ;D
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:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRUMAN!
Have a joyous day.
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I was going to wait for tomorrow but what the hell...
¡¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS TRUMAN!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/birthday-cake.jpg)
I hope you like chocolate ;D
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:D Happy Birthday Truman :D
(http://www.creatiphoto.de/blume2.gif)(http://www.creatiphoto.de/blume2.gif)(http://www.creatiphoto.de/blume2.gif)
You already got chocolate, now here's strawberries:
(http://peru.blog-writer.de/uploads/erdbeertorte.jpg)
:D Have a great day! :D
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MMMMMmmmmmm--both of those cakes look so yummy. I hope the birthday boy is sharing!?
Happy Birthday, and I love reading about your experiences, Truman. :)
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Truman, I want to thank you for your writing about the Alberta trip. You describe everything so lively and colorful, I soak up every word. And it feels almost like I had have been there myself. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
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Truie,
I'm going to go on as if you will very soon have sound. While rambling around YouTube, I found this and thought it might be another nice birthday present for you (since it's the dog's birthday in the video). The Top 25 Greatest TV Shows of All Times.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTugCEwRZVg[/youtube]
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:laugh:
He is hilarious, Elle---birthday hump...haha
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Many thanks. I hope you all have a nice day tomorrow. It is Friday after all.
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Many thanks. I hope you all have a nice day tomorrow. It is Friday after all.
Truman, it's your birthday in your time zone, but not yet here in mine. I've been thinking of you and re-living our Alberta time all day as I traveled back into RL. Hope you get the gift of Fulfillment on this, your day.
What a Magician you are, you turn Strangers into Friends.
Happy Birthday, darlin'
Judy
I flew all the way from Calgary to San Antonio today, and my arms are tired from all that flapping!
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:-* :D :) ;) :o :P Happy Birthday
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I busted two pair of jeans in Alberta.
The first was a rather new pair I had bought a couple of months before. The crotch could not take Mt. Inflexible.
Tuesday morning The Yaris headed out 742 again, Rayn beside me, Mouk in the back seat, getting lost in Canmore and then heading past the Goat creek parking area where a Ram grazed on the dust of the road, perhaps craving some mineral, or injesting small stones to aid in its digestion. On down the road a Moose on the road side made its exit into the woods, but the next one, was a good ways away, taking a bath in the lake and unconcerned with who watched her. We sat in the road, stopped in silence with a few other dust generators, still with no clear idea how far to the Provincial Park and the Sawmill parking area where we were to meet up with the findingbrokeback guys. We were doing a hike called "Jack Asscending".
So, dumb old me thought Jack Ascendsing was when Jack rode up to the sheep the first night on the mountain. Wrong, it is that scene, computor generted, in which Ennis, reaming out a coffepot in the stream with his pants leg rolled up, looks up, and sees Jack moving across a high meadow like and insect across a table cloth. The effect is real good on the big screen.
We thought we saw that mountain top three times. Rayn, like a kid in a candy store, sapping each one. So happy.
When we reached the Sawmill parking are we were an hour late. We saw a car with THE "Welcome to Wyoming" sign like in the movie, in the rear window. This was the vehicle of one of our peeps. We looked about, no sign of them. Rayn called out, as loud as he could "HELLO BROKIES!!!!!!" and it was decided we would go on and see if we could find them or the trail, thought I was apprehensive as to the remoteness of it. It seemed like a place one could easily get lost on no trail in the wildness.
I wrote on the side of the Yaris with my finger in the dust: Shakestheground so if they came back they would know we where there. And Rayn called again: "HELLO BROKIES!!!!!" and Mouk tied her shoes and what, did you hear that? And another call was made and yes, there was deffinatly a responce. We consulted the trail maps posted there on the stick and headed out, we did not get far before we met Jim.
Now I will say this about the findingbrokeback bunch. They are a different breed. I feel strange saying that and I say it with only the most honorable intent. While we have been sitting in front of the computor and pursuing our passion in a cerebral manner these folks have been out on the ground, searching, hoaning their detective skills and locating, one by one, the sites where the scenes in the film were made. Documenting them, developing an understanding of how the movie was made, what went into making it, who was involved, they have come to an intimacy with the movie that is unmatched in the phemonina. They have talked with the Basque, the bartender, learned one of the men Jimbo goes to talk to at the pool table is gay. They know where to find the old guy counting the sheep when they come down from the mountain. They are the rangers, the foot soldiers, and they are unstopable. They are for me personally, Giants among us.
That day we met Jim, from Vegas, Nova, goaboydc and saw again Tamarack, who I had met in Boston, Tamarack, who first turned me on to findingbrokeback.com, whose card I left on Mt. Washington, New Hampshire. Tamarack, the foot soldier in every respect, I see them all as equals in the quest. And there are more who I met later, but these are the folks I met that day.
The story was that they had recently discovered the sight of the road paving that Ennis works on with Timmy. As I understand it it was Tamarack who went looking for work orders with the authorities in the time period when it would have been filmed and got the permit. Genius.
Their creation: findingbrokeback.com, was printed out in its entirity by Paul the night before his departure. It became our Bible.
Once introductions were made we started forward thru the lodgepole pine, up the bike trail and as I expceted all were faster than me, I needed to remind meself to set my own pace and not obsess, but when we turned off the road into the blank wood, off the trail to asscend to where Jack would have had to have been 100 feet high for Ennis to see him, it became an adventure. This was going to be work, and it was going to be hard and I thought about turning back. I'm glad I didn't now, but once I was up in them woods there was no turning back. My heart pounded. I told Mouk: If I have a heart attack, just let me die, it will be alright. She encouraged me and kept and eye on me, as did Jim, who made sure I was not left behind and kept encouraging me. Getting to know one another climbing under limbs and negotiating rocks, grabbing a feeling for who we are based on the location of our formative years. The hill becoming almost verticle, crissed crossed with moose paths and moose droppings, jabbed by dry dead limbs and offering flowers for our crushing heals, the wild columbine, the cinqfoil, the devils club. Scratched skin, screaming lungs and goals made of five feet more. Hands and feet becoming equal partners to propel us onward and upward.
I had wished that I wore a belt to hold my pants up, and then with one certain streatch I hear: rip! The crotch begins to rip diagonally. O-well, Mouk has come prepared and has iron on patches we could try on it, but we never do.
Three hours. Up a rock strewn drainage we came, Rayn saying he could see a clear spot ahead, the trees growing shorter, surely we were not far from the tree line. The water flasks that had waited in my house in plastic from the factory for a decade soon drained of water. When we would stop I could look out on the mountain across the valley, towering and studded with snow, the quiet, the wind the bird song and buzz of dragonfly. Have to keep going.
I caught up with them on a nearly verticle shale strewn clearing where they elected to eat lunch and announce they had reservations as to continuing. goaboydc is smoking a cigarette. I ask them if they regularly hike up mountains like this. No way, this is very unusual for them. (Maybe I need to start smoking?)
I found me an indention in the ground at Mouks feet and relaxed and ate my sandwich and looked out over the valley below, way below, I was in a place few if any people ever see. The sun, crept into my gaping shirt and scorched my skin red. Here we pass an hour in conversation with Tamarack above us while the guys continue up ward to the top, to report if it is worth the effort to try to make it.
The verdict: we took a wrong turn some place, we were on the wrong ridge. From the top you can look down on the spot we were aiming for! O-well. Perhaps we were in the wrong place, but with such beauty all around us it was hard to think of it that way. Jim apologized, but no appology was needed. I had a new screne saver to replace the one from Lightning Flat I have had for a year. I wet my bandana in the creek and tied it around my neck for the shakes decending hike.
Down at the bottom there was towellettes to wipe the pine rosin from our hands. Rayn, pumped up on endorphins added his name and Mouks to the dust on the car and we posed for group pictures, one with our target, and one with our destination. We would see these folks later at dinner in Canmore, and until then they were eager to tell us where we could find more filming sights nearby.
Just up the road was the last campsite "Gonna snow tonight for sure" Here was the last place in the movie Jack and Ennis had slept together. Here they had smoked a joint by the fire and passed the bottle and shared their truths and lies. Just right off the parking lot, a hundred feet from the road. A hawk sailed across the water. Had this bird seen our boys, and the entourage?
On down the road, on the left, we saw the fist, and looked after it till it was in the right spot by memory and turned. There was the spot, Ennis and Jack riding horses after the Thanksgiving scenes, Jacks horse jumping a small branch. I was too tired to get out of the car, and watched Mouk and Rayn in the rear view mirror as they chattered about it.
Further down the road we recognized nova and goaboydc's car on the side of the road and shortly saw them, standing at the foot of an embankment. The spot where Ennis was leading the mules up the hill. An embankment on the side of the dusty Rt. 742. They had discovered it moments earlier. We all got out, and a car slowed to see what it was we were looking at, a moose maybe? No, only ghosts.
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Jesus H I'm glad I'm sitting in a chair living this vicariously. I understand some of your epiphanies now.
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Elle, I think your idea about doing something healthy in honor of my birthday is a great idea, and thank you again for the link to Abriginal Voices.
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shakes decending
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Thanks for the story Shakes... WICABT!! (wish I could a been there!!! :'( :D)
AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! :D :D :D :-* :-*
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i am truly sitting here panting like i had been climbing that hill with you. I have finally decided, it was a good thing i didnt make that trip, as much as i had wished i had. I dont think I would have survived it. The climb up on Brokenback was difficult enough...That seems like the climb for a climber, not for a senior, Thank you for taking the trip, and surviving for us.
Even after my exercise regimine I would not have made that. thanks again I salute you.
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Hey Truman,
Mike and I enjoyed meeting you on the trip - we hope you have a GREAT BIRTHDAY! Cheers!
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Thank you folks! I just got back from the shoe store, where I got a good deal (tax free this weekend) on a pair of running shoes.
This morning I weighed 221 lbs.
One year from now my goal is to weigh no more than 190 lbs. 8)
And I am gonna start tonight by going' dancin' up on the mountain....
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(http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/7271/happybirthdaydaddf0.jpg) (http://imageshack.us)
i'm don't know if this is too late or too early :-\
-
I busted two pair of jeans in Alberta.
The first was a rather new pair I had bought a couple of months before. The crotch could not take Mt. Inflexible.
Tuesday morning The Yaris headed out 742 again, Rayn beside me, Mouk in the back seat, getting lost in Canmore and then heading past the Goat creek parking area where a Ram grazed on the dust of the road, perhaps craving some mineral, or injesting small stones to aid in its digestion. On down the road a Moose on the road side made its exit into the woods, but the next one, was a good ways away, taking a bath in the lake and unconcerned with who watched her. We sat in the road, stopped in silence with a few other dust generators, still with no clear idea how far to the Provincial Park and the Sawmill parking area where we were to meet up with the findingbrokeback guys. We were doing a hike called "Jack Asscending".
So, dumb old me thought Jack Ascendsing was when Jack rode up to the sheep the first night on the mountain. Wrong, it is that scene, computor generted, in which Ennis, reaming out a coffepot in the stream with his pants leg rolled up, looks up, and sees Jack moving across a high meadow like and insect across a table cloth. The effect is real good on the big screen.
We thought we saw that mountain top three times. Rayn, like a kid in a candy store, sapping each one. So happy.
When we reached the Sawmill parking are we were an hour late. We saw a car with THE "Welcome to Wyoming" sign like in the movie, in the rear window. This was the vehicle of one of our peeps. We looked about, no sign of them. Rayn called out, as loud as he could "HELLO BROKIES!!!!!!" and it was decided we would go on and see if we could find them or the trail, thought I was apprehensive as to the remoteness of it. It seemed like a place one could easily get lost on no trail in the wildness.
I wrote on the side of the Yaris with my finger in the dust: Shakestheground so if they came back they would know we where there. And Rayn called again: "HELLO BROKIES!!!!!" and Mouk tied her shoes and what, did you hear that? And another call was made and yes, there was deffinatly a responce. We consulted the trail maps posted there on the stick and headed out, we did not get far before we met Jim.
Now I will say this about the findingbrokeback bunch. They are a different breed. I feel strange saying that and I say it with only the most honorable intent. While we have been sitting in front of the computor and pursuing our passion in a cerebral manner these folks have been out on the ground, searching, hoaning their detective skills and locating, one by one, the sites where the scenes in the film were made. Documenting them, developing an understanding of how the movie was made, what went into making it, who was involved, they have come to an intimacy with the movie that is unmatched in the phemonina. They have talked with the Basque, the bartender, learned one of the men Jimbo goes to talk to at the pool table is gay. They know where to find the old guy counting the sheep when they come down from the mountain. They are the rangers, the foot soldiers, and they are unstopable. They are for me personally, Giants among us.
That day we met Jim, from Vegas, Nova, goaboydc and saw again Tamarack, who I had met in Boston, Tamarack, who first turned me on to findingbrokeback.com, whose card I left on Mt. Washington, New Hampshire. Tamarack, the foot soldier in every respect, I see them all as equals in the quest. And there are more who I met later, but these are the folks I met that day.
The story was that they had recently discovered the sight of the road paving that Ennis works on with Timmy. As I understand it it was Tamarack who went looking for work orders with the authorities in the time period when it would have been filmed and got the permit. Genius.
Their creation: findingbrokeback.com, was printed out in its entirity by Paul the night before his departure. It became our Bible.
Once introductions were made we started forward thru the lodgepole pine, up the bike trail and as I expceted all were faster than me, I needed to remind meself to set my own pace and not obsess, but when we turned off the road into the blank wood, off the trail to asscend to where Jack would have had to have been 100 feet high for Ennis to see him, it became an adventure. This was going to be work, and it was going to be hard and I thought about turning back. I'm glad I didn't now, but once I was up in them woods there was no turning back. My heart pounded. I told Mouk: If I have a heart attack, just let me die, it will be alright. She encouraged me and kept and eye on me, as did Jim, who made sure I was not left behind and kept encouraging me. Getting to know one another climbing under limbs and negotiating rocks, grabbing a feeling for who we are based on the location of our formative years. The hill becoming almost verticle, crissed crossed with moose paths and moose droppings, jabbed by dry dead limbs and offering flowers for our crushing heals, the wild columbine, the cinqfoil, the devils club. Scratched skin, screaming lungs and goals made of five feet more. Hands and feet becoming equal partners to propel us onward and upward.
I had wished that I wore a belt to hold my pants up, and then with one certain streatch I hear: rip! The crotch begins to rip diagonally. O-well, Mouk has come prepared and has iron on patches we could try on it, but we never do.
Three hours. Up a rock strewn drainage we came, Rayn saying he could see a clear spot ahead, the trees growing shorter, surely we were not far from the tree line. The water flasks that had waited in my house in plastic from the factory for a decade soon drained of water. When we would stop I could look out on the mountain across the valley, towering and studded with snow, the quiet, the wind the bird song and buzz of dragonfly. Have to keep going.
I caught up with them on a nearly verticle shale strewn clearing where they elected to eat lunch and announce they had reservations as to continuing. goaboydc is smoking a cigarette. I ask them if they regularly hike up mountains like this. No way, this is very unusual for them. (Maybe I need to start smoking?)
I found me an indention in the ground at Mouks feet and relaxed and ate my sandwich and looked out over the valley below, way below, I was in a place few if any people ever see. The sun, crept into my gaping shirt and scorched my skin red. Here we pass an hour in conversation with Tamarack above us while the guys continue up ward to the top, to report if it is worth the effort to try to make it.
The verdict: we took a wrong turn some place, we were on the wrong ridge. From the top you can look down on the spot we were aiming for! O-well. Perhaps we were in the wrong place, but with such beauty all around us it was hard to think of it that way. Jim apologized, but no appology was needed. I had a new screne saver to replace the one from Lightning Flat I have had for a year. I wet my bandana in the creek and tied it around my neck for the shakes decending hike.
Down at the bottom there was towellettes to wipe the pine rosin from our hands. Rayn, pumped up on endorphins added his name and Mouks to the dust on the car and we posed for group pictures, one with our target, and one with our destination. We would see these folks later at dinner in Canmore, and until then they were eager to tell us where we could find more filming sights nearby.
Just up the road was the last campsite "Gonna snow tonight for sure" Here was the last place in the movie Jack and Ennis had slept together. Here they had smoked a joint by the fire and passed the bottle and shared their truths and lies. Just right off the parking lot, a hundred feet from the road. A hawk sailed across the water. Had this bird seen our boys, and the entourage?
On down the road, on the left, we saw the fist, and looked after it till it was in the right spot by memory and turned. There was the spot, Ennis and Jack riding horses after the Thanksgiving scenes, Jacks horse jumping a small branch. I was too tired to get out of the car, and watched Mouk and Rayn in the rear view mirror as they chattered about it.
Further down the road we recognized nova and goaboydc's car on the side of the road and shortly saw them, standing at the foot of an embankment. The spot where Ennis was leading the mules up the hill. An embankment on the side of the dusty Rt. 742. They had discovered it moments earlier. We all got out, and a car slowed to see what it was we were looking at, a moose maybe? No, only ghosts.
wow o wow o wow o wow!!! Brill!
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That was some High-Class readin' Truman. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
And Happy Birthday! :D
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Thanks Eric and everyone. I am sitting here at the keyboard this morning as the sun begins to light the world outside and wondering if the window for writing about those experences has closed or not. I miss Alberta, I miss the feeling like everyday was sunday with a day off following. Miss the friends and the faces and summer camp without homesickness feeling. Time marches on.
Yesterday in an attempt to keep up what I started in Alberta I went hiking up on Buffalo Mountain. (http://www.dgif.state.va.us/vbwt/site.asp?trail=2&loop=MSL&site=MSL04) I went by and picked up my friend Carol in the morning and we headed up Rt.8, beautiful day, a little hazy. We had been up there before but could not remember if it was in this century or not. It took us a while to remember the way, but that was fine too, we had all day. The musical seclection was a CD by The Barrell House Mammas, a group out of Asheville, NC that I had missed at Floydfest because I was in Alberta. O-well. Their harmonies are wonderful.
Climbing the trail I told Carol about my trip, knowing she was rolling her eyes. "You sure like that movie" she said once. True enough I told her, but I liked the phenomina that grew up around it better. I tried relating to her about the hikes, the horserides, the sense that nothing I'd done before was quite to accomplishemnt this trip had been. She too, had recently had one of those moving experences, traveling to Block Island, Rhodes Island, a month ago. We both love to travel, and in time we ended up talking about our friends who never go anywhere, sit at home smoking pot and watching TV with the hope of going to the beach once a summer. That's a life?
Buffalo is a special place, a bit highter than the surrounding mountains, shaped like the animal with an abrupt drop off. It is barren and alpine like at the top, a nice breeze blowing to keep the flys away. The valleys and mountains obsured by thick summer haze, vultures careening overhead perhaps hoping we would take a tumble.
There is a book about this region called The Man Who Moved a Mountain. It is about a local guy who becomes a Presbyterian minister and builds a number of churches in the area out of stone and helps to bring the locals out of generations of ignorance and violence. The book features a photo of people gathered on that very summit, a hundred years ago now, come up there in buggies and on horseback, the women with hats and long dresses and bodices, the men in ties and lapels shed, this rather formal looking bunch on an Easter Sunday afternoon before someone takes one too many sips froma jug and starts a fight that ends in someones demise. Here now sit those folks decendants in the 5th or so generation, a guy with a Wu Tang t shirt an a girl with unnaturally burgundy hair. We ease around them to find a shady spot.
I am surprised at how easy the climb is. We sit and talk of trips made, trips planned and trips desired. McAfee's Knob on the Appalachain trail we need to attempt before cold weather gets here, after she returns from the Hudson River Valley. Never enough time.
I am so sleepy coming down the road she offers to drive so I pull over. I wake a bit later and we are parked at a fruit stand and there is talk of white peaches. The buzz in the console lets me know the phone connected long enought to pick up a message: Check your P.O. Box. I smile. It is a beautiful summer day, seems kind of like Sunday........
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:) " Travels With Truman " :)
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Meryl, I will sing a song about, of sorts, because I would not want to offend her sensibilities as a performer and producer of great works. She deserves song, a nice, slow beautiful ballad about a strong woman who picked up a ball and ran with it.
A lot went into into organizing the Alberta trip, lots of people were involved and my thanks go out to them all, but had it not been for Meryl I certainly would have been lost. I thank you, for your hard work and your sacrifices, it gave me space to grow and be myself. I will always be beholding to you.
As I mentioned in one of my few dispatches from Alberta, Meryl bears a strong resemblence to E. Annie Proulx, her glasses certainly more mod. Her demeanor quiet, I never hear her raise her voice. She told us what needed to be done in a way that made you want to do it. She saw to it we were fed, and left on time, and were prepared for the day. She made sure we were all acounted for, and still found time to do her own thing.
As High Priestest of the Brokeback Cult, she codified and distilled dispirate pronouncements and ramdon thoughts into a production that no one witnessing it will soon forget, stirring up energy in that room where I had to sleep that echoed all night. She who understands that space betwixt what we know and try to believe, knows that theater and religion serve the same purpose, serve the same master. You made me a Shaman, and that is one of the highest honors I have ever received. Thank you.
So I will wish for you my friend, rehersals that start on time, props that are where they are supposed to be.
Brothers who welcome you into their own projects, be they in Wyoming or Montana or a little space downtown.
I wish you the glow over a cornfield at dusk in Indiana, and an old lady's apron with candy in the pockets.
I wish for you above all a stiff warm breeze on a fullmoon night, a body of water, and song. Lots of voices singing,
All from the heart.
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It was the coffee and the dance music that got me to Bragg Creek that moring. I am not sure how many kilometers it was, maybe a 45 minute drive and RouxB & Fabienne's direction were perfect. The findingbrokeback bunch was in the parkinglot booting up. With them was an additional memeber, Barry from Ohio, who is also in the Giant catagory.
Our wrangler was named Allen, a friendly retired rancher and former bronc rider in the Rodeo. Just as nice as could be. His son is taking over the business from him next year, and I feel it will be in capable hands. Along with them was Harley, a mountain of a man and two women, one of who is either married or closely connect to Harley and the other a supermodel who was going to help her brother skin long for his new cabin the following day. There were also two dogs that accompanied us, a black one, mostly Lab, and a balck and white sheep dog that never tired and was always happy. "That" I told myself "is what I am coming back as next go round."
Tamarak had hope we could also visit some sights on Canyon Creek, but it proved to be one of those places that even though you could see it from our destination on Moose Mountain, you could not get there from that point. We could return from the trip, truck the horses to another spot and go there, but it would mean a 12 hour day. I began trying to calculate how that would work with my energy level, and it would not.
The day before Fabienne had her run in the a horses hoof and Mouk had her run off a saddle. Allen was keen tknow how they were doing, and I hoped they were well. The only horse incident we had that day involved Allen himself, leading the line, my horse right behind his, almost trying to stick its nose up the otherin's butt, they were crossing a small branch and his horse became spooked and reared, then fell back on him. His bods came running, got the horse up, got him up. He said that he thought he might have broken a bone in his foot, but he was not headed back.
My horse, Doc, was a good mount. He never got excited goin up unless he say a mountain bike coming, we had to keep our eyes out for them. They would stop and let us pass, "how you doin" eh?" a plenty. I felt right at home, like I did this every day inspite of wth my thighs were tellin' me.
The switch backs goin up the mountain conspired with the pine trees to rob me of my Jack Nasty ball cap, which Allen's son returned to me when I reached the top of the hill. I had figgured I might have to let it go so it was nice having it handed back to me. In the high meadows the dragon flies swarmed like a plague, none of them really bothering us. After about three and a half hours we rounded a bend to head up above the tree line and my attention was called to the valley to might right.
There, was the long upward trek of the computor generated sheep, where they ascend an make a hard left, a thousand of them. The angle was slightly different, but recognizable. Onward, up the trail we went to our final destination. There stood a carin of rocks. On flat one painted on it in red: Jack + Ennis. Here, the spot, this the direction, and with Nova's and Barry's help, there the rock that had sat behind Jake Gylenhaal's butt when Heath Ledger came up beside him and squatted down.
"This is a one shot thing we got going on here."
Out in the distance, some 40 km. away, you could make out the skyscrapers of Calgery. I laid there on my right elbow in the Huquerco made my Jake, in his spot. It was a strange feeling. More than seeing the scene, but being in the scene. That vast, lonely mountaintop, the wind blowing, the bear bell bedecked hikers walking by, oblivious to this as the sight where a famous movie had been filmed.
Barry took me over to the other side of the path and showed me where the camera had sat, at a different angle, and captured Ennis, the fall, Ennis, the sinner on horseback, finally going back to the sheep when he hears the dogs bark. Here I started to learn things, like the trees in the background are the same trees you seen in the frontal shot of the "You know I ain't queer" scene. Where ever they found a place, they shot a scene, if it could work at all. My minds eye searched and imagined the cast and crew, maybe a hundred people, and the sheep, all in this spot. There are photos the forst service took while they filmed there, you can find them on findingbrokeback.com.
"Over there" Barry told me, and before he could finish it I recognized it, the cliff they are driving the sheet along when they move camps. "It is about a 15 minute hike over there, and it is steep on the other side". My sore legs and feet didn;t want to attempt it, it wouldbe 15 min there and 15 min back, and I still had to eat my lunch of pepperoni, powerbars and apple and water.
Shale rock covered the ground.Thousands of them. I found two irredescent rock twinkleing with shinney points for Judy and Lisa, found two grey shale stones for Paul and Juan. Found an old Black Cherry Soda can from way back in the day, but left it there. The dogs enjoyed my pepperoni scraps, like they needed a reason to be my friend.
As soon as we started back Doc wanted to trott, I had to continually hold him back. I wanted that ride to be overwith too, but my rump had done took all it was gonna take for one day. It seemed like forever to get back the way we came.
Once stopped for a break Allen told me about wintertime hunting trips he has to camp way back in the wilderness, saying "for tuff guys like you." I turned around and looked all over. ME? thought, I took the compliment and kept my mouth shut.
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Our Wranglers: :D
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Tru, I love love love these stories - keep em coming! And I would be very happy to have a regualr Travels with truman story to read!
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Tru, I love love love these stories - keep em coming! And I would be very happy to have a regualr Travels with truman story to read!
Well I'll see what I can do about that!
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Meryl told us we had to be up and away from there by 7 am.
It was Friday, and the heard of cats was moving south. This would require removal of smashed bugs and dirt from the windshields of vehicles. Packing and claiming and carrying away of food stuffs. Lee had taken off that morning, headed back to Colorado, thinking about her departure I played Emmy Lou in my head singing "can't remember if we said goodbye". We had our directions and took off according to our readiness. I saw the pimpwagon headed out and fell in behind. Judy and Mouk behind me in a PT Cruiser.
The TransCanada Highway was the same as when I had been the day before, the exit toward Bragg Creek the same. RouxB and myself hunted for the gas door release leaver only to find you need to give it a little push. We got turned around a couple of times before reaching Longview, but nothing catastrophic. I could tell when the call came in to RouxB's phone, she passed me on a mission. I held on and followed.
Out, down below in a valley I saw the vehicles I recognized, turned off on a dirt road, there at the intersection a studly cowboy in a white hat was waving us in that direction, was he our guide for something, no wait a minute, that's Eric! Come to join us at last.
Those of you who have never met Eric in person, you should. There are few people I have ever met more comfortable in their own skin, more properly filled with their own being than this man. He is gregarious and charming, infectiously happy and outgoing. I hope his folk are proud of him.
Up the hill we went, and parking on the side of the road we congregated, I looked back where we came from, and in a fit of deja vu recognized where I had been.
I had waited a couple of months to see Brokeback Mountain. I had first heard about it on NPR when it was at the Toronto film festival and told myself I would need to remember that name so I could rent it later, it sounded like a great movie. Then the buzz followed, the sound clips on NPR, the trailer on TV and that music, that beautiful music from Shawshank Redemption, I knew then no matter what I had to see that movie as soon as I possibly could, which was at an art house theater, a one hundred mile round trip. My partner had to ask me if he could go with me because I was so single minded in my mission. The sense of pride and apprehension that came over me when I saw that marquee say "Brokeback Mountain" was just the beginning of a long sorting out of things. It was about the third showing, the largest theater full of people. The lights went down, Focus features and River Road Entertainment showed off their logos and then the title came up, came up against the very rolling hills I was looking at now and I though: "I cant believe I am finally going to see it". Now, all these months later, there before me, was a car headed south on a road toward Signal, a town that never existed.
Kat's husband, hell he has a handle now: U/C Flyer, had his portable DVD player going, playing the scene, and we, once we got quiet, listed to it, soaked it in, and then was shocked back to reality by a passing train, in the movie that is. Judy, in a foreshadowing of her role to come in my story, gave me a big hug as the tears filled my eyes.
From there, we made our way south still, saying a prayer to whoever/whatever listens to prayers in that part of the world that Judy, low on gas, would have the Hanukkah Miracle performed in her gas tank. It worked, Many kilometers later we pulled into a little town where a woman was pumping gas at the pumps. I had not encountered such since approximately the 27th of August, 2004 in Taylor, Nebraska. This place was much the same, a crossroads in the middle of nowhere. I talked with Fabienne about how it was starting to look like those towns and we wondered what it must be like to live there.
Inside, the woman pumping gas told Judy how her brother had met Heath Ledger during the filming. Had his picture made with him. She was just smiling and happy about it and I thought that was so cool. If they had filmed it where I live, no one would admit being associated with it. I heard the train passing nearby, a sound so familiar. We were close I remember thinking.
Down the road we saw huge windmills. The kind used to make electricity. And then a sharp left off the main road into the little town of Cowley. When I turned onto that street, it was like I was coming home after a round the world trip by Yaris.
We pulled off on the vacant side of the road, the side with the train tracks. Across the way the red church steeple behind a stack of fence posts, where Aguirre's trailer once sat. Where Jack had pulled his truck up was a store selling jerky of all kinds, with a plywood cut out of a male figure shooting an Elk. A woman sat on the bench there, taking it all in. What must she think? Oh Gawd, more of them, because of that movie, bunch of homos and hangers on come to disrupt their general peacefulness. Two young boys on a riding lawn mower went down the street at top speed pulling a third on a skate board, eager for attention. There was safety in numbers, until the towns folk poured out of wherever they were hiding.
Oregondoggie was there, in his aquablue Escort stationwagon, the same one he had driven last year from Oregon to Wyoming when we all got together in the town of Buffalo. He who had whined he would be unable to make the trip was suddenly coming in the last remaining days. He who had put my prayer from the casher out on the clothes line of the world had been to the Mint Bar, had pictures of the pool table and a tale of seeing the unknown man. Ten years older, and not alone. Let us hope it is so, I have no reason to doubt such a gentle soul.
I walked over to the store and checked out the parking lot. I was there with Phil and Paul and Kat when the stores' proprietor came out with something green and nylon in her hand. She asked if we were there because of Brokeback and we told her we were. She said she thought we would like to see this: it was the back off of Ang Lee's directors chair, he had given it to her himself. She was proud to be showing it off. Phil produced a microphone and began talking to her about the shoot there, and she invited us into her store. "We have the best jerky in the world" she told us.
Inside there was a poster of the movie, and a younger girl at the counter made us feel welcome. She retrieved the chair back so Pete and Oregon could have their picture made with it. I told her her as I paid for me buffalo jerky that in many ways we felt trepidation going to these places and she looked puzzled and asked why. I said it was because of the gay thing. She said "That's not what that movie was about". She went on to say that people there saw the story for what it was, about love and struggle and loss. I exhaled, a little bit.
Down the street the alley where Ennis feels his guts being pulled out, just before the parking area for the rescue squad where Jack's truck was parked, I had always thought it was still in front of Aguirre's trailer. My own attempts to recreate the sound effects was still too familiar too me and I exited the little space as the kids were coming up the street again on the lawnmower. Unable to come to a complete stop they ran into the corner of building, giddy with excitement. I heard differing stories of what their take on Brokeback was.
Armed with some dry red meet in my stomach I staved off hunger for Ft. McLeod, about 40 km. away. My rear view mirror speaking more to the dirtiness of my car than anything I was leaving behind.
Ft. McLeod was a bigger place for sure. There we had a number of scenes from Riverton, the divorce court, the bus station cafe, the bar where Cassie just finished her shift and of course, the apartment over the laundry. Little places we had to seek out as 3/4 of them were concealed behind their veneer of real life.
The Java Shop building dates to 1912 or so, one half diner, one half Greyhound station. They are REAL proud of their roll in Brokeback. They have posters on the wall, they have a TV playing a continuous loop of Cassie and Carl entering, her confronting Ennis, the arrival of the returned past card and that chilly, gut wrenching phone conversation with Lureen. They keep a steady order of apple pie, and you can reserve table 25 if you call ahead, sit where Heath ledger sat, with you back to the TV while Jack is beaten to death. I am glad they included that sobering part.
Our waitress was a nice enough woman who gave us menus and then told us what our choices were. I got a big old red meat hamburger and a split a plate of fries with Oregon that nigh one of us could finish. They are looking for help BTW, Mouk.
Kat and Flyer, with the assistance of Kirk and Eric, worked on their own going project of recreating the scenes in the locations the originals were films. Kirk, I don't know if he was just pretending to eat that pie of if he actually was putting it in his mouth, sat at 25 while Eric escorted Kat in. There were towns people in half the place and I was giddy with excitement that they had enough nerve to do this in broad daylight, that it was okay to do. I was not prepared for what I saw. Kat is a natural. She was in character and she was Cassie. Not the first crack, she went Thur those lines like a pro. I was so impressed.
Out on the street, in true feline form, we ended splitting up into two groups, one headed for the court house another for the bar. I followed the latter, as far as the door. The smell of stale beer and old tobacco smoke hit me before I entered, and a life time of self preservation kicked in again. Shakestheground learned early on he don't go in places that smell like that. They are inhabited by dangerous people. Others in the group went in, had a beer, but like Eric said in one of his posts in the pictures thread, you can only expect so much from people drinking at 2 pm. Next door was a theater, they had a world premier of a play that night and offered walking tours of the film sights in the town. It was here that the local premiere of the movie had taken place, with the whole town turning out. Ang Lee himself had attended.
Down the street a left hand turn at the gift shop and there at the end of the block was the apartment. The stairs, the landing, the enclosure, the parking lot across the street. It seemed smaller than what I had imagined. A poster hung on the wall, replacing an earlier movie poster that had become faded. It heralded the site as the location of filming for three days in June of 2004. Jake's last name was mispelt, and we were invited to take all the pictures we wanted, but to please leave the tenants alone. I gave Judy a kiss in the stairwell, she let me be Ennis.
(The findingbrokeback bunch has actually been in the apartment, it is rumored that Tamarack can tell you the distance between the medicine cabinet and the door jam.)
The court room was not a big deal I thought. Juan and myself climbed those stairs having somehow lost the rest of them and checked it out. A sign at the door advised us to remove any muddy boots. Nice old place, with the obligatory movie poster, done in good taste of course. And the herd moved north again, in fits and starts and in confusion, but with a spirit of cooperation.
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It had been a long confusing trip from Ft. McLeod to Calgary, involving an unnecessary side trip to Straffmore, which I had no one to blame but myself for. We past some beautiful prairie country, past the town of Carsland where I recognized a row of buildings at 80 km. as Signal, Jack and Ennis walking to the bar to have a beer.
Able now to connect with a network I was able to raise Lynne on the phone and find out where I was supposed to be. The guest relations officer at the hotel we were a day early for drew us directions for the trip to the south end of Calgary. Mouk rode with me and I was glad for the company. She would be leaving us soon to set out on her own journey of relocation. After negotiating Calgary rush hour traffic on a Friday and locating the Travel Lodge, there was need to contact Lynne again to learn what exactly her leagal last name was so we could connect with the proper reservations and get settled. In the pool outside the office floated Paul and Meryl and Pete and Ellemeno, who like Lynne had just joined us.
I bunked with Pete that night. I enjoyed his company. A more sincere and earnest guy you will never meet. I can also say proudly I have never felt more comfortable taking my clothes off in front of anyone. He told me tales of his life way back when we went whitewater rafting. He carried with him a present for Rodney, a ceramic antique creel case. Wrapped and packed and safe for delivery.
We went to Ranchman's about 8:30 I suppose, this is the bar where Jack learns that Lureen's father sells "Hunnered thousand dollar tractors, shit like that." I walked in that place and something grabbed a hold of me. I can;t tell you what it was, I was fearful it was a case of acting out, but it felt different. I have not been in that many country/western night clubs, but when the volumptious Renee at the door told me she liked my accent and asked me where I was from, suddenly I was representing. I was in tune with the energy of the place and I was ready to have a good time, and a good time I did. I left the camera behind, and took it all in my memory. The best part of the evening: no cigarette smoke at all.
I learned the lay of the land, being shown where Jack sat, where Lureen sat and fortified with a back and forth series of beers with Juan I became at home. The findingbrokeback gang was there, as was Rob Skeets, who I had looked forward to meeting, WLAguy, Rodney, and familiar faces from the week poured in to the reserved tables in the center. And there in the midst of it, Lynne, in a dress. That went all the way to the floor. I had to pick her up and give her a spin and apologize for snapping at her for being stuck with her husbands last name.
I love Molson Beer. I drank a lot of it in college, in spite of its prohibitively expensive price of $3.33 a six pack. Had not hardly had one since 1986 but I made up for it this trip. I decided early on in the evening that if need be I would just leave the car there, it was only a mile back to the motel, I had walked further. And the evening pour'd forth to the sounds of country music, and a live band, and laughter, and women with penis shaped glow sticks around their necks, penis shaped attachments to the end of their drinking straws. Conversations with new and old friends, and the mechanical bull, fired up and ready to go. Kirk was the first in our group to hop on. He was a natural. Me and Juan, betwixt beer runs, went and paid our $5 for our 8 seconds of glory. By the time we got back, Lynne was up on that thing, her long dress gathered up like a ranch woman going after cows stuck in the mud.
It is neat how the thing works, they have this rope wrapped around it and you lay your open palm across it an close, tighten, and other loop, and then they tell you slide all the way forward, sit on your hand. No easy feat. They start you out slow, and the longer you manage to hang on, the faster it gets. I am not sure what my time was, but I remember thinking "this is the not fun part", as I slipped off, l landing in the rubbery pillow of spoiled safety.
We asked Renee and another female employee there about the filming and the movie. I don't think either of them were working there then, but they had some story about Jake that I didn't get to hear all of, perhaps Paul did he was closer. He asked her about male/male dancing and they said they had no policy and had nothing against it but they could not speak for every one there. There was a growing need to dance, I wanted to. We asked if they know of any gay dance bars in town, but I don't think they did. We were going to make that a project, but like most of our planes it never came to pass.....
The country fried steak arrived about 11 pm, back home we call it chicken fried steak, it was spicy, but Molson took care of that. The band was playing, and I had been back and forth several times checking it out. Drunken women could two step around the floor, always had been. But two guys dancing together, no way.
But dance we did. Me and Juan and Judy and Mouk and Lynne and Kirk, and Pete came and took some pictures. There on that hard wood floor, me and Judy turned around and around, painfully as Jack and Lureen, while real life spun around us. We danced, clapped and hollered for more. My lung ached for air, my heart raced to keep up with me feet, that felt like they were on someone Else's legs from time to time. So out of shape I am, but I turned the corner.
Exiting the dance floor, our comrads having abandoned us, Pete on foot not waiting for me, I seen it was nearly midnight. I told Juan that bull was soon gone turn into a pumpkin if he didn't get on it. Well, he did, and he was the shit that night. You would have had to have been there to see it. I doubt anyone has ever looked finer riding one of them things.
Thank you, Lynne.
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Now comes the second and final installment of the busted jeans.
These I did not mind so much about, they came from the Goodwill store and I probably paid a dollar for them, I had probably quit wearing them because they were starting to bust. I probably packed them without thinking because I am a pack rat and had not discarded them. At least I was wearing my one pair of fancy under drawers that morning.
We were checking out that morning to head toward the rodeo in Rockyford, eventually. I was on postcard duty, making sure those I had promised would be receiving one, and that as many people had a chance to sign them as possible. Who is this? Who is this? Driving on the sidewalk?!? Ellemeno, Meryl, Eric, Paul, Mouk, Judy, Pete, all seen my fancy underware. RouxB was packing, but only Lynne told me I had done busted my britches. That is why Lynne is my friend. They all thought I was an exhibitionist. Well, I did change into my swimtrunks in the Denny's parking lot. (well I am chuckling, hope you are too.)
That morning was like the Olympics on flypaper. People would take off, people had to wait, while waiting someone would decide to wander off, someone needed to get gas, please wait, by the time they returned something else had happened. Kirk and Juan joined us and Kirk, who had been up late on the computer, had copied down the directions to A) Monroe's house; and B) Jack's murder sight.
Well Monroe's house did not exactly hold much appeal, but I am glad Judy and Gail, who was the last arrival, had devine providence on their side when it was time for them to visit. It was decided we would go to the murder sight. This would entail a freakish joyride thru the heaviest traffic the whole trip, Kirk's Kia, The Pimpwagon, The Yaris and The PT. Just to maintain visual contact, sometimes you got to settle for what you can get and trust you will all be where your supposed to be when the time comes. It was so that day.
Several times on this trip when confronted with emotion I have been reminded of scenes from my own life, stories I have heard that were similar. There are a couple I will write about at somepoint, but not tonight. Going to this railside I got a feeling I had buried a long time ago, going to see where my sister had lost her life. It was much the same, flat, a few trees and planes in the air.
The location is on the NE outskirts, past the airport, out in the country which begins abruptly. We went down that road that got narrower and narrower, a truck transmission lay on the right hand side. We reached a point where the road kindley petered out, at least it was the last place where the vehicles could easily turn about.
There were those of us who elected not to go, and I respect their decision. We set off on foot like we drove, everyone for themselves. I was walking alone mostly, carrying my medicine bag and realizing to my dismay I had left my camera in the car, I was not about to go back for it. It didn't feel right to do so, yet, there was no need, cameras abounded. I had been down roads like this before, a discarded beer bottle here and there, a smashed car window in pieces on the found like spilled diamonds. A twist of barbed wire emerging from the ground ready to snag any tire that crossed it. How had it gotten there? How had I gotten here? The road continued, disused but evident, across the tracks, we were there. Like everyother place the angle was different, it seemed smaller.
The tall green grass had been trampled, no doubt by members of our group who had been there earlier. The place was eerily calm and quiet. Judy, Mouk, Lynne, Pete, Kirk and myself took it in, took it up. I wondered aloud what the other side of that sign on the rail road said and Kirk stepped to check it out. Like a Woody Guthrie song, the otherside, didn't say nothing. It was the same here, as it was there.
I lay down in the trampled grass, like instinct, gazed up at the clear blue sunny sky, blue, the color of Jack, Jack the murdered prince, Jack who gave his life, to redeem the life of the one he loved I have heard some speculate. Here, in this grass, starring up at the sky so blue you could drowned in it, he drowned in his own blood.
When I raised up I could see Kirk was praying at the fence post. Mouk was up on the tracks, alone with her thoughts, Judy and Pete speaking and taking pictures. Lynne, swaying ins ome instinctive prayer she carries in her DNA. And the phone rang.
In Denmark, Maine, United States of America, Lisa of the Book, Lisa, messanger to the Vatican, had broken the endless game of phone tag she had played with Judy for days. Judy told her as calmly as she could where we were. I could have head her screaming without the benefit of the phone. Devinne Providence, showing its pretty head this Saturday afternoon.
We all spoke with her, I couldn't tell you a word she said, it was all strange and unnerving. I think it was right she called when she did, it was a lifeline, keep us in this world and not let us cross over to where we didn't belong.
I reached into my medicine bag and pulled out a braided cord of sweet grass. This I had carried with me for sometime, never using , never setting flame to, I had other medicine in the bad, mint that would have been good to use, but my fingers pulled out the sweet grass. I stuck it on a barb on the fence, it was curled like a baby snake, this braided. With tobacco, I prayed healing for what had been filmed there, prayed healing for all those who had been tormented by seeing the result. May that prayer slide off that braided for a long time, onto the winds of Alberta, and sail around the world. May that nicotine satisfy the nerves of something greater than the sum of us there.
There was medicine all about, in the tall grass, stalks I picked and braided and carried with me. There was intention in that grass and I had an idea already what to do with it. I also found a rusty, but otherwise unused railroad spike, a witness, no doubt to the filming. It fit in me hand nicely. I will sometimes ask rocks if they want to come with me, human made object always do.
Back along the road, the field of diamonds, pools of violence and penetration and failed mechanics. I stumbled along in a dream. The hands that had held me so long, they kept me on course.
I hope she don't mind my telling this, but one of the most moving things I heard said I heard back at the cars. RouxB explaining her feelings on the sacredness of the story, how she feels it should be handled and not in the way I have handled it at times. People need a release from the grief and finding no closure they sometimes act out, sometimes say and do things that don't honor the characters or the story. I am no different. I relate, and I am guilty too.
I am always seeing the flying creatures. They come at times of emotion and separation. The hawk at a burial, the bird that stands and just watches you, the fly than lands on you hand when you thing of someone you have lost. Here then, standing beside the open door of the Pimpwagon where I showed Juan my railroad spike, came the dragonfly, green and delicate, I held up my hand and it lit there. Its mechanical eyes swivelling about checking me out, studying me, maybe extracting some salt from my skin. Lynne got out her camera and I looked into those eyes. Who are you? Come to tell me something? Would I ever hear you if I could? It stayed a minute or more, and then it was gone, off in the breeze, back to its world.
Pete and Ellemeno can probably tell you I was not the best driver. I need prompting to go at stop signs. My heart was heavy and sad and few words spoken in that car did I hear. I remember a billboard with a giant chicken head on it, remember pointing it out like I needed to still connect with the world somehow, but it was only a head with no body on a billboard. I dropped off Pete and Ellemeno off at the Best Western and then went over to the Travel Lodge.
I had the trunk open, to get the bags out. Judy, she come up to me and said something nice and asked if I could write down what I had said out yonder and I could feel it coming up out of me, like banshees howling. Like my guts being ripped from their mooring, the tears came up in my eyes the way they have done hundreds of times the last 19 months, but this time, a monster was behind it. I grabbed a hold of her and held on, and let that beast out. It was awful, it was wonderful. I saw colors. Not pretty ones, but gelatenous, like old pus. I saw my mother kiss my dying fathers hand, I saw Curt driving blind in a fountain of tears, I saw Stinky jumping off Abrams Falls, I cried out, for every person I had cared about now just a memory, I cried for the stories I had heard and read, and in a minute it was over. Jack Twist was dead. Standing there was Judy and RouxB and Mouk and Lynne. It was late July and I was in Straffmore, Alberta in my swim trunks. I was back home.
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;D And now folks, I have a guest who would like to speak of her and Gail's adventures in Calgary, after they took off on their own:
Take it away, Judy:
MONROE ‘S HOUSE
CALGARY, ALBERTA
GAIL’S AND JUDY’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE
The glory of the Canadian Rockies, and the emotion of seeing the filming sites for many of the Brokeback Mountain scenes had us tired and completely satisfied Wednesday evening, our last night in Alberta. But there was still a bit of dusky light left and on a whim we decided to drive past Monroe’s house, just because we could.
We found the street, and next the correct block. I could see the tip of the gable from the intersection. Excitement took over. “There it is, there it is!” I screeched, while Gail surveyed both sides of the street for a place for me to pull over. As we drove up even with the house, we saw an unexpected issue, quite possibly a problem. The owner was mowing the lawn. After a short time, she looked up at our rental car idling in front of her home, and shut off the mower.
“Would you mind if we took a picture of your house?” asked my friend. The woman shook her head ‘no’. “It was in Brokeback Mountain, the movie.” she said. “We know, that’s why we’re here!” The woman indicated for us to wait five minutes till she ran her electric mower over the last of the lawn, and then she would be out of the way of our camera shots.
When she pulled the mower to the back yard, we began snapping and shooting, edging ever closer. We wanted to get a good shot of the porch where Junior sat waiting for her daddy to pick her up.
Before long, the owner came back out and started telling us about the filming procedure. How the crew had to get permission from the neighbors on each side of her house, to put “snow” on their roofs for the Thanksgiving scene where Ennis slammed out of the house after the Jack Nasty remark by Alma. This scene was shot at 11 p.m. on May 28th, 2004.
The dinner table and kitchen scenes were not filmed here she said, but over at the Scarbrough house. Heath only came in and stood in the foyer so they could film him slamming out the door. She told us she had been reimbursed for the damage done to her storm door, when the door slammed back against the house, due to Heath using too much force on one or more takes of that scene.
She said the process began when she received a letter stating that the film company would like to use her house in the making of a movie. What convinced her to do it, “in spite of the subject matter” was that Ang Lee was involved with the project, and she had long been a fan of his work. She proudly revealed that after she had agreed, Ang himself had come to her house to look around and make sure it was the right house for his movie. Both the neighbors on each side of her had agreed also, but Ang thought her property gave the best opportunity for his characters to show up well.
For the filming, they only added a few props. One was the yard lamp. The two flower boxes on the porch railing were originally meant to be attached to the front window, but didn’t show up well at the camera angle, so they moved them to the railing. She said they added a goose or something to the left side of the door and they took a white and red sticker off her mailbox because it did not fit the time period. They replaced it after the filming was completed.
Two ceramic flower pots are now on her front steps. They were not used in the movie, but someone from the crew had broken two plastic flower pots she had in the back yard, and they replaced them with the nicer ones, in spite of her protests that they weren’t worth the trouble.
She told us about the crew changing out her front blinds to match the blinds in the other house where they filmed Junior, Jenny and Monroe watching TV while Alma harped at Ennis in the kitchen.
She had been telling us that the local paper, the Calgary Herald had kept the readers notified of filming being done in the city on a little independent film. On March 3, 2006, the magazine section of that same paper was devoted to the filming sites of Brokeback Mountain. In the owner’s words, by then, they knew it was “Huge”.
As she’s telling us these details, and answering all our questions, it’s getting quite dark and the mosquitos are making a feast of my arms and legs. About the tenth time I slapped at a biting critter, she said “Do you want to come in?” Gail and I just about fell over. “Yes, thank you.” we said.
She went into another room to get the section of the newspaper to show us, and came out saying “I have an extra copy, if you’d like to have it.” And handed it to me. Then this generous woman pulled out personally autographed pictures of Heath and Jake to show us. She hadn’t even had them framed yet.
To be honest, when she was looking for the newspaper and photos to show us, I was running my hands all over the door that Heath Ledger had grabbed and slung open, who knows how many times in the filming of the Thanksgiving retreat. I’m only human, you know!
To sum it up, Gail and I had an incredible and informative visit with a gracious woman and all because we decided to add just one more film site to our agenda at the last moment.
Judy
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wordsmith 1. an expert in the use of words.
Truman--You have mesmerized me with this accounting of your time in Alberta. While I'm reading, I can feel the experience in my heart -- it makes me laugh and cry and believe that I can see what the actual travelers saw. And not just "see" but hear and smell and taste and feel---your sensual writing takes the reader into the moment. Thanks and I look forward to more.
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Judy
Thank you for the wonderful retelling of your trip to Monroes house and the lovely woman who abides there. I am getting a
different take on the way the Canadians treat the movie, and the people that are in love with it...They seem to have no feelings of
disapproval or disdain. I am so glad. Maybe, just maybe. The world has been changed, if only by the smallest bit, for the better.
Because of our glorious movie.
Thanks to the people like Judy and Truman retelling the visit, they experienced. I believe the souls are traveling thru the
ethos. Sending all the same good feelings and healing power all over the world. I truly hope..For as we know. Love never really
dies. It is never wasted, it just changes form. janice
Truman you made me cry: But it was good...thank you again wonderful friend, whom i have never met. But have known
forever.
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Honey, we are gone meet in SanFran from what I hear.... ;D
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Yes we are, I am so so excited, and looking forward to it.
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Good gosh, Truman, you threw me for a loop with that post about me. Friend, that meant so much, because you've been special to me for a long time now. I can't tell you how great it was to see you every day for a short while and know I had just a little to do with your being there. To be a small part of your remarkable story more than makes up for any hassle or loss of sleep/money/serenity I experienced while herding our cats. And a big thank you to you for the one moment that really brought home the meaning of our Pilgrimage to me: when you pulled out that plant from Jack's Murder site and burned it in the fire. No shaman that ever lived could have done better. A solemn Yeehaw under a full Brokie moon to you, dear Friend. :-*
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Honey, we are gone meet in SanFran from what I hear.... ;D
I am sooo glad you are coming!
I can't wait till sept! ;D
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You ahve a new avatar Tru! No more of you in your car - cool little pic tho - is it you?
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Well, it's my head, I don;t know whose body :P
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Someone in the know did the calculation and pronounced the temperature at the Rockyford Rodeo 92 degrees F, but it was a dry heat. Ellemeno made sure we were properly hydrated. Made the harrowing trip with us, to a place the road atlas said was at the dead end of an unnamed road. Wrong, there are road all over that place, in a grid, but not all straight.
Our gang arrived late, Paul and Meryl had been there a long time with the FBB gang, Fabienne wearing the red hat, the crown of Lureen, the Barrell Princess, Lureen of the Mating call, and they were barrel racing when we arrived. Women on horses, some of them confused by those barrels.
As I understand it, it was the first time the hat had been back to Rockyford, where it fell from the head of a speeding stand in and was dusted off by Jake: "Ma'am". I was by then, lethargic. Empty and ready to be filled by something new. That I was in the place where Jack rode Sleepy was not as important to me as I was there in this little authentic town on the prairie with my friends. We occupied a section of the bleachers, almost in the shade.
The things I seen them do at that rodeo some of them I have never seen before. Wild ponies on lead lines with three kids holding on, each with a job, the closest to get on the pony and ride. There was the family of trick riders, young girls in body stockings who hung their head dangerously close to ground from the back of a galloping horse.
In the stands, the attraction was a young shirtless man who either had too much to drink, or judging by the scars some sort of trauma. His tirade with his peeps caught my attention a time or two, but he was generally well behaved, and my attention to go to other things: The ring cowboys in pink shirts, the sign for a company called Laycock, The shirtless wonder at his camper door.
Lynne, sitting in front of me, I decided needed to get the sun off her head and I gave her my Jack Nasty cap to wear. Juan, curious to see what his straw hat looked like on me, coronated me as I protested my head was too big, and like an old glove, it encased my skull like it was made for it. This was the start, a casting away of old, and taking up of new.
Filing out into the town of dirt streets and concrete sidewalks, we came up on the bank, aka the Childless Dance Hall. The bench ready and waiting for me and Kirk, in a production of our own, for no one else, "You ever notice a woman, will powder her nose before she goes to a party...." we fell into it just like that. Across the street the Riverton Post Office, the spot on the street where Ennis gets the news occupied by large muscle trucks. Across from it, the "Bar".
Lynne had done arrived, she had done made friends with the barkeep and a woman who had cooked our desert at the hotel down the street, Bonny, spelt with a "y", the Scottish way she told us. By the time I arrived she was holding court, telling of those days in 2004 when the actors would show up in their limos and do their bit and leave. Of her daughter who was an extra in the stands for that movie rodeo, you can't see her she told us, but she did, by accident, turn too fast once, and ran straight into Jake Gyllenhaal and knocked him on his ass, from which she promptly ran away. This is what I was hoping for, the stories, the legend that were growing up about this movie. These people who knew the before and after of their little town, settling with a gang of foreigners and Roland telling us all about it.
We had to say goodbye to Mouk there, before supper she had to go with Judy who would deliver her to her next adventure, and pick up Gail from the airport. I wonder still how she made out. Dear, fragile looking bird who is really a locust post, ready to stand up to anything. The pealing away had begun.
One more trip to the bar, and there, come to ask her Mama for something, was she. Alexandra, the Extra, She of great force, she who fell the Gyllenhaal. Ellemeno provided me the pen, and a microbrewery the coaster and I tried to approach her as normal as I could, but I was plumb giddy when I asked her for her autograph.
It was so hot at supper I had to go out and get some air. Just wander, no place in particular. My heart warmed when I turned to find Juan coming to join me.
A nice evening stroll to help the digestion. Two gay men from different parts of the globe strolling the streets of a small town in Canada, where people inhabited front porches, people who didn;t seem to know what the word fag was, a golden sun, down along with western horizon now, out past St. Rita's church where the priest gives his car a shower with the downspout on rainy days. Two friends, where a week earlier, there had been none. Fill my empty vessel, fill it with the nearly full moon, bulging on the eastern rim of the earth, fill it with the song of the Dixie Chicks, go to sleep, little man, sweet dreams, little man, the little angels will keep you safe.
Kirk accompanied me back to Straffmore, I am afraid I was not much company. We were not sure which way to go, but the moon lit the whole prairie and if we went south, surely we would hit highway 1. I thought the landscape that evening was the most spectacular thing I had ever seen. We spoke of getting in the pool later but it was already closed.
I slept that night like a rock, nearly 7 hours, the only really good sleep I had the whole trip. I dreamed that night a three fold dream:
1. My partner broke his leg climbing down an embankment.
2. A woman I attended college with was a cleaning lady where we were staying, and,
3. A former agent from my office who passed away earlier this year returned to visit with me.
When I woke the next morning I called my partner, he had not broke his leg, but his god sons mother had broke her foot.
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More of your Travel, I am loving every moment. It helps to keep away the envy, of not being there....
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Then when we are going be in SF together? "Truman and Janice tried to raise bail, but...." :laugh:
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Then when we are going be in SF together? "Truman and Janice tried to raise bail, but...." :laugh:
Well, I'm sure we can pool our pennies and make bail! LOL
Course with it bein SF and all maybe we can just sweet talk our way out! :laugh:
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Okay folks, if there are still any of you out there, here goes the long last tale of Alberta that will carry me home:
That Sunday morning I went to the fitness center at the Travelodge, lifted some weights and did the treadmill until company arrived and I beat a hasty retreat because people intimidate me in gym situations. I got dressed and put on my only clean shirt, the red Jack Twist? Jack Nasty! T-shirt that RouxB had gone thru hell to keep in one of the games we played, only to trade it to me for the t shirt I got coming in 2nd place in Brokeback Jeopardy. She told me it looked good on me, but I knew it could look better, intend to give it a better substrata to fit over.
That morning I met Gail from Oklahoma, who had arrived late on account of a funeral. I found myself classifying her and Judy in my mind as " a couple of doll's" because they sure seemed to fit the bill. Gail has this classic Clara Bow look to her and I told Lynne upon meeting her: hey, she talks like us! She and Judy had made it in about 1 am from an insane trip from the Calgary airport and were ready to go.
Not having been one to ever pay any attention to the printed scedual or ask what was next the whole week I failed to get with the program to go to the Twist Ranch and other sites that day. It was my fault and I don't feel so bad about it for myself by I had pursuaded Lynne to ride with me and Judy and Gail were following me. Had I not gone and got gas I might have had a clue, but I was operating under the impression we were headed to Dead Mans Flatts back up near Canmore and just doing the horses that evening. I felt bad about them missing out on the Twist Ranch, but what is done is done now.
We travelled on Highway One, thru Calgary, it seemed strange as it was a week to the day I had been on the same trek, past the space needle thingy and the olympic ski jump. Past the Car and Dog Wash. Talking of life and stuff, especially stuff. On and on toward Rt 40, which would take us to where we were rideing horses that afternoon, and then we get a call and learn we are lost. So, we turn back to Hwy 1 and go on to Dead Mans Flatts, a little community on the side of the road, where we have rooms in an old Mom and Pop establishment. We arrived too early to check in, but not too early to have lunch next door at then Husky Truck Stop, the only place in town to eat, with a delicious Denver Omelet Sandwich.
I decided that I would try and take the ladies to the sight of the second campsight above Canmore. We had just enough time I figured if we stepped on it, and man it got to be right tight, but I drove that Yaris back into Canmore one last time like a bat out of hell and put a few new ruts on that worshboard of a road. Lynne in the front seat holding on and I didn't look in the back seat to see how Judy and Gail was, but they kept talking so I figured they were okay. Went right up to the locked gate, dragging the ground and we hustled out to the lasso hill. From there we could see the camp sight, Goat Creek, but there was just not enought time to go down and check it out, so I ended up feeling even worser than I did for f'ing up the Twist Ranch. "We gotta go, we gotta go now." I told them.
We had to be at the horse place by 4:30 pm, and as we screamed thru Dead Mans Flatts I could see their cars in the parking lot, we were going to beat them there. I thought about stopping, but no, keep going or everyone will have to go to the bathroom.
Down Rt. 40 to the south we went on into Kananaskis Country. More wooded that the rugged other side of the mountain, the Goat Creek side, there was a sign alerting Moose to some crossing hazzard ahead which I thought was plum silly as Moose can't read as far as I know. We reached the place aout 10 mintutes before 5 pm and it was all good. A nice conference center and recreation facility, with a teepee just off the parking lot. The building itself was circular mostly, with a gift shop where I almost bought a blue enamel coffee cup to rememory the ocassion, but didn't. I signed my waiver and when the rest of them got there we mounted up. They got there about the time the wrangler got back with the previous riders, including a woman wearing a cheap tiara. Perfect timing, which is not the same thing as devine providence, but might be a first cousin.
There was Lynne, Judy, Gail, Paul, Meryl, RouxB and Eric and meself lead by a strappin' young feller name of Wayne if I remember right. He asked me had I ever rode before and I was proud to tell him: earlier this week. Then he wanted to know the name of the outfit and all that and hell I couldn't remember, down around Bragg Creek someplace I told him. Ellemeno didn't go, and I respect that. Riding horses can be fun, but it is always work. I liked how everyone looked on their horses, everyone of you all looked sexy. Looked like you should be smokin'.
What's this horses name? Waylon. He was a laid back horse. In fact the ride was somewhat comatose compared to Moose Mountain. It was an easy trail. Up thru the gentle hills, past the pictuesque ponds and bogs, the birds singing, the breeze blowing. I took a few pictures, but mostly I was just alone with my thoughts.
Now there is alone in the traditional sense, and there is alone in a group, like that. That alone I don't mind so much because there is the framework of the group there to support me and let me be. Being alone on your own is being vunerable, you don't get to relax, you have to stay on guard for a wolf or something. I felt like and old hand at this horse riding and luckily nothing came along to challenge that ass-umption.
Back at the ranch we dismounted, made our way to the bar inside to obtain beers, which we consumed outside on the picnic tables. This followed by a plate of nachos and the arrival of friends. The FBB gang had that day been to the first Ennis and Alma house, the sight of "If I had three hands I could.". They had been given a tour by the elderly female owner, who told them the history of the place, recent and not so. Goaboydc had obtained a small piece of wall paper from the ramshacked place to offer in the fire later. We settled in and the newcommers got to play a round of Brokeback Jeopardy, and I think it was Goaboydc and RouxB who were leading when the supper bell was announced.
Some good eating that night. When I eat red meat I like it well done, but I had no problem consuming it, the corn on the cob, the baked tater, the beans. Outside a fire was lit for us on a patio in a specially designed fire container. As we finished our meal we milled about outside, discussing the finer points betwixt dilly-dallying and lolly-gaging.
As the gloaming began, Meryl, the High Priestess, The MC, Meryl the Coordinator Extrodinair, got our attention and opened the program. Going by my pictorial record the first gift given out was to Rodney, from Pete and Eric, the antique ceremic creel case they had found in California, and carried all the way there, to Ranchman's parking lot and then on to this night. Meryl then thanked the Finding Brokeback Gang, giving them cards and presents in honor of their hard work and sharing with us, sting ties, so they would be ready come thanksgiving, for any type of altercation with any ole' son of a bitch. She then called Phil, and John, and Ellemeno up, for their hard work, founding and maintaining and dedicating so much time and effort to Bettermost, the canvass on which we have painted our stories. Belt Buckles, to clink and impress people with, people who don't rodeo much theirselves.
The it was my turn. The High Priestess had earlier that week appointed me the Shaman of the Cult, and I was very flattered to be called that. It is one thing to aspire to something, but to have it handed to you by authority is quite an honor. I took it seriously, had told her earlier what I hoped to do to honor a couple of people I had read about but never knew. Meryl also provided us with paper so we could write our message/prayer/whatever and add it to the fire.
Phil and John got it all on tape, so you'll see it for yourself oneday and I won's have to sit here and self agrandize too much. I did try an set the tone for a healing. That was what I wanted to get across was there is a lot of pain in the world, a lot of pain in our experences no matter who we are and there are opportunities everday to heal some of that, to make things better. I offered to the fire, to incenerate it and carry to where ever, an envelope entrusted to me by Front Ranger Lee, containing a swatch of cloth from the catche on Brokenback mountain in Wyoming. A swatch from a shirt from the same store where THE shirts had come from, placed there, only recently by SamChez, who I wish could have been there that week with us. it was gone in an instant.
In my own offering there was Brokenback as well, Sage, from there and from Lightning Flat, gathered on my second favorite trip of all time. Offered for healing for Weldon Culliton and Geoffrey Chapman, who were fine men. I never met them, but I know their sister and daughter and they are fine folks, who still love them.
And then, they came forward, most all of them, some speaking, some not, with their truths and prayers. Their confessions and wants. It was very moving. Rayn pour'd forth true to his name love that really touched me. RouxB read a poem by Pablo Neruda, perhaps I can find out the name of it, it was perfect and fitting and it was sacrificed to them beyond us as well. I'll stop here, don't wanna step on no toes.
Why do they go, and leave us with such mess to clean up? Why do we have to spend so much time undoing the meanness in the world, when we could be out enjoying it? I suppose it is a yink/yang thing, it all has to exist together, good and bad, in some sort of harmony. Like what E. Annie Proulx wrote in 1999:
"The digging is never done because the shovel scrapes at life itself. It is not possible to get it all, or even very much of it, but I gather what I can of the rough, tumbling crowd, the lone walkers and the voluble talkers, the high lonesome signers, the messages people write and leave for me to read."
And it ended with Annie Proulx, and Meryl called up Rodney. A sweet, gentle mountain of a man who has been on the road a long time it seems. I never really thought about it, but he reminds me of Loyal Blood, the character from Proulx's Postcards, just a lot happier. Rodney, the muse, the trubadore, recited, from memory, in perfect pitch and inflection, the dozy embrace. That, which came to be in Jack's mind the crux, the satisifying of some sexless hunger, ooooohhhhhh baby, bring it on. How many times I had read that passage, heard it read, seen it depicted. No telling, but that night it was put to me this way: Love, if nothing else, Love. Show some as often as you can.
Meryl took the ceremonial whiskey, the bottle from which we had all either drank or dabbed a bit to put behind our ears and she poured it in the fire and it roared with a mighty woosh. It was time for the hayride.
Well, now the famous hayride. How many people did we have on that thing? Thirty? Well, it was a wagon, outfitted with church pews that had to have come out of a Baptist Church, given their total lack of comfort. Out driver, as you have probably heard, was Troy. At last the mystery of what he was doing now had been solved. The hay part however came thru an almost Pavlovian turn of events in the gathering gloom of evening. Having rolled peacefully and unrestrained on rubber truck tires thru the woods, singing "Homo on the Range' and other campfire songs, we visited a family of penned up Buffalo and were treated to a dance by the youngest member. Just beyond that, starting up a hill, laughing and carring on with out a care in the world the two horses pulling us suddenly reached their limit. They could pull our asses no further and began faltering backward, one more so than the other. This put the vehicle at such an angle that there was concerns it may go over the embankment. Here, came our only association with hay, we had to bail (bale). And I must say I am proud of the spirit of cooperation that had served our group all week served us when we needed it. We bailed in a very orderly fashion, those who could helping others off this contraption. Many of us could have gotten majorily f'ed up, but the only physical injuries I knew of was Roland lost two pair of glasses and his camera was ruined for further use. Fabienne's daughters, I hope, are not permanently scarred by their and her experence with horses. See, its always something.
I was one of the last to get off and I remember thinking, oh, I wish I hadn't had that last beer.
We followed Troy up the hill and climbed back on, I was proud of Judy and her titanium knees getting up on that horse that afternoon and that, that thing in the evening. It was calm for the most part after that. A few scraps from tree branches when Troy took us to see the winter tee pee camp they offered trips to, lodgepole skeletons in the woods. Sasquatch looking for residents of Seattle. An unused volleyball net wating for us when we arrived back, will have to keep on waiting.
We had lost Abe along the way, and Mouk, and Kat and Flyer but this was the beginging of goodbye bigtime, to Fabieene and family, to Eric, to the FBB gang, To Rob and company, to Tamarack and others. In total darkness now, lit only by camera flashes and lights from windows. Sad and dry, not bittersweet but just dry.
Pete asked could he get a ride with me. I thought for a second what that would look like and said "Sure!" and he got his little self in that back seat of that Yaris betwixt Judy and Gail and we followed Paul and Meryl and others to our last spot on the mountain, before coming down. The moon was up, the land was lit. It was the full moon, the moon that has always been there, the moon that has seen everything that has happened since that bug crawled out of the water. The moon, that led Cigarbutt to the sheep, the Moon of the happy Ennis, who could paw the white out of it. The moon that shown that night on Mouk, somewhere on Native Land, in another ceremony, in another world. The moon that shown on each of you reading this, weather you saw it or not.
Meryl and Paul took us to a place they had found earlier, the perfect place it was. A park, on a lake, out on a peninsula so we could look back to the east, at the rising full moon, as it reflected in the water. And then, well, you just had to have been there. There are no words. I mean there was plenty of them, sang. The air was perfect. The temerature was perfect, when a breeze came up it was warm, not a shiver. No ghosts to haunt us. We stood there, drunk on the beauty of it all and we began to sing. Not Brokeback songs, we did try the Maker Makes, but it was a strain, too sad. We sang, in no order: Blue Moon, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, and I tell you people I was so happy I could paw the white out of the moon.
Standing there with one arm around Pete and touching Paul and the other arm around Juan and surrounded by my friends and the songs poured forth, and Kirk, oh my gawd, he got us in the right key, the right frame, the right mood and it was like being in A Chorus Line. The wind whipped up around us and all I could feel was love.
No, I never had me a more special moment than that. If I never have have anymore happiness, that memory will do me. Carter Bealer echos down from Whitman to me: That night I was happy. Is there anything else?
We sang out every song we thought we knew the words to, sang until there was only individual attempts at such as "Time in a Bottle" and the Fringer Lakes String Quartet version of YMCA, sung at dirge slowness. Ellemeno saw a shooting star, I hope she made a wish.
And at midnight we piled in our cars, "recon I'll head on up to Dead Mans Flatts". I dropped off the ladies and their bags still in my trunk from the afternoons sourjourns and carried Pete on to the hostel he was staying at in Canmore. Nice guy that Pete, and he made a wish that I would be able to come to San Francisco next month, and I, didn't put any stock in it. When will I ever learn?
I hurried back because time was short and the hour late, but in the upsatirs back of the motel they were waiting for me, Judy and Gail's room hosted me and Lynne and Juan, warm beer and popcorn and my cousin Vicky's Buffant. Tired and wired pilgrims we were. Before we knew it, the moon notched past two.
A wind we could neither see nor feel carried us off the next moring like rose pedals. Paul, Meryl, Roland, Phil, John, Rodney, Rayn, all flew away. Ellemeno however got to visit with her sister, both of them literally daughters of Alberta, who by devine providence (as there are no coincidences) were staying at the same motel in the same one horse town in Alberta at the same time. She brung with her video footage of the Bobcat in her back yard in California stealing an Avacado. I had no idea they ate Avacados.
There was a lazy time of breakfast and lunch for me, time for one last back rub, one last cuddle, one last hug, a chance for clean clothes to wear on the trip, one last conversation, one last sigh. Judy and Gail took off to catch up on sites and the Yaris, covered in dust born with the marks of those remaining.
And when the time came, I had not looked forward to it, but it was not hard, it was sad, but it was good. I hold those people in my heart, equally, and wish for them all they have given me. Ellemeno rode with me to the airport, did not see the tear in my eye at the car and dog wash when I had to wash my friends off my car.
That night, flying across Canada in the wee hours, my legs careful to guard the straw cowboy hat on the floor below me, I looked out and saw the waining but still full moon, shown down on the clouds below. it was beautiful, and a small comfort. Like the sun that saw me there, the moon was seeing me home again.
I returned to R L, to humidity, my cat waiting for me, my job secure and one of my situations graduated to a paycheck. And now what? I have completed my goal to share this, I can let go of it now that it is written. Let go of all that I wrote about, anyway.
There is still a space between what I know, and what I try to believe, and I can't do a damn thing about it. That is the space I will meet you in, friend, anytime, anyplace. I'll bring the beer. Twistoffs.
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That night I was happy. Is there anything else?
Thank you for sharing the trip of a lifetime with the rest of us, Truman. That was a beautiful and exquisite finale!
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;)
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;)
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;D
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(http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s64/dotEmatrix/beefcake/Beefcake%202/Smilies%20Emoticons%20and%20Avatars/thsmiley.png) Truman you really do have a way with words....just lovely,
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Thank you Dot, but here is the real deal:
When I heard at the Close of the Day
(No. 11, from ‘Calamus’)
When I heard at the close of the day how I had
been praised in the Capitol, still it was not
a happy night for me that followed,
And else when I caroused – nor when my favorite plans were
accomplished – was I really happy,
But the day when I arose at dawn from the perfect
health, electric, inhaling sweet breath
When I saw the full moon in the west grow pale and
disappear in the morning light,
When I wandered alone over the beach, and undressing, bathed,
laughing with the waters, and saw the sun rise,
And when I thought how my friend, my lover, was on
his way coming, then O I was happy,
Each breath tasted sweeter – and all that day my food
nourished me more – and the beautiful day passed well,
And the next came with equal joy – and with the next,
at evening, came my friend,
And that night while all was still I heard the waters roll
slowly continually up the shores,
I heard the hissing rustle of the liquid and sands, as directed
to me, whispering to congratulate me,
For the friend I love lay sleeping by my side,
In the stillness his face was inclined toward me, while the
moon's clear beams shone
And his arm lay lightly over my breast – and that night I was happy.
Walt Whitman, 1819-1892
Now, I need to get some sleep meself!
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Marvelous, and very moving :)
You are truly a man among many sir. See you in San Francisco!!! Where I shall try to thank you. However futile it may be.
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I love the post card you sent me from the Alberta Pilgrimage with others signatures on it too. Its so cool. I will treasure it always. Thanks :)
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Thanks again for taking the time and energy to chronicle our Pilgrimage in your own inimitable words, Truman. Now I am happy, along with you and Walt. :)
There is still a space between what I know, and what I try to believe, and I can't do a damn thing about it. That is the space I will meet you in, friend, anytime, anyplace. I'll bring the beer. Twistoffs.
You got a deal. 8)
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My dear wonderful friend Truman, once again you have, with your wonderful way with words, led us thru your journey......I have laughed with you, I have cried with you, I have felt the togetherness with our fellow brokies, and I have sung with you as we all linked arms under the full moon....
Like Ang Lee, you have taken us all to a place where we can love without fear, and remember those who have lived and loved before us....
.
In my own offering there was Brokenback as well, Sage, from there and from Lightning Flat, gathered on my second favorite trip of all time. Offered for healing for Weldon Culliton and Geoffrey Chapman, who were fine men. I never met them, but I know their sister and daughter and they are fine folks, who still love them.
I hope you dont mind me taking this paragraph out of your beautiuful story..
I am overwhelmed by your gesture of rememberance and healing to my dear dad, Geoff Chapman.....you have no idea how special and honoured i feel for him and for myself, to have had such a symbolic and respectful memorial, to him and his life, made at such a sacred place.....thank you dear Truman, i feel so peaceful, knowing that he walks with men like himself, not afraid, no more hiding....he is free to roam those beautiful mountains....thank you for giving that to him....thank you for the peace you have given to me.
there is still a space between what I know, and what I try to believe....as you know, that "space" for me, shortened considerably from the time I saw our wonderful movie, and then shortened even more, when i joined people like you and so many other wonderful brokies in that "space"....one day my friend I will meet you there in real life, and maybe then the journey will be complete.....
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They had been given a tour by the elderly female owner, who told them the history of the place, recent and not so.
Uh, Truman? I haven't been here much since getting home from AB but I have checked in with you a few times, friend. I wish you wouldn't refer to Kerry as "the elderly female owner" of the Lonesome Ranch. If she's elderly then I've been dead for about twenty years or so and that's just not so! ;) (Actually, maybe it's Joe who's leading you astray. I'll have a talk with him...)
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Thank you for setting me straight on this point. Perhaps my mind saw and old house and just assumed the owner was elderly, I stand corrected. ;)
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Hey there, friend,
I'm finally getting back here after my requisite week of post-BBM malaise. (Why do I do that?? :-\ ???)
It was terrific to read your account of Alberta - I was alternately laughing and crying. What a great trip! I've got PMs and emails galore to catch up on and pics to post, specifically some of the 'Sweet Life' campsite and Juan's bullriding! Tomorrow, I swear.
I dunno why I do this malaise thing...nor why it fades when it does and I can get back to normal...weird...
I watched Shooter tonight with Mark Wahlberg - he's really talented no matter the subject. And I'm also in romance-novel mode. Suzanne Brockmann's book, FORCE OF NATURE, is being released on Tuesday, and I've been re-reading some of her old books in anticipation. The rumor is that FORCE OF NATURE is Jules and Robin's Happily Ever After - go Suzanne!! (www.suzannebrockmann.com)
Anyhow...I think it's terrific about your hike for your birthday - very proud of you, friend!!
TTYS,
Lynne
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Thought for today:
"I was born tired, and grew up lazy."
:laugh:
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Thought for today:
"I was born tired, and grew up lazy."
:laugh:
That's a good one Truman! LOL
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I can't claim credit for it, I hear it from someone else!
Hope you are doing well Natali! 8)
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Oh Truman I just read every word from your Alberta stories and was on the verge of tears through most of it. I started to cry for real when you mentioned my rock - my beautiful rock from Moose Mountain that arrived in the mail TODAY! I will treasure it always and can not thank you enough, my friend, for thinking of me. But then - when I got to the part where you mention my phone call while you were all at the place where Jack was murdered I simply burst into tears in a major way - for so many reasons. At first I hated that you guys were there and that I happened to call at that moment. I never want to think about that scene again and here it was practically right in front of me although I was about as far away as I could get from Alberta at the time. But then I talked to so many of you as the phone was passed around from person to person. Wow. I'll never forget that phone call - ever. I laughed while I talked to y'all and cried when I hung up. I talked to so many people that I have met once or more at BBM gatherings. And I felt like I kinda met Kirk over the phone. I don't know who Kirk is but boy does he sound like a nice guy! (I also told my husband he officially has 2 years notice - I am going to Alberta in 2009 - he is taking care of our kid while I'm gone - and that is FINAL).
Thank you, Truman, for these wonderful stories and sharing so much of yourself. I'm going to go hold my rock now.
Lisa/BBMISwear
P.S. Judy - your story about you and Gail at Monroe's house is priceless!!!
xoxo
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Thank you Lisa, you are a sweetheart.
Your words, everyones words here are a blessing to me, I am like Lynne and her malisse, of late. I went out last night by myself, met up with some friends and had a dance or two, called my cousin in NY to wish her a happy natal anniverasry, but driving home alone I got so sad.
But I've had good words, and good phone calls the past few days, I'll quit whining.
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I've been mopey (I've been calling it) quite a bit since getting home from that hightime. It's been easing up quite a bit, but it's good to hear you've been bummed too, Lynne and Tru (you know how I mean that).
Truman, I've been watching a documentary/interview with Barbara Kingsolver, and I am reminded of you. Do you know who she is? If I make a DVD of it and send it to you, do you think you would watch it? I think you would see why I think you would like it.
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but driving home alone I got so sad.
Friend, it ain't gotta be that way!
Just give me a call! I'll cheer ya up buttercup! ;D
Ya know I can talk a blue streak! :laugh: :laugh:
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I've been mopey (I've been calling it) quite a bit since getting home from that hightime. It's been easing up quite a bit, but it's good to hear you've been bummed too, Lynne and Tru (you know how I mean that).
Truman, I've been watching a documentary/interview with Barbara Kingsolver, and I am reminded of you. Do you know who she is? If I make a DVD of it and send it to you, do you think you would watch it? I think you would see why I think you would like it.
You sure can, I will be happy to watch it.
Hey here is something too, see if you can find a copy of an article by Joel Agee in Harpers Jan. 1989 called "A Fury Of Symbols" The reference dude at my local library had been claiming he is hunting me a copy since before Alberta, (the province, not your mother) and I have give up on him, but it talks of Serendipity to the extreme.
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Friend, it ain't gotta be that way!
Just give me a call! I'll cheer ya up buttercup! ;D
Ya know I can talk a blue streak! :laugh: :laugh:
I am just liable to do that, and yeah you can talk purdy good, but you are no LaShawn! :laugh:
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...but you are no LaShawn! :laugh:
This is a good thing, no? ::)
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This is a good thing, no? ::)
Halluljah, Amen!
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Thought for today, thanks to ZZ Top, and the numerous others who have covered it before and after the Lil' Ole' Band form Texas:
"I heard my Mamma turn to my pappa and say: 'Our boy is way down yonder in New Orleans, Louisana! We cannot let him stay out all night!'.
And I heard my Pappa turn to my Mamma and say: 'You let that boy Boogie-Woogie. Its in him, an' its gotta come out!'."
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:laugh: :laugh:
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'You let that boy Boogie-Woogie. Its in him, an' its gotta come out
Don't I know it!
:laugh:
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Happy, Happy,
I have heard from Mouk, she is back from her Native Adventure and residing in a condo near the Safeway in Canmore. She has been offered a partnership in the tour company, which is great, I hope, and hopefull all will go well with the immegration folks on friday.
She says the first snow came early this year, on the 9th of August, and the clouds are low today, hard to imagine since it was so hot when we were there.
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That's great news about mouk, Truman! 8)
It snowed on August 9? I love it. How Brokebackian! 8)
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Happy, Happy,
I have heard from Mouk, she is back from her Native Adventure and residing in a condo near the Safeway in Canmore. She has been offered a partnership in the tour company, which is great, I hope, and hopefull all will go well with the immegration folks on friday.
She says the first snow came early this year, on the 9th of August, and the clouds are low today, hard to imagine since it was so hot when we were there.
It's hard to imagine snow at all being in the 100+ range here!
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I know, it is great news and hard to believe about the snow, it was so hot when we were ther, not that long ago.
Imagine, Mouk will be living in Canmore! You know what that means: ROADTRIP! :laugh:
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Well folks, the repair guy is on his way to get me laptop to fix the sound card, or whatever Mike did to it. I hope to have it back shortly, or else I will be checking in on other outlets. Sayanora! Buenos Tardes! Malay Kalikimaka!
>:(
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Well folks, the repair guy is on his way to get me laptop to fix the sound card, or whatever Mike did to it. I hope to have it back shortly, or else I will be checking in on other outlets. Sayanora! Buenos Tardes! Malay Kalikimaka!
>:(
Malay Kalikimaka sure goes along with the snow motif. Truman, we will serenade you when your computer's sound is fixed. :)
For now, let's imagine you're the one in the middle, surrounded by, oh, let's say me, Lynne, Judy, mouk, and Meryl! :)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6cCnKwPhd8[/youtube]
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Ket us now praise the public library with a quote for today:
"I've seen more grace and subtlety from a cat tossed into a swimming pool."
--Kyle Smith, New York Post on "Evening", from Foscus Features, which I am currently reading the book.
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Ket us now praise the public library with a quote for today:
"I've seen more grace and subtlety from a cat tossed into a swimming pool."
--Kyle Smith, New York Post on "Evening", from Foscus Features, which I am currently reading the book.
LOL! As opposed to what?
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Malay Kalikimaka sure goes along with the snow motif. Truman, we will serenade you when your computer's sound is fixed. :)
For now, let's imagine you're the one in the middle, surrounded by, oh, let's say me, Lynne, Judy, mouk, and Meryl! :)
The singing of 'Malay Kalikimaka' has become a Christmas tradition in my family. My aunt (mother's youngest sister) and her family lived in Hawaii for a number of years (aunt's husband, a Marine, was stationed there), and my two youngest cousins were taught the song while growing up there. Every Christmas Eve, at least one of them (sometimes accompanied by my aunt) perform the number for the larger family, awakening nostalgia for that earthly paradise looming far, far away in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.
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The singing of 'Malay Kalikimaka' has become a Christmas tradition in my family. My aunt (mother's youngest sister) and her family lived in Hawaii for a number of years (aunt's husband, a Marine, was stationed there), and my two youngest cousins were taught the song while growing up there. Every Christmas Eve, at least one of them (sometimes accompanied by my aunt) perform the number for the larger family, awakening nostalgia for that earthly paradise looming far, far away in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.
Do they dance while singing? Now I wish I had included you in the group performing it, Scott. :-*
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Do they dance while singing? Now I wish I had included you in the group performing it, Scott. :-*
If my aunt Carolyn and cousin Jennifer are performing it together, then yes, they do their best attempt at a hula while crooning this family favorite.
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Malay Kalikimaka sure goes along with the snow motif. Truman, we will serenade you when your computer's sound is fixed. :)
For now, let's imagine you're the one in the middle, surrounded by, oh, let's say me, Lynne, Judy, mouk, and Meryl! :)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6cCnKwPhd8[/youtube]
I haven't been that quick on my feet since the 60's! :laugh:
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My grandaughters boyfriend is from Hawaii, and went home on a three week trip. They are now awaiting the hurricane
poised to reach them any time. I hope it isnt as bad as forcast...Hes a pretty good hula dancer.
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Well I have th e laptop back now, I can sit at my desk and play on line all day now without trying up the office pcs, :o
What the repair guy found out was me nephew pushed a mute button, a tiny thing at the top of the keyboard, one of those buttons no one has ever used in my mind, and I was musted for two and a half months. Such as easy fix, why did I wait? Why didn;t I read the instructions? (Cause I cant find them maybe?)
Anyway, $20 later I can make the following comment about the repairman: He could talk a dog off a meat truck.
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Well I have th e laptop back now, I can sit at my desk and play on line all day now without trying up the office pcs, :o
What the repair guy found out was me nephew pushed a mute button, a tiny thing at the top of the keyboard, one of those buttons no one has ever used in my mind, and I was musted for two and a half months. Such as easy fix, why did I wait? Why didn;t I read the instructions? (Cause I cant find them maybe?)
Anyway, $20 later I can make the following comment about the repairman: He could talk a dog off a meat truck.
I never read instructions. They give me a headache !!! ;D
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Anyway, $20 later I can make the following comment about the repairman: He could talk a dog off a meat truck
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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He could talk a dog off a meat truck.
Where's adiabatic when you need her? We need someone to go through this journal and make a list of Trumanisms. ;D
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Great idea Meryl...he needs to be placed on the Bettermost greatest
Whatchamacallit list. He is our very own endangered species. The only one.!!
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Great idea Meryl...he needs to be placed on the Bettermost greatest
Whatchamacallit list. He is our very own endangered species. The only one.!!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Thankew, thankew vurry much! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Not strange at all , what would you like to talk about?
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Quote of the day:
"What you do is you find the fattest f'in' person on the beach and you plant your shit next to them and you look like Bo f'in' Derek"
---one of my co-workers, just back from Myrtle Beach.
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Yesterday evening:
I am standing at the bottom of the trail, at the bottom of the dam, it is cool down there were the water comes out the bottom of Philpott Lake. I would like to just still by the river, no I wouldn't I needed to get my blood pumping.
I looked up that dirt path leading off into the woods and said to no one: I dedicate this work out to Brother Patrick O'Shea, OSB. And I took off. I was amazed I got all the way to the first bridge before I got winded. I am making progress. Ignorant rednecks, I will come up here one day with a trash bag and some tongs and get their GD beer bottles out of the creek, pick up those paper towles, wadded up in who knows what. What is wrong with people? I am on the first level spot, past the huge block of concret left over from construction 55 years ago. The leaves are wilted, everywhere it is so dry the poplar leaves have already turned yellow and there before me on my path, is a Turkey feather. A perfect specimin of a turkey's tail. I admire it, would like to keep it, but do not want to tote it on the long trek I have planned. I stick it in a tree, will get it on the way back is no one else comes along and takes it and then I ask myself, who? In this 90 degree heat, who is gone come down this trail?
I am at the top of the dam now, when I was a kid you could go out on it, but that got gated off early on when it became a jumper hazzard. Homeland Security has recently paid to have cameras installed so they can see who might be littering near said gate, but no money to pick up the trash, the rangers in their airconditioned office no doubt playing on line poker. I digress.
The switch backs ahead, the hardest part, I am read for them, careful to skirt the poison ivy that is always in that one spot, up I am pushing meself now, Lynne might call, she called once when I was at this point and asked "You want me to call 911?" I think "I'm almost there" and push meself when I see the top, yes, I am at the overlook, the office, the paved circle where on weekends men, some of them married, will sit in their cars and trucks and try to make eyecontact with one another in the absurd but time honored mating ritual that for generations was the only way to connect. I have found notes they have left on the trails in the woods, printed in block letters so as to say later "that ain't my hand writing". No one is here now, no one out on the lake, the crows swoop and alight on another tree.
I am feeling it in my thorax, that area around my heart, it feels good, like endorphins are getting to the muscle, like it is building tissue rather than dealing with fat. I remember this feeling, have felt it before. Wonder will I maintain this time. Down the hill to the closed boat ramp in back of the dam: Stay Clear 500 Feet, this has been closed years before 9/11. Not the money to maintain it. Not when the area has 5% fewer people living in it than in 2000, and all the money went to another lake, encrusted with big homes and docks and floatillas of Cosmo drinking white folks. This I hope will never happen here, let it go back to nature, let the trash be picked up and let it return to nature.
I have never met Brother Patrick, have had only the breifest of communications with him here, but have been moved by his words and actions. I think of the jepg he posted of the public service flyer he posted "If you go out of your way to pick on gays, psychiatrists have a name for you......Latent Homosexual" I have some of those printed out on my desk, I will bring one and post it in the restroom at the overlook. Preach to the chior. They are a captive audience. I may never know any more of him, but it is enough for me to decide he is a good person. I ask myself why I have never met him. Because, there is never enough time.
I am past the boat dock now, winding up thru the group camping area. I have never seen it used, attended a family reunion here, circa 1978. I am thinking about him, feel I should say a prayer for him, and my tangential mind wanders past our lady to the current Madonna, who I never really liked until one night in a dance club I hear her sing "Like a Prayer" and decided she might just be okay. That song anyway. I start to sing to myself lowly:
"When you call my name,
its like a little prayer,
down on my knees,
I will take you there,
In the midnight hour,
I can feel your power"
What the hell is......its a Turkey! Come running out of the woods to drive off some black bird it does not want around. The hen sees me and takes off down the road, on spindly legs, the darts into the woods. I try to keep my eye on where it went in to see if I see it as I pass and about the time I get there: Pow! It takes off back across the road, to its nest, its younguns, and I think if I ask Wayne he will know where to look to see what that is a sign of. Something besides humanities encorachment on nature.
Back down the hill I go and the feather is right were I left it. I carry it erect, leading edge like a rudder as I fly back to my car, to the river, where I go and rinse my hands and splash cold water on my face. I will stop at the store and get me a bottle of water and the spirit of adventures says no. Insted it tells me, go further down the road to the Tienda. "The Mexican Store" as the locals call it. Yeah, I have never been there, but I have had the wonderful La Prencessa popcycles from there, made in Florida from real fruit.
When I pull up I know I will be an aberiation. Anglos just don't go in these places. Well, I am. I don't know what to expect. The place is desolate inside, a few shelves lined with goods, I see the cooler and there is my prize: La Prencessa: Banana, Vanilla, Mango and Rompope. What the hell is Rompope? I decide I will get it. I go to the cooler, which is hardly cooler than the room, cans of Jumex and those enticing glass bottles of multi colored pop. I find my bottle of water and head to the counter. A Hispanic man and his toddler son are watching Spanish language TV. He eyes me cautiously.
"Hola" I say
"Hola...dos dollars"
"Dos?"
"Si." I hand him two dollars, he puts them in a stong box.
"Gracias" I say and we both smile, just a bit.
Rompope is delicious, but I still don't know what it is.
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Great writing Tru!
Now I don't have to excersize today! LOL :laugh:
I was winded from your account!
I love the pic of the feather but love the quilt more!
It's beautiful! Did your Mamma or granny make it?
I have some thatmy Granny made years ago. Most are so worn I just leave them packed away!
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From Wikipedia in Spanish:
Rompope
De Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
Licor de huevo. El rompope es un licor preparado con yemas de huevo de gallina, vainilla, canela, almendra molida, leche de vaca, azúcar y alcohol. Es de color amarillo y consistencia espesa.
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rompope (http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rompope)
Translation:
Liquor made from egg. The rompope is a liquor made with egg yolk, vainilla, cinamon, grounded almonds, milk, sugar and alcohol. It is yellow and thick.
Pd. The text below says it was originally made by some monks in Puebla, Mexico. It's a mexican liquor. I've never tried in my life.
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Great writing Tru!
Now I don't have to excersize today! LOL :laugh:
I was winded from your account!
I love the pic of the feather but love the quilt more!
It's beautiful! Did your Mamma or granny make it?
I have some thatmy Granny made years ago. Most are so worn I just leave them packed away!
Friend, I found that quilt in a dumpster! About 15 years ago I was taking the trash off and there it was, heartbreaking because it had been sewn by hand and a lot of work went in to it. It was worn, and thrown out with the garbage. I took it home and hosed it off, it wouldn't survive the washing machine and it has been hanging on the wall ever since, collecting dust.
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From Wikipedia in Spanish:
Rompope
De Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
Licor de huevo. El rompope es un licor preparado con yemas de huevo de gallina, vainilla, canela, almendra molida, leche de vaca, azúcar y alcohol. Es de color amarillo y consistencia espesa.
I thnk this much have been made from the non-alcoholic variety, like they do the pina colada, or else it would not freeze, and I didn't get a buzz......
Something else to ad to the list, try some real Rompope!
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Sounds like custard. Okay, I'm going for a walk. Start somewhere, hunh? I will pray for Bro Patrick, and Scott moremojo.
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Sounds like custard.
To me it sounds like eggnog. A custard is thicker than that, IMO.
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To me it sounds like eggnog. A custard is thicker than that, IMO.
Well, if we're getting technical... :)
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Friend, I found that quilt in a dumpster! About 15 years ago I was taking the trash off and there it was, heartbreaking because it had been sewn by hand and a lot of work went in to it. It was worn, and thrown out with the garbage. I took it home and hosed it off, it wouldn't survive the washing machine and it has been hanging on the wall ever since, collecting dust.
Ya know Tru, that really speaks volumes about who you are! ;)
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Maybe we can all try some of that together in San Francisco...doesnt sound good to me, but i can go for anything once....(well just about anything_)
I love custard,, dont care for eggnog though....
I have a home town Mexican rest.. two blocks from me.. i should check that stuff out Truman,,and Lee.
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Ya know Tru, that really speaks volumes about who you are! ;)
:-* for pointing that out, Lee. One hunnerd per cent right.
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To me it sounds like eggnog. A custard is thicker than that, IMO.
Yup, it's eggnog. You can buy it in some groceries, without rum, but the good stuff for the holidays has rum. Ron = rum en espanol.
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Yup, it's eggnog. You can buy it in some groceries, without rum, but the good stuff for the holidays has rum. Ron = rum en espanol.
In Puerto Rico we have a similar cocktail for the holidays but we add coconut milk into the mix. We call it Coquito. I can't drink it but it is very popular among the Puerto Ricans. (I'm lactose intolerant :-\ ).
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Ron = rum en espanol.
Yeee Haww, more dangerous information! :laugh: There need to be a drink called a Rum Reagan/
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Quote for the day: If you wanna be a mind reader, start with dogs, they usually don't think about too much.
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LOL! The thing that drives me crazy about dogs is that they are so happy to see you and think you're the greatest even when you treat them shabbily and ignore/neglect them for hours and days. I can't respect a creature like that.
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Well in that case you can just appreciate them, I think that is what they are doing.
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LOL! The thing that drives me crazy about dogs is that they are so happy to see you and think you're the greatest even when you treat them shabbily and ignore/neglect them for hours and days. I can't respect a creature like that.
But you wouldn't want an animal with the size, weight and bit of your dog and the mindset of a cat in your house, would you?
:o What a frightening thought...
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LOL! The thing that drives me crazy about dogs is that they are so happy to see you and think you're the greatest even when you treat them shabbily and ignore/neglect them for hours and days. I can't respect a creature like that.
Man, you're harsh! :laugh:
Thats unconditional love in it's purest form! That I can respect!
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cats vs. dogs, huh? ;D
I've always been a cat person.
Dogs are: pet me, walk me, pet me, feed me, pet me, play with me, pet me, pet me, feed me, pet me, pet me, play with me, pet me, walk me, pet me, walk me pet me, feed me, play with me
Cats are: Humph....if you're lucky, you'll pet me.
I love that attitude! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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I've always been a cat person.
::) oh no! one of those! :laugh:
i can't like cats.
Any animal that poops and pees in a box, walks around in it then wants to walk all over my furniture bed and counters is just nasty to me! ;D
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Any animal that poops and pees in a box, walks around in it then wants to walk all over my furniture bed and counters is just nasty to me! ;D
::)
#1. Train the cat so it doesn't jump on your counter.
#2. You apparently have no problem with an animal that woul go up to another dog's poop, try to eat it, and then want to lick your face.
:o :laugh:
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I have been wanting a dog for a while now, but had recently had a kitten take up at the house, I call it Crybaby because that is what it does, cry and whine and beg for attention. I have not 'sexed" it yet.
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::)
#1. Train the cat so it doesn't jump on your counter.
#2. You apparently have no problem with an animal that woul go up to another dog's poop, try to eat it, and then want to lick your face.
:o :laugh:
.Ewwwwwwwww!
My dogs would never do that!!! :laugh:
I have seen them sniff a few rear ends though. ;D
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My dogs would never do that!!! :laugh:
so you think
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Well I have looked, but I am still not sure, I think its a he, and if so he is the sweetest little thing in creation. So loving and meows all the time.
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awwww!! so cute - reminds me of my mums cat - he is a totroise shell like that - and its funny cos he got a wish bone from a chicken stuck in his throat (which he had pulled from the bin) and so had to get it removed - so his neck was all shaved - he had those patterns as vividly on his skin as he did on his fur!
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Thank you, vetinfo.com. For some, this may be TMI. If so, look away. :)
Sexing a Cat or Kitten
It can be difficult to tell the difference in male and female kittens. They are sometimes described as the male looking like a : (colon) and the female looking like an upside down exclamation mark.
Usually there is a bigger space between the anus and genital area in a male kitten - the space where the testicles will grow. It may be possible to feel small testicles in male kittens.
(http://vetinfo.com/sexcat1.gif)
http://vetinfo.com/csexcat.html
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so!??? girl or boy??
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LOLOLOLOLOLOL.......
I will check this evening and let you know. Thanks for the assistance, everyone. :laugh:
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This is up your way idden it?
http://www.churchsigngenerator.com/images/churchsigns/cant_nobody_do_me.jpg (http://www.churchsigngenerator.com/images/churchsigns/cant_nobody_do_me.jpg)
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OMG, my nephew and his family live there. It that for real?
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Wayne, I clicked on that url and got this: :laugh:
(http://www.says-it.com/nohotlink.gif)
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Wayne, I clicked on that url and got this: :laugh:
(http://www.says-it.com/nohotlink.gif)
Me too! LOL
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lmao!
I saved it to my computer, it was that funny!
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If a picture says a thousand words, some of them would be that my neck is as big as my head! Gawd, I look like a turtle!
Lucky that I live when I do and can have adventures with good friends! Here is Me and Meryl and Juan over the weekend after seeing the latest film version of Hairspray, featuring Michelle Pfiffer.
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And if you are going to the Big Apple any time soon, I would highly recomend:
Naked Boys Singing!
http://www.nakedboyssinging.com/
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If a picture says a thousand words, some of them would be that my neck is as big as my head! Gawd, I look like a turtle!
Lucky that I live when I do and can have adventures with good friends! Here is Me and Meryl and Juan over the weekend after seeing the latest film version of Hairspray, featuring Michelle Pfiffer.
LOVELY!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Great pics, Truman! Your neck looks A-OK to me. I like your shirt, too. ;D
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If a picture says a thousand words, some of them would be that my neck is as big as my head! Gawd, I look like a turtle!
Lucky that I live when I do and can have adventures with good friends! Here is Me and Meryl and Juan over the weekend after seeing the latest film version of Hairspray, featuring Michelle Pfiffer.
umm, I think you look handsome! I don't think you look like a turtle!
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And if you are going to the Big Apple any time soon, I would highly recomend:
Naked Boys Singing!
http://www.nakedboyssinging.com/
wow cute boi's
If a picture says a thousand words, some of them would be that my neck is as big as my head! Gawd, I look like a turtle!
Lucky that I live when I do and can have adventures with good friends! Here is Me and Meryl and Juan over the weekend after seeing the latest film version of Hairspray, featuring Michelle Pfiffer.
again some cute boi's!
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You need new glasses Truman...that is a wonderful picture of you and the others too.
\dont see no turtles neither...LOL
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umm, I think you look handsome! I don't think you look like a turtle!
Thank you, now I am the one in the Hawai'ian shirt.
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You need new glasses Truman...that is a wonderful picture of you and the others too.
\dont see no turtles neither...LOL
I just need glasses, period.
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Quote of the day:
Bank Teller Luella, having just waited on her brother: "My customers trust me more than my own family!"
Me: "Well, they know you better."
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Quote of the day:
Bank Teller Luella, having just waited on her brother: "My customers trust me more than my own family!"
Me: "Well, they know you better."
;D ;D ;D
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Last night was the full moon, the first since I got back from Alberta and the full moon of my life. I was alone this time, laying in bed looking up at it thru the window and thinking of all you folks, hummed "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress". I knew it would be like this. I accept it in thanks.
Dreams I had, going thru the woods and coming up on an abandoned office building with a tank of racing gasoline on the portico, it got on my hands and I wanted to wash them but I woke up.
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Thought for the day:
"Out beyond ideas
of wrong-doing
and right-doing
there is a field
I will meet you there"
--Jelaluddin Rumi
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Thanks!!! Never enough thanks, never enough. :)
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I was thinking about last full moon too. That was perfect weather that evening. Has anybody mentioned to those not there that the HRFH AND the perfect full moon sing & love were the SAME evening?
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I love Josephine Baker. Granted what I know about her comes mostly from a PBS special I saw once, but this YouTube video is wonderful. Apparently the image is a silent film and the music is from now. Such a wonderful match!
As Sonny and Cher would say: The beat goes on..........
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIsaW9Jeg2c[/youtube]
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Thought for the weekend:
"We can't help what we want. Only how we act when we don't get it. Or do." Susan Minot, "Evening" pg. 224
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morning Truman! :) Hope you have a fabulous day. it lookin pretty good out there. So tell me, watcha doin today?
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Today, I am counting my pennies from heaven. You are one of them. ;)
There is a lot going on in my head right now. I am trying to sort it all out so I may be a tad quiet this week.
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Today, I am counting my pennies from heaven. You are one of them. ;)
There is a lot going on in my head right now. I am trying to sort it all out so I may be a tad quiet this week.
I'm not sure what that means, but :-* :-* :-* :-*
xxxxxx
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<hugs truman>
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Thought for the day:
"Out beyond ideas
of wrong-doing
and right-doing
there is a field
I will meet you there"
--Jelaluddin Rumi
I like this a lot (you pretty much can't go wrong with Rumi). I'll make this my thought for this day! Thanks, O shaykh of Konya and sage of Virginia.
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The picture of the day, I swear I did not touch it, just took the pic and ran.
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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The picture of the day, I swear I did not touch it, just took the pic and ran.
Well, I should hope it's Homo made! Wouldn't care to touch any pasta that was Canis made, Felis made, etc, etc. ;) :laugh:
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Thought for the day:
"Out beyond ideas
of wrong-doing
and right-doing
there is a field
I will meet you there"
--Jelaluddin Rumi
I'll be waitin! :)
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I'll be waitin! :)
In your case it will be a field on a mountain! ;D ;)
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In your case it will be a field on a mountain! ;D ;)
Yes sir! A little piece of heaven right here on earth.
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Well, I should hope it's Homo made! Wouldn't care to touch any pasta that was Canis made, Felis made, etc, etc. ;) :laugh:
That puts me in mind of a canis that once lived with me and an incident involving spaghetti, I won;t elaborate.....
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: i bet I can visualize that one
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sounds like you've got a lot on your mind....hope that you get it cleared up soon, and you can relax and have fun.
*walks up to Tru, and tickles him*
Chuck>>>(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/_tickle.gif)<<<Tru
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"Hope is a terrible thing, she said.
Is it?
Yes, it keeps you living in another place, a place which dosen't
exist.
For some people it's better than where they are. For many it's a
relief.
From life, she said. A relief from life? Is that living?
Some people don't have a choice.
No, and that's alful for them.
Hope is no better than misery, he said. Or despair.
Hope belongs in the same box as despair.
Hope is not so bad, he said.
At least despair has truth to it.
You're in a dark mood today.
She tried a smile. It's all this time I spend with my eyes shut. She
closed her eyes. I stopped hoping with you right away.
Did you?"
Ann Grant and Harris Arden, EVENING, by Susan Minot, pg. 179
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"Hope is a terrible thing, she said.
Is it?
Yes, it keeps you living in another place, a place which dosen't
exist.
For some people it's better than where they are. For many it's a
relief.
From life, she said. A relief from life? Is that living?
Some people don't have a choice.
No, and that's alful for them.
Hope is no better than misery, he said. Or despair.
Hope belongs in the same box as despair.
Hope is not so bad, he said.
At least despair has truth to it.
You're in a dark mood today.
She tried a smile. It's all this time I spend with my eyes shut. She
closed her eyes. I stopped hoping with you right away.
Did you?"
Ann Grant and Harris Arden, EVENING, by Susan Minot, pg. 179
Well thats cheery! :(
Hope you are ok!
I am hopful that we are going to have fun this weekend!! ;D
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We will, and Jess yeah that is exactly what I thought! :-*
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"Hope is a terrible thing, she said..."
I've heard of "faith, hope and charity" or more recently "faith, hope and Love" all of my life. Faith and Love I had pretty much figured out but it was only within the last month or so that I started wondering about "hope." So, I looked it up in my American Heritage College Dictionary and I love what it says:
"To wish for something with the expectation of fulfillment"; "to look forward to with confidence or expectation" It gives EXPECT as a synonym!
so, "Hope is NOT such a terrible thing, he said..."
{{{{pieces of peace until peaced out}}}}
br. p
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Still hoping to see you this weekend. Sorry I think hope is a good thing. You can always deal with the alternative if you have to. But in the mean time it is better to keep up with believing for the favored outcome..I learned that personally very recently.
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Thank you both, the character in this story is dying, and having a conversation with the spirit of an old lover, she is in a space where tiime has become irrelevant and she is going over her feelings.
Now I don;t necessarily agree with her, sometimes I loose hope, but I could not make it long term without it.
Peace and Hope to all here.
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sometimes I loose hope, but I could not make it long term without it.
Same here friend! Hell, sometimes it's all I got!
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Hey Tru,
Looking forward to meeting you in S.F. for the first time !!!!!
We gotta two step !!!
:)
Karen
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Yeah and you know I think I need to get me some two steppin' boots.....lard, I need to start packin'!
Well, here is todays newspaper clipping, found in a box of stuff. I think this was back in the 1990's. I feel I must state for the record this is not to be construed as a comment upon the state of West Virginia, where my father was born, in the town of Stokesbury, which is closer to Big Ugly than Vienna is.
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Hey Shakes! Well, I uh, hope you're having a great time in San Francisco!! :D
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Truman sits at the key board and hunts for the keys maked in an alpphabet of dreams, a strange psychotic language of sleep deprivation. Hands tremble, is it lack of sleep, it is coffee. The shadow knows, but the shadow is offf showing off its new dnace steps.
he heart connects with the name on the screne, their common greif bring them there. Their minds conect as the words flow. And one day, if lucky, thier arms wrap around one another, cememting the bond. These are the people I call my friends.
Lots to write about, but I can report a good time is being had by all. Stuff is still bubbling to the top for me. I learn alot on these trips about myself, some of it not all good but with with a get out of jail free card for sure.
Wayne, swivel around from them twin laptops for a minute and check your voice mail.
Janice, you are magic, I felt it the moment I saw your face. Chuck, I have met few people in my time who are more like me than me, thank you for taking time to listen to my stories. Lee, (the male one) you are a joy to know, breath in, breath out. Lee (female one) your sweet little voice belays so much hope and appreciation.
My battery is getting low but Judy, you are in my life for a reason, and it you weren;t I wiould be lost.
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Wayne! I'll have the cell on, Lynne will be here at noon, call me!
And thank you, so much. :'(
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hey! i'm checkin ... :D
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Got your msg, no problem! I hardly ever use this thing, trying to figure out how to call you back... think I'll get to you in a minute!
oh, and do you mean noon my time, which is now? or noon your time?
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:'(
I am getting too old to be runing around all over town.
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Yeah and you know I think I need to get me some two steppin' boots.....lard, I need to start packin'!
Well, here is todays newspaper clipping, found in a box of stuff. I think this was back in the 1990's. I feel I must state for the record this is not to be construed as a comment upon the state of West Virginia, where my father was born, in the town of Stokesbury, which is closer to Big Ugly than Vienna is.
just what are you trying to say bout mah state ! <grabs his gun>
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'bout time ;D
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It is a bit after 5 am here in Joe's kitchen, the internal clock still on east coast time, I am headed back home today, and hope I make it in one piece. To collapse in my own bed and wake another day and begin again to find meaning in it.
It just goes on and on. from one one' lonely song to the next, one ole' set of issues to the next. More tired than I have been in probably my forever. It has been real good folks, it has been an honor. I will honor the memory with these borried lyrics from Sister Emmylou:
"I remember holdin' on to you
All them long and lonely nights I put you through
Somewhere in there I'm sure I made you cry
But I can't remember if we said goodbye
But I recall all of them nights down in Mexico
One place I may never go in my life again
Was I just off somewhere or just too high
But I can't remember if we said goodbye
I only miss you every now and then
Like the soft breeze blowin' up from the Caribbean
Most Novembers I break down and cry
Cause I can't remember if we said goodbye
But I recall all of them nights down in Mexico
One place I will never go in my life again
Was I just off somewhere or just too high
But I can't remember if we said goodbye
No I can't remember if we said goodbye
Goodbye goodbye "
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Truman, I have to put down here in the best words I can...and believe me when i say, words cannot suffice. If there are angels on this earth, you are truly one of them...I could feel your personal presence from where you live to where I live, and long anticipated meeting you in person.
Let me say this was one case where the anticipation was only outpaced by the experience. Meeting you, and spending time was a treasure as sure as gold...I shall treasure it in my heart for always... I love you dearly and forever...And thank you for making this past weekend the experience that it was.... janice
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Truman....... it was truly a joy to meet you.
Alll the good things I had heard about you are true.
You are a true Southern Gentleman !!!!
:-* :-* :-*
Karen
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Thank you ladies, it was a pleasure meeting you both, adding those layers of detail and history onto the pencil sketch in me mind I had created.
I was so bummed out Monday morning, but this morning, I woke to a new day, again. It was like every other day really, the public radio station played Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance on the way to work and it helped me get there faster. The redneck dolts came and hooked up my DSL, which lasted all of 15 minutes till a dump truck come down the road and pulled it down. I was on the phone with comcast and hours an Bubba and Ricky was back out there saying they knew it won;t gone work when they left.
Some people you just don;t ax what the hell they were thinking.
Janice I sure did enjoy talking to you on the phone today and I am so glad Michelle enjoyed herself. You all are the Esther and Ruth of our party. I hope that is righ because I ain;t go no Bible handy at the moment.
Oh Wayne.......
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In the days leading up to the departure I could see esseffjoe in my head, his eyes over his glasses telling me: there are no coincidences.
So I sent Lee a pm with my flight schedule and in minutes had my confirmation: we were on the same damn flight out of Atlanta. Yee-Haw! "I'll be wearing my cowboy hat" I told him.
That night before I packed my bag with stuff I would never use and at 4 am began the sickening ride to the airport, realizing I should have got up a half hour earlier, running to get to the gate, damn if I missed this flight.....there are no coincidences....I exhaled.
Gate T3, ATL, 7:30 or so in the morning, I have seen his picture, know I will recognize him, where is...there he is. "Hey Buddy!" after all these months the only question I still had was his height, which turned out to be about the same as mine, Rock Hudson with better hair. We find we can indeed change our seat assignments, are given two seats in a section of three, and the third never shows. It is the best possible way to cross the continent: with a good friend and a series of Bourbons. We laughed and cut up and told our stories and carried on like two giggling teenagers, like we had know each other since we were. I am sure the women in the row ahead of us had an earfull.
Arriving in SFO I get the call from Judy, she is there waiting by the bagage claim, and we stop to have one more drink, so as to give our bags time to get there. Here she is, the answer lady, the one who has been on so many of the same paths I take I feel like I can ask her what to expect next. We are the happiest people in the airport that day, I am sure.
The BART train into the city is an experience, and I get them on the bus, melencollyly if there is such a word. I go the short distance to the Hurst Building, with its Marble floors and brass elevators, exit into Joe's world, his office becomes real, his partner becomes real and upon returning the key to the wash room I think: Senator Craig would love this place.
We are off and running, I am grateful to have a bite to soak up the alcohol, to sit at a sidewalk cafe with this other old Virginia boy, as the city pounds around us. We go under the ground and emerge on Castro street, the Harvey Milk station, under the big rainbow flag. I look up and think of Danny Overstreet, (http://rtonline1.roanoke.com/rt_specials/shooting/story15.html)wonder if he ever got to see it, if he knew there was a giant rainbow flag that would fly at half mast when he was gunned down in a bar in Roanoke, Virginia in 2000. The cab takes us on the climb, up and up and up, to the near summit of Kite Hill, and my long held suspicion is confirmed: Joe is indeed Mrs. Madrigal.
There was no moon until 5:30 that afternoon he explained so we should be patient, plans would go awry, we struggle across the city to visit his friend who welcomes us in to his home, a vintage 1886 Victorian, decorated to the hilt and beyond, with antiques, I would estimate around one billion dollars worth. The foyer lit by gas light. As one who lives in a museum, I am impressed. But the surprise waits in the basement. Mechanical music, player pianos, Victrolas, mechanical violins, entire orchestras waiting for the drop if a dime, waiting to sing their century old songs. Our host explains how one of them served to provide music to accompany the silent films. It is bigger than my car. How the hell did they ever move it?
Down to the ferry, We take time for much needed coffee. I am approaching hour 20. Joe's partner Jim has gone on, across the bay to Tiburon where we will join him at the home of ____ ______. I hope he will appreciate the borried reference from Maupin, who he sort of resembles. (bit much thinner) The ride is peaceful and golden in the late day sun, starting to get a bit chilly, we pass Angel Island and I see what the land looked like when the Indians lived here, right now still brown, but soon to turn green with the winter rains.
The town of Tiburon is out on the street for a festival. Screaming 12 year old girls with painted faces, the street blocked with people dining by candle light. When you see women in America out in public wearing hats, you can usually assume on of two things: 1. They are on Chemo, or 2. The are wealthy. I think these people were wealthy, healthy, whined and dined.
We take the road up the hill to ____ ______'s home, a stunner of a place, overlooking the town, the bay, the little church on the hill where the open space begins, over looking Angel Isle. He opens the door and I think: There is cousin Allan's twin! He welcomes us in, eager and happy we have arrived and I am already in regret as I feel I am only at about 35%. They have done killed a bottle waiting for us, I nurse along a single glass and take in the view as the sun sets. I am in high cotton. My shoes feel dirty, but this is the home of a brokie, I know I am welcome. ____ _______'s lamb stew is to die for.
After coffee he carries us back in his car, down the mountain, thru his town and just before cross the Golden Gate we climb up to an over look to get the full effect of the bridge at night, lit only in recent years as it was originally intended. I gather they are not fans of the bridge though ____ ______'s early hours take him across with little traffic. Down thru the city we travel, on and on, where the hell are we going? Finally the Sundance Saloon appears. This is the place. Joe reminds me I have a key, I can come and go or whatever, it is no problem. The only three people I am acquainted with in sight drop me off and I step into this place of swirling cowboys. Where are my friends? Then suddenly a see a short train hopping by, Eric is the engineer and Paul the caboose, I run to catch that train. Hugs and kisses all around.
One by one the faces appear, some I have see from posted photos of other gatherings and a hand raises and I see Janice in the dim light. I know it is her, like I know my hand, here is her x-daughter-in-law, straight out of the old testament. I am so glad she has made it, for a while there I thought she might not. I go out on the floor, the sea of swirling bodies and I meet Melinda, and I realize that there are people who are recognizing me for the first time. I meet Karen, and newly empowered by the music drag he skinny frame out on the floor and show her just how bad a two stepper I am, but Eric comes to my rescue and gives me an impromptu lesson. Long, long, short, short, what every you say bud, fast or slow I suddenly don't care I am moving backward.
I look around another corner and there is Chuck, looking even trimmer than his most recent picture. He tells me about his trip over the music and I think, if my great grandparents had stayed in Jersey I might actually understand what he is saying. (No you stop).
Judy is there with Gail, and her daughter Audra, Glory is there, Adam is there, although I have never met him before he is exactly like his picture, Adrian is there, in Johnny Cash black, we embrace, just a few days past the anniversary of our first and last meeting, in front of a table where Annie Proulx was signing books, he came up to me and asked: "Are you from Bettermost?" So good to see him again.
And Lee? He had morphed into the night blooming Sirius, the plant that every Granny in Virginia used to have on her porch in the summer time, in a big pot, hauled in each winter so that once ever seven years it would bloom, for one night, at midnight, and all the grandchildren would stay up and watch. It was midnight, and he was in full bloom. He staggered over to me and put his arms around me and hollered in my ear: I am having such a good time and other endearments.
"You have a friend for life" I told him. I wasn't just speaking for me. Now, he can be a friend to himself as well.
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OMG, how nice to be home again, how nice to have survived what for me was a wide open, jet setting weekend. Out yonder in SF the energy of the place kept me awake, even with Tylenol PM I could not get but a few hours sleep before my mind would cut on again, eager for more stimulation, more sights.
My head hit the pillow, my body the mattress and here comes the sand man, here comes the crazy dreams, I have rigged up a cell phone using a balloon and a funnel, and I am talking to Judy but it looses air and she fades away. What follows is lost to me, for several hours. Then just before dawn, something new comes, I wake not fully awake, I am thinking, but not just with my brain. The words to describe it were coming so swiftly but I dared not get up and write them down, it was just too good to miss.
This thing, this mutual admiration society is a wonderful thing. It has brung together strangers from all over and let them be friends, let them exhale. Male and female, bent and straight, but I take a step further, and I apologize ladies, but this revelation is about the guys. Not Jack and Ennis, but the real ones, whose faces and voices fill this inbetwixt time before dawn.
Never before in my life have I found such a place, where guys like us could come together, free from the pressure of judgement, free from scrutiny, and just accept one another. Maybe it is not so uncommon for others, but it is a first for me. Gawd, I thought I knew how to act, how to represent myself, boy did I have a lot to learn. Perhaps our mutual reaction to the story of Jack and Ennis is the filter that leads to this safe place, if that can make you cry, you must be safe to talk to.
I love you guys, all of you, short and tall, old and young, fat and skinny, sober or not, single or coupled. I love talking to you, hearing your stories, holding up my life against yours and taking the measure. Always seperate, always unequal, but also unique, beautiful, and joy to behold. To know each of you gratifies a part of my soul. You cause me to take my heart from the box I have kept it locked in and wear it on my sleeve. Your hugs each releasing some pent up stress no one else can seem to touch.
In those wee hours your faces filled my mind: Adrain with your beautiful hair and your peaceful demeanor, Paul with your puddling brown eyes a person could drown in, Eric, the invincible who knows no obsticle, Joe, who is more of a Mrs. Madrigal that Maupin could have created, Lee, a flower blooming where a rock was rolled away, Kirk, whose very soul is the deffination of love as far as I am concerned. Jack, so earnest always smiling, Chuck, the hurricane, the force of nature. Wulf, the patient one, the bravest one, Wayne, who could paw the red outta that stop sign. Roland, who knows more about grace and dignity than anyone. Pete, the Johnny Appleseed, who plants little ideas for you to find in your head later on. Jeff, in your tree house, composing your song, you rare bird, Larry, who is what every gentleman should be. Abe, the gentlest mountain in the stormy sea.
And Juanito, who I believe could stop a war with his smile. That was all it took to start the fire that warmed my heart.
I may never live in your cities, will never bump into you at the store, or wait for you on a park bench with a bouquet of flowers. Will only get to hang out with you guys a few short times in my whole life, and yet you are the standard I will measure every man than comes my way against. I will ask him: would you bend over backward to help someone you never met because you know how good it feels?
On these trips, in these encounters with you all I have found something special, I feel my reflection will never look as good anywhere but in your eyes. And those of you who are alone, know that your not. If you can stir these feelings in me, you can stir them in some else too. Just be patient with him, he may not get it right away.
-
Truman!
Words fail me!
ALl I can think of to say right now is Thank You!
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Truman, YOU, your soul and your sharing, are why BetterMost came into being, the testament to its success. What you write here can stand alone as proof as to how and why this is the single most loving and visionary website in existence. You are the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you.
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Tru, tru, true Man. You be the MAN!!
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Okay, pin the star on me, I found Bettermost, and found Shakestheground's Ramblings. Truman, I think you find so much in life because you are always looking into other people along the road of our mutual journey for truth, honesty and love. Don't you know you bring the seeds with you? We are all just responding to the light you shine our way. Like a flower that always will turn toward the sun, we all turn toward you. Don't ever doubt the impact you have on everyone you come into contact with. Your constant friend, Judy. Just remember, TRUMAN spelled backwards is One Who Seeks in Latin. And yeah, of course, I just made that up! jeesh!
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Okay, pin the star on me, I found Bettermost, and found Shakestheground's Ramblings. Truman, I think you find so much in life because you are always looking into other people along the road of our mutual journey for truth, honesty and love. Don't you know you bring the seeds with you? We are all just responding to the light you shine our way. Like a flower that always will turn toward the sun, we all turn toward you. Don't ever doubt the impact you have on everyone you come into contact with. Your constant friend, Judy. Just remember, TRUMAN spelled backwards is One Who Seeks in Latin. And yeah, of course, I just made that up! jeesh!
AMEN and AMEN!!
Judy, girl you nailed it!
You found the words I didn't have!!
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Chuck, I have met few people in my time who are more like me than me, thank you for taking time to listen to my stories.
I'm touched. :) Anytime you need a friend, you've got an ear, and a shoulder. Always remember that!
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I look around another corner and there is Chuck, looking even trimmer than his most recent picture. He tells me about his trip over the music and I think, if my great grandparents had stayed in Jersey I might actually understand what he is saying. (No you stop).
rotflmao!
:laugh: It was great meeting you, buddy! I had a great time walking and talking and dancing with you! Tru can cut a rug!
and you've got a great smile, friend!
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Truman, YOU, your soul and your sharing, are why BetterMost came into being, the testament to its success. What you write here can stand alone as proof as to how and why this is the single most loving and visionary website in existence. You are the gift that keeps on giving. Thank you.
You even emailed my girlFriend in RL to ask her how I was doing awhile back. You're not just special, your are one of the most caring people I have ever met in RL or Cyberspace~!
CHEERS FOR TRUMAN! {{and many, many Blessings}}
br. p
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Chuck, the hurricane, the force of nature.
Sorry I keep quoting you, post after post, but I love your descriptions! I'm sure everyone feels the same way when they read your posts about them!
How fortunate we are to have you here!
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Judy had it right Truman. You lead, and shine the way. We simply follow....
Your beautiful eyes and smile. They are the portals to your soul. Whither thou goest.
A Friend Forever, Janice
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what everybody else said.................. with a big kiss on top !!!! :-*
k
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what everybody else said.................. with a big kiss on top !!!! :-*
on top of what? ???
:laugh:
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on top of what? ???
:laugh:
Leave it to Chuckie! ::)
You are so BAD!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
But thats why you are soooo loved!!! :-*
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I would say bend over, I was going to spank you. But you would probably love it... :laugh:
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Truman, they're pickin' at me! :laugh:
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Truman, they're pickin' at me! :laugh:
You want some cheese with that whine honey? :laugh:
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paw the red outta that stop sign
:D ;D :-* :-*
Thanks for the update Shakes!! ;)
(http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/51/38/23113851.jpg)
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and you've got a great smile, friend!
Purty blue eyes too! ;) :-*
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:D Hey Jess! You fixin to hit twenty 1,000 shortly! :o
I didn't know you'd catch me posting your picture over in Shakes's's thread! :-X :laugh:
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Hey, did you hear about that meteor that hit in South America and all those people getting sick from the fumes??
Yes I did! It reminded me of something that happened in Africa several years back, though no meteor in that one.
Bubbles of carbon dioxide (or was it monoxide? hm...) had built up on the bottom of a lake for many years. It all came up in one burp and actually killed a lot of people, just from suffocation. :'(
here's a ref to Lake Monoun and Lake Nyos in Cameroon (http://visibleearth.nasa.gov/view_rec.php?id=11951)
So about this one - I haven't seen further details - do you know what happened? Maybe we should take this over to the store...
G'nite Truman! G'nite everybody!! :) :-* :-*
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...who is more of a Mrs. Madrigal that Maupin could have created...
Anna was my favorite character in the series. Couldn't wait for each morning's paper to learn what wisdom she was passing to Michael, Mary Ann, Brian and friends that day. I am honored, friend. No coincidences, no coincidences.
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In those wee hours your faces filled my mind: ... Roland, who knows more about grace and dignity than anyone.
Oh my!
When Jess directed me to your post last night, I was disturbed, flattered and bemused. Certainly I was at odds with knowing how to respond.
We are such a bundle of contradiction. Part of me was saying "Yea - that's just another way of saying I'm aloof" - but no.
That I'm even in your thoughts, in the waking hours of your mornings, 7 weeks after we've met is most certainly flattering, and comparing your feelings about the other 15 men that have touched you recently (some of which I too have met and about whom your thought I agree with) also puts in perspective the words you've used to describe me.
Possibly your kind words were a product of exchanges that have occured on the political threads, or the administration threads here at BetterMost, as well as the few exchanges we shared in Alberta.
I'm thinking too that, to some extent, those words could easily have been attributed to you, how others might see you, how you affect others. What you've believe you've seen in others may not be very dif'rent from what we see in you.
You are a poet, a soulful one, a generous one and possibly a very perceptive one at that. So thank you. and know that the respect and admiration in return, is at least equal.
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Thank you all, you have no idea, really you have no idea how your words are like food to a starving person right now. Breath in, breath out....
Well, to continue on a positive note, since the first of August I have lost 11 lbs. Only 21 more to go, maybe I will be there by Xmess.
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Thank you all, you have no idea, really you have no idea how your words are like food to a starving person right now. Breath in, breath out....
(((((BIg Hug)))))
Well, to continue on a positive note, since the first of August I have lost 11 lbs. Only 21 more to go, maybe I will be there by Xmess.
Oh, congrats! Good job! I also had a success on that. After blowing out my knee, and not being able to use the gym in the hotel in SF, I was afraid I'd be up past the 200lb mark again. I got on the scale and it read 198, so I lost 2lbs on vactaion. lmao
Not sure how that happened, but I'll take it!
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I miss you Truman... But I'm thankful I got this cool photo of you from Bob. He took it the day we climbed Jack Ascending. Thanks for the long and lovely description of the last part of the Pilgrimage! I have a lot that I want to say about it Pilgrimage, but am waiting for the right time this weekend to write about it. I miss all my Brokie Buddies... Guys and Gals, but my life will fuller and richer since we met.
Peace,
Rayn
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And the drama continues:
Sascha, aka Melinda, aka Our Lady of the Cinema, was right on time to pick us up at the Cathedral Hill Hotel. Of course we were on brokie time, that time measured by watches with cat arms on them, worn by cats who refuse to be headed. Soon however we were on our way to her Mustang, with its new engine, me and her and FrontRanger and Theresa rocketing down 10th St. When I proposed texting someone to obtain RouxB's phone number Theresa had it in her phone. Imagine that.
We took the interstate south, past the National Cemetery where Billy Sipple is buried. If you don;t know about Billy Sipple here is a link worth reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oliver_Sipple but only if you have not had your fill of more depressing crap for the week. One day when there is time I would like to stop by there.
Turning off onto 92 I think it was we passed into small valleys filled with pumpkins and metal sculpture, dinosaurs and the like. So strange i thought to be here, in this place I'd never seen with lives going on all around. Half Moon Bay and the shore of the Specific Ocean, I had stopped there once on my first trip put there, 9 years ago this month. It was the closest I got to the water this time, my regret.
The Rodeo itself was in a deep holler in the hills, out where there was no cell service which both frightened and relieved me. I regretted immediately not bringing my hat, it was a brig sunny day, with shade abounding. I was tickled to see the tent set up to sell the Beyond Brokeback book, where I was tickled once again to meet Michael Flanagan, whose story I admire. I met so many people and there names and identities just roled on off my brain with the sight of the next muscled cowboy who strode by. It was all I expected it to be, eyecandy, and more.
I watched very little of the rodeo itself, instead I visited with friends. Judy and Karen and Janice and Michelle and later Gail. Bought me some cowskin boots and broke them in dancing with Chuck to the strains of RedNex's Cotton Eyed Joe, Lite Beer in hand. Had revelations that Vatican II was all about keeping women from having Super Powers, Heard life stories, confired with Jack over the state of stuck-upness in America today, it was fun. The shadow filled the holler and it was time to go, and I took a look around. I always feel like these places I will never see again, I mean why would I there are so many other places to see......
I fell asleep on the way back, but awoke in time to remind Melinda to take me by Joe's apartment, which she did with expert skill, you need skill to navigate San Fran. She dropped me off at the steps and I, had to ask the neighbors which apartment was his........ ???
Dressed and refreshed I headed out again for Cathedral Hill in my hat, my Jack Nasty T shirt and my new booths. Going down those steep sidewalks on Eureka I learned what it must be like for women in high heels. The phone rang, it was Lynne, so I had some company for the trip.
What I liked about the dance the most was the "Shadow Dancing" Two cowboys spooning together lake Jack and Ennis in the Dozy Embrace, two steeping around the floor, it was quite beautiful, I enjoyed dancing with Chuck and FrontRange, who is as light as a feather, enjoyed my pschedelic experence with Paul (see photo) but I was wilting, I didn;t stay late.
That night as I drifted in and out of sleep I wondered who the hell this Cotton Eyed Joe was, and how could a guy with white eyes cause someone to give up on finding a wife.
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I miss you Truman... But I'm thankful I got this cool photo of you from Bob. He took it the day we climbed Jack Ascending. Thanks for the long and lovely description of the last part of the Pilgrimage! I have a lot that I want to say about it Pilgrimage, but am waiting for the right time this weekend to write about it. I miss all my Brokie Buddies... Guys and Gals, but my life will fuller and richer since we met.
Peace,
Rayn
Your a good soul Rayn, I miss you too. If it wern;t for you and them lungs of yours we'd still be sitting in that parking lot waiting for them guys to come back.
That hike/climb was a life changer for sure. But I still cannot accept the fact I look like that. In my mind I look like Bruce Jenner at age 26. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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President TA darlin' : That IS what you look like ! Was that really Bruce Jenner? I used to have such a crush on him. Thought for sure that that was a pic of you! What was your question again? jk
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"Shadow Dancing" Two cowboys spooning together lake Jack and Ennis in the Dozy Embrace, two steeping around the floor, it was quite beautiful
That was quite the sight! I too loved that.
It was so tender a dance yet hot all at the same time.
One of the many sights I will never forget and miss terribly now!
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Judy I am so tickled to see you over here, overcoming your fear of the place, hell anyone with Vista on their laptop should be able to get around here fine.
Lee, I tend to compare these withdrawls to a hangover, how 'bout you?
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Judy I am so tickled to see you over here, overcoming your fear of the place, hell anyone with Vista on their laptop should be able to get around here fine.
Lee, I tend to compare these withdrawls to a hangover, how 'bout you?
If hangovers felt like this I'd never drink again!
I can eat a greasy ole steak and egg biscuit and drink a big glass of sweet tea and feel a lot better.
That ain't gonna fix this. But I guess hangover is as close as you can come.
Maybe withdrawl is the better of the two terms!
I don't know. It just sucks! I wanna go back and have everyone there again.
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As someone who has been to about 6 of these gatherings, I can tell you, it gets easier as time goes on.
When it came time to say good bye at the first one in Texas last year, I bawled like a baby, and was depressed for a few days.
Soon, you'll start remembering the funny things, and laugh and smile. Maybe you should try this, it can help.
On DCF we have a thread called "How the Forum Get Togethers Affected Me", and each time I go to one, I give a listing of everything that made me smile or touched me. Truman, your list was much more descriptive, more in depth. I keep mine more .....light hearted, for lack of a better term. Here's mine, copied from DCF........
Geez....so much to talk about while it's fresh in my mind! As usual, I'm still smiling, and the sense of excitement and happiness is here, as well as the sadness that comes with the "until the next time" that always end it.
Arriving on Friday to be greeted at the airport by Auntie, Peanut, BcatJr, Gnash, and Ingy, and then waiting around for DontWantToSayGB to show up.
Pulling up to the hotel to see LoneLeeB3 come running out to meet me.
Heading out to the Sundance to two step, and getting asked to dance by a cowboy!
Singing karaoke for a few Brokies!
Getting on the dancefloor when the retro disco started, and doing a turn, and blowing out my knee, after only one song.
The sweet IfYouCantFixIt who went to get me ice to put on my knee, and a sweet cowboy employee who sat and talked with me for about 15 minutes to make sure I was ok.
Rodeo fun on Saturday, not getting lost despite not using a TomTom, there was no signal for it to work!
Good talks with ShakesTheGround as he was buying his cowboy boots.
The great Brokie booth at the rodeo.
Everyone caring enough to ask how my knee was as I hobbled around.
Meeting Jim.Grrr for the first time, what a great guy!
Reconnecting with Sid401K and TwistedDude, and LoveEmBoys and her hubby, Dave.
The dance afterwards, with TellYouWhat, who tried so hard to teach me to two step. And then dancing with Ingy, DejaVu, Auntie, and Peanut.
ShakesTheGround grabbing me and pulling me on the dancefloor to dance disco style to country music! The man can move!
Watching OceansBetween do the Barn Dance. She had such a good time.
Many "just because hugs" with DontWantToSayGB.
Meeting Meli and Andy on Sunday, two great people, shared many laughs.
Being tapped on my shoulder, and turning around to meet Xqsmwa. What a delightful woman. She was my angel during the viewing of Brokeback, and held me and let me lean on her when I cried. First time anyone did that for me. Thank you, honey!
Picking up RobInPuyallup at the airport, he was sooooo excited, and the perfect roommate.
Bar stop at Zietgiest, and Gracie almost knifing me when I attempted to touch her burger!
Breakfast with ShakesTheGround, OceansBetween, JStephens9, & LoneLeeB3....and the whole "Bless his heart" conversation!
Dropping both LoneLeeB3 and ShakesTheGround off at the airport. Good byes are usually sad, but these guys give such good, hard hugs....they made me smile. And when STG told me how much he respected me, I was blown away. Quite the compliment. I can't wait to see them both again.
MichaelFlanagan's comments that just had me laughing out loud all weekend!
Ferry ride with JStephens9 to Saulsalito, and some walk ing around with Jim.Grr, Meli, Andy, Ingy, RobInPuyallup, BayCityJohn, Auntie, MichaelFlanagan, JStephens9, and DejaVu.
Dinner and Brokie discussion afterwards at Auntie's house. Great pizza!
So when's the next one? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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:-*
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Awwww Chuckie......
:'( :-*
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Guh................ :'( :'(
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Truman, Rich, Jeff, Eric, Pete, and everyone one of you who made last weekend so very special - I feel like I've found a new home. I can't keep meeting you all "up on the mountain" and then deny myself your company when I get back home. Now who does that remind me of? Be careful, I'm an Ennis girl!
::)
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These souls usually aren't pretty, or rich, or famous, or even the smartest.
I will agree with this part!
Scott, we are all lucky, we have one another, and all the others we connect with. I think the sun is shining on our little section of the fabric of life today. Thank you for your words, they are gone go under the glass on on my desk at work.
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That hike/climb was a life changer for sure. But I still cannot accept the fact I look like that. In my mind I look like Bruce Jenner at age 26.
Yeah, right, I know what you're sayin', so do most men approaching or over 40! But hey, use your lungs more, watch the calories and hike more and you can change that if you want. When dessert time comes, just say, "I can't eat no cherry cake just now." :)
You are in charge of your life, right? Ok!
Love ya Bro,
Rayn
We Can Look Like This, If We Want! ;)
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Shakesthegrounds I just have to say you are one fine narrator of personal anecdotes. It is a gift and you are blessed. It has been my pleasure to read your accounts on this thread. Thank You.
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What Scott said. :)
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Okay, this next installment deals with my visit on Sunday morning to the Golden Gate Spiritualist Church with my hosts. This might lead to so eye rolling in some quarters, that is okay. Remember, this is an attempt, like all religion, to bridge that gap betwixt what we know and what we try to believe:
For a better explanation of the Spiritualist Movement please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiritualist_Church
We caught the cab before we reached Castro, me and Joe, who was ushering that day. His partner Jim had gone on, sermon in hand to the church, located in a grand old mansion at Franklin and Clay. The driver was a big guy, looked like a former music student, and played soothing classical pieces on the local public radio station. The weather, as always was perfect and the traffic lighter, soon we were up on that hill and stepping inside.
It was a sight straight out of the Tales of the City, grand space filled with movie theater seats and flowers, filled with light from a stained glass sky light, women in pastel colors and men in suits. It was all relaxed and quite, an organ softly playing a pop tune circa 1958 in another room where the healing were on going. I took a seat and waited for my turn.
When my turn came I sat in a chair while an elderly Asian man put a hand on my forhead and a hand on the back of my head. What does this do? Think about how you feel, what it feels like when you are touched by someone, human touch is a powerful thing, like the hand on the back of me neck the night before when I had a picture taken with a friend, it is a connection with them. I sat there for a long while, until he told me thank you. I stepped out with my head throbbing, in a good way, sinuses open, eyes clear.
Joe showed me the Billits, pieces of paper to write my question on for the medium. I did not have any particular question, sure I have thought of several since. I wrote on it: I am listening, folded it, held it for a minute to magnetize it to me, wrote me name on the front, and put it in the basket.
After the welcome, the songs, the sermon, the collection, the mediums came forth to deliver the 25 or so messages to the ones there seeking answers from those who had need to hear from those who had gone on. In each case the medium would call the name on the outside of the billet, the write would identify themselves and without looking at what was written would tell something about the entity they were sensing, and give a message in answer to the unread question. It was powerful, I cried a couple of times, there were gasps from some of the people.
She called my name. I raised my hand and said Good Morning and her face looked a little strange and blurted out:
"Mary-Mae" I was puzzled. Did I know them? Maybe, I ran the panthon of the dead women in my family, there had been many Mary's, Mae had been a middle name of yet someone else, "Maybe" I told her.
She said that I had had a lot come to me recently and was dealing with it, and that in the past I had relied on them when times were tuff that their was available to me anytime, they were there for me, and if I cam to them daily, at them same time, I would see that. She told me to be earnest in all things. And that was it.
And in my mind, Mae was a key, that unlocked Mary, which was her given name, she never went by it. She was always called Mamie. OMG, of course, if anyone would come talk to me it would be Aent Mamie. My grandfather sister, dead 17 years when I was born, from a family of 10, she was one of the 6 who never married (yes it is genetic). Mamie, who had to take care of all them dysfunctional siblings, Mamie who shared a bed with my Granny when her brother was run over by a produce truck, Mamie, whose praises were sung by her nieces and nephews she had clothed all my childhood. Aent Mamie, the last Catholic in the family, I though of her that day in 1999 as I escorted my crippled mother into the Vatican, she never got to see this place, but her efforts made it possible for us to make it there.
In a gift shop there I found an inexpensive rosary and bought it. It lay on my kitchen table for months, until December. I had to go to Richmond to straighten out some matter in my personal life that was preventing me from getting my realtors license. I went thru Emporia where she is buried and laid the rosary on her grave, told her where it was from and thanked her for her hard work and sacrifices so we could have what we enjoyed. I asked her if she had any strings she could pull in Richmond to please do so. I had my license in 2 days.
After the service I spoke with the medium and let her know the rest of the story. Upstairs there was reception food and coffee, I had my donut of the month in celebration, gawd they have a lot of sugar. Joe introduced me to the main minister there, an 89 year old man, 1/4 Native American who took my hand and stared into my eyes and told me to asses every situation, not to pass judgement, but intuitively see how to proceed.
And so I shall. The space betwixt what we know and what we try to believe has a name: Faith.
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Truman, I am reminded that Meryl determined that you should be our shaman. In fact, you've always been - even before you had the title. This gives me so very much to think about. I fear I might not remember how.
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What a gift you have!
Reading this was eben better than you telling me about it!
I feel like I was there with you.
You can evoke so much with your writing!
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OMG!!!!!
I just received Chris and Mike's DVD, Refinding Brokeback! I am watching it now, there we are!!! all O us on the mountain, Kirk kicking the tire, OMG I am cry all over again.................
Oh shit thank kew guys for doing this. I love it. I f'in' love it. Phillip and his microphone, .......
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Ride that bull Kirk! And here's Lynne!
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Oh fuck! ME on a BULL!
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Oh fuck! ME on a BULL!
Now there is an image!! :laugh:
Sounds like a new event for the Rodeo there Cowboy!
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More "Travels With Truman." I loved your story about going to the church. I am sure I dont understand it entirely, but it was very captivating. You are the surrogate visitor to all the places and people we cant all attend. Thank you once again for your beautiful way of retelling your way
thru life. :-*
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Oh fuck! ME on a BULL!
Is this thread about to take a turn into "not safe for work" territory?
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Okay, this next installment deals with my visit on Sunday morning to the Golden Gate Spiritualist Church with my hosts. This might lead to so eye rolling in some quarters, that is okay. Remember, this is an attempt, like all religion, to bridge that gap betwixt what we know and what we try to believe:
And so I shall. The space betwixt what we know and what we try to believe has a name: Faith.
Truman, my friend,
I am well aware of the invisible spiritual world around us. In fact, in 1976, the year after I was 'born again' I, for all practical purposes, demanded to have a VISION! And did I ever~! There is so much going on around us that we are unaware AND THAT IS GOOD because it would drive anyone absolutely INSANE if we were made sensitive to it, like I was briefly, when I demanded the vision. The room became full of hundreds of points of light and dozens of points of note - but they were black. They were all revolving around me and it absolutely scared the SHIT out of me. I begged it to stop. My girlFriend at the time arrived and I pleaded with her to remove me from my apartment. She did and behold, all was quiet outside. I learned a lot from the experience even though I am eons away from where I was spiritually at that time. There are many 'invisible' sentient beings, creations like we are, and all with free will. I would assume that the medium would have picked one of these as a Spirit Guide since they are way above us spiritually - you said vibrating at a higher plane and that pretty much goes along with what I beheld way back then. I still see 'ministering spirits' - points of light that I have been aware of since that time that I asked for a 'vision'. I know these PERSONALLY because two of them entered my body from the back of my head to comfort me when my body was 'dying' in August. I felt them travel down into my body and my muscles relaxed. I was grateful for the help! I just want to add a point to ponder...
One thing about these beings, they are not all friendly. One of them 'lead me on' earlier in the '70s when I was really into the occult and absolutely screwed me over after I trusted it. (I was 'told' that I would have a Wonderful Day so even though there was an intense lightning & thunderstorm outside, I decided to watch my brand new TV.) Lightning struck nearby and absolutely FRIED that TV set. I was so pissed at the time. Now, in retrospect, I'm glad it happened... because it kind of 'stopped me in my tracks' from a spiritual standpoint. I now feel that the 'black' points that I beheld back in '76 were not friendly.
So, if I were you, I would just 'ask for protection' from whoever you consider as the Creator of all that is and it WILL be granted. On a similar note, my dead mother, who died right in front of me with a lot of 'unfinished business between us' was hovering around me so intensely the week of August 6th (before my near-death experiences) that I asked the One Who IS to STOP it! And it did. Later, after the near-death experiences, she and I had a spiritual reconciliation that still fills me with awe. September 22nd is the 19th anniversary of her death. We're friends now. (It's also the Jewish Day of Atonement.)
So, what do you think of that? ;D
{{hugs}}
br. p
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Gret Day.
I think you have been very close to the spirits for a long time.
Yes, there are bad ones, there is good and bad in everything and you can't have one with out the other. You take pure gold for an example, it is so soft it would be totally unusable. It has to be mixed with another metal to make an alloy, it is no longer pure but it is stronger, it is useable.
The evil I have delt with thankfully has been limited been on the physical plane, and primarily in childhood. I think kids can be easy prey to the darkerside, manifesting itself in cruelty to one another, to animals, vandalism. I think it scars us all in one way or another.
I will take my signs as they are given to me, not sure I could handle some of the things you have seen. But as I age, and knowing the longer one lives there is more opportunity, I will probably face things I'd rather not. I don;t fear it thought, partly because I know you now and you have read your words. I know there is nothing to fear.
That is a good thing about your reconciliation with your mother, I hope she will know that her son is loved.
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It was a moderate weekend, best way I know to call it.
Friday a friend invited me up on his mountain top for a bonfire to mark the end of summer. He has 6 acres on a ridge that is part of Bull Mountain, a steep drive up to a cliff. It had rained that day, and was cloudy so when the sun set the ridge was in the clouds, and our shadows from the fire would project on to the mist, it was errie, but at times it would clear enough to see the moon, almost full.
We sat around and discussed the state of our lives and drank whine until it ran out. I gave him the address for bettermost, I hope he will stop in here, he could use some friends like the ones I have found here. Luckly I had a full stomach to endure all that whine, but was amazed when I cranked the car to leave the time was 11:07 pm......
Then Saturday night I went with him, I don;t know what to call him anymore, to the Mexican place to consume overpriced margaritas. We got to talking about growing up bent and I told him about the crush I had on his cousin in highschool, which I had never told him about before.
"You could have had him" he said. "I did".
Part of me went chilly at this revelation. Here the idol of my youth, the golden boy jock football player wrestler had been dealing with the same crap as me and I never knew it. What really made me grow chilly is I know how his life has turned out and I am so much more fortunate than he has been.
This little devil on my shoulder told me I should leave right then and go to Lowes, where I knew I would find him working somewhere betwixt plumbing and electrical and tell him, but I am 26 years too late for that now. The next time I see him though I will try and encourage him somehow, short of flirting, it might scare him.
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Not every weekend includes a mountain top and a revelation. Not even overpriced Margarita's. I think this proves you are alive and suffering our common human condition. Hope things got better today.
I personally liked the name "luggage".
Your friend in Texas,
J -
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Yes, luggage, that was a year ago today you know. :laugh:
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Okay, picture of the day, then I have to go set the world on fire:
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Okay, picture of the day, then I have to go set the world on fire:
*goes to find fire extinguisher, so I don't burn to a crisp*
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Hey Chuck, I heard this on the radio today and thought of you, this is for you:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxbFLYa0_bw[/youtube]
8)
He's getting closer ever day buddy!
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How much do we love Queen? :)
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How much do we love Queen? :)
Right much, they were my first concert, waaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 1980!
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Oh fuck! ME on a BULL!
Is that a desire or a statement? ::)
{Just for Laughs}
br. p
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Is that a desire or a statement? ::)
{Just for Laughs}
br. p
Well the hip action involved is rather intriguing. ;)
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Well the hip action involved is rather intriguing. ;)
(Wiping perspiration from face) Sorry, I have a 'great' imagination... You maketh me moveth in prickly spaces :D
br. p
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Oh I am going to hell............
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Oh I am going to hell............
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Well, save me a seat Brother! ;D
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Well, save me a seat Brother! ;D
no problem, do you prefer a seat by fire, or brimstone?
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Your watching it now, ain;t chu, waited for the site to come back up, like me, another addict. :laugh:
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Hey Chuck, I heard this on the radio today and thought of you, this is for you:
8)
He's getting closer ever day buddy!
Chuck>>>(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hug.gif)<<<Tru
Just getting a bit tired, ya know?
Your watching it now, ain;t chu, waited for the site to come back up, like me, another addict. :laugh:
lmao! caught!
thanks for taking the time to post it!
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Yeah, need a good nights sleep, all a' us
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Yeah, need a good nights sleep, all a' us
need more than a good night's sleep, but ya know that. ;)
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Hey there, Friend - making my monthly(?) pilgrimage to your blog...don't know why I won't stop here every day. I want to have time to savor and reflect, I guess. I love the descriptions of your time in SF.
I can completely relate to the part where you mentioned leaving the women out of it (paraphrasing). One of the true pleasures of this BBM journey for me has been the opportunities to step back from the groups at the gatherings (or even from postings here) and watch how the men relate to each other. It's something special to watch - barriers being discarded, or at least set aside for awhile, connections being made on a deeper level. It's a beautiful thing to see, even though I can't really articulate it. I'm honored to be on the periphery of those connections, to be an observer of that magic that is so rare and precious. I know I've never seen much to compare to it elsewhere in RL.
Brother Patrick pointed me to your post about the Spiritualist Church during our chat on Saturday. I like that your experience of touch there echoed for me my memories of WVa. The big news, though is that I am once again flummoxed - although by this point, I don't know why - what's once more, after all? - by a strange connection. I want to hear more about your Mamie. And I want to tell you about mine someday. And maybe I want to go to this place, so you need to set me up with essefjoe or whoever else can get me there.
Another point of interest is that Lee is feeling that post-Brokie gathering malaise. Interestingly, it didn't hit me as hard, and I completely attribute that to my fast in-and-out (most unsatisfactory!). I firmly believe that it's the resurfacing from the immersion that causes it (in me, at least)...the going back to the separate and difficult life after being connected like pieces of that puzzle makes the separate seem wider and the difficult seem harder. (Hang in there, Lee - it'll pass eventually - the key is planning the next one to get you through, I've found!).
Love,
Lynne
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Thank you Lynne for stopping by, and I will hook you up with Joe, who if I know him is already sending you a message. I will be happy to tell you more about Aent Mamie, I think we all have one.
So now, I want to tell you about the next big step I have took down the road of life:
Last week I sent my nephew in New Mexico an email asking he call me when he had a few minutes. I waited and waited and Sunday his number came up on the phone. It was his wife calling saying she'd just read the email and they had been away for days. I like his wife but she was not the one I needed to talk to, had not rehearsed it in my head a hundred times with him in mind.
So last night as I was pulling in to my destination, it rang and there he was.
After the pleasantries I took off:
"You remember the time I came to visit you at UVa in 1989 and you asked me if I were gay and I lied and I'm sorry, I am."
And he said: "I DID!?? OMG I'm ususally not that forward, was I drunk?" and we both erupted in laughter at this well rehearsed outing gone awry.
He was cool with it, said it must be hard to be gay in the south and I responded I didn;t think it was anymore so here than anywhere else. I added that in proper perspective it is not that big a part of me, but it was a real and vital part and I hated lying about it. I told him I felt like I was dumping on him and apologized, but he was okay with it. We drifted on to other topics and once he had his bearings he came back around with questions.
We discussed the family, and it was wonderful to have his perspective to see who he thought would be receptive and who would not. He has a younger brother who is a Bill O'Reilly Republican so he's off the list. His father and my mother are defiantly off, they could not handle it at all. My sister, he expressed a Real hope that she would be able to, and I saw that it created a conflict for him. We both know she is capable of opening her heart. I think it is a point of potential disappointment if she does not for both of us.
He said she has asked him about me, she probably knows.
Gawd, what is it with this world? Who are these people to put us thru this? Its obnoxious. But I feel good today. One person in my family now knows the truth about me and I never thought that would happen voluntarily.
;D
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Congratulations, buddy! I'm so proud of you!
I bet it feels like a little weight has been lifted from your shoulders!
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Hey again - twice in 24 hours - you're going to have to make up your futon! My Mamie is Grandma Mamie.
I think that's terrific news about your nephew. You said two things that I think are important...(more than that, of course, anyhoo ;))
...I added that in proper perspective it is not that big a part of me, but it was a real and vital part and I hated lying about it....
There is so much truth here - I think that much more of the angst comes from the lies you build up surrounding yourself than from anything else. You (Everyone) deserves to be able to live a life in the sunlight, free from deceit. It has to make you feel bad about yourself on every level, even when intellectually you know that YOU are fine. I'm proud that you unburdened yourself to your nephew.
Gawd, what is it with this world? Who are these people to put us thru this? Its obnoxious. But I feel good today. One person in my family now knows the truth about me and I never thought that would happen voluntarily.
I don't think it's obnoxious at all - you took a big step and a risk and you deserve to feel very good about it! :-* :-*
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I don't think it's obnoxious at all - you took a big step and a risk and you deserve to feel very good about it! :-* :-*
No what I was talking about was this world, society, how is it that they get to set the rules, because they are the majority? How does that happen that we gotta live in fear of being found out? It seems more fucked up to me now than it did before.
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No what I was talking about was this world, society, how is it that they get to set the rules, because they are the majority? How does that happen that we gotta live in fear of being found out? It seems more fucked up to me now than it did before.
Just because they set the rules, doesn't mean we have to follow them.
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Just because they set the rules, doesn't mean we have to follow them.
Amen. That is what we are doing, breaking the rules to the point they become irrelevant.
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Amen. That is what we are doing, breaking the rules to the point they become irrelevant.
Don't know about you, but in my youth I always enjoyed being a rule breaker! LOL
It's still fun today! ;D
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Acceptance is the hardest thing in the world to feel good about. We dont ever
understand why others cant understand us as we are. It is such a simple thing, and at the
same time so totally devastating to find its not given. Specially from those we love, and who
by every other account are supposed to love us.
You are brave and wonderful to do this Truman. Just know that whatever the outcome, you will always have people here who love you, and accept every thing that you are.
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Dear Truman,
My family is a very conservative Roman Catholic family and when I came out to them years ago, they were devastated, especially my parents. But they never stopped loving me. They were confused a while and had to take a long while to process and question, but they're ok now and I'm ok with them as well.
If you ever tell your folks, your entire family, I hope they will be ok with you being who you are too, in time. It takes time, and thought and prayer, but most loving parents and siblings come round to knowing that your orientation does not change who you have always been to them, a son, a brother, and more often than not, they come to terms with loving you even if they don't agree with your lifestyle as my folks said for a while. We love you anyway, they'd say and I would reply, "As long as you love me, the way you do doesn't matter to me. I love you too." They have to do that , you see, or they lose a son & brother and most families don't want that.
So, yeah, it is scary and depressing too at times, but being yourself with your family is really an important thing in life. I know you understand that. I wish you the best whatever step you take in your own time in the future.
Rayn
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Amen. That is what we are doing, breaking the rules to the point they become irrelevant.
One of those "rules" I break on a daily basis is not being "quiet" about who I am. I am out and tell everyone that I'm gay.
Gay tattoos on my arms, gay bumperstickers on my car, Brokeback Mountain memorabilia and pics of forum get togethers up in my cubicle.
People ask me why I am sooooo out. I tell them that if men who are scared to come out see me, and realize that I'm gay and out, and I'm ok, then maybe they'll find the inner courage to come out as well, and stop making their lives miserable.
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Acceptance is the hardest thing in the world to feel good about. .
I think if you can accept yourself on whatever terms make sense for your life, you'll feel good. If you place your destiny in the judgment of others, happiness will not be the result. while the high-fives are nice, you don't need others' to validate who you are.
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Nice posts folks, we all have our ways to validate ourselves, and I have to tell you I feel very good right now. Yall are apart of that good feeling.
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Don't know about you, but in my youth I always enjoyed being a rule breaker! LOL
It's still fun today! ;D
We should resolve to break a rule ever day, till we run out!
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We should resolve to break a rule ever day, till we run out!
for me, I'm into inhibitions.
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for me, I'm into inhibitions.
As in breaking inhibitions?
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As in breaking inhibitions?
not there, but comfortable in the knowledge that "thou shall not..." is OK for me. keeps me safe, sane, sincere...and smooth.
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No what I was talking about was this world, society, how is it that they get to set the rules, because they are the majority? How does that happen that we gotta live in fear of being found out? It seems more fucked up to me now than it did before.
I gotcha...must have been bleary-eyed this morning.... :-* :-*
Yep, the world is messed up on a grand scale in too many ways to count.
Edit: Meant to add that "Nonetheless, I'm heartened every time I see things change one person or idea or prejudice at a time."
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Meant to add that "Nonetheless, I'm heartened every time I see things change one person or idea or prejudice at a time."
Well said, Lynne. Minds and hearts do not change en masse. But the momentum is going in the right direction, I do hope and believe.
We just have to wrap each other in so much love that the world will someday have to agree that all love is good, all love is equal,
or else they will have to turn away from the blinding glare of universal acceptance!
Maybe we need to start a church of our own . . I'm thinking it should be called UAOTOG ! Universal Acceptance Of The Other Guy!
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Now Judy thats funny I dont care who you are.... :laugh: :laugh:
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Maybe we need to start a church of our own . . I'm thinking it should be called UAOTOG ! Universal Acceptance Of The Other Guy!
Amen! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: you always come up with some good ideas.
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Amen! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: you always come up with some good ideas.
I'll sit in the Amen section ! :D
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I'll sit in the Amen section ! :D
Save me a seat I love sittin there!
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(I can't resist)
Well you know it is a small church, you all might have to sit on my lap.......
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(I can't resist)
Well you know it is a small church, you all might have to sit on my lap.......
:o
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(I can't resist)
Well you know it is a small church, you all might have to sit on my lap.......
well, sounds like your lap will get crowded.
Is your face still available?
*can't believe I just said that....runs from thread*
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well, sounds like your lap will get crowded.
Is your face still available?
*can't believe I just said that....runs from thread*
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Oh I can believe it!!
You are so bad! It's still a church ya know!!!! >:(
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:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Oh I can believe it!!
You are so bad! It's still a church ya know!!!! >:(
And besides that seat is taken. ;D
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:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Now boys............ Oh my goodness !!!!
I better sit in the hallelujah section !!! ::)
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And do you know why they call it the hallelujah section?
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And do you know why they call it the hallelujah section?
I swanee!!
This is just gettin worse and worse!! ;D
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Oh, you Southern boys. ... ;D :-* :-* :-*
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And do you know why they call it the hallelujah section?
Well, I do set there at church sometimes !!!! :D
We are a spirit filled church !!!! ;D
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Man I may have to start going to church...I dont remember it bein like this..... ;D ;D ;D
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Tonight is Prayer Meeting. You boys wanna go ! :) ;D
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Tonight is Prayer Meeting. You boys wanna go ! :) ;D
Ya shouldn't be skeered to go ta church, but I am!! :o
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Ya shouldn't be skeered to go ta church, but I am!! :o
Oh Poppycock............
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Oh Poppycock............
Thats what I'm talkin about!! :o
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And besides that seat is taken. ;D
humph! >:(
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Ya shouldn't be skeered to go ta church, but I am!! :o
What are you afraid will happen? Do you think the devil will come and shoot you with fire, and brimstone....those people cant read your mind.
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What are you afraid will happen? Do you think the devil will come and shoot you with fire, and brimstone....those people cant read your mind.
LOL! No, I was talkin about Trumans comment about everyone havin to sit in his lap and the Hallelujah section!
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Law, I just set myself up for it, don;t I?
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you sure do, and that's why we loves ya!
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LOL! No, I was talkin about Trumans comment about everyone havin to sit in his lap and the Hallelujah section!
I need to find me a new hallelujah section, because I don't think I am sitting in the right one ! :-\ ;) :D
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you sure do, and that's why we loves ya!
Amen Brother!! Preach on!! ;D
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Amen Brother!! Preach on!! ;D
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Observation for the day:
I had to go by the cemetary recently, it is a nice manicured lawn blooming with artificial flowers. A butterfly flitted by excitedly and I thought, Poor thing, it thinks these flowers are real.
;)
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Lesson to be learned there. Don't be taken in by false appearances.
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Lesson to be learned there. Don't be taken in by false appearances.
Dang Chuck!
You runnin deep this Mornin!
Good call! ;D
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Dang Chuck!
You runnin deep this Mornin!
Good call! ;D
I have my moments. ;)
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I have my moments. ;)
put's me in the mind of this song:
Chorus:
I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like that plane ride coming home from the war
That summer my son was born
And memories like a coat so warm
A cold wind can't get through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments
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put's me in the mind of this song:
Chorus:
I've had my moments, days in the sun
Moments I was second to none
Moments when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do
Like that plane ride coming home from the war
That summer my son was born
And memories like a coat so warm
A cold wind can't get through
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
But I've had my moments
I like that song,w ho sing that?
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I like that song,w ho sing that?
Emerson Drive!
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Emerson Drive!
Days in the sun, I could go for some of that about now.
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I have that song, love it!
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Days in the sun, I could go for some of that about now.
Me too!
Ridin a horse through open spaces with the sun on my back! Not too hot just enough to keep the chill off!
Sweet clean and crisp moutain air! Thats heaven to me!
Oh, did I mention the hot Cowboys ridin with me??? :laugh:
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In my mind: as long as two of them are Chuck and Lee, hell yeah! pass the bottle! ;D
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In my mind: as long as two of them are Chuck and Lee, hell yeah! pass the bottle! ;D
Well of course!!
Hold on, I ain't done with it yet!! :laugh:
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*chuck, Tru, and Rich ride off into the sunset together*
(http://sudoku.com.au/Smilies/Accepted/434_ys_14.jpg) (http://sudoku.com.au/Smilies/Accepted/434_ys_14.jpg) (http://sudoku.com.au/Smilies/Accepted/434_ys_14.jpg)
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I got my Horse! ;D
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(Truman, don't do it, resisit temptation, do not make a fool of yourself, don;t start a bunch of mess like you did yesterday....)
Well I can't post a picture of my horse, I'd get reported.
(You damn fool, now look what you've done)
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That is a beautiful horse Lee, him or her? What its name? Is it the one that likes to inhale when you put the saddle on?
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(Truman, don't do it, resisit temptation, do not make a fool of yourself, don;t start a bunch of mess like you did yesterday....)
Well I can't post a picture of my horse, I'd get reported.
(You damn fool, now look what you've done)
Hee Heee! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
You are bad! I guess temptation won out!! LOL
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That is a beautiful horse Lee, him or her? What its name? Is it the one that likes to inhale when you put the saddle on?
That Ellie.
She's an arabian that we rescued.
She is an amazing horse. Taht pic was the firsttime she had been rissen in 10yrs.
We did a little dancin in the corral before we got out to the pasture. Apparently she has been trained in Dressage!
She was in horrible shape when we found her though.
Gambler is the one who puffs up! LOL
I don't have his picture at work but I'll post it when I get home!
He's a great horse but stubborn!! :laugh:
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In my best buzzed Ennis voice: "Wull what exactly is Dressage?" I mean I have heard that term many times but never knowed what it ment.
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In my best buzzed Ennis voice: "Wull what exactly is Dressage?" I mean I have heard that term many times but never knowed what it ment.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/minihorse.jpg)
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No wonder no one had rode that horse in 10 years.
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No wonder no one had rode that horse in 10 years.
What I can't imagine is how Rich stayed in the closet riding a horse like that.
:laugh:
*runs frm thread before Rich sees it*
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What I can't imagine is how Rich stayed in the closet riding a horse like that.
:laugh:
*runs frm thread before Rich sees it*
Be glad you are in Jersey Boy!! >:(
Dressage comes from the french meaning training. It's a type of training where the horse does a series of complex moves and strength and control exercises. It's actually an olympic equestrian event!
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Be glad you are in Jersey Boy!! >:(
Oh, I 'm so scared. NOT!
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Oh, I 'm so scared. NOT!
Keep talkin yankee boy!
My memory is long!
I'll get you my pretty and you little dog too!!
Oh wait, thats someone else! :laugh:
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I got my Horse! ;D
Yeehaw, don't you look good on a horse, bud!?!? :D
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Keep talkin yankee boy!
My memory is long!
I'll get you my pretty and you little dog too!!
Oh wait, thats someone else! :laugh:
Just that one part, huh?
*runs from Rich*
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Just that one part, huh?
*runs from Rich*
Don't you wish you knew!! ;D :laugh: :laugh:
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Yeehaw, don't you look good on a horse, bud!?!? :D
Thanks Jeff!
I look like I'm smellin a fart but a bird just flew by my head in the pic so thats why I have that look on my face! LOL
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lmao!
Ok, I think it's about time we stopped hijacking Tru's thread. :laugh:
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Thanks Jeff!
I look like I'm smellin a fart but a bird just flew by my head in the pic so thats why I have that look on my face! LOL
I can't actually make out the expression on your face. I was just lookin' at those manly arms and those long legs and the masterful way you're settin' up there on that beast. ;D
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I can't actually make out the expression on your face. I was just lookin' at those manly arms and those long legs and the masterful way you're settin' up there on that beast. ;D
Aww shucks! Now yer makin me blush! Dag Nabbit!
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Aww shucks! Now yer makin me blush! Dag Nabbit!
;D
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lmao!
Ok, I think it's about time we stopped hijacking Tru's thread. :laugh:
I could make something out of this so easy......ya'll just have a good time, I like company.
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Im so easy.
I heard that about you..... :o
*runs from Truman*
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You are messin with fire to day boy!! :laugh:
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I heard that about you..... :o
*runs from Truman*
You doctored that one dude. :o
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You are messin with fire to day boy!! :laugh:
what else do you expect from a flamer? :laugh:
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You doctored that one dude. :o
:-* :-* :-* :-*
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what else do you expect from a flamer? :laugh:
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Oh Chuckie! You kill me!!!
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what else do you expect from a flamer? :laugh:
You will be in Wyoming next year right? I'll bring the marshmellows.
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You will be in Wyoming next year right? I'll bring the marshmellows.
I'll bring the Cocolate and Graham Crackers and we'll make smores
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AHEM !! I remember you around that campfire, with the marshmallows, Truman. Quite a sight, I must say. Wayne enjoyed them too. *Oh did I say that out loud?*
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Honey me and Wayne are cool. He might be dead weight as a dancer, but he is a real good guy. I think Mouk is still in sugar shock.
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He sure was dead weight that night in Wyoming, up in the Big Horns around the campfire, BUT Give Him Credit, Wayne was almost single-handedly holding up the tradition the boys' started of drinking that Ol' Rose till the bottle come up empty! I admired him for staying on his feet, especially when the Moose invaded our campsite.
How was Mouk affected by the Sugar? Was this Kissing "sugar" or marshmallow "sugar"?
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Marshmellow sugar, all processed and hot and juicy. :-X
Law, that was a good time.
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Indeed it was! All of it - except for when I found that "skeleton in the closet" ! Literally. Took me a second or two to realize it wasn't human, but antelope bones . . . whew!
Oh, and my irises didn't make it. Sad about that.
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(http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=654.0;attach=14420;image)
I love this pic Judy!! ;D
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Shows how I feel about being in Wyoming, up on Broke(n)back Mountain, honoring Ennis and Jack's Memory, with the best group of people I had the privilege to meet - to that date. Doesn't it?!?!
I've continued to meet and enjoy so many people who were, and still are, affected by this story . . . there's nobody like Brokies, Lee.
PRESENT COMPANY INCLUDED!
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Ohhhh.....cool pics!
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Hey Chuckie, I've never told you this, but I love your signature line. It fits most people, and that includes me.
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Hey Chuckie, I've never told you this, but I love your signature line. It fits most people, and that includes me.
thank you! Can't take credit for it......someone at work had it in an email, and I stole it from her. lmao
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Most things that just HIT US RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES, and become meaningful to us are things we just happen across - and when we least expect it, we see a line such as one of these:
A Few of my favorites!
1. I'm not kissing him, I'm whispering in his mouth. [ this just kills me dead!]
2. Just sending up a prayer of thanks.
3. Jake's Jack gave us the heart of Brokeback, Heath's Ennis gave us the soul.
Judy
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Here's me on Gambler( the horse that puffs up when ya try and cinch the saddle) with my neice.
I don't think she's real sure she likes it up there.
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Awe she is precious, reminds me of little orphan Annie! Nice picture.
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That is the slip saddle horse?
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That is the slip saddle horse?
LOL! Thats the one!
In fact, that was taken about an hour before the saddle slipped! :o
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cool pic, Rich!
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cool pic, Rich!
Aw, thanks Chuck!! :-*
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Richard, you need a picture of you on that horse with your boots and hat on !!!!!! ;)
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I had a bay quarter horse when I was a teen. She was barn sour, and had been left to her own devices for a long time, when we got her. She had that habit also..Puff up when you tried to do up the cinch, and she also did the hurry up and stop trick...feet into the ground, and head down so you would slide off over her head... It took me two times to figure that one out... :laugh:
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Richard, you need a picture of you on that horse with your boots and hat on !!!!!! ;)
I know!
As soon as Daddys feelin better Were going and I'll get one! ;D
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I know!
As soon as Daddys feelin better Were going and I'll get one! ;D
Good. I'll get down there and you can teach me to ride.......
course I will scream like a girl the whole time !!! :laugh: :laugh:
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Good. I'll get down there and you can teach me to ride.......
course I will scream like a girl the whole time !!! :laugh: :laugh:
Nah, I'll put you on Trio.
She don't do nothin but walk.
:laugh: :laugh:
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Nah, I'll put you on Trio.
She don't do nothin but walk.
:laugh: :laugh:
Thats the one I want, nice calm one. ;D
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we can take turns Tru !!!!! :D
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Thats the one I want, nice calm one. ;D
Oh Noooooooooooooo!
I'm puttin you on my boy Dancer! LOL
He has that name for a reason!! :laugh:
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:o :o :o :o
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Here he is!
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Oh Noooooooooooooo!
I'm puttin you on my boy Dancer! LOL
He has that name for a reason!! :laugh:
Dancer it is then. (oh lordy!)
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Beautiful horse.
I don't know Tru, you would look mighty hot sitting on that horse !!!! ;)
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He's purdy, I always picture that color when I think about horses. Did you break him?
I thank you Karen, I just gotta remember to not show my teeth when I smile, it make me look, you know, gay.
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He's purdy, I always picture that color when I think about horses. Did you break him?
I thank you Karen, I just gotta remember to not show my teeth when I smile, it make me look, you know, gay.
WTF? :o
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He's purdy, I always picture that color when I think about horses. Did you break him?
Hell no! Thats why your ridin him!LOL
Nah, I have ridden him once. well, I should say I held on for a while! I thought everything was cool cause I got the saddle on him. However, as soon as my ass was n it he started dancin!! :laugh:
I thank you Karen, I just gotta remember to not show my teeth when I smile, it make me look, you know, gay.
Not thatthere's anything wrong with that!!!
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and you said you couldn't dance !!!! ;D
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and you said you couldn't dance !!!! ;D
I did like I usually do! Just held on!
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I did like I usually do! Just held on!
Jesus H.! How many horses you got?
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Jesus H.! How many horses you got?
Well, we got 7! Donna, Trio, Dancer, Ellie, Gambler,Ginger,Mariah.
All but 2 (Dancer and Gambler) are rescues. We had 8 but we couldn't get Savannah well so we had to put her down. Her hooves were not properly cared for and it really messed up her gait.
It amazes me how people can mistreat these beautiful creatures!
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Here he is!
Great looking Horse! "Tent don't look right."
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"Tent don't look right."
Br. Patrick please do not lead me into temptation! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Okay here is a movie reccomendation: The Canterville Ghost.
This 1944 comedy is based on a story by Oscar Wilde (which is available online) and stars 6 year old Margaret O'Brein, Robert Young (Marcus Welby) and Charles Laughton. Its cute, features a troop of WWII era soldiers staying in a haunted castle, sleeping in their starched whities.
About an hour into the movie the soldiers are at a dance in town, where of course they teach the locals how to boogie-woogie. Then the most amazing thing, two soldiers clasp hand and cut the rug. Two guys, in 1944! And can they dance? They had had some practice.
I know it is all "innocent", like Young's characters obvious dedication to the 6 years old, but damn. What must a gay man, maybe passed over by the draft for sexual inversion, have thought sitting in the dark of the theater and seeing them two handsome men dance across the screne? Some thing like hope I imagine.
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The follow photo appeared yesterday in the online version of the Chester County Independant, a newspaper in Henderson, Tennessee. They are: Taylar Webster, first runner up; Theresa Jones, queen; Daela Whited, second runner up in the 2007 Chester County Barbeque Festival Pagent.
I think the photo would make a wonderful lable on a whine bottle.
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you know you ARE allowed to check that girth there more than once....(or else bury the tip of your boot in his tummy...he MAY pass out on you but he will definitely unpoof....LOL!!)
I know I know...that is mean.... ;D
LOL! I usually get him to "unpoof". However my Dad saddled him up while I was gettin my daughters horse saddled up!
Lesson, saddle your own horse!!
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I loved this movie!
I read the book when I was a kid!
Okay here is a movie reccomendation: The Canterville Ghost.
This 1944 comedy is based on a story by Oscar Wilde (which is available online) and stars 6 year old Margaret O'Brein, Robert Young (Marcus Welby) and Charles Laughton. Its cute, features a troop of WWII era soldiers staying in a haunted castle, sleeping in their starched whities.
About an hour into the movie the soldiers are at a dance in town, where of course they teach the locals how to boogie-woogie. Then the most amazing thing, two soldiers clasp hand and cut the rug. Two guys, in 1944! And can they dance? They had had some practice.
I know it is all "innocent", like Young's characters obvious dedication to the 6 years old, but damn. What must a gay man, maybe passed over by the draft for sexual inversion, have thought sitting in the dark of the theater and seeing them two handsome men dance across the screne? Some thing like hope I imagine.
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I loved this movie!
I read the book when I was a kid!
NOTHING surprises me anymore, and that is a good thing! ;D
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Well, we got 7! Donna, Trio, Dancer, Ellie, Gambler,Ginger,Mariah.
All but 2 (Dancer and Gambler) are rescues. We had 8 but we couldn't get Savannah well so we had to put her down. Her hooves were not properly cared for and it really messed up her gait.
It amazes me how people can mistreat these beautiful creatures!
Holy crap! Seven? Where do you keep 'em all?
A couple of weeks ago I went to a Renaissance faire where there was a jousting exhibition. The announcer said that all the horses were rescues. One was a beautiful dapple gray. :)
LOL! I usually get him to "unpoof". However my Dad saddled him up while I was gettin my daughters horse saddled up!
Lesson, saddle your own horse!!
"Unpoof"? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Holy crap! Seven? Where do you keep 'em all?
A couple of weeks ago I went to a Renaissance faire where there was a jousting exhibition. The announcer said that all the horses were rescues. One was a beautiful dapple gray. :)
"Unpoof"? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
My Dad has 48 acres so he has plenty of room for them. Maybe a few more LOL!
I don't know what else ya'd call it! LOL
That boy puffs up like a puffer fish when it's time to saddle up! :laugh:
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"Unpoof"? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I don't know what else ya'd call it! LOL
That boy puffs up like a puffer fish when it's time to saddle up! :laugh:
Yeah, well, tell you what, that just sounds so gay. ... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Ain't nothing to riding a horse!
I rode one for the first time in Estes Park. Was fun. No worries, Karen, no reason to scream!
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Yeah, well, tell you what, that just sounds so gay. ... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Maybe he is?
Well, he's been gelded so he's just a unich! LOL
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Maybe he is?
Well, he's been gelded so he's just a unich! LOL
I meant "unpoof" sounds so gay--not the horse! ;D
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Before this movie came along it had been 1986 since I had been on a horse. The I rode in Wyoming last year and then twice in Alberta. The second time, the wrangler asked when had I las rode and I said: Last week. It felt good. It is hard on my knees though.
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Now tomorry I will be on foot, on the Appalachain Trail, headed up to McAfee's Knob
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1340493507048398107vLVDsX
Would be nice if I ran into these guys up there, but that is okay, I will have my good friend Carol with me, she has never been before.
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when I rode in Co., I asked if I could have a horse named "CreamPuff".
:laugh:
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Goodness me! There you go again climbing out on the edge of a precipice..again Be careful...yikes
That is beautiful, but scary all the same...
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Now tomorry I will be on foot, on the Appalachain Trail, headed up to McAfee's Knob
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1340493507048398107vLVDsX
Would be nice if I ran into these guys up there, but that is okay, I will have my good friend Carol with me, she has never been before.
Which one is McAfee?? :laugh:
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Now tomorry I will be on foot, on the Appalachain Trail, headed up to McAfee's Knob
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1340493507048398107vLVDsX
Would be nice if I ran into these guys up there, but that is okay, I will have my good friend Carol with me, she has never been before.
I hope your Mama taught you to share your toys.
I'll take the one on the left in the gray t-shirt. ... ;D
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when I rode in Co., I asked if I could have a horse named "CreamPuff".
:laugh:
You on a "Cream Puff"? That would be sugar overload, you sweet thing, you. ;D
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You on a "Cream Puff"? That would be sugar overload, you sweet thing, you. ;D
*blushing*
aren't you cute! *tickles Jeff*
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*blushing*
aren't you cute! *tickles Jeff*
Though I wasn't there, I've seen the pictures. I know what your horse did. ;D
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Though I wasn't there, I've seen the pictures. I know what your horse did. ;D
rotflmao!
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Now tomorry I will be on foot, on the Appalachain Trail, headed up to McAfee's Knob
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1340493507048398107vLVDsX
Would be nice if I ran into these guys up there, but that is okay, I will have my good friend Carol with me, she has never been before.
Truman, a special source has told me that they will be up there waiting for you. I heard they were planning a picnic.
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Truman, I just read your very first entry on here that you wrote way back in April of 2006 about your own Brokeback Mountain. You have lots of pages so I guess it took me a long time to get to the beginning. Anyway, I just want to say how glad I am that you shared that story of your life. It really touched me very deeply. I could tell you were a very genuine and caring person and there is no doubt that I know that for sure now.
Jack
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Thank you Jack, there is not a day goes by I don't think about Curt. This is the time of year that we had our brief time together and it is like even the air reminds me of him. He was a very disturbed individual and no doubt if we'd stayed together it would have been misery. Accepting that was not easy, but I learned from him we can;t help who we fall in love with. Love finds us.
I'm off for the mountain, wishing I had not had that second jumbo margarita last night........OMG,,,,
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Hey Truman, it was a real treat getting your phone call from the mountain top today! Thanks, friend, and I hope you're home with your feet up, enjoying a nice cold drinkie and proud of yourself for the climb. Looking forward to seeing some pictures! :-*
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I was tickled to talk to you too Meryl, when you come down and visit your friends in Front Royal let me know, we'll paint the town, should only take one can.
The 50 Mile View:
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How was the picnic?
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I was tickled to talk to you too Meryl, when you come down and visit your friends in Front Royal let me know, we'll paint the town, should only take one can.
The 50 Mile View:
What a stunner of a view! 8)
Only one can? Well, OK. We'll make it a hot color. ;D
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beautiful!
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How was the picnic?
Very yummy!
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OMG!!! I so would not have sat so close to that edge!!!
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great pics, but no way I would've sat there either!
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They scared the hell out of me.
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Just seeing that picture made me freeze up !! :o
I have trouble going on the fly overs on the expressways here !!! :(
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Whoa, that gives me sinking feelings to even think about being out on that edge! Now if it were glass-enclosed, like the bridge in Arizona....maybe. ;D
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Occasionally in my life, there is a perfect day. Sairdee was one of them.
My friend Carol, The sage of Elamsville, had a birthday the other week while on a tour of Western New York state, which she tells me has a population of 5. I called her earlier in the week and asked if she would like to hike up to McAfee's Knob. She'd not ever done that hike before so was eager to go.
Carol is the first woman I ever met as a "bent person" (I decided I really don't like the term gay, it just don't fit me) she was a friend of two guys I met named James and Chuck, Chuck has since passed away and James, well James is James. So knowing her gave me a feeling that I'd never had before, never had to conceal myself, never had to lie to her and she could care less. She is an "old hippy", lives in the proverbial old farm house over looking downtown Elamsville, Virginia (both houses) and lets just say every clock in the house says 4:20.
I got there Sairdee morning and was greeted by her cats Prissy and Shithead. "Where is Cole?" I asked her about her big old black lab.
"Dead" she said.
"When?" I asked, and she told me the story about having him put to sleep Labor Day weekend after he quit eating. He was 14 to16 years old, no one really knew. He was a good dog. I told Carol: "Here's an idea, next time you have something put to sleep, once it is done look at the vet very sincerely and ask 'now how long will they be asleep?'"
We headed out listening to The Barrell House Mammas, a wonderful trio of women from Asheville, North Carolina who played at Floydfest this year. They are like the Dixie Chicks without the drama. It was 69F/20C, the air was clear, the leaves just beginning to turn. We took the Elamsville Highway to Rt. 8, up the mountain, past Tuggles Gap, on into Floyd, right onto Rt. 221 and headed north, thru Check and Copper Hill, and then "Bent" Mountain and back down into Roanoke. A left on 419 would take us past the shopping center that had once been Lakeside Amusement Park with its rickety old wooded roller coaster. We crossed over I81 and the road become Rt. 311, and took a sharp right at the Orange Market and took off thru the country, up the long mountain, at the top was the parking lot where Jack's promised picnic was already assembled. Four college aged guys with back packs and a guitar, they looked like they might be out there overnight.
At the insistence of Carol's son and ankle, we took the fire road most of the way, it was a much easier walk than the trail, it followed the ridge like and old Indian path and was very gentle. There as room to walk side by each and let others pass because everyone was taking the fire road and everyone was passing us. A canopy of hardwoods shaded me eyes and we drifted along, leaving the parking lot at noon, it would take us 2 1/2 hours to go 3 1/12 miles to the summit, and about an hour less to get back. We'd have to keep an eye on the time and not get caught out yonder in the dark. Squirrels scampered all about us gathering acorns for the winter.
Then came the point we had to leave the road and take the narrow Appalachain Trial the last mile. Our first steps on it were in stairs, it was a climb and Carol had to stop several times and I didn't complain. Once I sat down and was amazed how good it felt.
We encountered several people, said hi and went on. Then I seen this young man approach with short red hair, shades and a sleeping mat on his back. He seemed to want to ask us something and I fell for a pretty face. He wanted to give us a tract for his church. He was out on the Appalachain Trail like a modern day apostle witnessing to people and I was wearing my Jack Nasty t-shirt. I thanked him but told him we really didn't want to to discuss out belief system whit him.
He was good, "What do you believe in" I held up my hands "This" I said, "all of it, it is part of God".
"So your a Pantheist" OMG, he was labeling me. "Whatever" I said and "bless you" and we turned and walked away.
"Well I can tell you the bible doesn't agree with pantheism."
"Don't I know" I hollered back. I thought to myself a lot of things like it don't agree with, like my orientation or his need to pass judgement. "It ain't safe anywhere anymore" Carol said.
That last mile was the longest mile in the world. "Are we there yet?" was uttered more than once. I had only been there once myself, like 4 years ago, and was trying to rememory how much farther it might be. Finally near the top we took a little path over to a ledge that overlooked the valley and farms and houses and not 20 feet away on another ledge sat a Turkey Vulture. I am reasonable sure that what it was, one of them meet eating birds. He saw us and I knew he wouldn't sit for long. Carefully we drew out our cameras and got a couple of pics. A relative of his flew over and he turnt his head sideways to look up and see who it was. Then with no thought at all he took off, diving down and soaring up above us. Looking for the next meal, suspended above our normal affairs.
The top was just a short distance from the perch, and the picnic was in full swing. It is one of them places that is so worth the effort to get there. The folks there are all friendly because you've all past the test of the mountain. They come up and volunteer to take you picture for you so you can show your friends back home. The cliff edge is totally natural, totally unprotected. I would cautiously move toward the edge to see how close I could get when the realization there was another person standing near me would make me jump out of my skin almost. The air was so clear, no haze, you could see 50 miles we figgered. See downtown Roanoke, the airport, the mall. There is also a very strong cell phone signal up there. We called and texted people on my phone, looking out over the isolated farms and fields you would have to know genetically how to reach, looking out over Carvins Cove, the valley that Roanoke gets its water from. You could see how low the water was. The creek that feeds it has dried up.
These kids today, I am not sure what to make of them. They are a lot more comfortable with themselves than my generation was. I over heard one of the young guys tell another "you wanna lay out, I have a blanket" (the imagination goes wild.....)
An hour so of picture taking and reminiscing passed too quick, and we started out trek back to the car, which was accomplished without the first stop. We called Carol's boyfriend, Chico the Gluten Intolerant Pizza Maker, to hook us up with a medium Spinach, Tomato and Artichoke pizza with Feta Cheese.We hauled ass to get to downtown Roanoke before the Market building locked up at 6. We sat on stools in the back room and devoured the wonderful fresh hot pizza which turnt out to be a large rather than a medium and told Chico about the day. He was having to sleep on the floor there that night to reopen at midnight and sell slices to drunk yuppies needing to soak up the alcohol in their bellies. He makes half his income doing this on Fridee and Sairdee nights, and thru a combination of sickness and employees quitting he had got stuck with it all weekend.
These are how the wheels turn, each of us one being pushed along by some invisible hand, or in one case a bible, sometimes colliding, sometimes travelling in unison for a remarkable amount of time. Wheels turning, carrying us back up Bent Mountain, my eyelids so heavy that by Copper Hill I pulled over and let Carol drive and the wheels rolled on as I caught 40 winks and drifted to that place Jack and Ennis embraced by a fire, where you can start to dream, and still be aware of things being said around you.
Like a line from my favorite fanfic, 271 Horses, the four hoofs moved steadily toward the curve in the road. We reached Floyd and trunt left on Rt. 8. A mile or so out of town the deer took a few steps out in the road and waited. We all saw each other at the same instant, Carol stomped on the breaks, the car went a little side ways, the tailgating SUV behind us did as well, and the deer, scrambled, unable to get a foothold on the asphalt. Came the deadening thud and down it went, scrambling to get up as we scrambled to stop we tapped it a second time and a second time it went down. I imagined it going right under me, but it didn't, somehow it got out to the side and took off, running into the woods where it probably later died of internal injuries and some Turkey Vulture now revels in its good fortune, as we did when we stopped and checked out the damage. With the exception of what appeared to be deer snot the car was its usual bug covered, dirty self, nothing cracked, nothing broke.
Carol kept apologizing, I kept telling her "for what? we're alive!"
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;D
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Very yummy!
He is very close to the edge there. Too close for comfort. Glad the picnic went well. See I told you they would be there waiting for you. I think you might be able to see my house from there :)
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We headed out listening to The Barrell House Mammas, a wonderful trio of women from Asheville, North Carolina who played at Floydfest this year. They are like the Dixie Chicks without the drama.
Hmmmmm.....wonder why I have never heard of The Barrell House Mammas :) It may have something to do with that I don't do much here in Asheville except for work. I will have to check them out. I still love the Dixie Chicks too.
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;D
I want to go home so bad!
Thanks for the pictures! I had no Idea how homesick i am!
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I want to go home so bad!
Thanks for the pictures! I had no Idea how homesick i am!
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Lee))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
All things in time lil' brother, these mountains will be here long after were gone.
Unless they discover coal under them.
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((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Lee))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
All things in time lil' brother, these mountains will be here long after were gone.
Unless they discover coal under them.
LOL! I know.
You can take the boy out of the Mountains but you can't take the Mountains out of the boy!
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Your Travels are letting us west coasters know about a part of this country we may never, come to know. I felt like I was on that trail with you. The drive was leisurely and comfortable too.
Seeing you out on that "Knob" was a bit scary though. I am sorry I just dont care for high drop off places..We do have a similar place here in Oregon though it has a shielded lookout made of rock and stone. Its called the top of Cabbage Hill. Dont have any idea what that comes from...
Too bad you had the bejesus scared out of you just when you were dozing off...That must have been very scary....At least you made it.. Thanks for yet another wonderful Travel w/Truman
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damn, Tru, those are some great pics!
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amazing pics!
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It's so hard for me to travel. You have given me a neat trip!
((CyberHugs))
br. p
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Thanks everbody, I am glad I am able to share these experences with you all. Wish you could be there with me. I'll have some more adventures for you soon, I hope.
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Truman, what a beautiful adventure! I'm glad to have "met" Carol and her boyfriend through your story. You were lucky with that deer, I know he most likely met the end that you described . . . Glad you and Carol were okay though, and that your car was too. I dream of the day that I can climb up to the summit with you . . .better work on getting in shape for it. That's going to be my goal. Thanks for the tour and the pictures! J -
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Observation of the day:
When Clinton was president, the scandal was called Whitewater.
Now that Bush is president, the scandal is Blackwater.
Weird.
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Jump in to say Hi, Shakestheground, :D
WOW - your pictures are great and the view stunning! :o
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Observation of the day:
When Clinton was president, the scandal was called Whitewater.
Now that Bush is president, the scandal is Blackwater.
Weird.
Maybe there should be a sign at the White House...No Swimming Allowed.
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Maybe there should be a sign at the White House...No Swimming Allowed.
Only if Teddy K is around! :laugh:
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Only if Teddy K is around! :laugh:
*snort*
Good one ! ;D
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In that case it should include driving.....
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We stood outside the diner.
Making small talk to fill the void,
Of pregnant pauses,
And tings we lacked the nerve for.
A hug, a squeeze,
In public I'd dare not much more
He turned to go and I waited,
Yes, he turned around and looked back.
I am in love.
I have always been this way.
The sun has always shown,
The rain has always been warm.
The songs on the radio
Are not the same as yesterday
The ride home,
Was never this beautiful.
I waited to see,
He turned around.
He had a smile.
And it was just for me.
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We stood outside the diner.
Making small talk to fill the void,
Of pregnant pauses,
And tings we lacked the nerve for.
A hug, a squeeze,
In public I'd dare not much more
He turned to go and I waited,
Yes, he turned around and looked back.
I am in love.
I have always been this way.
The sun has always shown,
The rain has always been warm.
The songs on the radio
Are not the same as yesterday
The ride home,
Was never this beautiful.
I waited to see,
He turned around.
He had a smile.
And it was just for me.
That was beautiful!
Dang, my friends are so taleneted!! ;D
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Awesome photos of your hike, friend. (((waving to Judy - me too, me too!!))
And damn, that poem is perfect. Love it. :-*
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and he thinks my stuff is good.
::)
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and he thinks my stuff is good.
::)
Please post the one you wrote this morning, Chuckie!
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That was beautiful!
Dang, my friends are so taleneted!! ;D
Give it a try, bro, can't be no worse'n me.
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We stood outside the diner.
Making small talk to fill the void,
Of pregnant pauses,
And tings we lacked the nerve for.
A hug, a squeeze,
In public I'd dare not much more
He turned to go and I waited,
Yes, he turned around and looked back.
I am in love.
I have always been this way.
The sun has always shown,
The rain has always been warm.
The songs on the radio
Are not the same as yesterday
The ride home,
Was never this beautiful.
I waited to see,
He turned around.
He had a smile.
And it was just for me.
If he only knew
If he only felt
Outside that diner
What was in my heart
If he only heard
If he only saw
Standing there in public
What was in my heart
Why did I turn around
Why did I not just leave
I am in love
I have always been this way
I smiled at him
If he only knew
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Give it a try, bro, can't be no worse'n me.
Yes I can. LOL
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Please post the one you wrote this morning, Chuckie!
My original plan is one a day for now, but since you've asked, sure.
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I love the way you tell a story and the pictures are way cool too. Beautiful heartfelt poems, I just love them. Although its getting late, as Ive been here for hours reading and drinking my coffee, this is a wonderful way to start my day! Thanks
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If he only knew
If he only felt
Outside that diner
What was in my heart
If he only heard
If he only saw
Standing there in public
What was in my heart
Why did I turn around
Why did I not just leave
I am in love
I have always been this way
I smiled at him
If he only knew
A little tear comes,
Always to my right eye first,
My heart jumps,
Then warms.
He is he, and miles between us.
He stokes the head of a pidgeon,
And sets it free,
To land upon my windowsil.
Could I but shrink the space,
Turn back years
Shout a warning,
I would.
No matter now.
He loves me.
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A little tear comes,
Always to my right eye first,
My heart jumps,
Then warms.
He is he, and miles between us.
He stokes the head of a pidgeon,
And sets it free,
To land upon my windowsil.
Could I but shrink the space,
Turn back years
Shout a warning,
I would.
No matter now.
He loves me.
Were the past just that
But I fear it remains as a brand
Deep in my skin
Yet I will not weep
Were you just a friend
I could wander then return
Nothing between us changed
We know this is not our lot
Were I more foolish
And less foolish
The vistas of eternity
Would be open to us
Were we?
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We were all that,
And every dreams awakened,
Every wish granted.
Walking in blind, and tripping,
On our hearts.
Somewhere I crossed that line,
Looking into your eyes,
Standing outside a diner,
Telling myself it was still
"Just for fun".
The impossible has happened,
I wake into a world familar,
Where I have never been,
And need to get to you,
Before waking betrays my heart.
This is not dream,
Is it?
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We were all that,
And every dreams awakened,
Every wish granted.
Walking in blind, and tripping,
On our hearts.
Somewhere I crossed that line,
Looking into your eyes,
Standing outside a diner,
Telling myself it was still
"Just for fun".
The impossible has happened,
I wake into a world familar,
Where I have never been,
And need to get to you,
Before waking betrays my heart.
This is not dream,
Is it?
In dreams we are the highest
Of ideals and beauty
In dreams we are Venus' starlight
Piercing the gray morning of our souls
In dreams we move as two birch trees
Undualting in the summer wind
In dreams we grow like the trees
Apart for the world to see
Yet the soil of our hearts reveal
Our roots entwined.
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My body limp and paralyzed,
I see you go about your day,
Eraser in your hand,
Bluring the lines between heart
And Mind.
You, bring a cup of coffee,
And I drink it all like,
I am preparing for a trip.
I will follow you down that rabbit hole,
As far as you will lead me.
Where there is not flesh to hold,
In the heart you will be,
Miles are but grains of sand,
That fill my sleepy eyes.
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$hiiit, this poetry slam is some high-class entertainment!
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In your travels
Through rabbit holes
Did you imagine me
Alert to the aurora of new
Yet oldish love
It's light pulsating
In rythmn with
The hammerbeat of my heart
Growing fervent and
Ardent as you
Bring your heat to bear
On my soul
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$hiiit, this poetry slam is some high-class entertainment!
C'mon Paul, lets hear what you have to say.
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In your travels
Through rabbit holes
Did you imagine me
Alert to the aurora of new
Yet oldish love
It's light pulsating
In rythmn with
The hammerbeat of my heart
Growing fervent and
Ardent as you
Bring your heat to bear
On my soul
I felt you like a kid at Christmas,
Excited by the lights and wrappings,
Didn't know it was you until you left
Every cell screaming what happened?
I had never seen that,
Light from within,
Like flame for tender,
I had no fear.
We burned together.
All this time I never knew
What I was missing.
Never saw it before,
It exists only in concert
With you.
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I felt you like a kid at Christmas,
Excited by the lights and wrappings,
Didn't know it was you until you left
Every cell screaming what happened?
I had never seen that,
Light from within,
Like flame for tender,
I had no fear.
We burned together.
All this time I never knew
What I was missing.
Never saw it before,
It exists only in concert
With you.
In concert with you
I opened my mouth
We sang "Moon River"
Your face showed me
The words
I thought I knew
My Huckleberry Friend.
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In concert with you
I opened my mouth
We sang "Moon River"
Your face showed me
The words
I thought I knew
My Huckleberry Friend.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWW!
That same moon,
That had seen it all,
From the begining of our lives,
And long before,
Shown down that night,
And if it could smile,
It was.
That night, it was not
A harsh mistress.
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YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWW!
That same moon,
That had seen it all,
From the begining of our lives,
And long before,
Shown down that night,
And if it could smile,
It was.
That night, it was not
A harsh mistress.
The moon smiled
on us,
our offerings.
We drank in the moonlight,
the love,
the only harshness,
the whiskey.
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Thin sips,
The anointed flask,
Had been our miricle,
Of the Loaves and the fishes.
And it came to us finally,
At the end of our pilgrimage,
What he felt that night,
Riding back to the sheep.
We pawed some white out of that moon,
With the blunt end of our hearts.
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Thin sips,
The anointed flask,
Had been our miricle,
Of the Loaves and the fishes.
And it came to us finally,
At the end of our pilgrimage,
What he felt that night,
Riding back to the sheep.
We pawed some white out of that moon,
With the blunt end of our hearts.
Moon-pawing,
Flask-raising,
Voice-soaring,
For the love of men.
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C'mon Paul, lets hear what you have to say.
Thanks, Tru, that was fun. :-*
Sorry, Scott, for butting in on your slam.
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Thanks, Tru, that was fun. :-*
Sorry, Scott, for butting in on your slam.
Butt away
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Yes, indeed, this has been wonderful.
It is a beautiful day.
-
This has been magical. It may just be the best thing that has ever been done here....at(Bettermost)
I salute you all. Such raw truth and talent. Amazing. thanks guys :-*
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I name it dueling poems.. Simply the best read so far.
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Late but not lost
I accept the friend's invitation
To wander the open fields
Of love's delectation
Prose tends to slip away
But poetry remembers
The passion of our fire
When ought else has burnt to embers.
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I name it dueling poems.. Simply the best read so far.
How about "dancing" poems, Dev?
That was lovely, Scott.
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That was lovely, Scott.
Danke schön. Here is a link to a creative-writing thread I started (all poetry so far) on our 'Creative Writer's Corner':
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,13466.msg258771.html#msg258771 (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,13466.msg258771.html#msg258771)
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Yes, indeed, this has been wonderful.
It is a beautiful day.
Well, you said your heart was so full of love today. You had more than enough for the rest of us. :-*
Danke schön. Here is a link to a creative-writing thread I started (all poetry so far) on our 'Creative Writer's Corner':
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,13466.msg258771.html#msg258771 (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,13466.msg258771.html#msg258771)
Thanks for the link, Scott.
-
It's a talented bunch here 8)
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Thank you MojoScott, I need to spend some time over there, you and Daniel are hawt I tell you.
Hey Jack, there is no time limit, it don;t close, what say you?
-
Thin sips,
The anointed flask,
Had been our miricle,
Of the Loaves and the fishes.
And it came to us finally,
At the end of our pilgrimage,
What he felt that night,
Riding back to the sheep.
We pawed some white out of that moon,
With the blunt end of our hearts.
Awesome. Thanks for bringing it all back and more, Friends. :-*
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I love what happened here today. And I love each and every one of your strong and beautiful hearts - there's so much love inside to share. Thank you for such a generous gift.
:-*
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You all were very busy yesterday - and I was not here!
I have read all the poems today and I want to say now:
Hey guys that was wonderful! :D
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Thank you everyone, I had to go to bed at 9 last night because I was so worn out. I was concerned that today might be equally bad in the other direction because yesterday was so good. It won;t be. I've already had my day made.
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Thank you everyone, I had to go to bed at 9 last night because I was so worn out. I was concerned that today might be equally bad in the other direction because yesterday was so good. It won;t be. I've already had my day made.
But did you make you bed?
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But did you make you bed?
No, I didn;t :laugh: but I know someone who did!
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No, I didn;t :laugh: but I know someone who did!
Every day!
-
Well I still have time, I am still at home, I might make it to the office later.
That is one of two things I love about my job, I can work from home, go in when I want, the other is I can drink on the job and I have found no other situation where that is possible.
Now that does not mean I do drink on the job, but if I wanted to I could.
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I've already had my day made.
That's great! So glad your day had such a good start!
-
The past few days I have been studying on how in the past, or even in the present, men who are religious (i.e. Christian) who have same sex attraction, may have found/find an outlet for their attraction Thur their devotion to Jesus.
This came about a while back when I saw one of those "Real Men Love Jesus" bumperstickers. Now I don;t know what they mean when they say "Real Men" but I assume they are excluding other men, but I digress. This got me to thinking of the tearful faces I have seen on services televised from the great mega churches of the land. There does seem to be an undercurrent of male bonding/devotion to Jesus of Nazareth, and it is totally accepted and/or not talked about. This is not meant to incroach upon the believes heartfelt desire for personal salvation.
The hymnals are full of songs of praise and love and devotion to the man, and when you consider the male dominated field the church has traditionally been and that men were writing the songs, like this one, which anyone from down south has heart at the funeral parlor on an organ played by a woman named Mabel:
IN THE GARDEN
Words & Music: C. Austin Miles, 1868-1946
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
Refrain
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
Refrain
Now I have checked out C. Austin Miles, he has living descendants, so he was not an old bachelor living in a an apartment over a butcher in Philly. But the words, read them with an open mind, what love he has. How many men have sang them on sunday, standing next to their wives and families, concentrating on Jesus, and blocking out whoever it is they are trying not to remember.
Or maybe it is my over active imagination, wanting to rewrite history and make everthing a little bent. What do you think?
-
Put in the context you suggest, I find the text quite interesting. I echoes the "Song of Solomon", which is the closest the Bible will ever get to sex. Hmmmm...amazing how one can interpret the word of God as they choose...oops...did I say that?
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Lynne told me she read the Song of Solomon at a wedding last weekend, and I told her I hoped it wasn;t the Toni Morrison version, that would take all day.
-
I love that hymn!
I know it is not in the vein of what you were writing about, but I can hear my Nannie and her sister, my Great Aunt Roxie, singing this song at Sugar Grove Baptist Church. The windows are open and a cool moutain breeze is ruffling the yellowed shear curtains that were at one time white. The old straight backed piano is banging out the accompnying music and no one is singing in the same key!
I'm laying in the pew looking up at them drinking my grape juice!
Thank you for bringing that precious memory to me today! :)
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IN THE GARDEN
Words & Music: C. Austin Miles, 1868-1946
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
Refrain
I’d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
Refrain
That was my mother's favorite hymn. :'( Mother was raised in a small denomination that became a part of the current United Methodist Church. She always said she wanted it "sung" at her funeral. When she died very unexectedly, our Lutheran pastor dug it out of the Methodist hymnal, but when he asked about singing it, I didn't think my dad and I could stand that without falling apart, so we just had the pastor read the lyrics from the pulpit. Just plain gutless, I guess. ...
Sorry, Mother. ... :'(
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That was my mother's favorite hymn. :'( Mother was raised in a small denomination that became a part of the current United Methodist Church. She always said she wanted it "sung" at her funeral. When she died very unexectedly, our Lutheran pastor dug it out of the Methodist hymnal, but when he asked about singing it, I didn't think my dad and I could stand that without falling apart, so we just had the pastor read the lyrics from the pulpit. Just plain gutless, I guess. ...
Sorry, Mother. ... :'(
So...imagine what it's like to feel oblilged to sing at every family funeral. I sang at my father's and my brothers. Rick's father's and his 24 year old nieces. People ask me how I do that, and all I say, is that it's like a light switch that I turn on and off.
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Well Jeff you had to do what you had to do at the time, I donlt thinks she would have wanted you all falling apart at her funeral, and the words were read. You still ave the song, you can sing it everyday and be connected to her.
And I am sure your father shared in the decision.
Now you wanna talk about gutless, I could not bring myself to look at my father after he died. I refused to go near the coffin when it was open. I had heard my mother say all her life all she could remember of her father was his laying in the coffin (she was 12) and i didn;t want to risk it (I was 22). I have dreams even now that he is still out there some place and I gotta find him. I think it was because I never saw his body.
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I know what you mean Scott, when we buried my sister, my mother wanted me to get up and read somethign she wrote from the pulpit. We filed in and I sat there looking at her picture on the alter and was terrified, how the hell was I going to do this? Well, I just did. Time came and I got up there and relaxed and it was the most natural thing in the world.
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I know what you mean Scott, when we buried my sister, my mother wanted me to get up and read somethign she wrote from the pulpit. We filed in and I sat there looking at her picture on the alter and was terrified, how the hell was I going to do this? Well, I just did. Time came and I got up there and relaxed and it was the most natural thing in the world.
People just assume that singing is too emotional an expression for someone to do for a loved one's funeral. I do have to admit, that at my brothers funeral, I questioned if I could or not.
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Those are the hardest ones I think. And I think since Brokeback I am so much more emotional. I cry at the drop of a hat. Recently I was trying to tell someone about going to that Spiritualist Church and they asked if I were to go back and ask a direct question whoat would it be. I had to write it down because I couldn;t get it out.
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Those are the hardest ones I think. And I think since Brokeback I am so much more emotional. I cry at the drop of a hat. Recently I was trying to tell someone about going to that Spiritualist Church and they asked if I were to go back and ask a direct question whoat would it be. I had to write it down because I couldn;t get it out.
Then I won't ask.
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Well Jeff you had to do what you had to do at the time, I donlt thinks she would have wanted you all falling apart at her funeral, and the words were read. You still ave the song, you can sing it everyday and be connected to her.
And I am sure your father shared in the decision.
Thanks.
The decision was mine. Dad was a total wreck. I was the one who piped up and told the pastor just to read it. The gutless feeling comes in was because I just could not deal with my father's falling apart.
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You looked after your father and his best interests, that is not gutless at all. That is courageous.
-
I thought it was bad enough to be compelled to act as pallbearer (I know that that's supposed to be an honor, but I've been asked to do it three times now, the first time for a great-aunt, next for for my paternal grandmother, and most recently for my aunt, and it's a burden, both physically and emotionally [sorry if that sounds unfeeling, but it's the truth]), but being asked to sing or recite a text at a loved one's funeral would be inestimably more difficult.
I intend to have a very simple funeral, having myself cremated and put into the ground with a minimum of ceremony, with formal dress and rites completely optional to those attending.
-
My family asked me to speak at my Dad's funeral. I'm not much of a public speaker, so I kept it brief. It was very difficult, but I'm glad I did it. I remember seeing my family in the first row rooting for me.
I think I would have regrets if I had chosen not to.
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I intend to have a very simple funeral, having myself cremated and put into the ground with a minimum of ceremony, with formal dress and rites completely optional to those attending.
I want to be buried with no fanfare asap after I die, and later if folks want to have a memorial service they can do whatever they like.
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Not me...I want the whole damn rigmarole...professional mourners...waling and gnashing of teeth...good food and booze of course...and...I wanna be there lookin' good. New Wranglers, nice shirt, my black cowboy hat, eyes open, sitting up..making sure everyone is behaving... :laugh:
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eyes open,
You had me until THAT part. :laugh:
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We really need to change the subject!
It's givin me the willies!
Scott, you're to onery to die! I don't wanna think about it! >:(
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I thought it was bad enough to be compelled to act as pallbearer (I know that that's supposed to be an honor, but I've been asked to do it three times now, the first time for a great-aunt, next for for my paternal grandmother, and most recently for my aunt, and it's a burden, both physically and emotionally [sorry if that sounds unfeeling, but it's the truth]),
I agree with you on the end of your statement. When my grandfather died, I was a pallbearer, and I was so worried about dropping my pop, I didn't mourn him at all. The entire mass, all I could do was breathe hard, and say to myself......Don't drop pappa, don't drop pappa!
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I want to be buried with no fanfare asap after I die, and later if folks want to have a memorial service they can do whatever they like.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Tru, I read this really quick, and read the first line as.....
I want to be buried with no fanfare especially after I die
and I thought, well, ok......because it would be cruel to bury you before you die..... :laugh:
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We really need to change the subject!
It's givin me the willies!
Scott, you're to onery to die! I don't wanna think about it! >:(
Ya think? That's a lovely thought... :laugh:
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Okay then I'm gonna have sex with a 20 year old.
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Death will come to us all at some point, in some form. It's a natural element of the life experience. We are all very much living under a sentence of death--what separates us from those sentenced to die by the state is that we do not know a specific date for our appointment.
This can actually galvanize us to live life as fully as possible, while it is still ours to possess. It's like that song, "I wish you could live like you were dying." I see this as a portal into hope rather than despair, though despair could certainly be an understandable reaction too, and is one I would be in no position to judge.
So let's embrace life, friends, and stave off death for one moment, one day more...until He chooses to dance with us, and will stake a claim on our friendship as well.
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until He chooses to dance with us, and will stake a claim on our friendship as well.
If he tries to dance with me anytime soon, I'm gonna step on his foot!
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Okay then I'm gonna have sex with a 20 year old.
Let's me out...I'm only 20 years old in very dim lighting
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If he tries to dance with me anytime soon, I'm gonna step on his foot!
That's the spirit! ;)
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You looked after your father and his best interests, that is not gutless at all. That is courageous.
Well, thanks, but I don't see it that way. Remember, I said I couldn't deal with his losing it, but let be, let be.
Okay then I'm gonna have sex with a 20 year old.
Can I have sloppy seconds? ;D
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Well, thanks, but I don't see it that way. Remember, I said I couldn't deal with his losing it, but let be, let be.
Can I have sloppy seconds? ;D
You sure can (and if you can tell me where to find one that would be a big help too.)
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You sure can (and if you can tell me where to find one that would be a big help too.)
Might have to resort to rentboy.com. How full is your piggy bank? ;D
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Might have to resort to rentboy.com. How full is your piggy bank? ;D
After Alberta and SF, piggy has gone to the pawn shop....
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After Alberta and SF, piggy has gone to the pawn shop....
I know the feeling and i dint even go to SF or Alberta!
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After Alberta and SF, piggy has gone to the pawn shop....
Oh, geez. Just don't start rentin' yourself out!
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Oh, geez. Just don't start rentin' yourself out!
Hey, I gotta few bucks! :laugh:
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Hey, I gotta few bucks! :laugh:
You betta have if you plan on bedding me!!!!
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You betta have if you plan on bedding me!!!!
Really?
I hear you get a pretty penny for singing.
How much to make me sing??? :laugh:
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Oh Lord.....
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You betta have if you plan on bedding me!!!!
I guess that answers my question over on the "Food in the Movies" thread. ...
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Hey, I gotta few bucks! :laugh:
Have you seen what some of them charge?! Dang! I do wonder how busy they are sometimes. I read the book by the guy who outed Ted Haggard, he was real busy.
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The guy who outed Ted Haggard, he was real busy.
What does that tell you? :laugh:
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Oh My !!!!
This thread has taken a couple of turns toay !!!!! :o :o :o :o
;D
-
To everything,
Turn, Turn, Turn,
There is a season,
Turn, Turn, Turn......
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To everything,
Turn, Turn, Turn,
There is a season,
Turn, Turn, Turn......
I love that song !!! ;D
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If I remember right, it were the Byrds. Or was it the Birds?
I am glad you stopped in, thought anymore about seeing the Nekkid Boys?
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If I remember right, it were the Byrds. Or was it the Birds?
I am glad you stopped in, thought anymore about seeing the Nekkid Boys?
Where is there Nekkid Boys? :o :o :o
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What NEKKID BOYs????? ! you talking about...are you guys going to rejoin the chippendales??
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Rejoin? I never left......
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If I remember right, it were the Byrds. Or was it the Birds?
I am glad you stopped in, thought anymore about seeing the Nekkid Boys?
I certain have. Gonna see if Teresa wants to go when I am there. I feel sure she will !!!!! ;D
What person in their right mind would pass up the chance to see nekkid boys?
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Okay, this make me angry. The link below is for the Bristol Herald Courrier in Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee where I went to college. I don't endorse the type of behavior these men are accused of, but equally I don't condone their names, address and photos being published.
If there was a problem at this park, I think local law enforcement could have made a presence there and run them off. Insted they entrapped them, humiliated them and told the world who they are, to try them in a court of public opinion.
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/news.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2007-10-01-0040.html
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I think its wrong too to print their names and addresses in the Newspaper for the world to see. Im totally against it. It aint right.
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That ain't right, to publish their street addresses like that. >:(
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Did you read the part where one guy killed himself, presumably because of the potential public humiliation? There are better ways of dealing with this.
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Did you read the part where one guy killed himself, presumably because of the potential public humiliation? There are better ways of dealing with this.
I did. Its alful, they printed that almost like they were gleeful about it.
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I did. Its alful, they printed that almost like they were gleeful about it.
Sounded like they were. What ever happened till innocent until proven guilty?
I think it should be illegal to post addresses in the paper. These men were arrested not convicted.
It's a very sad world we live in sometimes. :-\
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Did you read the part where one guy killed himself, presumably because of the potential public humiliation? There are better ways of dealing with this.
Yes, I did. That's terrible, and sad. :(
Sounded like they were. What ever happened till innocent until proven guilty?
I think it should be illegal to post addresses in the paper. These men were arrested not convicted.
It's a very sad world we live in sometimes. :-\
Seems like it's the other way 'round when it comes to gay sex in a public place.
It's like a witch hunt. No way to "prove" you're innocent, even if you are. Once you're accused, the damage is done.
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Okay, this make me angry. The link below is for the Bristol Herald Courrier in Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee where I went to college. I don't endorse the type of behavior these men are accused of, but equally I don't condone their names, address and photos being published.
If there was a problem at this park, I think local law enforcement could have made a presence there and run them off. Insted they entrapped them, humiliated them and told the world who they are, to try them in a court of public opinion.
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/news.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2007-10-01-0040.html
:o :o :o
I'm sorry, I'm so too shocked to mince my words: This is unbelievably shocking. Why is this legal in the US?
This is unimaginable for me.
It is pilloyring. It's humiliating and inhuman.
On top of it, those people are not even convicted! Only arrested/suspects, as Richard and Jeff pointed out. This is so inconceivable, I'm at a loss of words >:(.
:o :o :o
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speechless
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I have a friend who was entrapped in a public park, with a plainclothes police officer making verbal advances to him, and when my friend verbally indicated interest, other police officers hidden in the bush leapt out, jumped him and tazed him, and arrested him on charges of public lewdness. My friend didn't use any profanity, there was no exposure, and not even any body contact (not even a handshake). The officers accused my friend of resisting arrest when he began to run after they leapt at him--he said that for all he knew, in the confusion of the moment, they were gay-bashers.
My friend's photo and name (and those of other men caught up in the same sting operation) were televised on the local news that night, and after he was released on bail, was informed by his employer that he had two options--he could resign or he would be dismissed. He chose to resign without a fight. The charges against him were eventually dropped, but not after much anguish and hardship were endured by him and his loved ones. I am still very angry at the Austin Police Department for this travesty of justice.
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Wouldn't you just think the police would have more important things to do? As long as these guys aren't going after kids?
I bet this is the kind of thing Rudy Guliani approves of, with his "quality of life" emphasis. >:(
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This is beyond horrible. Will we never get past this bigoted crap? It's business as usual for the police, and life-ruining for their victims. This is one area of the law that cries out for reform.
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Look for more kinds of these entrapment scenarios, especially in conservative areas such as Texas and Virginia, with the demise of the sodomy laws. Homophobic public officials now have to channel their hatred towards such settings as public cruising places to nab the men they despise. And I believe they're really being nabbed for being gay, or being perceived as gay, more than they are for any alleged offense (again, in my friend's case, he did absolutely nothing wrong, but it didn't matter).
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Tell you what, unless I'm forgetting something--which is entirely possible ;D --forgive me for asking this, but did even that sleazoid Larry Craig do anything more than "indicate interest"?
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I wouldn;t doubt the news outlet is riding on the coattails of Larry craig putting this out there.
I think I am going to have to do something. This is not even my town but it needs to be answered.
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I wouldn;t doubt the news outlet is riding on the coattails of Larry craig putting this out there.
I think I am going to have to do something. This is not even my town but it needs to be answered.
We should all write letters to the editor! >:(
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A lot of towns publish "police notes" in the local paper, which sometimes consist of the names of people in the community who were arrested in the past week and why.
Even in liberal-minded Provincetown, they continue this practice. Despite numerous letters of protest, the publisher simply added a disclaimer about the presumption of innocence.
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Wouldn't you just think the police would have more important things to do? As long as these guys aren't going after kids?
I bet this is the kind of thing Rudy Guliani approves of, with his "quality of life" emphasis. >:(
Rudy Giuliani is the only republican candidate that seems to be in favor of gay marriage, so I'm not entirely certain why you think he is opposed to it.
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Tell you what, unless I'm forgetting something--which is entirely possible ;D --forgive me for asking this, but did even that sleazoid Larry Craig do anything more than "indicate interest"?
No, he didn't. That's the brutal truth for anyone out to ride Craig out of town on this one. The worst Craig did, as far as I can see, is invade his neighbor's privacy by extending his foot and hand into the next stall, and touching the one man's foot with his (could this be construed as assault?). The fact remains that NO SEX occurred between Craig and the officer--the latter of whom was unquestionably part of a sting operation, and arguably engaging in entrapment.
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Even in liberal-minded Provincetown, they continue this practice. Despite numerous letters of protest, the publisher simply added a disclaimer about the presumption of innocence.
The problem is, presumption of innocence is a letter of the law maintained only in the courts. There is no presumption of innocence in the wider society (was there ever?); an arrest and charge is as good as a conviction in most people's eyes.
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The problem is, presumption of innocence is a letter of the law maintained only in the courts. There is no presumption of innocence in the wider society (was there ever?); an arrest and charge is as good as a conviction in most people's eyes.
You said it!
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Wouldn't you just think the police would have more important things to do? As long as these guys aren't going after kids?
I bet this is the kind of thing Rudy Guliani approves of, with his "quality of life" emphasis. >:(
Rudy Giuliani is the only republican candidate that seems to be in favor of gay marriage, so I'm not entirely certain why you think he is opposed to it.
I think we're misunderstanding each other, Daniel. What I'm meaning to say is, with Guliani's reputation for going after "quality of life" issues in New York (broken windows, squeegee men), I bet he approves of wasting police resources on entrapment/stings of gay cruisers in parks.
This has nothing to do with gay marriage.
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We should all write letters to the editor! >:(
And we can do it online:
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/opinions/letters/submitletterstoeditor.html
I'm going to get my thoughts together.
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The worst Craig did, as far as I can see, is invade his neighbor's privacy by extending his foot and hand into the next stall, and touching the one man's foot with his (could this be construed as assault?).
I think it can. Whether it could be made to stick in court might be another matter, but as far as filing charges go, I think it can. :-\
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I am wondering in your state, is sex illegal.? They didnt say these men were guilty of soliciting.
Only of trying to hook up. They would not have done the same to heterosexual people trying to hook up..Unless there was money involved.
I was appalled that they did seem to be proud and feeling no responsibility for the suicide.
I dont know what our world is all about these days. It just bogs the mind.
I want to scream it to the housetops. IGNORANT ASSES IGNORANT ASSES !!!
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I am wondering in your state, is sex illegal.? They didnt say these men were guilty of soliciting.
Only of trying to hook up. They would not have done the same to heterosexual people trying to hook up..Unless there was money involved.
I was appalled that they did seem to be proud and feeling no responsibility for the suicide.
I dont know what our world is all about these days. It just bogs the mind.
I want to scream it to the housetops. IGNORANT ASSES IGNORANT ASSES !!!
In Virginia it is legal for same sex couples to have private, consentual relations if they are both of age. But this is not that, and it took place in Tennessee, I am not sure what the law is there.
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He sure was dead weight that night in Wyoming, up in the Big Horns around the campfire, BUT Give Him Credit, Wayne was almost single-handedly holding up the tradition the boys' started of drinking that Ol' Rose till the bottle come up empty! I admired him for staying on his feet, especially when the Moose invaded our campsite.
:o Whut moose? :laugh:
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My reference is to opposite sex hook ups not for money...could they be arrested for lewd behavior?
-
Yes, they could, for solicitation, which would also cover same sex hook ups for money. And most likely those "johns" would get thier name in the paper too.
-
Okay, here is the picture of the day:
The Fork in the Road
-
;D ;D ;D You are so funny !!!
-
;D ;D ;D You are so funny !!!
And quite bored....
-
And quite bored....
Me too !!!!!
-
THe streets are dead here in Austin today. Either people are in Dallas, or home in front of the TV for the Texas - OU game. I could care less !!! :D
-
THe streets are dead here in Austin today. Either people are in Dallas, or home in front of the TV for the Texas - OU game. I could care less !!! :D
Yeah, it is like 85 deg. here, it feels like. I am answering the non ringing phone at the office and waiting to go break in my boots a little flat-footin' tonight.
-
Yeah, it is like 85 deg. here, it feels like. I am answering the non ringing phone at the office and waiting to go break in my boots a little flat-footin' tonight.
Yee Haw honey !!!!!
You dance fine !!!
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Yeah, it is like 85 deg. here, it feels like. I am answering the non ringing phone at the office and waiting to go break in my boots a little flat-footin' tonight.
Where you goin dancin? Hope you have fun!
-
Where you goin dancin? Hope you have fun!
It was alright. My dancing partner wasn't there, so I didn;t get to dance. She had to go up on the mountian to visit with her sister from Florida who would rather go to Odd Fellows in Floyd than drive an hour down the mountain to go this festival, even with free tickets. It was out in the country, and down in a holler, no cell phone service. I didn't see anyone I knew and most of the dancing was kids, little ones, with glow sticks and glowing necklaces, boppin' around on three sheets of warped ply wood in front of a stage. It was quite magical in the twilight with the lights and the band playing "I ain't broke, but I'm badly bent", I imagined that becoming a golden memory for them little girls.
Then at one point two drunk guy out out yonder and danced while their equally drunk women stood to the side and laughed at them.
The last time I payed attention to the dancing was when this folk group came up to play and this Daddy and his about 6 year old daughter came up and he twilerd her about and then picked her up and they sashayed back and forth, it was beautiful. I was glad I was in the dark by then, lest I be the man in the bar that night that Annie Proulx seen.
Driving out of there under a thousand stars I get up the hill and the phone goes "Beep, beep" & "wish I was there".
You and me both, brother. :)
-
]
good morning starshine...How you doing today> did you have fun over the weekend...
Hope so.?
-
It has been a rather slow weekend, and you know I welcome it.
-
:o Whut moose? :laugh:
We was someplace out looking as the stars and they all commenced screaming "A Moose!" and I think I said "Wanna nother drink?" :laugh:
-
So here is the responce I sent to the Bristol Herald Courrier. It were not easy hitting that send button:
As a former resident of the Tri-Cities area I was dishearted, and made angry by the Herald Courrier's and other media outlets decision to publish the names, addressed AND pictures of men recently arrested in Winged Deer Park and Buffalo Mountain Park.
While I certainly do not condone the behavior these men are ACCUSED of, I ask you, what ever happened to innocent until proven guilty? You put them on public display, examine their lives, especially if there is some angle that puts them in contact with children. You practically invite trouble to their door and even show trouble who to look for. Luckily, it seems, the tax payers will be spared having to prosecute Jerry McCloud, he knew what was coming and took his life, according to your eager report. How many of these men may do the same thing now?
If there was a problem of sex going on in this park, could an increased police presence not been enough to discourage it? Apparently the preferred method of dealing with it is a hunting trip by local law enforcement and media, to collect and show off trophies.
While I again do not condone what they are accused of, I certainly do not condone their trial in a court of public opinion, with sentence left up to family, friends and employer.
-
That sounds very good Truman.
-
Can you imagine the hell the kids of those men will go through..If they have children. The wife if they have one, will have to face at her place of employment...They will be on the pillory as well as the men.
-
Great reply, Tru, and I hope you get a response!
-
Okay what do I make of this? Well, Proulx and King are both from the Maritime/New England part of North America. I think they are both U.S. citizens, aside from that........
It was the trailer music.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtRi42DEdTE[/youtube]
-
That is cute.
Gotta tell ya.... that trailer music rips me apart every time ! :'(
Guh.................
-
That is cute.
Gotta tell ya.... that trailer music rips me apart every time ! :'(
Guh.................
Me too!
-
That's a terrific letter, bud - well done. I'll send them one too.
And I love The Brokeback Redemption video - It's been years since I watched Shawshank, and that's a whole new angle for me - I was sadly not very sensitive to M/M interactions preBBM. It deserves another viewing, I think.
-
Give 'em hell, Truman!
I'll bet they never even give a thought to how it will affect other members of the accuseds' families. :(
-
That video is blending two of my very favorite movies.!!! How can it get any better....
:) :)
-
Quote of the day:
"I will always cherish the misconceptions I had of you."
--note in a card received by a friend recently.
-
Quote of the day:
"I will always cherish the misconceptions I had of you."
--note in a card received by a friend recently.
LOL!! How exactly would you take that?
-
If it were ment light heartedly (as in this case) I'd get a kick out of it.
If they were serious, I would probably be fairly depressed. :'(
-
If it were ment light heartedly (as in this case) I'd get a kick out of it.
If they were serious, I would probably be fairly depressed. :'(
Me too!
-
That is one funny line... I may use it in future if y'all dont mind??
-
Please do Janice, that's why I am putting them out yonder. How is Michelle BTW?
-
She is good. Thanks for asking. I talked to her day before yesterday.
-
She is good. Thanks for asking. I talked to her day before yesterday.
Well tell her we said hey!! ;D
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Well tell her we said hey!! ;D
Yes, please pass along a "hello" to her!
-
Hey when is her birthday?
-
December 17th.?
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Cool that is the day the Wright Brothers flew their plane, a lot of people are born on that day.
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Cool that is the day the Wright Brothers flew their plane, a lot of people are born on that day.
LOL! ROFLMAO!!
I don't know why that struck me so funny!
A lot of people are born every day! LOL
That just made me laugh!
-
:D Hey Shakes, hope you're having a good day!
I'm writin my dissertation! Mostly. :)
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I am glad to hear that. I am proud of you too Wayne.
You were the first brokie I ever met in real life. It is wonderful to have the experence of knocking on an unknown door and having such a nice guy answer.
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:D Same here! ;D
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I am glad to hear that. I am proud of you too Wayne.
You were the first brokie I ever met in real life. It is wonderful to have the experence of knocking on an unknown door and having such a nice guy answer.
I love hearing that story! :-* And on a similar subject, what's anyone hear out of Noelie??
-
She has never been so fond of her birthday..its so close to Christmas...she never felt
like she could get a full birthday experience...
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She has never been so fond of her birthday..its so close to Christmas...she never felt
like she could get a full birthday experience...
Yeah my sister is the same way. I got an uncle borned on Xmess and I doubt anybody has ever told him happy birthday.
-
I love hearing that story! :-* And on a similar subject, what's anyone hear out of Noelie??
Last I heered she was back in the UK, mulling it over and hoping for an epithany, or that is the story I made up for meself. I think there are additional factors, perhaps cost of living which may be weighing into the equasion. I think maybe there is no work in the winter maybe. I wonder what the hell winter would be like in that place. Milli could probably tell us.
-
Yes Janice, please tell Michelle I said hello too. I had a great time hanging out with both of you. I remember out dinner well at the hotel. She's great and very pretty too.
-
Last I heered she was back in the UK, mulling it over and hoping for an epithany, or that is the story I made up for meself. I think there are additional factors, perhaps cost of living which may be weighing into the equasion. I think maybe there is no work in the winter maybe. I wonder what the hell winter would be like in that place. Milli could probably tell us.
'hoping for an epiphany' :) nice phrasing...Bet winter would be long and arduous. That main highway had ski resorts so I imagine the major roads are kept passable, but still...
-
Last I heered she was back in the UK, mulling it over and hoping for an epithany, or that is the story I made up for meself. I think there are additional factors, perhaps cost of living which may be weighing into the equasion. I think maybe there is no work in the winter maybe. I wonder what the hell winter would be like in that place. Milli could probably tell us.
What do you wanna know about winter, Truman? :P
Long time no hear, T. Hope life goes good with you. :)
~M
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Wow Milli. That is so beautiful and haunting............................................You got me again.
-
Talked to Michelle again last night. She was very touched that all of you were so sweet to
remember her. She doesnt have access to the internet for joining the forum right now, but when she gets the chance. She intends to join Bettermost. In the mean time she wants you all to know,
she really liked you all, and had a wonderful time, with all of us..
My family has some awsome women in it...she is one of them....I am glad you all liked her as I do...I love her as a daughter....
-
What do you wanna know about winter, Truman? :P
Long time no hear, T. Hope life goes good with you. :)
~M
How bad does the winter get, how cold in celcius? How many hours of dark do you have?
As for how goes life....weather I want it to or not!
-
Truman:
You thinking of taking another Canadian trip.? Or are you thinking of moving up there?
-
It is noon, so I close the laptop, gather up the dozen pay or quit notices for the mail and carrying them to the front of the office. I tell the secretary I will be on my cell phone.
I get half a tank of gas because the light is on and I still need to buy some things at the grocery later. On down the road I turn into my mother's development and pass from the compartment of my public life to the compartment of my family. She is waiting at the door with her pocketbook.
"Have you ate lunch?" She asks. I tell her no, I was going to grab something on the way.
"Well I can fix you something" and names off all the left overs she has and which one she ate. Not innerested.
My mother has a blood vessel in the back of her head that presses on a nerve that controls her left eyelid and makes it twitch. I have it too, but it only bothers me when I am real tired. She is 85 years old, she is always tired. The only thing that can help her is botox. Injected in the nerves around her eye it can deaden the small muscles that are involved in the twitch for months. If they hit the wrong nerve she can loose the ability to focus that eye for months. Most of the time it works like it is supposed to. The doctor she goes to for the injections is in Greensboro, NC, 60 miles away. We are in the car now, headed in that direction.
I tell her I heard Dr. X in town gives botox shots for back problems. Perhaps she can check and see if he can take care of her problem.
"WHEN did you hear THIS?!" she demand.
"An hour ago"
"Well I can cancel the appointment........" I calm her down and we formulate the proper way of going about it.
She produces from her pocket book a chilled coke in a plastic bottle and a fudge creme pie, only 8000 calories. She brought it in case I had ate this could be my desert. I thank her and loath her as I consume the sugar delivery system. She leans over to look at my gas gauge and asks me if I have enough gas.
Down the road we go. Cousin Linda is getting married to that guy, she wishes she could remember what he looked like. She is mad at the president of the homeowners association because of an embankment that was not trimmed down to her satisfaction. She wants to know how to merger some document on her computer. She wants to know what language that billboard is in. What kind of car is that? This road needs to be straightened out.
Speaking of straight: She tells about her Bible study last week this way: "If you all talk about me the way my preacher talks about his mother, heaven help me!" Her preacher is a Methodist minister who was going to be a Catholic Priest who dropped out to marry the woman of his dreams and obtain a degree in theater. His mother refuses to hear his sermons, but always speaks with pride of her years of correspondence with the Actor Raymond Burr. That is when one of the Bible Study busybodies leaps up and announces Raymond Burr is gay. "Well" says the preacher, "I'll have something on my mother now." My mother hates this busy body. She says she thinks saying someone is gay is the awfullest thing you can say about them.
I tell her: Raymond Burr is dead. Like that is going to squelch the matter of his orentation. And under that I think, there are worse things, Mamma, like saying nothing at all.
Sprawl has carried the city limits way out past where they should be. I hit every light on the way. I stop at Wendy's to grab something half way healthy, half way deep fried. She pulls out her bag, I ask her if I can get her something. No, she is going to buy my lunch, and my gas, she pulls out $30, explaining she had $40 but this happened and that happend.....we get to the doctor right on time. I wait until she is called back and I pull out my lap top and bring up The Heart of the Matter, and pick up where I left off. Tell him Lee, c'mon he deserves to know.....
The phone rings, I recognize the prefix, someone from Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee, sure enough it is the newspaper calling to verify I submitted the letter to the editor. Should have some people praying for my soul pretty soon.
She emerges and hour and a half later. Her eyes are dilated because they also needed to check her for macular degeneration. I lead her out the door to the car. She produces a hand full of hershey kisses and devours one as she describes her head ache. She asked when was the last time she had a treatment. I could not quite remember, I told her I thought her daughter had brought her the last time. "...And she said she would never do it again!" (wonder why......)
There is a place on old business 220 out past the sprawl, a two lane road going thru the country for the time being. Before it merges with the four lane there is a place where it widens out and the shoulders are mown and I look down and I am going 70 mph. I glance over at her and her head is hanging down, asleep. In 15 years she will be 100. I will be 59, if I am still living.
-
Truman:
You thinking of taking another Canadian trip.? Or are you thinking of moving up there?
I will go back in 2009 most likely, but I am not sure baout living there, especially year round. Now with the right company.......
-
I glance over at her and her head is hanging down, asleep. In 15 years she will be 100. I will be 59, if I am still living.
-------------------------------------------
Don't you dare talk like that...stop it right now...you are going to live to be 120.....and thats an
order.
-
I glance over at her and her head is hanging down, asleep. In 15 years she will be 100. I will be 59, if I am still living.
-------------------------------------------
Don't you dare talk like that...stop it right now...you are going to live to be 120.....and thats an
order.
I already told him only the good die young so he'll be around a while to keep Chuck and i company! LOL ;D
-
Even with the adjustment for time, you both were up late last night. What is up with that? You all need a hot tody before bed? ;)
-
You all need a hot tody before bed? ;)
I'd prefer a hot "tommy"....or Timmy, or Teddy...... :laugh:
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I'd prefer a hot "tommy"....or Timmy, or Teddy...... :laugh:
I know Timmy and Teddy, and the latter won;t shut up so forget him. I have not known a Tommy since the 9th grade.
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I know Timmy and Teddy, and the latter won;t shut up so forget him. I have not known a Tommy since the 9th grade.
I met a Tommy in SF but I later found out that at night, he became Patsy Cline!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
You know Patsy Clines real name was Virginia Hensley Dick.
-
You know Patsy Clines real name was Virginia Hensley Dick.
Ewww. No wonder she went with Patsy Cline. Ginny Dick doesn't have the same flow! LOL
-
Truman, here is a curious story involving the work of your fellow Virginian, artist Cy Twombly, who is a son of Lexington:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21211300?gt1=10450 (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21211300?gt1=10450)
Wow, an all-white canvas worth more than 2 mil! That was one expensive kiss.
-
Mojo that is so strange, I have a couple of blank canvases in my basement. I'll call the office and tell them I'lll send them a post card.
Lexington is such a strange place, it has produced so many characters over the years, including the photogrpaher Sally Mann. She is a real work of art in her own right.
http://www.art-forum.org/z_Mann/gallery.htm
-
Ginny Dick doesn't have the same flow! LOL
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
Ewww. No wonder she went with Patsy Cline. Ginny Dick doesn't have the same flow! LOL
got a problem with Dick? ::)
-
Naw buddy, the only problem I got is with me heart.
-
got a problem with Dick? ::)
Lets just don't go there! Savvy? :laugh:
-
:D Hey Shakes, hope you're having a great day!
Thanks for the mom story. I've had my eyes dilated at least a couple of times, once was unremarkable but the second time I couldn't drive myself home. Opening my eyes hurt so bad that I had to pull to the side of the road and take a nap! :'( :'( :'(
-
Naw buddy, the only problem I got is with me heart.
Heart seems just fine to me...... ;)
-
Naw buddy, the only problem I got is with me heart.
Thats not a problem!
You have a big one (heart Chuck I'm talkin about the heart! :laugh:) and you aren't afraid to use it!
Thats a good thing!
-
...She produces from her pocket book a chilled coke in a plastic bottle and a fudge creme pie, only 8000 calories. She brought it in case I had ate this could be my desert. I thank her and loath her as I consume the sugar delivery system. She leans over to look at my gas gauge and asks me if I have enough gas.
There's a mystery of all time - how in hell do mothers fit what they do into their pocketbooks?? ??? ;)
...She says she thinks saying someone is gay is the awfullest thing you can say about them.
I tell her: Raymond Burr is dead. Like that is going to squelch the matter of his orentation. And under that I think, there are worse things, Mamma, like saying nothing at all.
:-\ Shit. I'm sorry. {{{{{{{{{{Truman}}}}}}}}}}
Should have some people praying for my soul pretty soon.
::) Your soul and your heart too are just fine as far as I'm concerned.
-
Thank kew-all for the love fest (I have never written that word before) I appreciate it.
Problem with a big heart is it feels too much, and moderation has never been one of my strong points. But its all good, I ain't complaining.
Lynne you called me last night but I was in the shower. Sorry I missed you. I know my Mamma is nothing compared to yours, and I am thankful we both still have them.
-
once was unremarkable but the second time I couldn't drive myself home.
I had that problem once in college, but not because I went to the eye doctor! :laugh:
It was so strange, people, wandering in and out of the blinding white light,
Figures taking form, speaking to me, and passing back into oblivion.
My lab partner, in the soap making exercize,
Morphing into Porkey Pig, "Da da da da dats all folks!"
The nice folks at Kmart, with the tops of thier heads
Flopping too and fro, and no, the tiles on the floor,
Do not correspond with the tiles on the ceiling,
No, a pedestrian did not just roll over the top of the car,
Go back and see for yourself.
Becareful the sky does not fall on you!
Thanks for the flash back! :laugh:
-
Thank kew-all for the love fest (I have never written that word before) I appreciate it.
Problem with a big heart is it feels too much, and moderation has never been one of my strong points. But its all good, I ain't complaining.
Lynne you called me last night but I was in the shower. Sorry I missed you. I know my Mamma is nothing compared to yours, and I am thankful we both still have them.
I didn't want anything important. Skipping work today...shhh!! But I have to run some errands in a few. Comparing Mammas would be an exercise in futility. And despite the exasperation, they're worth it...I think. ;)
Your comment above got me remembering a conversation we had about moderation. Avoiding highs and lows. Dark car, curvy road, solstice...Anyhow...Reading between the lines, look what Ang Lee has to say about it. (This is from one of the interviews in the "Ang Ang Ang" thread - formatting is mine)
[Q]If making this movie was so emotionally taxing, why did you do it?
[A]Because you're not supposed to. Truth can be painful and frightening. Lots of people, whether you're making a movie or doing a painting, you feel compelled to be honest. It's uncomfortable, but I feel compelled to communicate with other people.
You and Ang may have kindred hearts.
-
So maybe some things I shouldn;t be moderate about? I seem to remember that conversation?
And we can;t help that we love.
-
is.
I personally think my own idea is: It doesnt matter why we love..Just that we do.
I dont even think it matters that we are loved in return. Just the act of love is its own reward.
It always gifts the giver and the receiver. just so long as it is pure.
-
is.
I personally think my own idea is: It doesnt matter why we love..Just that we do.
I dont even think it matters that we are loved in return. Just the act of love is its own reward.
It always gifts the giver and the receiver. just so long as it is pure.
Yeah, I was telling Br. Patrick I just need to let go of them things, just let it be. I love You.
-
Here ya go!
-
Here ya go!
Wow, that is hot, wheres it going?
-
Wow, that is hot, wheres it going?
Perhaps on your arm, or back?
-
Perhaps on your arm, or back?
Shoulder or back!
-
Shoulder or back!
Lower
-
Lower
My left cheek then? :laugh:
-
is.
I personally think my own idea is: It doesnt matter why we love..Just that we do.
I dont even think it matters that we are loved in return. Just the act of love is its own reward.
It always gifts the giver and the receiver. just so long as it is pure.
Those are beautiful words :-*.
-
My left cheek then? :laugh:
I'll get my needles out.
-
I'll get my needles out.
Hee Hee!
Just make sure it's the needles you get out! :laugh: :laugh:
-
Hee Hee!
Just make sure it's the needles you get out! :laugh: :laugh:
Like you would complain!!
-
Like you would complain!!
;D
-
Dont do it!
-
Dont do it!
How come?
-
The needles, I mean.
-
Yeah, I might get a hyenna tattoo to see if I like it first.
This social worker friend of mine, (not in NYC) was working with a guy who was being discaharged from the hospital and prison at thes ame time and he had a jail house tattoo on his forehead that said:
BORN TO LOOSE
-
Not" Born to lose" I hope... Get something more upbeat than that...
-
Yes, I ain;t got the wearwithall to look it up in the dictonary. He was saying "born to not be tight"
And he will always say that.
-
Get a tatto of my favorite cartoon character. Foghorn Leghorn !!!! :laugh:
-
Get a tatto of my favorite cartoon character. Foghorn Leghorn !!!! :laugh:
He is the quintisential cartoon southern gentleman.
-
LOL !!! I Lurv Foghorn !!!!
That is my favorite cartoon.
Kids now days....... pfffftttttt
-
If not for Bugs Bunny,
I would never known The Barber of Seville.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STlXBJJaDIE[/youtube]
-
ROFLMAO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
I will make my thoughts known...and then run... I dont like cartoons. I have watched so
many in my life, they get on my nerves now........running out the door.....
-
I will always love the old cartoons.
That Bugs one was great Tru !!!! ;D
-
Honey don;t run away, I would never criticize you for speaking your truth. That is okay with me.
The cartoons today ain't what they used to be. And cartoons are just a poor imitation of life,
Like I used to say back in the 90's" Treet Meat is a poor substitute for Spam.
-
I still like Spam !!! :o
-
I still like Spam !!! :o
honey, I will forward you some tomorry!
-
honey, I will forward you some tomorry!
I also like fried bologna sammiches !!!! :D
I'm just a country girl at heart !!!!
-
I also like fried bologna sammiches !!!! :D
I'm just a country girl at heart !!!!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! love Spam. i also love fried baloney sammitches too! ;D
-
a nice spam sammich witha glass of Boones Strawberry Hill !!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
I still like Spam !!! :o
Mmmm. Spam! ;D
I also like fried bologna sammiches !!!! :D
Even better! :laugh:
-
I still like Spam !!! :o
Do you like Spamalot?? 8)
-
Is this the new Spam club? Count me in, I (heart) Spam too. Don't have any in the pantry. Think I'll go buy some right now. yumyum
-
I'm not a big fan of SPAM but haven't had it since I was a kid, so maybe I should give it another shot!
Janice - are we finding more things to disagree about??! I've got a tattoo in the works too, you know?! :D
AND I love old cartoons and the new adult cartoons - South Park and Family Guy...good humor there! Not so psyched about the transformer-style anime weird stuff that they pass off on Saturday mornings now, though Powder Puff Girls wasn't too bad ;).
-
Spam=yuk. Who wouldnt take a Boars Head roast beef sammich over spam. I would any day, but then again like Lynne, I havent had spam since I was a little kid. Maybe I like it, yuk
-
I love South Park, and Drawn together...but they are adult fare, not kids cartoons.
And yes I love Spam and eggs for breakfast...My grandaughter and her brother, my grandson, use to ask me for spam sandwiches first thing when they got to my house...I used to buy it just
for them when they came over...
I would try nearly anything you asked Lynne, but im still not too sold on the tattoos.....Kelsey has a beautiful one...But..still.
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I would try nearly anything you asked Lynne, but im still not too sold on the tattoos.....Kelsey has a beautiful one...But..stilll
You don't have to get one too! You just have to hold my hand! :D
-
Well you know if you put baloney in one of the George Forman Grills it won;t curl up.
-
And now Karen, here you go:
The next time around
My heart will be beating in my own chest.
And not out on my sleeve,
Pine-ing away.
I will own myself, all of me,
I will not take it for granted.
No infatuation, no angst.
Plain and simple,
Like drawing a breath.
I will carry no baggage,
Expect only recognition.
Cutting myself enough slack
To hear what my heart tells me.
Yes, he is the one.
And he will recognize me,
Because I will be no one else.
There out of the tunnel,
Standing in the light of day,
My hat in my hand,
And and smile on my face.
-
And now Karen, here you go:
The next time around
My heart will be beating in my own chest.
And not out on my sleeve,
Pine-ing away.
I will own myself, all of me,
I will not take it for granted.
No infatuation, no angst.
Plain and simple,
Like drawing a breath.
I will carry no baggage,
Expect only recognition.
Cutting myself enough slack
To hear what my heart tells me.
Yes, he is the one.
And he will recognize me,
Because I will be no one else.
There out of the tunnel,
Standing in the light of day,
My hat in my hand,
And and smile on my face.
that is nice, Truman. I like that part about keeping your heart but still being open.
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Loved your poem, Tru!
Always keep that smile on your face...you never know who is falling for it.
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Treet Meat is a poor substitute for Spam.
I remember Treet. It is a poor substitute for Spam.
Do you like Spamalot?? 8)
Not I. I don't care for the Monty Python type of British humor. Ben Jonson, Oscar Wilde, fine. Keeping up Appearances, Are You Being Served?, wonderful. As Time Goes By, sweet. Monty Python just leaves me cold. And don't get me started on Benny Hill. ...
Well you know if you put baloney in one of the George Forman Grills it won;t curl up.
If you cut little slices in the edge, it won't curl up in a frying pan, either. I know this from experience. :D
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And now Karen, here you go:
The next time around
My heart will be beating in my own chest.
And not out on my sleeve,
Pine-ing away.
I will own myself, all of me,
I will not take it for granted.
No infatuation, no angst.
Plain and simple,
Like drawing a breath.
I will carry no baggage,
Expect only recognition.
Cutting myself enough slack
To hear what my heart tells me.
Yes, he is the one.
And he will recognize me,
Because I will be no one else.
There out of the tunnel,
Standing in the light of day,
My hat in my hand,
And and smile on my face.
Beautiful Truman. Just beautiful. :-*
Carry no baggage honey !
-
I remember Treet. It is a poor substitute for Spam.
Not I. I don't care for the Monty Python type of British humor. Ben Jonson, Oscar Wilde, fine. Keeping up Appearances, Are You Being Served?, wonderful. As Time Goes By, sweet. Monty Python just leaves me cold. And don't get me started on Benny Hill. ...
If you cut little slices in the edge, it won't curl up in a frying pan, either. I know this from experience. :D
Some guy on Fox news this morning was talking about deep fried spam...oy
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Do you like Spamalot?? 8)
I haven't seen it yet, but everyone has spoken very highly of it. I will see it my next trip to NYC.
I like the British humor.
-
fried spam?
some things are just not necessary.
-
fried spam?
some things are just not necessary.
Let's go one step further. I know wrong when I see it...and that is just wrong.
-
Let's go one step further. I know wrong when I see it...and that is just wrong.
I agree! :P
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Let's go one step further. I know wrong when I see it...and that is just wrong.
Ain't nothing wrong with fried Spam and eggs.
But deep-fried Spam? Eeew.
That, like deep-fired Oreos and deep-fried Snickers, is just wrong.
All that high-cholesterol trans-fat. Let's just apply directly to our arteries! ;D
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Ain't nothing wrong with fried Spam and eggs.
But deep-fried Spam? Eeew.
That, like deep-fired Oreos and deep-fried Snickers, is just wrong.
All that high-cholesterol trans-fat. Let's just apply directly to our arteries! ;D
I had occasion recently to indulge in deep fried oreo's for the first time...they are sinfully good.
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I had occasion recently to indulge in deep fried oreo's for the first time...they are sinfully good.
Maybe it depends on the frying. In my mind I tend to associate the idea of deep-fried anything with the taste of french fries that have sat in grease too long.
Grease and Oreos? :-X
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Maybe it depends on the frying. In my mind I tend to associate the idea of deep-fried anything with the taste of french fries that have sat in grease too long.
Grease and Oreos? :-X
Oh no...these were in a fried doough dough, and they were so friggin' good...the ultimate PMS food.
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Oh no...these were in a fried doough dough, and they were so friggin' good...the ultimate PMS food.
You want some Midol with those deep-fried Oreos?
Sorry, I have no stomach for fried dough--except if you included doughnuts in that category.
-
BORN TO LOOSE
::) He left out one of the O's! Mine says BORN TOO LOOSE :)
-
It would be that Wayne would stick his head in here and then I would have a Mouk update:
She is eagerly awaiting her immigration papers for Canada, she hopes to be there by early next year.
-
How bad does the winter get, how cold in celcius? How many hours of dark do you have?
Well, mate, Canada is a big country and some places are warmer than others.
Where I live, we have had some days in winter when the temperature drops to about -45 deg C. Brr.
Otherwise, things are usually in the -20s and -30s in the middle of winter.
As for the amount of light/darkness -
Around January, it is dark by 5pm or 4.30pm and in the morning, sometimes 8am is still kinda dark.
Does this help, T? ;)
~M
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Thanks Milli, that does answer my question. I am not sure which I would have a harder time with, the cold or the dark!
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Well, the paper published my letter on its website. There have been two others published about the coverage, both of them were against it.
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/opinions/letters.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2007-10-11-0008.html
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Tru! Thanks for posting the link! It's cool to see your reply to their story on their site.
-
Yea Truman !!!
-
-45 deg C. Brr.
:o Yikes!
-
You are very brave to publish that with your name and where you live also.
Now it will be easy for folks to find you...Scares me somewhat...
Be safe, brother...be safe.
Dont make me have to come back there and protect you...!!!!!
ive got a 30.30 cane.
-
Well, I am about 180 miles from there, so I am not too worried about it. There were two local people who wrote in opposition to it and none in favor of it.
-
Sometimes you just gotta speak up !
-
Truman, you're pure gold. I'm glad you gave that paper a piece of it. :-*
-
On my long commute in this morning, I popped in a Trisha Yearwood CD (I love this woman). This song came on. I had heard it in a while, and for some reason, you came to my mind.
Harmless Heart
You said you were afraid to trust
So sorry for yourself, it must be hard
Living inside your head
And I'm no angel in disguise
I've had my share of alibis
But I was true to you
I meant every word I said
What's the use
You believe whatever you want to
You can run, you can hide
Love will still come to find you
You can turn it away
Keep romancing your pain
You're the best at self-defense
I'd say you've mastered the art
But baby, mine was a harmless heart
In your eyes I'm like the rest
You set me up to fail the test
And prove that you were right
Everyone lets you down
The ghost of all that might have been
Keeps tapping on your shoulder
But you just keep on movin'
You never turn around
If you ever do
I hope you see that I really loved you
You can run, you can hide
Love will still come to find you
You can turn it away
Keep romancing your pain
You're the best at self-defense
I'd say you've mastered the art
But baby, mine was a harmless heart
You're the best at self-defense
I'd say you've mastered the art
But baby, mine was a harmless heart
Baby, mine was a harmless heart
-
Than you Scott, what a nice way to start the day. I love Trisha Yearwood too.
Friday is here. I am hoping you might share some more of your story with us.
-
On my long commute in this morning, I popped in a Trisha Yearwood CD (I love this woman). This song came on. I had heard it in a while, and for some reason, you came to my mind.
You got that right Scott. Trisha Yearwood is great. I haven't heard the CD that song is on. I've got Jasper County and that is good. She is also coming out with a new CD titled Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love. Amazon says it is coming out on November 13. There is also something there that says you can download the MP3 album now for 89 cents. Surely, that must be a misprint.
-
Thanks Milli, that does answer my question. I am not sure which I would have a harder time with, the cold or the dark!
The cold would be my problem. Warm dark is better than cold light in my opinion. I remember that in San Francisco it would get cool and breezy, and since we are now in this cold snap I know what the difference is. Although it felt cool out there like in the evenings and a jacket wouldn't have been a bad idea the coolness did not have that bite like it does here. Also, it never went down into the high 30s :)
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On the Spam debate, I personally don't like it, but I don't dislike it any more than I dislike potted meat. I'm not sure what might be in potted meat, but some people love it. I have an aunt that used to serve Spam for dinner for company. She would called it a Ham dinner and she would take the Spam and cut it up in slices like a ham.
I also remember a girl I was in school with that was fixing sandwiches or something like that for her parent's company. She was using either potted meat or spam one. She ran out and just made the rest from her dog's food. Nobody ever mentioned it.
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That reminds me of a story.
A few years ago I was working in a furniture factory and the days news was about this robber that had broken into a house and was shot and killed by the elderly owner. One of my co-works knew the guy, he had always been a bully to him. The bully showed up at this guys house one day when they were about 10 demanding something to eat. So my buddy goes in the kitchen, opens a can of Alpo (dog food for those not familar) and made him a sandwich.
The bully like it so much he demanded a second one. :laugh:
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That reminds me of a story.
A few years ago I was working in a furniture factory and the days news was about this robber that had broken into a house and was shot and killed by the elderly owner. One of my co-works knew the guy, he had always been a bully to him. The bully showed up at this guys house one day when they were about 10 demanding something to eat. So my buddy goes in the kitchen, opens a can of Alpo (dog food for those not familar) and made him a sandwich.
The bully like it so much he demanded a second one. :laugh:
With a little spicy mustard, it might not be half bad
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On the Spam debate, I personally don't like it, but I don't dislike it any more than I dislike potted meat. I'm not sure what might be in potted meat, but some people love it. I have an aunt that used to serve Spam for dinner for company. She would called it a Ham dinner and she would take the Spam and cut it up in slices like a ham.
I also remember a girl I was in school with that was fixing sandwiches or something like that for her parent's company. She was using either potted meat or spam one. She ran out and just made the rest from her dog's food. Nobody ever mentioned it.
Holy crap.. that is nastylllllllllll :P
-
Oh!
-
Well, the paper published my letter on its website. There have been two others published about the coverage, both of them were against it.
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/opinions/letters.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2007-10-11-0008.html
I commend you for speaking out on this important matter, Truman. You are a true advocate for justice and basic human decency...we need more like you.
-
You can say that again, Artiste! Sometimes I think some of that stuff is not much different than potted meat.
-
Wow!
-
I commend you for speaking out on this important matter, Truman. You are a true advocate for justice and basic human decency...we need more like you.
Well it ain;t that hard. You just do it. Thank you anyway. You are one of the most decent people I have never met.
;D
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Holy crap.. that is nastylllllllllll :P
we mix up horse feed with apple cider, garlic, minerals, and vegetable oils (depending on the time of year)
I can NOT get those boys to stop 'trying' it....you know it sits in a big bin that is open...so ants or mice or snakes can get in it!! no telling WHAT all has been walking around in it... *gag*
they point out that USDA guidelines allow a certain amount of bug parts in all food....
*double gag*
(sorry if I grossed anyone out guys)
-
I bet you wont want to stand down wind of those horses or the boys either... :laugh: :laugh:
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I bet you wont want to stand down wind of those horses or the boys either... :laugh: :laugh:
I think they spend about 40% of their waking time trying to figure out some way to GROSS ME OUT!
-
??
Hugs!
-
??
Hugs!
ARTISTE!!
{{{{{HUGS!!}}}}}}
It is good to see you posting again and making us think!!
:-*
-
In honor of the 10th Anniversary of the publication of Brokeback Mountain as a short story in the New Yorker, a few thoughts for the one we will never know:
Satuday night, press your best shirt,
Unknown man,
Get yourself down to
The Mint Bar,
Slick back your hair and take your place,
In history,
In the hearts and minds of millions,
In the noise and music of the evening,
Turn your gaze once again
To the pool table and remember,
You never know who may be watching.
Carefully you have lived your days,
Amongst those who you counted on,
To ignore, to overlook you, and allow you,
Your glances, your kindnesses,
Indulge you with a kind of acceptance,
That comes with a shut mouth,
And clandestine eyes.
It took a stranger, a woman no less,
To see what they didn't,
And read in your eyes the whole story,
Come rushing at her,
And six months to sort it out.
So it is Saturday night, Friend,
Stomp your boots full on and
Meet me down there, let me
Raise a glass with you,
Tell me, about the price of hay,
Tell me your aches and pains,
Your ten years older now.
And a celebrity.
If you want to,
I will tell you all about it.
-
Thanks injest and Shakestheground!!
So I make you all think!! ?? Glad to do so. You make me think too on certain subjects of importance and lesser ones!! We do laugh and smile at times too, which is good as well!!
It is wonderful to communicate with you and enrish this site and be enriched by it!!
As you have noticed, I am very concerned about gay life, being a gay man. Plus very worried about violence which is increasing in our countries; even against gay men and women and others!! We must combat that in MANY ways??!! On Bettermost... and elsewhere!!??
Shakestheground, you injest and others, help me and many I am sure. Maybe we need to smlie, laugh, etc, FIRST before talking about serious subjects such as these rumblungs??
Hugs!!
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Truman,
This really is a lovely poem. I put my other thoughts surrounding it over at the Yahoo group. But I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy what you have written. Your writing is direct and unadorned. You manage to capture a basic innocence and humbleness in this man. Someone who unwittingly became the subject of something so enormous. And I think your poem speaks for all of us when you offer to meet this Unknown Man for a drink.
Milo
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You created that lovely poem Shakestheground?
Get it published in the New York Times?
Hugs!
-
That reminds me of a story.
A few years ago I was working in a furniture factory and the days news was about this robber that had broken into a house and was shot and killed by the elderly owner. One of my co-works knew the guy, he had always been a bully to him. The bully showed up at this guys house one day when they were about 10 demanding something to eat. So my buddy goes in the kitchen, opens a can of Alpo (dog food for those not familar) and made him a sandwich.
The bully like it so much he demanded a second one. :laugh:
That's a great story Truman ;D Did the bully ever figure out what he was eating? I never tried Alpo before, but I think I will pass on it :D
-
Holy crap.. that is nastylllllllllll :P
Would you rather have crab shells Janice ;)
-
they point out that USDA guidelines allow a certain amount of bug parts in all food....
*double gag*
(sorry if I grossed anyone out guys)
You're right Jess. There are guidelines somewhere that tell how many bug parts can be included. But they are a good source of protein, right :)
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You created that lovely poem Shakestheground?
Get it published in the New York Times?
Hugs!
It was publised 10 years ago today, Artiste!
-
Oh! Great!
Creating a poem now, another?
Hugs!
-
Truman,
This really is a lovely poem. I put my other thoughts surrounding it over at the Yahoo group. But I wanted to tell you how much I enjoy what you have written. Your writing is direct and unadorned. You manage to capture a basic innocence and humbleness in this man. Someone who unwittingly became the subject of something so enormous. And I think your poem speaks for all of us when you offer to meet this Unknown Man for a drink.
Milo
Milo, I would love to post what you wrote back in responce to the poem on the list, may I?
-
Creating other poems?
Hugs!
-
That's a great story Truman ;D Did the bully ever figure out what he was eating? I never tried Alpo before, but I think I will pass on it :D
Never had a clue.
-
Never had a clue.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
Milo Morris send this as a reply to my poem when I posted it on a Brokeback email list. I asked him if I could post it here because it was so wonderful, and he said: You Bet.
Who was that Unknown Man that caught Annie Proulx's eye? Is he the
Ennis that she wrote about? Is it possible that the story that he
inspired Proulx to write is actually his story? I think is is possible.
Proulx saw something in him...something profound that sparked an
emotional response in her that came back out to the world through her
creativity. We all see total strangers every day as go about our
lives. We see these people and we make assessments and assumptions
about them. Most people will use the most superficial factors when
they form their picture of who that stranger is. They focus on the
clothes, jewelry, shoes, hairstyle, body type, age, etc. But some
people can look deeper than that. Some people are sensitive and
attentive to physical mannerisms, the quality of the stranger's voice,
how they breathe, their level of tension or relaxation. All of these
can offer further clues as to what kind of person the stranger is, and
what s/he is thinking or feeling in that moment. But we can't really
know for sure, because few humans (if any) can read minds.
Now I'm gonna go out on a limb here, but I don't think its gonna snap.
As far as I'm concerned, Brokeback Mountain is a miracle. Its multiple
messages, lessons, and layers are nothing short of divine. And yes, I
mean that in a faith-based sense. I honestly believe that works like
this are given to us by the grace of God. And that the artists who
bring them to us are vessels of the Holy Spirit. I hope that doesn't
offend anyone, but y'all already know that I'm a Christian. There have
been many times in my life when the Spirit has spoken through me while
I was playing the piano or singing. There have also been times when a
message from the Spirit comes to me through someone else. One such
time was 5 years ago in NYC. I was at the Riverside Church waiting for
my turn to go audition for Opera Memphis. While standing in the
hallway, an old black minister came out of his office and locked the
door. He walked to the elevator and pressed the button, then he
stopped dead in his tracks and stared at me for a moment. He walked
right up to me and said, "Son, the Spirit of the Lord is on you." Then
he got on the elevator and was gone. I went into the audition, sang a
few arias, and was offered a role on the spot. It was the first "real
money" offer of my operatic career. Apparently the old man was right.
I tell that tale to illustrate the idea that the Spirit can illuminate
qualities or states of being that we--because of our limited
perception-- would not otherwise observe in others. And I think it is
possible that something like this might have happened when Proulx saw
that Unknown Man those 10 years ago. It is possible that the Spirit
showed her something of that Unknown Man's life so that she could
write his story, and in turn touch the hearts of those who read and
saw Brokeback Mountain.
I do not think that the Unknown Man happened into Proulx's field of
vision by accident. Not to presume to know the mind of God, but I have
to believe that all the pain and suffering of all the Jacks and
Ennises out there would not be in vain. Someone out there would
someday have to bring their collective story to the world at large so
that humanity could learn something more about compassion.
Peace,
Milo
-
Milo really is one of the good guys....that was amazing. I too believe this story has a life
that is meant to be lived...
We are seeing it lived every day...how wonderful to be a part of it...
-
Oh!
-
Milo Morris send this as a reply to my poem when I posted it on a Brokeback email list. I asked him if I could post it here because it was so wonderful, and he said: You Bet.
Thanks for posting this Truman. Milo your thoughts are simply amazing. Thank you.
-
Hugs!
-
In honor of the 10th Anniversary of the publication of Brokeback Mountain as a short story in the New Yorker, a few thoughts for the one we will never know:
Satuday night, press your best shirt,
Unknown man,
Get yourself down to
The Mint Bar,
Slick back your hair and take your place,
In history,
In the hearts and minds of millions,
In the noise and music of the evening,
Turn your gaze once again
To the pool table and remember,
You never know who may be watching.
Carefully you have lived your days,
Amongst those who you counted on,
To ignore, to overlook you, and allow you,
Your glances, your kindnesses,
Indulge you with a kind of acceptance,
That comes with a shut mouth,
And clandestine eyes.
It took a stranger, a woman no less,
To see what they didn't,
And read in your eyes the whole story,
Come rushing at her,
And six months to sort it out.
So it is Saturday night, Friend,
Stomp your boots full on and
Meet me down there, let me
Raise a glass with you,
Tell me, about the price of hay,
Tell me your aches and pains,
Your ten years older now.
And a celebrity.
If you want to,
I will tell you all about it.
dang, Truman.
dang
-
Oh!
Hugs!
-
Milo Morris send this as a reply to my poem when I posted it on a Brokeback email list. I asked him if I could post it here because it was so wonderful, and he said: You Bet.
Thanks, Milo and Truman. :)
-
Wow...... that Milo is something else. I love him !!!
That reminds of of what Scott in Austin said to me at breakfast here last month.
I was telling him I still didn't understand why or how BBM effected me the way it did.
Why it effected us and not others. He said he believes it was on a spirutual level
with us. Simply a spiritual thing. I believe he was right. I don't question it any more.
K
-
It just occurred to me that the song Annie listened to over and over while trying to get the right words for the dozy embrace was called "Spiritual".
-
Yes, it was, performed by Charlie Hayden and Pat Methany. If you follow this link, you can see a wunnerful video set to that very music. Toward the bottom of the page.
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,13746.40.html
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damn, Tru, your thread was busy when I was away! Much to catch up on, and loved the poems!
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damn, Tru, your thread was busy when I was away! Much to catch up on, and loved the poems!
Well thank you Chuck. I have been trying to come up with something to write about the last few days. I am glad people have been coming by.
So far all I have is a guy standing in the yard of his trailer with a football in his hand and no one to throw it to and the knowledge I am in the first generation of my family to understand what a metaphor is.
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So far all I have is a guy standing in the yard of his trailer with a football in his hand and no one to throw it to and the knowledge I am in the first generation of my family to understand what a metaphor is.
lmao! Love this description!
I promise to keep coming by!
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Well thank you Chuck. I have been trying to come up with something to write about the last few days. I am glad people have been coming by.
So far all I have is a guy standing in the yard of his trailer with a football in his hand and no one to throw it to and the knowledge I am in the first generation of my family to understand what a metaphor is.
ROFLMAO !!!
Sounds like my family Tru. Maybe we are related !!!
;D
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Well thank you Chuck. I have been trying to come up with something to write about the last few days. I am glad people have been coming by.
So far all I have is a guy standing in the yard of his trailer with a football in his hand and no one to throw it to and the knowledge I am in the first generation of my family to understand what a metaphor is.
Uh, oh, better put the blocks to it!!
-
;D
while wondering how to be sure Annie Proulx was called for Jury Duty in the trial of Matthew Shepard's killers, I am hurling out the back door of the office. I will go 15 miles to let Lady back in the house. Lady, Blessed art thou amongst dogs. She who I let out at lunch from her nap, tottering out to the end of the drive way to smell for her friend, the neighborhood Chihuahua, who past in a multi colored jeep with its owner, alert to her presence, Lady oblivious. I had left her out in case later her friend might get to hop over and play with her. 112 in human years, she jumps and turns like a pup again. It, and baby asprin keep her going.
The phone rigns and it is my tenant, called to tell me he had hit up all his friends for money so he could get the rent to me, with apologies and tales of the idoits at the social security office, he has left it in the usual place, at the end of my driveway, under a rock, $250 in cash in a baggy between a pirce of Virginia Quartz and a greenish stone from North Dakota. He rents a little house over the hill from me. His x-old lady grew up in the house before her father lost it to foreclosure. He was anxious to rent it for her and called me on the phone to warn me: I have a tattoo on my face. He sure does.
Lady is nowhere to be found. She can barely hear, I walk all about whistling for her as loud as I can. Even is she hears me in her sleep, in the leaves some place, the effect might be only to make her dream of me, or maybe she has gone off to die. You never know. I am flustrated. I must now travel back to the other side of town to consume food with my mother.
Sunday I eat breakfast and supper with her and Mondays I eat supper with her, a hold over from the days before I had a washer and dryer, I would bring my laundry on Sunday and pick it up on monday. I couldn;t stop the practice, I am 8 minutes late. She says she is about to eat without me. Says my sister was there and wanted to see me. I tell her if it is important she will call me. She tells me about the ballet she saw, the jokes she heard and how her bowling team did.
Annie Proulx is waiting in a room in my head, waiting to be called before the prsecution and the defense. I give her a window so she can look out at the blue birds and the whiskey spring.
After 30 mintues I bolt, I go home and I get out the story to screenplay book and no, it is not there. Diana Ossana visited with her during the time Shepard died, but where.....I google. It is getting dark. I got to find the dog. I bolt again.
I listen to Madonna going up the road. "Once upon a time, there was a boy, there was a girl........I always thought we'd be together" I pull into the driveway and whistle loudly, and there she is, at the edge of the yard. She is Mrs. Twist on the porch, if she had an apron, she would smooth it.
She follows me in, says nothing, she just looks, just looks at me mixing her wet and dry food with the orange baby asprins. She is ready to eat, she emotes.
An official looking clerk type person stepps into the room in my head and tells Ms. Proulx she can go home now, court is adjourned for the day.
-
So glad Lady got her supper and Annie got her window. ;D
-
Your wardrobe is getting a lot of attention over at my place. I see you're not wearing it over here at your house. Oh well, I understand. You can always be yourself at my place ;)
Jack
-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your wardrobe is getting a lot of attention over at my place. I see you're not wearing it over here at your house. Oh well, I understand. You can always be yourself at my place
Jack
Is this some inside joke we dont know about....woah,,,im gobsmacked...
You babysittin Lady again...how does she and kitty get on?
-
Just a fast note to say thank you for the news of Noelie - I owe her an email. One of my screensaver pictures is of the two of you embracing at Ranchman's.
I love your Unknown Man poem. Milo has said more eloquently anything I could attempt so I won't try; just know it moved me. Spiritual fits - thanks for remembering that, Paul.
I may be misinterpreting, but I believe Artiste may have been suggesting you submit your poem to The New Yorker for publication? And I think that's a fine idea.
:-*
-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your wardrobe is getting a lot of attention over at my place. I see you're not wearing it over here at your house. Oh well, I understand. You can always be yourself at my place
Jack
Is this some inside joke we dont know about....woah,,,im gobsmacked...
You babysittin Lady again...how does she and kitty get on?
You will have to go to my blog "Jack's Ramblings" to discover what Truman is wearing or not wearing ;D
-
And I am not wearing a pink jock strap. :laugh:
-
And I am not wearing a pink jock strap. :laugh:
Dayum...I was hopin'
-
Dayum...I was hopin'
Honey you get a private showing. ;)
-
Honey you get a private showing. ;)
Teehee ;D
-
Honey you get a private showing. ;)
Careful. He's married in Massachusetts. You want a be co-respondent in a divorce suit? :laugh:
-
And I am not wearing a pink jock strap. :laugh:
I'm willin' to bet you are. ;)
-
Careful. He's married in Massachusetts. You want a be co-respondent in a divorce suit? :laugh:
Sorry he doesn't do threesomes. ;)
-
Sorry he doesn't do threesomes. ;)
I bet you want a be in the middle. ...
-
I bet you want a be in the middle. ...
I think we've coverred this before in class. I am most definitely not the creamy filling in the Oreo sandwich.
-
Sorry he doesn't do threesomes. ;)
Who? Me?
-
Who? Me?
Oh hell I know you do...LOL
-
Oh hell I know you do...LOL
Name one time.
-
Name one time.
Remember that time in Florida?
-
The time you "pretended" to be asleap? ::)
-
The time you "pretended" to be asleap? ::)
Yeah...you should have known I would wake up...especially when you...oh...ooops...nevermind, we're in public
-
Yeah...you should have known I would wake up...especially when you...oh...ooops...nevermind, we're in public
Yea, and what happened to what happens in kay west stays in key west....
-
I think we've coverred this before in class. I am most definitely not the creamy filling in the Oreo sandwich.
Then why do you need two at once? You ain't some kinda freakazoid, are you?
Double-hung like a sash window? ;D
-
Hey Truman, just jump in right now to say:
Thanks for being there! ;)
-
Hey Truman, just jump in right now to say:
Thanks for being there! ;)
It is one of the rewards of life to try and help somebody.
-
Then why do you need two at once? You ain't some kinda freakazoid, are you?
Double-hung like a sash window? ;D
Jeff you are such a puritan
-
Uh...... I better go put my boots on !!!!
;D
-
Karen is having a birthday on the 30th of November.
-
Karen is having a birthday on the 30th of November.
Yes...a very special one.
-
Karen is having a birthday on the 30th of November.
29th !
Celebrating it in NYC on the Dec. 7th.
Come on our and watch me make an ass out of myself !!! :laugh:
I do it with great style though ! ;)
-
Yes...a very special one.
Don't you be telling my secrets Scott. I know where you work on Sunday's ! 8)
-
Jeff you are such a puritan
I just want to know how you can do two at once without being in the middle.
-
I just want to know how you can do two at once without being in the middle.
By being on the other end silly ;D
-
By being on the other end silly ;D
Oh, you mean the bottom. ...
-
Oh, you mean the bottom. ...
Did you not take your Ginko this morning, or are you just holding tight to the delusion that I am a bottom? ;D
-
Did you not take your Ginko this morning, or are you just holding tight to the delusion that I am a bottom? ;D
Aww, I think you're just a big ol' bottom. ;D :-*
-
Aww, I think you're just a big ol' bottom. ;D :-*
I have one...I am not one. I cannot be one.
-
I have one.
A big bottom? :o
Big or small, I'll bet it's just as cute as the rest of you. ;D
-
It seems to be a slow day on the Eastern seaboard...
::)
-
Its just the Bettermost group cuddle, on the internet.. :-X
-
I'm willin' to bet you are. ;)
He is ;D
-
No, not you Scott, I was talking about the other one
-
Yea, and what happened to what happens in kay west stays in key west....
:o
Kay West
Home: Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Biography: Kay West is a writer and publicist who lives in Nashville. She is the food critic for The Nashville Scene, and was formerly the society editor for The Nashville Banner. She is the mother of two perfectly behaved children, Joy, age 11, and Harry, age 8.
(http://www.thomasnelson.com/CPRImages/CreatorSmall/West_1603.jpg)
-
DAYUM!!!!!
One busy day for me and I miss all the good stuff! :o
-
I want to know who the lucky (or perhaps unlucky) one was to get IN to Kay West.
:laugh:
-
DAYUM!!!!!
One busy day for me and I miss all the good stuff! :o
It got purty deep ! ::)
I thought I might have to get out the fire extinguisher
-
The only problem is keeping up with the gad fly attention spans..They jump subject to subject fast
as lightning bugs..So if you are gonna be here, its kind of like the orders of the speed racer. "Get in, sit down,
buckle up, and hang on." :laugh: :laugh:
-
The only problem is keeping up with the gad fly attention spans..
You got that right, Sister! I have now graduated from ADD to having a Gaddfly attention span.
(Apparently not everything that happens in Kay West stays there! :laugh: :laugh:)
-
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :P :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :laugh: :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Meanwhile, in a parallel universe:
http://www.angelfire.com/wv2/thesecondtimearound/trumanadkins.html
With thanks to my friends Alicia for sendin' this totally amazing piece of information to me. ;)
-
Wow you really do keep it low Truman. A wife, children, grandchillens...and a whole music career.
Ok now its time for you to write your lifes story like Scott.
-
perhaps he's your evil twin?
or......your his? :o
-
Here is Truman pictured with his band along with an article containing more information on this truly talented individual
http://www.angelfire.com/wv2/thesecondtimearound/
-
perhaps he's your evil twin?
or......your his? :o
Yeah, I am deffinalty the evil one. :o
-
Yeah, I am deffinalty the evil one. :o
I'm sorry very lost here, and I don't even like the show...what the hell are y'all talkin' bout
-
The Truman Show? Man ain;t you heard? They cancelled that after my escape. :laugh:
-
??
-
??
It was a movie back a few years ago, here is a link that will tell you about it:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120382/
-
I'm learning so much about you here.... ;D
-
I'm learning so much about you here.... ;D
Yeah. I am learning a lot about me, alot about a lot of things. It gets hard to keep it all straight sometimes. I never was good at keeping straight. :laugh:
-
Yeah. I am learning a lot about me, alot about a lot of things. It gets hard to keep it all straight sometimes. I never was good at keeping straight. :laugh:
I didn't know you were curved.
-
I didn't know you were curved.
Well, I have been toying with the term Bent, Curved might be good too. :laugh:
-
Here is Truman pictured with his band along with an article containing more information on this truly talented individual
http://www.angelfire.com/wv2/thesecondtimearound/
I wish the guest book was working, I would leave them a shout out. :laugh:
-
I never was good at keeping straight. :laugh:
don't go straight.....go gaily forward..... :laugh:
-
don't go straight.....go gaily forward..... :laugh:
The image I have!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Chuck skipping through a field of poseys scattering flower petals! :laugh:
-
Funny!
-
I bet you would blow their minds signing up in there Tru.
-
The image I have!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Chuck skipping through a field of poseys scattering flower petals! :laugh:
watch it, Rich! ;)
-
watch it, Rich! ;)
Did he mentin you were naked and surrounded by young, firm, studly men, dressed in Grecian garb?
-
Did he mentin you were naked and surrounded by young, firm, studly men, dressed in Grecian garb?
Nice save!! ;D
-
The image I have!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Chuck skipping through a field of poseys scattering flower petals! :laugh:
You know that is an idea, Chuck, have you ever heard of the Radical Fairies?
-
Did he mentin you were naked and surrounded by young, firm, studly men, dressed in Grecian garb?
Is that what you see? ??? I see chubby naked cherubs with curly hair and pink wings fluttering around him. ... ;D
-
Did he mentin you were naked and surrounded by young, firm, studly men, dressed in Grecian garb?
shit, even I don't have those images......
-
Nice save!! ;D
fight your own battles...... ::) ;)
-
Is that what you see? ??? I see chubby naked cherubs with curly hair and pink wings fluttering around him. ... ;D
You're not helping! ;) :-*
-
You know that is an idea, Chuck, have you ever heard of the Radical Fairies?
(http://witnessla.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/topanga-fairies-2.jpg)
-
Or maybe: :D
-
Huummn nice visuals.. ;D ;D The girls threads never have all these visuals!!
-
Did he mentin you were naked and surrounded by young, firm, studly men, dressed in Grecian garb?
Might be more interesting if they were undressed in Grecian garb, like in the original ancient Olympics. ;D
-
Huummn nice visuals.. ;D ;D The girls threads never have all these visuals!!
Well you know, pictures and a thousand words and all.....
-
Or maybe: :D
I know those chicks!
The one in the little plaid outfit had hairy legs though! ;D
-
I know those chicks!
The one in the little plaid outfit had hairy legs though! ;D
I'd forgot all about that but she did. :o
-
How about Patsy, Lee, did you check her legs?
-
How about Patsy, Lee, did you check her legs?
Well no, she had on a full length ball gown! :laugh:
-
What about Patsy? Did you check her legs Lee? :laugh: :laugh:
See ya'll later be good, gotta go for a while...hugs.
-
What about Patsy? Did you check her legs Lee? :laugh: :laugh:
See ya'll later be good, gotta go for a while...hugs.
:) Love you Siser Janice~!
-
Well no, she had on a full length ball gown! :laugh:
She did not have a ball gown on at the dance !
I remember because I was admiring her high heels !!!!!
Someone has a picture of me and you with her !!! I think it is Ingy.
-
Ingy! ;D Thats so sweet.
-
Ingy! ;D Thats so sweet.
I love Ingy !!! He won't post his pictures until he gets back to Europe !
*wonders how much Richard really does remember about that weekend* :-\
-
I love Ingy !!! He won't post his pictures until he gets back to Europe !
*wonders how much Richard really does remember about that weekend* :-\
Lord, she changed into a tweed suit later in the evening! but her hose were thick.
I remember it all!
-
Lord, she changed into a tweed suit later in the evening! but her hose were thick.
I remember it all!
Whoa.... he remembers the tweed suit !!! ::)
Did her hose have a seam up the back?
Legs were shaved too !! ;)
You saying you remember Friday night? *squints*
-
y'all are nuts! :laugh:
-
Funny!
-
Whoa.... he remembers the tweed suit !!! ::)
Did her hose have a seam up the back?
Legs were shaved too !! ;)
You saying you remember Friday night? *squints*
I plead the fifth as far as friday goes!
I think I had a fifth of Wild Turkey and a fifth of Tequila and about 5 beers and........
I was in rare form! :-\
-
I plead the fifth as far as friday goes!
I think I had a fifth of Wild Turkey and a fifth of Tequila and about 5 beers and........
I was in rare form! :-\
Yeah, but wasn't it fun ! ;D
-
Yeah, but wasn't it fun ! ;D
BOY HOWDY!!!! ;D
-
It will be fun again. :D
Oneday, with a group of friends and not scedual to stick to.
-
It will be fun again. :D
Oneday, with a group of friends and not scedual to stick to.
Yeah, I'll never forget it.
What a beautiful day it was too. Warm but not hot with a gentle breeze rustling through the pines.
It made me feel like Jack was there hangin ut with us.
;D
-
Oneday, with a group of friends and not scedual to stick to.
sounds like the best way.....sitting around a bonfire, just chillin' and drinkin'.
-
sounds like the best way.....sitting around a bonfire, just chillin' and drinkin'.
Well, lets do it again SOON!! ;D
-
Some body put forth some dates, I'll get the cabin in the mountains or the house at the beach!
-
cabin in the mountains is better!
-
cabin in the mountains is better!
Good, it is a lot closer for you and me. I don;t think it would be much diff. for Rich.
-
Good, it is a lot closer for you and me. I don;t think it would be much diff. for Rich.
that would take me back to my camping days.....cooking over an open fire and such......
-
that would take me back to my camping days.....cooking over an open fire and such......
Would there be a Ritz in the vicinity?
-
Good, it is a lot closer for you and me. I don;t think it would be much diff. for Rich.
Is it Don Wroe's Cabin?
You know how much we enjoy that place!! ;D
We can shoot us an Elk!
-
Is it Don Wroe's Cabin?
You know how much we enjoy that place!! ;D
We can shoot us an Elk!
Honey...if there ain't a place for me to get a decent mani or pedi, I sure as hell ain't gonna be chowin' down on elk meat. :laugh:
-
Scott, I got hands that will find every tense muscle in your body and deliver release! :D
Now I ain't much on pedicures, but I do like feet ;)
-
Honey...if there ain't a place for me to get a decent mani or pedi, I sure as hell ain't gonna be chowin' down on elk meat. :laugh:
Oh come on! Baby, I'l take you to get one after our manly weekend!
It'll be fun!
-
Scott, I got hands that will find every tense muscle in your body and deliver release! :D
Now I ain't much on pedicures, but I do like feet ;)
Hmmmm...now where is that cabin again?
-
The cabin itself I don;t have pics of, it belongs to a friend of mine in Tampa, but it is located in the Doe Run Lodge development off the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 10 miles from Floyd and same distance to the Chateau Morrisette Wihinery. Heres some pix:
http://www.fritchman.com/doe-run-6-2001.html
-
The cabin itself I don;t have pics of, it belongs to a friend of mine in Tampa, but it is located in the Doe Run Lodge development off the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 10 miles from Floyd and same distance to the Chateau Morrisette Wihinery. Heres some pix:
http://www.fritchman.com/doe-run-6-2001.html
Doe Run
Don Roe...hmmmmm (I know missing a W but...)
-
The cabin itself I don;t have pics of, it belongs to a friend of mine in Tampa, but it is located in the Doe Run Lodge development off the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 10 miles from Floyd and same distance to the Chateau Morrisette Wihinery. Heres some pix:
http://www.fritchman.com/doe-run-6-2001.html
I know where that is!
It's about 5hrs from me.
Lord I can't tell the family I'll be up there! LOL
I want to go to Maybury Mill while we are there! I haven't been in a long time!
(http://static.flickr.com/141/319434870_75cafefe3a_o.jpg)
-
Doe Run
Don Roe...hmmmmm (I know missing a W but...)
OMG! I was thinking the same thing! :laugh: :laugh:
-
Doe Run
Don Roe...hmmmmm (I know missing a W but...)
Its a sign!
-
I know where that is!
It's about 5hrs from me.
Lord I can't tell the family I'll be up there! LOL
I want to go to Maybury Mill while we are there! I haven't been in a long time!
(http://static.flickr.com/141/319434870_75cafefe3a_o.jpg)
Its right on the way to Floyd!
-
Is it Don Wroe's Cabin?
You know how much we enjoy that place!! ;D
We can shoot us an Elk!
Richard, you may have misheard, but that line is actually, 'We can shoot us some Elf.' :laugh: :laugh: Ask Wayne if you don't believe me! ;)
-
Its right on the way to Floyd!
I know. Ain't it beautiful!
-
Richard, you may have misheard, but that line is actually, 'We can shoot us some Elf.' :laugh: :laugh: Ask Wayne if you don't believe me! ;)
Is that one of the Malaysian subtitles? ;D
-
Richard, you may have misheard, but that line is actually, 'We can shoot us some Elf.' :laugh: :laugh: Ask Wayne if you don't believe me! ;)
Wow! Really?
I didn't know they migrated that far south of the North Pole! :laugh: :laugh:
-
Is that one of the Malaysian subtitles? ;D
It's how he finished his Scrabble tiles!. :laugh: :laugh:
-
Well we can shoot a turkey there, I had to drive thru a hear of about 30 of them one time.
-
Well we can shoot a turkey there, I had to drive thru a hear of about 30 of them one time.
Wow! I've never had Wild Turkey, except the kind that comes in a bottle.
-
Well we can shoot a turkey there, I had to drive thru a hear of about 30 of them one time.
So is this an all boys Brokie event?
-
Wow! Really?
I didn't know they migrated that far south of the North Pole! :laugh: :laugh:
It's because of Global Warming.
-
It's because of Global Warming.
So the elk are that far south because Truman is in menopause?
-
Would there be a Ritz in the vicinity?
lmao! Reminds me of a conversation I had.
I never claimed to be very masculine, and met up with some gay guys for dinner. As we were getting to know each other, I told them about the BBQ in Co., and that I went horseback riding, and cooked over an open fire, and hay rides, and how it took me back to my camping days. Their reply:
"Oh, so you're butch."
:laugh:
They then went on to say that the closest they came to "roughing it" was a 2 star hotel.
:laugh:
-
Now I ain't much on pedicures, but I do like feet ;)
nothin' wrong with feet.... ;)
-
It's just that I get cold vwery easily in the cool night air, especially in a cabin...in the woods...filled with men. I would never be able to sleep if I were cold :(
-
It's just that I get cold vwery easily in the cool night air, especially in a cabin...in the woods...filled with men. I would never be able to sleep if I were cold :(
body heat
-
It's just that I get cold vwery easily in the cool night air, especially in a cabin...in the woods...filled with men. I would never be able to sleep if I were cold :(
I'm sure you'd be able to find someone to keep you warm. ...
-
It's just that I get cold vwery easily in the cool night air, especially in a cabin...in the woods...filled with men. I would never be able to sleep if I were cold :(
Um Yeah! As If!
between the roaring fire in the fire place, all themen and you nail dryer you'll be fine! :laugh: :laugh:
-
Um Yeah! As If!
between the roaring fire in the fire place, all themen and you nail dryer you'll be fine! :laugh: :laugh:
Watch it there newbie...I may like to indulge in pampering ablusions, but I am still cpapable of whoppin' your butt ;)
-
Watch it there newbie...I may like to indulge in pampering ablusions, but I am still cpapable of whoppin' your butt ;)
I love it when you talk butch. ...
-
Watch it there newbie...I may like to indulge in pampering ablusions, but I am still cpapable of whoppin' your butt ;)
looking forward to it!! ;)
-
I love it when you talk butch. ...
I love it to...get me all hot
-
So is this an all boys Brokie event?
That would be a first, we could call it that, if we are prepared to incure the wrath....
(runs and hides)
-
That would be a first, we could call it that, if we are prepared to incure the wrath....
(runs and hides)
We'll just keep it very, very quiet. ...
-
It's just that I get cold vwery easily in the cool night air, especially in a cabin...in the woods...filled with men. I would never be able to sleep if I were cold :(
Big ole roaring fire in the fireplace, a little whiskey, ya know....
-
Okay, I propose the second weekend in January.
-
Okay, I propose the second weekend in January.
Sounds like a plan! I'm free that weekend! ;D
-
I got two, do I hear three?
-
I got two, do I hear three?
If you're asking me, I don't know what I'm doing a week from next Thursday, let alone in January. :( :P Nice idea, though. :)
-
And that is near Chuckie's birthday.
-
I got two, do I hear three?
Well, don't all spek up at once!
I'm ready to go now!
Course it'll be January before I have any free time and will need it after the holidays.
W bottle a Old Rose, a roaring fire and being surrounded by your friends! Who could ask for more!
PS-
This is my 2000th post!!!!!!!
Just for you Tru! :-*
-
I'll get back to ya after November
-
Well, don't all spek up at once!
I'm ready to go now!
Course it'll be January before I have any free time and will need it after the holidays.
W bottle a Old Rose, a roaring fire and being surrounded by your friends! Who could ask for more!
PS-
This is my 2000th post!!!!!!!
Just for you Tru! :-*
I am honored! Old Rose! Yeehaw!
-
I'll get back to ya after November
REALLY! I mean, you MIGHT actually do it? That would be great!
-
REALLY! I mean, you MIGHT actually do it? That would be great!
Ya just never know
-
Ya just never know
Oh I hope I hope I hope I hope!! ;D
-
And that is near Chuckie's birthday.
Yuppers...the weekend is the 12-13th. My birthday is the 15th. However, my dad's is the 14th.....how to justify missing his bday to celebrate mine? ? ? ?
I shall think on this.
-
Yuppers...the weekend is the 12-13th. My birthday is the 15th. However, my dad's is the 14th.....how to justify missing his bday to celebrate mine? ? ? ?
I shall think on this.
Why would you have to miss it? The 14th is Monday. You'd be home in time for supper.
-
Yuppers...the weekend is the 12-13th. My birthday is the 15th. However, my dad's is the 14th.....how to justify missing his bday to celebrate mine? ? ? ?
I shall think on this.
I would think the fault of your birthdate has more to do with your father than with you, if you know what I mean.......
-
I would think the fault of your birthdate has more to do with your father than with you, if you know what I mean.......
What, his mother couldn't hold back a day or two? ;D
-
well I wasn't going to bring her into it because she had all the hard work.
-
rotflmao!
-
rotflmao!
Just don't tell your mom and dad. ... ;D
-
course, it all depends on the weather too!
-
course, it all depends on the weather too!
The Colder the better! ;D
-
well guys I talked to my friend who owns the house, she said that would be fine, and she won't charge anything as long as I take care of winterizing it when I leave. So, place your long johns!
-
well guys I talked to my friend who owns the house, she said that would be fine, and she won't charge anything as long as I take care of winterizing it when I leave. So, place your long johns!
Still just the boyz?
-
well guys I talked to my friend who owns the house, she said that would be fine, and she won't charge anything as long as I take care of winterizing it when I leave. So, place your long johns!
I'm gonna git me some of those red flannels that button up! LOL
-
Like all things I am of two minds about that. A couple of days alone in a mountain house with a bunch of guys sounds like heaven to me, but I do not feel right about not inviting women to come. I would be happy either way.
-
I'm gonna git me some of those red flannels that button up! LOL
Just the front? ;)
-
Just the front? ;)
I wasn't going to mention the flap in the back! LOL
Lord knows whatthat would start!
-
I think I can speak for all the women, and say if you prefer no women,, no one is going to try to interfere
with that...Scott can relax now... :-X :-X
-
That would be a first, we could call it that, if we are prepared to incure the wrath....
(runs and hides)
>:(
Don't want to go anyway !
So there !
-
I think I can speak for all the women, and say if you prefer no women,, no one is going to try to interfere
with that...Scott can relax now... :-X :-X
Guess we know where we stand, huh Janice? >:(
-
:laugh:
Whur you been all day Karen?
Janice, are you gone try and come to Wyoming next year?
-
Yes I am. But things are kind of on a day to day with me right now.
-
>:(
Don't want to go anyway !
So there !
Thats supposed to be accompanied with a big ole fat :P heheh
By then maybe it will be a boys side and a girls side....separate, but equal...so to speak...
And Scott you should really come clean and try to go to one of these..It would be an event of your life.
-
I wasn't going to mention the flap in the back! LOL
Lord knows whatthat would start!
That trapdoor could be real convenient. ...
-
I think I can speak for all the women, and say if you prefer no women,, no one is going to try to interfere
with that...Scott can relax now... :-X :-X
What's his problem? He think he's so irresistable the ladies'll all jump him? Afraid he'll catch somethin' if he has to share a bathroom with a girl? Phooey!
-
He is irresistable. Thats a fact. :)
-
He is irresistable. Thats a fact. :)
Oh, sure. Swell his head even further. ... :laugh:
(Scott, you know I love you more than my luggage. ... :laugh: )
-
And we all know he really loves his luggage..He looks for every opportunity to play with it, and fondle it
and pack it....then unpack it.... :laugh: :laugh:
-
:laugh:
Whur you been all day Karen?
Janice, are you gone try and come to Wyoming next year?
real life smacked me upside the head! :)
-
real life smacked me upside the head! :)
but we love you!
-
What's his problem? He think he's so irresistable the ladies'll all jump him? Afraid he'll catch somethin' if he has to share a bathroom with a girl? Phooey!
Maybe he thinks girls have cooties! ;D
-
Jeff can tell you, I have even been willing to share my bed with a guy..and left him no cooties....heheh
-
Now you all quit picking on Scott, he ain't had no cantcer stick in 5 days. He might be a little, oh what is the word, uptight? :P
-
Maybe he thinks girls have cooties! ;D
ok...I am officially out of this conversation. Man o man...try to do some male bonding...sheesh!
-
Now you all quit picking on Scott, he ain't had no cantcer stick in 5 days. He might be a little, oh what is the word, uptight? :P
I know uptight Scott, and that wasn't it ! ;)
-
ok...I am officially out of this conversation. Man on man...try to do some male bonding...sheesh!
geesh !!
-
He is the loosest I have seen him in forever now..and it is a wonderful thing....yeehaw
Even without the cigs.
-
It is a good thing. I am glad.
-
Gasp! He has changed his avatar back to the white shirt picture! YippY!
-
That trapdoor could be real convenient. ...
LOL!
Thats what I knew was comin!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Gasp! He has changed his avatar back to the white shirt picture! YippY!
I Know!!
He's so hot in that pic!!
Hubba Hubba!! :o ;D
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Tonite I can hear the crickets and a couple of tree frogs maybe carry on, the latter half of October. Man, it was 86 degrees F in a nearby town today, breaking a record from 1953. It concerns me, but I do not complain. I know it will be cold soon enough.
It was overcast when I got to the office this morn' about 10. I'd driven thru fog partly. The radio said a 30% chance of rain this afternoon, and it tried, it looked gloomy all day and about 3 pm a few drops fell. That was all. It rained once last week, first time in a month or more. I was out on my walk and didn't mind it one bit.
I had a mile to go and got fairly soaked under the trees. Didn't mind it. We need the rain.
The people are out mowing their grass for one last time. When the bad heat died off the grass sucked up what little moisture there was and sent up shoots. I think the people mostly wanted to run the gas out of their mowers, and I roll down the window as I pass them to get that smell of cut grass and exhaust fumes.
There is something in the gloom of the day that catches me. Like nature is planning an attack while we humans go about our created and contrived world. When the sky is overcast I can take off my shades and open my northern European eyes fully and look at everthing unadulterated, the trees, the flowers, my dirty car, my poor skin. It is the right light. It is a feeling of safety being enveloped betwixt the earth and the clouds.
My point? None. I just wanted to write something, I just wanted to struggle with my pounding head a while to see if it could create something, like those clouds worked all day to produce a few drops.
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My point? None. I just wanted to write something, I just wanted to struggle with my pounding head a while to see if it could create something, like those clouds worked all day to produce a few drops.
Well, you did! And as usual it was beautifully descriptive! ;D
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Nicely done, Tru!
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Gasp! He has changed his avatar back to the white shirt picture! YippY!
I noticed that, too! Yeehaw! ;D
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And we all know he really loves his luggage..He looks for every opportunity to play with it, and fondle it
and pack it....then unpack it.... :laugh: :laugh:
Funny. ... I do the same thing to my men. ...
;D :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Aww sorry sorry you still having that headache...I guess my good vibes cant get passed the heat in that
area..or maybe its the rain here stopping it..Wish you could have some of ours....we have lots....((((hug++))))))
Feel better sweetie...
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Funny. ... I do the same thing to my men. ...
;D :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I was talking about you darlin..Remember how long it took you to pack for the trip to Colo?
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I was talking about you darlin..Remember how long it took you to pack for the trip to Colo?
I know, Honey--but you also accurately described what I do to my men. ... ;D :laugh:
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I know, Honey--but you also accurately described what I do to my men. ... ;D :laugh:
Hee Hee!
Happy Friday! LOL
I can tell already it's going to be a fun day here at Bettermost!
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yeah, it's a bit crazy here.
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yeah, it's a bit crazy here.
Well, ain't that how we likes it??? :laugh:
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what' I'd like right now is a good, cold beer.
or a big hunk of chocolate cake.
which is why I'm not going to DD for the hot white chocolate....I'd end up buying munchkins, and eat them all.
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what' I'd like right now is a good, cold beer.
Sounds good to me!!
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what' I'd like right now is a good, cold beer.
or a big hunk of chocolate cake.
which is why I'm not going to DD for the hot white chocolate....I'd end up buying munchkins, and eat them all.
Control, Sweetheart, control. ...
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Control, Sweetheart, control. ...
Beer and chocolate cake?
Yuck!
I'll just stick to the beer! ;D
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Control, Sweetheart, control. ...
tryin' sweetheart, trying........ >:(
some moron brought their excess candy to work to fill up plastic pumpkins in the office.
bless their heart. ::)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/voodoo1.gif)
*goes to refill bottle of spring water*
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Beer and chocolate cake?
Yuck!
I'll just stick to the beer! ;D
my post said "or"...not "and". :laugh:
that combo would be pretty gross...... :P
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tryin' sweetheart, trying........ >:(
some moron brought their excess candy to work to fill up plastic pumpkins in the office.
bless their heart. ::)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/voodoo1.gif)
*goes to refill bottle of spring water*
Ok focus no this then...I want a cogarette so bad I am willing to bum one from a co-worker right now!!!
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tryin' sweetheart, trying........ >:(
some moron brought their excess candy to work to fill up plastic pumpkins in the office.
bless their heart. ::)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/voodoo1.gif)
*goes to refill bottle of spring water*
This is a dangerous time of year. ... :-\
Ok focus no this then...I want a cogarette so bad I am willing to bum one from a co-worker right now!!!
Jesus H., he needs that nicotine so bad he can't even spell! :o
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Ok focus no this then...I want a cogarette so bad I am willing to bum one from a co-worker right now!!!
don't do it, Scott!
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Ok focus no this then...I want a cogarette so bad I am willing to bum one from a co-worker right now!!!
Get some nicorette! I hear that gum does wonders!
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Get some nicorette! I hear that gum does wonders!
Or the patch. I know a guy who used it, and hasn't smoked in almost a year.
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Or the patch. I know a guy who used it, and hasn't smoked in almost a year.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Remeber that show news radio?
There was an episode where Phil Hartman was trying to quit smoking and he used the whole box and kept smoking in the broadcast booth. The booth was filled with smoke and he passed out!
It was hilarious! He was so funny!
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never saw that one.
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never saw that one.
It was good! A really funny show.
After Phil Hartman was killed it went off the air.
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poor Truman is gonna get here and wonder why we filled his blog up with nonsense.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/threadjacker.gif)
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Hey Scott, leave them cigs along! Poor thing you spelin done got as bad as mine.
I knew a guy who used the patch to try and quit and forgot and lit up. He almost had a cardiac arrest.
Who was that, John Denver, who sang:
"You fill up my blog with,
Nights full of non sense.."
Fill me up baby, I am a vessel of love. :P
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Fill me up baby, I am a vessel of love. :P
You may have to wait till January. ...
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why do you fill me up, buttercup
baby just to let me down
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Good Morning! I get to see you Day After Tomorrow!
8) :D
(You drive safely!!)
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why do you fill me up, buttercup
baby just to let me down
Yeah, that is the problem, and i think it come with expectations of things, but I am today thankful for your friendships, your love, your lust, your concern, I feel luck and loved. I do not mean to let anyone down, but set you down gently in a nice soft place,
and sprinkle moon beams in your hair.....
(OMG, I think they put LSD in the coffee this morning..........................hehehehehehe!)
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Hey Lynne! I can't wait! As bad as we need the rain I hope it is not raining. I got to do the mapquest today and print it out and put it in the glove box. Will try and call Nova tomorrow and touch base.
How long you gone be in D.C.?
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Very very cool!
Is Lauren/Tamarack still coming too? :D
I'm there until Thursday night after the class. DeeDee hasn't called me back. :( Hope all is well with her...
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Well we'll probably hear from her. How about that guy from DC who went to France? Yes, Lauren will be there too. I've had a pm from her.
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I do not mean to let anyone down, but set you down gently in a nice soft place,
and sprinkle moon beams in your hair.....
you haven't let me down, Tru.
and for the moonbeams.....keep 'em. I don't have enough hair for them to be sprinkled on.
:laugh:
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you haven't let me down, Tru.
and for the moonbeams.....keep 'em. I don't have enough hair for them to be sprinkled on.
:laugh:
Sprinkle moonbeams on your scalp and.....
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Chuckie))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
I can rememory my sister singing that to me when I was 3.
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((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Chuckie))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
I could use for real ones today.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/group_hug.gif)
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Sprinkle moonbeams on your scalp and.....
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Chuckie))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
I can rememory my sister singing that to me when I was 3.
You were 3 during the heyday of the Carpenters?
Go ahead, rub it in. ... :laugh:
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You were 3 during the heyday of the Carpenters?
Go ahead, rub it in. ... :laugh:
anyone can appreciate the carpenters. I love Karen's voice, and the song "SuperStar"
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Well we'll probably hear from her. How about that guy from DC who went to France? Yes, Lauren will be there too. I've had a pm from her.
Great about Lauren! I have email in to Lucas, hopefully he'll join us too. Glory just called - we're thinking about seeing Rendition tonight! My cup runneth over.
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anyone can appreciate the carpenters. I love Karen's voice, and the song "SuperStar"
I loved her! I had a crush on her!! ;D
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I loved her! I had a crush on her!! ;D
I had a crush on her brother. ... ;D
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I had a crush on her brother. ... ;D
Hee Hee!
He never did much for me!
But hell I was only 5 or 6 what did I know.
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But hell I was only 5 or 6 what did I know.
Oh, stop it! ;D
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Oh, stop it! ;D
Well I was! :laugh:
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Well I was! :laugh:
Do you want a slap? :laugh:
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Do you want a slap? :laugh:
Do it Jeff! Slap him! I'll give ya a dollar! ;D
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Do you want a slap? :laugh:
Here, slap weeza, half of Chiquipen Parish woud give their eye teeth for a swing at her!
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laaaaaaaaa laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa close to you!!
You have that song in my head now.
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Here, slap weeza, half of Chiquipen Parish woud give their eye teeth for a swing at her!
You're askin' for it, Truvy. ... :laugh:
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Do it Jeff! Slap him! I'll give ya a dollar! ;D
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Do it Jeff! Slap him! I'll give ya a dollar! ;D
Me too!! :laugh:
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Me too!! :laugh:
You'll give me a dollar to slap you?
Child, you're a couple a sandwiches short of a picnic! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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You'll give me a dollar to slap you?
Child, you're a couple a sandwiches short of a picnic! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Well, that goes without saying! LOL
I meant I'll give you a dollar to slap Chuckie! LOL
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Well, that goes without saying! LOL
I meant I'll give you a dollar to slap Chuckie! LOL
Gee, if play my cards right, I'll clean up!
Chuckie will give me a dollar to slap Richard.
Richard will give me a dollar to slap Chuckie.
Who will Truman give me a dollar to slap?!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Gee, if play my cards right, I'll clean up!
Chuckie will give me a dollar to slap Richard.
Richard will give me a dollar to slap Chuckie.
Who will Truman give me a dollar to slap?!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
No body! Tru doesn't like violence! :laugh:
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Gee, if play my cards right, I'll clean up!
Chuckie will give me a dollar to slap Richard.
Richard will give me a dollar to slap Chuckie.
Who will Truman give me a dollar to slap?!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Don't even think it sonny boy!
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Gee, if play my cards right, I'll clean up!
and if you play your cards wrong, you'll get clocked! :laugh:
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and if you play your cards wrong, you'll get clocked! :laugh:
I shouldn't slap any of you. You'd all enjoy it too much. ...
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You were 3 during the heyday of the Carpenters?
Go ahead, rub it in. ... :laugh:
Well I was born in 1963, I swear I remember that, I can associate it with other things going on at the time.
-
Great about Lauren! I have email in to Lucas, hopefully he'll join us too. Glory just called - we're thinking about seeing Rendition tonight! My cup runneth over.
Wow, that would be cool. I can;t wait to see Jake as a bad ass.
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Well I was born in 1963, I swear I remember that, I can associate it with other things going on at the time.
Which means you were about 10 when every boy in my junior high wanted to dance with Andrea McGlincey while the Carpenters sang "Close to You." :laugh:
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Which means you were about 10 when every boy in my junior high wanted to dance with Andrea McGlincey while the Carpenters sang "Close to You." :laugh:
She must have been the hot mamma.
Boys, Santie is gone bring you all a bunch of switches for Xmess if you don;t behave!
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Which means you were about 10 when every boy in my junior high wanted to dance with Andrea McGlincey while the Carpenters sang "Close to You." :laugh:
Who? ???
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Which means you were about 10 when every boy in my junior high wanted to dance with Andrea McGlincey while the Carpenters sang "Close to You." :laugh:
She must have been the hot mamma.
She was. Boobs on her the size a apples. ;D
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She was. Boobs on her the size a apples. ;D
In jr. high I would say that was pretty fair.
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In jr. high I would say that was pretty fair.
She was, friend, she was.
Well, my junior hight was grades 7-9, and then high school was 10-12, so by the time we were all in ninth grade, we were all like 15-16 years old. So she was pretty well developed. :D
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Right, I were confused. I remember that female development was something I closely monitored. Why I dunno.
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Well damn she had the right name, did she not! :laugh: :laugh:
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lmao!!!!
and Rich, lovin' the avatar!
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Ok focus no this then...I want a cogarette so bad I am willing to bum one from a co-worker right now!!!
Scott maybe you could use the rubber band method...just put it around your wrist, and every time you want a cigarette, pop the rubber band,,,like in the movie....
A little bit of self flaggelation never killed anybody.....heheh
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Well damn she had the right name, did she not! :laugh: :laugh:
She sho nuff did!! LOL
Thanks Chuckie!! :-*
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Truman, I haven't been reading the blogs for about a month, so it's time to check in. Holy cannoli - I left off reading your blog September 16th, on page 124. And now it's up to 208. WTF! I will catch up, but it's gonna take a while. Hope everything's okay. Love, Clarissa
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That hike/climb was a life changer for sure. But I still cannot accept the fact I look like that. In my mind I look like Bruce Jenner at age 26. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
(Still only on page 129...)
Truie, this is what Bruce Jenner looks like today. I mean, come on, be careful what you wish for. You are gorgeous, he is bizarre...
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h257/Ellemeno_2006/bruce.jpg)
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(At page 149...)
I tried to find the two soldiers dancing in "The Canterville Ghost," but this is as close as I got:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lnnrUdIU48[/youtube]
(At page 150...)
The Barrel House Mamas doing the Taj Mahal song "Cakewalk into Town":
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYtOznqJ7Lg[/youtube]
The Barrel House Mamas doing the traditional "Angel Band":
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4FAyt8MaqU[/youtube]
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((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Lee))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
All things in time lil' brother, these mountains will be here long after were gone.
Unless they discover coal under them.
John Prine, "Paradise":
"Then the coal company came with the world's largest shovel, and they tortured the trees, and they stripped all the land. Then they dug for their coal til the land was foresaken, and they wrote it all down as the Progress of Man..."
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_y0fhglqjlg[/youtube]
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(page 156...)
IN THE GARDEN
Words & Music: C. Austin Miles, 1868-1946
I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
Refrain
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
Refrain
I?d stay in the garden with Him
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
Refrain
Now I have checked out C. Austin Miles, he has living descendants, so he was not an old bachelor living in a an apartment over a butcher in Philly. But the words, read them with an open mind, what love he has. How many men have sang them on sunday, standing next to their wives and families, concentrating on Jesus, and blocking out whoever it is they are trying not to remember.
Or maybe it is my over active imagination, wanting to rewrite history and make everthing a little bent. What do you think?
Yes, I think everything IS a little bent.
Elvis:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4YqAs40E2o[/youtube]
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That was my mother's favorite hymn. :'( Mother was raised in a small denomination that became a part of the current United Methodist Church. She always said she wanted it "sung" at her funeral. When she died very unexectedly, our Lutheran pastor dug it out of the Methodist hymnal, but when he asked about singing it, I didn't think my dad and I could stand that without falling apart, so we just had the pastor read the lyrics from the pulpit. Just plain gutless, I guess. ...
Sorry, Mother. ... :'(
Jeff, if I know you adored and revered your mother, she surely knows it too. :-*
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(Page 177...)
http://www.tricities.com/tristate/tri/opinions/letters.apx.-content-articles-TRI-2007-10-11-0008.html
Proud of you, Tru. :-*
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(Page 189...)
You know that is an idea, Chuck, have you ever heard of the Radical Fairies?
Truman, when I was living in community, I met some wonderful people from Short Mountain Sanctuary in Tennessee. Have you heard of them?
http://directory.ic.org/records/?action=view&page=view&record_id=1068
(I enjoyed this way of spending an evening. All caught up now. Took me off and on for four effin years hours.) :)
My last thought for the night here - make it an All Boy Weekend. I do All Girl things. It's different, and good.
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You can't keep up either!?! heh. the boys are doing a Lashawn - talking a blioe streak.
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Doin' a LaShawn, I think you got something there! Wow Elle, thanks for those videos, and I love your sig banner! Happy Days!
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For Curt, thank you for all the wonderful memories, rest in peace.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5xjBsIImws[/youtube]
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Truman, I haven't been reading the blogs for about a month, so it's time to check in. Holy cannoli - I left off reading your blog September 16th, on page 124. And now it's up to 208. WTF! I will catch up, but it's gonna take a while. Hope everything's okay. Love, Clarissa
Yeah, everthing is good, I am gone see Lynne tomorry! And I know, too much fertilizer around here, it is out of control! I rmemeber mentioning in Alberta I was up to 100 pages. Whew!
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never enough fertilizer!
It helps things to grow.....in this case.....ideas and conversation.
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Right, I were confused. I remember that female development was something I closely monitored. Why I dunno.
I didn't really so much, but I do remember this one girl in high school that liked me and she had lopsided ones. Leave it to me to have someone lopsided that liked me. Then I remember this other girl, but don't really remember too much about hers. I just remember having a party and she was throwing pool balls at these other girls that she thought liked me. It didn't feel good to that one girl who got hit with the cue ball. The funny thing is that all I was interested in was Dennis, the guy that was spending the night with me. I don't know why since we just went to sleep. I was scared back then to have anything to do with anybody so I turned him down :'( For some reason I thought he would tell everybody. Oh well.
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Good morning! Lots of good music to wake up here to -
I'm fond of John Prine and Taj Mahal. Elle - thank you for introducing me to The Barrel House Mamas - I haven't heard of them before...Loved 'Angel Band' too.
Strawberry Wine....*sigh*
I'm doing the laundry and packing, no word from Lucas yet. He's got my cell number, tho.
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Cool. I will try and call nove this evening, I am running up to Christiansburg today for a cook out. Run, run, run, you'd think gas grew on trees.
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Cool. I will try and call nove this evening, I am running up to Christiansburg today for a cook out. Run, run, run, you'd think gas grew on trees.
Enjoy your day!!
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Oh, you're not in Washington yet Lynne. I was just asking Truman if he saw you and I guess he couldn't have yet :) I need to watch those videos Truman put up of the Barrel House Mamas, especially since they are from here in Asheville. Speaking of good music, I was just listening to a CD of Brokeback type music that Jim.grr sent me. It is excellent!!! Thanks Jim, even though you don't post on this forum :(
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This is inneresting. I feel like I am growing, hope it will not be a bad thing. (Takinging about the expanded blog features.) Let me know what you think.
So I am leaving in a few minutes to head to the DC area to visit Lynne and Nova and Tamarack. Look forward to seeing them. You know Ibuprophen is a wonderful thing. Back on the road tomorrow, a whirl wind trip.
Yesterday I went to a cook out. I helped prepare some of the roast vegetables and one I slicked up was a sweet tater that looked just like a smiling baby seal floating on its back, except it was orange. I showed it to someone and while they were admiting it I announced I was gone cuts its head off and I did, it even shocked me when I did it. We laughed and laughed.
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So I am leaving in a few minutes to head to the DC area to visit Lynne and Nova and Tamarack. Look forward to seeing them. You know Ibuprophen is a wonderful thing. Back on the road tomorrow, a whirl wind trip.
Have a great time, buddy!!!
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Be safe and come back with another "Travels With Truman" story.... :)
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Be safe and come back with another "Travels With Truman" story.... :)
Sounds like a new topic for your mini blog Truman............Travels With Truman............
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Have a fun Bud. Say hi to the rest for me when you get there.. Enjoy food, fun, and laughter all of you! YeeHaw
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Law, me and Lynne done had us some fish tacos!
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As I said, i need shrimp in mine...please.
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fish tacos?
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I have to go here in about twenty minutes for some motivational, 'go-team' training... :-\ >:(
At least the upcoming nonsense was preluded by a terrific visit with Truman and Lauren and Bob and Joe. :D
Those boys would NOT quit flirting with "B". We got his picture. And Bob was THE worst - and he seemed like such a shy type in Alberta ::) ;). Now we know...Think I got to talk all of them last night longer and better than in Canada. Now I want to visit Lauren in Maine and Leslie too...some talk of blueberries. Lauren's found a book for us Bettermostian females.
Everybody have a wonderful day here, and think thoughts to grant me some poise and grace and an ability to NOT say whatever it is I'm thinking. ;D ;)
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I have to go here in about twenty minutes for some motivational, 'go-team' training... :-\ >:(
At least the upcoming nonsense was preluded by a terrific visit with Truman and Lauren and Bob and Joe. :D
Those boys would NOT quit flirting with "B". We got his picture. And Bob was THE worst - and he seemed like such a shy type in Alberta ::) ;). Now we know...
Huh? ??? I thought "B" was flirting with ME!!! ;)
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Oh he was, deffinatly! Had a nice Middle Tennessee accent too.
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Everybody have a wonderful day here, and think thoughts to grant me some poise and grace and an ability to NOT say whatever it is I'm thinking. ;D ;)
sends Lynne positive thoughts and love!
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Thanks for the phone call, Truman! It brightened my day after many hours of rehearsing in the State Theater basement (where no cellphone signal has gone before!). ;D
Big hugs to you, Lynne, Bob, Lauren and Joe! (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Emoticons/bighug.gif)
I'm so glad you got to get together and talk Brokish. Did y'all ever hear from Dee Dee? 8)
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No, I don't believe Lynne ever heard from her. But she'll be there till Thursday so they can visit.
(You'd think I'd been gone a month the way the cat is carrying on)
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Aww how cute..she missed you. Its always nice to be getting a warm welcome.. How was the drive?
The picture was still very green..
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You know how when you are trying to leave to go somewhere that is when everything happens?
I thought I was in good shape until Sunday moring, I picked up the news paper to see if I were in the obits, I wasn't but I was shocked to see an acquaintence of mine there.
Phillip was a real nice guy who worked in the ER of the hospital I used to work in. He was a plain looking guy, no one ever knew him to have a boyfriend or anything. I had first met him at a bar one new years, I think it was becoming 1994. He was a nice fella. Everyone liked him.
I thiught of him last Tuesday when I was at the Grandin Theater in Roanoke to see Eastern Promises. I remembered my second trip there to see Brokeback Mountain, he was waiting n the lobby by hmself to see the next showing, all by himself. That was nearly two years ago and I had not spoken to him or runinto himto even ask what he though. That was Tuesday, on Thursday he was at work, turned to get something and suffered a massive heart attack. He was dead before he hit the floor. He was 52 years old.
For whatever reason he did not make the Friday paper, and the same paper does not publish on Saturday, so on Sunday there he was, with funeral for 3 pm that afternoon. Shit! I would have gone if I were not planning to be on the road, and I could imagine him telling me to go on and enjoy. So that was what I did.
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I don't believe I have ever seen so many dead red foxes. I must have seen a dozen of them on the side of the roads. Up 220 to Roanoke, then I81 to mile marker 300 and I66 toward Washington. The cars around you after a while become like family. You see a bumper sticker of a personalized tag pass and after a while you pass them. Sometime you stop for gas and rejoinging traffic you are passed by one of your old friends who pulled off back a ways. There was some good mellow music on public radio.
From I66 I got on the beltway going north just a ways and turnt off on Leesburg Pike, and recognized the hotel from its picture on the website. Lynne had not got there yet, so I hung out looking like a bum with sox and sandals on. Presently she arrived, the only passanger in a 12 passanger van, I thought she would be travelling with a bunch of folks from her facility, but that were not the case. We hugged mightily and got checked in to a beautiful room on the 19th floor with a killer view. You could even see a mountain in the distance.
Nova told us how easy it was to reach the Reston Town Center from there. About 10 minutes away. The whole sprawl had been a forst 20 years ago, and now reminded me a bit of Italy. We parked in the free garage (imagine that, a free parking garage) and found them 3 sittingby the fountain in the dark. I though about pulling a Rayn and hollering "Hello Brokies" like he did on the Jack Ascending Hike but it was not necessary. They seen us. And as soon as we crossed the street the lights came on.
So there we were, 5 Alberta Pilgrims reunited. Four of us refugees of the famous hike and all of us survivors of the hayride from hell. In a different country, on a beautiful warm fall evening. There were hugs all around. Nova knew where a Mexican resturant was, "nearby" so we set out, segregating ourselfes in to guys and gals for the walk. It was about 5 minutes, long enough for Nova to tell us he is of the opinion we actually were on Mt. Inflexible, where the computor generated Jack heards sheep and Ennis watches him in the creek with his pants leg rolled up. We had thought we were on a mountain next to it, but having consulted arial photos he is now of the opinion we were almost exactly in the right place.
Our waiter, Brian, was a local guy who were to school at Middle Tennessee State, which made me wonder why he was not in Murfreesboro right now. He was wearing a tshirt advertizing their findraising for breast cancer research that read "Pink is the new black". What ever you say buddy. He handed us the menues and Lynne noticed right away they did indeed have fish tacos.
Well, for some reason after that I could not see anything else on the menu so that was what I enede up ordering. They were generic white fish deep fried, I got three of them and some black beans and rice and I ate two of them. I think that will do me for a while. We also had a margarita a piece, which got us a little giddy. While partaking we learned two new words from Goaboydc: Indicizigig, which is when you almost run into someone and you move one way and they move the same way, etc. and Hangtangulation, which is when you put all the coat hangers in the closet just so and when you come back the are all tangled up and caught on one another. There is a classification for these words, but the sugar packet I was writing on was not big enough to write it too.
Nova had found a book for Tamarack whenthey were out earlier in the day. I think it was called Girls who love Boys who love Boys. Lynne is gone get the skinny on this book and get the word out, it sounds inneresting.
And of course in this day and age what would complete the evening but a cell phone call to those who could not be with us, Meryl and Juan and later, to Paul, to see if he had ever come up with the name of the muscle Lynne pull riding the mechanical bull. He said all of them. It was wonderful, I don;t thnk I had talked to the three of them that much on Alberta.
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I look forward to 2009, when we might once again bask in the Alberta sun, watch the moon grow fuller and fuller as the nights progress. We talked about camping out in the Kananaskis area, far from the tourists of Canmore and Banff. Should be nice, and it will be here before you know it. Like Lynne pointed out you can spend 5 minutes at work and it lasts for ever, but 5 minutes among brokies is like the blink of an eye.
So we went back to the room, put on our pajamas, had our slumber party. Talked with Janice and RouxB and Lynne's mother, who is having a birthday today. Shared some laughs and caught up on what was going on inside and outside out heads. I think I drifted off before she did, she being on west coast time and all.
Then about 4 am I had to get up and the room was filled with this glow. It was coming from behind a wing backed chair, and habbling around it I saw it was Lynne's laptop running her slide show of photos. She had told me recently about waking up to me and Adrain smiling at her. And there we were.
I stood there and watched the cascade of images, shiney happy people asleap in beds the world over. There was Juan and Lynne dancing at Ranchman's, Eric and Chuck, their plaid shirts morphing into one another, me and Paul, Rich and Karen, Amanda and Lynne, Wulf and Lynne, Rodney and Vermont, Lee and Adam. There was Boston, there was Wyoming, There was Rockyford, like a never ending loop of happiness. Us at our best. I stood and watched it a second time. What a ride this has been. What we have accomplished just by the times we have managed to get together.
We are lucky, oh so lucky.
I love you Lynne.
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Thanks for the phone call, Truman! It brightened my day after many hours of rehearsing in the State Theater basement (where no cellphone signal has gone before!). ;D
Big hugs to you, Lynne, Bob, Lauren and Joe! (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Emoticons/bighug.gif)
I'm so glad you got to get together and talk Brokish. Did y'all ever hear from Dee Dee? 8)
Always good to leave you messages, Meryl! Figured you were busy with work or fun or something. I did not ever hear back from Dee Dee - thanks for the reminder. I'll try her again today on my lunchbreak!
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So we went back to the room, put on our pajamas, had our slumber party...
We are lucky, oh so lucky.
I love you Lynne.
We are, indeed. And you know I love you too.
HOWEVER, that does NOT mean you don't have to post the pictures of you in your PJ's - both the calendar shot and what I'm going to call the "Roland" perspective! ::) :D ::) 8). Here or in the calendar, thread, your choice, bud!
8)
Edt: I'm really glad you got to see the screensaver - I was dead to the world, didn't hear a thing, but I'm happy you now know what I keep gushing about. So much love and companionship there. Leslie in the Boston pics greeted me when I got back to the room tonight!
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Hey Tru!
doncha just love dropped calls? ;D :laugh:
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Hey Tru!
doncha just love dropped calls? ;D :laugh:
Sucks, don't it. :'(
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Sucks, don't it. :'(
yeah, but that's ok!
P.S.....left a message for ya somewhere on BM.....see if you can find it. ;)
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Oh boy, a wild goose chase, how fun..... ;D
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Oh boy, a wild goose chase, how fun..... ;D
lmao!
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Sorry I seemed to have sent you on one..i sent it to you...
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No problem Janice!
Hugs!
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
same to you...!
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can anyone get in on the hug fest? :)
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Truman and Janice open up a free arm for their friend. :-*
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*walks over to get hug.......*
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Ahem................. :'(
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you are always welcome to get a hug anytime too Scott... :-*
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(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/group_hug.gif)
^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^
Tru, Jan Rich Chuck Scott Karen Jeff
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(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/group_hug.gif)
^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^
Tru, Jan Rich Chuck Scott Karen Jeff
Thanks, I need a hug today! :-\
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Thanks, I need a hug today! :-\
Ya need more? It'll cost ya! I'm a hug whore!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Ya need more? It'll cost ya! I'm a hug whore!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Good Lord!
Now I've heard it all!
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I'll be a hug whore for you,
I'll let you put those warm arms around me
Tighten your body close to mine,
Until there is no difference.
There is an aching in my back,
That can only be cured by your touch
There are fears that could be pounded out of me
By the beating of your heart.
Hold me then in that place,
Where all is safe and warm,
Where we are least alone,
Tell me without words, s'right.
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote from: CellarDweller on Today at 02:11:27 PM
^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^
Tru, Jan Rich Chuck Scott Karen Jeff
Thanks, I need a hug today!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
C'mere baby boy, I'll give ya all the hugs ya need. {{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs++++++++}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
I love hugs, everybody knows that...
I'm not Truman, but i will try/my best
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I'll be a hug whore for you,
I'll let you put those warm arms around me
Tighten your body close to mine,
Until there is no difference.
There is an aching in my back,
That can only be cured by your touch
There are fears that could be pounded out of me
By the beating of your heart.
Hold me then in that place,
Where all is safe and warm,
Where we are least alone,
Tell me without words, s'right.
Oh daym......Truman, I like this!
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quote from: CellarDweller on Today at 02:11:27 PM
^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^ ^^
Tru, Jan Rich Chuck Scott Karen Jeff
Thanks, I need a hug today!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
C'mere baby boy, I'll give ya all the hugs ya need. {{{{{{{{{{{{{{hugs++++++++}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
I love hugs, everybody knows that...
I'm not Truman, but i will try/my best
Thanks Mamma!!!!
A hug from Mamma is always welcomed!! :)
Tru, that was beautiful!
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I was outside this evening, eating some chicken concoction and tequlia concotion. Looking up at the hazy blur of the moon and I thought: My gifts are intangible, and will not survive me or thoe one I give them to.
And thats okay.
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That is very profound Tru.
I believe though that our gifts are passed on and on, and on..................
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Then we need to realize how rich we are. 8)
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Then we need to realize how rich we are. 8)
Yes we do ! :)
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I was outside this evening, eating some chicken concoction and tequlia concotion. Looking up at the hazy blur of the moon and I thought: My gifts are intangible, and will not survive me or thoe one I give them to.
And thats okay.
It is OK, but I don't think that's how it's going to be. I think I know how you're feeling. Sometimes I feel invisible too - like I have to do or say something to prove I am corporeal. Or insignificant in the larger universe.
The word intangible means that something is incapable of being perceived, especially by the sense of touch...I looked it up to be sure. I don't think I am the first person to use this wording, so forgive me, whoever I'm plagiarizing, please. But tonight, reading the poem you wrote about my Mamie and us...it was a true gift. You held my heart in your strong, capable hand for a while, then gave it back to me, a little bit better for your loving touch. You Heard me. You couldn't have shown that you really Heard me any louder if you'd put it on a marquis! I know you know how rare it is to be Heard. Thank you. I only hope I can be as good a Friend for you...I strive to be that.
In another Lifetime, your gifts will survive you because of every heart you've touched. In the same way I know about Jeb and Dash and Curt because of you, you have achieved immortality.
I met a man today and we talked in the hotel bar. I'm not going to say much about him - that's for him to do. I invited him here and I believe he'll come. My point, though, is that in the course of our conversation, I told him about Brokeback Mountain, realized he'd understood it in the same way we have (how RARE is that?!). And I told him about the poem you wrote for the Unknown Man. He didn't know about the Unknown Man before. But I bet he mentions it to someone he treasures. He wore a gold ring on his left hand. And so on the cycle goes.
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Question
There are people like Truman, Scott, Chuck, Milli, Leslie, David, Cameron, Louise, Jack,Lee, Jack 1 and others, in this pllace. That have gifts, they are the type, to survive them....But then, there are others like myself
and some others here that have no discernable talent..They are just....around. What survives of that.?
Are we here just to curry favor, and tell the gifted ones that they are great? This is a question of which I have often pondered these many years...Or what then is a gift, and how do we recognize it..?
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Question
There are people like Truman, Scott, Chuck, Milli, Leslie, David, Cameron, Louise, Jack,Lee, Jack 1 and others, in this pllace. That have gifts, they are the type, to survive them....But then, there are others like myself
and some others here that have no discernable talent..They are just....around. What survives of that.?
Are we here just to curry favor, and tell the gifted ones that they are great? This is a question of which I have often pondered these many years...Or what then is a gift, and how do we recognize it..?
I don't see it that way at all, Janice. You are one of the most loving and generous people I've ever met. And I knew that about you long before we met in Denver the first time. I had you pictured as older, though, because there's a wisdom and a grace that you have that makes me feel like a puppy, gangly and awkward, in comparison. I'd like to have your strength and resilience too. You are often, if not always, the one of the first to reach out to a new member here, make them feel at home. I could list quite a few people who have come, and both moved on or stayed on, who rely on your friendship and support. I count myself proudly among them. I know about your family - I met your husband and daughter-in-law. I know about your love and devotion to your granddaughters. I know your brother through you. I walked and you supported me. I don't doubt you will again, especially when I stumble.
Consider my grandmother - she passed away in 1985 - but I still feel her with me. And she has life renewed because I shared her with someone.
If there's anything to my conservation of energy theology, your spirit lives in others with whom you share it, and it lives on after your body is gone - whether it's shared in a picture, in a hug, in a paragraph, or in a memory.
Maybe the question that needs to be asked is why we don't find enough time to tell the people we care about how much they mean to us and why? Why do we think they should know, that it goes without saying, when it doesn't and shouldn't??
{{{{{{{{{{{{Janice}}}}}}}}}}}}
I love you, Janice. Thank you for holding my hand in San Francisco and singing with me.
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That touched me greatly Lynne..I hope you are right...i really do..
I loved being with you in San Francisco, and on the train..it was a memory in both instances I shall never
forget.. I love you too,
Thank you Janice
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What survives of that.? Are we here just to curry favor, and tell the gifted ones that they are great? This is a question of which I have often pondered these many years...Or what then is a gift, and how do we recognize it..?
Oh honey! Your gift is your kindness. I saw that when I blew out my knee in SF, and you immedieately left the dancefloor/party to go get me a bag of ice for my knee, and sat there with me to keep me company.
The way you treat others, and help them feel good and loved is what will go on.
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Lynne said it so eloquently I don't know if I could add much more that would be meaningful.
You are often, if not always, the one of the first to reach out to a new member here, make them feel at home. I could list quite a few people who have come, and both moved on or stayed on, who rely on your friendship and support.
I consider my self in that group too!
I don't know where I'd be without you!
You are the first person from this community that I ever got up the nerve to call!
I love you Mamma!
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So what is in a name?
My family name is Adkins. It is an English name that derives from something else. It is also sometimes spelt Atkins, which used to infuriate my father becuase there were people with the name Atkins he did not care for. He was real proud of his name, given to him by his father, who had gotten it from his father, who had gotten it from his.
And there it stops.
My great great grandfather, one Samuel Adkins, was born "a woods child" my uncle told me several years ago. It was also said Samuel had "been born on the wrong side of the sheets". These quaint saying reflected the fact his parents were not married, and the name came from his mother, Hanah. Perhaps she picked the name form the old testament story of Hanah and her son Samuel. Perhaps someone else got confused and remembered her name wrong. In either case, if Samuel ever knew who his father was, he never told.
For years relatives have asked me where the Adkins's were from. I would tell them the name was English, but that we were from Salt House Branch. That was as far as the written records could take it. Or so I thought. It turns out I had the answer written inside of me and didn't know it.
My broker gave me as a birthday present this year a National Geohraphic DNA testing kit. I was stunned. This is not a cheap test. She and her husband had their DNA tested and I had expressed an interest in it. So I took it home and read the instructions, saw that I could have either my fathers side or my mothers side done with this one test. I decided to do my fathers side hoping it would give me some sort of information regarding his Native American ancestry.
It took about a month for the results to be posted, and they are so technical I cannot understand. Most of the markers appear in the British Isles, and some places in Germany and Spain. There was another set of markers that occued in Siberia, so I figured they were the Indians.
Then there was this message that my halotype froup was associated with the following email groups. There was one for the British Isles, One for Appalachia, one for the Adkins surname and then one for the Mullins surname. WTF?
So I contacted the moderator for this email list and apparently my halotype matches male decendants of one Matthew Mullins who lived in King and Queen County, Virginia in 1699. Without even trying I found out what my name was supposed to be, apparently. The Mullins family are numerous in the area. And apparently there is supposed to be more of them, me included. This I had never expected.
So I do not know who it was that impregnated Hanah Adkins sometime just after the War of 1812, perhaps with some research, a list of suspects could be drawn up.
I told a cousin of mine this the other day when I ran into him and he was like "How can this be?" and I explained it to him again, we had compared notes on our research before. The more I talked to him it became apparent he just was not getting it, there was a mental block going on. I had to be blount with him: Samuel had his Mamma's name because she was not married to his Daddy, or may not have known who he was. The lightbulb of recognition made him appear kindley pale.
So what is in a name? Well, if I were a Mullins people around here would want me to work on their car. I don't even change my own oil. Aside from that, in a small town, a bunch of assumption on how you'll turn out. I think I will just stay an Adkins and see what happens next.
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That's real interesting, Tru!
I ought to try to get that test. I'm just curious enough about my own family history to want to know what it would turn up. I used to edit the magazine for the Genealogical Society of Pennsylvania.
Of course you remember there were Mullinses on the Mayflower, but that line died out in the male line that first winter of 1620-21.
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Wow, I have actually been to the Genealogical Scoiety of Pennsylvania's digs in Central City, it helped me in the right direction to my folks church in Frankfort.
I bet that could be a hugely mundane job. :laugh:
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Wow Truman, thats really cool!
I'd love to do that as well!
Lord knows what would show up!! LOL
You knowmy history, it could be intersting to say the least! :laugh:
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Wow, I have actually been to the Genealogical Scoiety of Pennsylvania's digs in Central City, it helped me in the right direction to my folks church in Frankfort.
I bet that could be a hugely mundane job. :laugh:
It is. I can't tell you how many times I have sat in one with Rick while he looked at old dusty books, registers, etc...
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Ain't them old books just as nasty as hell? Silverfish running everwhere! Yikes. That is where I realized the written word was sacred, it has the ability to carry a reality into another time. Of course sometimes a reality might be that grandpa stole someones hog. 8)
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Wow Truman, thats really cool!
I'd love to do that as well!
Lord knows what would show up!! LOL
You knowmy history, it could be intersting to say the least! :laugh:
I think in time everyone will have theirs on their PDA or something. It could become become another political debate I suppose, Big Brother having everones DNA on file might deter a lot of criminals, or make them saavier. (Is that a word?)
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I think in time everyone will have theirs on their PDA or something. It could become become another political debate I suppose, Big Brother having everones DNA on file might deter a lot of criminals, or make them saavier. (Is that a word?)
It would be more savvy! LOL
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That post was not intended to curry sympathy..But thank you guys for the words anyhow.
I truly do wonder about those things...How it is some of us dont do things,, except for raising our children,
That is a very difficult joy not a doubt..However it will only remain if you do a bad job. Then the courts will
put your name into a place of rememberance... :(
I have always loved poetry and wished i was good at it..Alas i am not... oh well.
I would be curious to do that test as well Truman...My family surname is a rarity, and I am only aware
of the family as far back as my paternal grandfather...He was killed when my father was a small child, and so
it goes. We do not know anyone beyond that..
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Wow, I have actually been to the Genealogical Scoiety of Pennsylvania's digs in Central City, it helped me in the right direction to my folks church in Frankfort.
I bet that could be a hugely mundane job. :laugh:
Hunh? :o You got roots in Philadelphia?
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I had 2 sets of g-g grandparents come from Ireland in the Potato famine, they settled in South Jersey and all came to live in Gloucester City. My great grandparents married there in 1875 and move to Frankfort where their first two chillins were born, then then moved to Wilmigton, Delaware where my grandfather and three sisters were born and then they became carpet baggers and moved to several places in North Carolina and had 4 more chillins. They were an odd bunch, the only Catholics for a hunnered miles around I am sure.
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I had 2 sets of g-g grandparents come from Ireland in the Potato famine, they settled in South Jersey and all came to live in Gloucester City. My great grandparents married there in 1875 and move to Frankfort where their first two chillins were born, then then moved to Wilmigton, Delaware where my grandfather and three sisters were born and then they became carpet baggers and moved to several places in North Carolina and had 4 more chillins. They were an odd bunch, the only Catholics for a hunnered miles around I am sure.
Wow. I think it's neat that you know that stuff, the way they moved around, and all. :)
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Well thank kew, I enjoy it. Now if you wanna see somthing scary go over to my picture of the day.
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Hunh? :o You got roots in Philadelphia?
I do I do!!! ;D
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I do I do!!! ;D
Really? :o
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Really? :o
Oh yeah!
My Dads side is from up there.
He was born in Upper Darby. My Uncles and cousins lived in Philly for years.
I used to go all the time as a kid. That where my Cousin Andy was killed.
My Grandparents live in Ocean City New Jersey in the Summer so I fly in to Philly and drive over when I come to Visit.
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Oh yeah!
My Dads side is from up there.
He was born in Upper Darby. My Uncles and cousins lived in Philly for years.
I used to go all the time as a kid. That where my Cousin Andy was killed.
My Grandparents live in Ocean City New Jersey in the Summer so I fly in to Philly and drive over when I come to Visit.
Well, next time you'll just have to come up a day early so we can visit a spell! :D
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Well, next time you'll just have to come up a day early so we can visit a spell! :D
I will. Hopefully next summer.
They usually go up in May and leave in October.
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You know, it is a real small world, I wouldn;t doubt we have all crossed one anothers paths before.
Ah, listen to that rain on the roof. I am gone sleep good tonight.
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You know, it is a real small world, I wouldn;t doubt we have all crossed one anothers paths before.
Ah, listen to that rain on the roof. I am gone sleep good tonight.
That's always a pleasant sound when you're snuggled down in bed. :)
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It is raining still this morning. Driving the yellow and brown leaves off the trees. I can hear it in the tires on the road passing, like a constant back ground noise. It is still warm enough to sleep with the windows open. Sleep I did, and dream too.
I was in a crowd of people waiting for a street race, all being help back by yellow police tape. In the crowd I could see faces I recognized but was unable to reach them.
I know what the dream means. Today I have to make a firm descision about going to Pennsylvania on Friday. It is my friend Brian's birthdya and he has been wanting me to come to visit. I know it will be alright, but I am so weary. Have travelled so much. Will have to make arrangement, will have to let down other people and their expectations. Why do I always leave this for the last minute?
Why don't I just crawl back in bed and go back to sleep? Well for one thing because I have to buy a new tire this morning, I picked up a screw drive bit last night carrying the trash to the dump. I got the spare on but the trash is still in the trunk because the dump closes at 7. I get paranoid I am pushing my luck too far, like something worse is just around the corner. As I think that it rains harder. Life becomes another job, another obligation. I will go put the coffee on now. ;)
Behind the yellow police tape the crowd rises to its feet, and the silver bullet wizzes by at the speed limit. Chairs are folded, and everyone goes home.
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Once I get there I start to enjoy it.
Charles has his tire business in the basement of a small strip mall he build and never even put windows and doors in. I pull up in the bay and get out, say hello to everone and get my punctured tire out of the trunk.
Charles is a Christian, and of all the ones I have ever met I would have to say I have never met a more Christlike person. He preaches in a church, does his witnessing by example, refers to his business as a ministry and is always carrying on a bunch of mess. In fact, his entourage (3 of them today) are the most touchy-feely bunch of men I have ever seen outside of a gay bar. It is a joy to watch them kid and carry on and come grab each other by the neck and attempt a head lock.
One of the three, Bob, is always there. He is probably in his 60s and shaped like a pare. He is a permanent fixture, always sitting in a wooden chair and will masage the necks and shoulders of the other guys occasionally. I resist the temptation to think it is weird. It is wonderful in its own way. They include me in their bantering by saying "This man's waiting for his car" I assure them I can wait.
Two of the guys go out in the drizzle to fetch tires, one rolls them across the parking lot like he would throw a bowling ball and the othern stops it with the heal of his boot. I remember the scene, and my mind goes back 35 years to my fathers tire business.
Daddy recapped tires, you could bring your old tires in and then would strip off all the old tread and wrap them in rubber and put them in molds and let them bake. My job when I was about 8 or 9 was to put them on a spinner and by hand slice the nubs off. It was nasty, it was dark and old and decrepit and I loved it. I loved going next door to the former furniture store where the new tires were stored, stacks and stacks and stacks of them and the whole place rank with the smell of new rubber. Nothing in this world like it. I would climb up those stacks and lower myself down inside the tubes, the lips making a latter for me. I could crawl inside the big tractor tires and my Daddy would yell at me to get the hell out of there.
These fellas would not even say the word.
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they sound like some cool guys!
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I'll see if I can;t get a picture of them one day. 8)
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We are no under a flash flood watch! I am so happy!
The yards of dead grass hold large puddles of water gradually seeping into the adobe that is the earth. The culverts fill and drain and fill again, and the rain alternates betwixt the driving mist, and those pencil drawings of angels pouring buckets from the heavens.
My drive way is covered with wet, yellow poplar leaves, and it takes two attemts to escape the gravity of my house, backing up and getting up speed to spin on up to the hard top. I must remember to check the basement, need to call the guy to help me with the latter and clean the gutters.
It is raining! It is raining! It is raining!
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You be careful drivin' on them wet leaves, bud. That can be dangerous. :(
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Lovely, now if Richard can just get some of it too....pleeze
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Lovely, now if Richard can just get some of it too....pleeze
Yeah, we got some drizzle but that was about it. :-\
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Glad you got your rain, Tru! Send it Rich's way!
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Glad you got your rain, Tru! Send it Rich's way!
We're about to have another civil war between GA, AL and FL!
It's gettin ugly.
Here's some pics of the lake
(http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/06/62/40/image_5940626.jpg)
(http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/06/65/40/image_5940656.jpg)
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Aw man, that is low, is that Lake Lanier?
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Hunh. After reading this, I went and read about the National Geographic DNA test. Hunh. One thing I got out of reading it is the more people who participate, the more the currents of the human journey are charted. That's pretty cool. I want to do it. Who will I pick, my mother's side or my father's?
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Aw man, that is low, is that Lake Lanier?
Yep, that s it.
Truxt me the pictures don't even begin to tell the story.
It's so much worse.
-
Hunh. After reading this, I went and read about the National Geographic DNA test. Hunh. One thing I got out of reading it is the more people who participate, the more the currents of the human journey are charted. That's pretty cool. I want to do it. Who will I pick, my mother's side or my father's?
Well remembering some of the talks we have had, I woul dguess you would be more intererested in your fathers. God for it! 8)
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Well remembering some of the talks we have had, I woul dguess you would be more intererested in your fathers. God for it! 8)
I guess I'd do my mother's side, too. Her mother's maiden name was Bailey, and I'd like to find out if that means I've got any Scots or Scots-Irish in me. The German I know about.
-
I would love to do that with my fathers side of the family.. I cant find any information in the geneological references
that give me a for sure...Its all very vague.. There are so few people with my last name on that side of the family...
I think in America its less that 100 and I would like to know for sure where they came from,,,I know only my fathers
father by name...Thats it..
Truman you are very lucky to have found your history as far back as you have.
-
I have a distant cousin that has gathered a lot of information thru census records from way back
about my maternal grandmothers side of the family.
It is very intersting information.
I love the names. My great grandmothers name was Partha ????
Her mothers name was Davey !!!
There is information going back to the late 1700's.
A lot of women died in childbirth. we figured out one
relative during that time, a man, at the age of 47 had 22 kids all together !!
One wife died leaving kids, he would married again and have more kids, she would
die.... etc...etc... Course the age range in the off spring was big, but still !!!!
He was fertile !!!!
These people were all farmers too. More kids you had, the more farm hands !!!
-
Hello there,
Have been catching up on your blog. Struck by this: Life becomes another job, another obligation.
A few weeks ago, I glanced in the mirror and was somewhat surprised to find that I finally looked like an adult... No more passing for a youngster... A moment of grief and then on with life. Anyhoo - so I've been periodically thinking about what makes someone a "grown-up" and I think what you said is one of those things. Only "grown-ups" think of their lives as jobs...
Thanks for letting me meander through.......
-
so I've been periodically thinking about what makes someone a "grown-up" and I think what you said is one of those things. Only "grown-ups" think of their lives as jobs...
Hiya nB......
Interesting thought, but I have to say, I don't agree with it. I consider myself a "grown up", but I don't view life as a job. For me, it's a learning experience, and an adventure.
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Hiya nB......
Interesting thought, but I have to say, I don't agree with it. I consider myself a "grown up", but I don't view life as a job. For me, it's a learning experience, and an adventure.
I would say that is a blessing, to have never felt that living one's life could be a bit of a job... And, just to clarify, I didn't mean that in order to be a "grown-up" you had to have such feelings, just that when one is young, or as one is 'growing up,' one doesn't typically experience such thoughts...
I don't always think of my life as a job either, but I agree with what I think was the original intention behind the statement, sometimes obligations come up that feel much more like "work" than "life"...
::)
-
I don't always think of my life as a job either, but I agree with what I think was the original intention behind the statement, sometimes obligations come up that feel much more like "work" than "life"...
ahhh....Ok, I getcha!
-
Over the weekend I pondered a lot about my online life vs. my real life. The two are taxing me, but in some ways the online version has been a rewarding experence. Still I feel conflict growing.
It is not that I intentionally keep the two worlds seperate, but perhaps I have fallen into that old mentality of comparmentalizing things so that they do not touch. Controlling information about myself, while also being an exhibitionist. Man my mind it a strange place.
I think I need to see that the two seperate worlds are that way logistically. Same as your work life and your home life can be two different worlds. Let there be enough energy to sustain the effort effectively, it all I ask.
-
Over the weekend I pondered a lot about my online life vs. my real life. The two are taxing me, but in some ways the online version has been a rewarding experence. Still I feel conflict growing.
It is not that I intentionally keep the two worlds seperate, but perhaps I have fallen into that old mentality of comparmentalizing things so that they do not touch. Controlling information about myself, while also being an exhibitionist. Man my mind it a strange place.
I think I need to see that the two seperate worlds are that way logistically. Same as your work life and your home life can be two different worlds. Let there be enough energy to sustain the effort effectively, it all I ask.
Don't try to explain it just bow your head breathe in breathe out move on. ;D
-
Don't try to explain it just bow your head breathe in breathe out move on. ;D
And where have you been all day, young man? I missed you!
-
Don't try to explain it just bow your head breathe in breathe out move on. ;D
:D :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: ;)
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And where have you been all day, young man? I missed you!
Trying to get a little work done on this fine Monday. And where have you been young man?
-
Someone once told me "Your online life is your real life." It's just a change of focus, really. Your life is your life, hour by hour, and you never stop living it. 8)
-
And where have you been all day, young man? I missed you!
Hey,
I have been balls to the walls busy!! :-\
I have missed you too! :-*
-
The seperateness and inequality of our real lives rears its ugly head!
Yeah Meryl, I can deffinalty relate. I would rather have an on line life in real time.
-
Trying to get a little work done on this fine Monday. And where have you been young man?
The same, and dropping in and out.
Actually, that comment of mine was directed at Richard, who had finally showed up.
And now it's just about time to go home. :D
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The same, and dropping in and out.
Actually, that comment of mine was directed at Richard, who had finally showed up.
And now it's just about time to go home. :D
:-\ Always the bridesmaid! Well I can still count on Scott, unless he has run off with Chuck again. :laugh:
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:-\ Always the bridesmaid! Well I can still count on Scott, unless he has run off with Chuck again. :laugh:
Now that ain't fair. You were around all day, on and off at least, and Rich wasn't, and I was worried about him.
Think I'd kicked you to the curb, or somethin'. >:(
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Now that ain't fair. You were around all day, on and off at least, and Rich wasn't, and I was worried about him.
Think I'd kicked you to the curb, or somethin'. >:(
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :-*
Naw Buddy, just a bit of fun!
-
:-\ Always the bridesmaid! Well I can still count on Scott, unless he has run off with Chuck again. :laugh:
excuse you? ;)
-
excuse you? ;)
And where were you all day? ;D
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And where were you all day? ;D
I was workin', and plannin' a Halloween luncheon, and exercising. lmao
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I was workin', and plannin' a Halloween luncheon, and exercising. lmao
Shit I gotta get a pumpkin, tomorrow!
-
Shit I gotta get a pumpkin, tomorrow!
nuthin' like waiting until the last minute. ;) ;D
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Shit I gotta get a pumpkin, tomorrow!
You get many trick or treaters Tru?
-
As regards to our real life and our online life. Wouldnt it be good if we could actually step in and out of rooms
like the one in the lion the witch and the wardrobe. A walk thru place to move between lives, like that. Then we
could all go to the same place and talk about ; whatever, then go back thru the looking glass and end back in our
regular life...We could be younger, thinner, more beautiful, whatever we visualized for ourself...
But reality does bite. We are in both our everyday place, and online, at separate place in space..The time is
the same. My little thought......................duh free asociating
-
As regards to our real life and our online life. Wouldnt it be good if we could actually step in and out of rooms like the one in the lion the witch and the wardrobe. A walk thru place to move between lives, like that. Then we could all go to the same place and talk about ; whatever, then go back thru the looking glass and end back in our regular life...We could be younger, thinner, more beautiful, whatever we visualized for ourself...But reality does bite. We are in both our everyday place, and online, at separate place in space..The time is the same. My little thought......................duh free asociating
What an interesting thought! I can understand the temptation, but I think I'd stay the way I am......I'm on a journey, and what I'm going through, is part of it.
But I'd love to be able to walk through the looking glass, and have us all be back in Estes Park.
-
What an interesting thought! I can understand the temptation, but I think I'd stay the way I am......I'm on a journey, and what I'm going through, is part of it.
But I'd love to be able to walk through the looking glass, and have us all be back in Estes Park.
Or San Fransisco! ;D
-
Or San Fransisco! ;D
scenery is better in Estes Park, and I'd make sure my SF buds would be there, too!
-
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :-*
Naw Buddy, just a bit of fun!
I'll be true to you Tru, unlike some shameless hussies I could name--but won't. ;) :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
scenery is better in Estes Park, and I'd make sure my SF buds would be there, too!
I don't know, there was some pretty fine scenery of the Cowboy persuasion in SF!!! ;D
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I don't know, there was some pretty fine scenery of the Cowboy persuasion in SF!!! ;D
::) ::) ::)
Don't get me wrong, pretty faces are just fine.......lmao......but there's more to life! ;)
I know it's not your style of music, but check it out......
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au5_joY1MNA[/youtube]
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You get many trick or treaters Tru?
I have never had the first one. Mostly the kids go to their churches of school to trick or treat.
-
As regards to our real life and our online life. Wouldnt it be good if we could actually step in and out of rooms
like the one in the lion the witch and the wardrobe. A walk thru place to move between lives, like that. Then we
could all go to the same place and talk about ; whatever, then go back thru the looking glass and end back in our
regular life...We could be younger, thinner, more beautiful, whatever we visualized for ourself...
But reality does bite. We are in both our everyday place, and online, at separate place in space..The time is
the same. My little thought......................duh free asociating
Yeah, if we could, I would be George Clooney in cyberlife. :laugh:
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For my Huckleberry Friend:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUvUHMyJ8a0[/youtube]
What amazes me if how short the song is,
Moon River, wider than a mile,
I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me
-
Don't get me wrong, pretty faces are just fine
Who was talking about faces???? :o
-
For my Huckleberry Friend:
What a great way to start the morning. :-*
Here's one for you: I love her sincerity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpUlTum_c_g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpUlTum_c_g)
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Yeah, if we could, I would be George Clooney in cyberlife. :laugh:
Not sure who I'd be. Maybe Josh Holloway.
-
Not sure who I'd be. Maybe Josh Holloway.
He's fine looking there Jeff, reminds me a little of Ryan Goslin.
-
Oh my goodness you would have to come and sit by me if you were Josh....
Yes Paul I really liked that video...She made me think of a bird....so sweet and delicate
I dont know who I would want to be...I never was good at role playing ..maybe just a younger version of
myself.....
Tru hope you and your Huckleberry Friend are happy.......Happy Halloween.................
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What a great way to start the morning. :-*
Here's one for you: I love her sincerity.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpUlTum_c_g (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpUlTum_c_g)
Thank you Paul, that is our song, always will be! ;) ;D
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Thank you Paul, that is our song, always will be! ;) ;D
You bet!
Here's another kind of "Moon River":
(http://www.fire-serpent.com/post/MoonRiver.jpg)
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You bet!
Here's another kind of "Moon River":
(http://www.fire-serpent.com/post/MoonRiver.jpg)
Thanks Paul!!
I needed a good laugh this afternoon!! :laugh:
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You bet!
Here's another kind of "Moon River":
(http://www.fire-serpent.com/post/MoonRiver.jpg)
You know, organizing that shot would take:
1. A lot of social skills.
2. A lot of favors called in.
3. A lot of alochol. ;D ;)
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what exactly is a "huckleberry friend"? ???
-
Dictionary.com for "huckleberry" :
huckleberry
1670, Amer.Eng., probably an alteration of M.E. hurtilbery "whortleberry," from O.E. horte. Technically the fruit and plant of Gaylussacia, but also colloquially applied to the closely related blueberry. Slang meaning "person of little consequence" is attested from 1835.
Brad Paisley and wife named their firstborn "Huckleberry" too. I think it's William Huckleberry Paisley....or something like that.
-
Dictionary.com for "huckleberry" :
Slang meaning "person of little consequence" is attested from 1835.
Some how it just sounds so much more meaningful in that song.
-
Don't it tho?
-
This here sounds better:
http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1414348 (http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1414348)
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Don't it tho?
It is a strange song when you think about it, the singer is pine-ing away for a river. I guess he thinks he'll be delivered somewhere, and sometimes we tend to think about love that way.
But I love that line: Two drifters, off to see the world, theres such a lot of world to see.....
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This here sounds better:
http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1414348 (http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=1414348)
I remember Val Kilmer in that movie "I'm your huckleberry" or something like that. :-*
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I remember Val Kilmer in that movie "I'm your huckleberry" or something like that. :-*
TOMBSTONE!!
One of my favorites!
He played Doc Holliday!
I think it was his best role. I'm really not a big fan but he was fantastic in this movie!
-
I need to watch that one again too. Deffinaltly a "woodie" roll. :laugh: (needs to be a red faced emoticon)
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It is a strange song when you think about it, the singer is pine-ing away for a river. I guess he thinks he'll be delivered somewhere, and sometimes we tend to think about love that way.
But I love that line: Two drifters, off to see the world, theres such a lot of world to see.....
I haven't read Mark Twain in a long while, but I love the Big River soundtrack... Muddy Waters and River in the Rain seem along the lines of what you guys have been talking about... I know it's the wrong song/era, but Huck and Jim were certainly drifting down the river, yearning for the world.
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When I think of the Mississippi, I always think of Huckleberry Finn, so I assumed that "huckleberry friend" referred to Huck and Jim drifting down the Mississippi. It's such a lovely lyric in a lovely song. 8)
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Shakes--5.6 earthquake in northern California. No bad injuries reported. CA is having a hard time in October, bless its heart!
-
Dang. I know why, my friend James just moved back to Redding. Everybody is probably running from him. He a mess.
Hope everyone has a good halloween, no one wakes up tomorrow with toilet paper all over everything, hope no one had a child so hopped up on sugar they act out and call the Pope. I will be in a continuing ed class ALL DAY LONG and you know root canals don't take that long.
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Dang. I know why, my friend James just moved back to Redding. Everybody is probably running from him. He a mess.
Hope everyone has a good halloween, no one wakes up tomorrow with toilet paper all over everything, hope no one had a child so hopped up on sugar they act out and call the Pope. I will be in a continuing ed class ALL DAY LONG and you know root canals don't take that long.
I miss you already
-
I will wear a white shirt, so I can feel closer to you. :-*
-
I will wear a white shirt, so I can feel closer to you. :-*
The men in white!
-
I miss you already
I can keep ya company, while Tru's away. ;) ;D
-
I can keep ya company, while Tru's away. ;) ;D
I knew that was coming........ :-X
-
I knew that was coming........ :-X
"I love you Tru-ly
Tru-ly dear..."
:-*
-
"I love you Tru-ly
Tru-ly dear..."
:-*
How about..
Truly Scrumptious
You're truly truly scrumptious
Scrumptious as a cherry peach parfait
When your near us
It's so delicious
Honest Truly, you're the answer to our wishes
Truly Scrumptious
Though we may seem presumptuous
Never, never, ever go away
Our hearts beat so unruly
Because we love you truly
Honest Truly, we do
True-ly we do!!!
-
"I love you Tru-ly
Tru-ly dear..."
:-*
but you get more Chuck for the buck! ;)
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but you get more Chuck for the buck! ;)
No doubt about that son...but there's something about Truman...maybe it's the eyes, or the sweeter than honey voice, or his completely southern outlook on life...he's a keeper...if you can catch him.
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No doubt about that son...but there's something about Truman...maybe it's the eyes, or the sweeter than honey voice, or his completely southern outlook on life...he's a keeper...if you can catch him.
Tru-er words were never spoken.
-
awwww.....
Tru, you are soooo loved! :-*
-
awwww.....
Tru, you are soooo loved! :-*
Amen!
-
We're just such a lovey bunch. Now shut up and roll over... ;D
-
*peeks in*
Oh Lord.................... it's starting early this morning ! ::)
I will leave you boys too it ! ;D
*closes door quietly & goes off looking for candy*
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*peeks in*
Oh Lord.................... it's starting early this morning ! ::)
I will leave you boys too it ! ;D
*closes door quietly & goes off looking for candy*
Get your tired ass back in here girl...we ain't so proud as to exlude a sure thing when we see it... ;) ;D :laugh:
Kiddingkiddingkidding...ok...I'm kidding.
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Get your tired ass back in here girl...we ain't so proud as to exlude a sure thing when we see it... ;) ;D :laugh:
Kiddingkiddingkidding...ok...I'm kidding.
:o :o
*stunned expression*
I know where you are on Sunday's ! >:(
8)
-
We're just such a lovey bunch. Now shut up and roll over... ;D
Oh shit! :o
-
*closes door quietly & goes off looking for candy*
Heh heh. C'mere, Chuckie. ... You want candy? I got some candy for you. ... Heh heh. ...
-
Heh heh. C'mere, Chuckie. ... You want candy? I got some candy for you. ... Heh heh. ...
Is that a roll of Necco wafers in your pocket or are you just happy to see me???? :laugh:
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Is that a roll of Necco wafers in your pocket or are you just happy to see me???? :laugh:
That ain't no effen roll of Necco wafers, buddy-boy! :laugh:
-
That ain't no effen roll of Necco wafers, buddy-boy! :laugh:
Tootsie Roll...x-large...no wrapper
-
Tootsie Roll...x-large...no wrapper
cotton cancy
sweet -n- low
watch me do
the tootsie roll
-
cotton cancy
sweet -n- low
watch me do
the tootsie roll
Is it possible that someone as sweet as you stilll or actually exists out here? ;)
-
Hi folks, my name is Mary, I am Truman's broker and he asked me to make a post here for him.
At the moment he is laid out on the floor and paramedics are trying to figure out how to deflate his head which suddenly swelled to giagantic proportions once he opened his laptop this afternoon. He said you all would want to know.
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Hi folks, my name is Mary, I am Truman's broker and he asked me to make a post here for him.
At the moment he is laid out on the floor and paramedics are trying to figure out how to deflate his head which suddenly swelled to giagantic proportions once he opened his laptop this afternoon. He said you all would want to know.
Well Mary, you should know...just step back and he will deflate soon enough...oh...a really long blow job also has the same effect on him...if you're up to it.
-
Well, I don't know, I do not think I am exactly what he is looking for.....perhaps one of the paramedics could help him out, otherwise I will have to knock out a wall so he can be taken... somewhere.
-
Whew, that is better, talk about a hang dog expression, I have one now!
Hey whur is Janice?
I think I am going to have to start a realtor thread here, so many stories......I was in a continuing ed class today, which amounts to "here is what we have come up with for you to worry about now".
-
This just in fromWikipedia (so you know its true) about Moon River:
"The phrase "Huckleberry friend" was explained by Mercer in an interview with Terry Gross on National Public Radio's "Fresh Air". In his childhood, Mercer would go collect huckleberries with friends along the river, thus it is a nostalgic reference to childhood."
-
Like a runnin' buddy.
-
my name is Mary
Truman is a Mary? Who knew?
*runs from thread*
-
No, we are two different people, see below
-
No, we are two different people, see below
Nice hat...understated, yet elegant.
*runs from Tru*
-
Hey darlin...I was away from the internet for a couple of days...I am back home now..so I can come in and bug ya, or hug ya or whatever....(((((((((hugs))))))))) :laugh: :laugh: I got withdrawels too..I am so addicted...oh well.
What could be better I guess..its my personal crack.....
Good to be back. Catching up........Hey all...
HOW IS EVERYBODY?
-
No, we are two different people, see below
OMG she looks like Farrah
-
Nice hat...understated, yet elegant.
Looks from that photo like there were Margaritas involved. ...
-
Hey darlin...I was away from the internet for a couple of days...I am back home now..so I can come in and bug ya, or hug ya or whatever....(((((((((hugs))))))))) :laugh: :laugh: I got withdrawels too..I am so addicted...oh well.
What could be better I guess..its my personal crack.....
Good to be back. Catching up........Hey all...
HOW IS EVERYBODY?
Well this body is doing purdy well, I think everone else will be okay, breath in, breath out.
-
OMG she looks like Farrah
I just told her the other day she looked like Audrey Hepburn. Have you seen Farrah lately? Bless her heart.
-
Looks from that photo like there were Margaritas involved. ...
It should be my middle name..... :laugh:
-
Nice hat...understated, yet elegant.
*runs from Tru*
They haul that thing out when they sing Feliz Comple Anos Aqui, (I am sorry Natalie, I tried) at the Mexican resturant, this was back in August, way before I knew you!
-
They haul that thing out when they sing Feliz Comple Anos Aqui, (I am sorry Natalie, I tried) at the Mexican resturant, this was back in August, way before I knew you!
You, Scott, and Chuckie could be the Three Caballeros. :D
-
You, Scott, and Chuckie could be the Three Caballeros. :D
Ahem...I heard my name used in vain.
-
Ahem...I heard my name used in vain.
Vain? Isn't that just down the road from Effigy--where I hear you are well hung?
-
Vain? Isn't that just down the road from Effigy--where I hear you are well hung?
Ain't you just the card this morning...must have gotten your full compliment of fiber this am. ;D
-
Ain't you just the card this morning...must have gotten your full compliment of fiber this am. ;D
:laugh:
-
Ain't you just the card this morning...must have gotten your full compliment of fiber this am. ;D
Bran, I tell you, bran! ;D
-
Bran, I tell you, bran! ;D
The wonder drug of the decade!
-
The wonder drug of the decade!
;D
Never come between a man and his bran. ...
-
;D
Never come between a man and his bran. ...
and here I thought it was "Never come between a man and his man."
(http://www.outsports.com/photogallery/hold/hug.jpg)
-
and here I thought it was "Never come between a man and his man."
(http://www.outsports.com/photogallery/hold/hug.jpg)
You can put me between them!
-
Who are your new friends Chuck?
-
Who are your new friends Chuck?
I think those are the guys he gave a ride to the rodeo.
-
and here I thought it was "Never come between a man and his man."
I know lots of people who regularly come between a man and his man, and lots of couples who let them. :-\
But never come between a man and his bran. The world would be a better place if everyone in it ate something with bran in it every day. :D
-
I think those are the guys he gave a ride to the rodeo.
On the first date? :o
-
I know lots of people who regularly come between a man and his man, and lots of couples who let them. :-\
But never come between a man and his bran. The world would be a better place if everyone in it ate something with bran in it every day. :D
BITYB
-
BITYB
Hunh? ???
-
Hunh? ???
Think it through...LOL
-
Who are your new friends Chuck?
google is a wonderful thing. ;)
-
On the first date? :o
Oh stop it. :laugh:
-
Oh stop it. :laugh:
Your fingers type no-no...while your eyes say...oh please do.
-
I don't see it that way at all, Janice. You are one of the most loving and generous people I've ever met. And I knew that about you long before we met in Denver the first time. I had you pictured as older, though, because there's a wisdom and a grace that you have that makes me feel like a puppy, gangly and awkward, in comparison. I'd like to have your strength and resilience too. You are often, if not always, the one of the first to reach out to a new member here, make them feel at home. I could list quite a few people who have come, and both moved on or stayed on, who rely on your friendship and support. I count myself proudly among them. I know about your family - I met your husband and daughter-in-law. I know about your love and devotion to your granddaughters. I know your brother through you. I walked and you supported me. I don't doubt you will again, especially when I stumble.
Consider my grandmother - she passed away in 1985 - but I still feel her with me. And she has life renewed because I shared her with someone.
If there's anything to my conservation of energy theology, your spirit lives in others with whom you share it, and it lives on after your body is gone - whether it's shared in a picture, in a hug, in a paragraph, or in a memory.
Maybe the question that needs to be asked is why we don't find enough time to tell the people we care about how much they mean to us and why? Why do we think they should know, that it goes without saying, when it doesn't and shouldn't??
{{{{{{{{{{{{Janice}}}}}}}}}}}}
I love you, Janice. Thank you for holding my hand in San Francisco and singing with me.
I know this post is a little late. I am behind on this thread cause I have had to do all this studying for these classes :( Anyway, I just want to say that I completely and totally agree with what Lynne says concerning you Janice. Each thing she says is true about you. To have you as a friend is truly an important gift that means very much to me. As Lynne says you were one of the very first people who reached out to me and made me feel a part of the group in Colorado. You are very important and please don't ever forget that.
Jack
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Think it through...LOL
Bring in the young boys?
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B ran I T ell Y ou B ran
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Oh yeah!
My Dads side is from up there.
He was born in Upper Darby. My Uncles and cousins lived in Philly for years.
I used to go all the time as a kid. That where my Cousin Andy was killed.
My Grandparents live in Ocean City New Jersey in the Summer so I fly in to Philly and drive over when I come to Visit.
That's interesting. My father is also from Philadelphia and my mother is from here in NC. I also used to visit Philadelphia every summer when I was growing up, but I don't remember too much about it now. It is actually on my list of cities I want to visit.
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Over the weekend I pondered a lot about my online life vs. my real life. The two are taxing me, but in some ways the online version has been a rewarding experience. Still I feel conflict growing.
It is not that I intentionally keep the two worlds separate, but perhaps I have fallen into that old mentality of comparmentalizing things so that they do not touch. Controlling information about myself, while also being an exhibitionist. Man my mind it a strange place.
I think I need to see that the two separate worlds are that way logistically. Same as your work life and your home life can be two different worlds. Let there be enough energy to sustain the effort effectively, it all I ask.
Truman, I am glad someone else has pondered this online life vs. real life thing besides me. The two seem to be at conflict many times and it seems to be worse if the two somehow get intertwined or blurry. For example, my trip to San Francisco was great. I don't regret it. I am glad I went. But, it was one of those times where the distinction was blurred and the blurring caused issues on both sides. These issues affected my perceptions and ended up causing problems in the online world because of the real world and vice versa. That's not even to mention the problems caused by one online world becoming a real world for awhile and causing issues with the other online world. And then there are the issues caused by the real world of work, the real world of school and the online worlds where I might sometimes rather be. So, in writing this, I am discovering how truly confused I really am. So if this all sounds confusing it is because it is. I have made mistakes in all of the worlds so maybe that means I am completely overtaxed. Maybe I have way too many lives going on.
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B ran I T ell Y ou B ran
I think maybe I like my version better. Over age 18, of course. ... :laugh:
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Is bran one step below fiber? Or above?
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Is bran one step below fiber? Or above?
Bran is fiber, or a type of fiber, anyway.
Bran is the edible seed coat of a kernel of wheat, or rye, or barley. It is usually separated from the grain when the grain is milled (ground) into flour. If you want more fiber in your diet, eat cereal with bran.
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I take citrucel every day. It is great stuff.
My weight this morning: 209 lbs. I'm happy! ;D
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I take citrucel every day. It is great stuff.
My weight this morning: 209 lbs. I'm happy! ;D
I was once told by my doctor to take Metamucil. I quit taking it when it felt like it was forming a cannon ball in my guts. :P ;D
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I have heard that about metamucil, the citrucel works a lot better because it is cellulose, I don't think it expands in the system. I used to mix the stuff up, but now I just take a pill and go.
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Now I just take a pill and go.
That's the way it's supposed to work. ;D
(Jesus H., I am bored this morning. Will this morning never end?)
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Regarding the online vs. offline lives, I think I had been having this ingrained thought that it was all one linear life, a progression, moving from one to the other. Insted this online life is like a branch on a tree, and I am a squirrel running, hoping to leap to another tree some place.
So this weekend I am taking a break. I'm not cutting this thing on and I am keeping my feet on the ground.
:)
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I am starting to wonder the same thing, when is the highlight of the day getting here? (Lunch)
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Regarding the online vs. offline lives, I think I had been having this ingrained thought that it was all one linear life, a progression, moving from one to the other. Insted this online life is like a branch on a tree, and I am a squirrel running, hoping to leap to another tree some place.
So this weekend I am taking a break. I'm not cutting this thing on and I am keeping my feet on the ground.
:)
I will miss you this weekend. Of course, it seems I'm on more during the daytime on weekdays--when I am supposed to be working, like now ;D--than on weekends. Saturdays and Sunday afternoons I gotta do all the shit I can't do during the day during the week.
I usually don't take lunch till 12:30. Makes the afternoon an hour shorter than the morning.
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It just does not seem like it should be November already. I swear I just cleaned out those gutters, who cam and crammed all them leaves in them?
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It just does not seem like it should be November already. I swear I just cleaned out those gutters, who cam and crammed all them leaves in them?
I know. The bad weather we had up here a week ago is like what we usually get around the fall equinox in September. Weather here now is more like normal for October than November.
I won't mind if we have a nice November. Usually it's just rainy and cold up here in November. I hate November.
Don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour this Saturday night.
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I know. The bad weather we had up here a week ago is like what we usually get around the fall equinox in September. Weather here now is more like normal for October than November.
I won't mind if we have a nice November. Usually it's just rainy and cold up here in November. I hate November.
Don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour this Saturday night.
And that, gawd, next week it will be dark at 5 pm. I gone have to get me some of that zainax.
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And that, gawd, next week it will be dark at 5 pm. I gone have to get me some of that zainax.
I hate it when it gets dark so early. And Thanksgiving is only three weeks from yesterday. I am not in the mood for the holiday season this year.
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I hate it when it gets dark so early. And Thanksgiving is only three weeks from yesterday. I am not in the mood for the holiday season this year.
Awe gawd, sugar consumption season! it starts at halloween and runs thru valentines day. All them people using them old recipies to feed 12 people and you got to go eat at ever dang one of them houses and regift those presents. Nobody needing anything. And if you buy something for a kid forget it, they already have 5 of them.
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It just does not seem like it should be November already. I swear I just cleaned out those gutters, who cam and crammed all them leaves in them?
Who you tellin!!!
This year has flown by!
I'm glad to have 40 behind me but not excited about being 41!
I think I'm gonna start going back'ards!!
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Awe gawd, sugar consumption season! it starts at halloween and runs thru valentines day. All them people using them old recipies to feed 12 people and you got to go eat at ever dang one of them houses and regift those presents. Nobody needing anything. And if you buy something for a kid forget it, they already have 5 of them.
I think maybe my Christmas present to myself this year is gonna be a cowboy teddy bear. I'd like a cowboy teddy bear, and I found out that Buildabear has "cowbear hats" and "cowbear boots." ;D Put them and a shirt and little pair of jeans on a teddy bear and you're good to go. Think maybe I'll call him Ennis. ;D
Teddy bears are better than men 'cause they love you unconditionally, they are always there when you need them, and they never disappoint. ;D
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I am not in the mood for the holiday season this year.
hope that changes for you, the holidays are supposed to be fun and happy, but for a lot of people they aren't.
Last holiday season, I had the worst Thanksgiving and Christmas of my life.
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Who you tellin!!!
This year has flown by!
I'm glad to have 40 behind me but not excited about being 41!
I think I'm gonna start going back'ards!!
Oh, you poor kid, you, just wait till you're facing 50. >:( ;D :laugh:
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hope that changes for you, the holidays are supposed to be fun and happy, but for a lot of people they aren't.
Last holiday season, I had the worst Thanksgiving and Christmas of my life.
I'm sorry to hear that.
The holidays just seem to be getting more and more stressful. I thought I was going to have a nice, relaxed time of it last year, and it turned out just the opposite. I bring a lot of it on myself. There is just too much to do and never enough time to do it in, never enough, till I try to fit in things that are personally meaningful to me along with social obligations--which I think are important because it isn't good to be a hermit at any time of the year.
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Who you tellin!!!
This year has flown by!
I'm glad to have 40 behind me but not excited about being 41!
I think I'm gonna start going back'ards!!
Yeah, what Jeff said, there is no turning back, and you think time is flying now, tomorrow you'll be 45!
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I'm sorry to hear that.
The holidays just seem to be getting more and more stressful. I thought I was going to have a nice, relaxed time of it last year, and it turned out just the opposite. I bring a lot of it on myself. There is just too much to do and never enough time to do it in, never enough, till I try to fit in things that are personally meaningful to me along with social obligations--which I think are important because it isn't good to be a hermit at any time of the year.
I keep hoping for a nice relaxing holliday season. Maybe when I am 70 and my closest realities are hundreds of miles away, I'll curl up with the paper on Xmess day and miss everybody. :laugh:
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Well, friends, I am gonna try to be a good boy and concentrate on work for the next twenty minutes or so before I go to lunch.
See you boys this afternoon!
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Same here, will check in later.
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Mt goodness you guys sound more like the bitch bitch thread this morning....I think your bran
isnt working...
Truman hooray for your weight loss being down,, Jack, you sometimes think too much, and
Jeff, ???
Why do you want all of your life too compartmentalized??? Its not a kitchen drawer.. Just try
to get all the pieces to fit..and if they dont, and sometimes end up in each others slot of space..You
have to just try and deal with it...Now I have to go soon and get my blood drawn...Have a good
afternoon........................... :-\
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Good luck Janice, hope it turns out well.
Yeah, it fits into compartments fairly well, but I am just gone let it be, let it fall where it will, like the leaves in the gutters.
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I keep hoping for a nice relaxing holliday season. Maybe when I am 70 and my closest realities are hundreds of miles away, I'll curl up with the paper on Xmess day and miss everybody. :laugh:
I'd like to spend Christmas Day just playing with my model trains, but that's difficult to do when I'm up at my dad's for Christmas and the trains are 60 miles away in Philadelphia. :laugh:
Oh, yeah, I'm back from lunch. ...
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Did you have a part as an extra in the movie Philadelphia?
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Did you have a part as an extra in the movie Philadelphia?
No. Shit, I've never even seen that movie.
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No. Shit, I've never even seen that movie.
Somehow I am not surprised, since you live there. :laugh: I liked it, but have not seen in years.
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Somehow I am not surprised, since you live there. :laugh: I liked it, but have not seen in years.
Sure enough! :laugh: I know it has been highly praised, but it just sounds too depressing for me.
The lawyer Tom Hanks's character was based on used to go to my gym. I don't know what's become of him.
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Sure enough! :laugh: I know it has been highly praised, but it just sounds too depressing for me.
The lawyer Tom Hanks's character was based on used to go to my gym. I don't know what's become of him.
According to the movie he died. :-\
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Shit I gotta get a pumpkin, tomorrow!
That sounds like life as a job for sure. ;)
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what exactly is a "huckleberry friend"? ???
You know what? That's been my favorite song forever, and I've seen that clip several times, but I never noticed this til now:
When they are putting on masks, the first one Audrey Hepburn puts on is Huckleberry Hound!! Check the video out at -1:42.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUvUHMyJ8a0[/youtube](http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h257/Ellemeno_2006/cartoons2.jpg)
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That song, when ever it is available, or I see a chance to hear it, I have to. Its beauty is complete, and it is woven into my soul.
Carry me along Moon River,
The lands and climes unknown
Past were the maps stops
And the way is found by heart.
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According to the movie he died. :-\
Well, the real guy was alive and kickin' and workin' out at my gym quite a few years after Philadelphia came out. But I'm thinkin' now it's at least a good five years since I last saw him at the gym.
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I'd like to spend Christmas Day just playing with my model trains, but that's difficult to do when I'm up at my dad's for Christmas and the trains are 60 miles away in Philadelphia. :laugh:
Oh, yeah, I'm back from lunch. ...
I am actually supposed to go to New York City for Christmas or right around that time at least. I got a great deal on a great room at my favorite hotel from December 20th and coming home on Christmas day. I'm not sure about it yet though. I know I would feel guilty about being away from my family just like the rest of you. Oh well, I will see what happens.
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It just does not seem like it should be November already. I swear I just cleaned out those gutters, who cam and crammed all them leaves in them?
It was me Truman and it was a whole lot of work ;D
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Mt goodness you guys sound more like the bitch bitch thread this morning....I think your bran
isnt working...
Truman hooray for your weight loss being down,, Jack, you sometimes think too much, and
Jeff, ???
Why do you want all of your life too compartmentalized??? Its not a kitchen drawer.. Just try
to get all the pieces to fit..and if they dont, and sometimes end up in each others slot of space..You
have to just try and deal with it...Now I have to go soon and get my blood drawn...Have a good
afternoon........................... :-\
You sure did hit my nail on the head Janice ;D Yeah I do think too much sometimes and worry too much too......oh well
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I know. The bad weather we had up here a week ago is like what we usually get around the fall equinox in September. Weather here now is more like normal for October than November.
I won't mind if we have a nice November. Usually it's just rainy and cold up here in November. I hate November.
Don't forget to turn your clocks back an hour this Saturday night.
random interruption - you just made me realize that I survived October... October is typically the worst month of the year for me... and come to think of it, there was one not so good thing that happened this October (in personal life), and one 'worst of my life thing' (work-related) - BUT, it is actually good, in a way, I think, that it didn't actually occur to me during October, that all the crap was happening because it was October. Anyhow - yeah for November! (well for me, at least. jeff, I am sorry that you hate November - may it go quickly for you!)
back to your regularly scheduled program.
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Well, the real guy was alive and kickin' and workin' out at my gym quite a few years after Philadelphia came out. But I'm thinkin' now it's at least a good five years since I last saw him at the gym.
maybe y'all mean Denzel Washington's character, who played Tom Hanks' character's lawyer?
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Hey, Tru, missed ya this weekend!
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Thank you, Chuckie, it was strange, I didn;t turn the thing on at all Saturday and cleaned my house and my car, I did a little yesterday at work, I had to answer the non ringing phones.
Last night I went to See Lust, Caution. It was very long. I liked it, it was very long though. I will say it has the best heterosex scenes I have ever seen in a mainstream movie. The Focus Features and River Road entertainment logos had changed a bit, but there was still those classic periods of silence, telling silence, just like in Brokeback.
Now I did watch an enjoyable movie Saturday night: The Broken Hearts Club, a 2000 movie about a bunch of gay guys in Hollywood that touched on a lot of stereotypes, including a couple who are broke up but still sleep together.
Speaking of which where the hell is my coffee?
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Good morning L'il darlin'
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Good morning L'il darlin'
Good moring Scott, How was your weekend?
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Good moring Scott, How was your weekend?
Just dandy...a little dampish on Saturday, but a good movie day.
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Just dandy...a little dampish on Saturday, but a good movie day.
Hiya Scott.....dampish, huh? *hands Scott a towel* ;D get out of those wet clothes.
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maybe y'all mean Denzel Washington's character, who played Tom Hanks' character's lawyer?
No, it was definitely the guy who was the model for the Hanks character. I forget what his name is--probably shouldn't post it even if I could remember it.
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Morning, all!
How is everyone this morning?
I am feeling uncharacteristically good for a Monday morning. Then again, on Saturday I started a higher dose of my antidepressant, and it's had a couple days to build up in my system, so maybe it's working. :)
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Well hiya, Jeff!
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Well hiya, Jeff!
;D :-*
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;D :-*
Kisses back at ya! :-*
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Hey folks, glad to know everyone is so bright and chipper this morning. I hear you all has some weather in the Cape area this weekend Scott. What movie(s) did you see? Jeff I am glad to hear the change is working in a positive manner. Hope that will continue.
Have you thought about asking at the gym?
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Have you thought about asking at the gym?
You mean about the guy from Philadelphia? No.
One of these days the name will come to me. Probably wake me up at 2:00 some morning. ;D
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You mean about the guy from Philadelphia? No.
One of these days the name will come to me. Probably wake me up at 2:00 some morning. ;D
That is when I rememeber things, in the middle of the night. This morning I had a dream that Paul and Leslie wrote a book about how to remember mundane details. Maybe I could buy it for you for Xmess. :laugh:
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Andrew Beckett was the name of Tom Hanks' character. FWIW, IMDB says that
"The following message appears at the end credits: This motion picture was inspired in part by Geoffrey Bowers' AIDS discrimination lawsuit, the courage and love of the Angius family and the struggles of the many others who, along with their loved ones, have experienced discrimination because of AIDS."
Interesting sidenote re:Phelps:
"The protestors outside the courthouse holding signs are based on the members of the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kansas, led by "Reverend" Fred Phelps. Phelps calls this movie "one of my favorite comedies".
Idiot.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0107818/trivia
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I found myself thinking about you yesterday, Truman, when the morning show did a little feature on Will Rogers' 128th birthday. People loved him for his folksy, yet intelligent, good humor and pungent sayings. He was also a cutie, like you. :)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/willrogers.jpg)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Rogers
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Awe Thankkew Meryl. I love Will Rogers, he was such an authentic. And timeless to, look at that picture of him, he's been dead for like 70 years and still he is appealing. He and Mark Twain are like the most quoted people in the English language.
Thankkew for thinking I am cute, I think you are elegant!
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Thankkew for thinking I am cute, I think you are elegant!
Shucks! (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Emoticons/blush.gif)
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Thankkew for thinking I am cute, I think you are elegant!
it's twuue.....it's twuue! Both of y'all are cute and elegant!
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Miz Merly is very elegant. :D
And Tru is very huggable-lookin'. :D
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Mix Merly is very elegant. :D
And Tru is very huggable-lookin'. :D
Havin' been fortunate enought to meet them both, I can say that Miss Merly ;) ;D is both huggable and elegant.
and Tru is huggable, and sweet! Bless his heart! :laugh:
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Bless his heart! :laugh:
:D
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I can't believe y'all are just discovering the huggability of Truman.
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I can't believe y'all are just discovering the huggability of Truman.
I only met Mr. Truman in September in SF. Other than that, I just assumed he was huggable.
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I can remember the only breif conversation I ever had with Jeff in person, in Paul's back yard. "Did you all drink all that scotch?" and I drifted away to something else. Sad, ain't it? Not my best day.
I have hugs for all when we meet again. Or first the first time. It will be strange meeting Scott because I feel like I have known him all my life.
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I can remember the only breif conversation I ever had with Jeff in person, in Paul's back yard. "Did you all drink all that scotch?" and I drifted away to something else. Sad, ain't it? Not my best day.
I have hugs for all when we meet again. Or first the first time. It will be strange meeting Scott because I feel like I have known him all my life.
That will be odd...like we were separated at birth and you got the good genes.
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That will be odd...like we were separated at birth and you got the good genes.
I wouldn't say that.....and I think you're huggable too, when in the right mood.
;)
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I wouldn't say that.....and I think you're huggable too, when in the right mood.
;)
Oh another one of those kind of men!!! :)
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Y'all are ever single one huggable, elegant and smoochable! :-*
I've been using "Bless her heart" at work to describe the bossiest soprano ever created, and everyone laughs heartily every time I say it. ;D
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Oh another one of those kind of men!!! :)
??? ??? whut? ??? ???
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That will be odd...like we were separated at birth and you got the good genes.
Well, then, you could always head on over to Filene's Basement. ...
Oh, sorry, wrong kind of jeans. ... ;D
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??? ??? whut? ??? ???
LOL...kidding.
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I can remember the only breif conversation I ever had with Jeff in person, in Paul's back yard. "Did you all drink all that scotch?" and I drifted away to something else. Sad, ain't it? Not my best day.
I have hugs for all when we meet again. Or first the first time. It will be strange meeting Scott because I feel like I have known him all my life.
Friend, you got a better memory than I do. I know I met you in Boston but I can't remember the conversation. :(
Maybe it's the scotch. ... :-\
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I've been using "Bless her heart" at work to describe the bossiest soprano ever created, and everyone laughs heartily every time I say it. ;D
Have I read about her recently in The New Yorker? ;D
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LOL...kidding.
It seems that Scott laughs everytime I act confused. Since he says he's grumpy, maybe I need to be confused more often.
Someone say sumthin' smart!
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It seems that Scott laughs everytime I act confused. Since he says he's grumpy, maybe I need to be confused more often.
Someone say sumthin' smart!
Wasn't Grumpy one of the Seven Dwarves?
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That will be odd...like we were separated at birth and you got the good genes.
I think we both have genes we would rather not have! :laugh:
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Wasn't Grumpy one of the Seven Dwarves?
I'm definately not a "dwarf"...and Chuck, that's not the handle of the back brush you got there son.
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I like Chuck's genes, but you all know that already.
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Wasn't Grumpy one of the Seven Dwarves?
??? ??? whut ??? ???
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Chuck, that's not the handle of the back brush you go there son.
I know. ;D
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I like Chuck's genes, but you all know that already.
wrong genes.....lmao! At least, according to what you said in my blog. :laugh:
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Hey, BTW, where is our Georgia Peach today? :(
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Hey, BTW, where is our Georgia Peach today? :(
Getting pitted
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Think he is a tad under the weather, saw his andle pop up once earlier.
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Hey, BTW, where is our Georgia Peach today? :(
Getting pitted
Oh, you are in a grumpy mood today. You better add some Epsom salts to the water in that tub. And while you're at it, drink some, too.
Think he is a tad under the weather, saw his andle pop up once earlier.
Awww. :'( I miss him. ... :'(
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And where is Janice and Karen?
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Home like always......I dont know about Karen......wheres Lee?
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hey, where did you manage to see Lust, Caution? I couldn't find it anywhere near my neck of the woods...
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Over the weekend i tried to listen more and talk less. Hoping to have some kind of enlightenment experence.
I over heard on conversation where I heard the phrases "Quietly Excited" and "Classically Overwelmed". I thought they were cool and wrote them down.
But the most profound statement I heard came from Garrison Keillor on Pararie Home Companion Saturday night. He was telling his story about a woman who buried many family members with out a tear, and lost it when her dog was accidentally killed. Then toward the end he lit into something that I started writing down but only got the highlights:
"You don't want to pospone crying too long.....Cry every week if you can....If you put it off too long, when the ters come, they will destroy you."
How true.
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"You don't want to pospone crying too long.....Cry every week if you can....If you put it off too long, when the ters come, they will destroy you."
absolutely true! People are afraid to cry, afraid to look weak. Crying heals.
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Over the weekend i tried to listen more and talk less. Hoping to have some kind of enlightenment experence.
I over heard on conversation where I heard the phrases "Quietly Excited" and "Classically Overwelmed". I thought they were cool and wrote them down.
But the most profound statement I heard came from Garrison Keillor on Pararie Home Companion Saturday night. He was telling his story about a woman who buried many family members with out a tear, and lost it when her dog was accidentally killed. Then toward the end he lit into something that I started writing down but only got the highlights:
"You don't want to pospone crying too long.....Cry every week if you can....If you put it off too long, when the ters come, they will destroy you."
How true.
course it's not really the tears, but everything inside that has resulted in the tears. Crying is definitely therapeutic, like venting. just another form of denial when you need to cry and you don't.
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I have a hard time to cry.... indeed, and do so when needed absolutely like the death of my past lover.
Did Ennis and Jack cried in the BM film?
Hugs!
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I have a hard time to cry.... indeed, and do so when needed absolutely like the death of my past lover.
Did Ennis and Jack cried in the BM film?
Hugs!
Yes, when trhey parted at the end of the summer, Ennis cried in the alley. When Jack took off for Mexico, he cried. When Ennis said "Jack, I swear", he was crying.
I find since BBM I can cry much easier. When I was a kid it seems like I remember crying all the time and forced myself not to, so now it is comming back to me, and that is a good thing most of the time.
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Thanks Shakestheground!
You have good points about the BM movie, and you do not know that I will now re-see that film in order to cry more too, as you do.
Wonderful idea!
Hugs!!
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It is a good thing, in moderation it is.
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It is a good thing, in moderation it is.
That's true, some people do it all the time to get attention such as a woman I work with. However, those are not real tears and that is not crying. Crying comes from an emotion that is deep down inside and people can tell if it is real or not if they look hard enough.
I know with Brokeback I begin to feel this pressure behind my eyes and a feeling in my nose and throat. It is hard to explain in words. Does anyone know what I mean or has anyone else experienced that sensation? Anytime I hear the music or see a scene I get that feeling. Other things that evoke that same thing in me bring about the same feeling. Sometimes it happens with just regular TV shows or movies and sometimes those are happy ending type things. I always try to hold that back which makes the pressure greater.
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Over the weekend i tried to listen more and talk less. Hoping to have some kind of enlightenment experence.
Well you sure were missed Truman ;) and that's the truth!!!
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Getting pitted
OK, getting pitted.......now that's a new one Scott :o
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OK, getting pitted.......now that's a new one Scott :o
Neah...people have been getting pitted for centuries.
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Neah...people have been getting pitted for centuries.
No kidding :D I meant new expression ;D Or at least I have never heard it before. If it gets planted a new tree may grow.
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Wasn't Grumpy one of the Seven Dwarves?
Yep, Grumpy was one of them along with Doc, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful, Sleepy, and Dopey. Happy and Bashful had an illicit affair going on.
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Regarding crying, it starts with my right eye first. I learned that very well last year.
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No kidding :D I meant new expression ;D Or at least I have never heard it before. If it gets planted a new tree may grow.
Long as something grows...it's all good...with the exception ofn my darling Truman...I avoid southern plantings.
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:-* Scott!~
-
Neah...people have been getting pitted for centuries.
Are you sure you don't mean "spitted" rather than "pitted"? ;D
I mean, "pitted" is having something removed, like the pit of a prune, but "spitted." ... ;D
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Are you sure you don't mean "spitted" rather than "pitted"? ;D
I mean, "pitted" is having something removed, like the pit of a prune, but "spitted." ... ;D
If one gets spitted, one gets pitted
-
Regarding crying, it starts with my right eye first. I learned that very well last year.
I think it does with me too ;)
-
Since spitted and pitted are being used as verbs we can say that to be spitted means to either pierce, stab, or transfix, as with a spit; impale on something sharp or to thrust a spit into or through. To be pitted means to either place or bury in a pit, as for storage or to remove the pit from (a fruit or fruits): to pit cherries for a pie (much as Mrs. Twist did). This all depends on what kind of a pit you are talking about. Are you planning on putting something into a pit or removing the pit? And the spit is either a pointed rod or bar for thrusting through and holding meat that is to be cooked before or over a fire or any of various rods, pins, or the like used for particular purposes.
So from the best I can tell from the conversation Scott is right on the money as it appears that you do need to get spitted to be pitted ;D
-
Well, it is election day, and I voted this morning. I purposely waited so I could use my constitutionally protected right to vote as an excuse to miss the weekly office meeting. I am glad to see this election cycle overwith, all local races this time. The most contentious being that for Sheriff. Our incumbent sheriff was a Sergent up until this time last year when the former sheriff and most of his department were arrested by the FBI on a number of charges. http://www.wsls.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=WSLS/MGArticle/SLS_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149191497988
I pulled up into the Rangeley Ruitan Club parking lot and was amazed at how many people were there. It was a proverbial sea of white hair. I parked and ran to dodge the volunteers standing out in the cold in the belief they could influence my vote for sheriff, or school board, or supervisor. The line was out the door.
The reason for the back up was a combination of the median age of the voters ( about 100 ) and the new fangled electronic voting machines that they looked upon like something from another planet. There were two set up, extention (drop) cords running everywhere. State of the art equipment in a room heated by a wood stove, the mini blinds in the window behind it warped beyond use.
I got in ling behind the sister of my aent and three women who had rode with her. Said hi to a guy I graduated High School with who I only see on election day and then I ground democracy to a halt. I showed them my license, which has my correct, changed name on it. I had not bothered to change my voter registration in the 10 years since I had changed my name and when I told them I didn;t have the same name anymore, the nice lady who used to be my neighbor smiled and said: "Did you get married?"
Resisting the temptation to tell her that no, last year on election day that possibility was closed to me, I asked what do we do now. My old classmate came to the rescue, I had to fill out another registration form. Got back in line and exercised my right to choose who I wanted to receive my hard earned tax dollars in their paycheck. I have no big investment in the outcome, and look forward even less to the divisiveness that will come next year when we replace the current occupant of the White House.
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Well when I cry, my eyes leak..I dont always know its coming,,,,it just happens...starts at
the outside corners...which doesnt make sense if you think of it.
Oh my god.,,",heres your sign" moment if there ever was one..."Did you get married?"
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Well when I cry, my eyes leak..I dont always know its coming,,,,it just happens...starts at
the outside corners...which doesnt make sense if you think of it.
yes Janice, it's the outside corners for me as well. I cry with others/for others all the time at my job... it still leaves me quite emotionally spent at times, but it's very different than when I am crying for myself - crying for myself feels more like a squeezing of the soul that comes forth as tears. It's more difficult to describe the crying with others - best I can come up with is a sort of peeling/shedding of layers...
-
I will cry at the drop of a hat. It gets on my nerves sometimes. Not sure how I ended up being a big mush!
-
I think I cry when I recognize something is authentic. It might be an emotion, it migh tbe the opening of a strip mall. I think when I recognize something that can only be detected with the heart, I am so happy, I cry.
So Janice, tell us about your wedding.
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The reason for the back up was a combination of the median age of the voters ( about 100 )
OMG!! That made me laugh! Mostly cause Iknow it's true and I have seen it first hand!! LOL
When I was little and we'd all pile in the car to go see Nannie and Paw Paw, my cousin would cry.
My Aunt asked him why and his response was "I hate going to Christiansburg. All we do is go see old people who live in old houses and drive old cars!" Well, we all died laughing cause it was true!
I think he was still mad cause he wet his pants the last time went. He had to go to the bathroom and was lookin all over my great Aunts house for the facilities which were not in the house but in the outhouse out back! LOL
-
I think I cry when I recognize something is authentic. It might be an emotion, it migh tbe the opening of a strip mall. I think when I recognize something that can only be detected with the heart, I am so happy, I cry.
So Janice, tell us about your wedding.
Janice I didn't know you were having a wedding. Yes, tell us about it
-
Its time to watch Brokeback Mountain again for me..
-
Its time to watch Brokeback Mountain again for me..
I tried this weekend but I was bawlin watchin them in Agurries trailer! :'(
-
It was the longest time before I turned my attention away for Aguirre saying "Not on your f'ing life" and notice Jack and Ennis were stealing glances at one another.
-
Well I hope everyone (in the US) had a good election day experence. All the candidate I voted for won. I was doing the happy dance about 11 pm last night.
-
I had a PM from our Georgia Peach last night, and that made me happy. :D
I'll be away from my desk most of this morning. :(
-
We'll keep your seat warm for ye! ;)
-
We'll keep your seat warm for ye! ;)
Thanks! ;)
-
We'll miss ya, Jeff!
Don't go flirtin' with no cute cowboys. ;)
-
Try cute cowboys!
Especially... real ones!
Hug them too!
Hugs!
-
I like your thinkin' there Artiste, I would love to have a couple of arms full of cowboy.
Hugs! to you too.
-
We'll miss ya, Jeff!
Don't go flirtin' with no cute cowboys. ;)
Not hardly. ... :(
-
awwwwwwwww
:-*
-
No I had my anniversary in April...50th...
The Wedding....not much of a wedding. We only knew each other three weeks, and got married three weeks to the day..
In Las Vegas Nev. in front of a Justice of the Peace. I had to lie on my marriage certificate..I was
only five months past seventeen years old. Used an inaccurate work permit for identification. Does
that mean im not really married? LOL
-
Great Day, Dixie must have been beside herself. 8)
-
My dad was hysterical,,and not in a good way. He wanted to chase us down and stop it.
My mother knew that it was not much to be done by that time.. She just dealt with the hand
she was given. She didnt like it though.
I know I would have a fit if one of my grandaughters had done that...But you can only do
so much. Specially with a person like i am...Dont take a lot of stock in other peoples advice or
council. I guess that is a polite way to say, i am stubborn....good thing.
-
It sounds like Jeff is already flirtin' with cute cowboys ;D
-
I think you are right, Jack.. ;D ;D
-
Wow, Janice you were a rebel........and you still are.......no wonder I like you so much ;)
-
It sounds like Jeff is already flirtin' with cute cowboys ;D
Who, me? :o I never flirt. I can't stand flirting. >:(
-
Still waters run deep.
-
Who, me? :o I never flirt. I can't stand flirting. >:(
Oh no, what is the next step :)
-
Flirting annoys the hell out of me. Either put up (or is it put out? ;D ), or don't bother me.
-
Oh no the secrets are spilling out all over the place :o
-
Oh no the secrets are spilling out all over the place :o
Did I miss something? ???
(Wouldn't be the first time. ;D )
-
Who, me? :o I never flirt. I can't stand flirting. >:(
Awwwww.....that's no fun!! What's your feeling about tickling? :P
-
What's your feeling about tickling? :P
A perfectly acceptable way to torture a helplessly bound victim. ;D
-
Flirting annoys the hell out of me. Either put up (or is it put out? ;D ), or don't bother me.
I love it!
No twiddly dickin around with you!
Life is too short to play games! ;D
-
A perfectly acceptable way to torture a helplessly bound victim. ;D
:laugh:
-
No twiddly dickin around with you!
:laugh: :laugh: That is a wonderful expression, never heard it before. Maybe this will be Twiddly dickin day around my place, and I will spread its use wherever I go. :laugh:
-
The past two days in a row has brought me blessings via myspace.
Monday night, the former girlfriend of my friends son contacted me. She is in LaMesilla, New Mexico, and of course I had to respond immediately she was living in the only US town to be featured in Brokeback Mountain. I was so tickled to heard from her, see her friends, some of whom I know, get caught up.
Then last night came an invite from the Farmhouse. The Farmhouse is a living breathing entity managed by an old college buddy. We used to party there in the 80s, and he still lives there, carrying on the tradition. How cool it was to see interior pictures, walls now in shades of earth tones right off HGTV. I clicked accept, and now, I guess I have but and handful of secrets left.
It feels good, but I am still adjusting.
-
Oh no the secrets are spilling out all over the place :o
Did I miss something? ???
I was about to ask the same thing. ???
-
I love it!
No twiddly dickin around with you!
Life is too short to play games! ;D
"Twiddy dickin"? I love that phrase! Never heard it before, but I love it! :D
Well, I run full throttle, whether mending fences or spending money. ;D
-
...I guess I have but and handful of secrets left.
It feels good, but I am still adjusting.
:-* :-* :-*
-
Some secrets we share.
We all have a secret we will never tell to anyone?
Hugs!
-
Some secrets we share.
We all have a secret we will never tell to anyone?
Hugs!
Oh yeah. Mostly confidences others have trusted me with, but my own life feels like an open book now.
Lynne, did that sign say 65 miles or 68 miles? 8)
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Oh yeah. Mostly confidences others have trusted me with, but my own life feels like an open book now.
Lynne, did that sign say 65 miles or 68 miles? 8)
It's 65 to El Paso, 68 to Juarez. ;D
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Hi all!
One must always have one or two or more secrets we will NEVER tell anyone?
Hugs!
-
Lynne, did that sign say 65 miles or 68 miles? 8)
Your sign says 1,756 miles and mine says 1,193 miles. Time to get goin, Cowboy.
8)
-
one of the songs of hers i like
-
Oh, where, oh, where, has my Truman gone? :(
-
Oh, where, oh, where, has my Truman gone? :(
My Truman!!
-
My Truman!!
Greedy bugger, ain't ya? You want Chuckie. You want Truman. You want Rich.
That's all right, you go right ahead. I'm secure enough to settle for sloppy seconds. :laugh:
(And I can think of one or two others I'll throw in, too. ...)
-
Greedy bugger, ain't ya? You want Chuckie. You want Truman. You want Rich.
That's all right, you go right ahead. I'm secure enough to settle for sloppy seconds. :laugh:
(And I can think of one or two others I'll throw in, too. ...)
2/3 correct is a good score...can't help it...soemthing about Jersey cowboys and southern gentlemen :)
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2/3 correct is a good score...can't help it...soemthing about Jersey cowboys and southern gentlemen :)
Why is that only two-thirds? Richard is a Southerner. You implyin' he ain't no gentleman? ???
And you a married man who just got asked on a date by your own husband. ...
-
Why is that only two-thirds? Richard is a Southerner. You implyin' he ain't no gentleman? ???
And you a married man who just got asked on a date by your own husband. ...
& I know how you feel about flirting, so...we best not discuss this topic...LOL
I never imply anything :)
-
I never imply anything :)
No, you just hint like hell, like yesterday.
-
No, you just hint like hell, like yesterday.
You love me and you know it...now knock it off
-
You love me and you know it...now knock it off
You really do need for that Metamucil to kick in.
-
You really do need for that Metamucil to kick in.
Quiet or I'll spank you...again
-
Quiet or I'll spank you...again
What is Tru gonna think when he comes home?
-
What is Tru gonna think when he comes home?
Is there room for me?
-
Is there room for me?
Don't ask me, ask Tru.
-
Don't ask me, ask Tru.
Duh...that's what he would say.
-
Greedy bugger, ain't ya? You want Chuckie. You want Truman. You want Rich.
He may say he wants me, but I sure seem to disappear from his view when Tru shows up!
:'(
-
He may say he wants me, but I sure seem to disappear from his view when Tru shows up!
:'(
That's not true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
That's not true!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sure it is! las time he showed up as we were talking, what did you say?
Oh yeah.....Ummmmm Chuck, can I get back to you?
:'(
-
I'm BACK!
-
Oh Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
Oh, where, oh, where, has my Truman gone? :(
I had to go help send of my nephew's wife's grandma to eternity.
-
And you a married man who just got asked on a date by your own husband. ...
I am sooooooooooo confused. ???
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Oh Boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ya see? ? ? ? ?
Tru shows up, and damn....ya get all excited!
-
Ya see? ? ? ? ?
Tru shows up, and damn....ya get all excited!
He SURE does! :o
-
Ya see? ? ? ? ?
Tru shows up, and damn....ya get all excited!
I gte excited about you...it just doesn't show when I am sitting down.
-
Chuck! How's Mexico?
Jeff! Is there room for me?
Scott! Whats for supper, babe!
Janice! Got a spoon for me?
-
Was it with intent Truman.? Or a speech you had to make..? :-\.
Honey you can have a spoon, or the whole drawer full.
-
Was it with intent Truman.? Or a speech you had to make..? :-\.
Naw, it was just a nice thing to do, it was sparcly attended, plus I am so shallow I have no problem using the end of someones life to get out of working.
-
Scott! Whats for supper, babe!
Me? hehehehehehehe
-
Yum! I am hungry! I been wanting me some Scott all day..... :-*
-
Ooops sorry.
quietly closes the door......
-
Ooops sorry.
quietly closes the door......
Gurl you come on back in here, you know we just carrying on. ;D
-
:laugh: Ok I will if im not disturbing you...? So what are you doing for the weekend sir.?
Anything fun or interesting. I am going to be sitting here listening to the rain..
May take in a movie...Still havent seen Lust Caution...did you like it.?
-
I liked Lust, Caution. That has to be real sex.
It is raining here too, I need to clean the gutters so if I accomplish that I will feel like I had a sucessful weekend.
Sad, ain't it?
-
Honey you could never be sad. I wish you would hop on your way back machine, and send us
back to San Francisco again to the Castro theatre to see BBM again...We could pick up Eric, and
Lynne, and Glory on the way. Give Rich and Michelle a call...meet there.
-
Well it is only about 7 months until Wyoming, and it will be here before you know it. ;)
-
I know I counted it up too yesterday. :)
-
Jeff! Is there room for me?
There is always room for you, Little Darlin'. :)
-
Yum! I am hungry! I been wanting me some Scott all day..... :-*
What is this power he has over men? ???
-
Its his wit, and inaccessability
-
I liked Lust, Caution. That has to be real sex.
It is raining here too, I need to clean the gutters so if I accomplish that I will feel like I had a sucessful weekend.
Sad, ain't it?
that is more of the work of life...
-
I gte excited about you...it just doesn't show when I am sitting down.
Ohhhhhhhh......
-
Chuck! How's Mexico?
lmao! Mexico? Arizona!!!!!
-
lmao! Mexico? Arizona!!!!!
I thought you weren't s'pposed to tell where you are? 8)
-
no more surprise to be spoiled, the dinner was this evening........;D
-
Chuck just outed himself again!
-
Hi all!!
Hey, just hung my longjohns on the clothesline outside.
Since it is very cold, guess they will because stiff?
What to do??
Hugs!
-
I would say go with out them, but since that would be a hardship, I would Iron them first so them will be nice and warm and wrinkle free when you put them on. :D
-
Thanks Shakestheground!
I agree going out in my longjohns! I love wearing them, plus finding others who do!
And sex is much more fun with these? ah?!!
Plus protect one's jewels! They help shake the ground, when walking too!
Hugs!
-
And sex is much more fun with these? ah?!!
=========================
This begs so many questions...... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
And sex is much more fun with these? ah?!!
=========================
This begs so many questions...... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Well you know is is cold where he lives. ;)
-
Do they come in black lace?
-
I bet they do, I should get you a pair for your natal anniversary.
-
Running off to the Hunters sporting goods store......Yeehaw !!!
-
Funny you all!!
You all prove to me your youthfull and playful hugs!!
Is this heehaw?
Hugs!
-
Yes! This is HeeHaw! ;D
Hugs! :-*
-
Well, lookie who's here! It's me!
missed you this weekend, big bro!
-
Hey Chuckie, thought about you our there in the wild west. Hope you had a good time. :-*
-
Well, lookie who's here! It's me!
missed you this weekend, big bro!
Hey Chuck...good to see you back.
-
Hey any pics of your weekend?
With or without your longjohns on??
Any of you??
Hugs!!
-
I had suspected this was the case. Last week I saw a Miata with the tag "CATPOO" on it and later saw a Suburban with "HOOPOO" on it. For the record, I do not have vanity tags.
URSOVAIN: Va. tops nation in vanity tags By DENA POTTER, Associated Press Writer
Mon Nov 12, 8:44 AM ET
RICHMOND, Va. - A state-by-state survey of the popularity of vanity license plates has found that car and truck owners in Virginia are the vainest of them all.
ADVERTISEMENT
Not far behind are New Hampshire, Illinois, Nevada and Montana.
Out of the 9.3 million personalized plates on the roads of America, about one in 10 are in Virginia, according to rankings provided to The Associated Press by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.
That's 16 percent of the plates issued by Virginia. New Hampshire came in second with nearly 14 percent. Illinois had about 13.4 percent, but that amounted to nearly 1.3 million plates, the most of any state.
"If you've got 9.3 million people across the U.S. sporting vanity plates, you've got a cultural phenomenon," AAMVA spokesman Jason King said.
Texas had the fewest, with only about a half percent of drivers personalizing their plates.
Kathy Carmichael drives around with the plate COFENUT, although she is down from eight to 10 cups of java a day to just three.
"It's a personality thing," said Carmichael, 58, a real state agent in Mechanicsville. "You get to know something about the person in front of you or who passes you."
Stefan Lonce calls it "minimalist poetry in motion" — telling a story in eight or fewer characters.
Lonce — author of the upcoming book "LCNS2ROM-License to Roam: Vanity Plates and the Stories they Tell" — worked with AAMVA to survey vehicle licensing agencies in each state.
"I think a lot of people have stories to tell and they really want pieces of those stories out there," said Lonce, who admits he initially thought it was silly for people to spend extra money to personalize their license plates.
Ion Bogdan Vasi, an assistant sociology professor at Columbia University, calls people who personalize their plates "the narcissistic-materialist poets of the iGeneration."
"Most people buy personalized plates simply because they want to tell the world they are special," Vasi said in an e-mail. "They wrote an ode to themselves and they want to share it with everybody on the highway."
Some plates are cryptic, like Brittany Diaz' EN PWANT. It's a reminder of the summer when she studied ballet in New York and her French teacher pronounced the "en pointe" style of dance as "en pwant."
"Most ballerinas get it, and those who don't dance I figured would be entertained because pwant is just a funny thing to say," said Diaz, 17, of Midlothian.
Others are personal, like those of Ally and Rudy Masry of Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. She donated a kidney to her husband in 2003, so her car has the tag DONOR and his reads DONEE.
Some offer quirky takes on professions, like EYEMAN and 2THDR. BYTE1 reflects the computer science degree held by Vonn Campbell of Greenville, S.C., but he also chose it "to provide a somewhat abrasive message to those individuals who follow too closely."
But why does Virginia have so many personalized plates?
"It's only $10. You can do it online with little effort. You can get a new one every month if you wanted to," said Benjamin Mace, a Virginia Beach Web designer who started CoolPl8z.com, where people post pictures of their vanity plates.
However, some other states are just as cheap. And Illinois has the largest total even though it charges $78 per year.
___
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071112/ap_on_re_us/vanity_plates_3
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CATPOO I get, but HOOPOO? ???
-
I was about to ask the same thing. ???
Well I'm not sure what I was talking about either :) I am trying to look back to see. See I really did need to take a hiatus and now I have forgotten everything :-\
-
Well I'm not sure what I was talking about either :) I am trying to look back to see. See I really did need to take a hiatus and now I have forgotten everything :-\
Turns out I met the guy driving the HOOPOO mobile, his name is Hugh Poole. :laugh:
-
Man, I almost forgot today is my hero's birthday! Neil Young is 62!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7M1Se-p7uk[/youtube]
-
Turns out I met the guy driving the HOOPOO mobile, his name is Hugh Poole. :laugh:
Oh, good. I was afraid HOOPOO had to do with the Grinch, or somethin'.
-
I like Neil Young too. I like many of his songs.
-
Who would want their tag to say CatPoo ???
-
Who would want their tag to say CatPoo ???
That is what I couldn't understand, a nice looking 40-something blond woman in a red Miata and she has CATPOO on her tag. Maybe her name is Catherine Poole.....
-
Thanks! Neil Young is young in that clip!
I want to know more about him. Is he gay? Is a recent clip of singing? Etc., please!
I remember well that song! Did he compose it?
Hugs!
-
Gay: I doubt it, he has been married at least once and has a few children, but I have never had the opportunity to ask him.
I believe he did write that song, but he cannot tune his guitar.
Here is what he looks like now:
-
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Sweet Home Alabama
Big wheels keep on turning
Carry me home to see my kin
Singing songs about the Southland
I miss Alabamy once again
And I think its a sin, yes
Well I heard mister Young sing about her
Well, I heard ole Neil put her down
Well, I hope Neil Young will remember
A Southern man don't need him around anyhow
Sweet home Alabama
Where the skies are so blue
Sweet Home Alabama
Lord, I'm coming home to you ...........
What did Neil Young sing that raised the ire of L. S. ? Anyone know?
-
This is with CSN, and here's what it was all about:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azOzP1Ppc0k[/youtube]
Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man
I saw cotton
and I saw black
Tall white mansions
and little shacks.
Southern man
when will you
pay them back?
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?
Southern man
better keep your head
Don't forget
what your good book said
Southern change
gonna come at last
Now your crosses
are burning fast
Southern man
Lily Belle,
your hair is golden brown
I've seen your black man
comin' round
Swear by God
I'm gonna cut him down!
I heard screamin'
and bullwhips cracking
How long? How long?
-
Man, I almost forgot today is my hero's birthday! Neil Young is 62!
Truman thank you for reminding me of his birthday
I idolized Neil Young and CSN&Y as a kid growing up.
If I may add a little trivia here, the song Southern Man was on a Neil Young solo album, After the Gold Rush, awesome album. Im not sure of the date, but it was sometime in the early 1970's.
At 13 I was most fortunate to see for my very first concert ever Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young at Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City. It was my first and last time in Jersey City. My mom got me the tickets. What a surprise.
The concert was awesome. When I heard Neil Young sing and I cried. I was only 13
Years later as an adult, i saw Neil Young and Crazy Horse in the USF Sun Dome. They played all electric, but if you are anything like me Tru, you enjoy Neil Young's acoustic music.
If you find it please post the song After the Gold Rush. I already have Harvest. IF 420 was a motto back then it surely would have been mine. lol I was an early bird when it comes to experimentation. lol
Happy birthday Neil Young!
-
That is what I couldn't understand, a nice looking 40-something blond woman in a red Miata and she has CATPOO on her tag. Maybe her name is Catherine Poole.....
Or maybe she just has a cat named Poo. ... :-\
-
anything rumbling here, today?
-
My tummy >:( >:( I am hongry
-
so git yurself somthin to eat!
something yummy like a burger and fries!
-
"Me and you,
And a cat named Poo...." :laugh:
-
"Me and you,
And a cat named Poo...." :laugh:
Can we name the cat something else darlin'?
-
We sure can, :D what do you like in a cat name?
-
We sure can, :D what do you like in a cat name?
Roasted...fried...your choice?
Kidding Kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-
Roasted...fried...your choice?
Kidding Kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!
as a cat lover, I am highly offended!
:laugh:
-
Roasted...fried...your choice?
Kidding Kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>:(
*covers Baxters ears*
-
OMG, can you imagine, a cat named.....Kung Pow.
(runs and hides in shame)
-
OMG, can you imagine, a cat named.....Kung Pow.
(runs and hides in shame)
Sides...you don't need a cat to hear purring...lay your head on my chest l'il darlin'
-
OMG, can you imagine, a cat named.....Kung Pow.
(runs and hides in shame)
*shakes finger*
bad truman....bad bad truman!
-
Pur me to sleep Scott, it is good sleeping weather.
-
Pur me to sleep Scott, it is good sleeping weather.
Tell ya what...you just rest here, I'll hum a pretty little tune to help you sleep. If the vibration tickles your ear, let me know
-
I am in heaven, I kid you not!
You rememory that poem I wrote about taking a nap?
-
I am in heaven, I kid you not!
You rememory that poem I wrote about taking a nap?
I do
-
There is nothing like human contact. I remember the first itme I slept with someone all night. It was the most wonderful feeling.
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There is nothing like human contact. I remember the first itme I slept with someone all night. It was the most wonderful feeling.
yep, I hate sleeping alone! :P
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There is nothing like human contact. I remember the first itme I slept with someone all night. It was the most wonderful feeling.
It is a great feeling. A sense of continuity in a world that offers very of that.
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I am sure glad to have a cup of coffee, I would curl up with a pillow right here on the floor.
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I am sure glad to have a cup of coffee, I would curl up with a pillow right here on the floor.
Still humming, so come on down
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Like Ennis, humming a tune his Mamma used to sing. :-*
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Oh man....it's been a while since I've fallen asleep in someone's arms...
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Like Ennis, humming a tune his Mamma used to sing. :-*
Cept I ain't no Ennis...I can love a man and be loved back.
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Chuck, come join us, I don;t think Scott will mind.
Scott, you can! ;D
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Chuck, come join us, I don;t think Scott will mind.
Scott, you can! ;D
Neah...what's one more to love?
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I will gladly be at the mercy of love.
I will embrace its fickle heart
Take its blows,
Take its joys.
I submit to cupids arrow,
Near sighted little fool,
If he keeps at it,
Maybe he'll hit my heart.
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I aimed one night.
Thought you were in my sight.
When my arrow flew,
I saw that it had missed you.
That arrow was lost.
I knew not the cost.
Till dawn rose up bright,
With you gone from sight.
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I will gladly be at the mercy of love.
I will embrace its fickle heart
Take its blows,
Take its joys.
I submit to cupids arrow,
Near sighted little fool,
If he keeps at it,
Maybe he'll hit my heart.
I love that!!
It's so tru about that damn cupid!
He always seems to hit me a lot lower than my heart! ;D
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Wow!
Such poets you guys are!
More...
hugs!
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Artiste, you don;t say much, but you get your point across.
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When I first got online, back in 1998, the first thing I did was look up National Public Radio because I wanted to know what Sylvia Poggioli looked like.
I love NPR.
I had always thought of it as the Classical Radio station growing up. Consequently I never listened to it. I was not into AC/DC and Styx. My third year in college a buddy told me about this program "Hearts of Space" that came on 10 pm on Sunday nights, the most relaxing, beautiful music I ever heard, the music of the speres. I was hooked. Not long after that I was talking to a friend from an exchange trip to Minnesota who told me about Pararie Home Companion. From it I learned the power of story, was amazed how Garrison Keillor could lul me in and carry me away to a world populated by Magandances, and it was real.
Soon I was toting a boombox and all I would listen to was public radio, I could have used a walkman but I figured the world needed to know about this too. The news content on All Things Considered was amazing to me. Sure, it was and is left leaning, but in Ronald Reagan's America it was more than a breath of fresh air, it was oxygen. I listen to Classical, I listened to Opera, I listened to Jazz, Blugrass, the Blues.
Over the years NPR has been my constant companion, my major source of news, or stories, it has shaped my outlook on the world. I have heard Red Barbour come and go, Kim Willliams come and go, I remember when Moe Rocca got his start on NPR, I thought, euuuu, he's a strange one.
But like meeting a Brokie, there is no feeling quite like putting a face with a name, or a voice. Like the silky voice of Sylvia Poggioli.
www.npr.org
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I love NPR! It's essentially my only source of news.
I was introduced to it more than 20 years ago: every night with Susan Stamberg and Noah Adams.
Garrison Keillor every Saturday night! I've seen him in person twice: he tellls those stories without notes, it's amazing. I miss "Hello, Love", the earlier opening song. Powder Milk Biscuits makes me dance.
I fell for Terry Gross as well. I heard her speak at Harvard and even got to meet her. She's tiny and buys her clothes at GapKids. 90%+ of her interviews are done long-distance, even though she makes it sound as if she and her subject are in the same room.
Here's a fantasy: take Italian lessons with Sylvia Poggioli. Ahhh.
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That's so wild, I miss that song too (Hello Love). He performed it as part of the show recently and the audience went wild. I wish he would bring it back. I've seen him once, and Terry Gross once too.
When Terry Gross came to speak it was a real watershed, the previous station manager of my local station had canceled her because she had a whole week of gay themed interviews. No one had complained, but he just thought it was too much. He was soon gone and Terry was back and when the Q&A opened up that is what most people wanted talk about, although it had been 3 years. She said that week was not intentional, and that gay stories come up a lot for her because we are part of the population, same as everyone else and she got a lot of applause.
I asked her who from the past she would like to interview and she said Rogers and Hart. All the big names from back in the day, she would want to interview them.
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Terry is particularly good at interviewing musicians, I've noticed. I understand her husband is somehow involved in jazz, a critic perhaps.
I recall part of her talk at Harvard: she played clips of subjects who "fled the interview". She's left saying, "hello?" Very funny. The subjects were either drunk, obnoxious, or really unprepared. The most famous was Monica Lewinsky. Terry was not mean, however, she said Monica was put up to it by some publicist, and was not prepared, and shouldn't have even tried the interview.
Apparently she owns all her archives. Very smart.
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Yeah she played those too, I loved the one with M.L., bless her heart. That voice comes on and says "she's left the studio" :laugh:
Her husband is a jazz musician and she told the story once they were at a party with his mother and someone was talking to her and said "There's Terry Gross, she's a lesbian you know." and the mother-in-law was like "Really?"
here she is with Richard Thompson
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I think my favorite Terry Gross interview was the one she did with Triumph, the Comic Insult Dog (aka Robert Smigel). Terry was laughing uncontrollably at one point, practically snorting.
(http://www.mtv.com/shared/media/images/artist/t/triumph_the_insult_dog/az_official/281x211.jpg)
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I remember that, I was like WTF? At first, but I think it was one of her better ones.
She did an interview with Ike turner a few years ago and was so totally focused on him and his career and I kept expecting her to ask about Tina, but I don;t believe she did.
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I remember that, I was like WTF? At first, but I think it was one of her better ones.
She did an interview with Ike turner a few years ago and was so totally focused on him and his career and I kept expecting her to ask about Tina, but I don;t believe she did.
Probably wasn't allowed to.
He wouldn't talk about Tina. Specially after the movie.
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I am going to get crucified for this, but someone once told me never underestimate the power of a woman who has been wronged.
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I am going to get crucified for this, but someone once told me never underestimate the power of a woman who has been wronged.
Brother, I can attest to that!
Scoot over an make room for me on that cross! ;D
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Brother, I can attest to that!
Scoot over an make room for me on that cross! ;D
Ok...none of that.
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Ok...none of that.
Yes sir!
Sorry :(
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It's my blog, ;D People can do whatever the hell they want to here as long as it don;t involve children or animals. :laugh:
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It's my blog, ;D People can do whatever the hell they want to here as long as it don;t involve children or animals. :laugh:
Ok...sorry Sir :(
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Did I used enough emoticons? Do you think I'm pretty? :-X :laugh:
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Did I used enough emoticons? Do you think I'm pretty? :-X :laugh:
Yes sir :)
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Can we start calling you miss thang ?? ;D
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I am going to get crucified for this, but someone once told me never underestimate the power of a woman who has been wronged.
Well, it's an old, old, saying, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
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Well, it's an old, old, saying, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
That's all before the discoverred gay men!
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Ok Jeff, what is the significance of your new signature line?
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Oh puleze Ms. Thang don;t call me Ms. Thang.
I think Jeff has had that one for a while. Where have you two been hiding today?
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Ok Jeff, what is the significance of your new signature line?
You mean, "What if Gary finds out, hunh?"? It's not really significant, it's just one of the lines from "Brokeback Through the Looking Glass: The Malaysian Subtitles." Ennis's line, "What if Aguirre finds out, hunh?" came out as "What if Gary finds out, hunh?" in the Malaysian subtitles.
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Got it.... I havent read that...but i thougth it might have something to do with that line. What if we
have ta work for him again.? Gotta keep this up Jeff....
Ive been mostly lurking. My dinner last night kinda made my tummy turn ooky....it was good, but
I think it was too rich.. The movie was great though.
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Got it.... I havent read that...but i thougth it might have something to do with that line. What if we
have ta work for him again.? Gotta keep this up Jeff....
That's it. :D Some of those Malaysian subtitles are the funniest things I've ever read. I expect I'll be using a few more of them as signatures in the months to come.
Ive been mostly lurking. My dinner last night kinda made my tummy turn ooky....it was good, but
I think it was too rich.. The movie was great though.
Hope you feel better soon. :)
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Hi you all!
On the reservation, the First Nation collegue told me that: "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."
I had difficulties with a woman who came in... and I heard him say that to me.
But I still can not figure that out?? !! What does that phrase mean, really??
Hugs!!!
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It simply means you better not piss off a woman that did not get her way!!!
Or there will be "Hell to Pay"
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Janice, have you been eating shells again ??? You know what they did to you last time so I thought you would avoid them from now on ;)
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Got it.... I havent read that...but i thougth it might have something to do with that line. What if we
have ta work for him again.? Gotta keep this up Jeff....
Ive been mostly lurking. My dinner last night kinda made my tummy turn ooky....it was good, but
I think it was too rich.. The movie was great though.
what movie did you see?
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Yes, Janice - tell us about the movie and how your birthday went, please?
I was thinking that the "Hell hath no fury..." line was from Shakespeare, but although it's frequently attributed to Shakespeare, that is not the case. Here's the real quote from http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/List_of_misquotations :
"Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned"
The correct quotation is "Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned/ Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." by William Congreve in The Mourning Bride of 1697.
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Confusion hath no text message like a woman just woke up. :laugh:
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lmao!
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Morning y'all. No Jack, no shells, this time.
The movie was the new Brad Pitt movie. Jesse James, and the Coward Bob Ford....
It was terrific. Brad WAS Jesse. Casey Afleck was wonderful as Bob Ford also. It
has a wonderful ensemble cast. They all turned in great persormances. The cinematography
was on a par with Prieto in Brokeback mountain. Of course its a totally different vista. Its
the midwest of the 19th century. Long open areas, and small farms,, The whole thing
had a truth about it. It felt real. Of course it was a Ridley Scott movie. He does great work.
It had a certain amount of Sam Peckinpah feel to it...Like in Ang Lees, movies, you are
very much a product of your environs. I highy recommend it, if you have a strong
bladder..Its three hours, no intermissions, and I had to go once, which irritated me. ;D
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I will put it on the list to see!
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Confusion hath no text message like a woman just woke up. :laugh:
Jerk! ::) :laugh: :laugh:
Wait until I tell you about last night - Drama abounded...didn't get to bed til 3, not even your text message could get me going sooner...went to work late, which is better than not, I s'pose. ::)
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Thanks for the review, Janice - Jesse James is on my list!
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Jerk! ::) :laugh: :laugh:
Wait until I tell you about last night - Drama abounded...didn't get to bed til 3, not even your text message could get me going sooner...went to work late, which is better than not, I s'pose. ::)
Well I thought something was up (not you) when I didn't hear back from you. Did you go out recreating scenes from Latter Days?
It got as cold as an Occult practitioners mammalary gland last night, this morning I stepped outside and the air was so clean and fresh, I took several deep breaths and looked at all the leaves in the yard, I thought I had just got rid of them.....
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It got as cold as an Occult practitioners mammalary gland last night
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: I read this 3 times before I realized what you were saying! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Well I am glad you did. My mamma will be happy to know the semester I spent at the Institute for Obscure Symboilism wasn't for naught.
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Well I am glad you did. My mamma will be happy to know the semester I spent at the Institute for Obscure Symboilism wasn't for naught.
maybe if I drank coffee in the morning, it woulda helped!
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I didn;t drink coffee until I was 31, and I have been playing catch up ever since.
Before I left from home this morning I called into the office to see what the lay of the land was. The agent who answered the phone is orginally from Mexico City and has a thick accent, but her Engish is better than mine.
She said: "Can I help you?"
And I fell off the train of thought and said "Uhhhhhhhhhhh......"
And she said: "If you are having ta-rouble es-peaking I can help you with that too!"
And we both busted out laughing. :laugh:
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rotflmao! Oh that's great!
as for coffee, never started, never will. Tried it a few times, don't like the taste.
Hot chocolate does it for me.
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You know I love chocolate, but I don;t like chocolate cake. I don't like the way it tastes, and of course that is bakers chocolate which is a slightly different animal. I wonder what flavor cake Scott is getting?
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I didn;t drink coffee until I was 31, and I have been playing catch up ever since.
Before I left from home this morning I called into the office to see what the lay of the land was. The agent who answered the phone is orginally from Mexico City and has a thick accent, but her Engish is better than mine.
She said: "Can I help you?"
And I fell off the train of thought and said "Uhhhhhhhhhhh......"
And she said: "If you are having ta-rouble es-peaking I can help you with that too!"
And we both busted out laughing. :laugh:
Truman...I so need to spend a year of my life living with you...I have a feeling I would learn a lot.
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You know I love chocolate, but I don;t like chocolate cake. I don't like the way it tastes, and of course that is bakers chocolate which is a slightly different animal. I wonder what flavor cake Scott is getting?
I'm not a cake kinda guy :(
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On the topic of "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" I found a rather funny picture that gives a representation of the concept. I will not display this picture here since it contains possibly offense material to anyone who happens to fit into the sensitive role. Here is the link, but remember you have been warned. Clicking on this link means that you are not offended :)
http://carcino.gen.nz/images/index.php/00b9a680/7ff61fbb
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And musically the concept could be represented by the song:
Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood
Right now he's probably slow dancing with a bleach blond tramp,
and she's probably getting frisky...
right now, he's probably buying her some fruity little drink cause she can't shoot whiskey...
Right now, he's probably up behind her with a pool-stick, showing her how to shoot a combo...
And he don't know...
That I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive,
carved my name into his leather seats...
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights,
slashed a hole in all 4 tires...
Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.
Right now, she's probably up singing some
white-trash version of Shania karaoke..
Right now, she's probably saying "I'm drunk"
and he's a thinking that he's gonna get lucky,
Right now, he's probably dabbing on 3 dollars worth of that bathroom polo...
And he don't know...
That I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive,
carved my name into his leather seats,
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights,
slashed a hole in all 4 tires...
Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.
I might've saved a little trouble for the next girl,
Cause the next time that he cheats...
Oh, you know it won't be on me!
No...not on me
'Cause I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive,
carved my name into his leather seats...
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights,
slashed a hole in all 4 tires...
Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.
Oh.. Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats...
Ohh... before he cheats...
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I LOVE that song. I have been in situations where I have been confronted with that temptation. My fantasy was to put karo syrup in the gas tank so they would be a hunnered miles away and stuck someplace.
I am evil. >:(
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I LOVE that song. I have been in situations where I have been confronted with that temptation. My fantasy was to put karo syrup in the gas tank so they would be a hunnered miles away and stuck someplace.
I am evil. >:(
You're as evil as a kitten
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I'm not a cake kinda guy :(
How about an Apricot Cheese cake?
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Truman...I so need to spend a year of my life living with you...I have a feeling I would learn a lot.
Well, what'cha waitin' for cowboy? A matin' call?
Hey, that is two days in a row I have been able to use that quote. :D
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How about an Apricot Cheese cake?
I could do that
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Well, what'cha waitin' for cowboy? A matin' call?
Hey, that is two days in a row I have been able to use that quote. :D
Just to see the actual body that houses that tanegntial mind, and what effect it has when that mind is whirring away.
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I LOVE that song. I have been in situations where I have been confronted with that temptation. My fantasy was to put karo syrup in the gas tank so they would be a hunnered miles away and stuck someplace.
I am evil. >:(
You are evil Truman ;D But, hey, I like your idea. They sure wouldn't be moving anywhere with the karo syrup. I remember somebody telling me one time about putting a ping pong ball or some kind of ball in someone's gas tank. Apparently, when the person steps on the gas the ball gets sucked down cutting off the gas. Then when the person lets up on the gas pedal the ball goes back up and then of course they step on it again and the ball goes back down. That was an evil friend in high school that told me about that and it would not be a very nice thing to do.
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Oh....I like chocolate cake...or red velvet cake.
but my fave desert is key lime pie.
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Just to see the actual body that houses that tanegntial mind, and what effect it has when that mind is whirring away.
Well I can send you a picture.
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Oh....I like chocolate cake...or red velvet cake.
but my fave desert is key lime pie.
Red Velvet cake is wonderful, I could eat one right now.
Hey Scott, I going for lunch, wanna tuna wrap?
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Morning dahlink...what will we do to bug our friend today... Because its his birfday ........>>?
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/3-1.gif)
is this what you had in mind........?
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Red Velvet cake is wonderful, I could eat one right now.
Hey Scott, I going for lunch, wanna tuna wrap?
Prefer something with a little more substance, but...well that's another story.
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Morning dahlink...what will we do to bug our friend today... Because its his birfday ........>>?
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/3-1.gif)
is this what you had in mind........?
Well, lets see, we can contact AARP and remind them it is only 4 more years until they can start to send him stuff.
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Well, lets see, we can contact AARP and remind them it is only 4 more years until they can start to send him stuff.
or, you could just leave a crazy ass mess in his birthday thread like I did.
:laugh:
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Well, lets see, we can contact AARP and remind them it is only 4 more years until they can start to send him stuff.
Truman...oh Truman...we will meet one day you know this right? LOL
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Daggone right, and you're buying, you'll have the discount. :-X
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Daggone right, and you're buying, you'll have the discount. :-X
ya know....tru, according to your profile, you're only 1 year behind Scott. Ya may want to be careful here.
*38 year old Chuck sits back and smiles.....* ;D
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Daggone right, and you're buying, you'll have the discount. :-X
Heh heh. I got you all beat. I'll qualify for that discount in only about six short months. :laugh:
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Heh heh. I got you all beat. I'll qualify for that discount in only about six short months. :laugh:
You don't look a day over 48.9999999 :)
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You don't look a day over 48.9999999 :)
Thanks. :)
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Yes, junior, I am currently two years behind Scott, and I look forward to catching up with him.
What really bothers me about aging is that my physical appearance is changing, my face is getting fat, the rest of me is getting fat, my hair is turning grey, which is not so bad, but askide from that I welcome each birthday. I am glad to be here.
Jeff, when about is the milestone?
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Yes, junior, I am currently two years behind Scott, and I look forward to catching up with him.
Actually, the good news is that you never will catch up to him. He'll always be older than you. :laugh:
What really bothers me about aging is that my physical appearance is changing, my face is getting fat, the rest of me is getting fat, my hair is turning grey,
No kiddin'. Tell me about it. :-\
which is not so bad, but askide from that I welcome each birthday. I am glad to be here.
That's the spirit! :)
Jeff, when about is the milestone?
I'm keeping that to myself because I don't want to deal with no more Happy Birthday threads here. They just serve to remind me that nobody around here remembers it. (Hell, one year even my own father forgot it. Considering that he had something to do with me being here, you'd think he'd remember it, wouldn't you? :laugh: ) I expect when the Day gets here, I will observe it quietly with a nice steak dinner, and that's it. I'm afraid each passing birthday, like each passing New Year's Eve/Day, serves only to remind me that I have failed to find someone else since my Little Bear Cub was taken from all who loved him eight years ago, so I prefer to keep these observances low-key.
Sorry to end on such a down note. :-\
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Well it is well said. I send you a warm hug.
And a smile ;)
Glad you are here.
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Well it is well said. I send you a warm hug.
And a smile ;)
Glad you are here.
Thanks, bud. Back atcha.
(((Tru))) :)
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honey, we would never overlook your special day. Yoou would have lots of well wishers here...I myself
would be more than happy to start it...Just tell me some little word,,,pm, card, or smoke signal...I'll
spread the word darlin..... :-* :-*
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I would even call you on the phone and sing the traditional natal anniversary observance song of our people.
You know that is a real long sentance.
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And I'll bring you a nice big bottle of Scotch to go with that steak ;)
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honey, we would never overlook your special day. Yoou would have lots of well wishers here...I myself
would be more than happu to start it...Just tell me some little word,,,pm, card, or smoke signal...I'll
spread the word darlin..... :-* :-*
Well, I know you all wouldn't, and I appreciate that, and I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but there's something just not right when my cyber buddies remember my birthday and the buddies I rub elbows with at the bar every Saturday night don't remember it. :-\
And it's not because they've never been told the date of my birthday. :-\
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Oh, oh, oh, the spirit of road trip is strong on this tread! ;)
Got a grill Jack, maybe we can cook him a steak ourselves ???
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Yes, now there's an idea Truman!!! I will even buy a grill for the occasion since we definitely need to cook him the steak :)
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Chuck>>>>(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hug.gif)<<<Jeff
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Is that what you and Jeff are going to do while Truman and me cook the steak and make the drinks Chuck ;D
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Is that what you and Jeff are going to do while Truman and me cook the steak and make the drinks Chuck ;D
Actually, Jeff and I will do this........
(http://www.devotedfansnetwork.com/forums/images/smilies/dancing.gif)
after all, he taught me the Virginia Reel in Colorado! ;D :-*
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Reminds me of a song (what don;t)
"...I met a German girl in England who was going to school in France, and we danced the Mississippi at an Alpha Kappa dance...."
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Reminds me of a song (what don;t)
"...I met a German girl in England who was going to school in France, and we danced the Mississippi at an Alpha Kappa dance...."
such a musical man!
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That looks fun Chuck. I'm sure Jeff will enjoy that. Did you two do that in Colorado? Somehow I missed that :)
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That looks fun Chuck. I'm sure Jeff will enjoy that. Did you two do that in Colorado? Somehow I missed that :)
we did it at the hoedown.
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I missed the hoedown :( I was in the slow moving caravan from the road trip and Jeff was in the fast moving SUV that went on to the hoedown :'( And you know I have never even heard too much about what all went on at the hoedown. If you two were doing that, then I know it must have been fun.
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Hey, nobody needs to wait till my birthday to start grillin' steaks and pourin' drinks. ;D
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I'll put my Tuesday night/Wednesday morning drama over in my blog so as not to clutter Truman's...wouldn't want to detract from all the flirting! ::)
Jeff - I hear you about birthdays and holidays in general. I'm sorry for your pain. You're a solid friend and I'm proud to know you. I hope it helps a little bit. In all the talk of the virtual life versus the real life, I've had a few thoughts. First, I decided that if I've met a person at least twice and connected with them, I can call them a friend without prefacing it with 'internet'. My own arbitrary guideline, but I get tired of explaining 'internet friends' like they're somehow 'less' than other friends.. There are people here who completely get me (and accept me!) and I'm not Ms Popularity, but the numbers are in double digits - and I feel the same connection back with them. That is such a rare thing in real life - I count my true 'real life' friends on one hand and don't even need to use all my fingers.
I'm not a very good friend when it comes to keeping track of important dates and milestones - it's something I should work on...remembering dates in time to make them special and so forth. I don't fully understand why this online world feels so much more comfortable. I would say that it's because there's a degree of anonymity and honesty that comes with that - BUT the comfort doesn't stop when we turn off the computers and get together, so I'm just so thankful I was lucky enough to meet up with this perhaps unlikely crew of kindred spirits.
p.s. If you'd PM me your address, I might manage a postcard from SF! 8)
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Hey, nobody needs to wait till my birthday to start grillin' steaks and pourin' drinks. ;D
That's true Jeff. We may as well just start now :)
And something about what Lynne says, I do know what you mean about internet friends, but I definitely consider you both a real friend as well as someone I talk through on the internet and through email. We didn't spend all that time talking in Denver in person to just be internet friends. Remember you and I were both there when we practically talked all night long and you were definitely in the shuttle on the way to the airport when we talked more, if not then I have already gone way past crazy. I do see where Lynne is coming from since I do think internet friends are real friends. There is a difference there, but I agree with her that sometimes it seems easier to talk freely with people here. Truly, the majority of my friends are here. Most of my time here is spent with work and school so my friends are very, very limited. And definitely when you think about things like the BBQ, the road trip, and get togethers those were real people there. Again, it starts feeling scary if I think I was up in Estes Park and remote sections of Wyoming completely by myself. If everyone would have disappeared and said well we were just internet friends and now it is time for us to go, I would have freaked on. That sounds like a good idea for a scary movie.
So now it is time to start the steaks and the drinks ;D
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Yes, Estes Park was good times, Jack...maybe the internet is the vehicle to maintain the friendships whilst we go about our separate and difficult lives. Which reminds me - don't think I have a snail mail address for you neither - General Delivery don't work like it used to! :D
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General Delivery don't work like it used to! :D
;D Must be those durn newfangled zip codes. ...
Hey, thanks, Lynne and Jack.
I hope nobody took offense at my making a distinction between my "internet" friends and the folks I see around here at home all the time. Friends are friends. Period.
I suppose where I was really coming from in making that distinction is that generally I have made an effort to remember the birthdays of the people I felt I was closest to (writing the dates on my calendar, for example), and yet even they don't seem to bother making an effort to remember mine. I've actually stopped bothering with some of them. Then I berate myself for lack of charity. Birthday cards aren't supposed to be a quid pro quo.
But it's not really painful anymore. I laugh about the time my dad forgot my birthday. I'm pretty self-sufficient and pretty good company for myself, if I do say so myself. :)
-
Actually, Jeff and I will do this........
(http://www.devotedfansnetwork.com/forums/images/smilies/dancing.gif)
after all, he taught me the Virginia Reel in Colorado! ;D :-*
Careful, Chuck, I might "dip" you. ... ;D
-
;D Must be those durn newfangled zip codes. ...
Hey, thanks, Lynne and Jack.
I hope nobody took offense at my making a distinction between my "internet" friends and the folks I see around here at home all the time. Friends are friends. Period.
I suppose where I was really coming from in making that distinction is that generally I have made an effort to remember the birthdays of the people I felt I was closest to (writing the dates on my calendar, for example), and yet even they don't seem to bother making an effort to remember mine. I've actually stopped bothering with some of them. Then I berate myself for lack of charity. Birthday cards aren't supposed to be a quid pro quo.
But it's not really painful anymore. I laugh about the time my dad forgot my birthday. I'm pretty self-sufficient and pretty good company for myself, if I do say so myself. :)
Definitely no offense taken here Jeff. I completely understand what you are saying. I have a way of sometimes making a distinction too when in reality there is none to be made. Honestly, like I say and like Lynne said, 99% of my friends are here and then if I sprinkle in the few that are over at DC that aren't here I am approaching 99.9%. You're not alone about the birthday cards deal either. I too write things down like that, but have had the same experience as you. That is one reason why I really like the holiday cards idea besides the fact that it is just a good idea.
It sounds like we both share the loner idea since I also end up providing good company for myself. I learned how to do that a long time ago :) But when it all boils down to everything everybody needs friends. When everything is said and done those are the people who will always stand beside you.
-
Careful, Chuck, I might "dip" you. ... ;D
Yeah, I gotta let ya lead next time!
Jeff (the poor man) let me lead, and I had never danced the dance before. :laugh:
When they first tried to show it to us, I was haflway down the row, and left poor Jeff, standing there by himself!
the singer for the band addressed me at that point, and it went like this......
Singer: Well, ya done left your partner all the way up here.
Me: Well, ya picked the wrong person to be in the lead couple.
Singer: I can see that!
:laugh:
-
Poor Jeff.....standing there all by himself
-
Poor Jeff.....standing there all by himself
Oh, I caught up to him. ;D
Besides, in a square-dance type thing with a mixed group of gays and straights, it can be difficult to tell who's supposed to be the boy and who's supposed to be the girl. :laugh:
-
:) That will always be one of my favorite memories of the BBQ. You two dancing together..
just as sweet as apple pie........ :)
-
:) That will always be one of my favorite memories of the BBQ. You two dancing together..
just as sweet as apple pie........ :)
Dang I should have been there!
-
And here I missed the dance and the hoedown :'( Janice was in the fast car too and I was in parts unknown of Wyoming. In fact she was in the same car as Jeff ;)
-
Jeff - I hear you about birthdays and holidays in general. I'm sorry for your pain. You're a solid friend and I'm proud to know you. I hope it helps a little bit. In all the talk of the virtual life versus the real life, I've had a few thoughts. First, I decided that if I've met a person at least twice and connected with them, I can call them a friend without prefacing it with 'internet'. My own arbitrary guideline, but I get tired of explaining 'internet friends' like they're somehow 'less' than other friends.. There are people here who completely get me (and accept me!) and I'm not Ms Popularity, but the numbers are in double digits - and I feel the same connection back with them. That is such a rare thing in real life - I count my true 'real life' friends on one hand and don't even need to use all my fingers.
I'm not a very good friend when it comes to keeping track of important dates and milestones - it's something I should work on...remembering dates in time to make them special and so forth. I don't fully understand why this online world feels so much more comfortable. I would say that it's because there's a degree of anonymity and honesty that comes with that - BUT the comfort doesn't stop when we turn off the computers and get together, so I'm just so thankful I was lucky enough to meet up with this perhaps unlikely crew of kindred spirits.
Lynne, that's about the best I've heard it said. I'm taking "internet" off when I speak of my online friends from now on. Friends are friends, and I'm glad to count you among them! :-*
-
Yes, Estes Park was good times, Jack...maybe the internet is the vehicle to maintain the friendships whilst we go about our separate and difficult lives. Which reminds me - don't think I have a snail mail address for you neither - General Delivery don't work like it used to! :D
actually it does!! Truman sent me some postcards from Calgary...they were a little late but they made it!
;)
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Yes, Estes Park was good times, Jack...maybe the internet is the vehicle to maintain the friendships whilst we go about our separate and difficult lives.
true! it's soooo great to sign on each day, and talk with the people I have been so fortunate to meet, and chat with the ones I hope to meet soon!
;D
-
actually it does!! Truman sent me some postcards from Calgary...they were a little late but they made it!
;)
Law, sending them things off was like an act of faith. Maybe they'll make it, maybe they won;t I thought, but I am glad they did.
-
So on a fall day before thanksgiving (in the US) what do you do to amuse yourself: Road trip.
We decided to take Highway 420 to Roanoke, and that road always leads to confusion. We're gonna leave at 11:30 in the morning. So, at 1:15 in the afternoon we are finaly on our way. We get to the county line and oh we gotta go back, someone forgot their ATM card and all their other plastic. So back to the house we go, get the stuff and lets try this again.
We are going to meet his son and the son's girlfriend for dinner at an Indian Resturant. What time I ask....6 pm. Okay, so what are we going to do in the mean while? Well, go to Fresh Market of course. Fresh Market is a whole foods, organically grown produce place that features free coffee in dixie cups that was calling my name out on the interstate. I downed three cups in rapid suscession and helped paruse for munchies snacks for the trip to the star. They had all kinds of weird stuff like freeze dried cantalope....
-
The fresh market was also where I found the picture of the day, the Buddah's hands, which was the strangest of all the strange fruit in the place. We ended up buying raisins and wasabi covered peanut, which are the absolute bomb! I shy away from peanuts, so I just ate the wasabi off of them. Talk about addictive!
So with out supplies on the dumbass mule we began our assent to the star, the Mill Mountain Star (http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/VAROAstar.html) the worlds largest man made star on the only mountain located inside the corporate limits of a city (talk about obscure symbolism). The road is a newer one that winds around the back of the mountain, not the insane switch back road my sister coasted down in a 1965 Pylmouth Valient that was out of gas and that the Blessed Frump-Frump was made to climb back in 1970. A truly horrible tale that makes me cry even now. (http://rtonline1.roanoke.com/history/frumpfrump.html)
There should always be mountains. Some place where one can be suspended above everyday affrais, look down upon them infact. My Granny was like that, I remember hearing as a child how in 1936 when they first got a car she wanted nothing else but to go up on the mountain, to gaze out at the world below from Lovers Leap. It is sacred space, and on that day its paths were littered with leaves, my boots crunching and kicking them with abandon. The path lead to the over look, and with the star like some grand corona behind us we gazed out at the Roanoke valley splayed before us. The river bisecting the interstate, the old neighborhoods, the high rises downtown, the open spaces, the rail yards, the airport, the malls, beyond them more mountains, Tinker, Poor, McAfee's Knob. Normal affaris, a quarter of a million lives, each complex and constantly changing. Each like a bubble in the boiling caulderon of life. Here one can step back and take a look at it. Marbel at it, like watching a story on a hugh TV.
I paid my tribute to the star, the incredible monstrosity the post war generation planted there, this land make that has stood guard over my comings and goings all my life. A few years ago it was dark for about 6 months for repair work and Mill Mountain looked so strange in its natural state. It is a part of things, it has always been as far as my mind was concerned.
The afternoon lead to reunion, acquition of bottles of Mead, a game of pool where I got to sink the winning 8 ball for the first time ever (yes, I called it) an opportunity to purchase a Dulcimer (Not this week) and a delicious meal of Lamb Saag and other unpronouncible treats.
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true! it's soooo great to sign on each day, and talk with the people I have been so fortunate to meet, and chat with the ones I hope to meet soon!
;D
I sure do agree with that Chuck!!!
-
Cool pics, big bro! Thanks for posting them!
I sure do agree with that Chuck!!!
;)
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And Jack, how you been? How are things at Biltmore?
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Lynne, that's about the best I've heard it said. I'm taking "internet" off when I speak of my online friends from now on. Friends are friends, and I'm glad to count you among them! :-*
Thank you, Meryl. That means the world to me. Henceforth, no preface needed. Glory came to the condo I'm sharing this weekend, and I introduced her to Darla and Darral (housemates). After 'nice to meet you' was 'Do you work together?' I said 'No, we met through Brokeback.' Puzzled looks abounded, but so what?!
-
Truman - thanks for sharing about your day and the star...It's always 'just like being there' for me! :-*
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Oh Tru!
You know what I'm doin now?
Your pics make me so homesick!
I remeber going up the mountain when I was little and seeing the Star always!
I would get so excited at night cause I would get to see the star all lited up!!
I remeber every summer goingup for Nannies church picnic.
We always went the back way through Floyd. Preacher Sawyer never liked the Interstate.
I used toget scared drivin that rickity ole church bus through the mountains.
But when we got there and went to the zoo and saw the star I was ok. I usually slept on Nannies lap allthe wayhome! ;D
-
I usually slept on Nannies lap allthe wayhome! ;D
I can just see you. Bet you were a cute little bug. ;D
-
I can just see you. Bet you were a cute little bug. ;D
I don't know.
I know the rest of the bus was happy cause I was finally quiet!! :laugh:
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I know the rest of the bus was happy cause I was finally quiet!! :laugh:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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I know the rest of the bus was happy cause I was finally quiet!! :laugh:
You....quiet.....don't see that.........
*runs from Rich*
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You....quiet.....don't see that.........
*runs from Rich*
Hello pot? This is the kettle and Im calling to tell you that you are BLACK!!! ::)
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Hello pot? This is the kettle and Im calling to tell you that you are BLACK!!! ::)
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I never claimed to be quiet....unlike some others here...... ::)
*runs from Rich, again*
-
Jeff, I never had little brothers growing up, but I imgine this is what it would be like, and I would probably always ave to be yelling at them to stay out of my porn stash. :laugh:
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Jeff, I never had little brothers growing up, but I imgine this is what it would be like, and I would probably always ave to be yelling at them to stay out of my porn stash. :laugh:
as someone who had two younger brothers, I can tell you that you assume correctly. :laugh:
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I never claimed to be quiet....unlike some others here...... ::)
*runs from Rich, again*
Oh Puleeeze!
I never claimed to be either. In fact I said It was only when I had fallen asleep that it got quiet.
Course if you could read anything other than Dick and Jane books you would have picked up on that point.
Course, you never got past " Look Look see Dick Run"!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Look Look see Dick Run"!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
your dick runs? can't the doc help you with that?
-
your dick runs? can't the doc help you with that?
yes it does! And I sure as hell don't need to see a Dr for it! ;D
-
Rich, you a mess!
-
Rich, you a mess!
Yes and you love me anyway!! ;D
HAHAHA :laugh: :laugh:
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Yes and you love me anyway!! ;D
HAHAHA :laugh: :laugh:
You know it! I love both my older brothers! ;D ;)
-
I love my little brothers, and my sisters! ;D
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You know it! I love both my older brothers! ;D ;)
Had to get that "Older" in there didn't ya! :laugh:
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yes it does! And I sure as hell don't need to see a Dr for it! ;D
:o :o :o :o
You guys are crazy !! ;D 8)
I've learned sooooo much in the past year ! ;D
-
:o :o :o :o
I've learned sooooo much in the past year ! ;D
Me too!! ;D
-
Me too!! ;D
I was such an innocent !! ::)
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I was such an innocent !! ::)
Me too!
Well, I was damn it! >:( :laugh: :laugh:
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Ya'll were both pure as the driven slush when I met ya and it has been down hill ever since! :D
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Another "Travels with Truman" day, it makes my day inside in the rain, a fall afternoon to remember.. ;)
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Ya'll were both pure as the driven slush when I met ya and it has been down hill ever since! :D
See what happens??? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Ya'll were both pure as the driven slush when I met ya and it has been down hill ever since! :D
*bats eyelashes* 8)
I didn't drink.. I didn't swear..... I didn't rat my hair !!!!!!
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*bats eyelashes* 8)
I didn't drink.. I didn't swear..... I didn't rat my hair !!!!!!
I get ill from one cigarette
Keep your filthy paws off my silky drawers.
Would you pull that crap with Annette?
As for you, Troy Donahue, I know what you wanna do
You got your crust, I'm no object of lust,
I'm just plain Sandra Dee
Elvis, Elvis, let me be, keep that pelvis far from me
Just keep your cool, now you're starting to drool
Hey, fungu, I'm Sandra Dee
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Had to get that "Older" in there didn't ya! :laugh:
What do you think everyone's mind would go to if I called y'all my "bigger" brothers? ::)
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What do you think everyone's mind would go to if I called y'all my "bigger" brothers? ::)
Depending on what you were refering too, I would be pretty happy meself. ;)
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Those of you interested, I was in contact with our young friend Phonix last night (Rebelwithorwithoutatwistedsmile) and he is doing well. Has a good GPA, his senior year proceeding mostly smoothly, staying busy.
It is the short week here in the US, and I am thankful for all of you here. And for James Dean's three movies.
(And Milli's talent!)
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Jeff, I never had little brothers growing up, but I imgine this is what it would be like, and I would probably always ave to be yelling at them to stay out of my porn stash. :laugh:
Sometimes it seems good to be an only child. :laugh:
-
Rich, you a mess!
Yes and you love me anyway!! ;D
HAHAHA :laugh: :laugh:
God love you both. Bless your hearts. ;D
-
:o :o :o :o
You guys are crazy !! ;D 8)
I've learned sooooo much in the past year ! ;D
Most of which you could probably have happily gone through the rest of your life without knowing. ... ;D
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Had to get that "Older" in there didn't ya! :laugh:
*dances around Rich and Tru, and sings in a teasing way*
I am the youngest...I am the youngest.....neener neener neeeeeneeeerrrrrrrrr
:P
:P
:P
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*dances around Rich and Tru, and sings in a teasing way*
I am the youngest...I am the youngest.....neener neener neeeeeneeeerrrrrrrrr
:P
:P
:P
Truman, can't you control these wild Indians? God love 'em. ;D :-*
-
Most of which you could probably have happily gone through the rest of your life without knowing. ... ;D
Nah..................... It's been a blast ! ;)
-
Truman and Rich stand back and sing: Chuck is the shortest, chuck is the shortest! (in a teasing way) :-*
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Truman and Rich stand back and sing: Chuck is the shortest, chuck is the shortest! (in a teasing way) :-*
:o :o :o :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
*runs over, tickles Truman*
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Truman and Rich stand back and sing: Chuck is the shortest, chuck is the shortest! (in a teasing way) :-*
Lord have mercy, this place is like First Grade recess. ;D
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Lord have mercy, this place is like First Grade recess. ;D
ain't it though, Jeff?
I got only one thing to say about Truman.............
(http://www.alwaysalittlebehindcraft.homestead.com/STSGNS-Bless_This_Mess.jpg)
-
Chuck, do you have a video camera? ???
-
Chuck, do you have a video camera? ???
Uh oh. ... ;D Video. ...
-
Chuck, do you have a video camera? ???
No, I don't. why?
-
I think we need to start making videos of ourselves and posting them on youtube. Scott gave me the idea.
-
I think we need to start making videos of ourselves and posting them on youtube. Scott gave me the idea.
You wanna qualify that?
-
Scott gave me the idea that we could document our mutual admiration and respect for one another as human beings and demonstrate that to the world via youtube.
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Scott gave me the idea that we could document our mutual admiration and respect for one another as human beings and demonstrate that to the world via youtube.
Don't forget the Rating Board. :)
-
Nothing past NC17!
-
Oh, good. You clarified that!
when you said "rating board", you meant that people could rate us. lmao!
-
Naw, I have seen them sites and I am like WTF? It is like "I invite you to bully me...."
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Naw, I have seen them sites and I am like WTF? It is like "I invite you to bully me...."
When the site GayPride.com was around, we had a section that was set up as a joke, called "Hot or Not, Rate Me" and people could post their pics, and give everyone a list of options to pick from. Some people gave only two options, "hot" or "not".
I made a list of 1 to 10. lmao! If I remember right, my average rating was between 6 and 7. lmao.
I remember I had number 1 listed as "Oh God! Please say you're straight!" and number 10 was listed as "God's gift to gay men!"
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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I hear a country song in my haid: "we only want the pretty bois..." :laugh:
I dunno, passin jusdement seems to have become the national pastime.
Batter Up!
-
I dunno, passin jusdement seems to have become the national pastime.
we're human, it's what we do best. ;)
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I hear a country song in my haid: "we only want the pretty bois..." :laugh:
I'm glad I'm not a pretty boy. The aliens gone take them first!
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I'm glad I'm not a pretty boy. The aliens gone take them first!
That sounds like a twilight zone episode.
Wow, what if everyone in the world were just plain. 8)
-
Okay, maybe someone out yonder can help me with this:
I want to get an inexpensive video camera, like under $200, and was wondering if anyone has any recomendations. I saw one at the maul for a hundred, and I would need to buy an additional card for it, it was very small and I wondered if it would be greater than cell phone quality. No one available to ask so I am still looking.
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That sounds like a twilight zone episode.
Wow, what if everyone in the world were just plain. 8)
Didn't Lincoln say something about God must love plain, or ordinary, or ugly people because he made so many of them?
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Didn't Lincoln say something about God must love plain, or ordinary, or ugly people because he made so many of them?
lmao!
-
Dear Truman,
When first we met (at our respective, though dubious appointments to our current Moderator positions), little did I know that fate would have played one of its most welcome tricks. There is only one other out here that so naturally holds the key to my heart and soul. You are so dear to me, that I can't imagine a world without Tru in it; nor my life. You have always been there for me, and I promise you now, I will return this favor in kind. In this world, where there is so much unhappiness, and sadness, it makes my burden less knowing that you are in the world with me.
LAR
Scott
-
:'(
-
Folks, some of you will remember back in the spring mu friends in Hawai'i lost their newborn daughter to Peirsons Syndrome.
I just learned the eldest child in the family suffered a major fall at college and is on life support. I am so GD tore up about this I am going to go home and cry.
Please keep Weston Church in your thoughts and prayers
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-11-20-0160.html
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Folks, some of you will remember back in the spring mu friends in Hawai'i lost their newborn daughter to Peirsons Syndrome.
I just learned the eldest child in the family suffered a major fall at college and is on life support. I am so GD tore up about this I am going to go home and cry.
Please keep Weston Church in your thoughts and prayers
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-11-20-0160.html
Oh baby...I'm so sorry. You know where I am if you need to talk.
-
Folks, some of you will remember back in the spring mu friends in Hawai'i lost their newborn daughter to Peirsons Syndrome.
I just learned the eldest child in the family suffered a major fall at college and is on life support. I am so GD tore up about this I am going to go home and cry.
Please keep Weston Church in your thoughts and prayers
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-11-20-0160.html
Oh Tru!
I am so sorry!
Man thats tough how much pain can one family endure!
He is a handsome young man!
You was well as they will be in my thoughts and prayers!
-
Folks, some of you will remember back in the spring mu friends in Hawai'i lost their newborn daughter to Peirsons Syndrome.
I just learned the eldest child in the family suffered a major fall at college and is on life support. I am so GD tore up about this I am going to go home and cry.
Please keep Weston Church in your thoughts and prayers
Oh, that's awful! I'm so sorry, Tru. :(
-
My thoughts are with you and Weston.
-
{{{{Truman}}}}
I am so sorry...
-
Hi...you guys don't know me,I'm fairly new here...but i just came across this thread....I'm really sorry to hear this and will say a prayer for him and his family!
AG
-
Oh damn.
Truman, I'm sooooo sorry to hear this. If you need to talk, call me, please.
thoughts and prayers to Weston and his family.
and you too, Tru.
-
Truman, I am thinking of you, too, and will have Weston in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie
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Folks, some of you will remember back in the spring mu friends in Hawai'i lost their newborn daughter to Peirsons Syndrome.
I just learned the eldest child in the family suffered a major fall at college and is on life support. I am so GD tore up about this I am going to go home and cry.
Please keep Weston Church in your thoughts and prayers
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-11-20-0160.html
Oh Tru, thats terrible - good wishes coming from across the water....
-
Lord, Truman, that family has had so much more than its share of grief! I'll keep them and you in my thoughts. :'(
-
Well, I spoke with Weston's father from the Kona airport, read him the article as he had not seen it. He said Weston was off life support, had moved his legs and squeezed his cousin's hand in responce to a question. Sensors had been placed inside his skull to monitor pressure and the pressure was normal. So those things are very encouraging.
He also said the doctors had to operate on his lung to remove one of his teeth. He has several broken bones including ribs and an elbow and facial bones. At least one eye socket will have to be rebuilt.
I am going to try and go to Richmond on Saturday to see them.
-
The cuddle factor is real low however.
-
Hoping for the best for you and your friends.
Here is today's dailyword...
Daily Word — Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Child of God
Child of God, I envision you as you are: blessed by the light and love of God.
Children playing in the sunshine take pleasure in the goodness of the day. Like flowers that raise their faces to the sun and delight in the nourishment of its rays, they embrace all that God is, just by being who they are. They express light, love, life, and peace, the very qualities that nourish them in body, mind, and spirit.
Today we reach out to the children of the world with thoughts of love and faith. As we enfold them in prayer, we bless them and see them cared for in kind and gentle ways. We celebrate their growth and development as we envision them attaining their full potential as beloved children of God.
Our prayers enfold every child on the planet in thoughts of wisdom, love, peace, security, and well-being.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.”—Luke 18:16
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Hey bud,
Just catching up here and I'm so sorry to hear about Weston's accident. Like Meryl said, that family has had their share of trouble. That latest medical report does sound promising. As always keeping you and yours in my heart.
-Lynne
-
The cuddle factor is real low however.
Okay. I'll bite. ???
-
Okay. I'll bite. ???
Not too hard, I hope!
-
So, I had this song on my mind this morning and went and found the video, which disturbed me a little. You'll see why.
Anyway, if you are at work you might want to turn the speakers up, take your shoes off, and shake your groove thing.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj25gRwsZmE[/youtube]
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Well hells bells!
I caint see a dern thing.
What is it? I'll be ruminatin on it all day till I get home and can see it ifn ya don't tell me.
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I dunno, it is playing for me. Maybe they are blocking youtube at work now?
Anyway, it is "Baby you and me ain't nothing but mamals, so lets do it like they do on the Discovery Chanel."
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I dunno, it is playing for me. Maybe they are blocking youtube at work now?
Anyway, it is "Baby you and me ain't nothing but mamals, so lets do it like they do on the Discovery Chanel."
HAHAHAHHAHAHAAHAHAHA!! Thats funny! :laugh:
Yeah, they have You Tube blocked at my work.
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Well, it's just about time for me to go grab a sammich so I can get to the station in plenty of time to catch the train up to my dad's place.
You bunch of wild Indians all have a real good Thanksgiving. I'll miss you guys.
Be back Sunday.
(((Tru))) (((Rich)))
Chuckie around here somewheres?
(((Chuckie)))
I don't think Scott likes to be hugged, but here's one anyway. (((Scott)))
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Well, it's just about time for me to go grab a sammich so I can get to the station in plenty of time to catch the train up to my dad's place.
You bunch of wild Indians all have a real good Thanksgiving. I'll miss you guys.
Be back Sunday.
(((Tru))) (((Rich)))
Chuckie around here somewheres?
(((Chuckie)))
I don't think Scott likes to be hugged, but here's one anyway. (((Scott)))
I love to be hugged...just keep your hands above the waist...LOL
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Well, it's just about time for me to go grab a sammich so I can get to the station in plenty of time to catch the train up to my dad's place.
You bunch of wild Indians all have a real good Thanksgiving. I'll miss you guys.
Be back Sunday.
(((Tru))) (((Rich)))
Chuckie around here somewheres?
(((Chuckie)))
I don't think Scott likes to be hugged, but here's one anyway. (((Scott)))
Love you my friend, you have a safe trip and a good time. Will be thinking about you.
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Well, it's just about time for me to go grab a sammich so I can get to the station in plenty of time to catch the train up to my dad's place.
You bunch of wild Indians all have a real good Thanksgiving. I'll miss you guys.
Be back Sunday.
(((Tru))) (((Rich)))
Chuckie around here somewheres?
(((Chuckie)))
I don't think Scott likes to be hugged, but here's one anyway. (((Scott)))
Have a safe journey and hurry home to us <wink>
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING TRUMAN!!!
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Well, it's just about time for me to go grab a sammich so I can get to the station in plenty of time to catch the train up to my dad's place.
You bunch of wild Indians all have a real good Thanksgiving. I'll miss you guys.
Be back Sunday.
(((Tru))) (((Rich)))
Chuckie around here somewheres?
(((Chuckie)))
I don't think Scott likes to be hugged, but here's one anyway. (((Scott)))
have a safe trip and a great Thanksgiving!
I'm gonna miss you Cowboy!
Talk to you Sunday!
\0/ \0/ \0/ Hugs & :-* :-* :-*
Richard
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Anyway, it is "Baby you and me ain't nothing but mamals, so lets do it like they do on the Discovery Chanel."
I'm speechless, Truman. That was pretty disturbing. Misogynistic, homophobic, francophobic, and even anti-little-people.
Anyway, sorry I missed the hugfest. Happy TG everyone.
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Happy, Thanksgiving, Truman. And to everyone else here.
Good luck to your friends.
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I'm speechless, Truman. That was pretty disturbing. Misogynistic, homophobic, francophobic, and even anti-little-people.
Anyway, sorry I missed the hugfest. Happy TG everyone.
I know, it really ruins the song. That's why I switch to another scene and just listen to it.
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Chuckie around here somewheres?
(((Chuckie)))
awww geee!
was busy today at work, but I'm here now! THey're letting us leave early, so I'll see you all later!
have a great thanksgiving, everyone!
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awww geee!
was busy today at work, but I'm here now! THey're letting us leave early, so I'll see you all later!
have a great thanksgiving, everyone!
Man he didn't even have to time to think about tickling me.
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Dont really have anything else to add, just HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE
Have a wonderful turkey day, Truman, Scott, Richard, Jack, Chuck, Jeff, Paul, Karen, BelAir, Artiste, and any of the
regulars I may have missed. I am very thankful I get to talk to you all every day. :) .
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/186.gif)
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/186.gif)
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/186.gif)
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/186.gif)
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Man he didn't even have to time to think about tickling me.
Oh yeah I did. ;D
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So, I had this song on my mind this morning and went and found the video, which disturbed me a little. You'll see why.
Anyway, if you are at work you might want to turn the speakers up, take your shoes off, and shake your groove thing.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj25gRwsZmE[/youtube]
This was a big club hit here in NJ/NYC.......I would crack up everytime I heard it.
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OMG Artiste! Your having a show in Montreal now? Well that is closer. Is there a website?
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May each of you, no matter what country your in, be very blessed, as you have blessed me with your friendship.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! ;)
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Is that moderrn Turkey?
-
I remember early on in this journey, when it seemed like a journey, I thought that some sociology student could do their masters dissertation on the Brokeback Phenomena. I am sure it will be examined one day, and bettermost will stand as a magnificent document of people dealing with the issues the story and movie brought up for them.
And all that came after. The connection s made, connections lost. I wasn't here at the beginning but I did see a lot of it come about. It was an amazing thing. I have seen come to pass the promise of what the internet was supposed to be when it became common knowledge, a worldwide network of people speaking freely to one another. I have seen instances of it here and there, but this is a community is the most successful one I have been involved in.
I remember when I met Adrian at Davidson College, when we saw Annie Proulx speak and introduced her to the horse. He said he wanted to go to as many of these things as he could before it was overwith, and although I knew that, to hear someone speak it drove it home for me. Yes, it would end one day, and for me it ended in the parking lot of a hotel in Strathmore, Alberta last July. I came full circle, and was able to let that grief go.
It does not mean that I put Brokeback behind me, no it is a part of my life and always will be. That big empty space in my life I have filled with love for friends and for further adventures. I look forward each day to what new details of my own life will be revealed for me.
And I, the amature sociologist, see how it goes, as it does go. The gradual realization that the shared love of a story is not the basis for everything. That people can;t always be friends because they are of a certain orientation or open to acceptance. The personalities settle out among the places they feel comfortable, cliques develop and go away. I am complaning not at all. This is live, and from my vantage point this is beautiful.
And life is fragile. Who knows where any of us might be in a year. Right now though I am thankful I have been right here. Thank you again Phillip and John, and all my friends, which is all of you. It is a pleasure.
-
Is that moderrn Turkey?
Yes it is. ;D ;)
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That people can;t always be friends because they are of a certain orientation or open to acceptance
I beg to disagree. We will always be friends!! Happy Thanksgiving, Shakes. I am thankful that I got to know you finally! I hope we dance together again!!
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Tru,
As usual, that was beautiful, moving and well written!
Thanks for posting.
Love you brother!
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HAPPY TURKEY DAY, TRUMAN, and ALL MY BUDS!
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/thanksgivingcard.jpg)
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Truman,
That was indeed a moving and heartfelt post. We didn't get to know each other very in San Francisco, but I certainly remember you from the night of the dance after the rodeo. I was the one who kept asking Chuck, "Now what was his name again?" And Chuck kept saying, "Truman. Remember the president." And then half an hour later I'd think, "Monroe? Roosevelt? No..."
But I know your name now, and hopefully will see you again someday. And let's all be thankful for everything that has turned out well this year.
And Meryl, Happy Turkey Day to you, too. I'll be seeing you again in NYC, I'm sure.
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love to you, big brother! ;D
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I think I cry when I recognize something is authentic. It might be an emotion, it migh tbe the opening of a strip mall. I think when I recognize something that can only be detected with the heart, I am so happy, I cry.
I relate to this. I almost always cry at the beginning of a performance when the audience around me starts clapping with excitement and hope. I cry in crowds when there is singing. I cry when there is unexpected sweetness or acceptance in TV shows. I used to always hide these tears as hard as I could, but with MiniMeno sitting right next to me, and so tuned in to me, I can't hide it from her. So I found a name for it - "Happy tears." MiniMeno and I comfortably say to each other, "That gives me happy tears." I love her so much. She's made my secret crying okay and good.
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Awww Elle, your daughter has a very good mom. She is such a lucky girl. You are going to always
have such a lovely bond. {{{{{{hugs}}}}}} janice
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When I first got online, back in 1998, the first thing I did was look up National Public Radio because I wanted to know what Sylvia Poggioli looked like.
I love this so much, Tru, that that was the first thing you looked up. I can't believe how beautiful she is. I've been listening to her for 20 years, I bet. Thanks.
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I love NPR! It's essentially my only source of news.
I was introduced to it more than 20 years ago: every night with Susan Stamberg and Noah Adams.
Garrison Keillor every Saturday night! I've seen him in person twice: he tellls those stories without notes, it's amazing. I miss "Hello, Love", the earlier opening song. Powder Milk Biscuits makes me dance.
I fell for Terry Gross as well. I heard her speak at Harvard and even got to meet her. She's tiny and buys her clothes at GapKids. 90%+ of her interviews are done long-distance, even though she makes it sound as if she and her subject are in the same room.
Here's a fantasy: take Italian lessons with Sylvia Poggioli. Ahhh.
Oh yeah! Mwa! I want to be Terry Gross when I grow up.
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Terry is particularly good at interviewing musicians, I've noticed. I understand her husband is somehow involved in jazz, a critic perhaps.
Musicians recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, in partickeler, it seems. Country - jazz - opera - you name it, but with that running recovery theme.
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I am going to get crucified for this, but someone once told me never underestimate the power of a woman who has been wronged.
Do you mean crucified by the ladyfolk who read here, Tru? I'll agree with your statement, because never underestimate the power of a woman, period. And add the fuel of being done wrong to her power, and whoo-eee, watch out! Unless, she has learned that it's really not that satisfying to fuck up someone else's life just 'cause you're upset. Then she has to learn to let go....
Thus endeth the speaking from experience on that one.
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Well, I know you all wouldn't, and I appreciate that, and I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but there's something just not right when my cyber buddies remember my birthday and the buddies I rub elbows with at the bar every Saturday night don't remember it. :-\
And it's not because they've never been told the date of my birthday. :-\
Maybe they were just too drunk to remember. Tell us, Jeff, we'll give you a great thread! {{{Jeff}}}
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Okay, maybe someone out yonder can help me with this:
I want to get an inexpensive video camera, like under $200, and was wondering if anyone has any recomendations. I saw one at the maul for a hundred, and I would need to buy an additional card for it, it was very small and I wondered if it would be greater than cell phone quality. No one available to ask so I am still looking.
We needed to get new cell phones, so we paid $100 each (and had to switch to Sprint) for those new-fangled Palm Centros. I LOVE it. It's a phone/PDA/MP3 player/camera/web over cell phone lines, so I can come to BetterMost from anywhere with a cell phone signal (on a tiny screen). And it has a camcorder in it of pretty good quality that can take a lot of minutes of video. Pretty incredible. $100.
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I'm speechless, Truman. That was pretty disturbing. Misogynistic, homophobic, francophobic, and even anti-little-people.
I turned it off after the men started gathering around the unconscious, blow-darted woman. I didn't want to see one more milli-second of what might be next. :(
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Who are we talking about here Elle..I havent see any one here giving him a bad time. That is something
not to be tolerated.
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Remember the president." And then half an hour later I'd think, "Monroe? Roosevelt? No..."
Monroe woul be a good alternative if I were ever to start over. Maybe I could get a job in a grocery store too. ;)
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If I didn;t have a calendar, I could tell when it is a Holiday around here.
I go out in public and I see normal people. Usually I see only the miscrents that settled out here, unable to escape and move on to someplace else. Now I go to the store and I see people dressed nice, looking for things like Pine Nuts. They are the escapees, come back to visit family or in-laws here. They flash platinum visa cards at the checkout. Their children are named Keegan and Lucas. Perhaps it is good they are here en mass, so they have some company, someone to watch their backs.
I wonder what they think sometimes, diving into town past the trestle that once read "Tina sux dix" in big red letters, for way too long.
I wonder what they think in traffic, behind the Helms Septic Cleaning tanker, featuring a airbrushed Yosemite Sam warning : "Back off, this ain't milk".
I wonder what they think when they drive past the theater that has a phone number on it to call for the movie listings, because the owners are too lazy to change the marquee.
I wonder what they think when they go to the maul, 50% empty and 50% occupied by food and potpourri vendors.
I wonder will they be back for Xmess. 8)
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I relate to this. I almost always cry at the beginning of a performance when the audience around me starts clapping with excitement and hope. I cry in crowds when there is singing. I cry when there is unexpected sweetness or acceptance in TV shows. I used to always hide these tears as hard as I could, but with MiniMeno sitting right next to me, and so tuned in to me, I can't hide it from her. So I found a name for it - "Happy tears." MiniMeno and I comfortably say to each other, "That gives me happy tears." I love her so much. She's made my secret crying okay and good.
I sure do understand the feeling you express here. I know it well. Very well.
-
I remember early on in this journey, when it seemed like a journey, I thought that some sociology student could do their masters dissertation on the Brokeback Phenomena. I am sure it will be examined one day, and bettermost will stand as a magnificent document of people dealing with the issues the story and movie brought up for them.
And all that came after. The connection s made, connections lost. I wasn't here at the beginning but I did see a lot of it come about. It was an amazing thing. I have seen come to pass the promise of what the internet was supposed to be when it became common knowledge, a worldwide network of people speaking freely to one another. I have seen instances of it here and there, but this is a community is the most successful one I have been involved in.
I remember when I met Adrian at Davidson College, when we saw Annie Proulx speak and introduced her to the horse. He said he wanted to go to as many of these things as he could before it was overwith, and although I knew that, to hear someone speak it drove it home for me. Yes, it would end one day, and for me it ended in the parking lot of a hotel in Strathmore, Alberta last July. I came full circle, and was able to let that grief go.
It does not mean that I put Brokeback behind me, no it is a part of my life and always will be. That big empty space in my life I have filled with love for friends and for further adventures. I look forward each day to what new details of my own life will be revealed for me.
And I, the amature sociologist, see how it goes, as it does go. The gradual realization that the shared love of a story is not the basis for everything. That people can;t always be friends because they are of a certain orientation or open to acceptance. The personalities settle out among the places they feel comfortable, cliques develop and go away. I am complaning not at all. This is live, and from my vantage point this is beautiful.
And life is fragile. Who knows where any of us might be in a year. Right now though I am thankful I have been right here. Thank you again Phillip and John, and all my friends, which is all of you. It is a pleasure.
Truman, you sure do know how to write a post that gets right to it. Thanks for posting this. It is great. You are without a doubt a very special person!!!
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If I didn;t have a calendar, I could tell when it is a Holiday around here.
I go out in public and I see normal people. Usually I see only the miscrents that settled out here, unable to escape and move on to someplace else. Now I go to the store and I see people dressed nice, looking for things like Pine Nuts. They are the escapees, come back to visit family or in-laws here. They flash platinum visa cards at the checkout. Their children are named Keegan and Lucas. Perhaps it is good they are here en mass, so they have some company, someone to watch their backs.
I wonder what they think sometimes, diving into town past the trestle that once read "Tina sux dix" in big red letters, for way too long.
I wonder what they think in traffic, behind the Helms Septic Cleaning tanker, featuring a airbrushed Yosemite Sam warning : "Back off, this ain't milk".
I wonder what they think when they drive past the theater that has a phone number on it to call for the movie listings, because the owners are too lazy to change the marquee.
I wonder what they think when they go to the maul, 50% empty and 50% occupied by food and potpourri vendors.
I wonder will they be back for Xmess. 8)
Some of them smile and their heart aches because they miss the the home of their youth.
They see worse than someones opinion of Tina everyday in the big city (or what folks up home would call the big city).
They miss the slower pace, the sense of community (real or percieved). They miss their families. They romantasize small town life and wish they were back because most of their happiest memories come from that place. They long to go home.
It has been said you can never go back home again but thats not true. You can always go home, you can never go back. Thats the hardest thing to understand. They hope they can come home again for Christmas.
Then there are those poor souls who feel like they escaped somthing. They come back driving their Volvos or BMW's so out of place among the old farm turcks or 1982 Crown Victorias or Bonnevilles etc.
They walk around looking down their noses at the people who nurtured them and watched them grow and helped to provide a safe enviornment for them to become the pompass asses they now are.
They think they are so much better off. The thing they don't getthat everyone else does is that they are less for it.
Money can't buy class, character or good sense.
They will never get it and they will problably not be back until next Thanksgiving if they can't get out of it!
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Hi all!!
Seeing the word, may I ask if their is a calendar with gay men?
And good sense would be to also have each pics with two gay men hugging sold also to the general public as well as the gay venues??
Hugs!
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I think there are a lot of calendars like that
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Monroe woul be a good alternative if I were ever to start over. Maybe I could get a job in a grocery store too. ;)
There was a TV show with someone named Monroe too, but I can't remember the name of it.
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So yesterday we made the trek to Richmond to see Weston's family at the hospital. I had decided not to try and see Weston himself, it would accomplish nothing, I will see him when he is able to talk.
For those of you who have never experienced it, which I pretty sure is everyone, the ride from my house to Richmond is the longest three hour of your life, down Rt. 58 to South Boston, then Rt 360, forever, on the dullest road in the commonwealth. Thru towns like Jennings Ordinary, Skinquarter, Burkeville, Snore......
As we neared Richmond I noticed the car ahead of me was that of a local judge back home, I made sure to wave as I passed. I suppose he was headed to a ball game. The I noticed the stoplights were dark. Up ahead a wreck had the traffic diverted Thur this neighborhood, which slowed us even more. Down Hull Street, past the boarded up buildings and Sista Girlz Beauty supply and Hair Braiding, across the Mayo Bridge, across the James River and thru the flood walls into the capital.
Everyone needs to spend 15 minutes of their life in downtown Richmond. You will thin you are in a European seaport town if you concentrate. I was glad it was Saturday and the traffic not bad. Still, the parking was way on the back side of the moon, past the Confederate White House and Museum which is surrounded by the Medical College of Virginia. I found Weston's dad outside the McDonalds yakking on his cell phone, patiently as the dead sea bringing someone up to date on his sons condition. Inside I saw his Mom and went in to say hello.
I had not seen her in 10 years. When Westons parents divorced I tried to not take sides, but sides sometimes have a way of taking you. I hugged her mightily, this woman who now teaches at the college Annie Proulx dropped out of. There was her sister, who in college was a LUG. Their mother, a woman whose fireplace I once got sick in, I made sure to kiss her on the hand. She is a good person and didn;t deserve that.
Weston is now off the ventilator, but is still heavily sedated to keep him from causing himself further injury. He has 2 broken ribs, a broken facial bone around one eye socket and is missing a back molar (which was removed from his lung). The doctors were starting him on a round of antibiotics so as to ward off pneumonia before it could develop, they were told that was to be expected. The women all had to run but we gave Weston's dad, Marty and his other son Ben and Ben's girlfriend a ride back to the apartment, sight of the accident, where they are staying. On the way we encountered some very well dress members of the Nation of Islam, who upon selling us one of their newspapers, promised they would pray for Weston's recover.
Now you know thats gonna be something when he wakes up and find out they have been staying there. He is gone be like OMG! The brothers girlfriend had cleaned it up for them.
Marty showed us where he fell, photo attached. I do not know how he is alive, let alone not paralyzed. From what we were told he was on the roof at 2:30 am playing bongos and the neighbor called the police. When they arrived he tried to scurry down and missed the ladder, somehow missed the deck, may have tried to grab onto it and landed on the asphalt on his face. We could still see his blood on the pavement.
While hanging out we were joined by our old buddy Gene, who I had not seen in 7 years. He was forlorn, as usual. Bless his heart he has the worst luck with relationship of any human being I have ever seen. He once live with a woman 3 years and they got married and she left him 9 months later. I wish I had been clued into this last trainwreck because I never now what the hell to ask him.
We waled around the neighborhood for awhile, taking in the park, the theater formerly known as the Mosque, done up in art deco opulence from the 1920s. Catching up, telling stories on one another, gossiping which college professor in his 60s just impregnated his girlfriend. Remembering our own medical disasters, remembering Weston when he was a little boy, his fair complexion causing his strength to be sapped by the sun, and his Dad carring him home thru the fields, followed by a black three legged dog.
I am so glad he is going to be alright.
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I'm sure everyone was glad you were there.
Sounds like the poor kid has a rough road ahead but will make it!
That sure is good news!
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Hi all!!
Seeing the word, may I ask if their is a calendar with gay men?
And good sense would be to also have each pics with two gay men hugging sold also to the general public as well as the gay venues??
Hugs!
You can find most anything if you know where to look online. I still need to order my brokback callendar for next year....
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I'm sure everyone was glad you were there.
Sounds like the poor kid has a rough road ahead but will make it!
That sure is good news!
He does have a ways to go, but he will do fine.
Hey Bro, did you see Torchwood last night? I did ;) ;D Angels were dancing at the Ritz!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASEwZcqb6ow[/youtube]
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I am so glad that your friends boy is going to heal. I know it will probably take a long while, but he
could very easily have been killed or paralized as you said. How is his dads spirit..Does he seem to be taking it
better, now that he knows that he is going to recover?
Thanks for the picture. It is really good. Bye the way you are getting slimmer and slimmer boy,,,looking good there. ;)
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Thanks for the compliment Janice. I am not going to eat this week coming up. (yeah right)
Marty is doing well, he remains insanely optiminstic about all things. I asked him about his daughter who died earlier this year and he told me she had been cremated and they had her ashes, waiting to possibly bring them back to the mainland to bury in the future. It was good to know that. Not exactly something you can send an email and ask.
Hey you gone come see me when you leave Rich's?
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bro, thanks for the update on Weston and his family. I hope that he continues quickly down the road to recovery.
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bro, thanks for the update on Weston and his family. I hope that he continues quickly down the road to recovery.
Hey Chuck, did you get our drivers license updated? :D
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Sure enough...then to Jack's place...But you have to know...I am a slow packer, so I have not got it
scheduled in yet....
Jeff taught me to be oh so careful while packing. Lol
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Hey Chuck, did you get our drivers license updated? :D
Yup! New license and registration are done! ;D
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How about your femme talking thingy? Do you have to renew that too?
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How about your femme talking thingy? Do you have to renew that too?
lol....no need for that!
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How about your femme talking thingy? Do you have to renew that too?
Well I knew you all couldn't pump your own gas, but Damn, what it that? Something McGreevey sliped in at the last minute?
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He does have a ways to go, but he will do fine.
Hey Bro, did you see Torchwood last night? I did ;) ;D Angels were dancing at the Ritz!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASEwZcqb6ow[/youtube]
HOLY CRAP!!
I've never heard of Torchwood before.
That was incredible!
Wow!
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Its on the SciFi chanel, British. The guy going back in to the light, that is John Barrowman, he and his partener got married recently (cause you can do that over there) He is the stuff now.....
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Sure enough...then to Jack's place...But you have to know...I am a slow packer, so I have not got it
scheduled in yet....
Jeff taught me to be oh so careful while packing. Lol
you know you can stop off at my place along the way, too!
Truman - I am glad your friend's son is doing better. It is somewhat of a cliche, but it really is amazing what modern medicine can do these days.
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Jeff taught me to be oh so careful while packing.
And speaking of me, I'm back. I have made it safely back from the wild frontier of Central Pennsylvania.
I still have the cold I came down with on the 14th. :(
I have done some catching up. I smiled at that description of the "honey wagon" with Yosemite Sam on it. :D
I have been to downtown Richmond. I've even been to Shockoe's wharf ... 25-26 years ago. :-\
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damn, Jeff, sorry to hear you stilll aren't feeling well!
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And speaking of me, I'm back. I have made it safely back from the wild frontier of Central Pennsylvania.
I still have the cold I came down with on the 14th. :(
I have done some catching up. I smiled at that description of the "honey wagon" with Yosemite Sam on it. :D
I have been to downtown Richmond. I've even been to Shockoe's wharf ... 25-26 years ago. :-\
Shockoe's has gotten a lot more gentrified, restaurants and nice shops in the old warehouses, since they built the flood wall to keep the river out during hurricane season. The Indians should be paying their taxes this week, they give the Governor a deer, every year since 1677.
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Well it looks like they did last week:
http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/story.asp?S=7394981
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You can find most anything if you know where to look online. I still need to order my brokback callendar for next year....
I'm very sorry to hear about your friend Truman, but I sure am glad he is going to be ok. That was a very long fall!!!
I have already ordered and received 2 copies of the 2008 Brokeback calendar. I always put one up and leave the other one sealed.
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And speaking of me, I'm back. I have made it safely back from the wild frontier of Central Pennsylvania.
I still have the cold I came down with on the 14th. :(
I have done some catching up. I smiled at that description of the "honey wagon" with Yosemite Sam on it. :D
I have been to downtown Richmond. I've even been to Shockoe's wharf ... 25-26 years ago. :-\
I'm sorry your not feelin any better but I sure am glad you are back!!
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
I missed ya! ;D
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Shockoe's has gotten a lot more gentrified, restaurants and nice shops in the old warehouses, since they built the flood wall to keep the river out during hurricane season. The Indians should be paying their taxes this week, they give the Governor a deer, every year since 1677.
Why ain't y'all callin' it Shockoe Bottom? That's what I hear it called?
Oh dear, Truman, I'm sorry to hear that from you to Richmond is the most boring drive on Earth. I have to admit, that when I drove to Blacksburg to meet you and our wonderful Lynne, I had been looking forward to the drive through the beautiful state of Virginia, but it wasn't that beautiful, it was mostly kinda dull. But the destination was so worth it. Imagine, I was coming nearly completely to see Lynne, you hadn't gotten on my radar much yet then. That's changed. :) That was just about a year ago.
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Well you were on 460, which is not as boring, and I might go that way when I come see you, but 360 is duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuulllllllllllllllllllllllllllll.
Shockoe Bottom, Shockhoe Slip, Rockets warf are all names for that area. Maybe we can go check out the Velvet Gentlemans Club witht the purple neon, whaddya say?
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Well you were on 460, which is not as boring, and I might go that way when I come see you, but 360 is duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuulllllllllllllllllllllllllllll.
Shockoe Bottom, Shockhoe Slip, Rockets warf are all names for that area. Maybe we can go check out the Velvet Gentlemans Club witht the purple neon, whaddya say?
Shockoe was already kinda trendy when I was there, which was 1980 or 1981, I forget which.
You want dull drivin' in Virginia, try King William and King and Queen County in Tidewater. I used to pass through there on my way to Williamsburg. I'd come down 301 and then cut off to the southeast to take back roads to Williamsburg and avoid Richmond. I thought I'd go out of my mind with the dullness. That was a long time ago. I'd have to consult a map to check the route numbers.
My favorite dullest highway ;D is the Pennsylvania Turnpike between Harrisburg and Carlisle.
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Ya'll ain't got nothin on us!
I-16 from Macon to Savannah is the worst. It's about 4hrs of nothing.
Maybe an occaasional cotton field or soybean field.
There was only one exit that had anything on it. It was Dublin and it was about 2hrs into the drive.
That was when I was in College. Now there are a couple more exits that catually have a gas station and a MCD's but they are about 3hrs into the drive.
It's awful. Also, there is no cell recertion and little FM radio reception even now.
So unless you have satillite radio, yo hear a lot of preachin and farm reports! LOL
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Ya'll ain't got nothin on us!
I-16 from Macon to Savannah is the worst. It's about 4hrs of nothing.
Maybe an occaasional cotton field or soybean field.
There was only one exit that had anything on it. It was Dublin and it was about 2hrs into the drive.
That was when I was in College. Now there are a couple more exits that catually have a gas station and a MCD's but they are about 3hrs into the drive.
It's awful. Also, there is no cell recertion and little FM radio reception even now.
So unless you have satillite radio, yo hear a lot of preachin and farm reports! LOL
Sounds to me like that wins the prize for awful drive! ;D
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Sounds to me like that wins the prize for awful drive! ;D
I'm sure there are worse places out west going through desert. However, Imagine that would be a beautiful drive.
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Shockoe was already kinda trendy when I was there, which was 1980 or 1981, I forget which.
You want dull drivin' in Virginia, try King William and King and Queen County in Tidewater. I used to pass through there on my way to Williamsburg. I'd come down 301 and then cut off to the southeast to take back roads to Williamsburg and avoid Richmond. I thought I'd go out of my mind with the dullness. That was a long time ago. I'd have to consult a map to check the route numbers.
My favorite dullest highway ;D is the Pennsylvania Turnpike between Harrisburg and Carlisle.
Oh yeah, you crossed the 301 bridge, I like it. Maybe you came down 17 or 60? Went thru the northern neck, dull ride.
My dullest ride by far was the day I spent crossing Nebraska on a two lane road. I stopped in on little town and there was litterally no one there.
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Oh yeah, you crossed the 301 bridge, I like it. Maybe you came down 17 or 60? Went thru the northern neck, dull ride.
My dullest ride by far was the day I spent crossing Nebraska on a two lane road. I stopped in on little town and there was litterally no one there.
Was the name of the town Gatlin??
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Oh yeah, you crossed the 301 bridge, I like it. Maybe you came down 17 or 60? Went thru the northern neck, dull ride.
My dullest ride by far was the day I spent crossing Nebraska on a two lane road. I stopped in on little town and there was litterally no one there.
That bridge always scared heck out of me. Feels like you're taking off as you head up it. I'll have to check a map when I get home. Both of those route numbers sound familiar. I remember making a left turn at that big military reservation where they have the Boy Scout Jamborees, and going through beautiful downtown King William Court House. ;D
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There was, places in the west with little service, but not too many any longer. California was for years a
leader, I-5 from The grapevine pass, to Stockton, was a five to six hour drive with absolutely nothing on it. Not one
service exit, And the area was just small rolling hills with short range grass on it. People had accidents driving off the road,
all the time. Just falling asleep at the wheel. Many people ran out of gas, and no way to get any for a few days back in
the beginning. No cars used it hardly. It was mostly for trucks to start with It finally got plane surveillance for the stranded motorists.... Of course its been a long time now...so no more probs.
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Was the name of the town Gatlin??
I started to answer no, and decided a better google it and I have seen that movie, in college. Me and my buddy Duke smuggled beer into the movie, we were fried, and half way thru I knocked my bottle over and it rolled all the way to the front and made waaaay too much noize.
Stephen King is the stuff now.
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I started to answer no, and decided a better google it and I have seen that movie, in college. Me and my buddy Duke smuggled beer into the movie, we were fried, and half way thru I knocked my bottle over and it rolled all the way to the front and made waaaay too much noize.
Stephen King is the stuff now.
Whut movie? ???
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Children of the Corn!
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That movie scared the crap out of me.
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Children of the Corn!
Never seen it. It took place in Gatlin, Nebraska?
I wish I'd had a buddy named Duke. 8) :-\
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I started to answer no, and decided a better google it and I have seen that movie, in college. Me and my buddy Duke smuggled beer into the movie, we were fried, and half way thru I knocked my bottle over and it rolled all the way to the front and made waaaay too much noize.
Stephen King is the stuff now.
I was wonderin if anyone would know it! LOL
I love Stephen King!
Thats one of the few movies/stories that didn't take place in Maine. LOL
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That movie scared the crap out of me.
Scared me too, and I only saw it the one time. I should add it to my netflix cue and watch it sober.
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Never seen it. It took place in Gatlin, Nebraska?
I wish I'd had a buddy named Duke. 8) :-\
He was one of the best friends I ever had, and I am still in touch with him but we are no longer close. He got married and had a family, and I didn't. O-well.
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I was wonderin if anyone would know it! LOL
I love Stephen King!
Thats one of the few movies/stories that didn't take place in Maine. LOL
I didn;t remember where it took place, even if I knew. If it wern't for google I'd probably just shook my haid yes and gone on.
Stephen King is amazing. I think my favorite of his is Shawshank Redemption, but the Stand was one of my favorite miniseries, at least the most anticipated one.
M-O-O-N, that spels moon.
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I didn;t remember where it took place, even if I knew. If it wern't for google I'd probably just shook my haid yes and gone on.
Stephen King is amazing. I think my favorite of his is Shawshank Redemption, but the Stand was one of my favorite miniseries, at least the most anticipated one.
M-O-O-N, that spels moon.
Youare speakin my language!
I love the stand and TSSR! I liked the short story do youknowwhat the original name was?
If I am not mistaken (it's been awhile since i hae read it) the originaltitle was "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption".
His book of short stories "The Night Shift" scared the shyte ouut of me!
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His book of short stories "The Night Shift" scared the shyte ouut of me!
Great book!
I've always loved Steven King! His "The Stand" is great! I really want to see "The Mist" that is out now.
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Great book!
I've always loved Steven King! His "The Stand" is great! I really want to see "The Mist" that is out now.
Me too!
cause, DAYUM, that was a scary story!
Everythime there is a thick fog Ithink of that!
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Cujo scared the crap out of me !!!
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Cujo scared the crap out of me !!!
Oh yeah!
Why anyone would ever drive a pinto? Those things always break down!
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Oh yeah!
Why anyone would ever drive a pinto? Those things always break down!
*snort*
My best friend in Houston drove one.
That thing was a piece of shit. Broke
down on the RR tracks once ! I ran and
said ... see ya !!!!
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*snort*
My best friend in Houston drove one.
That thing was a piece of shit. Broke
down on the RR tracks once ! I ran and
said ... see ya !!!!
We had one when Iwas little. It was a powder blue "wagon" with the fake wood grain panels.
We were soooooo stylin!
Corse we got it in 83 LOL!
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Oh damn.....I had so many of his books....
Carrie, Cujo, Firestarter, Night Shift, Different Seasons, TommyKnockers, Insomnia, Christine, Salem's Lot, The Stand, Pet Sematery, Thinner, Skeleton Crew, It, Misery, Gerald's Game, Nightmares & Dreamscapes, The Green Mile
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Oh damn.....I had so many of his books....
Carrie, Cujo, Firestarter, Night Shift, Different Seasons, TommyKnockers, Insomnia, Christine, Salem's Lot, The Stand, Pet Sematery, Thinner, Skeleton Crew, It, Misery, Gerald's Game, Nightmares & Dreamscapes, The Green Mile
Carrie, Cujo, Firestarter,Insomnia, Christine,Gerald's Game, Nightmares & Dreamscapes, The Green Mile
Read all you mentioned but these.
What was the book he wrote with Peter Straub? That one was fantastic!!
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I don't remember it......... ???
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I don't remember it......... ???
Hold on I'll go find it. I have the book somewhere
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Hold on I'll go find it. I have the book somewhere
sits and waits.......
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sits and waits.......
The Talisman
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I hear jeopardy music....tu tu tu tu tu tu tu tu, dunt dunt duhhhh ;D pencils down
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I hear jeopardy music....tu tu tu tu tu tu tu tu, dunt dunt duhhhh ;D pencils down
hee Hee! I thought the same thing!
Great Minds! LOL
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OMG The Green Mile, that has got to be one of the greatest stories ever told.
I think there is a little Mr. Jinks in all o' us. In a way, we are going to live a very long time.
;D
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OMG The Green Mile, that has got to be one of the greatest stories ever told.
I think there is a little Mr. Jinks in all o' us. In a way, we are going to live a very long time.
;D
I loved the movie. Never read the book though.
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I didn't read "The Talisman".
Green Mile was a great book!
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Oh yeah, you crossed the 301 bridge, I like it. Maybe you came down 17 or 60? Went thru the northern neck, dull ride.
I looked on a map. I remember taking 17 to 33, then cutting back west on 33 till it hit I-64 for the last haul into Williamsburg. Usually, though, I took 301 down through Fort A.P. Hill to 30, then took 30 down through King William County to pick up 33 at West Point. That ride down through King William County was dull as paint. I used to feel like the wheels were just spinning and the car wasn't going anywhere.
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"The Shining" is one of my favorites of Stephen King and I recently read "Cell" If you remember Chuck, the sprawling hotel in Estes Park, Colorado was the one that was featured in the TV miniseries of "The Shining." Unfortunately I didn't get to visit there while we were in Estes Park, but I got some good pictures of it. Also, if you remember, in both the movie and the miniseries and I assume in the book they kept mentioning that the hotel was north of Denver. I do love Stephen King's books and movies.
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Oh yeah!
Why anyone would ever drive a pinto? Those things always break down!
Tell you what, my first car was a Pinto. My dad bought it for me when I was 17. Wasn't a thing wrong with it. My dad traded it out from under me during my first year of college. I think that was after it was learned that Pintos would explode if struck from the rear. ;D
Dad traded the Pinto for a Mustang II. Nice lookin' vehicle, but we had so much trouble with the electronic ignition. Damn car would cut out on me--engine would stop dead--when I was going 60 mph on the interstate. After that experience, nearly 30 years ago, to this day I would not own a Ford if you gave it to me. >:(
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I had that same trouble with a Mercury Jeff. Holy crap what a pain in the ass. I had that car in the same shop
three times in one day...they never did fix it.. My husband finally figured out what it was, and disconnected the unit
that caused the problem....It was the idle control switch....he just deactivated it. No more trouble.
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Shockoe was already kinda trendy when I was there, which was 1980 or 1981, I forget which.
You want dull drivin' in Virginia, try King William and King and Queen County in Tidewater. I used to pass through there on my way to Williamsburg. I'd come down 301 and then cut off to the southeast to take back roads to Williamsburg and avoid Richmond. I thought I'd go out of my mind with the dullness. That was a long time ago. I'd have to consult a map to check the route numbers.
My favorite dullest highway ;D is the Pennsylvania Turnpike between Harrisburg and Carlisle.
I'm pretty sure I've driven that one... bleck...
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Children of the Corn!
one of the few movies i have refused to watch...
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Holy crap what a pain in the ass.
Scary, too, when the engine quits on you at 60 in traffic on an interstate.
If I ever buy a domestic automobile again, I'll stick with General Motors. The Mustang II got replaced by a brand new Chevrolet Chevette--remember them ;D --when I graduated from college and was getting ready to go to graduate school. She broke a fan belt on I-64 going through Richmond, Virginia, but that was the only trouble we ever had with that little vehicle.
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Hey" brother where art thou.?" Not used to being here before you,,,so I made my line.... ;)
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My sister used to have a red Pinto and we used to ride all over the place when I would go and visit her in Atlanta while I was growing up. I don't think the part of them exploding when hit in the rear end was known at that time. I believe she liked it and I'm sure she was glad she had that as opposed to a Vega. Several years later when I was getting ready to turn 16 a friend of mine and I came back to my house and there was an old orange Gremlin sitting in the driveway. I thought they were going to give it to me and can you believe I was happy about it. Anything to drive would have been considered good ;) However, it ended up belonging to some people they went out to dinner with.
The worst car I had by far was the red Nissan Pulsar. It was absolutely horrible. It ended up riding on the back of a tow truck more than on the road. I could never go anywhere without wondering if I would get back home. It was a true lemon, but it made me like Jeff in the fact that I would never buy any kind of Nissan again. I then had an maroon Oldsmobile Cutlass that had belonged to my father. I actually still have that car and use it in the winter a lot cause it is front wheel drive. I now have a black Mustang which I completely love. Jeff, I think the Mustang II was when they were having a lot of problems with Mustangs. I'm not sure about that, but I believe so. I'm a major Mustang fan. I always have been.
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FORD: Found on the road, dead.
My father got me a Vega for my first car, I think he paid $200 for it. It was bright yellow. Only had breaks on one side. I went over a guard rail in it, cracked a phone pole and rolled down an embankment and walked away, my first wreck. I hated the thing, it used as much oil as it did gas.
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Hey" brother where art thou.?" Not used to being here before you,,,so I made my line.... ;)
I woke up this morning with my sinuses in full lock down, so I took some sinade, called the office and when back to bed. Had dreams I was living in a gust house and the police had a dangerous criminal cornered in the third floor of the main house and life was proceeding as normal.
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The worst car I had by far was the red Nissan Pulsar. It was absolutely horrible. It ended up riding on the back of a tow truck more than on the road. I could never go anywhere without wondering if I would get back home. It was a true lemon, but it made me like Jeff in the fact that I would never buy any kind of Nissan again. I then had an maroon Oldsmobile Cutlass that had belonged to my father. I actually still have that car and use it in the winter a lot cause it is front wheel drive. I now have a black Mustang which I completely love. Jeff, I think the Mustang II was when they were having a lot of problems with Mustangs. I'm not sure about that, but I believe so. I'm a major Mustang fan. I always have been.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Holy crap!
Jack, I'm dying here because the car I had after the Chevette--in fact the only car that to date has been in my name--was a gold and black Nissan Pulsar, the first model year (1983), and I never had a bit of trouble with it. (Dad sold the Chevette when I bought the Pulsar.)
The Pulsar originally belonged to a friend with whom I shared an apartment back home in Lancaster for about nine months in 1983-84. His mother worked for the local Nissan dealer, the car was special ordered, and brand new when my friend Ron got it. In the spring of 1984 he got a job and moved to Boston and at the time wasn't able to afford Massachusetts insurance rates on the vehicle. I envied that car--sporty, front-wheel drive and all--so I bought it from him.
Two years later I moved to Philadelphia for a job and had no place to put the car, so it stayed in Lancaster in a rented garage, and I drove it when I went home for visits. On three occasions for extended periods I rented garage space in Philadelphia to keep the car here. The last time, I was thinking of keeping it here permanently, but garaging it would have been expensive, and then the Philadelphia DA, somewhat misguidedly, began to crack down on Philadelphians who registered cars outside the city to avoid city insurance rates. The Pulsar was only ever registered at my parents' address in Lancaster, so back upstate she went.
Finally, in the spring of '97, with my dad's assistance, I reluctantly decided to sell her. She was 14 years old but very low mileage because of only being driven locally several times a year for nine years, but I felt it wise to sell her before she started to need major repairs.
I loved that car. Never a bit of trouble with it. Still have a framed photograph of it! :laugh:
Truman, where you been all day, bud? :D
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I woke up this morning with my sinuses in full lock down, so I took some sinade, called the office and when back to bed. Had dreams I was living in a gust house and the police had a dangerous criminal cornered in the third floor of the main house and life was proceeding as normal.
That kinda happened in real life the other day around here, except that no one had their sinus in full lock that I know of. The police had a thief cornered at a store downstairs, and life was proceeding as normal! LOL
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I have been in the strange land of sinuses and realizing we are living one another dreams. The night time ones, not the day dreams. Have been playing with my video camera, and trying to figger out the soft ware, which I have a feeling I won;t remember tomorrow.
I am on my second Nissan, a Sentra, which is like the Chevette of the Nissans, but it gets me where I am going. The first month I had it I drove to North Dakota in it, 4200 miles. How is your sickness doing Jeff?
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How is your sickness doing Jeff?
Cautiously improving, thanks. I was feeling much better at home last evening, but today must be Bad Sinus Day, as I awoke with pain the left maxillary sinus (the maxillary sinus is the one in your cheek), which usually signifies infection. :(
I took some generic Tylenol and some generic Sudafed before I came to work this morning, and the sinus doesn't hurt any more.
You must be feeling better if you are up and about?
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Hey Shakes! Just dropping in to say Hi to my most favorite gay man in the world.. You are as beautiful outside as you are inside.. I'm refferring to the recent photos of you and your friends posted. Great to have a friend like you.. Save your pennies and come on down to one of our W.C. Florida brokie meets. You are hereby cordially invited.. Oh and btw bring your friends with you. ::)
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Hey Shakes! Just dropping in to say Hi to my most favorite gay man in the world.. You are as beautiful outside as you are inside.. I'm refferring to the recent photos of you and your friends posted. Great to have a friend like you.. Save your pennies and come on down to one of our W.C. Florida brokie meets. You are hereby cordially invited.. Oh and btw bring your friends with you. ::)
Be careful what you wish for. They are a wild, wild bunch. ;D
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Hey Shakes! Just dropping in to say Hi to my most favorite gay man in the world.. You are as beautiful outside as you are inside.. I'm refferring to the recent photos of you and your friends posted. Great to have a friend like you.. Save your pennies and come on down to one of our W.C. Florida brokie meets. You are hereby cordially invited.. Oh and btw bring your friends with you. ::)
Ahem...um...huh??? My life is over...
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Ahem...um...huh??? My life is over...
Oh, I'm sure you're somebody's favorite gay man in the world.
Maybe Grady's, I'm sure. ...
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Oh, I'm sure you're somebody's favorite gay man in the world.
Maybe Grady's, I'm sure. ...
Well...I never!! LOL
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Well...I never!! LOL
That's not what I hear! ;D
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You must be feeling better if you are up and about?
I had to go to the bank and sign some papers, the loan officer said "should you be driving?"
I said: "oh, I'm okay."
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Ahem...um...huh??? My life is over...
Your my favorite, Scott, and your little dog too. ;D
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Your my favorite, Scott, and your little dog too. ;D
>:(
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>:(
Uh Oh....... cat fight !
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>:(
And your my little brother, and you'll have a favorite too one day, Scarecrow. :-*
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Uh Oh....... cat fight !
Geezus, this is a tetchy bunch. ...
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>:(
(((Richard)))
(You're my favorite, 'cause you look so sexy on horseback! ;D )
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and once again.....Chuckie sits in the corner alone. :-\
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Com'mere Chuckie, they just ain't no end to it, it there.
I don;t even like to think about it, I would have to pick one of you all over the rest. I love all ya'll.
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Com'mere Chuckie, they just ain't no end to it, it there.
*sits next to Truman*
Nobody likes me.
:'(
;) ;D :laugh:
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Awe, people like you fine, they just need attention, we all do. Now if they keep picking on you you tickle the hell out of them, okay?
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Awe, people like you fine, they just need attention, we all do. Now if they keep picking on you you tickle the hell out of them, okay?
muahaahahaahaahaa! ;D
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Awe, people like you fine, they just need attention, we all do. Now if they keep picking on you you tickle the hell out of them, okay?
He tickles the hell out of me everyday :)
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He tickles the hell out of me everyday :)
lmao! I think he means like, for real! ;D Not that I amuse ya. ;)
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and once again.....Chuckie sits in the corner alone. :-\
Oh please, as long as I'm around you'll never be alone! No matter how bad you want to be!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Oh please, as long as I'm around you'll never be alone! No matter how bad you want to be!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Oh, puhleese. Don't encourage him. He just pouts to get attention. Just like a baby brother. ... ;)
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Oh, puhleese. Don't encourage him. He just pouts to get attention. Just like a baby brother. ... ;)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/handbag.gif)
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Somedays, I feel like a bee after the flowers have all died. :-\
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Somedays, I feel like a bee after the flowers have all died. :-\
But they come back...they always do...hang in there little bee.
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Somedays, I feel like a bee after the flowers have all died. :-\
I think somebody needs a hug. ...
(((Tru)))
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Yeah, he does!
((((((((((Truman))))))))))
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I had the weirdest sensation last night, I was watching tv and it felt like two massive arms came up around me from behind and held me. It felt wonderful. Maybe it was a sudafed hallucination, bit it sure did feel good.
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I had the weirdest sensation last night, I was watching tv and it felt like two massive arms came up around me from behind and held me. It felt wonderful. Maybe it was a sudafed hallucination, bit it sure did feel good.
It was me baby...didn't want to startle ya so I didn't say anything.
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I had a feel ingit was someone who I cared about, one of you all, sending me some good energy. You had left me a voice mail, I should have known it was you. Sorry I didn;t call back..
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Mornin brother....Hope you weren't scared of the ghostly hug... :-\
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Things like that happen to me once in a great while, and I am never scared, I always feel safe.
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Somedays, I feel like a bee after the flowers have all died. :-\
Awww!
Just go take a nap till they come back! Cause they do ever sping!! ;D
You just keep thinkin bout next week! ;D
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What happens next week, Rich? Which reminds me now that I think of it..It was all november
around here. and when is your b-day Truman, dear...huh huh...?
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What happens next week, Rich? Which reminds me now that I think of it..It was all november
around here. and when is your b-day Truman, dear...huh huh...?
My nativity occured on Saturday, the 3rd of August, A.D. 1963 @ 6:55 A.M.. :D Ten days later, it snowed on Brokeback Mountain.
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Spoke with my friend Marty just now. Weston contiues to improve, he met with the therapists today and though still in a fog he got up on his feet for the first time in a week and lifted his legs for them. His is still fighting pneumonia but that seems to be going okay.
Marty will probably stay until next week and then return to Hawai'i for a couple of weeks and come back to Virginia. Hopefully Weston will be at a rehab facility by then.
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thanks for the update! Hope Weston continues to improve!
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Spoke with my friend Marty just now. Weston contiues to improve, he met with the therapists today and though still in a fog he got up on his feet for the first time in a week and lifted his legs for them. His is still fighting pneumonia but that seems to be going okay.
Marty will probably stay until next week and then return to Hawai'i for a couple of weeks and come back to Virginia. Hopefully Weston will be at a rehab facility by then.
If they can get him up on his feet and keep him moving around, that should help with the pneumonia. Pneumonia is the greatest danger for people who are flat on their backs for an extended period.
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Two pieces of great health news today...Wonderful and Amazing........!!!!
Thanks for keeping us up to date on this wondrous news.
Rodney pmd me and said his doctors say that his tumor is shrunken to half its previous size.
He goes back in the first week of December, to have another CT scan........
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Hey there, friends,
Just catching up here - I'm very glad to hear that Weston chances for a recovery are good - that looked to be some fall! I remember Elle's drive from Richmond to Lynchburg to meet Truman and me - she had further to go than us. Our part from Fieldale to Lynchburg was easy - filled with good conversation and easy silences and the short story on audio for the return trip. Fond solstice memories, there.
Janice - what's this about a roadtrip to the southeast?? Details, girlfriend! I need to go home and see my folks sometime, though holiday prices seem ridiculous, so I hope you're thinking of different dates.
I accidentally checked on prices from San Jose, Costa Rica to Nashville first (instead of Cali) and it turns out that it's less $$$ to come home for the holiday if I were in Costa Rica - noted for future reference ::)
TTYS,
Lynne
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I was mostly wishing out loud...i would love to go thats for sure....
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I was mostly wishing out loud...i would love to go thats for sure....
I do that too! I'm always planning 'the next' thing, having no idea if I can make it happen, but it helps me get through!! :-* :-*
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Today will be a busy day, I am carrying my friend to the airpost in Charlotte so she can fly across the big pond to see the boyfriend, for a long weekend. ;) That will be an all day thing.
Then tonight I am going to the Lyric Theater in Blacksburg to see the documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So", which I have been looking forward to seeing.
And with me all day, will be the memory and knowledge of something that occurred 10 years ago this very day. My sister and her flying partner flew a Cessna 172 from Langeley Air Force Base to Martinsville, had lunch with me and our mother and Aent, and then my sister took me and our mother up in the plane, into the steely grey sky, the same sky that hangs over the land today.
I had never seen the place I have live most my life from the air, and it took a while to get my bearings, was not until I saw the lake, that insane volume of water sitting so much higher than the surrounding land that I knew what was what. Recognized my high school from the map they gave out the first day it opened, followed the river to Fieldale and made out the brick red foundation of my house thru the trees. Down the river to the speedway, over the old fields where tobacco had once grown, the subdivisions, the factories and mills, now silent.
I will most likely never have that opportunity again. Three months later on an even more steely grey and windy day the two of them took off on a short hop and met with disaster. Since then I cannot bring myself to get in one of them little planes. If it don;t have a jet on it, I can't handle it.
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Today will be a busy day, I am carrying my friend to the airpost in Charlotte so she can fly across the big pond to see the boyfriend, for a long weekend. ;) That will be an all day thing.
Then tonight I am going to the Lyric Theater in Blacksburg to see the documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So", which I have been looking forward to seeing.
And with me all day, will be the memory and knowledge of something that occurred 10 years ago this very day. My sister and her flying partner flew a Cessna 172 from Langeley Air Force Base to Martinsville, had lunch with me and our mother and Aent, and then my sister took me and our mother up in the plane, into the steely grey sky, the same sky that hangs over the land today.
I had never seen the place I have live most my life from the air, and it took a while to get my bearings, was not until I saw the lake, that insane volume of water sitting so much higher than the surrounding land that I knew what was what. Recognized my high school from the map they gave out the first day it opened, followed the river to Fieldale and made out the brick red foundation of my house thru the trees. Down the river to the speedway, over the old fields where tobacco had once grown, the subdivisions, the factories and mills, now silent.
I will most likely never have that opportunity again. Three months later on an even more steely grey and windy day the two of them took off on a short hop and met with disaster. Since then I cannot bring myself to get in one of them little planes. If it don;t have a jet on it, I can't handle it.
I'll be thinking of you today my dear friend.
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I will most likely never have that opportunity again. Three months later on an even more steely grey and windy day the two of them took off on a short hop and met with disaster. Since then I cannot bring myself to get in one of them little planes. If it don;t have a jet on it, I can't handle it.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hug.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hug.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hug.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hug.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hug.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hug.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hug.gif)
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My nativity occured on Saturday, the 3rd of August, A.D. 1963 @ 6:55 A.M.. :D Ten days later, it snowed on Brokeback Mountain.
Wow! When somthing is put in a chronological context it really makes you think.
I was born during the four year void. :(
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If it don;t have a jet on it, I can't handle it.
You know I share that sentiment!
I love you brother!
Glad to hear the good news about weston!
Drive safely today!
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Safe travels, Tru.
(((Tru))) :)
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Just back from a 3 days trips on the road!
Did many roads. I find that small cars should not be on most roads!
Do you?
Hugs!
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Truman, I'm so sorry to hear you lost your sister that way. Anniversaries can be both welcome and sad signposts. Big hugs to you today. (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Emoticons/grouphugsmall.gif)
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today will be a busy day, I am carrying my friend to the airpost in Charlotte so she can fly across the big pond to see the boyfriend, for a long weekend. That will be an all day thing.
Then tonight I am going to the Lyric Theater in Blacksburg to see the documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So", which I have been looking forward to seeing.
And with me all day, will be the memory and knowledge of something that occurred 10 years ago this very day. My sister and her flying partner flew a Cessna 172 from Langeley Air Force Base to Martinsville, had lunch with me and our mother and Aent, and then my sister took me and our mother up in the plane, into the steely grey sky, the same sky that hangs over the land today.
I had never seen the place I have live most my life from the air, and it took a while to get my bearings, was not until I saw the lake, that insane volume of water sitting so much higher than the surrounding land that I knew what was what. Recognized my high school from the map they gave out the first day it opened, followed the river to Fieldale and made out the brick red foundation of my house thru the trees. Down the river to the speedway, over the old fields where tobacco had once grown, the subdivisions, the factories and mills, now silent.
I will most likely never have that opportunity again. Three months later on an even more steely grey and windy day the two of them took off on a short hop and met with disaster. Since then I cannot bring myself to get in one of them little planes. If it don;t have a jet on it, I can't handle it.
===========================================
Oh dear you sweet thing. I know nothing can make it well.
But as you have helped others, I hope they can help you too.
Try and feel the care we all send to you. May it help you thru. :-* :-* :-*
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/angel_picture_of_the_month_112007.jpg)
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I was thinking about the original quote I had here as my tag line:
"The sky looked like a big broke of piece of something blank he had forgotten about". That was the late Flannery O'Conner describing Hazel Motes, a would be preacher (male) in Georgia sometime in the past. The sky looked like that, except I had not forgotten.
When I got to her house she was amazingly ready to go, three bags and a long coat. We loaded them into her Lexus SUV that she bought reconditioned after having rolled over once. She reminded me of this since I would be driving it.
We stopped at Sonic, where "Lisa" the woman who recently met her daughter, asked me what kind of car she would have to get to get me to go out with her. I told her a Jaguar. She asked what color. I told her pink. The gay guy she works with busted out laughing and told her to let us go on.
And that was when we seen it, up in the sky. My friend asked if it was a contrail and I said no, a front was coming in, the steely grey sky was being rolled back, like a bed sheet. Exposing the Carolina blue sky, and we went south. It turned out to be a beautiful day.
The giant cokes we got let us get as far as China Grove, North Carolina, before having to make a pit stop at a place across the road from Gary's Bar Be Que. It looked like an old place, actually it dates from 1971, but has a plethora of signs from earlier times. The amazing thing was its parking lot was FULL. The nearby Hardees and Subway, had maybe 5 cars betwixt them. I said "We need to go have lunch over there" and we did.
The place was jammed packed, all ages, all colors, all sizes. They brought us our drinks in cups with shaved ice! OMG I love shaved ice, we tried to remember what old place back home still had a machine that made that kind, marveled at the hundreds of old signs, lard buckets, thermometers and a late 50s Thunderbird sitting in the middle of the dining room. Our sandwiches came wrapped in wax paper, no plate, the onion rings crisp and dark, in a paper container like the ones steaks used to come in. If you ever get a chance, you should stop in and see it. They also have curb service, just blow your horn.
Right to the front door I took her. Was rather intrigued by the flight attendant that climbed out of the passanger side of an El Camino ahead of us, being driven by a burley redneck. I wished her a safe trip, and began my own with her vehicle back to Virginia. My cell phone keeping me company.
Once back I had to exchange cars, run by the office, run by my house and feed the cat, gas up the car, go by his house, get him in the car and HAUL ASS. It was already 5:30 pm and the movie started at 7 pm and would take 1 hr. 45 minutes to reach going the best way, thru Roanoke. My mind started going over and over maybe I shouldn't have done this, done that. All these things that made me a bit more later, coupled with thinking it started at 7:30 pm.
We called the son and his girlfriend who were going to meet us there. Save us seats. Then flying thru Roanoke I saw the flashing sign; I81 south left lane blocked at mile marker 138. Shit! I got on 81, and didn;t go far. The back up was already at 4 miles. We were sitting there, stopped. No way were were going to make it on time now. We called and let them know.
Sitting there in the dark on the interstate, sitting still next to rumbulling trucks. I looked up into the night sky and saw the lights of a small plane blinking, headed to the airport in Roanoke. If I could fly there, it would be no problem. Up there above the world, looking down on it, I remembered.
"Accept Loss as a Universal Force" It had been on a post card on her refrigerator door.
Maybe there was some reason I thought, maybe this is saving us from disaster down the road. The phone rang.
"Take your time" the son said. "The theater is full, they're no letting anyone else in". At first I was amazed, it had sold out? Actually it turned out to be a free event sponsored by a local LGBT group, and several people were pissed off that they could not get in to see it. O-well I thought, that must be it.
We got going again, met them at a restaurant in Christiansburg, a steak house where you get to pick you steak in the window when you go in. I got me a New York Strip, and a couple of Jamaican Cowboy Margaritas that had little to no alcohol. It was a good visit. The girlfriends sister and her boy friend came and sat in the adjoining booth and she was able to slip her her ID. ;)
So now, it is another day. I think I'll go to netlicks and reserve a copy of "For The Bible Tells Me So". Looks like that is the only way I am going to see it.
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I want a go to Gary's Bar Be Que! I love barbecue! :D
And I love that pic of you on the little mechanical bull. :D
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I want a go to Gary's Bar Be Que! I love barbecue! :D
And I love that pic of you on the little mechanical bull. :D
I like the look on the faces of those Brittney wannabes behind him...it's like..."OMG!!!"
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I want a go to Gary's Bar Be Que! I love barbecue! :D
And I love that pic of you on the little mechanical bull. :D
Actually it is a pig, for a quarter you can make it squeel. :laugh:
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I like the look on the faces of those Brittney wannabes behind him...it's like..."OMG!!!"
That is exactly with they said! But like, OMG, the hostess at the steak house that night, was like, OMG! Made me wanna scream.
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Actually it is a pig, for a quarter you can make it squeel. :laugh:
Tell you what, I thought it sorta looked like a pig, but it also looked too skinny for a proper pig, so I called it a bull. And who ever heard of pig-ridin'? :laugh:
As for payin' a quarter to make it squeal, I ain't goin' there. ... :laugh:
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You got a pic of it Jeff?
Hugs!
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I'm so sorry truman... xx
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I'm sorry to hear about your sister. A big hug, my friend.
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You got a pic of it Jeff?
Hugs!
No. Look on the previous page of this thread. :)
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I like the look on the faces of those Brittney wannabes behind him...it's like..."OMG!!!"
lmao! I saw those faces first thing. lmao
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Thank you all for your kind words regarding my sister, she was one of a kind for sure.
You know it is a strange thing when someone dies, for me, I felt like I inheritied in a way, a lot of eace and understanding that she was just full of. I could see it in other relatives too.
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You know it is a strange thing when someone dies, for me, I felt like I inheritied in a way, a lot of eace and understanding that she was just full of. I could see it in other relatives too.
I'm sure it was a very difficult experience for everyone in your family, but that's not a bad legacy to remember her by. :)
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I'm sure it was a very difficult experience for everyone in your family, but that's not a bad legacy to remember her by. :)
My sister was a very quiet bookish person, taught English in a Jr. High and later became a librarian at NASA and endured a 16 year marriage to someone who was mentally ill. She finally got the nerve to leave him and have a life of her on and my gawd what a life she had. She was published in Ms. Magazine, she travelled to Pakistan and all over the British Isles, the U.S. She survived breast cancer, she got her pilots license and she died doing what she loved.
When I stood in line at that visitation and heard one woman after another come up to me and tell me how much they admired her for what she did in her life, I knew that would be a lasting legacy. So many of them told me they admired her because she had done things they never could. That flabbergashed me. I told them oh hell yes they could, they better.
I have posted this link before, but it has been a while:
http://etext.org/zines/Kudzu/library/essays/Adkins-Pilgrimage.html
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And where is Janice? 8)
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where were you young man yesterday?
I was waiting by that cake . :(
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where were you young man yesterday?
I was waiting by that cake . :(
You'll just have to read what I wrote this morning, I told all about it! 8)
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Another article:
http://www.creativenonfiction.org/thejournal/articles/issue11/11adkins_solo.htm
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You'll just have to read what I wrote this morning, I told all about it! 8)
Where?
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Be careful what you wish for. They are a wild, wild bunch. ;D
That they are ;D
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I want a go to Gary's Bar Be Que! I love barbecue! :D
And I love that pic of you on the little mechanical bull. :D
So do I!!! I love old places like that. I always say they have real original food. I love diners too :)
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I like the look on the faces of those Brittney wannabes behind him...it's like..."OMG!!!"
Do those people looking at you Truman know you? They look like they are in awe ;)
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lmao! I saw those faces first thing. lmao
Reminds me of "your girl" Chuck. I love her :)
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Thank you all for your kind words regarding my sister, she was one of a kind for sure.
You know it is a strange thing when someone dies, for me, I felt like I inheritied in a way, a lot of eace and understanding that she was just full of. I could see it in other relatives too.
Truman, I never knew you lost your sister. I am so very sorry to hear about that.
Jack
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I am here...little bro...I got up looked around checked BM not much going on..Went back
to bed. I was reading until 3;30 this am. so i was still sleepy. How are you today,, darlin.
Missed you yesterday.
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Where?
That would be on page 292.
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Do those people looking at you Truman know you? They look like they are in awe ;)
Naw, I don;t live in China Grove, I had never been there before yesterday, and them poor gurls are being talked about and don;t even know it.
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You know it is a strange thing when someone dies, for me, I felt like I inheritied in a way, a lot of eace and understanding that she was just full of. I could see it in other relatives too.
that's sweet.
It's so hard when someone dies, but after some mourning, I always remember a quote from Laura Ingalls Wilder, that was used in the "Little House" TV show at a funeral scene.
Remember me with smiles and laughter,
for that is how I will remember you all.
If you can only remember me with tears,
then don't remember me at all
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that's sweet.
It's so hard when someone dies, but after some mourning, I always remember a quote from Laura Ingalls Wilder, that was used in the "Little House" TV show at a funeral scene.
Remember me with smiles and laughter,
for that is how I will remember you all.
If you can only remember me with tears,
then don't remember me at all
That is how I would like to be remembered, FWIW. :)
Was that the episode when the old woman wasn;t really dead and was hiding in another room looking to see who all showed up?
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Naw, I don;t live in China Grove, I had never been there before yesterday, and them poor gurls are being talked about and don;t even know it.
The look on the those two girls faces are great :)
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/TrumanonPig.png)
And look Chuck I think that girl with her back towards the camera, the one with the blonde hair is guess who?
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/stupidgirl.gif)
Can you imagine if you could see her from the front I bet she would be doing exactly that :laugh:
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that's sweet.
It's so hard when someone dies, but after some mourning, I always remember a quote from Laura Ingalls Wilder, that was used in the "Little House" TV show at a funeral scene.
Remember me with smiles and laughter,
for that is how I will remember you all.
If you can only remember me with tears,
then don't remember me at all
That is a beautiful quote Chuck! I don't remember it from that show although I always liked watching "Little House"
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And look Chuck I think that girl with her back towards the camera, the one with the blonde hair is guess who?
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/stupidgirl.gif)
Can you imagine if you could see her from the front I bet she would be doing exactly that :laugh:
lmao! haahaahaa
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The look on the those two girls faces are great :)
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/TrumanonPig.png)
And look Chuck I think that girl with her back towards the camera, the one with the blonde hair is guess who?
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/stupidgirl.gif)
Can you imagine if you could see her from the front I bet she would be doing exactly that :laugh:
OMG Jack your a genious! I bet that was her. I wish I had took more pictures.
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That is a beautiful quote Chuck! I don't remember it from that show although I always liked watching "Little House"
I remember the episode very well.
A widow dies, leaving her three young children behind. Mr. Edwards and his girlfriend are watching them until they can be adopted.
When two couples are found Mr. Edwards doesn't want to split the children up, so he says he and his girlfriend will take them in, and to make the family "proper", he proposes to her.
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And I bet they're glad to have you to look at :) They're probably tired of listening to her ;) She's probably just been talking about herself all during the meal ;D
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And I bet they're glad to have you to look at :) They're probably tired of listening to her ;) She's probably just been talking about herself all during the meal ;D
that self centered biotch!
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Remember Nellie?
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/nellie01.jpg)
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that self centered biotch!
That's probably exactly what they say about her when she goes to powder her nose
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Remember Nellie?
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/nellie01.jpg)
Talk about a self-centered beeyotch! ;D
A coupla months ago they had a reunion of some of the cast of Little House on The Today Show. Alison Arngrim was there. They talked about how at one personal appearance during the years Little House was on the air, some little girl walked up to her, kicked her, and walked away without ever saying one little word! :laugh:
There used to be a gay comedy troupe performed in Provincetown during the summers. Two or three guys. Called themselves the Nellie Olesons. ;D
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Remember Nellie?
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/nellie01.jpg)
anyone got pictures of her now - I really disliked her in little house!!
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Oh, even though I was in the closet, I had a thing for Linwood Boomer, who played "Adam", Mary's husband.
(http://edson.free.fr/livre-lapetitemaisondanslaprairie/linwood.jpg)
same goes for Dean Butler, who played Laura's husband.
(http://www.imavision.com/lhop/AlmonzoWilder.jpg)
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anyone got pictures of her now - I really disliked her in little house!!
Tell you what, Kelda, she doesn't look that much different. Just older and without the curls.
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same goes for Dean Butler, who played Laura's husband.
(http://www.imavision.com/lhop/AlmonzoWilder.jpg)
Dean Butler was cute. :D
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anyone got pictures of her now - I really disliked her in little house!!
(http://fansdalisonarngrim.free.fr/AlisonArngrim.JPG)
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A bit of trivia I learned by visiting the Ingalls sites in DeSmet, SD in 2004: In real life her name was not Nellie Oleson, I forget what it was, but the publisher could not find her to get her to sign a release before By the Shore of Silver Lake was published. Laura Ingalls Wilder did not know her married name. So they invented the name Nellie Oleson for the person she had known in the 1880's.
Turns out she was tracked down long after her death, and her family said she knew it was her they were talking about but she would not come forward.
In real life her little brother Willie got killed.
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Naw, I don;t live in China Grove, I had never been there before yesterday, and them poor gurls are being talked about and don;t even know it.
i'm sure they'll live...
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Oh, even though I was in the closet, I had a thing for Linwood Boomer, who played "Adam", Mary's husband.
(http://edson.free.fr/livre-lapetitemaisondanslaprairie/linwood.jpg)
same goes for Dean Butler, who played Laura's husband.
(http://www.imavision.com/lhop/AlmonzoWilder.jpg)
you know in real life, Laura (whose real name escapes me right now) married Bruce Boxleitner... who I have always had a thing for...
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you know in real life, Laura (whose real name escapes me right now) married Bruce Boxleitner... who I have always had a thing for...
Melissa Gilbert. And I'd forgotten that's who she married.
I loved Bruce Boxleitner with Kate Jackson in Scarecrow and Mrs. King, one of the few shows that I accurately predicted would become a success. :D
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Speaking of "Little House" and the soap opera that has been getting a lot of attention because of the gay theme that has been in it "As The World Turns," did anyone know that the girl that plays Gwen is Michael Landon's daughter?
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Man, Michael Landon had a bunch of kids. I know he has one gay son, but I don;t watch the soaps, so I am not familar with his daughter.
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An Exercise in Patience.
My friend asked me to take her Lexus to the tire dealer to get a price on new tires while she was gone. She had heard of the place I go to for my tires and agreed that was the place to go. She had heard from several people the proprietor was "A Good Christian" but they had all gone on to explain he's not like that, he will witness but he's not a hypocrite. Not slick with bad hair. So I took her SUV over to the place at lunch. I was greeted with a chain across the drive way and a sign saying out to lunch.
There were three cars ahead of me, and a large truck idling, waiting to make a delivery. On car was a Hyundai who had a bald headed man with glasses at the wheel. There was also a red Jeep, with a scoop on the back for hauling dead deer out of the woods, and one of those "German Crosses" with the flared ends. At it wheel was the hunter, clad in camos, a camo ball cap and shades. The last car was a red Ford something or another, populated by two women that could best be described as giggling bimbos. One, the passanger, the social one, wore Stevie Nicks boots, very tight jeans, a cable knit sweater that expose her left shoulder, Daisy May style, her hair was crimped and dyed blond, and her teeth, lord gawd I could have gone all day with out seeing her teeth, they were awful. The other, either the mother or the older sister, was a platinum blond being held together by bulging demin. She smiled a lot.
I felt sorry for the guys coming back to work to a bunch of people waiting on them, I know how that feels. The jeep and the women pulled in the two bays and got their tires changed. The Hunter stood at the rear end of his jeep, keeping an eye on everything going on. Daisy May came over and talked to him about this and that, trying to impress him with her knowledge we have the highest unemployment rate in the state (Yeah, for 8 years running, no news there) She complained about the new museum,
"They spent a million dollars on that museum, and how many jobs did it bring to the area? Have you been there?" she asked the hunter. He said no.
She turned to me and asked me. "Yes" I told her and she asked me how many people worked there. "I have no idea" I told her, and thought about how she would not work a full week at one of the traditional manufacturing jobs we used to have, could not make the leap to where she could understand what a paleontologist was. She turned back to the hunter and commenced a conversation about tanning hides. She had tanned several deer hides recently but was afraid to try a bear hide because she heard it was greasy.
Then here came Earnest Angley. Not really, but a guy who looked like him. Came rolling n in a thunderbird, parked it and came right over to the proprietor, in the middle of dealing with the guy in the big truck making the delivery, to tell him the tire he had had put on last month was still soft and wanting him to do something. He spoke with a lisp somewhat reminiscent of Truman Capote, his hair was from Kmart, as was his clothes. He turned to the guy in the Hyundai, recognizing him as a member of his mothers church and thanking him for praying for her in her recent illness. He got his point across with a high and tight whine, like the very effort of expression was bordering on sin so he needed to take precaution to weigh each word before it left his lips.
The delivery guy was a friendly sort, maybe about 28 to 30 years old, about, oh, 5 ft. 8 inches tall, a little light in his shoes maybe. He had attracted the stares of the hunter, the Daisy May, the bald guy, the guys working there, and me. I decided to tune in on their vibe, saw how they reacted to his speech. He did not sound effeminate, he sounded like, New York state. A Yankee, when he mentioned to the proprietor that he couldn't play golf in the cold weather, they all had enough and turned there attention away.
Once the big truck left the proprietor noticed me and came over. I showed him the car, knew he would have to order the tires. I don't see how he could read the tiny numbers off of the tire with no glasses, upside down. He was familiar enough with the number that he could keep it in his head with out having to write it down. We headed back to his office to look it up and damn here come demin woman, bright and perky and inserted herself right in betwixt us and commenced to talking. Her car was done and she was ready to begining the process of paying for it. I took a deep breath and let them go. I knew how it would work.
Waiting outside the office I heard her tell him in rapid secession that she had not put tires on that car in 2 years because it was a second car, and that everyone in her family had driven it, her mamma had driven it and her sister and her daughter, but not much because she didn;t get her license until next year and Blah blad this and blah blah that and then it got quite and I couldn;t make out what was being said. I smiled. I knew. The credit card had been declined. I shook my head.
I found myself feeling right lonely. I found myself wanting to hold on to something warm and cuddly, about 5 ft. 8 inches tall. Not necessarily the delivery guy, but some guy, as a counter balance to all the hetero intrigue at the back end of the jeep.
She got on the combination fax machine/phone and talked to the toll free number, you know how long that takes. Another person arrived, an old soft looking man with a cane, he went on in the office and sat down on the couch and waited. The Lisper came in and sat beside him and commenced talking about churches. How his late father, a preacher, had built up a church and his successors had let it go down and on and on. Presently demin woman emerged bright and perky again saying she would see him next Thursday. After some check arrived, perhaps she would get by there with the money without being sucked into Walmart to consume cheap plastic shit. The lisper had to go look at something on his tire and I sat down on the couch next to the man with the cane. The proprietor got back to making calls to see about a price for me.
"My son lost his car" the old man said. "He didn;t make the payments so they came and got it, he's out of work right now, looks like it is gonna be right hard for the next little bit". I agreed with him.
"I can't drive, they took my license away from me because I had a stroke" He told me how his whole left side was paralyzed but he had worked with the therapist. He said: "Some people just give up, and they die. You can't give up."
I had been been listening to him but now felt like I had to look away. He was one of these people that get sent to tell you something, to remind you how lucky you are. The proprietor was about to speak when the old mans toothless wife appeared in the door.
"We're gonna have to come back another time." she said frantically. "you got an appointment at 2 o'clock". The proprietor apologized they were unable to get to them quicker. She was apologizing too, she had to get him to his appointment, "he's on radiation" she said, and the man looked down as he and his 4 prong cane passed us, clearly embarrassed. It was 40 minutes until 2 o'clock. The Oncology center is 5 minutes away.
So it came down to this: The stylish tires that were standard for the Lexus was going to be $550, but the around town everyday tires was going to be $345, he wrote it on the back of his business card. I went back to the office and emailed her with the results.
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Melissa Gilbert. And I'd forgotten that's who she married.
I loved Bruce Boxleitner with Kate Jackson in Scarecrow and Mrs. King, one of the few shows that I accurately predicted would become a success. :D
Scarecrow and Mrs. King is my most favorite tv series ever. I have gazillions of old episodes on VHS. Course I'm spoiled by my DVR and DVD right now, so I haven't watched them in a long time...
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what a morning (day?) you had there...
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what a morning (day?) you had there...
Well I am having a better day. I am able to put on my black jeans today! They are holding me in like a woman who owes money for tires. Not the most comfortable, I won;t wear them just yet, but I can get them on!
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Well I am having a better day. I am able to put on my black jeans today! They are holding me in like a woman who owes money for tires. Not the most comfortable, I won;t wear them just yet, but I can get them on!
Good job, bud! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Well I am having a better day. I am able to put on my black jeans today! They are holding me in like a woman who owes money for tires. Not the most comfortable, I won;t wear them just yet, but I can get them on!
God, how I wish I could get into my black jeans !!! :-\
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Truman, your writing is so good, I really enjoyed the story of going to get the tires. I like the way you explain in detail the characters.
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God, how I wish I could get into my black jeans !!! :-\
Same here. That would be nice. Right now I have two pairs of black 501s hanging in the closet :D
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Truman, your writing is so good, I really enjoyed the story of going to get the tires. I like the way you explain in detail the characters.
One of my favorite books is "Let us now praise famous men" by James Agee and Walker Evans. They stayed withthis poor white family in the deep south in the 1930 and wrote about them in such incredible detail it is staggering. I think they inspired Jack Keroauc.
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Well I am having a better day. I am able to put on my black jeans today! They are holding me in like a woman who owes money for tires. Not the most comfortable, I won;t wear them just yet, but I can get them on!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I can get into my black 501s. I just keep them for "good."
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Thank you Gary, I had locked that thread so as to put a close to it, but feel free to comment on it.
It is a mess. I spoke with Lynne about coming out to my nephew and could not for the first time get myhead around what had happened to society, why on earth did someone decide one day that my sexual orentation was wrong? Codified it into law and religion, made it a crime.
When I think about the YEARS of my life I wasted in fear because of it, directly and indirectly, it is sickening. Having read your story as well I see that we are the same in that we had to figure this out on our own. We are the lucky one who could. Everyday I see people who haven't, may never.What am I supposed to do about them?
And the whatifs, man life can get eat up by them very easy. What if you had taken off on a weekend to Roanoke in 1988 and I met you at The Park, would I have had the nerve or the blood alcohol content to speak to you? What if we had gone to school together in Bristol? I would have watched you from afar, hoping one day to get a chance to strike up a conversation.
So how'bout this: whatif next time I come to California I look you up, share a beer, and laugh or two? That is the whatifs we gotta keep front and center. ;)
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Well, the Xmess parade is over for another year. :P
The local Jaycees put the parade on every year and every year my office is scrambling at the last minute to get our entry in. The theme this year was "A Colonial Christmas". As near as I could tell it was totally ignored. We chose to do the Grinch and the elves again. I got to be the Grinch, again, as I am the only guy in the office willing to put forth the effort.
I called my friend Susan the Massage Therapist down the street this past week to ask if she could drive us in her car again. It is a 1971 Oldsmobile 442 convertible painted midnight purple. It is Da Bomb. Her father bought it new for $2,000 she said. It used to be canary yellow. She is a sweet person, I should spend more time with her.
Lynn went to the costume store to get the Grinch suit. It was a different one than last years. It had a HUGE head piece reminiscent of the Scary Rabbit in Donnie Darko, a green body suit, Santa coat and them curled up shoes. It was hot as hades in that thing, the head loping back and forth I had to hold it in place with one hand to see and get air thru and eye hole.
Susan arrived about 4 with the car. We had already commenced drinking. A blender full of daiquiris followed by Coffee laced with Bailey's Irish Creme, only 4000 calories. Hila Lee had made costumes for the other agents, 4 of them, and her daughter and niece, neither of whom had ever seen a parade let alone be in one. Lourdes tied balloons to the car and I filmed it, all the loose tongues speaking of husbands, passing motorists and what they had for lunch.....Then we piled in and made our way down the street, Clampett style, to our spot, #90, past people mowing the grass on the first day of December in the dark. "Have you been drinking? We have!" Kerry yelled at them.
And so we began our wait. I spoke with the Elder Avery Preston who I graduated high school with, now the pastor of the outreach ministries who had the float behind us, pulled by a large semi. We noticed sever people dressed in Civil war garb and figured they were reinactors until their float took off, they were the Stuart, Virginia chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, parading thru a town with a 50% African American population flying Confederate battle flags. We all looked at one another like OMG! I did the rumpshaker dance in the middle of Market street for a group of carolers, who howled. It was great fun.
Then we finally took off after 45 minutes, I was gasping for breath in that headpiece. The kids were wide eyed with wonder once again to see the Grinch. I think he is more popular than Santa. We got up to the old court house and I hugged the camera man from the local cable station. Then the car died. Susan got it cranked again with my jumping in the back seat, pumping my arm like a train. The cars timing is set high, it is meant to fly the road, not creek long with a bunch of elves in tow.
We rounded the corner to the city hall and the car died again. It didn;t want to start this time, so I hopped out to help push it out of the way of Avery's semi and no sooner did my curled shoes touch the ground did it fire up and take off leaving me and the elves behind.....the crowd busted out laughing. O-well, we walked arm in arm up Church Street, occasionally posing for pictures and shaking hands and panting for breath.
After about a block, Kerry told me if I ran I might could catch the car, so I took off running down the street, all the floats now totally out of sync, I was holding on to my head for dear life, the crowd was cheering me on and I could see the car getting closer and at the last second I leaped, did a Luke Duke across the trunk, became entangled in the balloons and landed head first in the back seat. People were screaming, I was laughing, Susan was laughing, the elves were left behind and thankfully in a few more minutes the thing ended and we beat a hasty retreat to the office. Esseffejoe called me on my cell phone that I had carried inside my giant green glove "oh me, I'm in a parade....."
I was drenched with sweat. Luckily there was an extra t shirt to put on. Luckily the belt buckle had not scratched the trunk, luckily no one died. :)
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Oh my gosh. I am thinking McCauley Culkin in Home Alone here. My hands on each side of my head.
But instead of screams of fear, it is screams of laughter. :laugh: :laugh: All that running and all that
sweating, should have evened out the baileys, and mojitos. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
WHAT A GREAT STORY....
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Well I am having a better day. I am able to put on my black jeans today! They are holding me in like a woman who owes money for tires. Not the most comfortable, I won;t wear them just yet, but I can get them on!
As someone who is fitting back into old clothes sizes again, I know the feeling! Fantastic! Congrats to you, buddy!
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What a hoot, Truman! I wish I could have been there to see you take the One Giant Leap for Grinchkind! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Like I said in the PM I sent ya, they picked the wrong guy to play the Grinch. Your heart is too big. ;D
I know what you are talking about, when you see the looks on kids' faces. I play Santa twice in the past, and to have kids sit on my lap, and tell me what they want for Christmas was fun. The look in their eyes when I talked to them about bringing them toys on Christmas was priceless!
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Thank you Chuckie, I am lucky, there are a lot of good
people whos in my life. Here are a few:[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKiAcu6ZfjQ[/youtube]
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that is such a great vid! sooooooooooooooooooo cute!
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You should have had someone turn the camera on you...That way we would have gotten to see
your costume too.
I cannot imagine what it must be like to still live in a litttle community where you have always lived. Things like that must be so much fun. ;)
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Truman, it looks like everybody had a good time in the parade! I was glad to see that the elves were ok. I was worried about them when you said they got left behind :)
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Thank you Chuckie, I am lucky, there are a lot of good people whos in my life. Here are a few:[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKiAcu6ZfjQ[/youtube]
:laugh: ;D I love the crybaby clip of you tube too shakes - did anyone video you while in the parade?
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I know what you are talking about, when you see the looks on kids' faces. I play Santa twice in the past, and to have kids sit on my lap, and tell me what they want for Christmas was fun. The look in their eyes when I talked to them about bringing them toys on Christmas was priceless!
But did one of them ever pee in your lap? ;D
Tru: OMG, I wish I could have been there! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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But did one of them ever pee in your lap? ;D
Nope, they were all well behaved!
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Truman,
You have an amazing life, you know that?
:)
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Truman,
You have an amazing life, you know that?
:)
Law, well if you live in a small town you gotta make your own fun. I don;t think my life is anything unusual, I bet if you were to look around you'd see yours was purdy amazing too.
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Truman,
You have an amazing life, you know that?
:)
I think so, too. You could write a TV series based on your life! :D
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I think so, too. You could write a TV series based on your life! :D
That's funny you say that Jeff. I was thinking the same thing. I know I would watch it.
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Clampett style
:laugh:
It didn;t want to start this time, so I hopped out to help push it out of the way of Avery's semi and no sooner did my curled shoes touch the ground did it fire up and take off leaving me and the elves behind.....the crowd busted out laughing.
I'm sure they think you planned all that!! :laugh:
luckily no one died. :)
The very definition of a great parade!! :D
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I live just down the road from Yosemite
:o omg what a magical place!!!
I spent a few days there in April some years back - had my own huge tent that would sleep a whole scout troop ... hiked a loop route over one of those domes and a waterfall ...
what a great place to live! :D
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I think so, too. You could write a TV series based on your life! :D
Ever heard of the Truman Show? :laugh:
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I hope you dont live inside a dome... that would be very confining for a person such as you...
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Gary my first trip to California was in 1998, we flew to SF and spent the weekend there and then headed to Yosemite, went south on the coast road and then turned inland at Gilroy, went thru Vasalia and spent the night in Three Rivers. Went thru Sequoia the next day, which is a beautiful place, then Fresno and Merced (if I remember right, the name is real familar) and into Yosemite. It was wonderful. We wern;t feeling quite well so didn;t get to do any long hikes, but we tooled around for two days all over the park. Even with the people there it was paradise. I really want to go back there and do some camping out away from things. Would love to climb Half Dome.
Then we took that sacry pass down from Toulloume Meadows to Lee Vining, great day!
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I hope you dont live inside a dome... that would be very confining for a person such as you...
I think I have sucessfully escaped it if it is! 8)
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That's funny you say that Jeff. I was thinking the same thing. I know I would watch it.
Great minds think alike. :)
Ever heard of the Truman Show? :laugh:
Figgered someone would mention that. I don't care for Jim Carey. I'd rather watch your life. :D
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So did you like California?
Hugs!
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Great minds think alike. :)
Figgered someone would mention that. I don't care for Jim Carey. I'd rather watch your life. :D
;D OMG, mine ain't near as inneresting as I make it out to be. Will someone please put that damn dog up before he bites someone.
-
HUH?/ ???
-
HUH?/ ???
W got a 56 month old shelty at the office who barks all the time, tries tobite people and loves to toilet paper the office.
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W got a 56 month old shelty at the office who barks all the time, tries tobite people and loves to toilet paper the office.
LOL !!!! The owners dog?
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Yeah, his name is Sport. He is a sweet thing, but at that age he is a terror.
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Yeah, his name is Sport. He is a sweet thing, but at that age he is a terror.
Shelties are herders.
My friends tries to herd me all the time !!! ;D
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(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/WELCOME56.gif)
BUT.... BEWARE OF DOG
TEEHEE
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/mi_girl_10a_animated.gif)
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/anidog6.gif)(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/Acti1-1.gif)
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Good morning Truman. Remember pets make you live longer :)
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Good morning Truman. Remember pets make you live longer :)
they sure do!
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Good morning Truman. Remember pets make you live longer :)
they sure do!
That's why pets are better'n wives. Wives don't make you live longer. It just seems that way. ...
Ba-da-bing! ;D
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That's why pets are better'n wives. Wives don't make you live longer. It just seems that way. ...
Ba-da-bing! ;D
LORD!!! You can say that twice and mean it!
You been married before? ;D
ANother one!
Statistics say Men die first. Do you know why?
Because they want to!!!
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LORD!!! You can say that twice and mean it!
You been married before? ;D
ANother one!
Statistics say Men die first. Do you know why?
Because they want to!!!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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LORD!!! You can say that twice and mean it!
You been married before? ;D
Nope, never been married. Thank God. ...
ANother one!
Statistics say Men die first. Do you know why?
Because they want to!!!
And they said vaudeville was dead. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Well I hope Sport will keep his pees around a long time, they are good people. ;D
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I was out at lunchtime to buy postage stamps, and the wind is fierce today. It'll put roses in your cheeks. All of 'em.
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I was out at lunchtime to buy postage stamps, and the wind is fierce today. It'll put roses in your cheeks. All of 'em.
I don't know how many times oyu have to be told to keep your pants on in public. Sheesh...you men!!!
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I don't know how many times oyu have to be told to keep your pants on in public. Sheesh...you men!!!
Oh, as if you're any different.
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I don't know how many times oyu have to be told to keep your pants on in public. Sheesh...you men!!!
Hell, that wind was so damn cold you didn't hafta drop 'em to put roses in them cheeks! :o
Think it was New England, or sumpin'. ...
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Hell, that wind was so damn cold you didn't hafta drop 'em to put roses in them cheeks! :o
Think it was New England, or sumpin'. ...
Son...it was 18 degrees this morning. This is what I thought having a husband was all about...he takes the frikkin' dog out and you stay inside where it's nice and warm making breakfast muffins.
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Son...it was 18 degrees this morning. This is what I thought having a husband was all about...he takes the frikkin' dog out and you stay inside where it's nice and warm making breakfast muffins.
Mmmm. Whut kinda muffins? :D
Bet you don't call Grady "the frikkin' dog" when it's 80 degrees and you take him out. ...
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LORD!!! You can say that twice and mean it!
You been married before? ;D
ANother one!
Statistics say Men die first. Do you know why?
Because they want to!!!
>:(
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I was in NYC once in college, on a field trip and this girl with us had ordered two muffins and couldn;t eat the second one so she asked very loudly if anyone wanted to eat her muffin, which brought a lot of offers from guys all over the place.
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I was in NYC once in college, on a field trip and this girl with us had ordered two muffins and couldn;t eat the second one so she asked very loudly if anyone wanted to eat her muffin, which brought a lot of offers from guys all over the place.
That reminds me of the story when Glenn Campbell had Raquel Welch on his TV show.
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That reminds me of the story when Glenn Campbell had Raquel Welch on his TV show.
Well, go ahead, tell it. What are you waitin' for, a matin' call?
I remember Glenn Campbell's show. Tom Jones's, too. He had Raquel on, also.
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Well, go ahead, tell it. What are you waitin' for, a matin' call?
I remember Glenn Campbell's show. Tom Jones's, too. He had Raquel on, also.
This BLUE...proceed with caution.
Raquel and he were sitting on stools on the stage talking. Raquel had her cat with her. Glenn commented on how beautifult the cat was. Raquel asked if he would like to pet her pussy. Glenn said sure...move your cat.
-
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
OMG, I need to look for that on youtube!
-
I dont believe you!
-
>:(
;D ;D ;D
I love you more than my boots!!! ;D
-
Raquel and he were sitting on stools on the stage talking. Raquel had her cat with her. Glenn commented on how beautifult the cat was. Raquel asked if he would like to pet her pussy. Glenn said sure...move your cat.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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This BLUE...proceed with caution.
Raquel and he were sitting on stools on the stage talking. Raquel had her cat with her. Glenn commented on how beautifult the cat was. Raquel asked if he would like to pet her pussy. Glenn said sure...move your cat.
Dude that urban myth is older than you! LOL ;D
It was actually supposed to be Johnny Carson and Zsa Zsa Gabor.
But alas it never happened!
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Dude that urban myth is older than you! LOL ;D
It was actually supposed to be Johnny Carson and Zsa Zsa Gabor.
But alas it never happened!
What did you say?
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Dude that urban myth is older than you! LOL ;D
It was actually supposed to be Johnny Carson and Zsa Zsa Gabor.
But alas it never happened!
I thought it was Johnny Carson and Mrs. Arnold Palmer. She told Johnny that before Arnie played a tournament, she would kiss his balls for luck, and Johnny said, "I'll bet that makes his putter stand up!"
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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lmao! You all are crazy!
-
keep your pants on in public
:D Don't worry 'bout that Jeff, you go ahead and do what you like! ;)
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We have had a lovely gentle snowfall this afternoon, just enough to put a dusting of powdered sugar on lawns and the roofs of automobiles in the parking lot, but it seems to have stopped now.
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We have had a lovely gentle snowfall this afternoon, just enough to put a dusting of powdered sugar on lawns and the roofs of automobiles in the parking lot, but it seems to have stopped now.
Dang! It's gonna be 70 by this weekend!
Fa la freakin la! >:(
-
Dang! It's gonna be 70 by this weekend!
Fa la freakin la! >:(
Ain't right! It's December! >:(
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Ain't right! It's December! >:(
Tell me!!
-
Hell yeah I'll pack my bathing suit, oh I forgot, ya'll ain't got no water.
-
It's snowing here too, Jeff! ;D
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It's snowing here too, Jeff! ;D
I wanna see some snow . :(
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I am happiest when I am on the road, travelling someplace but I could not be a truck driver because they are always on an impossible deadline and have to drive something wayyyyyyy too big.
If I could afford it I would drive and SUV, I like things about that size. I can't afford to drive them though, so I drive a very economical compact car and like it well enough. The first month I had it I drove to South Dakota in it.
My idea of hapiness would be extended road trips, like a comet, all over North America. I have never driven in Europe or any other continent, would like to try that one day. Travelling in Eurrope is different for me because it is usually with a group on a bus and you see what they want you to see. I don;t like being a tourist, I would rather be a traveller.
I also like trains. I have not had much experence on them but I would love to go cross country in a sleeper car, and a good book. Harrison Ford played John Book in Witness.
-
Hell yeah I'll pack my bathing suit, oh I forgot, ya'll ain't got no water.
LOL! No we don't!!! :laugh:
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I am happiest when I am on the road, travelling someplace but I could not be a truck driver because they are always on an impossible deadline and have to drive something wayyyyyyy too big.
If I could afford it I would drive and SUV, I like things about that size. I can't afford to drive them though, so I drive a very economical compact car and like it well enough. The first month I had it I drove to South Dakota in it.
My idea of hapiness would be extended road trips, like a comet, all over North America. I have never driven in Europe or any other continent, would like to try that one day. Travelling in Eurrope is different for me because it is usually with a group on a bus and you see what they want you to see. I don;t like being a tourist, I would rather be a traveller.
I also like trains. I have not had much experence on them but I would love to go cross country in a sleeper car, and a good book. Harrison Ford played John Book in Witness.
LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who was Arnold Ziffel on Green Acres? ;D
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LOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Who was Arnold Ziffel on Green Acres? ;D
Well he was the Pig. I ain;t that young.
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Well he was the Pig. I ain;t that young.
LOL...... I was watching it on TVland today at lunch. Lisa and Oliver were taking Arnold to Hollywood to
audition for a movie ! ;D
-
Harrison Ford played John Book in Witness.
My mother met Harrison Ford while he was in Lancaster filming the part of Witness where he was hiding out with the Amish.
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I answered Chucks survey yesterday that the song that I would remember was Amy Winehouses' Rehab song. Weel there is one other come to think of it.
I heard this for the first time this year on a 38 year old vinyl LP, entitled Mosiac by Crow.
From what I ave been able to gather Crow was a regional Midwest band that flourished circa 1968-69, and this youtube video is from a reunion of the band in 2005, I like this song, it is good to dance to when you get your drink on. It is called "Don't Try To Lay No Boogie-Woogie On The King Of Rock & Roll"
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw8c_K4jFvY[/youtube]
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i llike it :D
-
Thats some serious stuff..The lead singer has some real Bob Segar going on.
-
Thats some serious stuff..The lead singer has some real Bob Segar going on.
Yeah, it is from back in the time when Segar would have been starting out.
-
cool song, Tru!
-
Thank you Chuck.
Well the grey skies this morning are trying to parcipitate, the beads of rain frose on my windshield but melt quickly.
Maybe, just maybe, I can take them some rain. 8)
Six hours and one minute, I'll be seeing ya'll!
-
and I'll be missing you!
-
Thank you Chuck.
Well the grey skies this morning are trying to parcipitate, the beads of rain frose on my windshield but melt quickly.
Maybe, just maybe, I can take them some rain. 8)
Six hours and one minute, I'll be seeing ya'll!
Please bring the rain with you!!
We need it! ;D
-
I'll second that, and if I could get my other personailty to wake up he would third it
What, you only have two of them? ??? ;D
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What, you only have two of them? ??? ;D
I'd slap you for that, but you would like it too much...LOL
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I'd slap you for that, but you would like it too much...LOL
I heard Jeff was like that..... ;D
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I'd slap you for that, but you would like it too much...LOL
As my haberdasher Mr. Humphries once said, "You wait until you're asked!" :laugh:
-
As my haberdasher Mr. Humphries once said, "You wait until you're asked!" :laugh:
WTF is a haberdasher?
Tahts another one I'm afraid to ask about! :laugh:
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WTF is a haberdasher?
Tahts another one I'm afraid to ask about! :laugh:
Don't you know Mr. Humphries from Are You Being Served? He sells menswear.
"Mr. Humphries, take an inside leg!" :laugh:
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Don't you know Mr. Humphries from Are You Being Served? He sells menswear.
"Mr. Humphries, take an inside leg!" :laugh:
heard of the show but never seen it.
-
heard of the show but never seen it.
They show it on our PBS station every Tuesday evening at 7:30. It's an old British comedy about people working in a department store but very funny. :)
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They show it on our PBS station every Tuesday evening at 7:30. It's an old British comedy about people working in a department store but very funny. :)
I love British Comedy!
Ab Fab is funny! I also liked the old benny Hill and of course Monty Python.
British Movies are funny too!
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I love British Comedy!
Ab Fab is funny! I also liked the old benny Hill and of course Monty Python.
British Movies are funny too!
Well, Are You Being Served has this older lady who always has her hair died a funny color. She reminds me of someone here at Bettermost, but I ain't sayin' who! 8) :laugh:
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Well, Are You Being Served has this older lady who always has her hair died a funny color. She reminds me of someone here at Bettermost, but I ain't sayin' who! 8) :laugh:
Mrs. Slokum!
-
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/BBMLinesVisualized/BrokeArseMountain/molliesugden.jpg)
That would be she! How's her infamous pussy? ;D
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(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/BBMLinesVisualized/BrokeArseMountain/molliesugden.jpg)
That would be she! How's her infamous pussy? ;D
You mean Tiddles? ;D
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Mrs. Slokum: The man from upstairs is coming down to peek at my pussy!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Mrs. Slokum: The man from upstairs is coming down to peek at my pussy!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
If she's not home by six o'clock, her pussy gets all upset!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I love Mrs. Slocumb! ;D
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I love Mrs. Slocumb! ;D
there used to be a diner by me that had a waitress who looked just like her!
-
Where is Truman..? Has he got his nose to the grindstone, or is he driving somewhere?
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Where is Truman..? Has he got his nose to the grindstone, or is he driving somewhere?
He's driving! ;D
-
He's driving! ;D
I know where he's goin', I know where he's goin'! ;D
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I know where he's goin', I know where he's goin'! ;D
He's there!! ;D
-
Yeehaw.......... ;) ;)
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WTF is a haberdasher?
Tahts another one I'm afraid to ask about! :laugh:
Harry Truman was a habadasher, nothing wrong with that except he went broke.
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there used to be a diner by me that had a waitress who looked just like her!
I used to have realtives who looked like her.
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Greetings from Hotlanta, we are going to the paint store to get some extra gallons and paint this town, oh what color, not pink. Maybe a nice shade of lavinder. :-*
Brought the video camera.
OMG there is NO water in the lakes.
-
Have a great weekend, you two! Little Bro is missing ya!
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;D Welcome to Atlanna Shakes! :-*
-
Truman - thanks for the xmas card! and enjoy your weekend with Rich!
-
In a town of sand drop castles,
On the shore of a bone dry lake.
I holler your name(s), :-*
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;D
-
As Mary would say.".Life is all around, no need to waste it.. you're gonna make it after all." ;D
Water for a bath is all you need? Right...? waves hand....have fun ya'll
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Yeah, I hope you boys are having a wondeful weekend. I won't be going to the thread on it. Twice I tried to open the thread and twice it froze my PC. >:( I guess maybe you boys are posting high-res pics on the thread? Could that be doing it?
Love you both! :-*
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really?
damn....I've been there a few times, and had no issues. Wonder what the prob is?
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Happy Hanukkah, Truman!
-
Yeah, I really neeed to read the instructon books on cmeras when I get one. I brought the video camera with me and the battery croaked, o-well, you can have fun or you can spend you time documenting your attempt.
-
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Great truth in advertising!
-
Welcome home Tru!!!
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Happy Hanukkah, Truman!
Happy Hanukkah!
Happy Hanukkah!
May the Menorah,
Keep Burning!
Happy Hanukkah to you!
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Welcome home Tru!!!
Thank you Scott, Crybaby's purrmotor is in overdrive.
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Thank you Scott, Crybaby's purrmotor is in overdrive.
Hehehehe...hers/his to huh?
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Coming up the road today I was listening to a book on CD, Shadow Catcher, by Marianne Wiggins, a really good story and I would recommend it.
And I had this other story on my mind, one I first heard of in a PBS documentary on the Carter Family, one of the original coutry music stars.
This trio was made up of A.P Carter, his wife Sara Dougherty Carter and his sister in law, Maybelle. Maybelle was the mother of June who was married to Johnny Cash.
Life with A.P. Carter was not easy, he stayed gone a lot collecting songs from people back in the hills and Sarah didn't really want a performing life, but living in Poor Valley, Virginia there was little else they could do. She in time came to find love with her husband's cousin, Coy Bayes. She left her children to live over the mountain with him, returning often to tend to them.
In time, A.P. pressured Coy's parents to leave the area and take Coy, much younger than Sara, with them so the two could not be together. Never the less Sara divorce him in 1939. They did however continue to perform together, even recording songs about their situation not unlike what Fleetwood Mac and Abba would do years later. I don;t know but I got the impression Sara felt powerless to do anything about her situation.
Then one night they were performing live on XERA radio in Villa Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico. It is the station ZZ Top sings about in their song "Heard it on the X". It was the most powerful station in the western hemisphere, its signal went all over north america. After performing a few numbers, Sara stepped to the microphone with her guitar and said: "I want to dedicate this next song to my friend Coy Bayes" and she sang:
'Twould been better for us both had we never
In this wide and wicked world had never met,
But the pleasure we both seemed to gather
I'm sure, love, I'll never forget
Oh, I'm thinking tonight of my blue eyes
Who is sailing far over the sea
I'm thinking tonight of my blue eyes
And I wonder if he ever thinks of me
Oh, you told me once, dear, that you loved me;
You vowed that we never would part
But a link in the chain has been broken
Leaving me with a sad and aching heart
When the cold, cold grave shall enclose me
Will you come near and shed just one tear?
Will you say to the strangers around you
A poor heart you have broken lies here?
Sitting in his parents living room in California Coy hear her sing and he turned to him Mamma and said: "I'm going after her".
His Mamma said: "I think you better."
When he caught up with the Carter family, Sara left with him and they were married. The three never performed together again.
Sometimes, there is justice.
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Thank you for that Truman. Just thank you.
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I doubt her "Blue Eyes" was as handsome as ours ... ;) :-*
(http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15438.0;attach=15704;image)
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Oh, my. If that ain't a suggestive picture. ... ;)
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This one is a whole lot more to the point. :P
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This one is a whole lot more to the point. :P
Oh lord! You just have to show off!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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This one is a whole lot more to the point. :P
Do you mean to tell me they sell and drink Rolling Rock in the South? :o
That's a Yankee beer! ;D
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It is good yankee beer. I like it. I like anything but Budwizer. Ik.
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Oh I hope Karen posts something.
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Do you mean to tell me they sell and drink Rolling Rock in the South? :o
That's a Yankee beer! ;D
Well, since so many yankees are coming down to stay, we need to make them feel at home!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Well, since so many yankees are coming down to stay, we need to make them feel at home!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Then y'all better start stockin' up on Yuengling! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Those Carter women seem to go for what they want...Each in their own way. good for her
Oh and bye the way. I used to listen to that station, when my husband and i were out on the road,
late at night...It came in clear as a bell. We always listened to Wolf Man Jack...that was before anyone
ever heard of him....I miss him..... ;D
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Yeah I like me some Yuengling, and the darker one, but not Bock Beer.
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Those Carter women seem to go for what they want...Each in their own way. good for her
Oh and bye the way. I used to listen to that station, when my husband and i were out on the road,
late at night...It came in clear as a bell. We always listened to Wolf Man Jack...that was before anyone
ever heard of him....I miss him..... ;D
Yeah I rememory him on The Midnight Special when I was a kid.
In college there was this guy on late at night on a local station who called himself the Tennessee Midnight Rambler and he would say things like "Suck them suds!" about two o'clock on a saturday morning when people would be huggling the porceline god.
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Just give me a Coors Light, and I'm happy!
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Then y'all better start stockin' up on Yuengling! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I had that when I was in Williamsport.
Most of my PA relatives like Iron City or IC Lite
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Just give me a Coors Light, and I'm happy!
I like those too -- and Coronas.
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Oh I hope Karen posts something.
Truman..... advertising your "talent" with that beer bottle.
How did it go Saturday night? 8)
I don't know nuttin bout no beer. I only drink hard likker !!!!
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Truman..... advertising your "talent" with that beer bottle.
How did it go Saturday night? 8)
I don't know nuttin bout no beer. I only drink hard likker !!!!
Well I didn;t get no body piercings! :laugh:
I'll commence with the epic tomorry..... ::)
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Looks forward to reading it!
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Well I didn;t get no body piercings! :laugh:
I'll commence with the epic tomorry..... ::)
But you did have a Tarot reading !!! LOL
I want to know if you danced Saturday night ! ;D
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I don't know nuttin bout no beer. I only drink hard likker !!!!
You and me both, sister! ;D
I just see my bartender buddies serving lots of pints of Yuengling while I'm sippin' my scotch.
Yuengling is made in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, by the oldest continually operating brewery in the U.S. :D
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To start this "epic" I want to answer a question that has been passed along to me, I understand that some are wondering if me and Rich "have a thing". It is certainly a valid question and I would probably wonder the same thing. The answer is no. We are two guys who are friends. We both like guys, we both love one another as brothers, and that is a good thing.
I'd not been to Atlanta in 20 years. Except the airport. I had been to Charlotte to the airport so many times lately it was felt weird driving past exit 33 on I85 and continuing south west. Strand to continue on thru North Carolina, strange for me to be in South Carolina and not go thru Columbia. Then I crossed over the pittiful lake, with its dry shoreline, and I was in Georgia, I was on a virtual blank canvass. I was also way ahead of scedual, so I took some time to investigate the small town of Carnesville, a county seat with an old courthouse and monument to Confederate soldiers. A little conveinence store where I got a cup of coffe for 27 cents from a pear shaped woman who only charged me for the cup as she did not know how old the coffee was. It was just fine.
I also discovered in my car, I can make it from my house to Atlanta on one tank of gas. Something will probably thing of everything that gas pump shaped orange light comes on. I could be in Atlanta, drinking a V8.
We connected by cell phone before redevousing at his house. Rich told me "you see this, you see that, turn here" and I was soon at their house. I was begining a strange process of fleshing out what my mind had envisioned, replacing the not quite imagined with the real thing. While I was talking to him still I looked around in the back yard. Remember the little house he'd built for his daughter, there it was. More confirmation than the number. It was not long before our arms were coming together. What a joy that man is. He positively radiates it.
After putting up the stuff and cracking open a beer and taking a few pics that were the first posted, we headed out on the town. The first stop was his sisters house to meet his Mom. She is a jewel, I enjoyed getting to know her a little bit. Then we headed out to eat. He named a bunch of places and I picked one called Cow Tippers, because I like the name. It was located in the gay part of town, beautiful old homes and buildings and business catering to the tribe. It was a cool place, the matre'd looked like a blad Colin Ferrell with a Santa Hat. The place was full of gay folks, and I saw my first Palmetto Bug! Our waiter's name was Billy and he brung us our Rolling Rocks with a smile. A nice young lady came by to see if there was anything else we needed.
"World Peace" I told her.
"The election's next year" she told me confidently.
After a delicious meal of red meat we headed off to Brushstrokes, a kind of Gay Superstore that had the most extensive collection of Gay Movies I have ever seen, I am sure everyone ever made. We procured a calendar of the soon-to-be-devine Ms. Winehouse and a couple of movies. We spotted Colin Ferrell again were about to leave when I came to the conclusion that the entire strip mall was gay. We decided insted of heading someplace else we would go to a bar right there. A nice two story deal with a DJ, no dance floor, a couple of pool tables with purple felt, a nice patio area with it was almost warm enough to use, inverted Christmas tree, a charity craps table and a Tarot Card reader in residence. And some friendly, gentle people, all ages, races, shapes. It amazed me, in NY or SF I would expect to see what I was seeing. But this was Atlanta, this was the southern United States and althought a big city I still had not grasped the size and scope of "Hotlanta". This was after all, a "Sodomite Bar" as Eric Robert Rudolph had called it when he bombed one in 1996.
Before the night was over I had to plop down my $15 and pick my cards. Whay I learned was that I have a bank of good karma to draw upon. He told me I am standing at a cross roads and it was up to me to pick my direction. I came away somewhat confused, but optimistic. Rich had a much more specific experence, whch was cool.
Back at his house we popped in Latter Days and watched it. I love that movie.
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And before i get going today, a very happy 35th birthday to the most under rated performer in country music today: Hank Williams, III, ;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC-ZFUC9R-U[/youtube]
"Lord, honey, you're a ghost," --Minnie Pearl
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To start this "epic" I want to answer a question that has been passed along to me, I understand that some are wondering if me and Rich "have a thing". It is certainly a valid question and I would probably wonder the same thing. The answer is no. We are two guys who are friends. We both like guys, we both love one another as brothers, and that is a good thing.
What you guys got is a "healthy manlove," just like those two guys from C.S.I. (see this week's TV Guide). :D
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What you guys got is a "healthy manlove," just like those two guys from C.S.I. (see this week's TV Guide). :D
Healthy Manlove. I like that. ;D
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Yo....big bro!
I found a pic that reminded me of that "discovery channel" song you posted before!
(http://www.anglia.ac.uk/ruskin/en/home/news/archive/ladybird2.Maincontent.0005.Image.gif)
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Is a palmetto bug, just a giant cockroach?
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It's two lady bugs......making eggs.
;)
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It's two lady bugs......making eggs.
;)
One of 'em darn well better be a man bug if they want a make eggs. ...
Yes, Janice, a palmetto bug is a ginormous cockroach.
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Is a palmetto bug, just a giant cockroach?
Well, we prefer Palmetto Bug to "Big Ole Giant Cockroach" LOL :laugh: :laugh:
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Oh my!!
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I think I saw some of those in Arizona, and New Mexico once....yikes
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Well, we prefer Palmetto Bug to "Big Ole Giant Cockroach" LOL :laugh: :laugh:
I thought they only had palmetto bugs in Florida? ???
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I think I saw some of those in Arizona, and New Mexico once....yikes
Fortunately, we don't have that issue here in New England...unless some southerner brings them up.
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So Sairdee came and we got up like it was another work day, hit the ground running with a delicious breakfast of coffee and more coffee. It was the 8th of December so I had on my long sleeves and long pants and took along a jacket just in case I needed it. Yeah, right. You heard of Indian Summer? I think in Georgia it needs to be called Indian Winter. The sky was straight out of Flannery O'Conner.
We rolled thru the sprawl in Rich's truck, past to old farms, past places that 30 years ago was someone's dream home by a pond, now being dismantled to make way for more McMansions. Carcases of deer on the shoulders of the roads, Rich recalling where something used to be, I could feel the place changing, like the caffeine in my system had sped the universe up enough that I could perceive change in a place I'd never seen. We came up on Lake Lanier, and I told him about how in my town we have a Lake Lanier, and a Forest Park and a Druid Hills, all names expropriated by my friend's father who had a plantation to subdivide, and a friend in Atlanta who he liked to visit. But this place, this Lake Sidney Lanier, was a far different place.
I had seen the drying lakes from I85 on the way down, but this place was like a skeleton, the barren earth like the dry bones of something long dead that the flesh had retreated from. We walked along a beach where he had taken his daughter swimming a year before, where she had picked Muscadine Grapes with her Grandmother, now it was just a patch of sand that had no connection to the water, being watched over by a retiree from someplace up north and his little dog on a leash. The sadness on that mans face was a book unto itself. We stood there, the 4 of us looking at the sight when from a thicket come a fox, and it bounded across the cracked dust toward what had been an island, to dissapear into the woods. Them Siberian genes in me jumping up and down in recognition.
And it was quiet, an eerie quiet broken only by the sound of the earth crunching under our feet. We were as well as on the moon, looking at the lost artifacts of peoples lives. The kids fishing rod that looked vaguely familiar, the corroded breast implant, the cinderblock that had been an anchor for a boat, the aluminum top to a pull tab can of Pabst Blue Ribbon, the seamed steel can long gone, and a foot away the pull tab itself. The joined shells of freshwater muscles exposed, the fleshy inhabitant long gone. There would come in time, at this rate, the foundations of farm houses knocked down by the Corps of Engineers and arrowheads of the Cherokee. The buoy markers warning of shallow water, now high over head on a small hill, sounded by fennel and pine tree seedlings, all waiting for more water, water that will one day drown them.
On the way to the dam we saw coves and inlets where peoples docks and boats sat high and dry, at that queer angle of a dead animal. The dam held a winding road, and a washboard road down to the the channel from which the Chattahoochee emerges. The Chattahoochee, where someplace down stream Alan Jackson is eternally on skis, hat on his bald haid and immortal. A young man from some place in Asia approached us and with out any apparent fishing apparatus and asked where he could go fishing at. Rich showed him, he being the sportsman. The only thing I ever killed in my life with a gun was a woodpecker and that was an accident.
Up on the other side, the lake side of the earthen dam to the park area where another beach was beached, stairstepped like a monument down to the still water. Signs admonishing visitors not to dive onto the rocks. I hopped down to the water, carrying my bag of goodies. Transported I was, it seemed so familiar. As I drew the little cigar out I realized what it was, remember I went to Tennessee to find out what had happened to Curtis, back at the beginning of this ride. I turned my eyes to the grey sky and called the great spirit to look at me.
I crumpled the cigar and cast the tobacco onto the still water in offering, and reaching back into the bag and got a bottle of water, opened it and poured it in to show what was needed. Please, I asked, send this land some water, send these people some rain. And I sat, and I let the stillness envelope me. Not a soul around, no boat, no plane, no bird, it was like something out of a Stephen King story, a world waiting to be animated, for its fizz to return. The air was still, and on a molecular level I could be convinced all had ceased its vibration.
From the dam we headed north, to Dalonega. I only learnt how to pronounce that name on the flight to SF in September. Cherokee is something you have to hear to get it right. Da-lon-eh-gah. When you break it up into their syllabary it is easier. It was the sight of the first gold rush in the US, circa 1828, which I think had something to do with the Trail of Tears, the forced removal of the Cherokee from these parts for modern day Oklahoma. It is an old town, home to a Military Academy, and a strange house where a "northern speculator" had lived after the Civil War and was rumored to have mined the earth underneath for gold. Turns out years later when the house was sold a trap door was discoverend and there was in fact tunnels going all over town, probably underminiding the houses and churches. I wondered what he did with the dirt, did he walk around town dropping it out of his pant leg like Andy Dufren in Shawshank Redemption?
Done up for Xmess, we toured the shops, tried on hats, collected marbles and purchased Kudzu Jelly. Wondered where Lynne was, if she was okay, how we would know if she wasn't. It all made us hungry so we retreated to Caruso's Italian Restaurant for beers and ravioli and pasta. Our waitress was Amander, she is 26 years old and brought us a stack of coasters to prop up the bent foot of the table. In came the tourists in their leather chaps and big hair, the locals in their hand knitted sweaters and caps, and we two sat, and shaped for anyone of them in ear shot, our world. Speaking freely of love and loss and longing and the joy of being unshackled from the perceived never ending pain of living in a world that existed in our heads. The world was now this table, this room, this restaurant. Amander was a part of it, The hundred year old Magnolia tree was part of it, the sun that had emerged was shining on it.
We made our way counter clock wize around the square, rolling up my sleeves, fanning myself with my hat. Came upon a western shop where the Alberta sky called to me in the form of a new blue bandanna, which I was ready to put on me neck, naw, the nice lady put it in a cute little bag made from recycled fibers and a sinsel handle a a tissue paper corona and I was like OMG lady this is western store. I didn't come here for that fru-fru BS. On around to the jeweler, the trays of turquoise, is there a more beautiful word in any language? The girl at the counter saying something to Rich about some ring would end the wrong message to women, pregnant pause, and the world continued as it had before.
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I thought they only had palmetto bugs in Florida? ???
Nope, all over the south!
:P
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Kudzu jelly? That sounds awful. ... :P
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Nope, all over the south!
:P
Well, the South is welcome to keep 'em.
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South Carolina is the Palmetto state. Maybe even the Palmetto Bug state.
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South Carolina is the Palmetto state. Maybe even the Palmetto Bug state.
They are all over down there.
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They are all over down there.
Here in Texas too ! Yuk.
Come across a couple of them suckers when I was packing our office up.
I screamed ! ;D
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It was many years ago I was on a trip with my in-laws to meet with the husbands side of the family.
We drove thru Arizona and New Mexico . When nature called. We stopped at a rest area for the bathroom.
Wow, I almost left without going... The place had those things all over the floor.......I was thankfully much more
limber back then.. I sat on that stool, feet and all.......... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: skeered the p outa me
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Here in Texas too ! Yuk.
Come across a couple of them suckers when I was packing our office up.
I screamed ! ;D
I probably would, too! :laugh: From the looks of that picture, they are big suckers! :o
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I hate bugs....but roaches especially!
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And yes, we drove over a median strip. :)
We met up with Cowboy Wayne in front of a greasy spoon looking place that the Wall Street Journal had said had the best burgers in America, but the wait was too long. So he climbed in the truck with us and we headed off in another direction.
Wayne, the first brokie I ever met, still smiling, still a solid mass of joy. We drove deep into the century old neighborhood where he and his partner live in a magnificent old home with an alley out back just big enough for the truck to fit in. Then a couple of steps took us onto the patio of eden. It was simply amazing. Lemon trees, Calamondins, Inpatients, Crowns of Thorns in bloom, Aloe enough to put out a wildfire, you've seen the pictures. We walked about in amazement and there in the back I spied it, and jiggled my finger at it: The Night Blooming Sirius. The plant I had compared Rich to in SF. Well of course Wayne would have one.
And then inside, the long leaved ficus tree, two stories tall, like something out of Dr. Seuss, ready to envelope anyone who got close enough and spit them back out a cartoon character. The house full of art, beautiful, vibrant colors and luridness, cats and possums free to come and go as they pleased as long as the weather held. It was just wonderful. I have never seen a chocolate ceiling before.
Wayne loaded us up with plants, each receiving a crown of thorns (as we take up our crosses, huh?) and once the truck was extricated we headed to the cemetery.
It was dusk when we got there, the restaurant was called Six Feet Under, and took its name from the old walled and forested cemetery across the street. The nice bespeckled young lady at the door asked if we would like to sit out on the deck. Hell yeah, it was in the 70's (F) and so on the 8th of December, we three friends sat at a high top table, killing a pitcher of Pabst Blue Ribbon on a gorgeous summer evening, the day dying in the west. Questions and answers flying, phones ringing. More pitchers arriving, like the air itself were not intoxicating enough. I took pictures, so I could remember.
I wished Wayne could have gone on with us, but alas he is still dissertating, but maybe, just maybe, we will be reunited again this summer in Wyoming. Maybe over a plate of bacon straight off the hog at the Main Street Diner in Buffalo, maybe with friends. But you don't forget your first. ;)
The evening took us to a C&W bar were a nice young man with laryngitis tried to help me around the dance floor, fast, fast, slow, a couple of times, bless his heart, it was already too late in the evening for that. But not too late to look out on the multitude that had gathered, and who moved as one, one mind, one heart almost, one love.
And even in the big city, you can still see the stars from the bed of a pick up.
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Just a little side note to Trumans recollections.
Wayne's beautiful home is in a historic section of Atlanta called Grant Park.
I had always thought that the park was named after Ulyses Grant. AFter Atlanta was burned most of the Carpetbaggers built grand homes in that area so I thought that was where the name came from. However, thats not true! I have posted a link that tells of the history of the park. It is a beautiful place! Streets lined with stately oaks and graceful magnolias that are over 100yrs old. The homes are beautiful examples of turn of the century architecture. Today Grant park is a diverse neighborhood of familys both straight and gay, black and white, young and old. It's a great example of how far the sounth has come!
The cemetary Truman talked about is the historic Oakland Cemetary where some of Atlanta's most prominent citizens rest.
Margret Mitchell,who wrote Gone Wilth The Wind, slumbers there as do many other famous and not so famous Atlantans!
The Giant lion,which is an awe inspiring sight, guards the confederate dead.
It's a cool place that I want to go back and visit again. It's amazing, I feel like I am seeing my home for the firsttime through Trumans eyes!
http://grantpark.org/net/content/go.aspx?s=2122.0.35.20
http://www.oaklandcemetery.com/
And yes, we drove over a median strip. :)
We met up with Cowboy Wayne in front of a greasy spoon looking place that the Wall Street Journal had said had the best burgers in America, but the wait was too long. So he climbed in the truck with us and we headed off in another direction.
Wayne, the first brokie I ever met, still smiling, still a solid mass of joy. We drove deep into the century old neighborhood where he and his partner live in a magnificent old home with an alley out back just big enough for the truck to fit in. Then a couple of steps took us onto the patio of eden. It was simply amazing. Lemon trees, Calamondins, Inpatients, Crowns of Thorns in bloom, Aloe enough to put out a wildfire, you've seen the pictures. We walked about in amazement and there in the back I spied it, and jiggled my finger at it: The Night Blooming Sirius. The plant I had compared Rich to in SF. Well of course Wayne would have one.
And then inside, the long leaved ficus tree, two stories tall, like something out of Dr. Seuss, ready to envelope anyone who got close enough and spit them back out a cartoon character. The house full of art, beautiful, vibrant colors and luridness, cats and possums free to come and go as they pleased as long as the weather held. It was just wonderful. I have never seen a chocolate ceiling before.
Wayne loaded us up with plants, each receiving a crown of thorns (as we take up our crosses, huh?) and once the truck was extricated we headed to the cemetery.
It was dusk when we got there, the restaurant was called Six Feet Under, and took its name from the old walled and forested cemetery across the street. The nice bespeckled young lady at the door asked if we would like to sit out on the deck. Hell yeah, it was in the 70's (F) and so on the 8th of December, we three friends sat at a high top table, killing a pitcher of Pabst Blue Ribbon on a gorgeous summer evening, the day dying in the west. Questions and answers flying, phones ringing. More pitchers arriving, like the air itself were not intoxicating enough. I took pictures, so I could remember.
I wished Wayne could have gone on with us, but alas he is still dissertating, but maybe, just maybe, we will be reunited again this summer in Wyoming. Maybe over a plate of bacon straight off the hog at the Main Street Diner in Buffalo, maybe with friends. But you don't forget your first. ;)
The evening took us to a C&W bar were a nice young man with laryngitis tried to help me around the dance floor, fast, fast, slow, a couple of times, bless his heart, it was already too late in the evening for that. But not too late to look out on the multitude that had gathered, and who moved as one, one mind, one heart almost, one love.
And even in the big city, you can still see the stars from the bed of a pick up.
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The cemetary Truman talked about is the historic Oakland Cemetary where some of Atlanta's most prominent citizens rest.
Margret Mitchell,who wrote Gone Wilth The Wind, slumbers there as do many other famous and not so famous Atlantans!
Well, that could be a little bit ironic. I would have to double check my copy of GWTW, but I seem to remember that's where Scarlett O'Hara's first husband, Charles Hamilton, was buried after he died of the measles.
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Well, that could be a little bit ironic. I would have to double check my copy of GWTW, but I seem to remember that's where Scarlett O'Hara's first husband, Charles Hamilton, was buried after he died of the measles.
WOW! Prolly is!
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Wayne loaded us up with plants, each receiving a crown of thorns (as we take up our crosses, huh?) (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,15343.msg301715.html#msg301715)
;D :D
Any night with Truman becomes magic. :)
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;D :D
Any night with Truman becomes magic. :)
Yeah, well you can cast a spell or two yourself friend! ;D
I was blessed to be in the company of two great men!
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;D :D
Any night with Truman becomes magic. :)
Well, that could be taken more ways than one. ... ;D
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Then keep me in your hearts, and you will have a little magic everwhere you go. ;)
I recon I do have a karma bank.
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Wow Truman and Richard it sounds like you all had a wonderful time!!! As I was saying I am behind on everything so I am just now reading about the trip. Truman I am glad you got to go down and see Richard. If the two of you were involved in the activities then I know you had an excellent and fun time. I'm not sure if I know Wayne or not. Is he here on Bettermost or has he been on any of the trips?
And again Truman I must say I love the way you write. You have this way of making me feel like I am along on your adventures. I think one of your TV shows or books should be titled "The Travels of Truman." You know there actually is a show here on some station that shows this man driving around to different places. The problem is that his travels and the way he describes them are beyond boring. Yours on the other hand would be fun, entertaining, and incredibly informative!!!
And you could even take Chuck's little gay thingy along ;D that is if he would let you ;D
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I recon I do have a karma bank.
Yes and it has a billion dollars in it! What an understatement!!
And BTW, you look great in tomato!!
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And the morning comes and you know it is the last day of the weekend before you ask that question of yourself if your head is alright.
Mine was not the best. I was not exactly hung over, but there was dead shit on my brain I would have liked to have taken a knife and scraped off. As soon as Rich appeared at the door the giggling started about the night before, the Waffle House, the Body Piercing Place (that we saw from across the street) the Re-finding Brokeback Video we watched until 3 am.
"We can go have brunch at that place Sweet Melissa's that I won the gift certificate to.'" he says.
"You won a gift certificate, when?"
And so with open pours and a dying phone battery we hit the road again, this time to Decatur, a suburb to the east of Atlanta, finding the United Church o' Christ on the way, the VA, Ponce De Leon, but alas no fountain of youth. Litterally or figuratively.
What we did find, immediately, was a beautiful day. Just intoxicating balmy. Rich asked if I wanted to borrow some shorts to wear, I should have. We parked the truck in a parking lot featuring a mural of KISS, with Gene Simmons tongue in all its glory. Its like do the other people in KISS even have names? Around the corner to the block near the square there the hippy new age shops and galleries had their wares splayed out on the sidewalk, the generation of ease sat at tables under umbrellas, coffees in hand, enjoying global warming while it was still a fad.
Sweet Melissa, it all goes back to Brokeback, like we carry part of Ennis with us everywhere we go. We don't carry Jack? Not exactly, we carry him differently because of the way his life ended. I remember back in them earlier days we used to said "Spoiler" before saying something like that. He dropped them quarters in a juke box and Cassie would not let him rest. "Back home you'll always run, to Sweet Melissa...." We found a table just inside the front door, the place was full, two guys were playing base and guitar I think, on a stage, the place was alive with whimsy, the light fixtures something out of a Salvador Dali daydream. What were they playing Rich, do you remember?
We ordered and took in the place, recalled the night, the names, the faces, and a family walked by with a little boy, about 5 years old, carrying a purse. It was an adult bag, almost dragged the floor. "Look, it's little Chuckie!" but felt glad that his family was one that would allow him to be himself. The little boy climbed on the stage to put a tip in the jar for the band, and I tried to eat as much of my Eggs as I could, wishing I could stomach more of them Shrimp Grits, law they were good. Made even better by the fact Rich had won that gift certificate, :)
Out on the street I asked a nice lady to take our picture, just because I could, just because there could never be enough pictures of me and Rich in the world. She was happy to oblige. We toured a small gallery of primitives and folk art type stuff, so much would be right at home and Wayne's house and so made me want to play the lottery. And then we were off to Piedmont Park.
Now I will say this for the record: I am 44 years old and had never been to Piedmont Park, but for more than half my life I had heard of the place. Back in the day when the locals in Bristol all decided Atlanta was the place to be the sound that reverberated back was Piedmont Park, it was the place you could go and find all kinds of trouble to get into. I am so glad that the good things in life are worth waiting for. Instead of ending up there in 1987 and getting into trouble, I was there right when I needed to be, when it meant something.
Walking with the Frisbee toward the field near 10th St., we came up on a travelling exhibit for the 9/11 Memorial to be built on Ground Zero in NYC. Of course we could not pass it by. We walked thru the tent and then prepared ourselves for what we knew was comming. We went into the trailer for the 8 minute movie.
If you would like to see the same movie, go here:
http://www.national911memorial.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ecard_film
but I warn you, it is a hard thing to watch. More than you think you know. Here is their website if you would like to know more:
http://www.national911memorial.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage2
I won't take you back to that time, that is betterserved someplace else, but what an honor it was to add my name to a beam that will go into this memorial, what a joy it is to know that in a hundred years someone can read where I was that day. That is an important thing to people who don't have kids.
One of Rich's friends joined us for a game of Frisbee. I took off me boots and ran in my stocking feet, each of us taking turns laughing at our attempts to regain agility. I can't remember what decade it was that I last played Frisbee. And the funny thing was we all got better at it, especially me. lol Eventually my shirttails came out, and then my bandanna came off, then my shirt came off, the 9th friggin' day of December and I was bare chested in Atlanta! It felt wonderful.I thought about Chuck and Scott and Jeff and the others in the frozen north, and knew my day was coming too.
In a while we crashed on the ground, laughing and watching the passers by, some hand in hand, gay and straight, black and white, showing that they were together. It was just amazing. Made me proud of my part of the country. We traded stories from our lives, as far beyond Rich' shoulder, a clouds grew and darkened, and we hoped and pledged if it rained, to get wet. Well, in times, it did come and spit upon is, the barest of moisture, enough to see flickering in the indirect light, the most pitiful rain I have ever seen, not worth sticking your tongue out for. A Rain Flurry.
The afternoon was wearing on, I knew a decision had to be made. I counted the hours on me fingers and man I would be late getting home, if even now we left, and why should we leave? Such a beautiful day, how many more days like this would I see in 2007? And something else, something was missing. The Sunday Afternoon Dread. I have had it ever since elementary school, dreading tomorrow, dreading responsibility waiting for me. I thought of my mother dining alone, I thought of my cat possibly knocking over plants, thought of my partner putting up his Christmas decorations and you know, it was alight, no guilt, they were separate things that didn't require me to grieve for them that day. That was good. I didn't feel like grieving.
So Rich or his buddy one had the idea: lets go roller blading. Ha! what a great idea. I'd not been on skates in a decade and had never tried roller blades before. The place we rented them was across the street on the corner, with a sign that said the time was now. The kid with the glasses told us we had 45 minutes. I was sure that would be plenty of time to break something. Rich told them his shoe size and everyone looked at him and just smiled.
So I got them in line wheels on me feet and got acrossed the street with its fractured pavement, into the gates of the park, danced a gig, cussed and then was thankful for the wrist guards I had on. I told them, don't worry about me, go on and I found my rhythm, but my buddies were circling back, like bird parents teaching the hatchling to fly. We made an entire turn around the Frisbee field clockwise, a down hill stretch aided by the glassy shoulders where I found I could step off into and run with the nightmares on me feet. Found too it made a reasonably soft landing pad. By the time we neared the gate again I was starting to find my way, knew I needed a size smaller shoe and wondered how long it would be before I tried them again.
By the time we had walked Rich's buddy to his car it was near dusk. The truck on the other side of the place, we walked along the trails and bridges and took in the reflections of the towers in the ponds, took in the last sweet air of Indian Summer, this aberration I imagined had been summoned up just for this weekend. A sweet strong hand on the back of my neck and a laugh or two about the antics we had gotten into.
Back to his house, a warm hug from his Mom and a bowl of ice creme and we settled it. The car came down River Road at a wreckless speed, the children laughed in the park, and a semi rolled down a two lane road in Wyoming, and we pulled out our hearts and stepped on them once again. And then, it was Monday morning, it was good bye and the long road home, because back home is where we always run, back to separate and unequal lives, richer for time together.
Long ago, I had been promised a trip to Atlanta by a well meaning but complicated young man, which never came to pass. His ashes I never found, his face I saw in the the cloudy sky above a Frisbee field. He smiled.
We make the trips, when time and circumstance collide to make us a way. We take that path and we leave that which weighs down our hearts, we feed upon that which makes our hearts grow. We bless our memories with sweet words and symbols, and we hold on to them like a babe in arms or a lover whose mind is somewhere else. We open our eyes and we are in a comfortable chair in front of a cluttered desk and Fiona Ritchie is rambling on about something on the radio and a week has past. The warm Indian Summer has past to a blustery day with the light dying.
Thank you Rich, my brother, it was worth the wait.
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Yes and it has a billion dollars in it! What an understatement!!
And BTW, you look great in tomato!!
I though that was pumpkin, but thanks, I love that shirt and it is starting to fade.
I took a nap this afternoon and I saw you in a dream Lee, you were talkin with your hands. :laugh:
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That was a great account of your Sunday, Truman. I loved reading it.
The Sunday Afternoon Dread. I have had it ever since elementary school, dreading tomorrow, dreading responsibility waiting for me.
I've always had that too -- just never a name for it. Now I know what to call it. :)
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That was a great account of your Sunday, Truman. I loved reading it.
I've always had that too -- just never a name for it. Now I know what to call it. :)
loved the term "Sunday Afternoon Dread".....;D that's funny! I know come Sunday evening, I get bummed out that work is back the next day.
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If we were only retired multi-millionaires---no more S.A.D.!! 8)
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Loved your Sunday in the park with Rich, story. It did truly seem, a trip worth
waiting for. Your Intel shirt brought you back here to my home too. There is a huge Intel
plant right behind my house. We get a thank you Christmas card from them every year,
saying thanks for being a good neighbor....I always find that rather odd, funny and at the
same time nice?
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That is a funny thing, like they are apologizing for all the traffic they bring to the neighborhood or something?
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I think you have hit that nail on the head...It is a nightmare in the afternoon during the
exit time...
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The Sunday Afternoon Dread, yeah that is a great name for it, and you know what if you make an acronym out of that it becomes SAD. I actually just noticed that and it all fits into the concept well.
I actually feel fine though on this Sunday since I am now off for break and I will not have to enter the wonderful world of work again until January 2nd. They give an extended winter break. We have to turn in a few days of vacation, but with that and with the holidays we get it ends up being two weeks and a couple of days.
And as usual Truman you have ended up giving an incredible account of your visit with Rich and your time in Atlanta. It certainly does sounds like you had one of those times that you will remember forever. You even managed to bring some memories back to me of a time when I used to visit Atlanta fairly often.
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Hey Jack how did the tests go..? I am so glad to see you back here. ;)
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*waves to Jan*
How are you?
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I am good punkin,,, how are you....?
I have my days and nights messed up, and i have to go christmass shopping today...
I get like this every once in a while...should be used to it by now.
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I am good punkin,,, how are you....? I have my days and nights messed up, and i have to go christmass shopping today...I get like this every once in a while...should be used to it by now.
I don't think you can ever get used to something like that.
It's cold here in NJ, and I'm trying to keep warm! lmao
going to the bakery to get cookies to make up a platter and give to our branch.
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Well thought I would stop by and say hi to the proprietor here bouts before
heading out for a nap...going to try and get up by noon, so i can get out there and
hit the stores...yuukk.
Hi bro have a good day. {{{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}}}
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going to the bakery to get cookies to make up a platter and give to our branch.
You gon' slap your coworker? ;D
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You gon' slap your coworker? ;D
she called out today, so I don't have to slap her!
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Another Monday.
I called my friend Marty in Hawai'i yesterday, and got the update on his son Weston. He has been moved to the rehab part of the hospital where he is being helped to walk and speak. Marty also emailed me a picture of the two of them. I won't be posting it. Poor kid looks like he has been thru some major trauma, which he does remember. He seems to be dealing okay, the other day he asked for a beer.
Poor ole' Dan Fogelberg. You just never know when your time is up.
And today is also a birthday, for Janice's daughter in law Michelle whom we met at the rodeo in SF, a darling young lady. I hope she has a very special day. Janice, remember to give her a call!
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and no that is NOT Amy Winehouse in the background.
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Hey Jack how did the tests go..? I am so glad to see you back here. ;)
Hey Janice, The tests were horrible, like something out of a nightmare. But, I did make it through and I think I may have actually come out with As in all three classes. And I suppose I now have a masters degree but I will not believe that until I actually see the diploma ;D I am very glad to be back here. This is much more fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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And today is also a birthday, for Janice's daughter in law Michelle whom we met at the rodeo in SF, a darling young lady. I hope she has a very special day. Janice, remember to give her a call!
WOW!!!! I want to wish Michelle a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! It was great meeting her in San Francisco. Janice please tell her for me. And Truman, sorry for using your thread, but Janice doesn't have one ;)
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Happy Birthday Michelle!!!!
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she called out today, so I don't have to slap her!
She's probably scared of you. That's why she called out. :laugh:
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She's probably scared of you. That's why she called out. :laugh:
she should be! I'll slap her silly!
Chuck>>>(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/handbag.gif)<<<Coworker
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I will, and i will tell her what a lovely picture you put up of her too....OMFG,,,,
lort.....
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Thank you Rich, my brother, it was worth the wait.
You have no idea the truth you speak. All along this journey I have wondered why. Why didn't I come out sooner, why did this have to happen like this. It happend this way because this is how it was supposed to.
I couldn't have started this journey without Ennis and Jack and i couldn't have made it this far without my family here at bettermost. There is a time for every season under heaven and I believe that.
Thank you Truman for being my friend, my Big Brother and confidant.
Thank you for coming and sharing my life for a few days and sharing it with our family here!
Those memories will be in my heart and mind forever!
:-*
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I will, and i will tell her what a lovely picture you put up of her too....OMFG,,,,
lort.....
I recognize that place where the picture of Michelle was taken. It's Mel's Diner!!! I sure do have good memories of that place. Remember when we all went there that very first night after going to Sundance. For some reason I still remember those little plates of things they kept bringing out to Rich ;D I think Janice said they were side orders or something like that.
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We had our first meal there on Friday night. With me, Michelle, Jack, Bay City John, Truman, and Eric. Then Michelle and I had our last meal, breakfast there as
well, on Sunday afternoon.
Rich ordered everything ala carte...hehehe
Jack no shells..... ;D That little delicacy was saved for the next night at
the hotel... Grilled crab sandwich with mozarella and shells.
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The nights are so long, and those quiet hours I have come to see as a gift. Time to try and sort it out, and I have learned in the wee hours you have to sit up right for it to make sense.
Today I am setting in motion a series of event that is going to change things for me. For 8 years now I have been a realtor, and I can feel on an emotive level I am at the end of that career. My license expires at the end of the month, nearly $500 in professional dues are due, and I just cannot muster the gumption to do it any more.
The market in my area is terrible. We have had the highest unemployment rate in the state for a decade and with the subprime loan industry crashing there simply is not enough business to go around. I have not sold a house since August, have not had a closing since September. I make enough to live on by doing property management, but that has turned me into an asshole. Constant, never ending babysitting, always on, always on standby for some emergency.
So today I will let them know this time it is for real, start contacting friends to see if there are any openings where they draw a paycheck. The very fact I am going this route fills me with hope and relief. It is going to be alright. I've done it before. I've washed dishes, and I am in better shape than I was last time I had to.
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Truman, sometimes you have to make a change. You need a little bit of passion for what you do for a living.
Networking is the best way to find a job. You have friends and you will find something.
It will all work out.
K
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If you lighten your heart..Thats what matters. If you have to work, and people do. Why not make it something
that you enjoy instead of dread every day...even if it is just washing dishes...but i know you will find something you
like better.
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Truman, good for you for having the courage to leave something you hate, and start something new. Scary and exciting at the same time.
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Good luck, bud! Yeehaw for you and your courage! :D
(((Tru)))
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big hugs to you , Bro, and wishing you many exciting new adventures!
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This must be what its like to ask for a divorce! :laugh:
Thak you all.
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This must be what its like to ask for a divorce! :laugh:
Thak you all.
*hugs Truman*
Little Bro>>>(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hug.gif)<<<Big Bro
*Tickles Truman*
Little Bro>>>(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/_tickle.gif)<<<Big Bro
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Yay, Truman! I'm glad to hear you're willing to take the plunge. You'll land on your feet, I'm sure. Good luck! :-*
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Wow - good for you, and best wishes my friend!! :-*
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check out Ellemeno's latest video..I think you can identify.... ;D
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,6239.new.html#new
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That was funny, yes I can identify, that cat is so wild, and she don;t want to go outside, she would just as soon stay inside and play with her toys.
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What a year.
It was a year ago today that me and Lynne drove to Lynchburg, defiled the temple, and met Ellemeno at Cracker Barrel for a long lunch, Jake's birthday, we sang to him.
Memories, like the corners of my mind.
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What a year.
It was a year ago today that me and Lynne drove to Lynchburg, defiled the temple, and met Ellemeno at Cracker Barrel for a long lunch, Jake's birthday, we sang to him.
Memories, like the corners of my mind.
Misty, water-colored memories of the way you were. ... ;)
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Such a good song, I need to hear it a little more often. :-*
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(http://991.com/gallery_180x180/Barbra-Streisand-The-Way-We-Were-411248-991.jpg)
Mem'ries,
Light the corners of my mind
Misty water-colored memories
Of the way we were
Scattered pictures,
Of the smiles we left behind
Smiles we gave to one another
For the way we were
Can it be that it was all so simple then?
Or has time re-written every line?
If we had the chance to do it all again
Tell me, would we? Could we?
Mem'ries, may be beautiful and yet
What's too painful to remember
We simply choose to forget
So it's the laughter
We will remember
Whenever we remember...
The way we were...
The way we were...
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:) Barbra in a burka!
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Congratulations Truman! With your personality you will be a success at whatever you do.
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Hi Guys. How are things Truman? Hope all is well with you. I dont have much time because im at the library, so I havent been able to catch up with your blog, but i wanted to say hello.. This is one of my fave places to visit on Bettermost. You guys are all so wonderful.
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OMG I have been humming it to my self wrong all these years. Light the corners of my mind makes so much more sense and adds a layer of beauty to the lyrics. Thank you Paul.
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Feel free to come to me with all questions Barbra.
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I Know! I always thought it was LIKE the corners of my mind! Its LIGHT the the corners of my mind.
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Feel free to come to me with all questions Barbra.
Now don't you go callin' Truman "Barbra." ;D ;)
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Feel free to come to me with all questions Barbra.
Ok, why did she stop public performances for so long?
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I think the meaning he was giving was all barbara questions
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I think the meaning he was giving was all barbara questions
But it would be interesting to see houw he would answer questions about me pretending to be Barbara! :laugh:
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But it would be interesting to see houw he would answer questions about me pretending to be Barbara! :laugh:
I'd like to see your Barbra impression.
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I'd like to see your Barbra impression.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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I'd like to see your Barbra impression.
I have never even remotely considered such, but, I would do it for comic effect, dang, I would need a wig and a dress and a microphone......
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Ok, why did she stop public performances for so long?
She waited until she could charge $900 a ticket.
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She waited until she could charge $900 a ticket.
:laugh: ;)
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My favorite line from "Will and Grace": they were playing $10,000 Pyramid, and Will lists three things:
Will: "Cream......egg whites...........James Brolin"
Grace: "Things that are whipped!"
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My favorite line from "Will and Grace": they were playing $10,000 Pyramid, and Will lists three things:
Will: "Cream......egg whites...........James Brolin"
Grace: "Things that are whipped!"
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I saw an interview with his son recently, his name escapes me, and he refered to his step mother in terms of "as long as they are together" like he viewed it as a temporary arrangement.
But man, she can sing!
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I'd like to see your Barbra impression.
smooth, like butta!
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Son Jason Gould, with ex-hubby Elliott:
(http://us.movies1.yimg.com/movies.yahoo.com/images/hv/photo/movie_pix/strand_releasing/boys_life_3/_group_photos/elliott_gould1.jpg)
Stepson Josh Brolin:
(http://thumbs.filmstarts.de/wallpaper/JoshBrolin01.jpg)
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Josh Brolin:
(http://thumbs.filmstarts.de/wallpaper/JoshBrolin01.jpg)
Currently appearing in No Country for Old Men.
Damn, his daddy sure was handsome gettin' off that motorcyle on Marcus Welby, M.D.
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OMG I have been humming it to my self wrong all these years. Light the corners of my mind makes so much more sense and adds a layer of beauty to the lyrics. Thank you Paul.
I thought it was "like" too :)
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I'd like to see your Barbra impression.
Truman are you really a Barbara impersonator ??? It's funny these things you don't know about someone and then find out. I'm just trying to visualize that. I guess it would work, but............ Will you send us pictures?
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Truman are you really a Barbara impersonator ??? It's funny these things you don't know about someone and then find out. I'm just trying to visualize that. I guess it would work, but............ Will you send us pictures?
Naw you need to go back and read that again!!!!
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Naw you need to go back and read that again!!!!
I know I'm just kiddin you Truman :laugh: I don't think it would work anyway ;D
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Happy Anniversary, Truman! :-* I still have the sage you gave to me that day from up on Brokenback. Thanks for the call. I'm excited that we'll see each other soon.
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,6239.new.html#new
You have so many talents, Brother. I wish you could just talk and write for a living.
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Naw you need to go back and read that again!!!!
Hes too pretty and his nose for sure isnt long enough.......... ;)
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He could get a mask ;D
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For those of us in the northern half of the planet, it is the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. After tonight, the days will begin to grow longer, but we have to get Thur tonight.
In the old days it would be marked with fires that would burn Thur the night. Sometimes they would burn for 12 days, until they could tell the stars were moving again. I have had fires before, but tonight it will be only a candle, it is too wet outside to have a bonfire. And a candle suits me well. I am not in a particularly celebratory mood, but one of quiet reflection, hands warmed by hot chocolate, maybe some pictures of warmer times.
Sitting here now waiting for comcast to restore my connection to the world, I ponder aloud the place of this forum in my life, and the bigger picture. I hear increasingly the complaints of people about situations, about one another. I have seem people bring turmoil to their lives over situations they have found here. I smile, because I am seeing a reflection of life, maybe even life itself. I have heard people talk of leaving, I have "seen" them get their asses all up on their shoulders, like their conflicts are so important they have to take action.
How did it happen?
When we came here we had in common one thing, we had experienced the emotional hammering of the story of Jack and Ennis. It had struck a cord with us, each of us, on some level in our lives, that we could respond to, had to respond to least we miss the opportunity to escape their fate on some level. We were of one mind in that respect, we were emotionally vulnerable and open to idea, because we were seeking answers. It was what we had in common. The experience is one we will always have in common.
That story, with ever day of my life that passes I see how very close to perfect it is. How damn near every word of it can apply to life. (*They were respectful of each others opinions, each glad to have a companion where none had been expected*) and as the story and its effect have healed in our lives, we begin to see our differences, our individuality. It is not always a pretty, rewarding process. We sometimes forget the lessons we learned, we sometimes forget we are capable of respect and we forget we are not the enemy. The sadness that falls upon us is nothing new, nothing we have not seen before, standing in a trail head parking lot hurling truths and lies and contorting coat hangers back into their original shape because we need that coat hanger, it s a sacred relic now.
I don't hold on to Jack and Ennis as I once did. I left them in a grassy spot next to a railroad track in Alberta, where on a clear day their souls can drown in the bluest sky on earth. These days I count my blessings, and put my house in order. My heart in my chest, my brain in my head, and little shakes in my britches. I work to think with my brain, and feel with my heart, because for a while now I had those two confused, and it was quite inneresting the results sometimes, but this is better.
These days, I rejoice in the friends and connections I have made all over the world. Everyday for a couple of weeks now I have not dreaded going to my mail box because amongst the bills and tax statements are cards from people all over, some of whom I have never met in person. I am a richer person for the experience. And as these people drift away, and drift they will, they will have a place both in my mind and in my heart, and the connection will remain strong with me.
So what will become of our little town? I think it will change over time, it will probably eventually fade and pass away. That is the nature of things. It will be a place on no map, but the one we keep in our heads. A little circle not unlike Lightnin' Flat or Sage, where from time to time ghosts come to life and speak to us once again.
I will keep you in my heart, so that you will never need to feel lost. You have a place next to me, by the fire.
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(http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x221/Shasta542/SSSC14.jpg)
You are such an elegant and charming man.
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Oh Truman!
As usual you so eloquently and beautifully hit the mark!
Of all the things I love about you, your way with words is one of the most treasured!
You speak straight to the heart and do it in a way the brain understands and demures.
Just wonderful!
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Oh Truman!
As usual you so eloquently and beautifully hit the mark!
Of all the things I love about you, your way with words is one of the most treasured!
You speak straight to the heart and do it in a way the brain understands and demures.
Just wonderful!
Yeah. You should be a writer. :)
Merry Christmas, Tru. :)
(((Tru)))
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Well Jeff, it is like whistling, you just put your lips together and blow.....perhaps I should, perhaps I do. It serves itself.
Happy Hollidays!
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Sitting here now waiting for comcast to restore my connection to the world, I ponder aloud the place of this forum in my life, and the bigger picture. I hear increasingly the complaints of people about situations, about one another. I have seem people bring turmoil to their lives over situations they have found here. I smile, because I am seeing a reflection of life, maybe even life itself. I have heard people talk of leaving, I have "seen" them get their asses all up on their shoulders, like their conflicts are so important they have to take action.
How did it happen?
Hiya big brother!
I have to say, BetterMost is not alone in this situation. We've had a few members on DCF also say the same thing.....talk about the changes and the way they feel the site or the community is different.
We all need to step back and realize what has happened.
When Brokeback kicked us all in the stomach, we were all completely stunned, and often found ourselves alone. Those closest to us in "real life" didn't "get it". We saw the movie for what it was, and turned to the forums to find kindred spirits.
When we all first started to meet through the boards, and then in person, we idealized each other. We were the ones who "got it". We were the perfect friends, calling each other "family". We let ourselves get caught up in the feelings of finding other people who understood what we are going through. After all, all that everyone wants is to be understood, and not feel alone.
Now, two years have passed since we got that kick from Brokeback, and now, we're starting to see the people we've idealized as who they really are, warts and all.
It can be hard to deal with sometimes.
Fact of the matter is, that all people have disagreements and arguements. It's the human experience.
That doesn't diminish all the good things that have happened since the formation of DCF or BM.
I am still in touch with a number of people who I first met almost 2 years ago, and am looking forward to the next get together.
It also doesn't diminish all the good things that WILL happen because of DCF or BM.
This was a growing and learning experience for all of us, and it will continue to be such. If we stop growing and learning, we become stagnant, and then we are good to no one, including ourselves.
"Not to fight" was not one of the lessons of Brokeback. Jack and Ennis fought, but their passion didn't diminish.
Being stuck, and not changing is what did in Jack & Ennis. It was one of the lessons of Brokeback, and we need to allow ourselves to change, and accept those around us as they change.
If you can't accept others for who they are, then you really shouldn't be friends with them in the first place.
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All of life is change, from the moment we come out of the womb till the moment they put us in the ground--and, I guess, even beyond that point, till we all return to dust.
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Life is nothing if not changeable. Accept and adapt or don't accept and die miserable. Giving of oneself is much easier to accomplish if you expect nothing in return, because you never know how the given situation will change in the next minute.
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I think I cannot express any better than what Richard said so I will quote him on this part:
Oh Truman!
As usual you so eloquently and beautifully hit the mark!
Of all the things I love about you, your way with words is one of the most treasured!
You speak straight to the heart and do it in a way the brain understands and demures.
Just wonderful!
Your story practically brings tears to my eyes cause in a way it sounds like you are saying it is all over. I don't want it to be over. I have not been around here as long as some of you since I first appeared this past May or June. The feelings you express are still there. I saw them and I still do see them. We have people who are just now appearing to us. They see it too. You are right that some will disagree on how things should be done on Bettermost as well as DC and those disagreements have ended things for some people. But I still think it is a minority. For example we sure don't (or I least I don't) see any kinds of issues here on your blog or anyone else's blog that I keep up with. If anything I feel that I become closer to each of you with each passing day. I guess for many of us this, especially your blog, is our main home base from where we venture out and sometimes discover the bickering that is going on in other areas of the forum. And I for one have no desire to bicker with anyone about anything. I did first see that on DC where I have never been an active member anyway. I felt that in the atmosphere there and I still do so I pretty much just look there every once in awhile to see what is going on. However, I always end up here at home Bettermost. I assume that at one time the bickering did not exist at DC and I have noticed that it does seem to be on the upswing here at Bettermost. Bickering is a waste of time and effort plus it is not the reason I am here day after day. I am here to talk with and become better friends with those of you who I care so much about and who will listen to me. And along the way I even find new friends.
Jack
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I did happen upon a place here where I saw a storm brewing while looking around the community. That was scary so I left quickly. Like I say I do not and will not ever get into any kind of confrontation. I don't like those. Things can work themselves out in whichever way they choose cause I like to be in a pleasant place like Shakes the G's place. The doormat always says "Welcome, you are in a friendly place." And inside it smells like cinnamon :)
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I did happen upon a place here where I saw a storm brewing while looking around the community. That was scary so I left quickly. Like I say I do not and will not ever get into any kind of confrontation. I don't like those. Things can work themselves out in whichever way they choose cause I like to be in a pleasant place like Shakes the G's place. The doormat always says "Welcome, you are in a friendly place." And inside it smells like cinnamon :)
:) Mmmmm....cinnamon.
I'm non-confrontational too, Jack. I'd like all of us to get along. And...we mostly do! :)
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Dear Truman,
Of all the people out here, you know I understand exactly what you are saying. Sometimes, as I have said to you, we get so close to the situations in our lives that we lose sight of what is good and right for us. To some degree, we all suffer from the emotional ignorance that Ennis and Jack were afflicted with. But, as with them, there is a light in each of us that constantly shines on our personal truths, and there are times when what we see is not attractive.
Yes, people, things and places will pass from our daily lives, and memory will be the food that sustains us, and there are times when we must fight to keep the things that are good for us, and times when we must cry to let those that damage us emotionally leave us for good, but in the end, it is still memory that sustains us. You and I are not so far apart…we know this, we’ve said this, but I want you to know that the light you bring shines in a particular way that brings truth home in a peaceful and loving way. I could never express the gifts you have brought to me, and I am sure there are many who would say the same.
Letting go and leaving are not the same thing. We let go of those things and people that are moving in directions we cannot follow, or that have caused us some form of irreparable pain. We leave because we know that we must move in order to grow. Wherever I go, and whatever becomes of Bettermost, I know that, like you, I will have some very warm memories of some very good people that will soothe any pain or hurt that has, or will come my way. You, my dearest friend, are one of those people, and always will be. This light will always shine just for you.
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OH DEAR OH DEAR OH DEAR.........like I wasn't in the Christmas spirit before.. I feel like part of me,
just died. I think you both speak so true. I believe that Jack and I also feel a lot the same. However, it
has been a happenstance of very recent origin, in my eyes. There has been some kind of force that is
here at work. It is as i told someone the other day. Like unto a virus. It is starting from a very dire place,
and is spreading out to all the area surrounding it. It makes me sad, that we are being thusly torn asunder.
So do I need to say before its too late. How very much so many of the people here mean to me. Just in
case, you dont know. you do......and I will always love you. "With a love that will never grow old."
:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
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For those of us in the northern half of the planet, it is the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. After tonight, the days will begin to grow longer, but we have to get Thur tonight.
Me stuffin' my mouth of course. ::) :laugh: An ecstatically happy time.
Nothing lasts forever, not even the Earth. Meaning is tied to time.
It has been a bad week. The saddest I could imagine.
We mean something to each other, even if "we" only exist now. Thanks Truman for being my friend.
(http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=654.0;attach=15893;image)
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You all make it sound as if this is all coming to an end very soon. I don't think we need to let that happen. We all come here each day and we tell or lives and we trust. Sometimes that trust can end up being more than we should have trusted. But is that not true of any kind of life or community we are ever in?
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I don't think it's coming to an end soon.
There are two major get togethers planed in 2008, and 2009 is already being discussed as well.
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I hope you are right...I dont think it will happen in the next couple of weeks, but it has lots of things out of the ordinary going on here...
Those of us who cherish and love this place, need to take the positive approach to all we can in order to keep it flowing. Where we see the negative and combative natures of our fellows causing disruptive behavior. We need to calmly and firmly remind them...That is just not how things should happen here.
This is a place for all peoples views and ideas, as long as everyone is respectful of all the others. Not just the ones that agree with us.
If one is trying to set themself up as the master of all the domain, at the disrespect and shunning of others ideas. That is very disruptive and
devisive. We have all been very keen to be sure that has been the case up until now.
However at this time, it seems to be getting to the them vs us mentality...There is bitterness and ire, being passed around from one
thread to the next. It has to stop. And if everyone wants to continue
this place we all love and respect. The place we have learned to call home.
We all need to do our part, to see kindness and respect is of prime import.
This attitude has to stop now...I am highly upset at those that dont respect this place, and feel they as an individual, are more important than the community as a whole, This is my opinion. For what its worth. janice.
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... I want you to know that the light you bring shines in a particular way that brings truth home in a peaceful and loving way. I could never express the gifts you have brought to me, and I am sure there are many who would say the same.
[Elle nods.] What Scott said here. I would like to be more like you that way, Truman.
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I feel that may have been what happened on DC. I don't really know since I am newer here and I never knew DC or BetterMost at the beginning. I just know that there always seems to be a lot of arguing over there about everything, even Survivor :)
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Wouldnt we all. He is a very unique, and lovely individual. A man among men...
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Well what I am saying is that things are changing, and while the story of Jack and Ennis is very much a part of my life, and always will be, this site is changing, the residents here are changing to. I think it can morph into something else, grow, and I am not giving up on it. Things change and I hate confrontation and I see so much controversy happening here over this issue and that and people struggling to deal with it. People being mean to one another, people getting their feeling hurt.
As a moderator I feel a certain obligation to try and resolve it, but I don't know what to do. I can;t make people play nice when they can sit in the comfort of their homes and blast someone they have never met about some issue. I wonder would they do the same if that person were sitting acrossed the table from them.
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Truman,
I just wanted to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
Peace,
Milo
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Merry Christmas Truman
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Thank you Milo, I have enjoyed connecting with you here and by email. You know I have you on my list of people on myspace what I would like to meet.
Now the other day nobody asked me what my favorite time period in my life was and I would have to say it was the decade from 1967 to 1977. Particularily 1970-75. To me that is like the golden age of something.
IN them days they was no cable. We got three and a half chanels on the black and white TV and the half was PBS. After Johnny Carson some preecher would come on and have a devotional and they would play the National Anthem with images of fighter jets and Iwo Jima in the back ground and then the test pattern and then static, until 5 or 6 AM, when they would start with The National Anthem with pictures of churches and Washington and Lincoln. My parents were still on a party line for their phone, which they rented from the phone company for $3 per month.
Early in this time, 19 August 1972 to be exact, come Wolfman Jack and the Midnight Special. And so on Friday nights after Johnny Carson they was something else to watch. And it was a big deal when your 9 years old and they TV goes off you have nothing but the lighteneing bugs and the stars and late night radio which got a lot easier to listen to once I got a transistor radio, AM only. Billy, Don't Be A Hero.
But damnation the acts he had on, Sly and The Family Stone, The O'Jays, Ike and Tina, Joan Baez and AC/DC and for a while Helen Reddy was the hostess. Now you know there has got to be a story in that conglomeration.
I got to see a DVD of some of it tonight, one of them like you order off the TV, and it was so cool. Got to see this guy from my town, Curtis Teel, who played bass for the O'Jays. He was this VERY white guy with a really big afro. I rememebr his brother Keith was a few years ahead of me and in the band at school and once I got to wear a three cornered patriot hat for one of them pre-bicentenial programs what had his name in it.
And yes I love the run on sentance, it is the best kind of sentance, just keeps you moving right allong to some tangential conclusion that maybe the cable bill is worth it after all.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlbMFRK9I9s[/youtube]
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Merry Christmas Truman
Merry Chistmas Jess, I hope it gets cold enought to freeze the mud, but not the horses.
Best wishes to you and your in the coming year. I hope if I know anyone who wins gas in a radio station give way next year it will be you! ;) :)
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And this song, is the early 1970's to me:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlbMFRK9I9s[/youtube]
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Merry Chistmas Jess, I hope it gets cold enought to freeze the mud, but not the horses.
Best wishes to you and your in the coming year. I hope if I know anyone who wins gas in a radio station give way next year it will be you! ;) :)
LOL!!
Thanks! ( I think?? :laugh: )
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And then there is Brother Louie by the Stories:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stories_%28band%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brother_Louie
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exl0oSfTSoY[/youtube]
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Stops in to give my big brother a Chrismtas hug!
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Stops in to give my big brother a Chrismtas hug!
And a big hug to you brother, I hope things are happy in New Jersey this morning. ;D
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IN them days they was no cable.
:D What a poetic opening!! Like ... And it came to pass in the time of Caesar Augustus ...
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And then there is Brother Louie by the Stories:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stories_%28band%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brother_Louie
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exl0oSfTSoY[/youtube]
I love the song Brother Louie by the Stories. That brings back a lot of memories. It was considered quite radical at the time.
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Everybody was wondering what Truman was doing last night for Christmas Eve. He went to a dance and was captured in this video :laugh:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEEy615Jzg4[/youtube]
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And a big hug to you brother, I hope things are happy in New Jersey this morning. ;D
all is good!
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Loved that vid of the dancing Jack........oh how I would love to dance like that.....
And who wouldn't be happy moving to a song like that?
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Loved that vid of the dancing Jack........oh how I would love to dance like that.....
And who wouldn't be happy moving to a song like that?
I'm sure Truman had a great time ;D Did you Truman? That is a great song and yeah that is quite some dancing going on there.
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Well Thank Kew Jack, it makes me want to dance. Those folks were amazing.
It is a dreary day here, oh I need coffee.
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Good Morning Truman!!! I'm glad you liked the footage that I got of your dance :) I hope your Christmas Day was extra special.
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You know I just don't know about these new light bulbs.
I got a slew of them for Xmess and had already heard people were disappointed in them. I can see why, they are nothing more than a miniature florescent tube twisted up to approximate the standard size of the traditional tungstun lightbulb. I have long held that florescent light is an embodiment of evil in the world. It makes people look jaundice, and it is actually blinkin' on and off at a hyperfast pace which cannot be good for the subconscious and leads people to conspiratorally theorize that the things are actually lighting a room in a parallel universe at the same time.
And you flip on the light switch and it is an ENTIRE SECOND before the thing comes on! That is long enough to make me wonder oh hell did I pay the electric bill. Plus, they don;t put out as much light. I had a burnt out bulb in my kitchen ceiling fixture and I replaced the one tungstun bulb with two of these new ones and it was not as bright as a single bulb. It gets brighter in a few minutes, but I mean c'mon, it is the 21st and we are taking a step backward. There has got to be a better solution than this.
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You know I just don't know about these new light bulbs.
I got a slew of them for Xmess and had already heard people were disappointed in them. I can see why, they are nothing more than a miniature florescent tube twisted up to approximate the standard size of the traditional tungstun lightbulb. I have long held that florescent light is an embodiment of evil in the world. It makes people look jaundice, and it is actually blinkin' on and off at a hyperfast pace which cannot be good for the subconscious and leads people to conspiratorally theorize that the things are actually lighting a room in a parallel universe at the same time.
And you flip on the light switch and it is an ENTIRE SECOND before the thing comes on! That is long enough to make me wonder oh hell did I pay the electric bill. Plus, they don;t put out as much light. I had a burnt out bulb in my kitchen ceiling fixture and I replaced the one tungstun bulb with two of these new ones and it was not as bright as a single bulb. It gets brighter in a few minutes, but I mean c'mon, it is the 21st and we are taking a step backward. There has got to be a better solution than this.
They are working on LED lights which will be much more efficient and brighter.
The problem had been that the capacitors could do red and green easily but for some reason (I don't remmber) the white light was hard to do. Well, they have found a way to do it now that will be cost efficient. So in the next year or so it should be on the shelves. I think it may be in the scandanavian countries where the research was being done.
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Here's you one Truman for after Christmas. The Tennessee Bird Walk
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-OrVQaqkg0[/youtube]
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Question for one of ya'll handy type guys.
One of the bulbs in my ceiling fan just blew off its top! Now the screw-in silver part is stuck in the socket and I have no idea how to get it out to change the bulb. Any solutions?
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Well first of all be absolutely sure there is no power going to the light or you will get electrocuted or shocked very badly. We do not want that to happen. Then sometimes you can grab what is left with pliers and twist what is left out. I hate when light bulbs do that. And remember
Make sure there is no power going to it
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If I turn the light switch off in the room, is that good, or do I need to throw the breaker switch? Geez. I hate to be so pitiful. My cousin has a handyman, but she has to watch him and instruct him on the fine points! I don't want to borrow him! :P
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I think I would completely turn the power off to the fixture. The light switch may work, but we don't want to take any chances. I would say be safe rather than sorry. And you don't sound pitiful.
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I think I would completely turn the power off to the fixture. The light switch may work, but we don't want to take any chances. I would say be safe rather than sorry. And you don't sound pitiful.
Thanks, Jack!! :) I'm slowly finding my way with the help of my friends! ;D
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I just want to make sure you don't have any electrical current going through you. We like you just the way you are.
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I just want to make sure you don't have any electrical current going through you. We like you just the way you are.
::) ;D :-*
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I have had that to happen, and I agree with ever thing Jack says, especially about cutting the power to the fan.
You might also wanna put a paper towel over the glass part before you take the pilars to them and wear something over your eyes. That is one thing with these new bulbs I don't think we'll have a problem with.
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Jack, I have the vaguest recollection about that song. Do you know what year that was? It is funny as all get out.
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I have had that to happen, and I agree with ever thing Jack says, especially about cutting the power to the fan.
You might also wanna put a paper towel over the glass part before you take the pilars to them and wear something over your eyes. That is one thing with these new bulbs I don't think we'll have a problem with.
Thank you, Truman. :)
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Here's you one Truman for after Christmas. The Tennessee Bird Walk
Oh, my. I couldn't stand more than a minute of that. Reminds me vaguely of "Muskrat Love" with the silly synthesizer.
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Oh, my. I couldn't stand more than a minute of that. Reminds me vaguely of "Muskrat Love" with the silly synthesizer.
I wonder what became of those people.
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Jack, I have the vaguest recollection about that song. Do you know what year that was? It is funny as all get out.
I think it said it came from 1975, but then somewhere else it said 1970. I remember hearing it a long, long time ago and I completely hated it then. I just didn't get the humor. Now it seems funny :) Course I used to hate anything that had anything to do with country. It wasn't cool ;D It seems this song would have been perfect for "Hee Haw"
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I wonder what became of those people.
Which people? The Captain and Toni?
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Oh, my. I couldn't stand more than a minute of that. Reminds me vaguely of "Muskrat Love" with the silly synthesizer.
It's not supposed to be a serious song Paul :)
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I wonder what became of those people.
Oh look I am quoting myself now, how vain is that?
http://www.jackandmisty.com/
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Which people? The Captain and Toni?
You know they do remind me of an earlier, countrier Captain and Toni. Their names are Jack Blanchard and Misty Morgain. I have no idea where they are at now. They may be living in that mobile home they were carting around with them ;D
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You know they do remind me of an earlier, countrier Captain and Toni. Their names are Jack Blanchard and Misty Morgain. I have no idea where they are at now. They may be living in that mobile home they were carting around with them ;D
Or maybe hangin' with the Captain and Toni LOL
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I wonder what became of those people.
Toni and the good Cap'n have a Wikipedia page filled with goodies:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_&_Tennille (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_&_Tennille)
Looks like they're still at it.
(http://www.captainandtennille.net/images/c_t_photo_webpg-home_54.jpg)
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man how old is she?
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man how old is she?
64 or 67 depending on the source.
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Apparently they spend some time in the Prescott, Arizona area. A friend of mine's husband sold them some counter tops, them and Cher's mother.
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Here's a little gem: Toni and John Travolta singing on C&T's short-lived TV show in 1976.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvJKV2f-yqA[/youtube]
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Apparently they spend some time in the Prescott, Arizona area. A friend of mine's husband sold them some counter tops, them and Cher's mother.
Really? I was just in Prescott, Az., in November.
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64 or 67 depending on the source.
Toni Tennille is 67 years old? :o :P
I used to think Daryl was kinda attractive. ...
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Here's a little gem: Toni and John Travolta singing on C&T's short-lived TV show in 1976.
You know Paul what is really interesting is to listen to that song and watch Jack and Ennis kiss at the bottom of your post.
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You know Paul what is really interesting is to listen to that song and watch Jack and Ennis kiss at the bottom of your post.
Especially with the song, "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart". :-*
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If I turn the light switch off in the room, is that good, or do I need to throw the breaker switch? Geez. I hate to be so pitiful. My cousin has a handyman, but she has to watch him and instruct him on the fine points! I don't want to borrow him! :P
Well, this is probably too late. However for future refrence, flip the breaker to that room to make sure the power os off. Turning the switch won't always guarantee that. Next git ya a tater. push it up in the there and then turn and you should be able to unscrew it that way.
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I like your new sig line Paul, I am not sure this will post correctly, so I will just pass along the link:
&feature=related
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Well, this is probably too late. However for future refrence, flip the breaker to that room to make sure the power os off. Turning the switch won't always guarantee that. Next git ya a tater. push it up in the there and then turn and you should be able to unscrew it that way.
:D Wow, what a great idea!
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Well, this is probably too late. However for future refrence, flip the breaker to that room to make sure the power os off. Turning the switch won't always guarantee that. Next git ya a tater. push it up in the there and then turn and you should be able to unscrew it that way.
No sir -- you aren't too late. I haven't done it yet because I'll have to restart my computer and stuff when I throw the breaker, so I'm procrastinating-- it's on the same one as the light. A potato? Like a whole raw one? Do I peel it or leave on the skin? :P
You Georgia boys! ;D
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Yep, the potato idea is out there. I heard that you should cut the potato in half, then press it against the broken bulb, then turn it.
Speaking of those new bulbs, I haven't had much luck with them lasting longer than regular bulbs, especially in my kitchen ceiling fixture. My friend thinks it's because that fixture takes a lower wattage, and the new bulbs are a higher wattage, which makes them burn out sooner. ??? I don't know, but I was bummed when they burned out, because I thought I wouldn't have to haul out the ladder to change the bulbs for a good long time. >:(
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I thought they were supposed to last a number of years as well.
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I thought they were supposed to last a number of years as well.
Tell you what, I got a bunch of those new light bulbs for Christmas, too. I actually asked for them! :o My dad likes them, and I thought they were supposed to last a long time and cure global warming. :(
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Well, if they conk out early, let us know. Hope you have better luck. ::)
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You know Paul what is really interesting is to listen to that song and watch Jack and Ennis kiss at the bottom of your post.
I agree Truman........that is too funny
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I agree Truman........that is too funny
Cause you know that was the time they were hooking up, when we were watching wlecome back kotter.
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Oh yeah, you are absolutely right. I didn't think about that part. I'm glad you told me.
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OH, I hadn't noticed the new words in Paul's sig line. Words, what's them, when it comes to Paul's sig line. I had heard the tater idea, but the wet of the tater coupled with the elec of the tricity, I don't know...
Truman, we're planning to go to Monticello the first nice weather morning we get. So if it's dry when you wake up, expect a call from me. :) Til then, we're going through boxes and cabinets and scrapbooks and laughing and sighing and cackling and wheezing (from the dust on some of these things). My mom's scrapbook from when she was 15 years old. I never knew it existed. Anyway, that's what we're up to as long as it's raining.
I asked my mom if she had heard about your friend who fell from the roof, she read about it in the paper. We are wishing him a strong recovery.
Also, tonight we drove through the Fan and downtown, looking at Christmas lights, and went into the old Jefferson Hotel (me for the first time). You ever been there? Really nice. And in the lobby is a big marble statue of ol' T.J. and, I'm sorry, but you could clearly see which way he dressed (http://nz.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071030170123AA7KmNn), and even that he was uncircumcised. Right there in the elegant lobby. I mentioned it to my sister, and at first (before she saw it) she had a sort of "Oh brother" look on her face, but after she saw it, she was OMG. :) Anyway, something for your next trip to the big city. What if someone anonymously hung a sign there that said, "The South shall rise again."
:)
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Anyway, something for your next trip to the big city. What if someone anonymously hung a sign there that said, "The South shall rise again."
:)
OMG, I have been there before, and remember the statue, but I am going to have to take a closer look next time. :D
I will have the phone on, just give me a shout.
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OMG, I have been there before, and remember the statue, but I am going to have to take a closer look next time. :D
I will have the phone on, just give me a shout.
A photo, a photo, we want a photo! :laugh:
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A photo, a photo, we want a photo! :laugh:
Moi, aussi...and a phone call too when y'all get together without ME! (Guilt, guilt, guilt..)
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I am looking forward to it. I hope there is some kind of horse ride we can take advantage of.
:laugh:
(Runs and hides from Ellemeno)
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I like your new sig line Paul, I am not sure this will post correctly, so I will just pass along the link:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acr5uqIj82c&feature=related[/youtube]
Thanks for that, Tru.
The sig line story goes back to one glorious afternoon in Alberta. RouxB, Meryl, Juan and I were heading to Upper Kananaskis Lake. I had brought Sheryl Crow's greatest hits, and when she sang "Strong Enough", RouxB said it was the perfect Ennis song. I had always associated it with Jack, but now I really listened to the words, and RouxB was so right.
God, I feel like hell tonight
Tears of rage I cannot fight
I'd be the last to help you understand
Are you strong enough to be my man?
Nothing's true and nothing's right
So let me be alone tonight
Cause you can't change the way I am
Are you strong enough to be my man?
Lie to me
I promise I'll believe
Lie to me
But please don't leave
I have a face I cannot show
I make the rules up as I go
It's try and love me if you can
Are you strong enough to be my man?
When I've shown you that I just don't care
When I'm throwing punches in the air
When 'Im broken down and I can't stand
Will you be strong enough to be my man?
Lie to me
I promise I'll believe
Lie to me
But please don't leave.
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Thanks for that, Tru.
The sig line story goes back to one glorious afternoon in Alberta. RouxB, Meryl, Juan and I were heading to Upper Kananaskis Lake. I had brought Sheryl Crow's greatest hits, and when she sang "Strong Enough", RouxB said it was the perfect Ennis song. I had always associated it with Jack, but now I really listened to the words, and RouxB was so right.
It certainly captures his character. :-\
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Wow. Thats powerful!
Thanks for that, Tru.
The sig line story goes back to one glorious afternoon in Alberta. RouxB, Meryl, Juan and I were heading to Upper Kananaskis Lake. I had brought Sheryl Crow's greatest hits, and when she sang "Strong Enough", RouxB said it was the perfect Ennis song. I had always associated it with Jack, but now I really listened to the words, and RouxB was so right.
God, I feel like hell tonight
Tears of rage I cannot fight
I'd be the last to help you understand
Are you strong enough to be my man?
Nothing's true and nothing's right
So let me be alone tonight
Cause you can't change the way I am
Are you strong enough to be my man?
Lie to me
I promise I'll believe
Lie to me
But please don't leave
I have a face I cannot show
I make the rules up as I go
It's try and love me if you can
Are you strong enough to be my man?
When I've shown you that I just don't care
When I'm throwing punches in the air
When 'Im broken down and I can't stand
Will you be strong enough to be my man?
Lie to me
I promise I'll believe
Lie to me
But please don't leave.
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That fits a lot of people. Not just Ennis.... :'(
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That fits a lot of people. Not just Ennis.... :'(
Yep! You can say that twice and mean it!
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I will have the phone on, just give me a shout.
And when the call came I was on the phone with someone, called her right back. It was 11 AM. They had got tix to the 3:30 pm tour of Jefferson's house. She had PMed me the link. I did the mapquest, calculated the time, sushed the guardian angels warning me against being so spontaneous. It would be tight, but I knew there was no reason not to. I called her back and left a message I would see them at 3:30.
I was like Ennis going on a fishing trip. I showered, found a pair of jeans clean enough, grabbed the jacket that didn;t have the camera in the pocket, hopped in the car and called him up and said: "Your going to think I am crazy, but I am on my way to Monticello." He said: Yes, you are, but I am glad your going.
Dairy Queen drive thru just north of Rocky Mount, Virginia, I am the last of 6 cars that are not moving. I start to leave twice, both times the window opened and grocery bags full of fried food passed into the cab of the trucks carrying big people. Once them two were gone the line became unblocked and the 20 minutes I had to wait I was kept company by them same two.
"This is crazy, give up, just go back home, this is too much to try to do" said one.
"OMG, you are gonna be late, you are going to miss them and it is going to be a big ole' mess" and I finally turned to those two (in my mind) and told them I would worry about it down the road, I was not going to get worked up about it now.
On thru Roanoke, onto I81, north for an hour, on to I 64 and over Afton Mountain. I recalculated the time and I was going to be right on time. It felt wonderful. I talked to Ellemeno on the phone, they were in line for the shuttle bus, took the winding road to the parking lot and got my ticket. Walk around the corner and there they were at the front of the line, she waved me to come on over, ahead of the crowd.
There was Ellemeno, her sister I had met at the Husky restaurant/gas station in Dead Mans Flatts, Alberta, their mother, who shares her name with the Provence. Her bright eyed daughter and her easy going husband. It is always inneresting to meet a friends spouse. I would like to go on record that Ellememno's husband is the nicest guy. I didn;t get the impression he has ever been angry about anything. Her mother was cool too. I liked all of them.
So the bus came, and carried us up the paved carriage paths that had carried Washington, Adams, Madison, Lafayette, many others, to the grand old house on the crest of the little mountain. Surrounded by huge old trees, the time capsule of the ultimate Renaissance man. Amazing that it is still there.
Our tour guide told us how Jefferson had inherited debt, had lived in debt, and died in debt, and in what today would be true Walmart consumerism, he had a custom built house full of stuff. He successfully negotiated that world where he accepted the fact he did not live up to some ideal, and boldly plowed ahead with his life.
The tour guide told us of his plantations, his slaves, the people whose condition and situation he considered a crime, but to free them he reasoned would be tantamount to abandoning a child. And I wondered why this man of learning could not have found a third way, to educate and establish his slaves in the world. Of course it was illegal to teach them to read, he just boldly went ahead with what he had.
"Please do not touch the original wood work" she told a man in the group, to his considerable embarrassment, and I fished in my pocket for a quarter, and left it laying on the original chair rail in the room where his daughter schooled her many children's.
I had been there one time before, in 1989, and when we entered his bedroom there were his boots, sitting in the same place, the bed he died in with the same pinkish cover on it, like it was frozen in time. The 18 1/2 foot ceilings, the skylights, it was a tinkerers delight, one I could live in. Although no one knows how much it weighs.
We toured the cellars, the smoke houses, the blacksmiths shop, where I discovered a mystical connection betwixt Ellemeno and Scott' dog. We circled the place and then elected to take the path back to the parking lot, the parents swinging their soon to be to tall daughter betwixt them. On the way we passed the cemetery where the old Farmer lays buried, with his entourage of descendants. I pointed out the graves of the parents of Lucian Truescott, IV, who was a witness to the Stonewall raid in NYC.
We retreated to an Italian restaurant in Charlottesville for dinner. That family is so warm and open I just felt right at home with them. They were full of stories of conincidence and unusual happening, one of which I will share with you.
Many years ago Ellemenos mother and step father went to meet the Trailsways bus bringing her for an Xmess visit and the passangers, all came up and told them what a wonderful person she was and that she was an angel. It seems that on the trip she had turned to the woman sitting next to her and asked if other people were agreeable to sing Christmas carols would she. The woman hesitantly agreed. A few more were recruited and they mangled their way thru one. Then with the ice broke they tried another one, and soon the whole bus was singing. I could just see that in my head, like something out of the Andy Griffith show.
It is a gift to know you my friend, and your wonderful family. I look forward to the day I can visit you in Washington State. Until then.....
"Homo on the range,
where the deer and the antelope play,
where seldom is heard,
a discouraging word,
AND THE SKYS ARE NOT CLOUDY ALL DAY!"
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sounds like you had a great time!
did someone take pics! ;D
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What a lovely day!
I've never been to Monticello.
So what's the significance, the symbolism, of leaving the quarter on the chair rail?
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What a lovely day!
I've never been to Monticello.
So what's the significance, the symbolism, of leaving the quarter on the chair rail?
Oh, anacharist, lite. It is like lashing out and paying for it at the same. ;D
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I wondered that too, Jeff!
So, you mean -- since that lady said "don't touch the wood" -- you did it as an act of rebellion, but you paid for it to assuage your guilt ( or to let her know she'd been disobeyed)??
You're so bad!! :P ;D
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You're so bad!! :P ;D
One of the reasons we love him. :D
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So, you mean -- since that lady said "don't touch the wood" -- you did it as an act of rebellion, but you paid for it to assuage your guilt ( or to let her know she'd been disobeyed)??
That's how I interpreted it, and do you know, Tru, after she said that, I, who had been conscientiously and carefully not touching a thing, started to touch the door jambs as we went through them.
Well, my family liked you too. After we got on the (dark) road back home, and after the chat had settled, during a quiet spell, my mom suddenly said out to the quiet car, "I like Truman." "Me too," said my sister. "Me too," says me. :) I knew they would. I'm going to find your Falwell funeral essay and copy and paste it for them to read. I don't want to invite them to BetterMost though! :)
Thanks for all the traveling you did yesterday to get to us. I would LOVE to have you come to Washington State.
Clarissa
I'll have to remember to tell my sister about the Cate Blanchett thing. I see what you mean, now that you say it. I wish we had thought to take a photo of just you and me so we could have posted it. Maybe I'll figure out a way.
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That's how I interpreted it, and do you know, Tru, after she said that, I, who had been conscientiously and carefully not touching a thing, started to touch the door jambs as we went through them.
You two!!! :P Was the lady snarky? Or were ya'll secretly iin league, sympathetically/empathetically (whichever??), with the poor embarrassed guy?
I loved reading about your outing together! And about Elle leading the Christmas carols on the bus -- sweet!! Your day together sounded like such a nice and cool time!
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We toured the cellars, the smoke houses, the blacksmiths shop, where I discovered a mystical connection betwixt Ellemeno and Scott' dog.
:laugh: :laugh:
Who will enlighten us?
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That's how I interpreted it, and do you know, Tru, after she said that, I, who had been conscientiously and carefully not touching a thing, started to touch the door jambs as we went through them.
You two!!! :P Was the lady snarky? Or were ya'll secretly iin league, sympathetically/empathetically (whichever??), with the poor embarrassed guy?
I loved reading about your outing together! And about Elle leading the Christmas carols on the bus -- sweet!! Your day together sounded like such a nice and cool time!
She was officious and had this sort of air that she owned Thomas Jefferson. Like he was her Barbie doll, and she would let us look at her Barbie, but wouldn't let us touch or even acknowledge that we had a Barbie too. Plus she spoke in the present tense with every sentence. I understand that's the historical docent's prerogative, but she made it real annoying.
It felt like she called sharply across the crowd at that guy to make an example of him. That's what I didn't like. He had his jacketed shoulder leaning on a high gloss door frame that surely gets repainted again and again. It wasn't like he had laid down in the bed. Still, I will acknowledge that on the 3:30pm tour alone there were many, many people, so I'm sure they do need to watch that each individual leaves as little impact as possible. But her tone...
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You and Truman did good! I hope the guy noticed. ;) ;D
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Elle once had someone in her life named Grady as well as Scott. That was the mystical connection
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I would've touched every door frame too!
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Elle once had someone in her life named Grady as well as Scott. That was the mystical connection
OK you me and Ell should move in togather? LOL
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Only if you bring the dog. ;)
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Only if you bring the dog. ;)
OK I can do that
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:laugh:
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OK you me and Ell should move in togather? LOL
God help Ellemeno if she ever gets stuck with you pair a deuces. :laugh: :-*
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It would be an adventure, to say the least. :laugh:
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What a great story, and it included other stories, too! Brought back my own tour of Monticello a few years ago when I was working at the little summer opera company down the road in Ash Lawn (Monroe's estate). I loved that area. Thanks for the belated Christmas gift, Truman and Elle! :-*
(I see I'm just one post ahead of Truman at the moment. I'm sure he'll pass me by shortly. Here's a wave and a hug for when we're tied!)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Emoticons/wave.gif) (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Emoticons/bighug.gif)
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I am going to go see Monroe's house someday. I have been to Jefferson's place twice now. I could go and leave and electric carving knife someplace......... :laugh:
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We're almost tied, Truman! Hey, friend! (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Emoticons/bighug.gif)
LOL at the carving knife! :laugh:
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Right this moment:
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(http://melindamccrady.com/pics/wondertwins.jpg)
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(http://melindamccrady.com/pics/wondertwins.jpg)
I didn't know Mr. Spock had a sister! :laugh:
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R olling
O n
T he
F loor
L aughing
M y
A ss
O ff
Oh Chuck, must be all them numbers you wrok with makes you so sharp!
And I am happy to have Meryl as a wonder twin sister. Ya'll watch out the next time we gat together!
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I didn't know Mr. Spock had a sister! :laugh:
Meryl, you don't know who the wondertwins are?
:o
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Meryl, you don't know who the wondertwins are?
:o
The one on the right is Chuckie's secret identity. ;D
:-*
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The one on the right is Chuckie's secret identity. ;D
:-*
I don't own a single pair of tights, Jeff.
but I think I know someone who does...... ;) :-*
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This is for Meryl, or anyone else who doesn't know who the "wonder twins" are.
They were the sidekicks of "The SuperFriends", in a cartoon that ran from 1973-1894.
They are probably among the goofiest super heroes ever created, but they were my faves. That says A LOT, huh?
:laugh:
They were alien teenagers (and their pet monkey) from the planet Exxor, sent to Earth to train with the SuperFriends in the use of their powers.
Here's a 7 minute clip that features them. Sound quality is not so good, you may need to turn the volume up.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cn8eLbu_ugc[/youtube]
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Jeff's tights are at the cleaners.
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I don't own a single pair of tights, Jeff.
but I think I know someone who does...... ;) :-*
The tights ain't got nuthin' to do with it, Little Darlin'. ;D :-*
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The tights ain't got nuthin' to do with it, Little Darlin'. ;D :-*
:laugh:
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Have you ever seen Jeff in his tights. I thought everybody had, but I guess not. You do know he is a superhero, right?
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Have you ever seen Jeff in his tights. I thought everybody had, but I guess not. You do know he is a superhero, right?
I always suspected it. ;)
Thanks for the backstory of the Wonder Twins, Chuck. ;D
They were the sidekicks of "The SuperFriends", in a cartoon that ran from 1973-1894.
They must have great super powers if they can run backwards in time. :laugh:
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I always suspected it. ;)
Thanks for the backstory of the Wonder Twins, Chuck. ;D
They must have great super powers if they can run backwards in time. :laugh:
ha ha ha.
:laugh:
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Hey good lookin........................ :P
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Whatcha got cookin??......................... :D :D :D
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how's about cookin' something up with me?
:laugh:
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WOO - HOO!! :P ;) ;D
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Hey, Sweet Baby! Dontcha think maybe..... 8) 8)
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you could cook something up with ME!!
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Ya'll all making me hungry.
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*Jess breaks out with the "Food Blues"*
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Here's a chorus for hungry Truman :-*
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK5ruti8Xh4[/youtube]
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" We could make a brand new recipe."
Thanks for that Lynne...I love Hanks songs.
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"I got a hot-rod Ford and a two-dollar bill"
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And I know a spot right over the hill. :)[youtube=425,350]http://youtube.com/watch?v=OxB1t2EEK0M[/youtube]
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And I know a spot right over the hill. :)
[youtube=425,350] &feature=related [/youtube]
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"There's soda pop and the dancin's free"
:-* O0
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So if you wanta have fun, come along with me...
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so much food talk now.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkq7HLBe178[/youtube]
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Oh boy, time for some oatmeal and coffee!
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Oh boy, time for some oatmeal and coffee!
uh uh...pancakes with a side of bacon and some orange juice..
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How about rice and toast? Or English muffins.
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How about rice and toast? Or English muffins.
rice? for breakfast?! never heard of such!
:)
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Sounds good, wake me up when they are ready. Snoor...... O0
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My goodness. Rice with butter, and white and brown sugar, with milk...You dont have to have
the brown sugar. Yummy you can also add cinnamon or nutmeg...
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rice? for breakfast?! never heard of such!
:)
Why not? Texans don't eat Rice Krispies? ;D
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Why not? Texans don't eat Rice Krispies? ;D
:laugh:
We have rice for breakfast sometimes. Warm, slathered in butter, topped with sugar -- so much sugar, there's a crunch! ;D That can't be good for ya -- don't have it too often for that reason.
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:laugh:
We have rice for breakfast sometimes. Warm, slathered in butter, topped with sugar -- so much sugar, there's a crunch! ;D That can't be good for ya -- don't have it too often for that reason.
I'd probably just go with butter and salt, the same way I like my grits.
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I'd probably just go with butter and salt, the same way I like my grits.
Yeah, same here -- butter and salt on the grits! :)
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"I'm free and ready..."
P.S. Like cheesey grits myself... ;D
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"I'm free and ready..."
P.S. Like cheesey grits myself... ;D
Mmmmmm. Cheesey grits. ...
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Grits go with about anything. I recently had a taste of some shrimp grits. They was gooooooood!
O0
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:laugh:
We have rice for breakfast sometimes. Warm, slathered in butter, topped with sugar -- so much sugar, there's a crunch! ;D That can't be good for ya -- don't have it too often for that reason.
This must be a southern thang cause this is just how I had rice growing up and I still do like it that way. People have always given me weird looks cause of the butter and sugar on rice.
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Yes cheesy grits..........and I keep hearing about shrimp and grits. It sounds strange, but I do like both of them.
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This must be a southern thang cause this is just how I had rice growing up and I still do like it that way. People have always given me weird looks cause of the butter and sugar on rice.
Prob - lee, Jack! :) :D
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So would that mean that Gary, Richard and Truman would know about these ???
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So would that mean that Gary, Richard and Truman would know about these ???
They oughtta, Jack! ;)
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The only kind of rice I can rememory eating at breakfast is rice crispies.
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The only kind of rice I can rememory eating at breakfast is rice crispies.
Same here...and only if they were forced down my throat. LOL
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:D Happy New Year Shakes and Shakesfriends!! :-* :-*
(http://www.bestdealsontheweb.net/disney_skating_christmas.jpg)
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The only kind of rice I can rememory eating at breakfast is rice crispies.
me too....those and Nestle Crunchs....(my mom was real big on nutrition as you can see)
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So would that mean that Gary, Richard and Truman would know about these ???
I love Shrimp and Grits and Cheesey grits!
YUMMY!
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Well I can see now you all have to have rice for breakfast.. My mother was from Texas, born and
bred. My grandmother and grandfather also...That is where i learned to eat it like that....
She made rice for breakfast, a lot It was the only time i ever ate breakfast before going to school.
She always made a big pot of it. Then she took the left overs and made rice pudding for dinner....I was
grown and had my own family, before i ever found out everyone didnt eat it that way.... :)
Of course ive never had grits in my life............. :-\
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Janice, I will send you some.
Next year. O0
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I get the opinion that grits is all about how its cooked. My mother always told me about how
she liked them.. But she never made it.
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I love Shrimp and Grits and Cheesey grits!
YUMMY!
Richard, does that mean you are going to fix up some of us after the New Years Eve ball drops? We can all have another late night breakfast like we did the first night in SF. I think that would be a great way to bring in 2008. What time do you want all of us there :)
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Of course ive never had grits in my life............. :-\
:o :o :o
Maybe I ought a try rice for breakfast. :-\
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Richard, does that mean you are going to fix up some of us after the New Years Eve ball drops? We can all have another late night breakfast like we did the first night in SF. I think that would be a great way to bring in 2008. What time do you want all of us there :)
I would love too but I doubt I'll make ittill the ball drops! LOL
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:o :o :o
Maybe I ought a try rice for breakfast. :-\
I was thinking the same thing...I don't like oatmeal..
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I would love too but I doubt I'll make ittill the ball drops! LOL
Yes, of course, after the ball drops ;D
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I think he means he'll be asleep by then. lol (Or do ya?)
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I think he means he'll be asleep by then. lol (Or do ya?)
I think I read that wrong :) We all seem to be doing a lot of that lately. When I first read it I thought he meant he doubted he would make it, the shrimp and grits and cheesy grits, until after the ball dropped :) Instead I think you are right he will not make it himself until the ball drops. So guess we might should not all drop in on Richard expecting breakfast tonight :-\
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I think I read that wrong :) We all seem to be doing a lot of that lately. When I first read it I thought he meant he doubted he would make it, the shrimp and grits and cheesy grits, until after the ball dropped :) Instead I think you are right he will not make it himself until the ball drops. So guess we might should not all drop in on Richard expecting breakfast tonight :-\
Yeah, I'm turnin in now!
Good night, Goid Bless and Happy New Year to all!!
I love you guys!
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HAPPY NEW YEAR RICHARD
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Yeah, I'm turnin in now!
Good night, Goid Bless and Happy New Year to all!!
I love you guys!
We love you too!!! Goodnite sleepyhead! Sweet dreams. :)
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Well, I made it, what am I gonna do now, huh?
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Well, I made it, what am I gonna do now, huh?
:laugh: :laugh:
Get on in there and enjoy the ride!
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Hey Truman
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A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU TRUMAN!!!!
You have truly been a very special friend to me in 2007 and I look forward to our friendship continuing in 2008.
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That banner was supposed to be bigger!!!! Oh well, guess I did something wrong. Anyway it was meant to be big!!!
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All the best to you dear Truman. I truly can never say how much your friendship has meant to me.
:D :-* :-* :D
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Well, I made it, what am I gonna do now, huh?
You look forward to all the good things and good times that are going to happen to you in 2008! And the fun thing is that you have no idea what all these things are going to be.
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Of course ive never had grits in my life............. :-\
:o :o :o
Me neither Janice! Doesn't sound appetizing to me. "grits"
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Well, I made it, what am I gonna do now, huh?
What comes naturally! Be yourself, let your inner handsomeness match the outside, and let them both be seen.
love you!
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Me neither Janice! Doesn't sound appetizing to me. "grits"
Good morning, Truman. I hope you have a nice 1st day.
I think that dish is called "grits" because it is made up of tiny granules of corn/hominy, thus it's gritty like sand -- but tastes better!
Anyway, a discussion of grits on Truman's page seems appropriate, as the adjective "grit" means firmness of character; indomitable spirit; pluck. As in -- He has a reputation for grit and common sense.
Tru grit. ;)
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Doesn't sound appetizing to me. "grits"
That's what I say about yogurt. I mean, think about that word. Yo-gurt. Sounds like a burp from a sour stomach. Eeew. :P
Oh, yeah. Happy New Year, everybody. :D
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Tru grit. I like it, Shasta! 8)
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/grits.jpg)
HAPPY NEW YEAR TRU!
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Maybe I need to change my screen name. TruGrit. ;D
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Maybe I need to change my screen name. TruGrit. ;D
Yeah now that would be a good one, but we like you best as who you are :) You know I bet there is a TruGrit out there somewhere ;D Hope you are having a great first day of the year Shakes!!! I guess I better go to the store before this huge snowstorm hits us here. Although it was supposed to start at noon. It is now close to 2pm and the sun is shining, the sky is blue, but it is cold. As it stands though it will be hard to get snow out of blue sky. Is it supposed to snow up there in VA?
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(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/grits.jpg)
:o :o :o
I knew Quaker made lots of flavors if instant grits, but all we can get around here is the original. :-\ :( >:( I want ham and cheese grits. ...
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Yeah now that would be a good one, but we like you best as who you are :)
:D President T is our Shakes, and we are his Shakespeers!!! ;D :-* :-*
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I luuuuv grits!! Quick Grits is (are?) aok :D. I think that's the standard kind.
But myself I don't really go for the instant ... :P
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2008 begins. In fact from where I sit the sun is going down on it.
An interesting thing has been going on the past few days. I watched a youtube video for the trailer for the movie "For The Bible Tells Me So", which I have yet to see, and following it there was a video responce from a minister to it.
Well the movie does nothing to enlighten this man. He is fire and brimstone and his brother lost his life to Aids at the age of 28, it was really a sad situation. I felt a need to post a responce to him, as others had, and told him I was sorry about his brother, sorry he felt the way he did and that I didn;t expect to change his mind, but I wished him peace anyway.
That has resulted in a back and forth tug of war that got to be a bit unnerving. You know the drill, I am rejecting the will of God for my own will and I am going to hell and I was not born this way. I have tried responding to him in a positive manner but not taking any crap. I told him I forgave him for passing judgement on me, and of course he don't need any of my phoney forgiveness.
The exchange seems to have run its course, but it has left me realizing that outside of this comfort zone I have here, part of an ever expanding one, there are still people out there who hate me. I can wear a poly- cotton blend when I debate them and they will never pick up on it. They choose to hate me and use the Bible as their ammunition.
His responses are here:
He has deleted what I and others said to him.
I will pray for him. Happy New Year, let the work begin. ;)
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Hard to find a shred of love in any of those responses. He sounds pretty bitter. I wish he'd left your posts.
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Dare one ask in which denomination this
asswipe poor, wounded soul is a minister? :-\
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Dare one ask in which denomination this asswipe poor, wounded soul is a minister? :-\
he don't NEED no stinking papers! He done read his Bible and been TOUCHED by the Lord our GAWD!
and don't you be trying to cross no words with him, you nonbelievin Satan-misled SINNER!!
(whoa! I could be a preacher!! I got this crap DOWN!!)
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he don't NEED no stinking papers! He done read his Bible and been TOUCHED by the Lord our GAWD!
Oh, I bet he's touched all right. ;D ;)
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Oh, I bet he's touched all right. ;D ;)
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
people see what they want to see in the Bible...amazing how three people can read a passage and get three different ideas on what it means...
and these people want to bring the Bible into school and government.... ::) ::)
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Happy New Year Tru!! I wish you all the best, always. Hope your day was grand and that 2008 will be wonderful, full of happiness, love and success. your friend, :) glory
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Dare one ask in which denomination this asswipe poor, wounded soul is a minister? :-\
Probably some primative, backwater, snake handlin, poison drinkin, roadside tabernacle he has built on his diddies land!
Where he is the grand high poobah of upper butt crack and can call all the shots himself. Kinda like our pal Fred Phelps.
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He is the grand high poobah of upper butt crack.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Probably some primative, backwater, snake handlin, poison drinkin, roadside tabernacle he has built on his diddies land!
Where he is the grand high poobah of upper butt crack and can call all the shots himself. Kinda like our pal Fred Phelps.
A good time for me to renew my invition to everyone to join me for Fred Phelps funeral when it occures. if there is any way I can go to that I am.
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A good time for me to renew my invition to everyone to join me for Fred Phelps funeral when it occures. if there is any way I can go to that I am.
but you won't hold up a sign saying he is going to hell....you will have some manners..and compassion
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A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU TRUMAN!!!!
You have truly been a very special friend to me in 2007 and I look forward to our friendship continuing in 2008.
Hey there, Jack! I made your banner bigger for you! I hope you don't mind - if you do, I'll change it back. The trick is that when you click the button to to increase the font size (the A with an arrow), you also have to edit the "size=10pt" that it puts in the first set of brackets around your text - here I've increased it to 20pt.
Love you and Happy New Year!!!
:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
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but you won't hold up a sign saying he is going to hell....you will have some manners..and compassion
Count me in when and if the time comes. I still think you attending Falwell's funeral and what you wrote in the guest book showed enormous compassion and well, simple class. Unlike
Probably some primative, backwater, snake handlin, poison drinkin, roadside tabernacle he has built on his diddies land!
Where he is the grand high poobah of upper butt crack and can call all the shots himself. Kinda like our pal Fred Phelps.
Awesome, Richard - just plain awesome!!! ;) :-* :laugh: :laugh:
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That's what I say about yogurt. I mean, think about that word. Yo-gurt. Sounds like a burp from a sour stomach. Eeew. :P
lmao! that's toooo funny!
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The exchange seems to have run its course, but it has left me realizing that outside of this comfort zone I have here, part of an ever expanding one, there are still people out there who hate me. I can wear a poly- cotton blend when I debate them and they will never pick up on it. They choose to hate me and use the Bible as their ammunition.
I'm sorry that your new year started on a hateful note, Truman. You deserved better than that.
Think of all the strides that people of color have made, yet there are many people who still hate them, just based on the color of their skin.
People are always going to hate and fear what is different. It is his loss for hating you and not getting to know you for the great person that you are.
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Probably some primative, backwater, snake handlin, poison drinkin, roadside tabernacle he has built on his diddies land!
Where he is the grand high poobah of upper butt crack and can call all the shots himself. Kinda like our pal Fred Phelps.
I actually work with one of these people. He just opened up a church one day...no credentials of any kind, just up and decided he needed to tell everyone else what to do (without making any changes in his OWN life of course) and set himself up as the 'preacher'. Doesn't even have an affiliation (Baptist, Methodist, etc) he just is.
::) ::) ::)
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Probably some primative, backwater, snake handlin, poison drinkin, roadside tabernacle he has built on his diddies land!
Where he is the grand high poobah of upper butt crack and can call all the shots himself. Kinda like our pal Fred Phelps.
Well its good to see at least, you aren't bitter or anything. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
These people usually have one brain cell. They have something that isnt too difficult for them to
focus it on.. And then they are off to the races...
The problem being, they seem to have magnets inside and draw all the other brainless boobs to them.
Pretty soon you have them creating a group of like and you cant say minded.. because they have no
minds, but like thinking clan members. Then they start to intermarry and propagate, and dont see
a single thing wrong with that.
God save us from the reformed sinners. They are the most dangerous of all. Give me a good old
fashioned sinner any day...Now if I could just find one...I dont even know what that is...really
He seemed to be finding sin in peoples beds...He had not one word to say about rapist, or murderers, or
war mongers. People that abuse or molest the aged or babies and children...Just homosexuals..
Truman you cant talk common sense to people like that..believe me I know. It just doesnt penetrate...
Don't waste your precious time.
You are all going to be the blessed ones...he is sadly mistaken about the story and the book, by the lady with the dream fantasies. She figures a dream is true if you put it in a book...bull shit........
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but you won't hold up a sign saying he is going to hell....you will have some manners..and compassion
Exactly Jess, I am going to hold up a sign saying This Faggot Forgives You.
Now resisting the temptation to spray roundup on his grave is another thing......
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Truman you cant talk common sense to people like that..believe me I know. It just doesnt penetrate...
Don't waste your precious time.
I think that some form of positive engagement needs to be directed at them, they are telling me I am something I am not, I feel obligated to show them I am wrong. Not put no whole lot of effort into it, but plant a seed, you never know what might happen, in that fertile bullshit it hould germinate.
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Now resisting the temptation to spray roundup on his grave is another thing......
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I agree with you, Truman, about the positive engagement. One of your posts hadn't been deleted on youtube last night, and I tried to reply to it, but they never sent my activation email. I'll try again today. People have the capacity to change and grow. And I think one of the best ways to make a lot of these people think twice about their homophobic beliefs is to introduce them to someone they think they hate. It's a lot harder to hate when you put a human face to an idea - and a lot harder to be afraid too - when they discover 'Hey, he's a pretty good guy.' Baby steps...
I see myself writing this and I am such a hypocrite. I owe cousin Danny a phone call, don't I??
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Uh, scuse me but if he had read his Bible he'd know that Jesus was gay. ::)
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,15738.0.html
I'd let him know but I can't bring myself to join another website just now.
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Uh, scuse me but if he had read his Bible he'd know that Jesus was gay. ::)
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,15738.0.html
I'd let him know but I can't bring myself to join another website just now.
Oh Now!
I don't think Jesus was gay or straight.
It doesn't matter anyway. He taught us to love one another that only through Gods grace are we, the imperfect, made perfect. That goes for the lowliest criminal to the most exalted religous figure.
No one is more worthy or deserving of Gods grace than another.
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I see myself writing this and I am such a hypocrite. I owe cousin Danny a phone call, don't I??
Well we all do what we can to make our lives comfortable. And we should. If your not confronting him is at a point you are uncomfortable about it, by all means. I'll be there for you when you do.
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Oh Now!
I don't think Jesus was gay or straight.
It doesn't matter anyway. He taught us to love one another that only through Gods grace are we, the imperfect, made perfect. That goes for the lowliest criminal to the most exalted religous figure.
No one is more worthy or deserving of Gods grace than another.
Jesus was a human being. He was something.
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Jesus was a human being. He was something.
But he is also the living God.
While being fully human,he was sinless. I think he was above sexuality.
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But he is also the living God.
While being fully human,he was sinless. I think he was above sexuality.
The he wasn't fully human.
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It doesn't matter anyway. He taught us to love one another that only through Gods grace are we, the imperfect, made perfect.
That is it, if we could all just do that, what a world it would be. With that in mind it is not a far streatch to hear John Lennon's words:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEOkxRLzBf0[/youtube]
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The he wasn't fully human.
Heretic! ;) :laugh:
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Well we can debate all day what Jesus was or was not. I would hope if he came into this world he got to experence some of its joys because it sounds like he had a bad time of it, not just at the end.
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This debate reminds me of a comediane I saw on tv a few years ago, and her father was a Revend, and she told of this exchange.
"my father and I were discussing religion one evening, and he turned to me and said:"
"Daughter, God is neither black or white. God is neither man or woman. God is neither straight or gay. Can you understand?"
"and I said, 'Yes, dad. You're saying God is Michael Jackson."
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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That remind me of a t-shirt I saw once that said:
God Is Love
Love is Blind
Ray Charles is Blind
Ray Charles is God.
I like to think we are all pieces of God, along with the stars and the trees and the animals. Even in the Christian tradition it is said we are created in his image.
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Now I'm confused: is God Michael Jackson or Ray Charles?
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I like to think we are all pieces of God, along with the stars and the trees and the animals. Even in the Christian tradition it is said we are created in his image.
...and the last time I desired to look like and old man with a long white beard was...well...never :)
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Now I'm confused: is God Michael Jackson or Ray Charles?
Neither. Stevie Wonder. ...
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Neither. Stevie Wonder. ...
Oh, good. I always thought God would play the harmonica.
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Now I'm confused: is God Michael Jackson or Ray Charles?
God is neither Michael Jackson or Ray Charles.
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...and the last time I desired to look like and old man with a long white beard was...well...never :)
Apparently, God is a member of ZZ Top or Santa Claus.
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Oh, good. I always thought God would play the harmonica.
Ain't no filly that can throw Him. ;D
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Ain't no filly that can throw Him. ;D
But be careful of that gelding...they get spooked easily. Hehehehehehehehe
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Ain't no filly that can throw Him. ;D
If He does get thrown, perhaps we'll be lucky, and He'll land on some zealots and break 'em in two.
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I like the 'spaination Aaron gives Christian in Latter Days, and I am parapharaising here:
"I think its everything, this, the stars...." I wish I knew the full quote.
Its my belief that all living things are an extention of God, which is why Jesus said we are all equal.
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"You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination."
--Leviticus 18:22, Revised Standard Version of The Bible
So what if you are a woman and you lie with a female?
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You guys free associations are hysterical... You start out in Florida and end up in Peru....
But the Bible references are such that it tells you. No one is free from sin.......just forgiven..
I
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I agree with you, Truman, about the positive engagement. One of your posts hadn't been deleted on youtube last night, and I tried to reply to it, but they never sent my activation email. I'll try again today. People have the capacity to change and grow. And I think one of the best ways to make a lot of these people think twice about their homophobic beliefs is to introduce them to someone they think they hate. It's a lot harder to hate when you put a human face to an idea - and a lot harder to be afraid too - when they discover 'Hey, he's a pretty good guy.' Baby steps...
I see myself writing this and I am such a hypocrite. I owe cousin Danny a phone call, don't I??
"What Made America Famous"
You remember that song?
it is about a group of poor people living in a little rat trap house that caught fire one night. The only one that came to help was one volunteer firefighter that saved a few of them:
He rolled on up in the fire truck
And raised the ladder to the ledge
Where me and my girl and a couple of kids
Were clinging like bats to the edge.
We staggered to salvation,
Collapsed on the street.
And I never thought that a fat man's face
Would ever look so sweet.
I shook his hand in the scene that made America famous
And a smile from the heart that made America great
You see we spent the rest of that night in the home of a man I'd never known
before.
It's funny when you get that close it's kind of hard to hate.
I went to sleep with the hope that made America famous.
I had the kind of a dream that maybe they're still trying to teach in school.
Of the America that made America famous...and
Of the people who just might understand
That how together yes we can
Create a country better than
The one we have made of this land,
We have a choice to make each man
who dares to dream, reaching out his hand
A prophet or just a crazy God damn
Dreamer of a fool - yes a crazy fool
There's something burning somewhere.
Does anybody care?
Is anybody there?
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Well Lynne, you know how much I love you, but I am afraid I have to disagree with this. It is wonderful and
fine in idea, but the fact is the carrying out of the program hits a brick wall in most, cases.
These people tend to have been searching for a scapegoat for their own problems. They have some
major issue or another,,,in this case its the death of the brother... They cant rationally blame themself. They may blame God, and themself as I did. Or they can find some other outliet for that hate. In this case he has
decided it is the fault of the cloying homosexuals that ensnared his poor brother.
I happen to know intimately someone like this. all they do when you try to teach them a different thought. Is to get angry and combative. in other words the mind is made up, don't try to confuse them with facts.
You can and may well change people that are middle of the road minded but, i dont think you are going to get very far with folks like this.. JMO
I wish I had your optimism
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His responses are here:
He has deleted what I and others said to him.
I will pray for him. Happy New Year, let the work begin. ;)
Wow, I never saw a YouTube with only a one-star rating before. A lot of people don't like his movie.
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Truman, please don't do that to yourself. Don't give his poison a home in your head....take a deep breathe and step away..PLEASE.
it is only going to hurt you....cause you stress. You have put your own light out there. It is enough for today. Tomorrow there will a worthier cause for your time.
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Exactly Jess, I am going to hold up a sign saying This Faggot Forgives You.
Now resisting the temptation to spray roundup on his grave is another thing......
Truman, I forgot to tell you, the day after we got together, I emailed my mom and sister your writing about Falwell's funeral. My mom read it right away, real attentively, thought it was real good. I knew she was going to like you.
My sister hasn't read it that I know of, but she's studying and stressing about taking the bar exam a second time, so is to be forgiven. :)
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But the Bible references are such that it tells you. No one is free from sin.......just forgiven
Amen!
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Well Lynne, you know how much I love you, but I am afraid I have to disagree with this. It is wonderful and
fine in idea, but the fact is the carrying out of the program hits a brick wall in most, cases.
I wish I had your optimism
Well Janice I know what your saying, but have you ever seen brick walls ocassional sprout grass? It happens. If I can plant a seed in some crevace where it might get to germinate, the root can inflitrate the brick and mortar and make it weaker, and lead eventually to the colapse of that wall. Maybe I can be the rain nourishing it, maybe I can be the light that seed needs to grow.
Jess, thanks too, but I ain't gone let him or his ilk get to me. I am not going to back down from them either. I know one day either I will be asked to acount for what I did to make the world better, or I will be asking myself, and so I keep the intention that I should try to tear down the walls around peoples hearts. Show them just by being myself that you can;t always rely on what someone wrote two thousand years ago to tell you how to think. God gave people minds, and in MHO they are responcible for what they do with them.
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Six am mnew years morning in the throne room, I am reading a recnt issues of the AARP magazine. An interesting article about a woman who was a stay at home mom, a baby boomer, and now at retirement age she is filled with regret about the path not taken.
The article goes on to describe how this is an increasingly common thing among baby boomers who have had so many options, living in a world where everyone knows and sees what is going on in others peoples lives, our minds are not prepared to deal with the information, the feelings that come along with it.
It would seem that with so many choices for so many paths in life we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. Eat up with what ifs. I think that is sad. I think everyone would do it differently if they could, those who say otherwise I don't believe them.
So I will say to all those reading this: I envy each of you, those of you who have children, those of you with good jobs, those of you living in exciting cities, those of you of the verge of something big. Ya'll are so luck. And I am too. Cause if I want to, I could go back to bed right now. :laugh: but I won't.
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Hey Jess - I don't think I know the song "What Made America Famous" - I'll go see if I can find it somewhere - the last stanza seems awfully familiar.
Well Lynne, you know how much I love you, but I am afraid I have to disagree with this. It is wonderful and
fine in idea, but the fact is the carrying out of the program hits a brick wall in most, cases.
These people tend to have been searching for a scapegoat for their own problems. They have some
major issue or another,,,in this case its the death of the brother... They cant rationally blame themself. They may blame God, and themself as I did. Or they can find some other outliet for that hate. In this case he has
decided it is the fault of the cloying homosexuals that ensnared his poor brother.
I happen to know intimately someone like this. all they do when you try to teach them a different thought. Is to get angry and combative. in other words the mind is made up, don't try to confuse them with facts.
You can and may well change people that are middle of the road minded but, i dont think you are going to get very far with folks like this.. JMO
I wish I had your optimism
Janice, we can disagree - if we didn't, one of us would be redundant. :laugh: :laugh:
I freely admit to seeing glasses as half-full and rose-colored. I don't know that I'd wish it on you because evidently it also makes me naive. I used to think it was a good plan to trust people until they give you a reason not to; now I've seen that that can be a truly dangerous proposition.
I know 'these people' too. They were my relatives and neighbors growing up - with the notable exception of Grandma Mamie, who is was what I think I can now call a "Mrs. Twist Christian" and be understood. If it weren't for her, I am pretty sure I'd be atheist instead of agnostic. Those memories of singing old-timey hymns with her while she pushed me on the swingset or we worked in the garden are just too precious.
You are right that the usual reaction to new ideas is frequently anger and resistance. (I like 'Don't try to confuse them with facts' - that's a good one ;). ) But still, if you're gracious and civil about it, there's a slight chance that your point of view will be remembered - perhaps the next time someone else espouses it - like drops of rain making a dent in a rock. It's worth a shot, IMO, largely because simply letting it pass is tantamount to endorsement - and after Brokeback Mountain, I try very very hard to no longer let homophobia pass without comment.
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Here's "What Made America Famous" - it's by Harry Chapin:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIvQQXGyr3A[/youtube]
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Six am mnew years morning in the throne room, I am reading a recnt issues of the AARP magazine. An interesting article about a woman who was a stay at home mom, a baby boomer, and now at retirement age she is filled with regret about the path not taken.
The article goes on to describe how this is an increasingly common thing among baby boomers who have had so many options, living in a world where everyone knows and sees what is going on in others peoples lives, our minds are not prepared to deal with the information, the feelings that come along with it.
It would seem that with so many choices for so many paths in life we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. Eat up with what ifs. I think that is sad. I think everyone would do it differently if they could, those who say otherwise I don't believe them.
So I will say to all those reading this: I envy each of you, those of you who have children, those of you with good jobs, those of you living in exciting cities, those of you of the verge of something big. Ya'll are so luck. And I am too. Cause if I want to, I could go back to bed right now. :laugh: but I won't.
See that's how we're different these days - I would go back to bed and pull the covers over my head!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I see a couple of good points here. First, the point about information overload. There is so much truth to that - radio, TV, commercials, internet, movies, music, phones, email - it's an endless list. There's never any true peace or quiet time inside our own brains unless you deliberately turn everything off and head to the woods.
The what-if's have probably always been there - it's that grass is always greener syndrome, but with the aforementioned overload of information - especially advertising - everything seems better than it is. In this consumer-driven economy, almost everywhere we turn, we're shown what we're supposed to want and it's most usually different from what we've got. I guess I'm a little bit too young to be a baby boomer, but it's the same - trying to make things better, constantly questioning if you're doing the best thing for the multiple people involved, etc...
As confused as I am right now about what the future is going to hold, I know I am blessed abundantly with good friends. So maybe I'll get out of bed after all. ;)
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See that's how we're different these days - I would go back to bed and pull the covers over my head!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I see a couple of good points here. First, the point about information overload. There is so much truth to that - radio, TV, commercials, internet, movies, music, phones, email - it's an endless list. There's never any true peace or quiet time inside our own brains unless you deliberately turn everything off and head to the woods.
The what-if's have probably always been there - it's that grass is always greener syndrome, but with the aforementioned overload of information - especially advertising - everything seems better than it is. In this consumer-driven economy, almost everywhere we turn, we're shown what we're supposed to want and it's most usually different from what we've got. I guess I'm a little bit too young to be a baby boomer, but it's the same - trying to make things better, constantly questioning if you're doing the best thing for the multiple people involved, etc...
As confused as I am right now about what the future is going to hold, I know I am blessed abundantly with good friends. So maybe I'll get out of bed after all. ;)
Lynne we are all indeed blessed with each other in our lives. We can do anyting we want really. I was just talking to Truman about a huge change I am thinking about making in my life, and it's scary and thrilling, and makes me feel alive to consider all the possibilities that are out there. I am a born skeptic, and have been called a drama queen on more than one occasion, so for me to actually be so close to making this change is monumental for me...in other words..if I can do it, anyone can do it. I know we don't know each other very well, but if you and T are so close, I think you will know what I am talking about. Change all the "what ifs" to "why nots".
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Lynne we are all indeed blessed with each other in our lives. We can do anyting we want really. I was just talking to Truman about a huge change I am thinking about making in my life, and it's scary and thrilling, and makes me feel alive to consider all the possibilities that are out there. I am a born skeptic, and have been called a drama queen on more than one occasion, so for me to actually be so close to making this change is monumental for me...in other words..if I can do it, anyone can do it. I know we don't know each other very well, but if you and T are so close, I think you will know what I am talking about. Change all the "what ifs" to "why nots".
Why is that, I wonder? Let's make a New Year's Resolution to fix it. ;) Maybe I'll get an interview in Boston and we can meet properly. I certainly loved living there once upon a lifetime.
I am not privy to any details of the change(s) you're considering, Scott, but I understand what it feels like to be on the verge of big changes. It IS both thrilling and terrifying, and there's really a visceral, physical response - I guess it's adrenaline flooding the system - sharpening details and making everything seem more vivid. Now that I write that, it's a lot like the early days of falling in love, isn't it?
The worst changes, IMO, are the ones that are forced upon you, that you're not ready for because you didn't see it coming, so you've got to adapt quickly - major stress but of a different and really uncomfortable sort. But I am a control freak and as often as I tell myself the only think you can count on happening is change, it's still a surprise.
Whatever changes you're facing, know you've got people here to help see you through them. :-*
-Lynne
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Why is that, I wonder? Let's make a New Year's Resolution to fix it. ;) Maybe I'll get an interview in Boston and we can meet properly.
I hope so, that would be great!
there's really a visceral, physical response - I guess it's adrenaline flooding the system - sharpening details and making everything seem more vivid. Now that I write that, it's a lot like the early days of falling in love, isn't it?
I dunno about that. I think those first few months of new love are dangerous times...thrilling but dangerous. Nothing is really sharp. In fact, it's all pretty hazy; like seeing eveything through a filter, which is why we so often get our hearts broken.
The worst changes, IMO, are the ones that are forced upon you, that you're not ready for because you didn't see it coming, so you've got to adapt quickly - major stress but of a different and really uncomfortable sort.
Lord don't I know that one, but I actually think the changes that we see coming and don't prepare for, or the situations that we knew would happen if we didn't make changes are hardest to bear because we could have done something.
But I am a control freak and as often as I tell myself the only think you can count on happening is change, it's still a surprise.
I hear ya on that one sister!! LOL :laugh:
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I like the 'spaination Aaron gives Christian in Latter Days, and I am parapharaising here:
"I think its everything, this, the stars...." I wish I knew the full quote.
Its my belief that all living things are an extention of God, which is why Jesus said we are all equal.
Truman - is this the scene you're talking about? The setting is the airport hotel room after Christian and Aaron make love for the first time. I couldn't find a reference with 'stars' searching the script.
Christian: You know, I thought you'd be a little more reticent
Aaron: Well... I'm already going to hell for kissing you so...I may as well take the scenic route
Christian: What God do you believe in
Aaron: It's not just God... it's everything... this... you... tonight. I'm just... turning my back on it all. But you know I guess... a guy like you really doesn't
know what that's like you know... to be completely cut off
To me this speaks more to the nature of hell - being alienation from God and family - instead of the fundamentalist Christian idea of a burning hell - than it does to the nature of God. Tell me more what you're thinking about...
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That song brings the words of Dylan Thomas to mind.. " Do not go softly into that good night. But rage against the
darkness." Paraphrasing,,,,but you know what i mean...
I dont let harsh words or derrogatory things go by unfettered either. I always try to let people know I dont approve,
and that the things they do or say are hurtful, and mean, and i dont listen to that in my presence. ..However I dont usually kid myself that when i go away they wont continue with the same behavior, and then even speak of myself as part of the group they are trying to assail...That is fine with me. I do hope to be grouped if you will, with all people that are being marginalized or ill treated...But that is how i have always been...So I dont kid myself that what i do or say has much impact on how people act overall..I think the only thing that changes these people are time, and public opinion, and being told others wont accept the behavior either...They only change when its in their best interest to do so...
In otherwords when they, as their victims do. Feel like they are no longer safe to act in a particular way. I doubt
very seldom you actually convert one of them...But i applaud the efforts you make when you try. I realize this is just my
opinion. But it is what i have found to be the case overall.
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I hope so, that would be great!
I completely agree.
I dunno about that. I think those first few months of new love are dangerous times...thrilling but dangerous. Nothing is really sharp. In fact, it's all pretty hazy; like seeing eveything through a filter, which is why we so often get our hearts broken.
Weird that I've experienced sharpness and you haze...but I completely agree that it's dangerous - because whatever chemistry is going on, it interferes with clarity of thought!
Lord don't I know that one, but I actually think the changes that we see coming and don't prepare for, or the situations that we knew would happen if we didn't make changes are hardest to bear because we could have done something.
Well said and one of the central themes of Brokeback that brought us all here in the first place, right? Sometimes I wish there were solid answers to be had, but I suspect there aren't any - it's the process and the journey and a perpetual quest after some ephemeral truth...
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That song brings the words of Dylan Thomas to mind.. " Do not go softly into that good night. But rage against the
darkness." Paraphrasing,,,,but you know what i mean...
I love that you quoted this, Janice! :-* :-* :-* Glory and I were talking just yesterday about what it might mean to age gracefully (or graciously) and whatever it is, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to be able to do it!
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Well said and one of the central themes of Brokeback that brought us all here in the first place, right? Sometimes I wish there were solid answers to be had, but I suspect there aren't any - it's the process and the journey and a perpetual quest after some ephemeral truth...
To quote another of my favorite movies (and I mean this with the royal "you"): "You can't handle the truth", that's why most of the human race make up their own...LOL
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To quote another of my favorite movies (and I mean this with the royal "you"): "You can't handle the truth", that's why most of the human race make up their own...LOL
Jack Nicholson, huh? :D 8)
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Jack Nicholson, huh? :D 8)
Got that right darlin'!
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Therein lies the difficulty i believe Scott. Truth is probably one thing, and each persons perception of it is different.
That is what makes communication so difficult...We all perceive as Annie said, according to our own life and history....and then
make our own endings accordingly...again paraphrasing.
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Therein lies the difficulty i believe Scott. Truth is probably one thing, and each persons perception of it is different.
That is what makes communication so difficult...We all perceive as Annie said, according to our own life and history....and then
make our own endings accordingly...again paraphrasing.
I don't know if I agree completely with that. I honestly believe that we all know the universal truths already, but we color them with our own desires as opposed to perceptions.
Truman and I disagree on this point often: We place expectations on those in our lives, and when they aren't met, we get hurt. I'm not sure than any human being has the right to place expectations on anyone else. If we accept people into our lives how they arrived without thought to what they bring to our lives then maybe we stand a better chance of learning and growing more from the experience.
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Well if you mean that by not placing any expectations on others nor try and make them into our vision, of how
we wish them to be. That to me is good and bad..I dont believe we should try to make people into our own
ideal of them. But on the other hand..If we do make a connection with people I do believe there are natural expectations
as to care and respectful behaviors. It just depends on what you are looking for.
I dont think however we should be hurt if they dont see us, as we see ourself.. Or fulfill any expectation we may
have. As I said before. We always see everything according to our own experiences in life. Its how the human animal
works. We learn from our failures, more often unfortunately than from our successes. Makes life a tougher road, but
there you are.
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Got that right darlin'!
Just don't be alluding to any operas ;D They didn't raise me with THAT much cultural appreciation in Tennessee!
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works. We learn from our failures, more often unfortunately than from our successes. Makes life a tougher road, but
there you are.
Do you really think we do? Or are so many human beings destined to keep repeating faulty and failing behavior?
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Of course...If we never touch a hot stove, how will we ever know it will hurt when we do it... It works for
everything just about in our sensory system. we learn how to judge people, we learn the forshadowing that
is in given situations, and then act the other way when confronted with something that turned out badly last time,
under the same circumstance..
I can say that is how I learned to play pool, and cards, and any other endeavor I had to learn the right and the
wrong of.
And yes some are destined to do that. But you are too smart for that. They are the kind that just flow along
and allow their life to just drift without direction or thought....They definately do repeat past behaviors, until something
makes them stop and realize what they are doing to themself. Too bad some never do learn....
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Truman - is this the scene you're talking about? The setting is the airport hotel room after Christian and Aaron make love for the first time. I couldn't find a reference with 'stars' searching the script.
Christian: You know, I thought you'd be a little more reticent
Aaron: Well... I'm already going to hell for kissing you so...I may as well take the scenic route
Christian: What God do you believe in
Aaron: It's not just God... it's everything... this... you... tonight. I'm just... turning my back on it all. But you know I guess... a guy like you really doesn't
know what that's like you know... to be completely cut off
To me this speaks more to the nature of hell - being alienation from God and family - instead of the fundamentalist Christian idea of a burning hell - than it does to the nature of God. Tell me more what you're thinking about...
Yes that is the line I was thinking of, and I guess I can see what you mean. Aaron is talking in terms of he is going to turn his back on all he was taught was good and holy. I think God is in everything, everything is a part of God, good and bad. One door closing and onther one opening. It might not make sense up close, but if you step back and look at the big picture, it does.
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Janice be watching your mail box.
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Sorry for hijacking your thread Tru...LOL
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So I am pleased to say I have spoken with my friend Marty and his son Weston is progressing well and is set to leave the rehab center on or about the 29th.
Weston can now dress himself and can walk up and down three flights of stairs without holding on to anything. They have removed some of the wires removed from his mouth so he can talk on the phone a little better.
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Sorry for hijacking your thread Tru...LOL
My thread is free for the hijacking anytime, you all always go someplace inneresting.
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Absolutely,,,,,me too :-X
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That is outstanding news Truman....Thank goodness.
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So I am pleased to say I have spoken with my friend Marty and his son Weston is progressing well and is set to leave the rehab center on or about the 29th.
Weston can now dress himself and can walk up and down three flights of stairs without holding on to anything. They have removed some of the wires removed from his mouth so he can talk on the phone a little better.
Thank God!
That is wonderful news! :laugh:
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Where you been all day boy...?
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So I am pleased to say I have spoken with my friend Marty and his son Weston is progressing well and is set to leave the rehab center on or about the 29th.
Weston can now dress himself and can walk up and down three flights of stairs without holding on to anything. They have removed some of the wires removed from his mouth so he can talk on the phone a little better.
I am so happy for them...and you!
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Where you been all day boy...?
Working my ample ass off!
LOL
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Yeah, I hope to see him some point in the near future. He was always such a good kid and I missed seeing him a lot as he grew up.
I can remember the night he was born. His mother was determined to have him at home but the midwife said no we are going to the hospital. He was breech and they wanted to do a c section and she said hell no. Somehow they got him turned around. I never understood exactly.
What I really remember was his Aunt, His Grandfather and the Rev. Karma at the Food Country buying a couple of cases of beer shouting "We're having a baby!"
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Yeah, I hope to see him some point in the near future. He was always such a good kid and I missed seeing him a lot as he grew up.
I can remember the night he was born. His mother was determined to have him at home but the midwife said no we are going to the hospital. He was breech and they wanted to do a c section and she said hell no. Somehow they got him turned around. I never understood exactly.
What I really remember was his Aunt, His Grandfather and the Rev. Karma at the Food Country buying a couple of cases of beer shouting "We're having a baby!"
Yeah, I don't know how they do that. Must hurt like hell.
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What I really remember was his Aunt, His Grandfather and the Rev. Karma at the Food Country buying a couple of cases of beer shouting "We're having a baby!"
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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So I am pleased to say I have spoken with my friend Marty and his son Weston is progressing well and is set to leave the rehab center on or about the 29th.
Weston can now dress himself and can walk up and down three flights of stairs without holding on to anything. They have removed some of the wires removed from his mouth so he can talk on the phone a little better.
Oh, that is soooo great to here! Thanks for that update!
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Six am mnew years morning in the throne room, I am reading a recnt issues of the AARP magazine. An interesting article about a woman who was a stay at home mom, a baby boomer, and now at retirement age she is filled with regret about the path not taken.
The article goes on to describe how this is an increasingly common thing among baby boomers who have had so many options, living in a world where everyone knows and sees what is going on in others peoples lives, our minds are not prepared to deal with the information, the feelings that come along with it.
It would seem that with so many choices for so many paths in life we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. Eat up with what ifs. I think that is sad. I think everyone would do it differently if they could, those who say otherwise I don't believe them.
So I will say to all those reading this: I envy each of you, those of you who have children, those of you with good jobs, those of you living in exciting cities, those of you of the verge of something big. Ya'll are so luck. And I am too. Cause if I want to, I could go back to bed right now. :laugh: but I won't.
and that regret is colored and made worse by people saying that we can/could have done differently when all our choices were made from circumstances as they were then. It is easy for someone to sit in a cafe and say "Oh you are smart, you could have been a lawyer/doctor/whatever" but in that time your options didn't include going to school or getting married or whatever.
I envy your freedom.
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Yeah, I don't know how they do that. Must hurt like hell.
take a big ol plastic glove that reaches to your armpit....stick your hand up in there, grab a leg or head and start wriggling it around..
(well it is what we do to calves....)
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and that regret is colored and made worse by people saying that we can/could have done differently when all our choices were made from circumstances as they were then. It is easy for someone to sit in a cafe and say "Oh you are smart, you could have been a lawyer/doctor/whatever" but in that time your options didn't include going to school or getting married or whatever.
I envy your freedom.
Puts me in mind of an 18 year old high school graduate being asked what they want to do with their life. Sometimes they minght have an idea, but I mean at 18 how are you supposed to be able to decide wha you want to do with the rest of your life.
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Puts me in mind of an 18 year old high school graduate being asked what they want to do with their life. Sometimes they minght have an idea, but I mean at 18 how are you supposed to be able to decide wha you want to do with the rest of your life.
After going thru once, I wish everyone got a redo.
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You can say that twice and mean it........ :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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You can say that twice and mean it........ :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
:laugh: ;)
But.....
"If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride."
Darnit! :(
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Weird that I've experienced sharpness and you haze...but I completely agree that it's dangerous - because whatever chemistry is going on, it interferes with clarity of thought!
Speaking of falling in love, yes it definitely interferes with clarity of thought, in my case there is absolutely no doubt about that. When I first met the guy I was in my last relationship with (the very long one), the one that turned out so horribly bad in the end, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I feel in love. And yes I experienced the sharpness you speak of Lynne, but I was also experiencing the haziness that Scott speaks of. The problem was that I was not recognizing the haziness cause I had my rose colored glasses on. To me everything about that guy was absolutely perfect in any way. Anything I would see that did not fit into how I was seeing him I dismissed. I was warned by so many people, but instead of heeding their warning I got mad at them. I dismissed that to them being jealous of my situation. All I could see was him and all I could and wanted to feel was that feeling I had for him. I got so enveloped in him that I lost friends, I got in trouble at work, I got in trouble with family, I got in trouble with money, and on and on. One day I did finally wake up and see what was going on, but it took a very long time for me to truly admit it. I went through several years of going back and forth in the relationship cause I had a very difficult time letting it go. I felt I never wanted and never could see a day in the future without him in my life. I would make excuses for his alcoholism, his drug abuse, and all the things that truly made him up. I still had my rose colored glasses on, they were just a little faded. Finally, one day many years later, those glasses just fell off and I saw him for who he truly was. I didn't like the person I saw, not at all. All that love I had truly turned to dislike that I still feel to this very day. I let him take so many of my good years away, so much of my life. He continued to try to get me back in, to call, and to come around. But I never allowed him to do it again. I truly avoided him cause I was afraid that he could have pulled me back in. He had a way of doing that to me as well as other people. He continued on in his drug abuse and ended up on crack really bad. He committed suicide in April 2004 which was basically four years after he and I truly ended in my mind.
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So I am pleased to say I have spoken with my friend Marty and his son Weston is progressing well and is set to leave the rehab center on or about the 29th.
Weston can now dress himself and can walk up and down three flights of stairs without holding on to anything. They have removed some of the wires removed from his mouth so he can talk on the phone a little better.
That is great news Truman!!!
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Speaking of falling in love, yes it definitely interferes with clarity of thought, in my case there is absolutely no doubt about that. When I first met the guy I was in my last relationship with (the very long one), the one that turned out so horribly bad in the end, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I feel in love. And yes I experienced the sharpness you speak of Lynne, but I was also experiencing the haziness that Scott speaks of. The problem was that I was not recognizing the haziness cause I had my rose colored glasses on. To me everything about that guy was absolutely perfect in any way. Anything I would see that did not fit into how I was seeing him I dismissed. I was warned by so many people, but instead of heeding their warning I got mad at them. I dismissed that to them being jealous of my situation. All I could see was him and all I could and wanted to feel was that feeling I had for him. I got so enveloped in him that I lost friends, I got in trouble at work, I got in trouble with family, I got in trouble with money, and on and on. One day I did finally wake up and see what was going on, but it took a very long time for me to truly admit it. I went through several years of going back and forth in the relationship cause I had a very difficult time letting it go. I felt I never wanted and never could see a day in the future without him in my life. I would make excuses for his alcoholism, his drug abuse, and all the things that truly made him up. I still had my rose colored glasses on, they were just a little faded. Finally, one day many years later, those glasses just fell off and I saw him for who he truly was. I didn't like the person I saw, not at all. All that love I had truly turned to dislike that I still feel to this very day. I let him take so many of my good years away, so much of my life. He continued to try to get me back in, to call, and to come around. But I never allowed him to do it again. I truly avoided him cause I was afraid that he could have pulled me back in. He had a way of doing that to me as well as other people. He continued on in his drug abuse and ended up on crack really bad. He committed suicide in April 2004 which was basically four years after he and I truly ended in my mind.
{{Jack}}
I am sorry. I wish.
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Man Jack I am so sorry to hear you went thru that. Bless your heart.
You deserve much better.
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take a big ol plastic glove that reaches to your armpit....stick your hand up in there, grab a leg or head and start wriggling it around..
(well it is what we do to calves....)
Sounds like my fanfic where I had Ennis deliver a baby because he had a lot of experience bringin' calves. ...
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Man Jack I am so sorry to hear you went thru that. Bless your heart.
You deserve much better.
Me, too. What Tru said.
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Speaking of falling in love, yes it definitely interferes with clarity of thought, in my case there is absolutely no doubt about that. When I first met the guy I was in my last relationship with (the very long one), the one that turned out so horribly bad in the end, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I feel in love. And yes I experienced the sharpness you speak of Lynne, but I was also experiencing the haziness that Scott speaks of. The problem was that I was not recognizing the haziness cause I had my rose colored glasses on. To me everything about that guy was absolutely perfect in any way. Anything I would see that did not fit into how I was seeing him I dismissed. I was warned by so many people, but instead of heeding their warning I got mad at them. I dismissed that to them being jealous of my situation. All I could see was him and all I could and wanted to feel was that feeling I had for him. I got so enveloped in him that I lost friends, I got in trouble at work, I got in trouble with family, I got in trouble with money, and on and on. One day I did finally wake up and see what was going on, but it took a very long time for me to truly admit it. I went through several years of going back and forth in the relationship cause I had a very difficult time letting it go. I felt I never wanted and never could see a day in the future without him in my life. I would make excuses for his alcoholism, his drug abuse, and all the things that truly made him up. I still had my rose colored glasses on, they were just a little faded. Finally, one day many years later, those glasses just fell off and I saw him for who he truly was. I didn't like the person I saw, not at all. All that love I had truly turned to dislike that I still feel to this very day. I let him take so many of my good years away, so much of my life. He continued to try to get me back in, to call, and to come around. But I never allowed him to do it again. I truly avoided him cause I was afraid that he could have pulled me back in. He had a way of doing that to me as well as other people. He continued on in his drug abuse and ended up on crack really bad. He committed suicide in April 2004 which was basically four years after he and I truly ended in my mind.
Oh Jack!
I am so sorry!
That is so terrible
I know about the glasses. Trying to get mine off now.
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Jack, I 'm so sorry for you. What a difficult experience.
Just shows how we can fool ourselves when we are in love.
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Yesterday I was talking with my friend Mary, who still had not got her tires for her car.
"I should send you the bit I wrote about going to get that estimate" I told her.
So I searched back thru my blog to find it and cut and pasted it into an email to her and of course she loved it. So much in fact she went and ordered the tires this morning. :laugh:
The power of the written word! ;)
So now I'll send her the link and hold my haid in my hands and groan, "It's gonna be okay....."
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Yesterday I was talking with my friend Mary, who still had not got her tires for her car.
"I should send you the bit I wrote about going to get that estimate" I told her.
So I searched back thru my blog to find it and cut and pasted it into an email to her and of course she loved it. So much in fact she went and ordered the tires this morning. :laugh:
The power of the written word! ;)
So now I'll send her the link and hold my haid in my hands and groan, "It's gonna be okay....."
You should get published! ;D
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That's what she said. But you know putting stuff on the web is kind of like that. :laugh:
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That's what she said. But you know putting stuff on the web is kind of like that. :laugh:
It is!
But when I think of your talent, I think it should be shared with the world but more importantly, you should be compensated for it.
I've read works by people who's talent is far less than yourn who are making money hand over fist!
Money may not make the world go 'round but it allows you to hire the people to turn it for ya! :laugh:
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and that regret is colored and made worse by people saying that we can/could have done differently when all our choices were made from circumstances as they were then. It is easy for someone to sit in a cafe and say "Oh you are smart, you could have been a lawyer/doctor/whatever" but in that time your options didn't include going to school or getting married or whatever.
I envy your freedom.
Sure enough, Jess. We make the best decisions, or choices, or go in the direction we're taught because it's the best information we have at the time or there are circumstances we don't know how to get past. I think it's human to wonder What if? but we also need to love our younger selves, mistakes and warts and all, because we wouldn't be who we are today without being forged from them. I had med school plans at one time; I had Navy career plans at one time - unless I could somehow get a 'do-over' like someone else said, I'll never know how those paths would have turned out. The best we can do is keep looking forward and try to learn from mistakes we've made. (And remember that the REAL important stuff in life is who we love and who loves us, not what initials we can put before or after our name.
(((((Jess)))))
So I am pleased to say I have spoken with my friend Marty and his son Weston is progressing well and is set to leave the rehab center on or about the 29th.
Weston can now dress himself and can walk up and down three flights of stairs without holding on to anything. They have removed some of the wires removed from his mouth so he can talk on the phone a little better.
Really awesome news, Truman. Thanks for the update - hope you get to visit him soon! :-*
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Speaking of falling in love, yes it definitely interferes with clarity of thought, in my case there is absolutely no doubt about that. When I first met the guy I was in my last relationship with (the very long one), the one that turned out so horribly bad in the end, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I feel in love. And yes I experienced the sharpness you speak of Lynne, but I was also experiencing the haziness that Scott speaks of. The problem was that I was not recognizing the haziness cause I had my rose colored glasses on. To me everything about that guy was absolutely perfect in any way. Anything I would see that did not fit into how I was seeing him I dismissed. I was warned by so many people, but instead of heeding their warning I got mad at them. I dismissed that to them being jealous of my situation. All I could see was him and all I could and wanted to feel was that feeling I had for him. I got so enveloped in him that I lost friends, I got in trouble at work, I got in trouble with family, I got in trouble with money, and on and on. One day I did finally wake up and see what was going on, but it took a very long time for me to truly admit it. I went through several years of going back and forth in the relationship cause I had a very difficult time letting it go. I felt I never wanted and never could see a day in the future without him in my life. I would make excuses for his alcoholism, his drug abuse, and all the things that truly made him up. I still had my rose colored glasses on, they were just a little faded. Finally, one day many years later, those glasses just fell off and I saw him for who he truly was. I didn't like the person I saw, not at all. All that love I had truly turned to dislike that I still feel to this very day. I let him take so many of my good years away, so much of my life. He continued to try to get me back in, to call, and to come around. But I never allowed him to do it again. I truly avoided him cause I was afraid that he could have pulled me back in. He had a way of doing that to me as well as other people. He continued on in his drug abuse and ended up on crack really bad. He committed suicide in April 2004 which was basically four years after he and I truly ended in my mind.
Jack - I"m sorry to hear what a bad experience this relationship turned out to be for you. I guess it's just hard to think objectively when you're in the midst of it. I guess I've only been all the way in love once (with my ex husband) because that break up, though inevitable, was devastating. Other romantic relationships, I've been pretty good at saying goodbye and not looking back (and not going back); the couple of times I did 'go back' more out of curiosity than any real feeling left, but it turned out to be a mistake. Hindsight and all that. Anyhow, I'm sorry.
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Money may not make the world go 'round but it allows you to hire the people to turn it for ya! :laugh:
You can say that twice and mean it! ;)
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Tru, if pursuing writing as a career would turn it from joy into cat piss or worse, don't do it. BUT, I do believe that you could be successful at it, and agree with your other friends that if you'd like to try, we'd support you.
Here's another idea to go along with it - a professional genealogist. I can see that one. Plus as part of the package, you could be the one who helps them get their DNA thing. You could put together a package of all your interests and offer to help others, and be compensated for it.
I know someone who knows about rocks and loves climbing around in the Cascade Mountains out here. He leads groups of all kinds on hikes and shows em and talks about rocks. And when my homeschool group tried to put a tour together with him, they discovered he is booked for that particular category of hike they wanted until Spring 2009! He loves hiking and rocks and gets to share it with people, and get paid for it.
I believe in you, Truman. Lotta people do.
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Amen sista......... but as you said...some things arent fun anymore if you have to do them..Compared
with how much joy you get out of doing them just because you love it.
Been There Done That....
Did you get my pm Lynne.......
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Yeah, I may try and get something published one day, but if I had to write a collum for a newspaper on a dead line I dunno if I could cope.
Now as for paths not taken, I still would like to join the Peace Corps.
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To me this speaks more to the nature of hell - being alienation from God and family - instead of the fundamentalist Christian idea of a burning hell - than it does to the nature of God. Tell me more what you're thinking about...
Can I be a little bit creepy? :-\
I think the notion of hell - fire and brimstone - emerged from the literal experience of seeing bodies decay. :P They seem to be burning with a fire from within, and they smell like brimstone -- sulfur (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brimstone), or actually hydrogen sulfide (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_sulfide).
The ancient Hebrew word that we translate as Hell was Gehenna, which was just the name of the literal place outside of town where they dumped bodies.
So hell, fire, and brimstone is not a special condemnation. It's just what happens as bodies decay. People wanted to escape that by being granted eternal life. They sought lots of routes.
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Here is a photo of the actual location of Gehenna, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehenna) the word that gets translated as "hell."
So this is the location - Gehenna - that they were talking about in the Bible when they said hell.
This chasm is what the word hell refers to. To go to hell means to be tossed into this gully.
Doesn't look all that bad ... :-\
I'll move this over to the new Eschatology thread!! :D (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,16123.0.html)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/65/JPF_-_Hinnom_Valley.JPG/800px-JPF_-_Hinnom_Valley.JPG)
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Can I be a little bit creepy? :-\
I think the notion of hell - fire and brimstone - emerged from the literal experience of seeing bodies decay. :P They seem to be burning with a fire from within, and they smell like brimstone -- sulfur (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brimstone), or actually hydrogen sulfide (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_sulfide).
The ancient Hebrew word that we translate as Hell was Gehenna, which was just the name of the literal place outside of town where they dumped bodies.
So hell, fire, and brimstone is not a special condemnation. It's just what happens as bodies decay. People wanted to escape that by being granted eternal life. They sought lots of routes.
I love this:
« Last Edit: Today at 05:28:56 PM by wdj, Reason: changed Sheol to Gehenna »
Widgee...I am so proud to call you friend...you are one of the smartest men I know..
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Here is a photo of the actual location of Gehenna, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gehenna) the word that gets translated as "hell."
So this is the location - Gehenna - that they were talking about in the Bible when they said hell.
This chasm is what the word hell refers to. To go to hell means to be tossed into this gully.
Doesn't look all that bad ... :-\
I'll move this over to the new Eschatology thread!! :D (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,16123.0.html)
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/65/JPF_-_Hinnom_Valley.JPG/800px-JPF_-_Hinnom_Valley.JPG)
Gee. And here all along I thought the actual location of Gehenna was the Department of Motor Vehicles. ...
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What I really remember was his Aunt, His Grandfather and the Rev. Karma at the Food Country buying a couple of cases of beer shouting "We're having a baby!"
Wow.
SO last night I get this email from Marty that Weston's grandfather died yesterday. A sad thing to loose such a good person and a colorful character, but not unexpected. He had been in really bad health for a while now.
The grandfather, Tedd Blevins, was a remarkable man. He was a painter, my Art History Teacher, a carouser, partier, and all around good old hippy. I can remember sitting in class, the smoke from his cigarette being sucked in to the fan that cooled the slide projector. He lecturing about Fra Filipo Lippi and his son Filipino, and we would all be watchin' as the ash on the cigarette grew longer and longer and finally fell.
One of his students later opened an eatery in a nearby town and named a sandwich after him, it was balogne on white bread.
There are a million stories about this man, but my favorite I will share with you now. Warning: this does contain a reference to a socially unacceptable racial term.
Tedd had this girlfriend named Delores who lived in Rice Terrace, the housing project below the school, on Mary Street. One night she and Tedd were in bed doin' the wild thing when a fight broke out in the middle of said street between two gentlemen of African American heritage. I knew one of them, he was a local florist so I could guess what it was about.
Tedd, hopped out of bed, ran downstairs and out into the street nekkid as the day he was born, right up to them and hollered as loud as he could, shaking a finger: "Ya'll cut that out right now you going to give (plural of n-word) a bad name!".
Well, they of course turned to him with that look of WTF and there stood this scrawney assed, drunk, nekkid little white man with an erection who probably immediatly commenced to bum a cigarette. Fight was over, they were so disarmed there was no way they could resume it. Tedd the Peacemaker.
This is an example of his artwork:
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One of his students later opened an eatery in a nearby town and named a sandwich after him, it was balogne on white bread.
:laugh: :laugh:
What a great story -- he needs to be one of those "my most unforgettable characters" that they have in Readers Digest.
Are you going to be able to attend his funeral? It should be quite memorable.
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I am so sorry Truman you have lost another friend. He was obviously very talented...that is amazing.
I hate to hear when the good people go...It seems that the world has so few of them these days.
We also lose the stories they could tell..That is the greatest tragedy of all...The common thread.
That poor family sure has had a lot to deal with...my thoughts are with them also...
That just gave me a thought about a topic to put on my blog...
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Sad to lose someone, but wonderful to now how much he positively impacted those around him.
Isn't the term of endearment "GRANDparent" simply lovely? Grand parent. A person who has grown into a grand position in family and community because of their time on earth and off spring. such a nice concept and those who know them are blessed.
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Are you going to be able to attend his funeral? It should be quite memorable.
We'll have to see, the only thing I have heard is that he will be cremated and when his wife dies she will be too and their ashes will be scattered in Italy. They may have a memorial service for him. I would like to go if they do.
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Im sorry you lost someone special to you. :'(
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So this is Tedd's obituary, it is written by his talented and accomplished daughter Adrain who teaches at Colby College in Maine, the one Annie Proulx dropped out of:
(The story is Tedd had a dream he went to heaven wearing a green shirt)
Tedd Blevins of Bristol, Tennessee joined Rembrandt in the sky on January 4th, 2008. He was wearing a green shirt. Rumors have it that Van Gogh and Vermeer have asked Tedd to join them at the Bar of the Pearly Gates for a smoke and a Bud, but the multitude of slightly-clad and underage angels are apparently quite distracting. The bright orange and lavender bubbles are not helping, either. Tedd is survived by his wife, Carole Blevins, sister, Christeene (Cricket) Sheets, daughters Adrian Blevins and Shelly Blevins-Stanley, sons-in-law Nate Rudy and Andy Stanley and five audacious grandchildren: Weston and Benjamin Church, Madison and Cameron Stanley, and August Rudy. A celebration in honor of his wit, joie de vive, and infamous life-force will be held at FarrisFuneral Home in Abingdon, VA on Tuesday, January 8th, at 11:00 am. A more festive celebration of his life will be held this summer.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Virginia Intermont College, where he tried to be a bad influence on generations of young artists for 42 years. V.I. is not responsible for this obituary. Instead, it has been funded by the Campaign to Promote Tedd.
;D ;) ;D ;) ;D ;) ;D ;) ;D ;) ;D :D ;D ;) ;D ;) ;D ;)
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Im sorry you lost someone special to you. :'(
Thanks Dev, but now he belongs to the ages. ;D
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That is an awesome obituary.
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That is an awesome obituary.
It really, really is. And imagine that it was written by his daughter!
(I have a second cousin who teaches art history at Colby!)
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Isn't the term of endearment "GRANDparent" simply lovely? Grand parent. A person who has grown into a grand position in family and community because of their time on earth and off spring. such a nice concept and those who know them are blessed.
There's a happy thought to lighten a sad occasion. :D
He must have been quite a character, truly.
And that obituary is just awesome!
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Man Jack I am so sorry to hear you went thru that. Bless your heart.
You deserve much better.
Thank you for saying that Truman.
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Me, too. What Tru said.
Thanks Jeff!!!
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Oh Jack!
I am so sorry!
That is so terrible
I know about the glasses. Trying to get mine off now.
Thanks Richard and yes those rose colored glasses are very hard to take off sometimes and it can be quite scary when they do come off.
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Jack, I 'm so sorry for you. What a difficult experience.
Just shows how we can fool ourselves when we are in love.
Thanks Paul! Yes, the old saying about love is blind. It sure is. I hope I never allow myself to be that blind again.
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Truman, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend Tedd. He does indeed sound like he was quite a character as well as someone you were very lucky to know.
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Hey Janice you know what, we saw Brokeback Mountain for the first time on the same day.
Man, two years, in some ways it does not seem possible and in some ways it is like a life of its own. this thing, that got a hold of us.
This morning I was watching CBS, its program "Sunday Morning" and they were doing a bit about new words in the language when suddenly there on the little screen was Ennis Del Mar on horseback, taking the sheep up the mountain and the music. That soothing, meloncholy music that made the world stop for just a moment. OMG, it was like seeing a ghost.
The narroator went on to describe the term "Brokeback Marriage" in which at least one of the parters is gay. My mind had to switch gears back to "straight marriages". :laugh: :laugh:
Jack Twist died for us. Jack Twist lives. Ying and Yang.
Wanna dance? ;)
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Gary, I really appreciate you writing what you did. That must have been an extremely hard thing for you to watch and be a part of with your mother. I can't even hardly imagine how hard that must have been on you. I guess when we find that there have been pitfalls in our own lives it doesn't take much to find someone else near who had been through worse.
And Truman, I didn't see what you were mentioning on "Sunday Morning," but I did have the show on in the background. I heard them mention something about words and I heard that wonderful music. I thought I had misheard something since by the time I got there to look they had moved on to something else. I'm glad you confirmed what I thought I heard.
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Jack Twist died for us. Jack Twist lives.
Jack Twist has a lot of the same letters as Jesus Christ. :D
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I'm always amazed at the amount of personal experiences that people will share!
Jack, Tru, Gary, thanks for letting people see your experiences and letting them learn from them.
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Over the weekend I heard some one, maybe Garrison Keillor, say something to the effect that when we go out of this world it is not the monuments carved in stone we leave behind it is the threads we weave into one anothers lives that make the difference. It is good to see and hear others experences, we are not as alone as we sometimes make out.
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Hey Janice you know what, we saw Brokeback Mountain for the first time on the same day.
Man, two years, in some ways it does not seem possible and in some ways it is like a life of its own. this thing, that got a hold of us.
This morning I was watching CBS, its program "Sunday Morning" and they were doing a bit about new words in the language when suddenly there on the little screen was Ennis Del Mar on horseback, taking the sheep up the mountain and the music. That soothing, meloncholy music that made the world stop for just a moment. OMG, it was like seeing a ghost.
The narroator went on to describe the term "Brokeback Marriage" in which at least one of the parters is gay. My mind had to switch gears back to "straight marriages". :laugh: :laugh:
Jack Twist died for us. Jack Twist lives. Ying and Yang.
Wanna dance? ;)
Is that scene from the first fishin trip the one after the reunion?
I don't remember it. Ennis looks so pained and Jack is just being Jack. Happy to be with Ennis.
I love it@
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It was right after they got a move on, all them sheep going up hill, sort of curving around to their right, Ennis loping along on Cigar Butt and the music starts for the first time.
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Is that scene from the first fishin trip the one after the reunion?
Richard that scene never made it into the movie...It was supposed to be, the ride from brokeback to signal I think...
An Truman, I would dance with you and step on your toes again,,,anytime anywhere....and you can say that
twice and MEAN IT. :-*
i am so happy we share yet another thing....our anniversary.
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hello from afar,
I am just starting to catch up on your blog but had to say, once again, ... you really should write a book. I would buy it.
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loved the term "Sunday Afternoon Dread".....;D that's funny! I know come Sunday evening, I get bummed out that work is back the next day.
yes, i often think sunday is my least favorite day of the week.
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For those of us in the northern half of the planet, it is the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. After tonight, the days will begin to grow longer, but we have to get Thur tonight.
...
That story, with ever day of my life that passes I see how very close to perfect it is. How damn near every word of it can apply to life. (*They were respectful of each others opinions, each glad to have a companion where none had been expected*) and as the story and its effect have healed in our lives, we begin to see our differences, our individuality. It is not always a pretty, rewarding process. We sometimes forget the lessons we learned, we sometimes forget we are capable of respect and we forget we are not the enemy. The sadness that falls upon us is nothing new, nothing we have not seen before, standing in a trail head parking lot hurling truths and lies and contorting coat hangers back into their original shape because we need that coat hanger, it s a sacred relic now.
I don't hold on to Jack and Ennis as I once did. I left them in a grassy spot next to a railroad track in Alberta, where on a clear day their souls can drown in the bluest sky on earth. These days I count my blessings, and put my house in order. My heart in my chest, my brain in my head, and little shakes in my britches. I work to think with my brain, and feel with my heart, because for a while now I had those two confused, and it was quite inneresting the results sometimes, but this is better.
These days, I rejoice in the friends and connections I have made all over the world. Everyday for a couple of weeks now I have not dreaded going to my mail box because amongst the bills and tax statements are cards from people all over, some of whom I have never met in person. I am a richer person for the experience. And as these people drift away, and drift they will, they will have a place both in my mind and in my heart, and the connection will remain strong with me.
So what will become of our little town? I think it will change over time, it will probably eventually fade and pass away. That is the nature of things. It will be a place on no map, but the one we keep in our heads. A little circle not unlike Lightnin' Flat or Sage, where from time to time ghosts come to life and speak to us once again.
I will keep you in my heart, so that you will never need to feel lost. You have a place next to me, by the fire.
If it was a few hours later, and I was a little more melancholy than I am right this sec, and if I had a few drops of alcohol in me, I'd probably be crying right now...
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My heart in my chest, my brain in my head, and little shakes in my britches.
Awww! Say hey to Little Shakes for us!!! ;) :-*
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And yes I love the run on sentance, it is the best kind of sentance, just keeps you moving right allong to some tangential conclusion that maybe the cable bill is worth it after all.
that is going to be one of my most favorite shakes quotes, and yes, i have a list.
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Six am mnew years morning in the throne room, I am reading a recnt issues of the AARP magazine. An interesting article about a woman who was a stay at home mom, a baby boomer, and now at retirement age she is filled with regret about the path not taken.
The article goes on to describe how this is an increasingly common thing among baby boomers who have had so many options, living in a world where everyone knows and sees what is going on in others peoples lives, our minds are not prepared to deal with the information, the feelings that come along with it.
It would seem that with so many choices for so many paths in life we are damned if we do and damned if we don't. Eat up with what ifs. I think that is sad. I think everyone would do it differently if they could, those who say otherwise I don't believe them.
So I will say to all those reading this: I envy each of you, those of you who have children, those of you with good jobs, those of you living in exciting cities, those of you of the verge of something big. Ya'll are so luck. And I am too. Cause if I want to, I could go back to bed right now. :laugh: but I won't.
envy is a tough word, tough road, eh?
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Okay, I officially be done...
Till next time.
:)
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Awww! Say hey to Little Shakes for us!!! ;) :-*
:D :D :D :laugh:
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;D How yoo dooin? ;)
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I am praying this nagging pre-pain thing is my sinus and not my tooth. :o
How you doing?
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I am praying this nagging pre-pain thing is my sinus and not my tooth. :o
Is the pain any better today?
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I am praying this nagging pre-pain thing is my sinus and not my tooth. :o
How you doing?
Get you a nettie pot!
I hear they work great!
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I know you told me you were feeling better this AM, but you better not let that go...I know where you are. :laugh:
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Get you a nettie pot!
I hear they work great!
A whut? That in the condiment aisle?
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A whut? That in the condiment aisle?
No it's this wierd tea pot lookin thing and you pour it in your nose and it fills your sinus' and comes out the other side.
Dr Oz from Oprah says it's the bestthing for cleaning out your sinus' and staying free from colds and sinus infections.
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Boy Jeff they need to print a Southern Trainer, so when they put up this kind of terminology. We would
be able to have a reference book.... ;D
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No it's this wierd tea pot lookin thing and you pour it in your nose and it fills your sinus' and comes out the other side.
Dr Oz from Oprah says it's the bestthing for cleaning out your sinus' and staying free from colds and sinus infections.
That does sound weird. I don't like getting water up my nose. :(
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Hi, Truman!
Checking in here again, haven't been over here on your blog for awhile.
But I was out in San Francisco for Christmas, at Linda's house, and Lynne stopped by for dinner. She says she's a good friend of yours, and says you've done some really interesting writing in your blog. She recommended that I go back and read it.
Of course, it's huge...so that will take some time. But I will be reading what I can, as time permits.
Maybe I'll see you again one of these days? Like if you come to Wyoming this summer? I'm at least going to come to the Doubletree Inn in Denver to meet/greet people as they come and go, whether I go to Wyoming or not, because I'll be in Colorado for the month of June.
Hope you are having a happy new year.
Debbie
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I am planning on going to Wyoming, and my alter ego is planning on staying! :laugh: At least till it get s cold.
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A whut? That in the condiment aisle?
You've never heard of a nettie pot, Jeff? Here is someone demonstrating one:
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/neti-pot.jpg)
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ewwwwwwwwwwwh
I've never used one, and have no intentions of using one!
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Ik! :-X
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thanks, Tru! Good to know we agree!
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I am sorry, but count me out on that one...............iikkk That is one major ikk factor.
running back to Oregon....
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them things were front page on yahoo earlier today.
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Hey, sounds to me like you all are being close-minded about what body orifices people should and shouldn't put things in....
:)
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Why Jack, I had no idea you were into water sports. :D
:laugh:
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You've never heard of a nettie pot, Jeff? Here is someone demonstrating one:
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/neti-pot.jpg)
Eeeew! :o :o :o
I saw an ad in a catalogue for a syringe-type thingy to use to "irrigate" your sinuses, and that was bad enough. This is gross. ... :P
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They had some yahoo on the local news recently demonstrating this...I though...Oh dear..how undignified.
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Hi Truman,
So was it a toothache or snius? I hate sinus pain. It feels like an elephant is standing on your face, but at least you don't have to go to the dentist.
Iti s weird, I feel it later in the day, when I take a step my tooth hurts. So today at 2 pm I will try to pursuade my dentist to xray it and see what is what. I hope I am not about to have a major dental episode. Thanks for axin'
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They had some yahoo on the local news recently demonstrating this...I though...Oh dear..how undignified.
lmao! That's one way to decribe it.
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Iti s weird, I feel it later in the day, when I take a step my tooth hurts. So today at 2 pm I will try to pursuade my dentist to xray it and see what is what. I hope I am not about to have a major dental episode. Thanks for axin'
I'm glad you're doing that.
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I like my dentist. He like travelling as much as I do and has been to some of the places in Alberta I went to . He loves Canmore. His dental assistant is always "on". She is always smiling, always talking like everthing is the most amazing thing she has ever seen.
Gawd I hope I don't have to have a root canal. ;D
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I like my dentist. He like travelling as much as I do and has been to some of the places in Alberta I went to . He loves Canmore. His dental assistant is always "on". She is always smiling, always talking like everthing is the most amazing thing she has ever seen.
Gawd I hope I don't have to have a root canal. ;D
They're no big deal these days. I had one a few years ago and didn't even know it was being done
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Yeah ,,what Scott said. Had one early last year..Didn't even need aspirins. Afterwards of course..I doubt
aspirins would have made it thru the proceedure. heh
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You've never heard of a nettie pot, Jeff? Here is someone demonstrating one:
(http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s204/jstephens9/neti-pot.jpg)
I got one and tried it.
Lets just say it's not as wonderful as was advertised.
I don't think everything drained out! I now have a real bad headache! ???
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Oh dear me.... :( :(
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I could see how they might cause more problems fo you aren't super carefull.
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Oh dear me.... :( :(
i second that
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Good luck at the dentist. I've not been to the dentist in over 20 years. I think I'm due for a checkup.
Oh - I don't feel so bad! It's only been 4 or 5 years since I've been.
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Oh - I don't feel so bad! It's only been 4 or 5 years since I've been.
Don't look at me...I hate the dentist (not personally). Modern dentistry in America to me is nothing but a racket.
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Don't look at me...I hate the dentist (not personally). Modern dentistry in America to me is nothing but a racket.
Yeah, look at that whole root canal thing. In earlier days they would just pull a tooth like that. But there isn't much money in pulling a tooth.
Still, I have a checkup and cleaning twice a year.
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Well if my buddy isn't in the chair yet, he will be in about 9 minutes. I hope they use lots of laughing gas...hehehehehehehehehe.
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I one hundred percent agree with that...Speaking of which,,did you ever have that one of yours fixed, or did you have it pulled?
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I one hundred percent agree with that...Speaking of which,,did you ever have that one of yours fixed, or did you have it pulled?
Did nothing with it. Pain went away
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Just heard from the patient...he and his tooth are fine!!! ;D
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Oh, dentist talk.
I get many compliments about my smile, and that's because I'm a fanatic about my teeth.
I have inheirited a lot from my mom, and she had all of her teeth pulled at age 21 or so. She was told she had some gum disease that could not be fixed. She's had dentures from that age on.
So when I got to be a late teen, I started having nightmares that I was grinding my teeth in my sleep, adn they were breaking apart and falling out of my mouth. In the dream, I would wake up to shards of teeth all over my pillow.
then, I would wake up in real life, and not open my eyes, but pat the pillow first, to make sure there were no teeth there.
:laugh:
I go to the dentist twice a year for cleaning and check ups, brush, floss, and even have a metal pick to get in between the teeth between visits.
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Just heard from the patient...he and his tooth are fine!!! ;D
Yup, just got that message too!
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Yeah they took an x-ray and you cold tell the sinus was pressing against the nerve. The dentist said the tooth was okay and I should just take sinus medicine, I have never seen him look quite so disapointed. :D
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Yeah they took an x-ray and you cold tell the sinus was pressing against the nerve. The dentist said the tooth was okay and I should just take sinus medicine, I have never seen him look quite so disapointed. :D
I bet...that Bahamas trip will have to wait. LOL
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either way
glad you're ok
tooth has no pain
no drill on your brain.
mini poem for you! :laugh:
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Well that is good news...score one for you and none for him.... :laugh:
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I wanna go to the Bahamas one day. Maybe on a gay cruise.
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I wanna go to the Bahamas one day. Maybe on a gay cruise.
Yes you told me that...certainly would be interesting. We should go you and I...they would never know what hit them.
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Now you could say that twice and mean it for sure..........heheh ;D ;D
Love you guys mor'n...you know the routine.......
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Yes you told me that...certainly would be interesting. We should go you and I...they would never know what hit them.
Paul can come to...just to chaperone...LOL
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Yeah they took an x-ray and you cold tell the sinus was pressing against the nerve. The dentist said the tooth was okay and I should just take sinus medicine, I have never seen him look quite so disapointed. :D
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Paul can come to...just to chaperone...LOL
Hmmmmm....."the wheels in my mind are turnin' I don;t know where I'll be tomorrow....."
I think we should. Yes, deffinatly. ;D
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Yes you told me that...certainly would be interesting. We should go you and I...they would never know what hit them.
Not with out me bitches! >:(
I just need to lay on a beach and have a handsome native man bring me drinks! 8)
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Paul can come to...just to chaperone...LOL
Time for shuffleboard, boys!
(http://www.globaldest.com/newsletter/images/largest_cruise.jpg)
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Good luck at the dentist. I've not been to the dentist in over 20 years. I think I'm due for a checkup.
I try to go regularly. Truman I hope you have good insurance, Root canals are very expensive. I have a mouth full of dental work. Lots of root canals and crowns.. Now they want to do a deep cleaning. Only $200 and something a quadrantI! And the fuckers wont do any other work till thats done. Well i spent a lot of money on a root canal a couple years ago and it desperately needs a crown or im gonna loose the tooth. I still have every adult tooth in my mouth, minus the wisdom teeth.
Get the root canal. Its not so bad. Hurts the pocket book more then it hurts you mouth.
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Yeah they took an x-ray and you cold tell the sinus was pressing against the nerve. The dentist said the tooth was okay and I should just take sinus medicine, I have never seen him look quite so disapointed. :D
Well, I guess I know what became of your sinus-induced pseudo-toothache. I've got it this morning. :(
I took painkiller and decongestant, but these things take time to work.
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I try to go regularly. Truman I hope you have good insurance, Root canals are very expensive. I have a mouth full of dental work. Lots of root canals and crowns.. Now they want to do a deep cleaning. Only $200 and something a quadrantI! And the fuckers wont do any other work till thats done. Well i spent a lot of money on a root canal a couple years ago and it desperately needs a crown or im gonna loose the tooth. I still have every adult tooth in my mouth, minus the wisdom teeth.
Get the root canal. Its not so bad. Hurts the pocket book more then it hurts you mouth.
The only insurance I have is on my houses and my car. Nothing medical or dental, and so far so good.
I had a crown put in about 8 year ago, dang thing chipped in a few weeks and they replaced it for free. I can;t remember how much that was but it was steep.
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No medical insurance??
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No medical insurance??
I have not had medical coverage since 1999.
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I have not had medical coverage since 1999.
Shit. That's hard.
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Yeah, look at that whole root canal thing. In earlier days they would just pull a tooth like that. But there isn't much money in pulling a tooth.
Maybe there was less money in pulling teeth, but then you end up without teeth. Not a good result. The strategy, and I think it's a good one, is to save one's teeth, not remove them.
If you have a tooth pulled, you have to live toothless (no more cost) or replace the tooth with something artificial which costs much more than a root canal.
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Wake up sweet prince. Where are you today.? Whatcha doin? You have been
kind of missing in action around here.... :-\
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Hey, since I know this is a busy blog...I started a poll over on The Polling Place about people's first experience seeing Brokeback Mountain. Please go add your thoughts to the thread! Thanks!
Leslie
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Maybe there was less money in pulling teeth, but then you end up without teeth. Not a good result. The strategy, and I think it's a good one, is to save one's teeth, not remove them.
If you have a tooth pulled, you have to live toothless (no more cost) or replace the tooth with something artificial which costs much more than a root canal.
There is a guy in my office that can detach his implanted tooth and twirl it with his lips like a chicklet. :laugh:
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Wake up sweet prince. Where are you today.? Whatcha doin? You have been
kind of missing in action around here.... :-\
Yesterday I was drudging thru unpaid rent. Today I am headed to the airport, and then GroundHog Mountain.
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Ground hogs huh? Have fun!! ;D
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There is a guy in my office that can detach his implanted tooth and twirl it with his lips like a chicklet. :laugh:
now there's a stat that should get him some mileage on match.com
;D
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Oh, dentist talk.
I get many compliments about my smile, and that's because I'm a fanatic about my teeth.
I have inheirited a lot from my mom, and she had all of her teeth pulled at age 21 or so. She was told she had some gum disease that could not be fixed. She's had dentures from that age on.
So when I got to be a late teen, I started having nightmares that I was grinding my teeth in my sleep, adn they were breaking apart and falling out of my mouth. In the dream, I would wake up to shards of teeth all over my pillow.
then, I would wake up in real life, and not open my eyes, but pat the pillow first, to make sure there were no teeth there.
:laugh:
I go to the dentist twice a year for cleaning and check ups, brush, floss, and even have a metal pick to get in between the teeth between visits.
That sounds like the same thing that happened to my mother and she has regretted it ever since. She was about the same age as your mother when they did that to her. There was a time when I wasn't great about going to the dentist, but now I do and I am pretty fanatical about keeping things together now too.
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Why Jack, I had no idea you were into water sports. :D
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: I'm not, but that woman is. You know when I posted that pic I was thinking that it would be funny if somehow you could put the nettie pot and Chuck's girl together. Now that would be funny.
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Truman I didn't even know you were having a root canal. Are you feeling ok?
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Not with out me bitches! >:(
I just need to lay on a beach and have a handsome native man bring me drinks! 8)
I agree with Richard >:( Ya'll don't get to go and leave me at home. I think the idea of the drinks and the beach and the handsome native man sounds good too.
Did any of you ever see the episode of Mama's Family where they went to Hawaii? Vint (I think that was his name) was looking at the women on the beach and accidentally put baby oil all over Naomi instead of suntan lotion. She looked like a lobster at the end of the day.
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I agree with Richard >:( Ya'll don't get to go and leave me at home. I think the idea of the drinks and the beach and the handsome native man sounds good too.
Did any of you ever see the episode of Mama's Family where they went to Hawaii? Vint (I think that was his name) was looking at the women on the beach and accidentally put baby oil all over Naomi instead of suntan lotion. She looked like a lobster at the end of the day.
:laugh: :laugh:
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Hey Tru - just popping into say Hi!
Hope you're tooth is feeling okay today.
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Sending warm, sensual, comforting feelings your way.. You need it, and I'm glad to help~!
{{{Cyberhugs}}}
br. p
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:) Best wishes President !! Hope you're feeling better. :-*
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Truman I didn't even know you were having a root canal. Are you feeling ok?
No root canals for me, in the forseeable future. Everything is okay with the teeth today. ;D
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Howdy Truman! Was wondering when you're gonna call to let me know time and place we will be meeiting on the 17th so we can sure up plans.
I am really happy us folks down here in Florida are gonna meet you.. Yay! ;D
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Howdy Truman! Was wondering when you're gonna call to let me know time and place we will be meeiting on the 17th so we can sure up plans.
I am really happy us folks down here in Florida are gonna meet you.. Yay! ;D
Hey Dev, I will try and call you tonight, can you pm me with your #? I had you in my old phone but it died.
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Sometimes, it is like the characters in my day dreams become real.
They emerge out of a cold grey dreariness and bring the promise if I just open that door, the world on the otherside will be in Technicolor. I am each time asking me if this is real, as I see them come toward me, up until the moment I touch them, wrap my arms around them and lift them off the ground, yes this is real.
And the things I learn just by being aware there are other eyes seeing my world, things I pass every day and don;t give it a thought. I was there at the Greensboro airport thinking Chuck and Paul would be coming from Newark and Logan and this place would seem so small. Then what I became aware of was my area's need to portray chocolate candy as animal excrement. Potty humor, packaged and hanging in a concourse gift shop to be purchased by some traveller at a tremendous mark up for the novelty of dying regionalism.
I thought I saw Chuck several times before I did see him, second time in my life. Looking like he could have just got off a subway, rattled with an exhaustion that comes from anticipating a trip. Here was my sage little brother with not one thing in his hand, never carries anything on the plane. We went downstairs and got his pet bag and he pulled the leash out of his jacket pocket and it followed him obediently. How did he do that? All those 4 wheeled bags I have seen totter over and cause their owners to look back upon them in disdain.
When we reached our destination, and the introductions had been made, he produced from the bag a square wrapped in paper. Held together with rubber bands, in separate jewel cases with printed labels, 10 cds, containing the accumulated history of dance music since 1977. A treasure, a gift of music and memories and voices.
Where is Anita Ward now? I can remember, sitting in Distributive Ed. class and Karen Spencer telling someone about the song she had heard on the radio that was so pretty, "Ring My Bell" and we boys laughing because everthing was dirty in our minds (and maybe they still are) May, 1979, and that song played all summer, every half hour on all pop stations, until the corporate murder of Disco the second week of August that year, the instrument they used was a New Jersey group called the Knack who sang a stoopid garage band song about a girl named Sharona, who went on to become a real estate agent.
Go to sleep little brother, in the morning there will be pancakes. And in the morning we rose and went to the ancestral home and called the cat, who was having none of it. Terrified, she probably only tolerates me, the idea of another person in her territory as unacceptable as that cat who appears in the long frame behind the door when she thinks to check. The laptop humming, a search of the cabinets produced a bottle of syrup but alas no pancake mix. We'll have to go out.
I took him on the 2 minute tour of Fieldale. That is my cousins house, that is my Aent and Uncles house, that is the house I spent the first two years in, this is Harlowe's curve, this is Granny Merrimans curve and when you send me a card in the mail, this is where I get it. And look, here is the Fieldale Cafe.
Our waitress, a sallow woman who may have been pregnant or may just be a little fat prodded us with coffee. No, no coffee for La Shawn, thank no one in particular. You have hot chocolate? No, we have chocolate milk. It is a strange place, always has been, where the musak is the hum of the florescent lights and the occasional banter of the kitchen and waitstaff. Added this day was the voice of a Yankee Italian moderator of a fansite for the 1980s musical genera known as Freestyle, and his host who felt more at home with him across the table than he did with the patrons he sees in there each time. The one quarter of Garden state in each and every one of my cells satiating themselves.
There was the flatfoot instructor, who with clogged sinuses could not hear her name being called. I waved and got her attention as she waited for her call in order. I wanted them too meet. She could get rid of this cold if she knew the right person to ask for the right medicine. But alas, all the ones she had known had died off. I did not offer to her I carried medicine in the trunk of my car. She had to go to work any way, this medicine is best taken when you can enjoy it, or go to bed.
Word had come from Jack that it looked like the boss man was not going to let him have the time off. I felt guilty, I could have warned him earlier, but what could I do now? I called Wulf to wake him and ask him would he be on his way. He would he said, in a groggy voice that told me I had awakened him. Word came from Logan airport, foul weather, lightning, delays. O-well, we were set as we could be, lets us ride the silver bullet brother, back to the airport, back to the poop dispensary. Fetch our Huckleberry Friend.
There was no flight from Boston on the arrival board. We asked the lady at the information desk. She called some one who gave her a time that she wrote down in the top margin of her morning newspaper and then read to us. We would have another hour. No problem. There was a game room, deserted, like most of the facility. Chuck is a pinball wizard, earning points that defied explanation, his sharp eye driving Ms. Pacman around a maze at lightning speed, calculating the risk and necessity of gobbling up the ghosts at an hallucinating speed. I was never good at them, but I liked playing them with him, because he was there. Same reason I was never any good at pinball, never had one one to play against.
I like that this place has rocking chairs. Sitting still is not normal in most situations. Normal like on time arrivals. The lady at the information desk had been replaced by a man who told us we would have to ask at the Delta counter about the flight that appeared on no arrival board. He had several people ask about it but was not about to call anyone. Delta said it would be another hour. So, lets ride these rocking chairs. Eat these chocolate gravel pieces and discuss the merits of the physical attributes of the passers by. Lets us be two gay men in public waiting for a third, and not hide it. ;D
And those chairs rock back and forth and their arms get closer and closer to one another until with out thinking a didget can be put in harms way simple dangling off the arm rest, coming together with its mate like scissors, DAMN! I felt it before he hollered, felt the vibration of his knuckle being rubbed with my entire body and could not recognize the sensation until his voice defined it for me. Bless his heart, I hate when that happens.
A third delay. O-well, we are ofter all only cattle when we travel, when the gate opens we will pass thru. We are still rocking when I see down the concourse , the no ones land controlled by the TSA, the smiling face of Paul and I tell my little brother "here he comes" like it is Santa at the end of an Xmess parade. We rise, and go as far as we can to meet him, the animation of another life known to mine growing closer, until embraces, a la "son of a bitch". My Huckleberry Friend, grinning like a man let out of prison, rattled, still vibrating from the effects of steel cutting thru contrary air. Did you check any bags? No just the one slung over his shoulder, no he never checks anything if he can help it.
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(I always walk through the airports with rocking chairs wishing "dang, i wish I had time to sit in them and relax" - I am glad you two were able to! but sorry about the digit accident...)
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Loved the rocking chair waiting brigade.. Finally meeting up with smiling Paul..he for sure has
a blistering smile.
I thought it funny how Chuck always checks his luggage, and Paul doesn't.. Different people
different strokes...
i love your stories Truman...you are one that can make a story of going to the airport to pick up
a friend.. ;D ;D
I am sorry too about Jack's stupid boss, and Scott and Rich couldn't make it...Ah well next time.
Another reason for another story...can not wait.
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i love your stories Truman...you are one that can make a story of going to the airport to pick up a friend.. ;D ;D
Isn't it great?
Thank you for this post, big brother! I loved reading it, and having a glimpse inside your head, and heart.
You really made my day with it!
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Isn't it great?
Thank you for this post, big brother! I loved reading it, and having a glimpse inside your head, and heart.
You really made my day with it!
Me too. Made me feel like I was there!!
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next time, big bro! ;D
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next time, big bro! ;D
Sure Enough!
I can't wait.
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Hi Tru.....I just popped in to say hello, then read your post on waiting at the airport and had to say how wonderfully adventurous you can make waiting in an airport terminal so much fun.
And how good is it, that you were there to meet your wonderful Brokie friends.
Dev's been telling me, you are heading to Florida this week and you will be catching up with her.....I have told her to give you a big big Aussie hug from me....she is so much looking forward to be at last meeting you, and Ive told her to make sure lots of pics are taken.
Take care dear friend, enjoy your trip to Florida...I look forward to reading about it in here.
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Yeah what she said..Dev is over the moon....... :-*
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;D ;D ;D
You Bet. I will be on that plane soon, headed to someplace warm(er).
Ya'll watch your mailbox, if I have your address.
Thanks for stopping by Katie, I enjoyed writing that piece, I hope to write more soon, I am caught between wanting to creat, feeling like I am self agrandizing and what I write about becoming stale news as time goes one.
Never enough time.
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I see nothing stale or self-aggrandizing in any of your writings.
Create on!
Have a great vacation.
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I see nothing stale or self-aggrandizing in any of your writings.
Create on!
Have a great vacation.
I agree with Paul! I can think of many ways to describe your writing, but stale isn't one of them.
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If you think its aggrandizing, Aggrandize away. ;D
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Well I had an agrandizingly good time at Pleasure Island this eveening, I talked to Dev on the phone and will see her and Tampatalon and the Manatees on Friday. 8)
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Me too. Made me feel like I was there!!
Same here and I will be there next time one way or another, boss or no boss. Life is too short to miss out on good times like these.
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;D ;D ;D
You Bet. I will be on that plane soon, headed to someplace warm(er).
Ya'll watch your mailbox, if I have your address.
Thanks for stopping by Katie, I enjoyed writing that piece, I hope to write more soon, I am caught between wanting to creat, feeling like I am self agrandizing and what I write about becoming stale news as time goes one.
Never enough time.
not stale. A snapshot of a time and experience as you experienced it now. Even in your memory as time goes by you will color the experience with all the stuff life throws at you.
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I was just talking about your writing the other day with someone. We both agreed that your writing has this ability to make you feel like you are there. In fact it even has that ability for people who actually were there. Your writing reflects how observant you are of the world around you. You describe that world in perfect detail. A true talent!!!
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I am driving up Rt. 52, following a route I have never been on before and in my mind there are women. There are spaced evenly and wearing aprons, alternating back and forth into infinity and they speak to me in unison: "You need to feed them!"
Ascertaining that they had both indeed been exposed to the Andy Griffith Show, I introduced them to his home town, Mt. Airy, North Carolina. Its gate keeper a big knob on a mountain, Pilot Mountain. I had in mind we would eat at the Snappy Lunch, in the heart of downtown. I was looking for a street to take us there when we happened upon Newsome Street, a sign no doubt, and we took it. It lead us to the heart of Mayberry kitsch, as the town is eat up with it. We saw the cruiser, the made up court house and Wally's filling station, before finally finding downtown and discovering the Sappy Lunch had closed at 1:45 pm, no Pork Chop sandwishes this trip.
Mt. Airy is indeed eat up with their favorite son and the TV town that was created from his life, one that never mentioned that for decades in the 19th century it was the home of the "original" Siamese twins, Eng and Chang Bunker, their wives and hordes of children. (Their descendants live there to this day, politely acknowledging their unique heritage of Scotch Irish Thai.) If you go today to the house where Andy Griffith grew up, an nice lady will come to the door and tell you he don't live there any more.
So across the way we found a hole in the wall: Barney's Cafe, resplendent in pencil drawings of the character Don Knotts could never escape. We approached to the scene of a woman with missing incisors carrying on a conversation with the driver of a car stopped in the street. Two women commenting on the welfare of men they could do nothing with. Seeing we were coming in she knew she had to get back to work.
"I love you" she hollered from the door way.
"I love you too" the woman in the car hollered back.
Inside we got a table and diet sodas and sandwiches, and tried to prepare for them by washing our hands but alas, the pump didn;t work because the vandals took the handle. A note taped to the sink said we could either go to the dish room and wash our hands or make use of the Germ X that was provided.
I tried to get them fellas to order some of that extremely pink strawberry cake on the counter under glass, but there was no room. We could hardly finish our fries. Chuck was the life of the party I am not sure he knew was going on. Paul would look at me sometimes and I would try to look back at him in a way to tell him it was alright, I had my eyes on them.
Before leaving town we had to stop at the Lowes Foods to put $151.52 into the local economy. It was so much fun. Chuck came up to us and said: "For my birthday I want something that had BIG LIPS." and indicated the chocolate cake with huge red plastic lips and I was like "Oh no they didn't!" But they had. They had also made Barbie cakes, but none with Pigs Feet.
I think Paul was feeling a little homesick. He was comforted with the discover of a giant red stuffed valentine lobster. I mean what says I love you more than an teddy lobster? A marvellous selection of snuff. Cowboy wine, wasabi peanuts, and the promise of a dinner made with love.
The car, bless its heart, must have wondered what we were doing. Wondered how much else we were going to stuff into it. But it did not complain, it carried us on into Virginia, thru Cana, past the concrete lawn art. Our Lady of the Confederate Flag. The ground come up quickly then and we climbed up to the parkway. Still anticipating the turn and when it came there was nothing to do but back up in the road a bit. Good thing there was no traffic.
We had made it to the cabin, we were home. The light was fading and we carried in our plastic bags and I heard Chuck say we had company. I thought it might be the nosy neighbors I had heard about and went to speak with them, but when I saw the mountain come thru the door I switched gears immediately and thru my arms around Wulf, he had made it. Had not seen him since last spring in Washington.
And the woman in front of that long line turned to the othern and said: "I don't know if they have enough groceries to feed all of them. Do you?"
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Big brother, you are the best writer! I'm looking foward to more weekend descriptions as only you can tell them!
Chuck was the life of the party I am not sure he knew was going on. Paul would look at me sometimes and I would try to look back at him in a way to tell him it was alright, I had my eyes on them.
Uh oh......did I bring some unwanted attention our way? :o
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Mt. Airy is indeed eat up with their favorite son and the TV town that was created from his life
:D(http://pics.livejournal.com/padpedpladuk/pic/000czftc)
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(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/index-4.png)
AT LONG LAST LOVE............ :laugh: :laugh:
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AT LONG LAST LOVE............ :laugh: :laugh:
:laugh:
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4TA
I wandered into the park, with no real intention of stopping anywhere. So many thoughts and emotions were crowding my brain. Though the paved walkway was straight and flat, I don’t think my stride was matching its curvelessness. The losses I had suffered over the year previous had taken their toll on me, and I found myself losing control over my well manicured consciousness more and more often.
The day was dank and stale: ripe with the stink of grief. The trees over my head were bare: their branches spread out like the bones of a denuded fish laying on the beach after having been used for whatever its ultimate purpose was. There was no sun shining, and the cold of the city day was more pervasive than I had ever felt it. Not long into my crossing, I felt the weariness return. It was something I had become accustomed to and wore like a shawl of protection. I came upon a gray park bench and took the sad opportunity it offered. I sat for quite sometime, drifting back and forth from manic enlightenment to tragic fatality. My tears would not stop, and I had long ago ceased making the attempt to abate them.
After a short while, a man sat down on the same bench. I didn’t acknowledge him, nor did I look at him, but as is with the start of all human interaction, I knew instinctively that he was regarding me closely. When I did look at his face, I saw nothing but concern; his pale blue eyes inviting me to unburden my soul. I asked his name, but he offered no answer. He merely reached over and took my hand in his. The touch of this stranger stung like salted water on virgin skin but I did not pull away. He spoke not a word yet asked me what troubled me so. Still in silence, he nodded in his understanding. His hand reached up and stroked my wet cheek. The wellspring of torment inside me flowed through my skin to his and those eyes that held my soul, filled with my sadness. He had taken my pain deep inside of his heart, and he continued to drain it from me until I saw the cost it meant to him.
My angel was willing to suffer greater pain than I, for the sake of my soul, and I knew that if I did not push him from my tormented breast, he would drink until I felt no more hurt, and he lay dead in a pool of those things that did not belong to him. With great difficulty, I stood and stepped away from him. His involuntary shudder of relief confirmed to me that my actions were necessary in order to save this rarest of creatures.
I left the park that day changed. He was a true angel. I know this because when I look for him now, he is only a memory; a memory with the palest of blue eyes.
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Be well lil darlin. We will keep the light on for you.................. :-*
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Okay so we are at Disney world and we go thru this kiddie ride, millions of kitchy puppets and automatrons singing "Its a Small World After All" and it was quite and experience.
We ate lunch at Pinocchio's Pizza place next door, you could see the boats leaving the dock taking more people thru the maze. At one table a daddy put his haid down on the table exhausted while the mommy got the food.
At another table three little girls sang: "Its A Small World After All, Its a Small World After All....."
Suddenly their old brother, approximately age seven began screaming:
"STOP IT! STOP SINGING THAT SONG! I HATE THAT SONG!"
A parent rises and drags his crying as outside. We laugh, we eat out lunch.
Before we leave we hear the little girls again sing: "Its A Small World After All, Its a Small World After All....."
And their brother, uncurls from the fetal position and starts to out sing them:
"Its a BIG world AFRTERALL!"
You go, son. :laugh:
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haahaahaa!
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Big brother, you are the best writer! I'm looking foward to more weekend descriptions as only you can tell them!
Sometime I wonder......could this be Truman's calling? Yes his weekend descriptions are incredible. People make a living out of doing just this and they make a lot of money. Truman you have unbelieveable talent in capturing these times and these moods in words. As Chuck says, these are things as "only you can tell them." You really need to pursue your abilities because you sure do have them. And I am not saying that just cause I am a friend of yours, it is just the truth.
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Hello Truman. It was a pleasure to meet you and Bob today. I enjoyed your company so much. It really was like we've been friends forever.
It just came to me when you said "2 years, 2 years" Its been 2 years. The right response from me would have been "yeah 2 years damn.."
Like J&E at their reunion when Jack said to Ennis "4 years" and Ennis replied "yeah 4 years.."
SO happy I got to spend a few hours with you. :)
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It was like we had always know each other, and your Bob is a perfect match with you I think ;)
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¡¡¡Hola Truman!!! :D
¿Como estás amigo? ¿Has estado practicando tu español? ;) ;D
Un abrazo.
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¡¡¡Hola Truman!!! :D
¿Como estás amigo? ¿Has estado practicando tu español? ;) ;D
Un abrazo.
che?
Mariconera?
*runs from Tru and Opinionista* :laugh:
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che?
Mariconera?
*runs from Tru and Opinionista* :laugh:
LOL
Hey Chuck, If I ever have the chance to meet you in person, I'm giving you a true mariconera as a present!
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LOL
Hey Chuck, If I ever have the chance to meet you in person, I'm giving you a true mariconera as a present!
I look forward to it! ;D
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I look forward to it! ;D
Oh Lord!
Then we will have to go find matching shoes!!! ::)
LOL!!! I love you little Brother!!
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Well Natalie, I would love to help you pick it out.... :laugh: :laugh:
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:-* :-* :-* :-*
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:D(http://pics.livejournal.com/padpedpladuk/pic/000czftc)
Is that Barbara Bain standing there with William Shatner?
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Is that Barbara Bain standing there with William Shatner?
no...I know who it is but my mind is blank!!
Joan Crawford??
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That's Joan Collins walking with William Shatner. This shot was not from the Andy Griffith, but from Star Trek. The episode is "City on the Edge." Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy end up in the early 20th century and this scene is from that. Follow this link for interesting information on the lot where Andy Griffith was filmed. Many famous shows and movies used this same Desilu studio backlot.
http://www.radoknews.com/andy-griffith-show.html
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Thank you Jack!! I knew it was Joan...couldn't remember the last name...I also couldn't remember the name of the show she was so famous for..I was thinking Dallas but knew that was wrong.
I came back cause I remembered! It was DYNASTY!!
LOL!!
everyone says that was one of the best Star Trek episodes..but I have always HATED it!
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Is that Barbara Bain standing there with William Shatner?
;D It's Alexis !!
And it's before the divorce - about 40 years before the divorce!! :o :o :laugh:
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;D It's Alexis !!
And it's before the divorce - about 40 years before the divorce!! :o :o :laugh:
Lord I haven't though about that show in ages. What a hoot it was.
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I said the episode name slightly wrong anyway or truncated since it was "The City on the Edge of Forever." From what I remember I never thought it was that great of an episode either. I do think that it is funny that Mayberry was the city on the edge of forever and that Floyd cut hair there :laugh:
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I said the episode name slightly wrong anyway or truncated since it was "The City on the Edge of Forever." From what I remember I never thought it was that great of an episode either. I do think that it is funny that Mayberry was the city on the edge of forever and that Floyd cut hair there :laugh:
It's also the only episode that had a "swear" word in it. "Let's get the hell out of here."
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oH GOSH.......... :laugh: :laugh: JACK YOU CRAZY
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There are times you don;t go looking for words because you know that in your own language or perhaps any language, there are none to express how you feel, and if you cannot even express it to yourself you cannot fully know how you feel.
But there is music. And there is Samuel Barber's Addigio for Strings. Barber died on this day in 1981, and this piece sums up how I feel, hollow and haunted and peaceful, even hopeful.
But sad. Very sad.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NYHD-XD44s[/youtube]
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It's gorgeous Lock, and very appropriate.
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That is very beautiful, but i wish i felt your hopefulness. i feel hopeless. All the things i
thought i had learned, are somehow back to square one.
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Those images, rural, serenely agrarian, brought to mind two shepherds riding along the purple-sage horizon, forever watching their flock and each other, forever together. The soul slips away but is never lost.
There is a dignity in death, and courage in facing it, passing through it. Thank you, Heath, for your courage.
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Hi Buds. I'm just wandering aimlessly.
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sending big Brokie hugs to my big brother, Truman.
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That is very beautiful, but i wish i felt your hopefulness. i feel hopeless. All the things i
thought i had learned, are somehow back to square one.
[/quote
sorry that was so glib and disrespectful...i cant apologize enough.. it was a very
beautiful sentiment
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sorry that was so glib and disrespectful...i cant apologize enough.. it was a very
beautiful sentiment
no it wasn't...Janice, it is ok.
{{Janice}}
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It was fine Janice, remember I said I thought you needed to be meaner. :-*
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I explained it to someone last night like this:
"We are all just standing there, breathing shallowly, and over here is his body like some invisible thing, the shell of Heath left to be buried, just waiting until it is finished so we can breath, make noise again, speak coherently."
The anticipation of memorial services, burial, on the otherside of the world from where he died. I wondered aloud if any of my friends and acquaintances in Australia lived in Perth, as I understand there is not much near Perth.
And the containment, I cannot get past, I was here before him, I am still here, and I know what he will miss.
My mind is still trying to put a stamp of humanity on celebrity worship, trying to make sense of the meatless statement Mary Kate Oleson issued. What should one expect from a plastic automaton who derives a handsome living from being a personality? Pathetic, the way these people live their lives.
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There are times you don;t go looking for words because you know that in your own language or perhaps any language, there are none to express how you feel, and if you cannot even express it to yourself you cannot fully know how you feel.
But there is music. And there is Samuel Barber's Addigio for Strings. Barber died on this day in 1981, and this piece sums up how I feel, hollow and haunted and peaceful, even hopeful.
But sad. Very sad.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NYHD-XD44s[/youtube]
I have been wondering about you, shakes...
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Yes, I do feel like I'm suspended somehow, waiting for Heath to be buried in his home, with his loved ones near. It's hard because if he were an actual friend in real life, I could go and be there and feel like I'm doing something. As it is, I just feel kind of ghost-like, watching from a distance. :(
This is turning out to be a popular week to pass on. Nova's dad passed, and dear Jackie (painted shoes), and I just got word an old friend of my parents passed away Wednesday. Also on Tuesday, a good friend of my roommate's died of pneumonia. But at least all of those folks had lived a long to longish life. Poor dear Heath had only just begun. :-\
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Yes, I do feel like I'm suspended somehow, waiting for Heath to be buried in his home, with his loved ones near. It's hard because if he were an actual friend in real life, I could go and be there and feel like I'm doing something. As it is, I just feel kind of ghost-like, watching from a distance. :(
This is turning out to be a popular week to pass on. Nova's dad passed, and I just got word an old friend of my parents passed away Wednesday. Also on Tuesday, a good friend of my roommate's died of pneumonia. But at least all of those folks had lived a long life. Poor dear Heath had only just begun. :-\
I think that is part of what is making the experience so, for lack of a more precise word, difficult - caring so much, yet knowing to the family, I am such an outsider, a nothing, if you will...
:-\
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I am so very sad this morning. I read your comments Meryl and Belle. One
thing came to mind. We cannot be there for him. We cannot be with his family or
personal friends. We cannot pay tribute in that way. All we can do is to be there for
each other. How much better of a tribute can we give him.
To soothe the pain of those who loved him as we did. from a distance. We loved
him not because he was beautiful Because he was beautiful. We loved him not because he
was a move star. Which he most certainly was. We loved him because that he had such
wonderful talent, such a kind heart, and gently soul, but, because he took our breath away.
But I still say love your fellows who grieve, in rememberance of him. You too will
be among stars.
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{{Janice}}
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I have received emails from people proposing making donations to the Human Rights Fund in his name, also one suggesting making a donation based on the amount of time Fred Phelps bunch protests. There are avenues to direct our grief, but they are so different than what we would do for someone we hold in such high regard.
I look forward to things getting back to what ever normal will be after this. Strange to think it was 2 years ago that I first became aware of those kids trying to deal with sudden celebrity. The cold air and the grey skys take me back, almost make me hear the twang of that music.
There is nothing we can do about it, we'll have to stand it.
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Some things cannot be fixed. You gotta stand it.
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Just peeking in, checkin' up on my big brother!
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Hey Tru,
Popping in to say hello..
How are you bud?
~M
p/s: I think this is the 5000th post in your forum. ;)
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I have received emails from people proposing making donations to the Human Rights Fund in his name, also one suggesting making a donation based on the amount of time Fred Phelps bunch protests. There are avenues to direct our grief, but they are so different than what we would do for someone we hold in such high regard.
I look forward to things getting back to what ever normal will be after this. Strange to think it was 2 years ago that I first became aware of those kids trying to deal with sudden celebrity. The cold air and the grey skys take me back, almost make me hear the twang of that music.
There is nothing we can do about it, we'll have to stand it.
At least we can stand it together.
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Sometimes you just want it all to be normal again, or get to something that will become normal.
With that in mind, I'll start back with some rambling.
Judy, my friend, Ohiomyown, once told me she never left anything in Florid that was worth going back for. I thought that was funny. My first experience had been like that, I had taken my first plane trip at the end of 1980 to Ft. Lauderdale to visit relatives I didn't know very well and have never seen again. They were my mothers cousin who was a domineering woman with MS and two of her three adult children, all of whom had some kind of developmental disorder. I shared a fold out bed with my cousin John who talked nonstop about the Miami Dolphins, knew all the stats, he was obsessed, and if we touched in the night, say at 3 am he would say excuse me like he was wide awake. I understand he later lost his job at the bank for making photocopies for his mother.
What does that have to do with anything? I dunno.
My second trip to Florida was in 1998 when my whole extended family went to see the Shuttle take off. That was quite an experience. It was in October, the weather was fairer, and it was cathartic all in all.
This time the trip would come too soon after my get together with my buds at Don Wroe's cabin to do it justice, and would be overshadowed by Heath Ledgers' untimely death. But what a good few days it was.
We walked out to the plane, it was cold and the plane was tiny but it was at least a jet and soon we were in Atlanta board in train to take us to the next terminal. Plato and a Platypus Walk Into a Bar kept my mind occupied and laughing all the way to Orlando, landing under overcast skies and temps in the low 60s on the Fahrenheit scale, maybe about 18 on the Celsius. Our chariot awaited, a Chrysler Seabring, a pimpmoblie, the younger sibling of Rouxblicious's Alberta Pimpwagon, it had 82 miles on it. GPS to tell us where to turn, we finally reached our destination, Disney's resort complex, a nation unto itself.
Disney is huge. You drive for miles to get to Goofy's parking lot to board a conveyance to take you to the monorail to take you to the entrance. And granted the main part of it is for kids, since I didn;t get to see it as a kid that was the first part we saw, before it and me got any older.
Two men with two little boys approached us and asked we take their picture with their camera. The way they were hovering about the children made it clear they were the fathers, and these were their kids. So cool. 99.9% of the rest of the day was the usual adventure in heterosexuality. We walked, I'd say, 15 miles. My feet and legs were so sore, the technology of the place amazed me, but whenever I sat down I would fall asleep. Two days of Disney, and then it was time to head out to meet the Brokies.
My first reaction to the magic kingdom:
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Hey Tru,
Popping in to say hello..
How are you bud?
~M
p/s: I think this is the 5000th post in your forum. ;)
I think it is, I remember earlier in the day I checked & it was 4999, what a welcome addition!
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I love Disney World..wish I could go back one day
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Judy, my friend, Ohiomyown, once told me she never left anything in Florid that was worth going back for.
I feel that way about Florida, especially about Miami. New York, however, is another story. I always dream with going back.
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Having talked with Dev I learned I4 had been closed recently because a controlled burning of the country side recently had gotten out of hand and caused so much smoke there were wrecks in which people died. No such thing that morning, it was overcast and warmish, I was glad I brung a jacket. We stopped at a McDonald's near Haines City, in a town still scheduled to be built and the woman in the car ahead of us with a New York accent ordered a coffee with FIVE (5) sugars and two creams. She should consider just shooting the fructose directly into her veins.
We arrived at the Manatee viewing area about 11 I think. I called Tampatalon (Steve) and he was on his way. Dev was behind him a bit, she having three dogs that have to be walked individually ( ;D) had gotten a later start than she anticipated. While waiting I saw a guy I thought was him, but it turned out not to be. The guy who was with him asked me if this Steve was good looking and I said yes and he said "Well this can't be him then."
The Manatees gather at this place because there is warm water coming out of a coal fired electrical plant, belching smoke into the air. I posted on my pic of the day the sign saying not to smoke around the manatees, or throw your butts in the water, meanwhile a big old smoke stack is just belching it out. I told Steve we would be out the long walk way, out on the jetty. There we had the best view of them, the behemoths. How would I describe them? They look like a turd, with barnacle on them. All sizes, a pup next to its mother, a very old one who stayed under so long without breathing I was sure it was dead. About a hundred of them, all congregated in this one safe spot where the propellers can't get to them.
Then here came the kids, about 1000 of them, with a median age of 6.3. All in a single file line against the railing, all screaming and hollering and carrying on about the floating blobs in the water. And above the fray I head my name being called. It was Steve, in the flesh, who had arrived with the buses. A compact man with an amazing moustache. He had taken his morning when he should have been asleep to come and meet us. He said Dev would be there soon and sure enough, he soon spotted them, she and her husband, down the board walk, a fitting place to meet people from Jersey I think.
I hugged Dev, it was amazing. I remember her from waaaaay back in the beginning when we were all on the Yahoo board, posting about Brokeback and fighing off Tamara Trout and other asinine trolls. She is so small, and timeless, I would guess her age to be between 31 & 33. Her husband was just perfect to her, I never seen two people compliment each other more.
So what did Jack tell Lureen when he got the postcard saying the divorce had come thru? Was he hedging his bets and going to Wyoming first to check out the lay of the land before telling Lureen he was leaving her? Was she gone on a trip to Dallas with L.D.? Her mother could have took care of Bobby while Jack just took off on a 14 your road trip, for nothing. That was what we wondered, after all this time. Dev was shivering, I give her my coat to wear because I have as much blubber as a manatee.
We took in the Manatees a while longer and then pursued souvenirs at the shop. Staffed by little old ladies and volunteers. They had all manner of Manatee-shirts, but my favorite was a manatee license plate that was also a clock. That would be a weird thing to have on the front of your car.
Steve told us how much the place had changed since they had arrived there from the north a few decades back. The realestate prices that had grown insanely and retreated insanely. He took us to a hole in the wall restaurant where he and his partner used to go and cause whispers, not so much anymore. We follwed him in his rabid yellow truck, it was easy to keep up with ;D
The restaurant, called just that, was staffed by a woman who had no back teeth. I wondered it all the calcium had leached out of them during pregnancy like my friend Sue Ella's had when she had her daughter. They just crumbled in her mouth later and she had to get dentures at 23. I had a Cuban sandwich, which came on a bun and had deli meat and veggies and was wonderful. Others had breakfast. Dev regaled us with stories of her daughters adventures behind the wheel and her husband with pictures of their dogs and the mischief they get into and Steve told us about the heck his parter went thru changing his last name, and how he might be related to Chuck. How his family came to America thru the West Virginia coal mines and I should remember to ask him has he ever seen Matewan. But there is never enough time, or in my case, brain cells to remember it all. Soon we would have to et on the road if we were going to make Santibelle Island and Key Largo before the spring.
I loved meeting you fine folks, my brokie, and my real friends, you all ever up this way let me know ahead of time and I will go and get some of that Blenheim Gingerale.
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I miss Steve...he needs to check in.
enjoying your story Truman...you are right it is comforting to get back to a bit of 'normal'
and why is there not a thread on what did Jack tell Lureen? what was the consensus?
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So we all piled in my car, me, Paul, Chuck and Wulf, and took off up the parkway, past Mabry Mill, past Chateau Morrisette, which makes the most insanely sweet whine on earth, you should just boil it down and shoot the sugar directly into your veins, over the hills and hollers to 221, up thru Floyd to The Historic Pine Tavern (http://www.thepinetavern.com/) and found a parking spot. It was dark and seemed late, but it was proally about 7 pm. I told the guys about the pavilion out back where I had seen in separate shows Maria Mouldur and Leon Russell. Their reactions were and I won't say who: "Maria Mouldur, really?", "who is Maria Mouldur?" and "...Midnight at the Oasis....put your camels to bed..."
Inside we were seated and fed but our grandfather across the room did not volunteer to pick up the check. The catfish was very good, as was the bread and the Chow-Chow, which I did not know was Jamaican. I wonder how it got to Appalachia? It was a good meal and good conversation and the occasional crash of dishes in the kitchen and a dedicated mother walking her daughter with cerebral palsy thru a few times.
I had big hopes for the Floyd Country store that night, but it was kinds of hoe-hum. Turkey hat man was there, and Jerrold the stick man and Glynnis and her ample figure but alas no Over All boy. (Dammit) and it was way too hot and no place to sit and little room to stand and we were all full as ticks.
They tried to determine who had come the furtherest to give the a Floyd Country Store hat and I was hoping it would be one of my crew, but there was a fella from Oregon and another from Prince Edward Island, who had a hard time convincing the M.C. that Oregon was actually further away than Prince Edward Island and then there was the guy who had to get up and come over and tell him that his mother was from Newfoundland and on and on. Then they drew the door prize which was tickets to a concert headlines by Emmilou Harris and Shawn Colvin and the woman who won them must have been 100 years old. She was none too enthused and my mind went on in directions with horrible implications and if we are all lucky them tickets went to some grandchild or expired on the kitchen table.
Cmon, I said, tels go home and build a fire and watch a movie. Which we did, Paul demonstrating his inherited ability with the tongs, Chuck keeping us entertained with the latest adventures of stoopid gurl and Wulf, smiling, just taking it all in. :)
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Hi Tru....great to read your story of meeting up with Dev and Steve......of course she has told me all about it....told me what gorgeous eyes you have, how wonderful it was to finally meet you......
Take care buddy..........xx
(fancy thinkin of that arse Tamara Trout....had to have a giggle that you even remembered his name).....
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I should write a whole series of stories about Tamara Trout and he ilk on live journal or something. Beoytch. :laugh:
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Hey Truman, I didn't want you to think I had forgotten about you since I hadn't come to visit your thread in so long. I have just been having problems accepting what happened and the time I have spent on was in the Heath threads. And I just loved your postcard that you sent me. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!
Jack
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Hey Truman, I didn't want you to think I had forgotten about you since I hadn't come to visit your thread in so long. I have just been having problems accepting what happened and the time I have spent on was in the Heath threads. And I just loved your postcard that you sent me. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!
Jack
hi Jack!!
{{{}}}
-
So we all piled in my car, me, Paul, Chuck and Wulf, and took off up the parkway, past Mabry Mill, past Chateau Morrisette, which makes the most insanely sweet whine on earth, you should just boil it down and shoot the sugar directly into your veins, over the hills and hollers to 221, up thru Floyd to The Historic Pine Tavern (http://www.thepinetavern.com/) and found a parking spot. It was dark and seemed late, but it was proally about 7 pm. I told the guys about the pavilion out back where I had seen in separate shows Maria Mouldur and Leon Russell. Their reactions were and I won't say who: "Maria Mouldur, really?", "who is Maria Mouldur?" and "...Midnight at the Oasis....put your camels to bed..."
I KNOW I KNOW!!!
;D ;D ;D ;D
(who said what I mean)
-
So we cruised down the western side of Florida, past Bardenton, Sarasota, Ft. Meyers, Cape Coral, thru Naples, which was already starting to seem like then end of the world and then out on the way to Santibelle.
We had wanted to go here for the sea shells, there was supposed to be a lot of them. And there was right many, after finally reaching the beach. My second time seeing the Gulf of Mexico, this time with waves and wind. We passed thru the gentrified neighborhoods, the She Sells Sea Shells By The Seashore Shops, boat places, real estate companies with nauseating names like Prestige, Luxury, Executive. My mind filling the spaces behind those signs with little plastic people full of selfserving drama and intrigue. Hey, thats a good name.....
The beach had soft yellowish sand, and millions of tiny shells piled up and people raking Thur them. Some I had never seen before. We walked a bit, but it was already after 5 pm and we were needing to reach our destination and get a phone charger because I had left both of mine at home.
While in, my the powers that be forgive me, walmart, I got a call from the cat feeder. He was concerned for Crybaby, who he said, produced more shit than he had ever seen come out of a cat in his life.
-
Hey Truman, I didn't want you to think I had forgotten about you since I hadn't come to visit your thread in so long. I have just been having problems accepting what happened and the time I have spent on was in the Heath threads. And I just loved your postcard that you sent me. Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!
Jack
Your welcome Jack and I mean it, you come on up here anytime you want, they didn;t drink all my liquor! :laugh:
-
So we all piled in my car, me, Paul, Chuck and Wulf, and took off up the parkway, past Mabry Mill, past Chateau Morrisette, which makes the most insanely sweet whine on earth, you should just boil it down and shoot the sugar directly into your veins, over the hills and hollers to 221, up thru Floyd to The Historic Pine Tavern (http://www.thepinetavern.com/) and found a parking spot. It was dark and seemed late, but it was proally about 7 pm. I told the guys about the pavilion out back where I had seen in separate shows Maria Mouldur and Leon Russell. Their reactions were and I won't say who: "Maria Mouldur, really?", "who is Maria Mouldur?" and "...Midnight at the Oasis....put your camels to bed..."
Inside we were seated and fed but our grandfather across the room did not volunteer to pick up the check. The catfish was very good, as was the bread and the Chow-Chow, which I did not know was Jamaican. I wonder how it got to Appalachia? It was a good meal and good conversation and the occasional crash of dishes in the kitchen and a dedicated mother walking her daughter with cerebral palsy thru a few times.
I had big hopes for the Floyd Country store that night, but it was kinds of hoe-hum. Turkey hat man was there, and Jerrold the stick man and Glynnis and her ample figure but alas no Over All boy. (Dammit) and it was way too hot and no place to sit and little room to stand and we were all full as ticks.
They tried to determine who had come the furtherest to give the a Floyd Country Store hat and I was hoping it would be one of my crew, but there was a fella from Oregon and another from Prince Edward Island, who had a hard time convincing the M.C. that Oregon was actually further away than Prince Edward Island and then there was the guy who had to get up and come over and tell him that his mother was from Newfoundland and on and on. Then they drew the door prize which was tickets to a concert headlines by Emmilou Harris and Shawn Colvin and the woman who won them must have been 100 years old. She was none too enthused and my mind went on in directions with horrible implications and if we are all lucky them tickets went to some grandchild or expired on the kitchen table.
Cmon, I said, tels go home and build a fire and watch a movie. Which we did, Paul demonstrating his inherited ability with the tongs, Chuck keeping us entertained with the latest adventures of stoopid gurl and Wulf, smiling, just taking it all in. :)
I love the Pine Tavern!!
My Cousins Husbands grandparents had their 75th anniversary party there.
Oh I miss home.
Thanks for writing about it.
-
We stayed up until 2am, watching Latter Days, which Chuck had not seen before. I just love Steve Sandvoss. I also think I can say that twice and mean it. I just love Steve Sandvoss. Then we retired and I was so glad Wulf had a real bed to sleep in this time because last year in West Virginia he had to sleep on one of them fold out sofas that are so uncomfortable and always make me think of my spastic cousin John who I have no idea if he is dead or alive. It was a good slumber party, and we kept our wits about us.
We slept in until 9 am the next morning and rose to a gorgeous warm day. A breakfast of grits and cantelope and Kona coffee. Got us ready for a day in the car. We tried calling Jack, who was unable to join us. He was there is spirit though. We set out antiquing. I took them first to the Mayberry store. It is a ramshacked old place, the only remnant of the town that was once there. My cousin Dell runs it, having inherited it from her Aent Addie, when she died a few years ago at 102. She comes out there and opens it up in the winter some days when she feels like it, for something to do. There is not much traffic on the parkway in the winter. Then we went to Meadowns of Dan, another soon to be ghost town as the Virginia Department of Highways, Transportation and Destruction of the Environment in their mission to cover as much of the earth as possible with asphalt, built a by pass around the town the other year and now the tourist dollars miss it an continue unabated to I77 and other destinations. They have an excellent crap store there. You can buy all kinds of crap from Confederate flags to slated hams slices to all kinds of jelly, refrigerator magnets, cds, books, stoneware, old jars, toys, moon pies, possum pies and Blenheim Gingerale.
We had lunch there. Ate out on the covered porch at an octagonal table and marveled at the absolute disgustingness of Cane Cola, which is so saturated a syringe would melt before you could inject yourself with it, I think that is why it comes in real glass bottles.
From there we headed east on 58 to a junk shop I knew of, old building leaning forward propitiously, it will be out in the road one day and people will have to lay on the brakes to keep from hitting it. Most of the good stuff had been move from it to a shed next door where granny and grandson hovered around a kerosene heater and let us have the run of the place.
Only Chuck could come to Appalachia and go to a junk shop and find a book on Frank Sinatra. There was shit everwhere. Someones photo album from 1918 of their escapades, no names, a few locations, people who had lives documented their fun, their happiness and well clothers adventures just after the great war. Shelves of glass, 45 rpm records, butter churns, and on a shelf, waiting for us as a sign from the beyond that had bring us together: a hat box. "Resistol Self Conforming Hats" it said.
Now we know why Jack wore a Resistol. He was conforming to no one.
No I didn't. What would I do with it? Sometimes having a picture of something is better than having the thing itself.
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I love the Pine Tavern!!
My Cousins Husbands grandparents had their 75th anniversary party there.
Oh I miss home.
Thanks for writing about it.
Yep, your from Virginia alright.
I used to point out where my daddy's dead hair lipped cousin Elwin's first x-wife Martha used to live to passangers, but I quit when she died.
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Yep, your from Virginia alright.
I used to point out where my daddy's dead hair lipped cousin Elwin's first x-wife Martha used to live to passangers, but I quit when she died.
I knew you'd understand.
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I haven't read your entire adventure yet (will have to come check it out abit later), but liking the pictures, bud. :)
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I have to say i just dont have the energy to properly read your wonderful posts like I normally do but loving the pics.. :-*
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Yep, your from Virginia alright.
I used to point out where my daddy's dead hair lipped cousin Elwin's first x-wife Martha used to live to passangers, but I quit when she died.
you have some of the remotest referrences of anyone i have ever met. i never knew anyone that distantantly related to me. :-\ i guess that is what it is like to live where you grew up........ ;) where
your family are all from.
Thus i have to borrow brothers from other place as far flung as mass. and Virginia............
Well one thing about that.......I get to pick my own........yeehaw
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I miss Steve...he needs to check in.
enjoying your story Truman...you are right it is comforting to get back to a bit of 'normal'
and why is there not a thread on what did Jack tell Lureen? what was the consensus?
<smile> Here I am Jess brushing my amazing moustache. I think I'll find Chuck
and we can start the naughty whiskers talk again........LOL
I like the term amazing cause its about the only thang I have been able
to grow fer now <wink>
Steve
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<smile> Here I am Jess brushing my amazing moustache. I think I'll find Chuck
and we can start the naughty whiskers talk again........LOL
I like the term amazing cause its about the only thang I have been able
to grow fer now <wink>
Steve
:-X :-X
STEVE!!
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you have some of the remotest referrences of anyone i have ever met. i never knew anyone that distantantly related to me. :-\ i guess that is what it is like to live where you grew up........ ;) where
your family are all from.
Thus i have to borrow brothers from other place as far flung as mass. and Virginia............
Well one thing about that.......I get to pick my own........yeehaw
Well that is a good thing, because you can;t pick you kin people.
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You don't know what dark is until you drive thru the Everglades after sundown.
The GPS device switched to a different color orientation once it got to be a certain time. We were headed east on I 75 and it would show us the roads from a slightly airborne orientation and the destination in the farground it labled as "sunrise". With the over castness there was no stars, no moon, only the book on tape about a murder in the Everglades after Hurricane Simone the link with the world, and the other cars. The GPS would tell us how many miles to the next turn, how many miles to the destination, our anticipated arrival time, how far in the future that was and when for some reason I would not take the turn it told me to it would ask me in a non judgemental tone "Do you want to recalculate?"
Miami was a maze of asphalt, as was the road around Homestead, but beyond that was construction, a new road to replace the existing one, that dove and rebounded over different incantations of asphalt, hurling into the unknown based on what we could see in the head lights at 70 mph. Wondering, what do this look like?
Soon enough we reached Key Largo, home of the African Queen, the real boat used in the movie, and our accommodations, a two floor one bedroom two full bath condo a full story off the ground. On the back side was a canal and across it a bar with a stage and a band that played every night, drinking music. Why don;t we get drunk and screw kind of music. The bed much softer than the slab Disney provided us with.
And the next day. Saturday, the 19th of January, AD 2008, the sun came out, and it reached 86 degrees Fahrenheit, I would guess that to be some where about 25-30 degrees Celsius. In the space under the abode was a place selling snorkeling packages. I had the opportunity to try that in Hawai'i once, but not the funds, so we signed up, me still having that image in my head of the hunky instructor and his minions in a tidal pool in Kona. Naw, when we got down there at noon, noon on a perfect August afternoon in January, we were shown the boat. A three hour tour, c'mon lil' buddy.
My people crossed the Atlantic, most of them, in boats. I have crossed it by air. I have swam in it, I have been on the Chesapeake Bay, I have been on Massachusetts Bay, and seen whales. I had never actually been on the Atlantic Ocean in a boat before. It was wonderful. With about 10 others we motored our the canal, past multimillion dollar concrete monstrosities to the open water and took off. We climbed to the upper deck where the wheelman directed us to the Grecian Rocks, a coral reef about a mile off short, where waves broke over the living obstacle. Green water, tropical water, the water of rum drinks and tiki lamps. We were given the lecture, don;t panic, don;t touch the coral, and our gear was passed out.
Now if you are male or otherwise have facial hair, let me give you a word of advice, shave before you go. I had not shaved in several days and the guide told me I should grab some vaseline to put on the area below me nose to effect a seal with the mask which covered my nostrils. It was bad news as I could never get a good seal and water would leak in and flood my nostrils, and mess with me mind trying to breath thru the snorkel, that is, after I got in the water. Mask, Snorkel, Flippers.
"The sea is rough" they told us when we got there. "Much rougher than this morning" Indeed it was, and I got on the end of that boat and looked at that undulating green water and I was suddenly standing on a rock above a river in Alberta where my friends had disappeared into and reemerged. OMG this was serious shit. I eased myself into the tumult, he was long gone to the reef, with hoards from ours and another boat anchored nearby. I held onto the ladder and others could not take it and climbed back aboard. I made myself put my face in the water, made myself document with the underwater disposable camera I paid too much for, that I was there. And then I let go. I was loose, for a few seconds, adrift on the ocean, in 10 feet of water, I could see the bottom easily. I went in and out of the water a few times, holding on to the nylon line, reeling myself in and out, trying to swim away from the boat, but it was all so disorienting. All so wonderful. Putting my face into the water and seeing that world I had only seen on TV, it is real.
We all came back on board and headed in and I felt like the king of the world, salt water spraying in my face, and a guide giving me his Wendy's cheese burger, still warm.
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I had found a figurine, a hand holding the wrapping for some flowers in miniature, made in Japan, someone had painted its fingernails and perhaps someone remembered the photos of the first part of the Statue of Liberty the French had sent over in the 19th century. Granny wrapped it in newspaper and the grandson ran back and forth betwixt the heater and the cash till, calling out the change as he counted it.
Packed back in the car, we headed back to the parkway, and headed north. Stopping at Mabry's Mill, one of the most photographed places in the world for sure. I reveled in showing Paul a display where Connecticut had claimed it for its own.
Chuck also got an opportunity to confront his fear of bees, when I pointed out his performance had taken place under a dormant Hornet nest. It was quite and still and ice clung to the mill race and wheel. No one but the four of us there. And the ducks, who were so hopeful for a hand out their muttering could talk one another into believing it was to be.
And then it was time to climb the mountain. But to do so we had to find it first and that is always a challenge for me somehow. I always turn off too soon or try to remember the way with me haid in sted of me heart and it took a while to find Moles Road, but eventually we did, and passed the two 1960s motor boat hulls that mush have been deposited there by tornado. On to the parking area, but it didn;t look right.
I had last been there the first weekend in August, me and my friend Carol had followed the old road bed cut for the old radio tower now long gone. Now there was a new trail, and the old road bed looked as if it had been abandoned for decades. Okay then, this is the way, me in my genuine animal hide boots from the LaHonda rodeo, a virginal experience for all of us.
Chuck's grandmother, transplanted to Pennsylvania, had been able to charm snakes. She was apparently sought out for her talent. Still, I was glad it was January when we crossed the designated Rattlesnake Area. And when the top was within sight, limits were being reached.
I don;t remember if I told my friend I was not going to quit him, I should have if I didn;t. It was too near to quit, and it was not a race. We'd just take it slow. Cuss our couch potato selves. In no time at all we were there, the top of Buffalo Mountain. The top of the visible world, suspended above every day concerns. My mind still, wants to be there. With Chuck, writing spontaneous poem into the book hikers book recently installed at the summit, Paul, camera in hand and Wulf, surveying the world below. Not as much Brokeback as Priscilla, the air clean, and our wits all about us. A signal on the cell phone, connecting us with the world out there.
But the world right there, was pretty nice.
I showed the the rock where a hundred years ago men in ties and jackets and women in long white dress had gathered on an Easter Sunday to be photographed, before drunkeness and fighting broke out. I helped Chuck refashion a piece of Jewelry to include a stone from the summit. We saw Pilot Mountain and somewhere betwixt there and it our home, unseen to our eyes. I wished Jack and Rich and nameless others could have been there. Never enough time, to even stop and appreciate. We were being called by food and time.
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Those are some amazing pics, Truman. The three mousekiteers, and silly chuckie.
i love those.
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The three mousekiteers, and silly chuckie. i love those.
;) ;D :laugh:
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I was there!
If you heard the faint laughter of a child and heard the splashing in the small pond at the foot of the mill, that was me.
Well, the ghost of the boy I once was. He stil llives there ya know even if that reality only exists in my mind. It's always summer and he is with his Nannie at the church picnic circa 1970.
I was there as my name was on your lips and my memory was in your heart.
You called me and gave me greetings from atop Buffalo Mountain.
I was there!
I love you all for bringing me along!!
:-*
I had found a figurine, a hand holding the wrapping for some flowers in miniature, made in Japan, someone had painted its fingernails and perhaps someone remembered the photos of the first part of the Statue of Liberty the French had sent over in the 19th century. Granny wrapped it in newspaper and the grandson ran back and forth betwixt the heater and the cash till, calling out the change as he counted it.
Packed back in the car, we headed back to the parkway, and headed north. Stopping at Mabry's Mill, one of the most photographed places in the world for sure. I reveled in showing Paul a display where Connecticut had claimed it for its own.
Chuck also got an opportunity to confront his fear of bees, when I pointed out his performance had taken place under a dormant Hornet nest. It was quite and still and ice clung to the mill race and wheel. No one but the four of us there. And the ducks, who were so hopeful for a hand out their muttering could talk one another into believing it was to be.
And then it was time to climb the mountain. But to do so we had to find it first and that is always a challenge for me somehow. I always turn off too soon or try to remember the way with me haid in sted of me heart and it took a while to find Moles Road, but eventually we did, and passed the two 1960s motor boat hulls that mush have been deposited there by tornado. On to the parking area, but it didn;t look right.
I had last been there the first weekend in August, me and my friend Carol had followed the old road bed cut for the old radio tower now long gone. Now there was a new trail, and the old road bed looked as if it had been abandoned for decades. Okay then, this is the way, me in my genuine animal hide boots from the LaHonda rodeo, a virginal experience for all of us.
Chuck's grandmother, transplanted to Pennsylvania, had been able to charm snakes. She was apparently sought out for her talent. Still, I was glad it was January when we crossed the designated Rattlesnake Area. And when the top was within sight, limits were being reached.
I don;t remember if I told my friend I was not going to quit him, I should have if I didn;t. It was too near to quit, and it was not a race. We'd just take it slow. Cuss our couch potato selves. In no time at all we were there, the top of Buffalo Mountain. The top of the visible world, suspended above every day concerns. My mind still, wants to be there. With Chuck, writing spontaneous poem into the book hikers book recently installed at the summit, Paul, camera in hand and Wulf, surveying the world below. Not as much Brokeback as Priscilla, the air clean, and our wits all about us. A signal on the cell phone, connecting us with the world out there.
But the world right there, was pretty nice.
I showed the the rock where a hundred years ago men in ties and jackets and women in long white dress had gathered on an Easter Sunday to be photographed, before drunkeness and fighting broke out. I helped Chuck refashion a piece of Jewelry to include a stone from the summit. We saw Pilot Mountain and somewhere betwixt there and it our home, unseen to our eyes. I wished Jack and Rich and nameless others could have been there. Never enough time, to even stop and appreciate. We were being called by food and time.
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It's always summer and he is with his Nannie at the church picnic circa 1970.
Church picnic? Did ya'll sing? ;)
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Church picnic? Did ya'll sing? ;)
Oh yeah
We sang on the bus all up through the mountains.
then we sang when we got there.
I remember singing Father Abraham
Buh Buh Bub Bubblin
and every old hymn known to Chirsendom
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z3pMfCTQHU[/youtube]
:o
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Shall we gather at the river... That certainly takes me back to my childhood. Thanks for the video Truman. Hope you are well.
You asked about the film Matwan down in my blog a few days ago. I'm wondering if you noticed that I anwered you.
Take care.
Hugs to you, you sexy beast. :laugh:
Gary
I sure did, sorry I didn;t post, I will get over there.
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;)
But I never did go see the African Queen. It was docked nearby where we stayed, but for what ever reason I never remembered to go over there and see it. I had time, driving up and down the road, looking for a Winn Dixie, calling my friend and asking him what the temperature was in his world. ;) Finding a Winn Dixie, which I thought was gone from the earth. Finding mangos, but I never went to see the African Queen and I regret that.
The day after the snorkeling adventure, the beginning of the last year George Bush will be in the White House, it was time to make the road trip to Key West. A trip of a hundred or so miles out the chain of islands. On this series of bridges, sometimes seeing the remains of the railroad bridge that carried the trains to and from the deep water port of Key West. Carried also the huge pipeline of drinking water from Miami, so all these people could live out there.
Down U.S. 1, the old road, The Overseas Highway. From Key to Key, there are hundreds of them. All of them named, even if it is named No Name Key. We came up on Islamorda, its coporation name, I thought how you could break up the syllables to makes it Islam-orada. ;D The local business not relaced by corporate Ameira so much, there were McDonalds and Wendys and the like, but mostly it was Highway 1, on and on, under an overcast sky, srounded by water at times, the wind whipping, I was glad I was not in the Hummer from Teaneck, New York, as we crossed the bridges. We visited a natural area set aside on Vaca Key, learned how the islands were settled by people from the Bahamas. Decendants of free Africans and British loyalists from revolutionany times. No hurry, 55 mph at the most, thru Marathon, Biahonda State Park, where my classmates camped years ago and stole the sign, to Big Pine Key, home of the endangered Key Deer, which we searched all over the island for, and at the last moment saw one behind an auto parts store. The mile markers continued to decline, the naval airstation came into view, and at 1:30 in the afternoon, thankfully, Chicos Cantina, where Mexican food and Margaritas were greedily consumed next to a propane heater.
From there we were off to explore Key West with what day light we had left.
The Claus were the people who had lived here. When the Spanish arrived with Ponce De Leon in 1521 they called this island Cayo Hueso, or Island of Bones, as the place was littered with them. Human bones, everywhere. Here now was Truman Street, named for my namesake, who was not the only President to fall in love with the place, but the one who spent the most time there, largely because they were renovation the White House at the time. Buzzed and cautions we cruised along and came upon the Adult Book story that I have already written about.
We also saw a chicken cross the road. Lots of them, They are everywhere. Not as many as I saw on the island of Kauai, but they blended in to the landscape, the old houses, the run down shotguns boarded up, worth in the millions, we were nearing the end of the line. We had passed mile marker zero and parked the car. We had walked past the southern most house in the contiguous U.S., and its neighbor the southernmost southernmost house (you can say that twice and mean it again) and out onto the concrete pier, out in to the murky shallow greenish water, where you are told not to dive in because it is shallow, owing no doubt, to Thelma and Louise's, drunk on Margaritas, unable to resist the pull of Cuba, only 90 miles away, oh if we could just get there and talk to Castro, have a drink with him, we could cure all this nonsense and get along. "Can we all get along?" and there, at the end of the pier, smiling down us her eternal frozen smile, was Anne Frank.
Smiling, that goofy, Gyllenhaalesque smile from a pre war photo booth, a napkin around her neck, she sits already at the table of brotherhood, or whatever, Dr. King spoke of, where the sons of slaves and the sons of slave owners will sit together, in brotherhood, or what ever is inclusively appropriate, and she tells us, that indeed, that basically all people are good. They get lost sometimes, they do stoopid things, (but you don't be mean to them. ;) ), and you take in a lung full of sea air and you stare off, into the void, into the blue that people occasionally fall out of.
And your phone beeps with a text from Lynne axing where you are.
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"We also saw a chicken cross the road."
Did you ask them why they were doing that?
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Z3pMfCTQHU[/youtube]
:o
That was beautiful!
I remember that one.
It also reminds me of a joke.
A Preacher was having a fiery sermon on the evils of alcohol.
He ended his sermon by slamming his Bible down on the podium and saying "all the vile alcohol should be taken from the stores and poured straight into the river!" He then picked up the Bible and stomped off to sit down as the music minister stood to lead the closing hymn.
"Now dear brothers and sisters" he said "turn to page 214 in your hymnals and join me in singing that wonderful hymn Shall We Gather at the River". The preacher fainted! :laugh:
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;) Scott!
History has a way of sneaking up on us. It is like that old saying when you are looking for something you cannot see right in front of you, someone will say "If it were a Snake it would have bit you." To which I always say: "If it were a snake I would have seen it."
We came down from the mountain we past the sign that told about the trail, the one we read before we took off, with the pictures of the native plants, the Grass of Parnassus. I joked with them about it, how there should be a variety named Jack Onassis' Grass of Parnassus.
And on the other side of the world, he was on the set, giving the last moments of himself on celluloid. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. Who knew?
We were back down the parkway, back to Don Wroe's, Chuck switching gears into the summation of thousands of years of Italian cooking, my partner arrived with the next mornings breakfast, and I introduced them congregation to corn liquor. Mixed it with the spicy Blenheim Gingerale, like they did in the old times. We put a decent dent in the jar. The fire was relit, and the sky went dark once more.
And we were conversant, of Michael Cunningham and his works, namely The Hours, which I have smiled and thought of as I sit here pecking away. Of Sue Miller, who maybe at this minute packing her mothers china service. Of Richard C. Davids, who wrote a book thirty years ago called "The Man Who Moved A Mountain". I pulled it off the shelve and found the picture taken on Buffalo Mountain around 1900, the same rock we had seen that very day. Wulf took it in hand and began to absorb the story.
The story. Could I write a Cliff Notes version?
Here we were sitting in the lap of luxury on a mountain side that in my fathers time would be waste land. The land was what it was all about. The Scots-Irish and Germans who settled here, married the Indians and tried to have a sweet life, a desperate life is what they got. Trying to get the barren soil to feed them, eating every part of every animal they killed. It was a hard life. It was the kind of world in which my great, great, great, great grandfather, upon becoming a father for the 17th time at the age of 74 named his son Burden. He was luck, he got a name. Some were called Babe their whole life and it was not a term of endearment, it was a sign that the parents who had the energy to have sex did not have the will to come up with another name.
So it was with Babe Childress. He survived to adulthood and took a wife whose name was Lum. Their son Bob Childress was the man who moved the mountain. He came of age in that very rough time about 1912 when the world came crashing in on them.
It started on a weekday in Hillsville. In court, a member of the Allan family was charged with something, and his kinfolks showed up with guns, and shot the place up, killed several people, including the judge and clerk. The media of the day went nuts and forces nationwide arrived on the seen to hunt these animals down. And what the media had to say about us.....I guess it was true, but it was like we were too stoopid to even know we were being talked about.
The caught the Allans, put them all in the electric chair in Richmond and later put their corpses on display. But the attention they brung to this part of the mountans, changed it forever.
The churches came in and built mission schools. My Great Aent Ollie, the only girl and youngest surviving child in her family benefited from it. She got more than just the rudimentary education my granddaddy and Bob Childress got. Bob Childress went on to become a Presbyterian minister and built stone churches all over the area, drawing the people away from their home grown Primitive Baptist institutions. Ollie went to nursing school in Richmond, came home and worked for the mission school, fell in love with a man from Louisiana named Walter Pettis. He came up to the house and sat on the porch and asked my great grandmother for her hand and she said no. He was "a foreigner" and she sent him away.
There is no one now who could say why Ollie did not run away. My grandmother told me how it payed out: the doctors said it was Tuberculosis. She always thought it was a broken heart. There was that picture we were all made to look at: Aent Ollie's last birthday, 1929. She standing there on the porch with her nieces an nephews with her hands in her jacket pockets, trying to smile.
Her brothers built a sleeping porch on to the house. She slept there, in winter, under piles of blankets and quilts, in the belief the cold air would do her good, sleeping there alone without Walter Pettis. In the spring on 1930 she died and was buried in the family plot, up on the hill.
In 1946 my grandfather received a letter from Walter Pettis that sits now in front of me on my desk. He speaks of trying to learn how to write verse and about after Ollie, which he spent alone. He wrote:
When years draw nigh and slow us down,
And youth hath flown away;
When color's faded from our crown,
And wrinkles there to stay;
When friends of yore have gone ahead,
And crossed that chilly stream;
When eyes are dimmed and darkness comes,
And yet some light doth beam,
When steps do falter as we go,
And totter all the way;
When someone says we are old fools,
And says it every day;
Then we have seem a heap o' life,
And know it very well;
Then we do know who is the fool,
And know that we can tell;
Then Wisdom's refind us to know,
And wisdom's come to stay;
Then youth doth seem the chaff of Life,
And it hath gone away;
Then natures kind to us we know,
And does not hold us down;
The husks of life have blown away,
And we wear Wisdom's Crown.
But I digress, too eager to see how history snuck up on those who came before me.
Chuck put together a masterpiece, it was heavenly, because he cooked the hell out of it. We blessed his hands and ate. There was I, in the same place, with a different family, the one I chose, the one I was free to choose by time and circumstance. And that night, Wulf talked more than he had the whole time. That night, we listened to Salamander Crossing, that night I would like to believe in my heart of hearts, the cowboys of heaven danced and were happy for a little while. As sometimes, you do need to reach the destination.
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Good one, Richard. Have you heard this one:
Jews don't recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Protestants don't recognize the Pope as the head of the Christian faith. And Baptists don't recognize each other at the liquor store.
LOL
YOu can say that twice and mean it!! LOL
Reminds me of another.....
A man dies and goes to heaven. He gets to the pearly gates and sees St Peter there. He says "am I in heaven"?
St Peter puts his finger to his lips sushing him and runs over and grabs his hand and leads him in on tip toe.
As they are tip toeing down the street of gold they come by a huge auditorium full of stone faced sour looking people.
St Pete anticipating a question puts his finger to his lips again and leads the man on. After the auditorium was way behind them St Pete says "Ok you can talk now". The guy says "why all the tip toeing and silence and who were all those people in that huge auditorium back there"? St Pete replies " well, those were the Baptisits. We have to be quiet because they think they are the only ones here"! LOL :laugh:
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So this is what happens when you wait too long, and the stuff piles up and you have an emergency like the passing of Heath to deal with. You loose track of the things you initially thought writing about, that you thought was going to make a good story.
Our first full day in Florida we went to Disney, where Minnie Mouse bit my hand and I walked further than I had in a long time. We visited the Hall of Presidents, where real automatrons imitated all of those men, standing and sitting up on the stage, Abe Lincolns arms several inches above the arm rests of his chair. The announcer introducing the program reading the preamble to the U.S. Declaration of Independence:
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. "
Thomas Jefferson wrote these words. He was a slave holder and like other men of his time either considered men a catch all phrase for all humans, or maybe he considered women unimportant in the political spectre. Get past that point to those unalienable rights: Life, Liberty and the PURSUIT of Happiness.
I don't feel like he is saying we have no right to be happy, I think he had realized in the course of his life that happiness is a fleeting thing. We have the right to pursue it, like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, as metaphor for our dreams, but there are no guarantees.
And there is that new age-esque saying that it is the journey and not the destination. Destinations do get reached, and that is usually when it is over.
So I spent my time in Florida pondering a course of action that would live up to that belief that I am entitled to pursue happiness. I tried to identify what would make me happy, what would be positive and move toward it, at my own speed. When an obstacle appeared I did not let it bother me because I knew happiness was still there, in this mask or some other. ;)
Happiness was sitting way too long at a restaurant on the Indian reservation waiting for a burger, on a beautiful day with the Everglades just outside the window. 8)
Happiness was that day not being in Lawrence, Massachusetts, where CNN told me townhouses were burning. :'(
Happiness was knowing that it would be dark, and late when we reached Orlando because we found this back road thru the swamp to dawdle and see gators and cranes and snakes and buzzards and flowers and things I have never seen before. :o
Happiness was the full moon over the interstate, and Eartha Kitt singing her wacky version of Moon River. ;D
Happiness was having a friend kiss me on the mouth in a sports bar at the airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, and walking back to my car a foot off the ground. :D
Happiness was the phone that would not stop ringing when I cut it on in chilly Virginia, even if it was full of bad news. :'(
I will pursue happiness. I expect I will see you along the way. ;)
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You will. ;D I'll have a tall cold one waiting for ya :-*
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You will. ;D I'll have a tall cold one waiting for ya :-*
Maybe at some upsacle bar where those townhouses used to be?
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Maybe at some upsacle bar where those townhouses used to be?
They weren't townhouses, they were run down section 8 tenements. If they built a bar there, it would be of the more shall we say...fringe variety. But...you are certainly welcome, and a cold one is a cold one.
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More travels with Truman. I love your stories so much, and this one was particularly fine. Going
nowhere at your leisure. And finding it.... So delicious. :)
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My Friend,
You posted Samuel Barber's "Adagio For Strings" on Heath's grieving thread, and I told you about the choral version he did using the latin text from the Agnus Dei. Here it is. It's the cry of the human soul for forgivness and understanding. It's the never to be duplicated sound of the human voice praying to be heard. Close your eyes and listen. It's the highest we can achieve as a species.
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the word
Have Mercy
Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world
Grant us peace
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkObnNQCMtM[/youtube]
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Hey Truman, I will take you up on your HiJack invitation now ;D
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Hey Truman, I will take you up on your HiJack invitation now ;D
C'mon Jack, the weather is fine right now!
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Morning all. We have a cold and sunny day today also...Gorgeous. Is anyone watching the
Super Bowl today? Looks like it could be a good game. Its so good to see you back Jack.. ;)
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Great Truman I will be right there :) Janice, I may watch some of it. What about you? Who are you for?
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17 pms in my in box. Now that is a record! :laugh:
I love you guys and gals.
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17 pms in my in box. Now that is a record! :laugh:
I love you guys and gals.
you're sooooo popular!
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you're sooooo popular!
He must be taking his Vita-meta-vega-min :laugh:
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He must be taking his Vita-meta-vega-min :laugh:
Are you unpoopular? Do you pop out at parties?
It's all here in this bittle lottle.
(http://www.abbottandcostellocollectibles.com/images/nc_720-078.jpg)
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Hello, Friends! Are you tired? Run down?
Are you unpoopular? Do you pop out at parties?
It's all here in this bittle lottle.
(http://www.abbottandcostellocollectibles.com/images/nc_720-078.jpg)
Tastes good, too! Just like candy! :laugh:
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It's hot in here!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTsfVbN7UOM[/youtube]
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Are you unpoopular? Do you pop out at parties?
It's all here in this bittle lottle.
(http://www.abbottandcostellocollectibles.com/images/nc_720-078.jpg)
That there's the stuff!!! ;D
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Hehehe,
Paul that is so cool you have incorporated the godhatesaustralia.com dancing bear!
Jeff, yeah buddy I am pooped. And I got a craving for some Mexican comfort food. ;)
Maybe a side of Vitameablevegtimin! hic.
(and 17 was just one time I came online, I should go back and count all of them.)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3aNDT8wqZI[/youtube]
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I am dumping my email box.......its a dead letter file now............
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I am dumping my email box.......its a dead letter file now............
:(
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You can say that twice and mean it.
:'( :'(
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Are you unpoopular? Do you pop out at parties?
It's all here in this bittle lottle.
(http://www.abbottandcostellocollectibles.com/images/nc_720-078.jpg)
I think Truman gave me some of that, but he called it "Moonshine". :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Hehehe,
Paul that is so cool you have incorporated the godhatesaustralia.com dancing bear!
Jeff, yeah buddy I am pooped. And I got a craving for some Mexican comfort food. ;)
Maybe a side of Vitameablevegtimin! hic.
(and 17 was just one time I came online, I should go back and count all of them.)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3aNDT8wqZI[/youtube]
Oh! I love Patsy!! ;D
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"The sky looked like a big, giant broke off piece of something blank he had forgotten about"
--Flannery O'Conner, Wise Blood
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMsqyns5eBM[/youtube]
Telling Stories
As Preformed by Tracy Chapman
There is fiction in the space between
The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesn't mean
You're not just telling stories
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
There is fiction in the space between
You and reality
You will do and say anything
To make your everyday life
Seem less mundane
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
There's a science fiction in the space between
You and me
A fabrication of a grand scheme
Where I am the scary monster
I eat the city and as I leave the scene
In my spaceship I am laughing
In your remembrance of your bad dream
There's no one but you standing
Leave the pity and the blame
For the ones who do not speak
You write the words to get respect and compassion
And for posterity
You write the words and make believe
There is truth in the space between
There is fiction in the space between
You and everybody
Give us all what we need
Give us one more sad sordid story
But in the fiction of the space between
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
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"The sky looked like a big, giant broke off piece of something blank he had forgotten about"
--Flannery O'Conner, Wise Blood
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMsqyns5eBM[/youtube]
I cant see it at work.
I love Wise Blood though!
Great literary masterpiece I think.
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I cant see it at work.
I love Wise Blood though!
Great literary masterpiece I think.
OMG, you've ready Wise Blood? I didn't know that. I never knew I knew anyone else who had read it.
Hazel Motes and a 15 year old nympho and a mummy baby.
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OMG, you've ready Wise Blood? I didn't know that. I never knew I knew anyone else who had read it.
Hazel Motes and a 15 year old nympho and a mummy baby.
It's been years.
I remember more from the movie than the book. LOL
The Church of Christ without Christ..
Sabbath Lilly
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"The sky looked like a big, giant broke off piece of something blank he had forgotten about"
--Flannery O'Conner, Wise Blood
Telling Stories
As Preformed by Tracy Chapman
There is fiction in the space between
The lines on your page of memories
Write it down but it doesn't mean
You're not just telling stories
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
There is fiction in the space between
You and reality
You will do and say anything
To make your everyday life
Seem less mundane
There is fiction in the space between
You and me
There's a science fiction in the space between
You and me
A fabrication of a grand scheme
Where I am the scary monster
I eat the city and as I leave the scene
In my spaceship I am laughing
In your remembrance of your bad dream
There's no one but you standing
Leave the pity and the blame
For the ones who do not speak
You write the words to get respect and compassion
And for posterity
You write the words and make believe
There is truth in the space between
There is fiction in the space between
You and everybody
Give us all what we need
Give us one more sad sordid story
But in the fiction of the space between
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
Sometimes a lie is the best thing
WOW!
That sure says a lot. :'(
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{{{Truman}}}
{{{Rich}}}
s'ok....it'll be alright...
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DAMMIT DAMMIT !!!!!!!!!!!
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DAMMIT DAMMIT !!!!!!!!!!!
yep
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Morning everyone, it is a beautiful sunny day here. I got to go to the destist today! I am so happy! :laugh:
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Morning everyone, it is a beautiful sunny day here. I got to go to the destist today! I am so happy! :laugh:
well it is things like that that get us thru the dark times isn't it?? the HAPPY exciting stuff!!
bright lights and drills...needles....your jaw stretched to near breaking and the hygienist talking about how small your mouth is as if you made it that way to irritate her and make her job harder....oh!! and that sucky thingie...YAY!!
I SOOOOOOOOO envy you!!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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I am glad it is just a check up, but I have a feeling they are going to want to do a panorex xray of my whole mouth and I really enjoy those. ;)
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You get to have ALL the fun. It ain't right! ;D
I've been given the day off..apparently I looked like crap yesterday afternoon...so I made a list of things to do on my day off but I imagine I'll stay on BetterMost all day...I'm sprawled on the sofa with a pillow and a comforter and can't figure out why going to the dry cleaners would be incentive enough to get up. It is a beautiful sunny day here, though. If I look out the window just right, I can see the tippity top of Mt. Rainier.
And I love the Tracy Chapman too!
{{{{{{Hugs to All}}}}}}
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well it is things like that that get us thru the dark times isn't it?? the HAPPY exciting stuff!!
bright lights and drills...needles....your jaw stretched to near breaking and the hygienist talking about how small your mouth is as if you made it that way to irritate her and make her job harder....oh!! and that sucky thingie...YAY!!
I SOOOOOOOOO envy you!!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I think you just might be one a them Sadist peoples there Jess! :laugh:
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Janice Waves at Lynne..If i stretch my neck, I can almost see her sitting there
on that couch wrapped in that blankie.
Hey sweetie lets fly away to the top of one of these volcanoes one of these
days. Just so we can look down on the lights of the lives down below. Like Jack and Ennis'
up on Brokeback. People leading ordinary lives, while we are up above it. in the high altitude
where the Eagles fly..........
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****waving back at Janice****
I just got off the couch and did some dishes...whew! Major accomplishment. Here in a bit I'm going to run some bathwater ;)...wonder if P has any bubbles around here??
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Just so we can look down on the lights of the lives down below. Like Jack and Ennis'
up on Brokeback. People leading ordinary lives, while we are up above it. in the high altitude
where the Eagles fly..........
I wanna go too! ;)
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Well the dentist said I had no cavities so I came back to the office, had a donut and a coke. :laugh:
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Well the dentist said I had no cavities so I came back to the office, had a donut and a coke. :laugh:
What flavor doughnut? Was it regular or unleaded Coke?
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What flavor doughnut? Was it regular or unleaded Coke?
An apple jelly donut and a regular coke, and later I went and had a cherry coke. ;)
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An apple jelly donut and a regular coke, and later I went and had a cherry coke. ;)
GOOD BOY!
If you are gonna eat that stuff you might as well have the real thing and ENJOY it!
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Hi Truman.
I talked to my friend in Ravenden today. She told me that there was a lot of tornado damage in Highland. Also some around Ash Flat. Those are pretty close to Ravenden. Her house didn't get any damage -- she said the winds were high.
Memphis and Jackson had tornado damage too. Union University is closed -- 8 buildings were totaled or damaged. 1100 of 1200 student cars were damaged. Only minor injuries to students -- they had sought shelter luckily.
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An apple jelly donut and a regular coke, and later I went and had a cherry coke. ;)
Apple jelly doughnuts are good! ;D
Just don't ask me choose between apple jelly and double chocolate. :-\
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My Tennessee folks are safe from the tornadoes - they hit much west of them.
Just don't ask me choose between apple jelly and double chocolate. :-\
You will never believe what my coworker Hans has introduced me to --> the triple (as in shots of espresso) breve (half-and-half) mocha!!! ::) :D
One of these and I was an addict!! Ah Seattle. ;) I don't even want to guess how many calories are in this thing. Is there such a thing as decaf espresso?
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You trying to get a good head start on the next cavity for the next visit Truman?
Rich if we go of course you are invited. Any Brokie that wants to go can make that
trek to have a look as well. Where eagles fly Up in the euphoric air.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/9ff59cb8flyawaytogether.gif)
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Absolutely Rich can come too! I love the sparkling butterfly, Janice...fly away is this evening's theme...
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Isaiah 40:31
31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles
One of my favorites!
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Hi Truman.
I talked to my friend in Ravenden today. She told me that there was a lot of tornado damage in Highland. Also some around Ash Flat. Those are pretty close to Ravenden. Her house didn't get any damage -- she said the winds were high.
Memphis and Jackson had tornado damage too. Union University is closed -- 8 buildings were totaled or damaged. 1100 of 1200 student cars were damaged. Only minor injuries to students -- they had sought shelter luckily.
Wow Shasta, thanks for this. I am on the phone now!
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One of these and I was an addict!! Ah Seattle. Wink I don't even want to guess how many calories are in this thing. Is there such a thing as decaf espresso?
!!!!! Decaf espresso!!!!!!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: You are so crazy. what is the point.? :laugh:
:laugh :laugh:
so dont say moneys a good point ;D
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One of these and I was an addict!! Ah Seattle. Wink I don't even want to guess how many calories are in this thing. Is there such a thing as decaf espresso?
!!!!! Decaf espresso!!!!!!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: You are so crazy. what is the point.? :laugh:
:laugh :laugh:
so dont say moneys a good point ;D
Sleep's a good point!
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You are right there monsewer. I am choosing to stay away from tripple
shot espresso. I could never sleep if i did that. Dont even want to think of that one.
Plus I am still sticking by my no coffee routine, in solidarity with Scott's
quit smoking thingy.
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My mind is not here today, it is somewhere in the future, a few years down the road, I do not see myself older than 50. I am walking down a path in Karrakatta Cemetery with a bouquet in my hand. Looking for the spot.
It will be a long trip for sure, about 30 hours, not couting layovers. I will still be in a jet lag fog and the sounds around me will make me jump. That last cup of coffee didn't help that much.
And my right eye will tear first. It always does.
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My mind is not here today, it is somewhere in the future, a few years down the road, I do not see myself older than 50. I am walking down a path in Karrakatta Cemetery with a bouquet in my hand. Looking for the spot.
It will be a long trip for sure, about 30 hours, not couting layovers. I will still be in a jet lag fog and the sounds around me will make me jump. That last cup of coffee didn't help that much.
And my right eye will tear first. It always does.
I know of some people that would let you stay with them! save the cost of the hotel...
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I would make a vacation out of it, go all about ht ecountry and meet my friends.
I read just now about his funeral and the article said he was buried in Fremantle Cemetery. So I dunno, it will all settle out.
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My mind is not here today, it is somewhere in the future, a few years down the road, I do not see myself older than 50. I am walking down a path in Karrakatta Cemetery with a bouquet in my hand. Looking for the spot.
It will be a long trip for sure, about 30 hours, not couting layovers. I will still be in a jet lag fog and the sounds around me will make me jump. That last cup of coffee didn't help that much.
And my right eye will tear first. It always does.
Reading about the memorial and seeing the pictures had brought back all the disbelief. Shit, he was only 28 years old. >:( :'(
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Reading about the memorial and seeing the pictures had brought back all the disbelief. Shit, he was only 28 years old. >:( :'(
I know exactly what you mean Jeff. I still am in disbelief :(
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We saw Pilot Mountain and somewhere betwixt there and it our home, unseen to our eyes. I wished Jack and Rich and nameless others could have been there. Never enough time, to even stop and appreciate. We were being called by food and time.
I sure do wish I had been there too Truman!!! I hate missing times like these. I hope maybe this kind of trip might happen in the future and if so I will be there one way or another. It looks and sounds like it was so much fun.
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I read somewhere that "Pilot Mountain" was the inspiration for the name "Mt. Pilot," which was a town they talked about in Mayberry on the old "Andy Griffith Show." :)
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I read somewhere that "Pilot Mountain" was the inspiration for the name "Mt. Pilot," which was a town they talked about in Mayberry on the old "Andy Griffith Show." :)
That would be correct Jeff from what I have always heard. Mt. Airy is close to Pilot Mountain so it would make sense. Siler City exists too and in fact is where Aunt Bea lived her final years in real life. Other places in North Carolina are also mentioned such as Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Raleigh and even Asheville.
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I wouldn't know...being so YOUNG and all....
;D ;D ;D ;D
*ducking out the door and running away like a bunny!!*
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I wouldn't know...being so YOUNG and all....
;D ;D ;D ;D
*ducking out the door and running away like a bunny!!*
;D ;D ;D ;D
Whatsa matter, ain't you never heard of "TVLand"? ;D ;D ;D
Ain't you got a barn to muck out, er sumthin'? ;D ;D ;D
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;D ;D ;D ;D
Whatsa matter, ain't you never heard of "TVLand"? ;D ;D ;D
Ain't you got a barn to muck out, er sumthin'? ;D ;D ;D
oh SURE...but it is so interesting to hear about these shows from people that were watching when they were 'cutting edge'... ;D ;D
barn? what barn?? I dont' know nuthing about no barn....
;D ;)
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oh SURE...but it is so interesting to hear about these shows from people that were watching when they were 'cutting edge'... ;D ;D
barn? what barn?? I dont' know nuthing about no barn....
;D ;)
;D ;D ;D :-* :-* :-*
Love ya, Little Darlin'! And all my Brokie buds! You are all a blessing in my life. :D
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Yeah Andy Griffith is from Mt. Airy, and the twon is plum eat up with it. He is their cottage industry. Pilot Mountain is a state park just south of there, you can see it for miles.
Now Mt. Airy is also know for other things, but they just don't get publicized as much, like the worlds largest open face granite quary. It is also the hometown of Yvonne Vaughan, who moved to Nashville and changed her name to Donna Fargo, and it was also the home town of Eng and Chang Bunker, the original siames twins, who settled there and married sisters and begat lots of decendants. But for some reason you never hear about them.
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Oh Truman, i would love to do that. But it cant be......i will send you something to take there for me.
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Those twins were famous!!
World known!!
Your family got to know them?
Hugs!
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Naw, my family was to busy looking for a coffee pot to find the handle!
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[youtube=425,350]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mf7zJbqi4Q[/youtube] 8)
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This past week was a hard one for me and my circle of friends, most of you who come here. We all know about it, and seem to be of the same mind, so I don't see why we can't talk about it.
During the month of January, Scott let us know that he lost his mother and that he had developed a problem with his thyroid. It was a very emotional time for him and those who hold him in high regard, those who call him their friend.
This past Tuesday we learned it none of it was true. So there is you a space between what you know and try to believe.
I went thru several days of being angry, confused, lonely and just at a loss as to how to feel. I thought alot about online life vs. real life, examined the differences and commonalities and still could not find a memory of how to relate. On Saturday I called him and in two separate calls we talked for an hour and a half pretty much.
Scott tells me that the above is the only two times he has lied about his world. The other things he detailed in his biography he says took place and I make no judgement about any of that. I found myself examining how he sounded, if it were contrite enough and I don't know if it matters. He has problems, and I won't add to them.
But I miss him. I miss talking with him everyday, miss the text messages, miss the pms, and I never even met the guy in real life. I told him to consider me a friend and stay in touch with me, but I know the person I thought I knew is gone.
Part of what went thru my head last week was trying to understand how he got to that point and could I ever wind up in similar dire straights. I suppose so, but I sure hope not.
So I draw the shade, try and wax poetic, but it is too cold and the wax has hardened. Waiting for the summer sun to come and draw from it the words, like tender young shoots of new grass. No diner, no looking back, not perhaps what I thought at all. What was it I thought anyway?
-
I suppose it is a case of having to back up. Stand back, and take stock. Decide what we think is real. What is
necessary. And what is important. See if we can find a place to make a new connection. A new friendship, or not.
Depending on our own history. We will finish the story. Its going to take a while. But for once in a very long time, I
am going to try and go on. I am just one of the kinds of people that sees human nature, and the things that people
do. Not as a direct affront to me. More an affront to themself. Its very difficult. But he is worth the fight, i believe.
I love him like my very own brother. You dont kick your brother to the curb, because they are flawed. You try and
help them.to get to the place they need to be. I love him, and i love you, and hopefully we can come together again.
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It appears I got a Valentine's Day postcard from him. No return address but postmarked in Boston and signed "Scott," followed by a word I can't make out because the postal service printed stuff over top of it.
I can't think of any other Scott I know in New England.
I have been pretty depressed at times in my life in the past, but never did I ever resort to making up such whoppers of lies.
I assume he confessed, that's how we know it all wasn't true?
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I , like several of us here, have been talking to Scott every day for over a year.
I think of him as a close, very close friend. He has been there when I really needed him.
I will do the same for him. I do love him, and want him to be happy.
I don't understand how he got to this point, and I was devastated by the realization
that some things were not true. I was sick to my stomach for days. As a nurturer, my
heart went out to him. I can't stop being his friend. I'll hold his hand thru this.
I accept his apology and forgive him. I did that for myself too.
Like Janice said.... I can't kick him to the curb. I remember the other Scott and pray that
he is able to get through all this and get back to that person we all knew and loved.
He'll be my friend always.
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[youtube=425,350]http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mf7zJbqi4Q[/youtube] 8)
Oh Tru!
I thought I was done grieving or caring.
But to see these photos's of this beautiful young man It makes me cry and rail against all that is unfair!
However, life isn't fair and anyone who tells you it is is trying to sell you somthing!
He was beautiful and talented but he was no more immortal than any of us.
I hope his family can find peace and I pray that the rest of us can too.
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Truman, thank you for your post about Scott. I had no idea. I'm very sorry about the lies, but I'm very happy the sad stuff wasn't true. I hope he's able to work through this. What's clear is that he has very caring, loyal friends to help him, and that is the good news.
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I went thru several days of being angry, confused, lonely and just at a loss as to how to feel.
But I miss him. I miss talking with him everyday, miss the text messages, miss the pms, and I never even met the guy in real life. I told him to consider me a friend and stay in touch with me, but I know the person I thought I knew is gone.
Part of what went thru my head last week was trying to understand how he got to that point and could I ever wind up in similar dire straights. I suppose so, but I sure hope not.
Big brother, I am so there with you.
For those who don't know, I was one of the "circle" that Truman is talking about. When Scott and I started PMing each other here, I had no idea that this would be the end result.
I had a whole bunch of emotions going on when I got word that the situations Scott was presenting to us were not true. At first, I was completely shocked. How can someone say stuff like this? Then, I got angry. I'm not supposed to take personal calls at work. However, with what Scott was telling me, and the emotions that were coming through the phone, I felt he needed someone. So I would leave my cubicle, sometimes 20 minutes at a time, and take his calls. Now, I find out I risked being repremanded for nothing.
Sometimes I feel badly that he felt the need to do this. Why? What could be missing from his world that he needed to behave this way with his friends?
I also received a Valentine from Scott, that arrived after the truth came out. However, the calls and texts from him have come to a grinding hault. I'm not calling him, because it's possible he needs space right now.
I did send him a card back.
-
Good morning, Truman
:-* :-*
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Scott and I were not close, but as someone who has suffered through the death of a mother--and that very unexpectedly--that particular falsehood makes me very angry.
-
Hey Jess!
That part of it really bothered me because it *seems* like he was picking up on things that were sensitive areas for some in his circle. I dunno, I am not a clinitian but I know something is amiss with him and I hope he will get help, life is hard enough without self sabatoge. I wish the best for him, I really do.
I sent a card too Chuck.
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That part of it really bothered me because it *seems* like he was picking up on things that were sensitive areas for some in his circle.
I'm a little unsure on how to proceed. I would never shun him if he were to contact me. But there is a phrase that keeps going through my mind right now.
Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
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Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
Yeah, I have thought of that too. I am willing to be his friend in spite of not exactly being able to trust, but if it happens again, that saying would deffinatly come into play.
-
I am sad and angry for all of you who genuinely befriended and supported Scott.
And, I'm sorry that Scott chose to engage with people in this way.
Mostly, I'm sad that folks around here will be less trusting from now on.
-
Mostly, I'm sad that folks around here will be less trusting from now on.
I'm just not going to allow that to happen to me!
-
So you wanna know something funny?
I saw in the paper the local theater was going to be showing Casa Blanca on the big screen. It is trying to be a local art house cinema and is only open weekends so I call people up "OMG Casa Blanaca on the big screen!" I had never seen it before.
So saturday night at 6:30 we roll up and the poster is on the door, it sure is going to be there-- on the 23rd of February! We was two weeks early!
-
Me either Richard. I just have to feel sorry for the sad state a person has to
be in, that would make them come to that decision.
Oh and by the way Truman. Your girl Amy Winehouse did well at the grammys.
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So you wanna know something funny?
I saw in the paper the local theater was going to be showing Casa Blanca on the big screen. It is trying to be a local art house cinema and is only open weekends so I call people up "OMG Casa Blanaca on the big screen!" I had never seen it before.
So saturday night at 6:30 we roll up and the poster is on the door, it sure is going to be there-- on the 23rd of February! We was two weeks early!
I guess that's one way to make sure you get a good seat. ;D
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Oh and by the way Truman. Your girl Amy Winehouse did well at the grammys.
I know it, it was a real gift of the magji kind of win for her, if she had gone to rehab to begin with she would have been able to be at the grammys but she would not have had that big hit song about not going to rehab so she would not have won, maybe, who knows.....I hope she will be around for a good while, she could really accomplish some things.
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So saturday night at 6:30 we roll up and the poster is on the door, it sure is going to be there-- on the 23rd of February! We was two weeks early!
that reminds me of a time that someone I knew had lost their mother, and I went to the funeral palor with a mutual friend, to pay our respects.
When we got there, we didn't recognize anyone, we went to the wrong wake.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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When we got there, we didn't recognize anyone, we went to the wrong wake.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
:-X :-X :-X
-
that reminds me of a time that someone I knew had lost their mother, and I went to the funeral palor with a mutual friend, to pay our respects.
When we got there, we didn't recognize anyone, we went to the wrong wake.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Now thats funny! :laugh:
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Yeah, me and my friends are a real class act, huh? :laugh:
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Yeah, me and my friends are a real class act, huh? :laugh:
Yeah Buddy!! :laugh:
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An apple jelly donut and a regular coke, and later I went and had a cherry coke. ;)
Yum. I love donuts.
;D
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Mostly, I'm sad that folks around here will be less trusting from now on.
I am glad you brought this up Paul.
For myself I choose to remain trusting, and I will continue to trust people until such point as I realize I can't. At that point I wil just take my experence under advisement and boldly go forward like a Talking Heads video.....
"Same as it ever was"
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw54-rCIrPs[/youtube]
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Mona Shaw is my hero:
http://blogs.zdnet.com/ip-telephony/?p=2605
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The video you posted doesnt play. ?????????????????
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Hey Truman, wanted to share this with y'all. This just maybe the most beautiful piece of music sung by two men. It's "Au fond du temple saint" from Bizet's The Pearl Fishers. Sung by Robert Merrill and Jussi Bjorling. While they are both captivated by the goddess about whom they sing, they pledge that nothing should come between them and their friendship.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PYt2HlBuyI[/youtube]
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Hey Truman, thanks for the Talking Heads, I love that song and think they are geniuses.
Paul, that IS beautiful, thank you.
Tru, I was in Walgreen's tonight, and noticed some washcloths being sold under the brand "Fieldale Mills." I got excited (it was even spelled right), and looked at the back of the package to see where they were from. China. But maybe once upon a time from Virginia?
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Hey Truman, thanks for the Talking Heads, I love that song and think they are geniuses.
Paul, that IS beautiful, thank you.
Tru, I was in Walgreen's tonight, and noticed some washcloths being sold under the brand "Fieldale Mills." I got excited (it was even spelled right), and looked at the back of the package to see where they were from. China. But maybe once upon a time from Virginia?
That is so strange, we used to have a Fieldcrest-Cannon mill that made towels and wash cloths. Maybe some company has bought the assets of the bankrupt Pillowtex Corp that owned it and coopted the name of my town. Inneresting. I will call my friend who is manager of the Walgreens here and see if he has them, I bet the local paper would do a story about it.
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That was a wonderful selection Paul. I will probably listen to it several more times. ;)
Cold and raining this morning, just a bit of ice clinging to the trees.
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I got a craving for some Mexican comfort food. ;)
(http://www.scuba2000.com/forum/images/smilies/fart2.gif)
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(http://www.scuba2000.com/forum/images/smilies/fart2.gif)
There are times I wish I had paid more attention in Italian class (bet you do too). This is one of them. :laugh:
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Happy Valentine's Day, big brother!
(http://logo.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/240x360_brokeback.jpg)
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You ever look at a picture like that and wonder about the story behind it? Were they actors? Lovers? Did their relatives see it?
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Happy Valentine's Day Friend!!
(http://bestsmileys.com/cats2/1.gif)
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Happy Valentine's Day, big brother!
(http://logo.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/240x360_brokeback.jpg)
I love that Pic! :)
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Yes it is a slow news day:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080214/en_nm/montana_dc
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Oh yeah, Happy Valentines Day too!
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I look at a picture like that and think, wish I looked as good as that. Guess that makes me shallow. :P
Not at all.
It make you human.
Now shallow would be if you didn't care how you looked but wish your boyfriend looked like one of them (or both)! LOL :laugh:
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Deep or shallow, I like the direction you all are moving in.
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Ah hem....... :-X :-X
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Deep or shallow, I like the direction you all are moving in.
Oh, I am not even going there!
Cause I could...... ;)
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HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TRU
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/hearts.jpg)
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You ever look at a picture like that and wonder about the story behind it? Were they actors? Lovers? Did their relatives see it?
When we were up at the Stock Show a few weeks ago, out in the parking lot two handsome boys no older than twenty were loading their truck and they gave each other a huge hug when they finished and one said something about "Once in a lifetime" but I didn't hear the rest....
THAT is a story I would like to know the rest of! Were they brothers? didn't look like it to me....just good friends? what?
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THAT is a story I would like to know the rest of! Were they brothers? didn't look like it to me....just good friends? what?
THAT I recognize. It first come to me doing Genealogy on my ancestors. We have a ton of clues, but no testamony.
I think the testamony will come with out generation, our time. We will tell our stories, best we can.
Love you Jess!
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THAT I recognize. It first come to me doing Genealogy on my ancestors. We have a ton of clues, but no testamony.
I think the testamony will come with out generation, our time. We will tell our stories, best we can.
Love you Jess!
Ya know, I think that would be a great name for a...I don't know, theatrical event maybe.
Where people get on stage and tell their stories. Maybe call it "Testimony: The Gay Narratives."
Gay men and women,family members of gay men and women, would stand on a dark stage, a spotlight would come on and behind them a screen with images of their life. They would tell thier stories and the lights would go dark then another spotlight down the stage would come on and another person would start their story.
I think it would be powerful.
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Instead of it being" the vagina monologues." I could be called the "Gay chronologues."
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Instead of it being" the vagina monologues." I could be called the "Gay chronologues."
Good One!! I like it.
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Whatever you do, don't call it the Penis Monologues. :-X
No, or you'll wind up in deep shit, like Jane Fonda, who apparently used the "c"-word that means vagina on the Today show this morning.
I understand it went out over the air here on the East Coast, but NBC was able to block in time zones farther west.
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This is a good idea, Richard. How about "Love: Calling It By Name" as a title, in reference to the old and antiquated adage "the love that dare not speak its name."
Some conservatives complain because, so they say, "the love that dare not speak its name" now never seems to shut up. ...
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Darn, the stuff I'll miss now that I've moved to California. :laugh: Bet nobody saw Miss Jackson's boob out here either.
Why did Jane use the "c" word? Was she mad at somebody? :laugh:
Naw, she was on the show because she's doing a production of the play The Vagina Monologues.
Unfortunately I was already at work, so I missed it. I just read about it on AOL news.
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Naw, she was on the show because she's doing a production of the play The Vagina Monologues.
Unfortunately I was already at work, so I missed it. I just read about it on AOL news.
Aah, YouTube...(have the sound down at work)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3qXUFyzrjM[/youtube]
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rotflmao!
that's great! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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They wouldn't do anything to offend the audience? What audience? cause everytime they have some 'family expert' from the right wingnuts on they offend me.....I dont' ever get an apology!
>:( >:( >:(
HUMPH!
(like if you were ok with discussing the Vagina Monologues at breakfast with your kids, you are gonna need smelling salts if you hear a 'blue' word... ::) ::) )
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They wouldn't do anything to offend the audience? What audience? cause everytime they have some 'family expert' from the right wingnuts on they offend me.....I dont' ever get an apology!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
You can say that twice and mean it.
This is a great idea folks, I could really see something like this happening, but how? We have the stories, they are all right here, how I wonder, do you do something like that.
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Regarding Jane Fonda (who lives in Georgia): Would you all say the "C" word and the "D" word are both something the censors should look at equally?
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This is a great idea folks, I could really see something like this happening, but how? We have the stories, they are all right here, how I wonder, do you do something like that.
Well, you've got a great start by asking the question. Go for it, you all. :-*
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Regarding Jane Fonda (who lives in Georgia): Would you all say the "C" word and the "D" word are both something the censors should look at equally?
"D" word?
Dyke, dick, doo doo?
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Dyke I think is perfectly okay for lesbians to call themselves, but I am hesitant to use it. Kind of like African American and the version of the "N" word.
Dick is the word I was thinking about.
DooDoo I see nothing wrong with at all. My neice and nephews, then they were chaps, loved that word. And shit everyone uses the "S" word all the time. It is the irst word uttered in the movie version of BBM.
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They wouldn't do anything to offend the audience? What audience? cause everytime they have some 'family expert' from the right wingnuts on they offend me.....I dont' ever get an apology!
>:( >:( >:(
HUMPH!
(like if you were ok with discussing the Vagina Monologues at breakfast with your kids, you are gonna need smelling salts if you hear a 'blue' word... ::) ::) )
Yeah, I want an apology from the network for that commercial they showed for a treatment for genital herpes while I was eating my supper last night. ... :P
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Yeah, I want an apology from the network for that commercial they showed for a treatment for genital herpes while I was eating my supper last night. ... :P
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I want one for the Vagisil ointment commercial where the narrator talks to women about "that itch you can't scratch".
:P
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Dyke I think is perfectly okay for lesbians to call themselves, but I am hesitant to use it. Kind of like African American and the version of the "N" word.
(http://kaganville.com/blogpics/dykes.jpg)
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Well, I saw the original interview and Jane was referring to one of the most famous monologues in the Vagina Monologues that's actually titled with the "c-word."
The whole point of that monologue is to confront that word or to try to re-claim it into something more positive (and to think about ways that might be possible or to question if that's desirable). The fact that people are so scandalized by Jane's simple use of the word in an interview about a play in which that word features prominently... sort of proves the point that the "c-word" monologue is trying to make.
I guess the main point, is that folks react so emotionally and so strongly to that word (in much the same way that they react to the n-word) because it's often associated with so much violence and hatred.
But, there is a fairly prominent strain in certain feminist discourses all about trying to appropriate that term as a "power word," etc. I suppose the Today Show audience isn't prepared for edginess or a confrontational stance so early in the morning.
Actually, when Jane said that word I think she was being very deliberate and was actually trying to act on some of the messages from that monologue in "real life."
I personally wasn't offended by it at all... in the context of how and why Jane said it.
And, on the topic of the word "dyke"... I think the issue of trying to "re-claim" the "c-word" is much the same. Although, I think "dyke" is much less offensive to begin with. Anyone who's familiar with the phenomenon of "Dyke March" pride parades will know that lots of lesbians have no problem at all with that word when using it themselves. I've actually participated in two Dyke Marches in Philly in the past. If a homophobic person uses the word "dyke" it's entirely a different matter, of course.
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"that itch you can't scratch".
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I haven't seen that one!
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Yeah i would like to be able to see the whole interview, because the sound bite they have on youtube is not enough to know what is going on, and the media is not going to cut her any slack.
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Yeah, I want an apology from the network for that commercial they showed for a treatment for genital herpes while I was eating my supper last night. ... :P
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Elizabeth asked what Gentle Herpes were and could she get one? ::)
I said what do you think it is? She said it was like a gentle little pony.
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Lard Gawd! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :-\ :'( :'( :'(
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Q: What a lovely dog. What's its name?
A: "Herpes"...If she's good, she'll heal.
Who remembers what this is from?
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Elizabeth asked what Gentle Herpes were and could she get one? ::)
I said what do you think it is? She said it was like a gentle little pony.
Well, what did you tell her? Can she have that pony? ;D
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Q: What a lovely dog. What's its name?
A: "Herpes"...If she's good, she'll heal.
Who remembers what this is from?
I know I can't remember.
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Well, what did you tell her? Can she have that pony? ;D
I told her it wasn't "gentle" Herpes. I said is was somthing little kids don't need to know about. :laugh:
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I told her it wasn't "gentle" Herpes. I said is was somthing little kids don't need to know about. :laugh:
Well, but what about the pony, Daddy, hunh? ;D :laugh:
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I imagine she already claims all of Rich's horses as her own! ;) ;D
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I imagine she already claims all of Rich's horses as her own! ;) ;D
Yeah, she ain't gettin that ponly! LOL
She does think all the horses are hers though.
We lost one last night. She had a stroke and passed away in the night.
She was a sweet ole gal and Elizabeth is going to be upset. :(
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The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. ;D
Nobody can do that with a golf ball.
Why don't you light your...
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Exactly, Gary! Give that man a pony.
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Yeah, she ain't gettin that ponly! LOL
She does think all the horses are hers though.
We lost one last night. She had a stroke and passed away in the night.
She was a sweet ole gal and Elizabeth is going to be upset. :(
Aw, sorry for your (and Elizabeth's) loss.
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:D :D :D
Thanks for the offer of a pony, but actually I would prefer a guy who is... Oh, never mind. :-X :laugh:
I know...as long as he doesn't have gentle herpes.
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
You can say that twice and mean it.
This is a great idea folks, I could really see something like this happening, but how? We have the stories, they are all right here, how I wonder, do you do something like that.
I don't know. I think it is important and I would love to tell mine.
The church I am going to is a Methodist Church. Thier big denominational meeting is coming up. They are going to address the gay issue but instead of quoting scripture or using science they have decided to have the Members who are gay tell their stories. They want to make it personal. They want this not to be some big issue but somthing that effects individuals on an individual level. I think it's brilliant!
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Yeah, she ain't gettin that ponly! LOL
She does think all the horses are hers though.
We lost one last night. She had a stroke and passed away in the night.
She was a sweet ole gal and Elizabeth is going to be upset. :(
Oh, that's awful! I'm so sorry, Richard. :(
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I am sorry to hear about the horse you all lost. How old was she? Was she the Dessage horse?
I would hate to think about having to bury one, but I know you all have the equiptment to do it.
Strange how today everthing seems tied together.
You know there must be a lot of people with genital herpies. I can remember in the early 80s it was a big deal that got overshadowed by HIV. What always gets me is the conditions they put on the use of the product in those commercials. "Do not use is you have liver or kidney diease, nursing or expecting to be come pregnant or if you have open mouth sores, advanced HIV diease or the gout. Women should avoid handling the drug, Inform your doctor if you have ever had sex with more than 12 people in a 24 hour period....."
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Rich, sorry to hear about the horse! :'(
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Inform your doctor if you have ever had sex with more than 12 people in a 24 hour period....."
:o :o :o :o :o
-
And, on the topic of the word "dyke"... I think the issue of trying to "re-claim" the "c-word" is much the same. Although, I think "dyke" is much less offensive to begin with. Anyone who's familiar with the phenomenon of "Dyke March" pride parades will know that lots of lesbians have no problem at all with that word when using it themselves. I've actually participated in two Dyke Marches in Philly in the past. If a homophobic person uses the word "dyke" it's entirely a different matter, of course.
I see the reclaimation in the Vagina Monologues, which I have seen on DVD, and I could see the same thing being done offering our testamonies, in an effort to reclaim our place at the table, our personhoods, the name Queer, which I am actually quite forn of, now that no one has called me that in years and I have had time to think about it.
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For those of you who haven't seen it. There are lots of sections of it on Youtube. You
wont see the entire thing. But there is enough of it for people to get the idea of it. I think
they are mostly from college productions.
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I am sorry to hear about the horse you all lost. How old was she? Was she the Dessage horse?
I would hate to think about having to bury one, but I know you all have the equiptment to do it.
Strange how today everthing seems tied together.
You know there must be a lot of people with genital herpies. I can remember in the early 80s it was a big deal that got overshadowed by HIV. What always gets me is the conditions they put on the use of the product in those commercials. "Do not use is you have liver or kidney diease, nursing or expecting to be come pregnant or if you have open mouth sores, advanced HIV diease or the gout. Women should avoid handling the drug, Inform your doctor if you have ever had sex with more than 12 people in a 24 hour period....."
Donna was pretty old. She had a good life so I'm not too broken up over it.
Now maybe we can train Dancer. Donna was his Mamma and he was a Mammas boy. If he couldn't seeher he would go nuts.
COuldn't do a damn thing with him.
As to the herpes thing. It is said by the CDC that 1 in 4 sexually active people over the age of 12 have genital herpes. Some are asymptomatic and spread that shit all over. :o
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"Inform your doctor if you have ever had sex with more than 12 people in a 24 hour period....."
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
Maybe he'll give you a medal, or sumpin'. ...
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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You know there must be a lot of people with genital herpies. I can remember in the early 80s it was a big deal that got overshadowed by HIV. What always gets me is the conditions they put on the use of the product in those commercials. "Do not use is you have liver or kidney diease, nursing or expecting to be come pregnant or if you have open mouth sores, advanced HIV diease or the gout. Women should avoid handling the drug, Inform your doctor if you have ever had sex with more than 12 people in a 24 hour period....."
----------------------------------------------------
Holy shit. 12 people in a 24 hr period. Talk about gettin busy??? :-\ :-\
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Dyke I think is perfectly okay for lesbians to call themselves, but I am hesitant to use it. Kind of like African American and the version of the "N" word.
Dick is the word I was thinking about.
DooDoo I see nothing wrong with at all. My neice and nephews, then they were chaps, loved that word. And shit everyone uses the "S" word all the time. It is the irst word uttered in the movie version of BBM.
no they don't!!!
>:( >:( ;)
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And shit everyone uses the "S" word all the time. It is the irst word uttered in the movie version of BBM.
Wow...I've seen the film more than five times, yet your post made me "conscious" of this fact for the first time! I'd always had this perception of the movie's dialogue beginning with grumpy Aguirre, but you're absolutely right that the very first word we hear is uttered by grumpy Jack, and it's sure enough the tried and true "Shit!".
Anyone now notice that both the first and last words heard in the movie begin with the letter 'S'? Coincidence?
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you are comparing NOT cussing to homophobia???
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no they don't!!!
>:( >:( ;)
I left out the:
:laugh: ;)
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Anyone now notice that both the first and last words heard in the movie begin with the letter 'S'? Coincidence?
Shit. I never thought about that before, I swear!
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Shit. I never thought about that before, I swear!
:laugh: :laugh:
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I think an interesting exercize would be to compare homoseuality to a number of different things, like hoarding or procrastination.
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what?
???
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I think an interesting exercize would be to compare homoseuality to a number of different things, like hoarding or procrastination.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
U so crazy.
Like make analogies?
Homosexuality : Procrastination :: Hoarding : Liberty ;D
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Being gay is like hoarding, in the sense that you hoard your love for your best friend, or the guy you work with, or the man down the street, without ever giving it away. You keep it, and your beloved never knows.
Being gay is like procrastination, because you know you're gay long before you find the will to tell anyone. You know you should say something, but it never seems like the right time, so you tell yourself tomorrow I'll come out.
Wow -- those are good ones, Gary! I liked those. :)
Hmmmm.....make one for -- naps and sunshine.
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What if you only have sex with 11 people in a 24 hour period. Is it okay to not tell your doctor about it then?
I'm just asking.
If it's only 11 you don't need to worry about it. It's that 12th one that crosses the line. That is when you have completely gone over the top...........shame, shame, shame..........but yeah 11 is fine.
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Hmmmmmmmm.....I'm not sure Gary. That's a tough one. How would being gay be like a lunch box? I guess you open up the lunch box to see what is inside. That might be a starting point.
Gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe. Now I don't like when that happens. It's real bad in the summer when it gets stuck on there and stretches out each time you step.
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When you love a guy and he smiles at you, it's like sunshine being washed over your face, but if he dumps you it burns and blisters and you curse the very sunshine that used to warm your heart.
Damn, that is so true
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Good ones, Shasta. Nap stumped me for a bit, but here it goes...
Back when I was a teenager I used to watch the film "The Outsiders" over and over again because I was secretly in love with C. Thomas Howell who played Ponyboy Curtis, and loving him was like a nap because a nap is something that many people say isn't good for you, but in truth naps are delicious and refreshing, as was my affection for C. Thomas Howell.
When you love a guy and he smiles at you, it's like sunshine being washed over your face, but if he dumps you it burns and blisters and you curse the very sunshine that used to warm your heart.
Anybody else care to play? How is bein gay like a lunch box? How is it like getting gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe?
You are such a marvel, friend. :)
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Ponyboy was very sensitive. I know that Ponyboy and Johnny were like brothers, but when they were up at the church at Windrixville -- there may have been some undertones of a crush going on. In the book anyway.
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Ponyboy was very sensitive. I know that Ponyboy and Johnny were like brothers, but when they were up at the church at Windrixville -- there may have been some undertones of a crush going on. In the book anyway.
I always thought that too!
I think there were those types of undertones throughout the book.
I think Pony was crushing on Dallas too.
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quoting Gary: How is bein gay like a lunch box? How is it like getting gum stuck on the bottom of your shoe?
Lets see, a lunchbox and being gay is like you carry around what is important to you, what feeds you, and you keep it under wraps, in a sturdy metal container where it wil be safe.
Gum: It is like the tarbaby analogy, being gay might be something you feel like you steped into and it is not desired and you can't get it off your shoe, it is down deep in the treads and everthing you take a step it is noticible to all those around you.
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Okay what book are you all talking about with Ponyboy and Johnny? Sound inneresting.
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Okay what book are you all talking about with Ponyboy and Johnny? Sound inneresting.
The Outsiders by SE Hinton
It is in the teenfic section usually of the bookstore. That woman wrote several very good books about teen boys.
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I'll have to check and see if the libraray has it.
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any of her books are great. I liked Rumblefish the best myself but "That was then this is now" is a close second.
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Rumblefish has a character in it that I just loved....and yeah now that I think about it, there are some undertones of gay attraction in several characters in her books.
the character is the older brother....I can't remember his name right off hand. I remember his description though and how his father said he had been born in the wrong time....that in another time he would be a prince..
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I found a picture of the exact edition of The Outsiders I read as a kid! Boy, I loved this book. It was a coming-of-age kind of book, like A Separate Peace and To Kill a Mockingbird, also Catcher in the Rye.
(http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/01/ciu/fb/5f/7574a2c008a0f4ba0578c010._AA207_.L.jpg)
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Happy President's Day, President Truman!
(http://www.whitehousemuseum.org/floor2/truman-balcony-1948.jpg)
(The Truman Balcony)
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Anyone now notice that both the first and last words heard in the movie begin with the letter 'S'? Coincidence?
I had an insight Friday night that ties into this observation; I don't know if someone else may have shared it before, but even if that were the case, I think it would bear repeating.
It is this: Far more salient than the first and last words in the movie beginning with the same letter is the fact that they are both "swear" words...the last one literally so. The first swearing is uttered by Jack in Ennis's presence, before a trailer, while the last swearing is spoken by Ennis, inside a trailer, before totemic items that symbolically represent Jack's presence. One of those totemic items is Jack's blue shirt, the very one we see him wear when he is introduced on screen. Also, both swearings come out of emotional moments that are normally deemed "negative" in our culture--Jack's opening annoyance and frustration contrasted with Ennis's grief at the end.
All this strikes me as another vivid instance of the elegant bookending that is such a prominent yet understated feature of this great film. I wanted to put this out there in case others might find it interesting to think about.
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In any event, I would assume that it's a mere coincidence that first and last words of the film begin with the letter "S" and that they're both swearwords. Scott threw something out there, and I picked it up and ran with it.
I just came across these posts after submitting my own most recent one, so I see that others were thinking along similar lines. I think there really could be something to this; I tend to think that very little in this film is pure coincidence.
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I had an insight Friday night that ties into this observation; I don't know if someone else may have shared it before, but even if that were the case, I think it would bear repeating.
It is this: Far more salient than the first and last words in the movie beginning with the same letter is the fact that they are both "swear" words...the last one literally so. The first swearing is uttered by Jack in Ennis's presence, before a trailer, while the last swearing is spoken by Ennis, inside a trailer, before totemic items that symbolically represent Jack's presence. One of those totemic items is Jack's blue shirt, the very one we see him wear when he is introduced on screen. Also, both swearings come out of emotional moments that are normally deemed "negative" in our culture--Jack's opening annoyance and frustration contrasted with Ennis's grief at the end.
All this strikes me as another vivid instance of the elegant bookending that is such a prominent yet understated feature of this great film. I wanted to put this out there in case others might find it interesting to think about.
I love this newly-found bookend, Truman, gary and Scott. Has anyone thought of adding it to the bookends thread in the Open Forum? 8)
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Thank kew Jezus the meowing and rear end dancing has seased!
Crybaby is out of heat, and now ready to head to the vet for her shots and liberation from having to go thru that again.
She was back to her rambunctious self this morning. Waiting for me outside the bathroom, letting me start up the stairs and then shooting past me at full speed, into the living room, behind the piano, then into the kitchen where she rolled on her back and tugged at the dangling corner of the table cloth. She is a sight.
The wind is howling now, been getting stronger all day, the drafts shaking the leaves of the Peace Lilly, the windchimes working overtime. I love the sound of the wind. It acoustic corseness is perfect, scratching some itch I don't keep my mind on.
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Big brother, it is good to see you've survived Crybaby's heat!
:laugh:
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A funny story about being in heat. When my nephew was little they had a Siamese cat named Brandy. Brandy was in heat and meowing to the top of her lungs. My nephew asked my sister what was wrong that cat. My sister said she was in heat. She expected to have to give an explanation to him of what that meant, but he just said ok and went on. A couple days after that Brandy was still in heat and doing the same thing. My nephew once again asked what was wrong with the cat. My sister once again said she was in heat. My nephew said, "But it's not even hot in here."
I'm glad for you and Crybaby that her in heat session has ended. I sure am glad people don't act that way :laugh:
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Jack you are one crazy >> :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Can you just picture that. Oh my god,,,,,now that would be a riot.
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I sure am glad people don't act that way :laugh:
Oh, on second though, maybe I'll just....no comment :laugh:
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Jack, just how isolated is that cabin you live in? :P
ROFLMFAO!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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ROFLMFAO!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
pffft! I have seen it and you ain't got a FA to ROTFLO...
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pffft! I have seen it and you ain't got a FA to ROTFLO...
Ouch!!!!
Are you saying I have no ass???? :(
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I'm glad for you and Crybaby that her in heat session has ended. I sure am glad people don't act that way :laugh:
Hunh. I've known some gay men who come pretty damn close when they need to get laid. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Ouch!!!!
Are you saying I have no ass???? :(
No, she's just sayin' you ain't got a fat one. ... ;D
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No, she's just sayin' you ain't got a fat one. ... ;D
Oh Ok! LOL
Well Thank you!
However it could be a bit smaller.
The other day I thought I was being followed then I realized it was just my butt! :laugh:
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The other day I thought I was being followed then I realized it was just my butt! :laugh:
We have a quote of the day! :D
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Oh Ok! LOL
Well Thank you!
However it could be a bit smaller.
The other day I thought I was being followed then I realized it was just my butt! :laugh:
Carry some weight in the hams, hunh? Must be all that time you spend in the saddle. ... ;D
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The other day I thought I was being followed then I realized it was just my butt! :laugh:
We have a quote of the day! :D
this reminds me of a card I sent all my female friends a few years ago for Halloween.
Here is what it said....
Outside: It's Halloween! If something big and scary and monsterous chases you around all day, don't be afraid.....
Inside: It's just your butt!
:laugh:
I got sooooo many piss off phonecalls after that card was received....... :laugh:
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I need to find that card, I have some people who need to receive it! Anon. of course.
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When I was a kid and in elementary school we had the option of buying or renting our text books. The first few years my parents bought mine because they wanted me to have the best and after it did not thing to help my lackluster performce they started renting them.
In the 6th grade I had a Health Textbook that featured as story about Helen Keller and a picture of Helen with her hands on the lips of her teacher Annie Sullivan. Someone who had the book before me had drawn comic strip balloon for them, Helen says; "You have very smooth skin." Annie says: "My mother was a lesbian."
I thought that was a hoot. I still think thatis funny after 30 years. But now I wonder if the writer of this commentary was in fact acting out some situation on going in their life, perhaps their own mother was a lesbian, perhaps they were curious.
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Carry some weight in the hams, hunh? Must be all that time you spend in the saddle. ... ;D
I wish! I don't spend near enuff time in the saddle.
More like all time I spend sittin at my desk.
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In the 6th grade I had a Health Textbook that featured as story about Helen Keller and a picture of Helen with her hands on the lips of her teacher Annie Sullivan. Someone who had the book before me had drawn comic strip balloon for them, Helen says; "You have very smooth skin." Annie says: "My mother was a lesbian."
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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this reminds me of a card I sent all my female friends a few years ago for Halloween.
Here is what it said....
Outside: It's Halloween! If something big and scary and monsterous chases you around all day, don't be afraid.....
Inside: It's just your butt!
:laugh:
I got sooooo many piss off phonecalls after that card was received....... :laugh:
Reminds me of a birthday card I sent a friend a few years ago. There was a picture of a birthday cake placed on a toilet seat, and the text went something like, "Why is having too many birthdays like having too many beers?" "Because in both cases you could fall and break something in a horrible bathroom accident."
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In the 6th grade I had a Health Textbook that featured as story about Helen Keller and a picture of Helen with her hands on the lips of her teacher Annie Sullivan.
The image you shared here, Truman, of Helen and Annie is so beautiful...in fact, I don't believe I have seen it before.
Helen Keller is such a gentle, beautiful soul...one of my true heroes. She expressed herself with such exquisite sensitivity, all the more remarkable from arising out of such deprivation. She wrote of how death did not separate herself ever from her loved ones--all she had to do was turn her thoughts to them, and she could feel their living presence in her world. We could all still learn so much from this remarkable woman who was a great teacher in her own right.
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She wrote of how death did not separate herself ever from her loved ones--all she had to do was turn her thoughts to them, and she could feel their living presence in her world.
That is very interesting owing to how she preceived the world, being deaf and blind her other senses would attempt to compensate.
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I've been fortunate to see several movies lately. The other night I saw the 1970s version of Murder on the Orient Express, featuring Jacqueline Bissett, who many years later protrayed Lila in Latter Days. That inspector Poirot is a real onion pealer.
But one I feel I really must recomment as a must see is the 1958 classic Vertigo, starring Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak. If you are enamoured with San Francisco as I am you will love this glimps into the era of big cars and plenty of parking places, and the story will have you guessinging right to the end. It holds up very well after 50 years.
It is a Hitchcock masterpiece. See if you can spot him.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trDqSL_RAsY[/youtube]
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I've been fortunate to see several movies lately. The other night I saw the 1970s version of Murder on the Orient Express, featuring Jacqueline Bissett, who many years later protrayed Lila in Latter Days. That inspector Poirot is a real onion pealer.
How come nobody ever told me Jacqueline Bisset is in Latter Days? I love Jacqueline Bisset!
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How come nobody ever told me Jacqueline Bisset is in Latter Days? I love Jacqueline Bisset!
Sorry!
I didn't know who she was.
I recognize the name but thats it.
Was she the restraunteur?
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Yep Richard, that was her. I loved it when she told the Mormon boy, So your religion doesn't allow drinking and it doesn't like homosexuals. Well, I'm definitely not joining. :laugh:
That was a classic line!
What a great movie!
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How come nobody ever told me Jacqueline Bisset is in Latter Days? I love Jacqueline Bisset!
:laugh: :laugh: How come you never seen Latter Days? :laugh: :laugh:
Mary Kay Place is in it too. :)
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:laugh: :laugh: How come you never seen Latter Days? :laugh: :laugh:
Mary Kay Place is in it too. :)
Who is that? The Mamma?
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Who is that? The Mamma?
Sure enough. "He won your soul for a lousy fifty dollars!"
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Sure enough. "He won your soul for a lousy fifty dollars!"
Oh man!
reading that I heard her saying it and it hit hard.
Man, what some "good Christian" people say.
I bet Jesus weeps at some of the people who do and say crap like that in his name.
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:laugh: :laugh: How come you never seen Latter Days? :laugh: :laugh:
Why would I want to see a movie about Mormon homosexuals (or is it homosexual Mormons)?
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Why would I want to see a movie about Mormon homosexuals (or is it homosexual Mormons)?
Only one was a Mormon.
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Weel, a picture is worth a thousand words they say, plus it is a good story.
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Why would I want to see a movie about Mormon homosexuals (or is it homosexual Mormons)?
Well, I have heard some good things about it, just like a little picture I know involving a homophobic homosexual ranch hand and the homosexual rodeo cowboy who loved him.
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And Jeff, Truman is right, Latter Days is a good story. It's about two young men. One is an out gay boy who is into partying and getting laid as often as he can. The other boy is Mormon and he comes to town on his mission. He lives with a group of other Mormon boys next door to the gay guy. Sparks fly and they soon fall for each other. The gay guy teaches the Mormon boy that he should think for himself and be himself. And the Mormon boy teaches the gay guy that there's more to life than getting screwed by a different guy every night. It's beautiful, and romantic, and I think you'd love it.
In other words it's a story of the Mormon boy's coming out? I'm sure it's very nice, I've heard lots of good reports of it, but, frankly, I'm over coming out stories.
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Why would I want to see a movie about Mormon homosexuals (or is it homosexual Mormons)?
because it was really good! I had never seen it beore, but Tru played it when I was in Verginny, and I really loved it.
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In other words it's a story of the Mormon boy's coming out? I'm sure it's very nice, I've heard lots of good reports of it, but, frankly, I'm over coming out stories.
Well I loved it. It really spoke to me.
But, I'm at very different place in the journey than you are my friend!!
I think you would like it but I can understand why it wouldn't hold a lot of interest for ya! ;D
:-*
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Wow, thanks!
I did not know about that Latter Days! Love that clip and I want to see more!
Is it an two hours movie or a serie on TV??
Hugs!
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it's a movie, Artiste.
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Thanks!
Where can I get it?
Hugs!
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You can order it on TLA .com...............
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I have it, but I haven't watched it yet. I still like coming out stories.
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I keep hearing that Big Eden is the movie to see, and I am longing to see it soon. I recently saw Shelter and really liked it but it was a bit lightweight for me.
Wasn't there a Mormon boy in Angels in America too?
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Hola Truman,
¿Qué tal tu día?
Un abrazo :D
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Hola Truman,
¿Qué tal tu día?
Un abrazo :D
Me dia es bueno, y tu?
uUn abraza ;D
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I keep hearing that Big Eden is the movie to see, and I am longing to see it soon. I recently saw Shelter and really liked it but it was a bit lightweight for me.
I want to see that movie that has the wooly mammoths in it. ;D
And the one about Anne Boleyn's sister, which has Eric Bana in it. ;D
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I want to see that movie that has the wooly mammoths in it. ;D
And the one about Anne Boleyn's sister, which has Eric Bana in it. ;D
The problem I have with Eric Bana is that I can't concentrate on the actual movie when he is on screen. He's sooo hot!!!!
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I want to see that movie that has the wooly mammoths in it. ;D
Was that 1,000,000 BC or something? It looked interesting.
*Runs to google Eric Bana*
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Yes, law I would have the same problem Natali! :P
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Yes, law I would have the same problem Natali! :P
He is so hot. Did you see Munich? Oh God! I had to see it twice to find out what the movie was about!
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He is so hot. Did you see Munich? Oh God! I had to see it twice to find out what the movie was about!
I have been meaning to watch Munich, I will add that to my netflix queue.
The Shelter movie was made in 2003 and had a character in it that was a hustler? There were three different ones when I searched for it.
Over the weekend I went to a used book store and picked up some used ones cheap:
The Hours (a must see)
The Brylcreeme Boys (Have no idea, liked the title)
Long Time Companion
Gods and Monsters
Pi
and I also watched Evening (liked it, the book was better) and Fur, which is a fictionalized account of the life of Diane Arbus that couldn't hold my interest.
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Yes, law I would have the same problem Natali! :P
Well, for some reason or other, the quote didn't include the picture >:( , but that snapshot is from Troy. Eric Bana is the reason I bought that movie on DVD for my collection. Not only is he so hot, he's downright heartbreaking as Hector (anyone who knows the story of the Iliad will know why). (Brad Pitt is good for a laugh as Achilles. ...)
Over the weekend I went to a used book store and picked up some used ones cheap:
The Hours (a must see)
The Brylcreeme Boys (Have no idea, liked the title)
Long Time Companion
Gods and Monsters
Pi
and I also watched Evening (liked it, the book was better) and Fur, which is a fictionalized account of the life of Diane Arbus that couldn't hold my interest.
LTC is an early, important, but very sad film. Gods and Monsters is very good.
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Tru and Jeff - ;D :laugh:
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*sneaks up behind big brother Truman.....*
*aaaand.........*
Truman>>>(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/pie.gif)<<<Chuckie
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Let us know how The Brylcreme Boys turns out.
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Let us know how The Brylcreme Boys turns out.
Are they any relation to the Jersey Boys? ;D
I guess a little dab'll do'em. ;D
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Lard, I am trying to rememory, I think if you couldn;t afford Brylcreem you would use Vitalis. My daddy had a bottle in the medicine cabinet, and not hair to put it on! ::)
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Lard, I am trying to rememory, I think if you couldn;t afford Brylcreem you would use Vitalis. My daddy had a bottle in the medicine cabinet, and not hair to put it on! ::)
lmao! My dad used Vitalis a few times, I remember seeing that bottle when I was very young.
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I have been meaning to watch Munich, I will add that to my netflix queue.
The Shelter movie was made in 2003 and had a character in it that was a hustler? There were three different ones when I searched for it.
Over the weekend I went to a used book store and picked up some used ones cheap:
The Hours (a must see)
The Brylcreeme Boys (Have no idea, liked the title)
Long Time Companion
Gods and Monsters
Pi
and I also watched Evening (liked it, the book was better) and Fur, which is a fictionalized account of the life of Diane Arbus that couldn't hold my interest.
I watched Longtime Companion just a few weeks ago...because of you, Truman. Didn't you write about seeing that back when it came out? It was very very good but really shook me up. I couldn't stop thinking about it for a few days.
I also watched Gods and Monsters a few weeks ago, too, in one my my first "simulcasts" with Louise. It was terrific--really excellent. I want to see it again.
L
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Yes Leslie, it was, in my comming to terms thread, which I had moved over to Safe Have because I thought it might do more good there.
I am tickled to have a copy. It was the first time I saw gay people portrayed as regular people, and inspite of the tradgey of the early HIV epidempic which was the primary focus of the story I came away with such a hopeful feeling for my own life.
The Post Mortem Bar, hell, lets not wait that long.
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Truman, I got the first season of Queer as Folk off Ebay for $10.
my review:
TOO much cussing (what a lot of POTTY mouths!!) and boy there are a lotta nekkid hineys....
glad I didn't try to watch it WITH the boys....I woulda died...
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I have enjoyed QAF, and remember at the time how OMG I was over it, and now I am just like...."nobody is like that!" In fact I think it enforces some stereotypes I don;t particulatily care for.
But damn, a roll in the sheet with Gale Harold! You Bet!
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I have enjoyed QAF, and remember at the time how OMG I was over it, and now I am just like...."nobody is like that!" In fact I think it enforces some stereotypes I don;t particulatily care for.
But damn, a roll in the sheet with Gale Harold! You Bet!
which one is he? I know Michael, Brian and Justin so far...
that Justin is a brat....Don woulda whupped his behind for talking like that!!
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which one is he? I know Michael, Brian and Justin so far...
that Justin is a brat....Don woulda whupped his behind for talking like that!!
Gale Harold is Brian, and I have never cared for Justin as a character, he is just, a child and in the whole course of the series never really developes that much.
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yep Brian is cute....but I like the Michael character the best so far...
don't like his mom though...
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TOO much cussing (what a lot of POTTY mouths!!)
Well, that sounds true to life. :-\
and boy there are a lotta nekkid hineys....
Shouldn't that read, "there are a lotta nekkid boy hineys"? ;D
Maybe I oughta check this series out after all. ???
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Well, that sounds true to life. :-\
Shouldn't that read, "there are a lotta nekkid boy hineys"? ;D
Maybe I oughta check this series out after all. ???
well yes you are right....I have not seen ONE nekkid girl hiney...
oh and LOTS of simulated sex. (I ASSUME it is simulated!!) :o
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I saw a few episodes of QAF, it did nothing for me.
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Well, that sounds true to life. :-\
Shouldn't that read, "there are a lotta nekkid boy hineys"? ;D
Maybe I oughta check this series out after all. ???
well I don't think it is very true to life (considering my extensive knowledge of gay culture.. ::) ) but heck neither is any of the straight drama series..."Dallas" for example, I don't know anyone that lives like that...
it can be interesting but like I said too much cussing for me...(sometimes these cable shows cuss just to be cussing)
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I think a certain amount of QAFs appeal is its shock value. And a big part of it is the hot bodies, but they did try to address real issues too. Uncle Vic has HIV, and other things (won't spoil it for you).
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too much cussing for me
That's what I said sounded true to gay life, not the rest of it.
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And a big part of it is the hot bodies.
Hell, a big part of television, period, is hot bodies.
Ignoring reality shows, when was the last time you saw a drama on TV with a fat, ugly person for the main character? Even when a show does have someone like that as its main figure, there is usually a hunky sidekick.
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Hell, a big part of television, period, is hot bodies.
Ignoring reality shows, when was the last time you saw a drama on TV with a fat, ugly person for the main character? Even when a show does have someone like that as its main figure, there is usually a hunky sidekick.
The last one that comes to mind.....Cannon, with William Conrad, which I think debuted in 1971.
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Hello! Roseanne, anyone??
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Hello! Roseanne, anyone??
I specified drama. Roseanne was a comedy--at least, I always understood it to be a sitcom. I never watched it.
The last one that comes to mind.....Cannon, with William Conrad, which I think debuted in 1971.
Tru, Cannon was exactly what I had in mind when I wrote that last post. It ran 1971-1976. I could not determine from IMDb if William Conrad had a hunky sidekick in that show, and even though we watched it at my house, it was too long ago for me to remember.
However, William Conrad had two series after Cannon. Nero Wolfe ran for only six episodes in 1981--but Cannon had the hunky Lee Horsley for a sidekick. Jake and the Fatman ran 1987-1992, and in that show Conrad had the hunky Joe Penney for a sidekick.
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A sitcom and not a very funny one...OK, drama, back to the drawing board... ;)
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Hows about James Gondolfini from The Sopranos? or Vincent D'Onofrio from Law & Order:CI? And William Shatner has put on lots of weight and is still on Boston Legal. Of course, I think Vincent D'Onofrio is one of the hottest guys around, IMO...but in comparison to most 'Hollywood' types he's overweight.
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The Biggest Loser
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The Biggest Loser
There is certainly drama there!
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The Biggest Loser
That's a reality show. Again, I said, "Ignoring reality shows." And doesn't that show feature a hunky trainer, anyway? ;D
Since Lynne thinks Vincent D'Onofrio is hot, she may have answered her own question. ;D But, there again, too, I said "fat and ugly." Vincent D'Onoforio could maybe afford to lose a few pounds, but I think he's quite nice-looking.
The Sopranos might be the exception to prove the rule. I didn't specify that a show couldn't be on a paid premium channel or network. ;D But it seems to me even The Sopranos had at least one young hottie as an important character; I think he was Tony's nephew and got knocked off, but I can't remember the actor's name. I refuse to pay for premium channels that I don't need, so I've never seen The Sopranos.
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I've never seen The Sopranos.
I have seen one episode since it let TV and was amazed at the level of violence. Didn't bother me, it just amazed me.
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Has anyone seen the British version?
I have only seen a clip of it, I understand it was a miniseries of a few episodes.
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The Sopranos might be the exception to prove the rule. I didn't specify that a show couldn't be on a paid premium channel or network. ;D But it seems to me even The Sopranos had at least one young hottie as an important character; I think he was Tony's nephew and got knocked off, but I can't remember the actor's name.* I refuse to pay for premium channels that I don't need, so I've never seen The Sopranos.
Michael Imperioli. His name came to me while I was away from my desk, eating lunch. ;D
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You can get The Sopranos on DVD, Jeff. Blockbuster has it, so you wouldn't even have to buy the DVD's. It was a very good show. And so was Six Feet Under, another HBO series. Six Feet Under had a couple of gay characters, BTW.
Tell you what, these shows get talked about so much that anyone who simply pays attention to what is going on in the entertainment world doesn't actually need to see them. Neither show really interests me. I'm more into police procedurals.
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If they don't interest you, that's okay. But this stuff about not needing to watch because you can listen to what other people are saying about those shows is not true. ::) :laugh:
Did you know that one of the characters in Six Feet Under was a gay cop? And there was a procedural aspect to the show, too. But it involved the funeral business and not crime solving. :P
Have you seen Third Man Out or Shock to the System with Chad Allen? They're like episodes of Murder She Wrote with a gay lead character. Chad Allen plays a gay P.I. in the series.
Never heard of the Chad Allen stuff. I assume those shows are on a premium channel, and I've established that I refuse to pay for channels I don't need.
As for the rest, none of it is news to me, so I have to disagree with you that it's "not true" that I don't have to watch these shows. I'm standing by what I said about not necessarily needing to see these shows to know what they are about. None of what you've mentioned concerning Six Feet Under is news to me, and I've never seen a single episode. I'm going to be charitable and assume I just wasn't clear. I knew all about the gay aspects of Six Feet Under, cop and all, just from watching the Today show every morning and from reading the Philadelphia Gay News every week. I don't need to know any more than that.
And the last time I saw a picture of Chad Allen, he was looking a little scrawny. I guess pretty boys don't always grow up to be handsome men.
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Okay, moving right along, I got Cruising from Netflicks today. Will be watching it tonight probably. Have you all ever seen it?
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It's true that you don't need to see The Sopranos or Six Feet Under, but reading a few facts about them in a newspaper is not the same thing as actually seeing those shows for yourself anymore than reading posts at Bettermost replaces seeing BBM.
No, it doesn't. But that wasn't my point.
I thought maybe you'd like a bit of viewing pleasure the next time you ate a large bowl of glass. :P
Does that come with fries? ;D
Okay, moving right along, I got Cruising from Netflicks today. Will be watching it tonight probably. Have you all ever seen it?
Shit! I forgot Cruising was out on DVD. Thanks for the reminder. I saw it on video a l-o-o-o-n-g time ago. There was a discussion about it last fall, I think. Check the Cultural Tent, maybe? Or maybe Current Events?
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Truman, just popping in to say you are a good moderator.
Sad news, Friends, our friend moremojo has deleted his account. If you would like to maintain contact with him, let me know VIA PM that you want me to pass your email address on to him. I know that a lot of the people who frequent this thread consider him a friend, as do I.
Clarissa
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It is very sad news, Clarissa. I'll miss reading Scott's gentle and thoughtful posts here at Bettermost a great deal.
me too.
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That is sad news. :( I wish him well.
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Truman, just popping in to say you are a good moderator.
Sad news, Friends, our friend moremojo has deleted his account. If you would like to maintain contact with him, let me know VIA PM that you want me to pass your email address on to him. I know that a lot of the people who frequent this thread consider him a friend, as do I.
Clarissa
I knew he was thinking about leaving but after seeing him posting again I thought he changed his mind. I will sure miss him and his posts. :(
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Thanks for the great picture of Scott, Truman. :)
Hey Gary,
I have to catch myself, I think he had posted that photo before, but then I got to thinking I got it somewhere else. I have deleted it until I have his permission, which I should have done in the first place. Sorry.
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Hey Gary,
I have to catch myself, I think he had posted that photo before, but then I got to thinking I got it somewhere else. I have deleted it until I have his permission, which I should have done in the first place. Sorry.
If I remember correctly, I think he posted it in the How do we look like anyway? thread on Chez Tremblay (I could be wrong). He also had his photo on his avatar, but yes asking him is a good idea.
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If I remember correctly, I think he posted it in the How do we look like anyway? thread on Chez Tremblay (I could be wrong). He also had his photo on his avatar, but yes asking him is a good idea.
I agree, he deleted several of his posts before leaving.
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Clarrissa thank you for thinking I am a good moderator, and Natali thank you for being a good friend and connection to a world that is alien to me but should not. Gary, thank you for being a courageous man who has not fear about sharing himself. Jess, thank you for being a good mother, a responcible player in your own family/world and sharing that with us. Janice, thank you for sharing and showing by example, how love should be given. Katie, same for you, both you ladies come from a place of loss and inhabit a world where there is beauty to appreciate and nurture. Lynne, thank you for everything. You are like WD-40 whereever you go. I think that riding with you on Highway 1 in Alberta last summer was one of the most cathartic experences I have ever had. Chuck and Rich, if you don't stop picking on each other I m going to send you both to bed with out any supper. Karen, thank you for worriying about your friends, they appreciate it in their own way. Lee, thank you for having a vision, thank you for your steadfast adhearance to the thruth this story has brought your life. Paul, Thank you for watching that PBS special on Charles Shultz, and calling to tell me ;) . I saved that message a long time. You are a good friend. Jeff, thankyou for sharing and offering your well reasoned views. I don't drink Scotch but when I hear it I think of you. Kelda, who is not Scotch, thank you for bring a continuing presence in my life and world and sharing your adventures.
And to both my Scotts, :-* :-*
This community is the world I cannot have in my real life. I have something like it, but it never felt as real and as connected as this. Lets us all keep trying, no matter where our paths take us. Lets us all be. Let be.
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:-* :-* :-*
you are a sweetheart.
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Chuck and Rich, if you don't stop picking on each other I m going to send you both to bed with out any supper.
but....but....but *points at Rich* He started it!
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This community is the world I cannot have in my real life. I have something like it, but it never felt as real and as connected as this. Lets us all keep trying, no matter where our paths take us. Lets us all be. Let be.
(((((Truman)))))
The experiences I've had meeting the members of DCF and BM have been the tops in the past two years. They've been great, positive things, and I look forward to more, many more!
Truman, big brother, I love you!
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;D Chuck!
I have been thinking about doing this for so long I wonder if I have already done it.
Here is a plug for my cousin who has a CD out, Alt-Country, he ain't half bad.
http://www.willadamsmusic.com/
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;D Chuck!
I have been thinking about doing this for so long I wonder if I have already done it.
Here is a plug for my cousin who has a CD out, Alt-Country, he ain't half bad.
http://www.willadamsmusic.com/
he's kinda cute there...
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looks good, sounds good! ;D
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(http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q186/southendmd/misc/CharlieBrownandSnoopy.jpg)
Happiness is...having a good friend. :-*
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And by night, a silvery moon.
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Jeff, thankyou for sharing and offering your well reasoned views. I don't drink Scotch but when I hear it I think of you.
Awww. ...
Jesus H., what put you in such a pensive mood? You all right? ???
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Awww. ...
Jesus H., what put you in such a pensive mood? You all right? ???
Well if you must know, Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat. :laugh:
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Lynne, thank you for everything. You are like WD-40 whereever you go. I think that riding with you on Highway 1 in Alberta last summer was one of the most cathartic experences I have ever had.
...
This community is the world I cannot have in my real life. I have something like it, but it never felt as real and as connected as this. Lets us all keep trying, no matter where our paths take us. Lets us all be. Let be.
It doesn't get better than being compared to lubricant by a gay man (or a woman approaching menopause)... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
My seanachie; our seanachie.
But seriously, thank you. I appreciate you more than words can say. I may have to try another haiku. ;). It's strange to think that two years ago I didn't know you were on this planet, yet today I cannot imagine my world without you in it.
You give so much of yourself, selflessly. You've taught me much about how to see the world around me, to look for the little quirks that make everyday life interesting and funny, about how to listen between the lines.
They don't come better than you, brother, friend, lover (in that pure asexual sense ;)).
I treasure you.
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Well if you must know, Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat. :laugh:
Hunh? ???
My seanachie; our seanachie.
Sean who? ???
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This is only one of your many gifts, friend. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.
From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seanachie
"A seanachie (pronounced "shan-a-key" or "shawn-a-key") is a traditional Irish story teller. Alternatate spellings include seanachaí, senachaí, senachie and shanachie. The word is an anglicized form of the Irish language seanachaidh or seanchuidh. It comes from the Irish words "seanachas" or "seanchus" meaning "history" or "lore".
The traditional art
Seanachie utilized a variety of storytelling conventions, styles of speech and gestures that were peculiar to the Irish folk tradition and characterized them as practitioners of this particular folk art. Although tales from literary sources found their way into seanachie's repertoires, a traditional characteristic of the seanachie was the way in which a large corpus of tales was passed from one practitioner to another without having been written down.
Because of their role as custodians of an indigenous non-literary tradition, the seanachie are widely acknowledged to have inherited the role of the fili of pre-Christian Ireland. However, unlike that of their ancient predecessors, the seanachie’s role was informal.
Some seanachie were itinerant travelers who went from one community to another offering their skills in exchange for food and temporary shelter. Others were members of a settled community and might be called "village storytellers."
The distinctive role and craft of the seanachie is particularly associated with the Gaeltacht, but storytellers recognizable as seanachie were found in rural areas throughout English-speaking Ireland as well. In their storytelling, some displayed archaic Hiberno-English idiom and vocabulary that would be out of place in ordinary conversation."
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But seriously, thank you. I appreciate you more than words can say. I may have to try another haiku. . It's strange to think that two years ago I didn't know you were on this planet, yet today I cannot imagine my world without you in it.
You give so much of yourself, selflessly. You've taught me much about how to see the world around me, to look for the little quirks that make everyday life interesting and funny, about how to listen between the lines.
You can say that as many times as you want and mean it!
Truer words were never spoken!
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Well if you must know, Leinenkugel's Sunset Wheat. :laugh:
Hunh? ???
Here ya go, Jeff:
(http://beeradvocate.com/im/articles/699-1.jpg)
"Puts you in a pensive mood."
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Here ya go, Jeff:
(http://beeradvocate.com/im/articles/699-1.jpg)
"Puts you in a pensive mood."
Thanks! It sounded rather like a multigrain bread that was good for something else. ...
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I like Blue Moon myself!
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I like Blue Moon myself!
That's good stuff:
(http://www.bgstailgate.com/MySpace_Layouts/blue_moon.bmp)
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They don't come better than you, brother, friend, lover (in that pure asexual sense ;)).
I treasure you.
I treasure you too Lynne, I wish we lived closer together, wish I had come to see you in Tennessee.
I remember when I first met you at the Cooledge Theater in Brookline, Massachusetts, it was like seeing an old friend again.
I remember your head lights coming around Jaybees' curve that night, 18 December 2006, that was so cool you came and hung out with me.
Them Druids just disapeared after that.
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It doesn't get better than being compared to lubricant by a gay man (or a woman approaching menopause)... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
My seanachie; our seanachie.
But seriously, thank you. I appreciate you more than words can say. I may have to try another haiku. ;). It's strange to think that two years ago I didn't know you were on this planet, yet today I cannot imagine my world without you in it.
You give so much of yourself, selflessly. You've taught me much about how to see the world around me, to look for the little quirks that make everyday life interesting and funny, about how to listen between the lines.
They don't come better than you, brother, friend, lover (in that pure asexual sense ;)).
I treasure you.
what she said...
*Jess shamelessly riding Lynne's coattail...*
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what she said...
*Jess shamelessly riding Lynne's coattail...*
Well the are worthy coattails for sure.
"It doesn't get better than being compared to lubricant by a gay man "
You know, that may just find a place of the refridgerator........... :) ;) ;D :D :laugh:
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That's a reality show. Again, I said, "Ignoring reality shows." And doesn't that show feature a hunky trainer, anyway? ;D
I agree about Joe Penney, but I don't think the guy on The Biggest Loser is a hunky trainer. He reminds me of Richard Simmons' brother for some reason. Or are you talking about Gillian :D
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Okay, moving right along, I got Cruising from Netflicks today. Will be watching it tonight probably. Have you all ever seen it?
I saw it way back when it first came out. It was pretty disturbing to me at the time, but I'm not sure what I would think of it now. Doesn't a gay guy get murdered at the beginning of it?
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I agree about Joe Penney, but I don't think the guy on The Biggest Loser is a hunky trainer. He reminds me of Richard Simmons' brother for some reason. Or are you talking about Gillian :D
I've never watched the show. I don't know who Gillian is. I just remember seeing a commercial once that showed a hunky guy putting fat people through their paces.
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Clarrissa thank you for thinking I am a good moderator, and Natali thank you for being a good friend and connection to a world that is alien to me but should not. Gary, thank you for being a courageous man who has not fear about sharing himself. Jess, thank you for being a good mother, a responcible player in your own family/world and sharing that with us. Janice, thank you for sharing and showing by example, how love should be given. Katie, same for you, both you ladies come from a place of loss and inhabit a world where there is beauty to appreciate and nurture. Lynne, thank you for everything. You are like WD-40 whereever you go. I think that riding with you on Highway 1 in Alberta last summer was one of the most cathartic experences I have ever had. Chuck and Rich, if you don't stop picking on each other I m going to send you both to bed with out any supper. Karen, thank you for worriying about your friends, they appreciate it in their own way. Lee, thank you for having a vision, thank you for your steadfast adhearance to the thruth this story has brought your life. Paul, Thank you for watching that PBS special on Charles Shultz, and calling to tell me ;) . I saved that message a long time. You are a good friend. Jeff, thankyou for sharing and offering your well reasoned views. I don't drink Scotch but when I hear it I think of you. Kelda, who is not Scotch, thank you for bring a continuing presence in my life and world and sharing your adventures.
And to both my Scotts, :-* :-*
This community is the world I cannot have in my real life. I have something like it, but it never felt as real and as connected as this. Lets us all keep trying, no matter where our paths take us. Lets us all be. Let be.
:'( :'( :'(
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Just joking. I'm not here that much :laugh:
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"Puts you in a pensive mood."
What a great beer slogan! :)
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"Puts you in a pensive mood."
What a great beer slogan! :)
"The thinking man's beer"?
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I saw it way back when it first came out. It was pretty disturbing to me at the time, but I'm not sure what I would think of it now. Doesn't a gay guy get murdered at the beginning of it?
Yeah it starts out with an arm in the East River. YUK.
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:'( :'( :'(
And thank you Jack for not holding a grude when I have so many friends I can;t name them all.
I think it is time for a trip to the Biltmore House, don't cha think?
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I love the Biltmore house. It's so beautiful. When my Dad toured the house and gardens I remember him saying, "This must be what heaven is like," so I hope he and Mother have their very own Biltmore now. :D
I liked the bar at the winery, too. Those waiters were hot. :P
I googled the Baltimore House and I have to say that's hardly a house but a castle!!! Is it a hotel or something?
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I googled the Baltimore House and I have to say that's hardly a house but a castle!!! Is it a hotel or something?
I think it was originally a summer home for one of the Vanderbilts, but Truman probably knows better than I do.
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I think it was originally a summer home for one of the Vanderbilts, but Truman probably knows better than I do.
I think actually it was the Vanderbilts summer place, but Cornelius didn't get to enjoy the 125,000 acres very long because he died. Most of the acerage became Pisgah National Forest and his heir still own the house and 8,000 acres, but they have been trying to sell it the past few years.
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Yes it was actually their summer house believe it or not. It is definitely more of a castle than a house. It is truly a remarkable place, but I cannot imagine living in it as a private home. Being on one side of it would be like being in a different city if you were there with someone. The saying goes is that George could look from the back porch and know that he owned everything in sight which as Truman indicates is now the Pisgah National Forest. It really reminds me more of a hotel and I once saw on eBay where someone was advertising a postcard of it as "The Biltmore Hotel." The Vanderbilts main house was in Manhattan. When I was in NYC this past summer the guide on the Gray Line pointed out where the Vanderbilts lived. You could definitely see the resemblance although the Biltmore House looks much larger. The winery used to be where the cows lived that produced Biltmore milk.
And Gary I hope your parents do have their own Biltmore!!!
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So I googled the Vanderblit. I'm not too familiar with rich folks history. According to Wikipedia Anderson Cooper is a descendant of the Vanderbilt. His mama is Gloria Vanderbilt. I know her name from the perfume but I had no idea he is her son.
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Yes, Gloria was the subject of a horribly nasty divorce in the 1930s, her mother was accused of being a lesbian.
She had two sons, and lived, may still live, on the upper east side near Karl Schurz park and the Gracie Mansion where the mayor lives. One of her sons committed suicide by jumping out the window. A friend of mine from college lived nearby and told me all about it.
And Anderson Cooper, we're just waiting for him to step out of the closet. He is slipped up a few times on air before.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZioEg_XDBw[/youtube]
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Yes, Gloria was the subject of a horribly nasty divorce in the 1930s, her mother was accused of being a lesbian.
She had two sons, and lived, may still live, on the upper east side near Karl Schurz park and the Gracie Mansion where the mayor lives. One of her sons committed suicide by jumping out the window. A friend of mine from college lived nearby and told me all about it.
And Anderson Cooper, we're just waiting for him to step out of the closet. He is slipped up a few times on air before.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZioEg_XDBw[/youtube]
Gawker website has been trying to out him for a while. People keep sending pictures of Anderson and his boyfriend and they use it as evidence but nothing has been definite so far.
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that house, seems to be built in a way that would allow the most amount of light to
enter. It seems that with all those front extensions and all the wonderful windows on each floor.
There would be an endless supply of light, as long as three was light available from outside.
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It is quite awesome Janice. I guess they knew about letting light in way back there. I wish you could see the house one day. If it is up for sale, maybe you could buy it ;)
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Just yesterday morning they let me know you were gone
Suzanne the plans they made put an end to you
I walked out this morning and I wrote down this song
I just can't remember who to send it to
--James Taylor
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-T35WXFOmwI[/youtube]
http://www.etext.org/Zines/Kudzu/library/essays/Adkins-Pilgrimage.html
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Where Eagles Soar..................Carolyn Southworth
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When I was young, and went to concerts, people would hold their lit cigarette lighters over their heads, those who were able to do so, and sway back and forth to the music.
Now the crowd I hand with is older, like me, they no longer search us going in, they now sell us beer once we get inside.
And when the music starts, they reach into their pockets, pull out their cell phone, and hold them aloft, and sway back and forth to the music.
They always remind me of lightin' bugs.
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just as long as they don't start talking about that distinctive odor wafting thru the crowd...
cause you know someone SOMEWHERE is gonna be sneaking some BenGay up in there....all that standing and dancing makes for sore joints....
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A while back I heard about a Van Halen reunion tour, they were talking to eddie I think and he said "man we suck".
There was a book of poems I had once by Leon Tewksberry or Shrewsberry or something like that called "The Drifting Away of All We Once Held Essential". Wish I could find that thing.
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A while back I heard about a Van Halen reunion tour, they were talking to eddie I think and he said "man we suck".
There was a book of poems I had once by Leon Tewksberry or Shrewsberry or something like that called "The Drifting Away of All We Once Held Essential". Wish I could find that thing.
http://www.amazon.com/Drifting-Away-Leon-Stokesbury/dp/0938626523/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204590766&sr=1-8 (http://www.amazon.com/Drifting-Away-Leon-Stokesbury/dp/0938626523/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204590766&sr=1-8)
Leon Stokesbury?
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http://www.amazon.com/Drifting-Away-Leon-Stokesbury/dp/0938626523/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204590766&sr=1-8 (http://www.amazon.com/Drifting-Away-Leon-Stokesbury/dp/0938626523/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1204590766&sr=1-8)
Leon Stokesbury?
Lard Gawd that is it! I even thought of Stokesbury but was like nah, that was the town my daddy was borned in! Thank kew, Jess!
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Lard Gawd that is it! I even thought of Stokesbury but was like nah, that was the town my daddy was borned in! Thank kew, Jess!
;D ;D
you are welcome!!
:-*
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When I was a child we had a drive in in a nearby town called Rumley's. It was a tiny free standing hole in the wall that in its original incarnation had two plywood booths and shelves bulging with candy and cough medicine and St. Joseph's Aspirin and around the ceiling a shelf that held dozens of dusty and greasy trophies from the Connie Mack baseball team they sponsored every year. It was one of these places that the sign out front said "ABC On/Off", meaning they had a license from the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Board to sell beer for consumption on the premises and to purchase and carry off the premises for consumption.
I can remember that it was the summer of 1974, and I would put the date within 30 days prior to the resignation of the infamous U.S. President, Richard M. Nixon. On a Saturday evening my father had taken a bath and took me and my mother in her very white, 1967 Chrysler Newport to Rumley's for supper. He had his straw hat on. Pulled up in the curb service spot and we gave our order to the car hop. Then Daddy had to go inside and drink a beer. We weren't invited.
So there we sat and I had to go to the restroom so away I went, around the back where the outside entry restrooms were located, and noticed something on the wall on my way. On the way back I stopped to investigate the site, there on the whitewashed cinderblock block wall of the kitchen was written in pencil in the tiniest printing possible the word: Shitass. Nothing else. No frame of reference, no identification of who was one. Someone had gone to the trouble of documenting their feeling for someone apparently. I thought it was an extremely odd thing to come across.
I asked my mother what as Shitass was and she basically told me it was something bad you called someone you didn't like. I already knew that. I just wanted to hear what she would say.
Our food came, I went inside and told Daddy and directly he came out and ate. We were already finished. They got into an argument and I sat in the back seat and whispered to no one: Thanks for the warning.
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So last night was the VIP night for the local trade show that the Chamber of Commerce puts on. It is always a good opportunity to see people I have not seen in a while. The office says it is a great opportunity to network. I personally feel networked to death already.
When I got there the radio said there was a Tornado watch going on. I was glad I had an umbrella for the half mile walk thru the drizzle. Angry people were trying to get in the front door of the former textile plant, there was no sign to tell them to walk around to the side and come in by the loading dock. But once inside you could leave all that mess behind, in favor of free food and drink, pens, pencils and post it notes. The local alpaca farm even had a real specimen on a leash. Once I got done with my obligatory time in our booth I went trick or treating for office supplies.
The crowd was not as big or as drunk as in years past. I am sure it was because of the weather. About 7 I left, there was just a bit of light left in the sky so I could see it roiling and by the time I got home it was moaning and carrying on like there really was going to be a tornado. I dropped the sash and stuck my head out the window and listed to the moaning of the trees. The wind did indeed sound like a freight train, for about five minutes.
Then everything went dark, everything went silent. The electricity quickly drained from the lines and the world around the house ground to a halt. I stepped outside in the warm wet air and gazed at the illuminated horizon of Martinsville reflected off the clouds, and around me only the darkened forms of the trees and houses.
"This is real" I told meself.
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Last night I went to the funeral home for the visitation of my friends mother in law who had lost a heroic battle against cancer, one day short of her 64th birthday.
As I was standing in the receiving line betwixt the open casket and the room the family was receiving the callers I spied my friends sister from Florida, the lady who owns Don Wroe's cabin. Had not expected to see her here. And then my eyes seised up because sitting right next to her was her Aent, Bobbie Jo, all 90 lbs of her and my mind flew off to a sweet destination.
Bobbi Jo is the creator of the manna of the gods. Its name for us mortals is Lemon Lush. Lemon Lush will make the dead sit up and smack their mamma. It has been said that when someone in her family dies people will often turn up for the after funeral meal in hopes she has prepared it for consupmtion. She always prepars a huge amount of it. I first had it after the funeral of my friend Carol's mother back in 2000. Carol and Bobbi Jo were both tellers at the same bank and when the mininster said grace he thanked God ""for Bobbi Jo bringing her Lemon Lush" and he was right to do so.
So as I type, a fine lady who will never be able to partake in this worldy delight is being buried, and her share is being coveted. :P
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The local alpaca farm even had a real specimen on a leash.
That alpaca is cute. I wonder if they bite?
I think I'd rather have the Lemon Lush, though.
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Last night I went to the funeral home for the visitation of my friends mother in law who had lost a heroic battle against cancer, one day short of her 64th birthday.
As I was standing in the receiving line betwixt the open casket and the room the family was receiving the callers I spied my friends sister from Florida, the lady who owns Don Wroe's cabin. Had not expected to see her here. And then my eyes seised up because sitting right next to her was her Aent, Bobbie Jo, all 90 lbs of her and my mind flew off to a sweet destination.
Bobbi Jo is the creator of the manna of the gods. Its name for us mortals is Lemon Lush. Lemon Lush will make the dead sit up and smack their mamma. It has been said that when someone in her family dies people will often turn up for the after funeral meal in hopes she has prepared it for consupmtion. She always prepars a huge amount of it. I first had it after the funeral of my friend Carol's mother back in 2000. Carol and Bobbi Jo were both tellers at the same bank and when the mininster said grace he thanked God ""for Bobbi Jo bringing her Lemon Lush" and he was right to do so.
So as I type, a fine lady who will never be able to partake in this worldy delight is being buried, and her share is being coveted. :P
Aww sweet Truman!
I love reading your stories. I can relate! I never had lemon lush before but when my Nannie died and then my Paw Paw, cousin Delilah made her famous potato cheese and pinappple casserole. Now you may be thinking that sounds like a wierd combo but let me tell you, it is good! i don't know what else goes in it but it is so good! That and Wades Chicken and tater logs! ;D
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Next time I am up there I am gone get me some of them tater logs, they sound good.
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Next time I am up there I am gone get me some of them tater logs, they sound good.
They sure do! :D
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Next time I am up there I am gone get me some of them tater logs, they sound good.
They're the best!
I wish I had some now! Yummy!!
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Bobbi Jo is the creator of the manna of the gods. Its name for us mortals is Lemon Lush. Lemon Lush will make the dead sit up and smack their mamma.
:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/zombies.jpg)
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Here's one recipe from bbc.co.uk
Loveable lemon lush
This dessert needs to be made the day before to give it a chance to set. Making it is a quick job you can get out of the way, leaving you more time for romance. This dish is simple to make - in fact, foolproof if you just keep stirring!
Serves: 2
Preparation time: Set in fridge 12 hrs
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Cooking method: Boil
INGREDIENTS:
Lemon lush
1/2 pint double cream
2 tbsp sugar
1 lemon, zest and juice
50g frozen raspberries
METHOD:
Loveable lemon method
1. Place raspberries in bottom of cocktail wine glass.
2. Boil cream, lemon juice, zest and sugar in a pan stirring all the time.
3. When boiling, keep stirring and boil for 3 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes, keep stirring.
4. Divide between cocktail glasses.
5. Set in fridge for 12 hours.
6. Garnish with sprig of mint.
Comment: where's the booze??
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Awe man, I might have to try that. I never though of it as for two, I have only seen it ina large sheet pan. ;D
Yum.
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This is an interesting interview I read in the Advocate with Alec Baldwin.
I didn't care for the message he left on his daughters cell phone, but that is between them and their lawyers.
http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid52506.asp
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Loveable lemon lush
Comment: where's the booze??
What would you suggest using? Brandy?
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Awe man, I might have to try that. I never though of it as for two, I have only seen it ina large sheet pan. ;D
Yum.
Maybe this is more to your taste. Here's a very different recipe from a B&B in Massachusetts:
Penrose Victorian Inn
Bed and Breakfast
Haydenville, Massachusetts
Specialty Recipe
Penrose Delicious Lemon Lush
Ingredients
2 cups flour
2 sticks margarine
8 ounces Cool Whip whipped topping
1 cup powdered sugar
One 8-ounce package cream cheese
2 packages instant lemon pudding
3 cups milk
Blend flour and margarine with fork. Press on bottom of 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Let cool.
Cream together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 cup whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust. Beat pudding with 3 cups milk. Spread over cheese layer. Spread remaining whipped topping on top. Keep refrigerated. Make several hours ahead.
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What would you suggest using? Brandy?
Perhaps limoncello.
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Mmmm, Linoncello. ;D
They both sound good. I may have to have second of each to be sure! :laugh:
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When I began the second grade in the fall of 1970 my parents were upset because I was going to have an African American teacher. I do not remember them having any qualms about me attending an intergrated school, as my sisters had attended segregated schools, but this was going to be a person of a different race teaching me.
That is not the best intro I could have put on this story. But I swear it is true, and has nothing to do with Mrs. Cooke's race. She was a good person, underpaid and having to put up with a lot of crap from us kids. She brought a bell with her to class to ring when we got out of hand. It was ceramic, and a memento of she and her husbands 25th wedding anniversary. The clapper fell out of it the first week as it was not really designed to be functional.
Mrs. Cooke taught us to write cursive. She wrote out each of our names in cursive on a sheet of construction paper and taped it to our desk tops. We practiced many hours our names. We were not allowed to print past a certain point, even if that was what we felt called to do.
She also taught us history. Particularly about Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. Not only did these two presidents live at the same time in her world, but they were neighbors and good friends. Once, she told us, Abe borrowed George's Bible to read and you know what happened. Abe was poor and lived in a cabin with a shingle roof and it rained and got the Bible wet and ruined it and he had to work for a year to earn enough money to buy George another one. I can see her now, the school supply store sillouittes of the two on the bulletin board, she motioning with her hands as she described the love and devotion one man felt for another. :D Yeah.
Perhaps it was a parable she was assigning recognizable names too. Names like tuberculosis. We could get that by chewing up note book paper to make spit balls. Notebook paper she said contained "two germs" that caused TB and if we chewed notebook paper we would get TB.
My parents found other things to occupy their imaginations in time.
I smile now when I think of her. ;)
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Truman, you remember that thread I had a while back? "Twisted" lyrics?
found this one today....who me? Snooping? no way!!
My Lil Darlin is a Firecracker
When I look in his eyes
It aint no surprise
Sparks start a flyin like the 4th of July
He gets me so hot, my heart starts a pumpin
When we get to kissin, there aint no stoppin'
When it comes to love
he aint no slacker
My little darlin is a firecracker
When I light the fuse
I gotta get back quick
You gotta be careful with a dynamite stick
Son of a gun he's fun to handle
And he packs a punch like a roman candle
he's a pack of black cats in a red paper wrapper
My little darlin is a firecracker
Chorus:
We might not ought to take a roll in the hay
Cause we'll burn the barn down one of these days
We're a match made in heaven
And it aint no joke.
But Id sure I hate to see it go up in smoke
We got a good thing going
And it feels so right
hes a firecracker
hes the light of my life.
he goes off with a great big BANG
Boys I tell ya its a beautiful thing
he takes off you better hang on tight
hes a blonde bottle rocket
In the middle of the night
When he makes love hes a Heart attacker
My little darlin is a Firecracker
Chrous:
We might not ought to take a roll in the hay
Cause we'd burn the barn down one of these days
Were a match made in heaven
And it aint no joke.
But Id sure I hate to see it go up in smoke
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I love that Song! And Josh Turner... WOW WEEEEEEEE!
He's hotter N a whore house on dollar day!!
(http://img.gactv.com/GAC/2006/07/14/joshturner8_h_i.jpg)
(http://img.gactv.com/GAC/2007/09/28/joshturner18_v_e.jpg)
Truman, you remember that thread I had a while back? "Twisted" lyrics?
found this one today....who me? Snooping? no way!!
My Lil Darlin is a Firecracker
When I look in his eyes
It aint no surprise
Sparks start a flyin like the 4th of July
He gets me so hot, my heart starts a pumpin
When we get to kissin, there aint no stoppin'
When it comes to love
he aint no slacker
My little darlin is a firecracker
When I light the fuse
I gotta get back quick
You gotta be careful with a dynamite stick
Son of a gun he's fun to handle
And he packs a punch like a roman candle
he's a pack of black cats in a red paper wrapper
My little darlin is a firecracker
Chorus:
We might not ought to take a roll in the hay
Cause we'll burn the barn down one of these days
We're a match made in heaven
And it aint no joke.
But Id sure I hate to see it go up in smoke
We got a good thing going
And it feels so right
hes a firecracker
hes the light of my life.
he goes off with a great big BANG
Boys I tell ya its a beautiful thing
he takes off you better hang on tight
hes a blonde bottle rocket
In the middle of the night
When he makes love hes a Heart attacker
My little darlin is a Firecracker
Chrous:
We might not ought to take a roll in the hay
Cause we'd burn the barn down one of these days
Were a match made in heaven
And it aint no joke.
But Id sure I hate to see it go up in smoke
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Josh Turner is GREAT!!! He sure can make his voice deep too. Have you heard that song "Long Black Train?"
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Josh Turner is GREAT!!! He sure can make his voice deep too. Have you heard that song "Long Black Train?"
Yeah, that was the first song of his I ever heard!
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Truman, you remember that thread I had a while back? "Twisted" lyrics?
found this one today....who me? Snooping? no way!!
My Lil Darlin is a Firecracker
When I look in his eyes
It aint no surprise
Sparks start a flyin like the 4th of July
Sure do, ;D thanks for sharing.
I wish I could write me some songs. ;)
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Yesterday evening I got to go to an exhibit of paintings by the American Portrait Artist Nick Hufford (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicodemus_David_Hufford_III) at my local Arts Center (http://www.piedmontarts.org/)
The event had been organized by my friend Bill, who had been a friend of Hufford for many years. (Hufford was straight, BTW, but not narrow.) Bill had two paintings in his possession by Hufford, one of his mother and one of a woman that I swear he once told me was his sister, but I will get to that.
Hufford had lived in my area for many years and had painted the portraits of most every important person in town. It was quiet the status symbol to have your painting done by him. Bill contacted the families and in some cases the individuals and asked for them to loan them for the retrospective. I first learned about it recently when the curator called the office to ask to borrow our moving van to pick them all up. There was a reception for them the night before and last night was the opening.
So I step into the lobby and pick up on the vibe, the presence of old money, and retire my jacket and umbrella to the coat closet. Up the steps to the box mezzanine I am confronted with the large portrait of a well known local car dealer, golden in the fall sunlight of 1973. The clothers and the hair so perfect, another of a local business leader in the middle of a stream fishing and then there is Bill, my friend.
He is a small unassuming man, about 5ft. 5 in., 66 years old you would never know to look at him that his life had carried him to some of the most exciting situations of the late 20th century. There he stood in front of his late mothers portrait, beaming, flanked by a newspaper article about the the painting of the portrait in which Hufford appears with the unfinished work, and on the otherside, the pink dress Vickey wore, hanging, wrinkle free, from a form approximating a human. Greeting each person individually, smiling and shaking hands, he knew every single person no doubt.
Beyond him a few more steps to the main gallery, the walls covered with the faces of people I know or knew or met once. The portrait of the Trent woman that looks so much like Princess Diana I have always thought. Each of them labled as to who they are, who loaned it, which office it hangs in. All around until you get to the end where the lovely unknown woman that in my mind had been Bill's sister smiles like Audrey Hepburn on a summer evening. Her hair up, her neck ensconced with diamonds, her evening gown accentuated by her gloves. Unfinished in detail at the bottom. The card next to it read: Woman in New York, late 1960s. When Bill came by he was asked about it. "Everyone thinks its my sister" he told us "but I don't know who she is." Ah, the unknown woman, where is the pool table?
Bill said Hufford had given him the portrait years ago after the woman's physician husband had paid him $10,000 for it and then never came to pick it up because....by the time it was "finished" so was the marriage. The good doctor had left his wife in favor of his mistress.
So perhaps somewhere in the world there is an aging socialite recalling sitting for a portrait that she never saw, does not know what became of, has no idea she looks out, serenely and confidently and forever young over the white formal living room of my friend Bill, which used to be his parents carport. Next time I go by to consume a bottle of white whine with him we'll have to have a toast to her, and all the unknowns that populate our world and memory.
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I've always loved the story behind the paintings you see at art exhibitions. It seems to me it gives life to them. On Wednesday I went to see an exhibit of paintings by Amedeo Modigliani. Ever heard of him? He was an Italian painter who lived in Paris, and died there rather young. He was very good friends with several important artist including Picasso himself. Modigliani led a bohemian yet tragic life, being hooked on drugs and alcohol and all that. The people featured in his portraits have this tragic look that sort of makes you think about his life. He died poor and miserable, and only got to see one exhibit of his work while alive. His work became famous posthumously, and now are worth several millions of dollars. I can't post any picture of him because they're copyrighted. I tried and photobucket didn't let me. But here's the wikipedia entry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amedeo_Modigliani (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amedeo_Modigliani)
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Yeah, that was the first song of his I ever heard!
I'm not sure how many CDs he has, but I have the one with Firecracker on it and the one with Long Black Train. They're both great.
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for Mrs. Kern....a little 'twisted' song:
Hello Mrs Kern you self righteous woman
Sunday School teacher what brings you out slummin'
Do you reckon the preacher would approve where you are
Standing here vis'tin' with a back slidin' christian in a neighborhood bar
Well yes that's my bottle and yes that's my glass
And I see you're eye balling this handsome young man
It ain't none of your business but yes he's with me
And we don't need no sermon you self righteous woman just let us be
The Lord knows I'm drinking and running around
And he don't need your loud mouth informing the town
The Lord knows if I'm sinning and sinning ain't right
But me and the good Lord gonna have us a good talk later tonight
Goodbye Mrs Kern you self righteous biddy
I don't need your preaching and I don't need your pity
So go back to whatever you hypocrites do
And when I talk to heaven be nice and I'll put in a good word for you
Yes the Lord knows I'm drinking...
Yes me and the good Lord gonna have us a good talk later tonight
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Next time I go by to consume a bottle of white whine with him we'll have to have a toast to her, and all the unknowns that populate our world and memory.
If you haven't yet seen A Love Song For Bobby Long, I would suggest you do.
It is a fantastic Movie with Scarlett Johansen and John Travolta. But your last line quoted abouve reminds me of the movie. In it, Bobby talks about the invisble people. The people society dismisses because they aren't rich, important or beautiful. But Bobby finds the beauty in them and lives among them and becomes one of them. It is a southern tragedy in the Faulkner vein.
I loved it.
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If you haven't yet seen A Love Song For Bobby Long, I would suggest you do.
It is a fantastic Movie with Scarlett Johansen and John Travolta. But your last line quoted abouve reminds me of the movie. In it, Bobby talks about the invisble people. The people society dismisses because they aren't rich, important or beautiful. But Bobby finds the beauty in them and lives among them and becomes one of them. It is a southern tragedy in the Faulkner vein.
I loved it.
Thankee I'll put it on the netflix queue now. I love that word, queue.
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I've always loved the story behind the paintings you see at art exhibitions. It seems to me it gives life to them. On Wednesday I went to see an exhibit of paintings by Amedeo Modigliani. Ever heard of him? He was an Italian painter who lived in Paris, and died there rather young. He was very good friends with several important artist including Picasso himself. Modigliani led a bohemian yet tragic life, being hooked on drugs and alcohol and all that. The people featured in his portraits have this tragic look that sort of makes you think about his life. He died poor and miserable, and only got to see one exhibit of his work while alive. His work became famous posthumously, and now are worth several millions of dollars. I can't post any picture of him because they're copyrighted. I tried and photobucket didn't let me. But here's the wikipedia entry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amedeo_Modigliani (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amedeo_Modigliani)
I remember the name from Art History in college but I am not really familar with his work, I will check out the link.
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I remember the name from Art History in college but I am not really familar with his work, I will check out the link.
I forgot to mention. The coolest part about the exhibit was that they included photos of Modigliani, chatting with Picasso, hanging in bars, walking around, with his girfriends and other friends.
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They were kinda like the forrunners of the Beat Generation, in Europe.
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For the record: The man who thru the fruit pie at Anita Bryant was Tom Higgins. This according to the New York Times of 15 October 1977.
Pie day, that would be a good excuse to indulge in some cherry pie or apple pie, or pie throwing!
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You in a pie throwing mood??
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You in a pie throwing mood??
Lord, have I got list for you if you are!!! :laugh:
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Oh the wheels in my haid are not just turning, they are rolling!
Nah, I cannot advocate violence against people, but we could symbolically acknowledge our struggle by having a slice. :-\
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Oh the wheels in my haid are not just turning, they are rolling!
Nah, I cannot advocate violence against people, but we could symbolically acknowledge our struggle by having a slice. :-\
aw now.....pie throwing ain't violence...it is just slapstick FUN!!!
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Lord, have I got list for you if you are!!! :laugh:
I would bet Cellerdweller has a emoticon chunking pie if you ask him nicely...
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I bet he does too, he has one for everthing.
Hey Chuck, do you have an Anita Bryant emoticon???
(thats sounded nice, didn't it?)
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I would bet Cellerdweller has a emoticon chunking pie if you ask him nicely...
:laugh: You know me too well. :laugh:
I bet he does too, he has one for everthing.
Hey Chuck, do you have an Anita Bryant emoticon???
Big Brother, which would you like?
I have a close range hit....
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/pie.gif)
Or, if your throwin' arm is strong....one that is from a distance.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/pied2.gif)
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I have a close range hit....
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/pie.gif)
Or, if your throwin' arm is strong....one that is from a distance.
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/pied2.gif)
I like the "close range" one. The "distance" one throws like a girl. ;D
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Yeah, what Jeff said! :P
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But I would like to be able to get a message to Tom Higgins, if he is still around to receive it. Thirty years is a long time. Maybe if I create one here, send it out into the world it will find him. (well its been known around here to happen).
Thank you Tom Higgins, from the 14 year old pimpled face boy with greasy hair laying on his parents couch, upholstered with an Americana print in preparation for the bicentennial.
I was laying there watching Walter Cronkite or Roger Mudd or Dan Rather, presenting another story about Anita Bryant, someone I had previously had a positive opinion of as the spokeslady for the Florida Citrus Council. Her going after the Dade County Supervisors was what made me realize that this gay thing I had heard about was same sex attraction. It made me realize that I had same sex attraction. It made me realize that people like me were not wanted by society. I knew now that people calling me queer and a faggot were actually saying something, not just reveling in the freedom of being able to cuss as me and my classmates discovered in the fifth grade.
But this time there was a twist. There she was talking away on that Black and White Philco TV and then wham! She was hit in the face with a pie. I had seen that in the movies, on TV, but not like this. This was the news, this was real life. She was there talking about stopping homosexuals and someone put a pie in her face, the camera turned, it was you, waving your hands in acknowledgement. Not running. Not hiding. My gaydar went off for the first time in my life. Here was a homosexual. A real one, and you had pied Anita Bryant.
From that moment forward, it was different. Gay people could strike back. Gay people could say enough of calling me names and talking me down. I was glad I was alone to see it. If I could have I would have watched it again and again. I felt sorry for A.B., she looked foolish, who would ever have thought that she would have wound up attacked on TV by a pie thrower? Who would have ever thought she would take it upon herself to take up the gauntlet of homophobia? It was the beginning of the end for her.
Thank you for doing what you did that day. You were our Rosa Parks when we needed one. You could have carried a picket sign outside, but you took your message to the source.
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Maybe if I create one here, send it out into the world it will find him.
You never know who is reading what you write! ;D
Trust you me Brother!
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You never know who is reading what you write! ;D
Trust you me Brother!
I know, hopefully I can make it work for me. ;D
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Now another person I am trying to get a message to is Sally Kern. In case you have not heard of her check this out:
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,17943.0.html
So since someone on youtube was kind enough to i.d. her and give me her email address I have been emailing her every day this week. I have not been nasty to her, at least I don't think I have. I told her she has a lot of information about me and my people and I would like to demonstrate that to her the only way I could which was to tell her about me.
Every day I send her an email and I will take some point in her speech and point out how it is wrong and the effect it could have on people struggling with their sexual identity and throw in what I am facing in my day. At some point I will probably ask her if she has seen Brokeback Mountain, or Latter Days, etc.
I have not had a responce. I doubt I will without some perseverance. I will be like Andy DuFren. I will keep on, for years if I have to. This woman gets up in a position of authority and shows her ignorance of my people. It is my responsibility to educate her as best I can.
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I think you shoud share her e-mail address! I would like to tell her my story.
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Here you are: [email protected]
Ya'll be nice now. ;) Hollering at her would probably be a waste of time.
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Let's take another look at that famous newscast:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS91gT3XT_A[/youtube]
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Here you are: [email protected]
Ya'll be nice now. ;) Hollering at her would probably be a waste of time.
nope!
I just want to tell her how me got here. No more no less.
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aw now.....pie throwing ain't violence...it is just slapstick FUN!!!
Unless you're the one gettin' the pie in the face. :-\
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That would be good. Yours is a powerful story.
It greives me that your situation is such that posting and sharing here causes problems in your real life. It is my hope for those people they can find a way of dealing with the changes in a more constructive light.
I think one of the most powerful concepts I have learned from you, Rich, is that when you have a child your life seases to be totally your own. Not that it is an alien concept to me, but when you don't have kids you don't think like that. Even being in a relationship you make adjustments, allowances and changes but dang when you become a parent, you are deffinatly living for two people.
So, whoever is reading, lets us turn these dang machines off and go the hell outside. Too nice a day. 8)
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Let's take another look at that famous newscast:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS91gT3XT_A[/youtube]
I wish I knew how to do a sceen capture of him, in that lovely suit!
Minneapolis, huh?
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I wish I knew how to do a sceen capture of him, in that lovely suit!
Minneapolis, huh?
She sounds like a real hick.
And I should know! LOL :laugh:
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Borrying the example of my parents and their polaroid camera and Kennedy's funeral, my hero:
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I like the "close range" one. The "distance" one throws like a girl. ;D
well I am a girl and I like the distance one.....gives you more time to get a head start running!
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Unless you're the one gettin' the pie in the face. :-\
I was teasing. ;)
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(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/etexjess/trumanshero.jpg)
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/etexjess/trumanshero2.jpg)
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Awe Thank kew Jess!!! ;D
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Awe Thank kew Jess!!! ;D
you need a program to download Youtube videos? I have a good one!
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Damn, y'all been busy in here, throwing pies and shit!
Truman! I love your email campaign! You are a hell of a guy! I love you, big bro!
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This is for Jeff: "Brokeback 1776".
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJlBycCWh8A&feature=related[/youtube]
Oh, and this, too, my favorite: Mark Daniels sings "Piddle, twiddle and resolve". In "foul, fetid, fuming, foggy, filthy Philadelphia". :)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sM9KcAS5_K4&feature=related[/youtube]
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I've been to Philly in February, when the place was all but shut down by snow, and in August, when in the evening it resembled a green wilted house plant. 8) I love the 30th Street Train Station.
Well the Sally Kern thing has taken a new twist, turns out her son, Jesse, is (you guessed it) a homo! She is reported to have disowned him.
I think her commments might actually be about something else entirely, which makes it sad and dysfunctional.
But it is Friday, and a warm rain should fall today and the forsythia pop out. The bluebells are coming up and the daffodils are in all their glory. I saw a butterfly yesterday.
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Here is a song for my fiends:
&feature=related
Its emedded so I can't post it like I normally would.
Donovan singing "Try and Catch The Wind"
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I've been to Philly in February, when the place was all but shut down by snow, and in August, when in the evening it resembled a green wilted house plant. 8) I love the 30th Street Train Station.
Well the Sally Kern thing has taken a new twist, turns out her son, Jesse, is (you guessed it) a homo! She is reported to have disowned him.
I think her commments might actually be about something else entirely, which makes it sad and dysfunctional.
But it is Friday, and a warm rain should fall today and the forsythia pop out. The bluebells are coming up and the daffodils are in all their glory. I saw a butterfly yesterday.
I was thinking about her last night...
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,16059.msg347639.html#msg347639 (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,16059.msg347639.html#msg347639)
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I saw a butterfly yesterday.
(http://www.animalgifs.net/image/filename/1599/monarch_chrysalys_clr.gif)
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Here you are, Tru. Great song.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2arEUEAWck[/youtube]
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Donovan
» Catch The Wind
In the chilly hours and minutes
Of uncertainty
I want to be
In the warm hold of your loving mind.
To feel you all around me
And to take your hand
Along the sand
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind.
When sundown pales the sky
I wanna hide a while
Behind your smile
And everywhere I'd look, your eyes I'd find.
For me to love you now
Would be the sweetest thing,
T'would make me sing
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind.
Dee dee da da la da da da da da
Ya da da, da da, da da
When rain has hung the leaves with tears
I want you near
To kill my fears
To help me to leave all my blues behind.
For standing in your heart
Is where I wanna be
And I long to be,
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind.
Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind
...
I love this song!
And to take your hand
Along the sand
Reminds me of someone. :-\
Now will remind me of you!! ;D
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Here's the Bob Dylan version (I think he wrote it). Strangely, paired with animation from Pocahontas. Perhaps, the "Colors of the Wind" was the connection.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diAwSKMWhG0[/youtube]
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Thanks Paul, I don't believe I have ever heard a Dylan version of this before. I never did see the Pocahontas movie, it was pretty well boycotted in Virginia. Lots of her decendants in high profile places did not care for it and her tribe pretty well shot it out of the water.
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When I entered the 4th grade of elementary school, my teacher was Ms. Blankenship. She was a real piece of work.
On the one hand she endeared herself by reading to us. She read us every single one of the Little House books of Laura Ingalls Wilder, as well as Caddie Woodlawn. But she control freak too. When she would leave the room she would always appoint a monitor to "take names" of those who spoke while she was gone.
I always suspected this was because she was paranoid we would change the last letter of her name from "p" to "t".
What did I learn from Ms. Blankenshitp? I learned that people in Europe do not have problems with wisdom teeth. I swear to gawd, she said that in countries where nationalities were not all mixed up like the US, peoples teeth fit their jaws and didn't have to be pulled. But when you get a German jaw and French teeth, your just asking for trouble.
I always viewed this as suspect, but recently I conducted a very unscientific study here at BetterMost. I asked one person who is 100% Italian and another who is a Scot, and no, they had to have their Wisdom teeth pulled as well.
Be an elementary school teacher, them kids will believe anything.
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I was thinking I was in Western North Carolina because the intersection resembled the photo Phillip sometimes uses in the banner, that has arrows pointing to ASU and highway 421. It was a pretty day, I think I was driving a station wagon, the radio was on and I heard the station was in Oslo. There is an Oslo, North Carolina, but I was not there, I knew. Somehow I was in Norway.
I found refuge in an LDS church. They were having lunch and a nice lady gave me a bag lunch from Burger King and I sat at the organ and ate it. The organ was next to the piano. When I was done I went behind the expandable partition and threw the bag away and the lady said I did not have to stay. I was glad, I had to get home somehow. Then I heard the preacher announce I was there and I peeked out at the sparse congregation and felt like I couldn't just drive off now. Then the phone rang.
"Did I wake you up?" he said
"Yes," I replied "and I'm glad you did!"
Outside was a beautiful day, warm enough to go without a jacket. The fresh coffee made the muscles in my arms feel like they were ready to do something, so I picked up the winters sticks and limbs from the wild cherry tree. The forsythia just busting forthe. The Hellebore's gone wild, I talked on the phone a bit and cleaned the birds bath so they could come and bathe.
I did not know what it was at first. Animal for sure, too small for a deer or a dog. I went and got the shovel and stuck it into the murky muck of the fish pond and lifted the bloated corpse out and there was the tail. It was a possum, swollen and bloated 3X its normal size, gone down to get a drink of water and couldn't get out. I dug a hole quickly and buried it before it popped open, releasing a world of foulness.
The black flies, confused, soon lit on the deer shit.
;D
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poor possum....great post...
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Happy St. Patrick's Day!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/SF%20Castro%20Bbm/SFPics2-28022.jpg)
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Thank kew! Thank kew! Something about St. Patrick's arriving on a monday just don't seem right.
I went thru the books and found it:
Lá Fhéile Pádraig
Tabhair póg dom, táim Éireannach
An bhfuil tú ar meisce fós?
Pionta Guinness, le do thoil.
:laugh:
No wonder so few people speak that language any more. I have tried in the past but when your one person it gets kind of discouraging. :D
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(http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/7781/batmanpf4.jpg)
Happy Monday to you, Truman, and to all of your friends.
:) :) :) :)
I was listening to NPR yesterday and they were interviewing Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt about their roles as Catwoman and at one point she asks Batman to marry her and he says: "But what about Robin?" :D
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I was listening to NPR yesterday and they were interviewing Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt about their roles as Catwoman and at one point she asks Batman to marry her and he says: "But what about Robin?" :D
I remember both of them as Catwoman. :D
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Don't forget Lee Merriwether:
(http://www.1966batfan.com/lee8.jpg)
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Don't forget Lee Merriwether:
(http://www.1966batfan.com/lee8.jpg)
Her, too. But Eartha Kitt was my favorite.
Miao. ... ;D
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Everything about these dates is kind of weird. It definitely does not seem right that St. Patricks Day is on a Monday. People are talking about getting drunk today, but who gets drunk on a Monday. And if I did the rest of the week would be horrible, especially tomorrow. I guess if I were back in the days when I didn't worry about jobs it wouldn't matter as much. I think I just accidentally almost just said an Ennis line :)
And then the first day of Spring is on Good Friday as well as my sister's birthday. Easter isn't supposed to come this early is it?
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Lord I forgot about her. Lee Merriweather, I think she was Miss America in 1955.
As for who gets drunk on a monday.......I would but like you say the rest of the week would be shot!
Rich has some information on Easter being so early, maybe he'll post it here. This is the first time since the Titanic went down I think it has been this early.
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And then the first day of Spring is on Good Friday as well as my sister's birthday. Easter isn't supposed to come this early is it?
OTOH, Easter and before that, Passover, have roots in extremely ancient celebrations of the spring equinox, so it does somehow seem sort of right to me that it actually should fall about the time of the equinox.
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Here ya go!! ;D
Easter is early this year. Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the
1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Based on the above information, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) that is rare.
Here's the interesting information. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:
1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year
2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285
(277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818.
So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
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Here ya go!! ;D
Easter is early this year. Easter is always the 1st Sunday after the
1st full moon after the Spring Equinox (which is March 20). This dating of Easter is based on the lunar calendar that Hebrew people used to identify passover, which is why it moves around on our Roman calendar.
Based on the above information, Easter can actually be one day earlier (March 22) that is rare.
Here's the interesting information. This year is the earliest Easter any of us will ever see the rest of our lives! And only the most elderly of our population have ever seen it this early (95 years old or above). And none of us have ever, or will ever, see it a day earlier! Here's the facts:
1) The next time Easter will be this early (March 23) will be the year
2228 (220 years from now). The last time it was this early was 1913 (so if you're 95 or older, you are the only ones that were around for that!).
2) The next time it will be a day earlier, March 22, will be in the year 2285
(277 years from now). The last time it was on March 22 was 1818.
So, no one alive today has or will ever see it any earlier than this year!
Those are some quite interesting facts Richard! Luckily I can say that I was not around 95 years ago to see Easter come this early. However, I do plan on being around 277 years from now so I guess I will see both events ;D I will be quite old then. I can look back upon now and think about how young I was :laugh:
Thanks for posting this. It really is interesting. I thought it must be coming very early this year.
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Another reason to savor the season. I wonder if somewhere there is a 102 year old person who was told in 1912 this would be the last time Easter would be this early inly 2008? Who remembers it.
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Hi from St. Patrick's Day in Dublin, Ireland, where the partying is going strong, Monday or no. I will post some photos and more details in my blog a little later. My partying is personally no longer going on at all due to a little jet lag, but what a cool place to be on St. Paddy's Day!
Really? Somebody told me once--or maybe I read it somewhere--that they made a bigger deal over St. Patrick's Day "over here," in New York and Savannah, than they did in Ireland. Maybe that wasn't true. ???
Or maybe the Irish started making a bigger deal over it for all those American tourists who expected it. .... ???
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I went to Ireland in 1996 and I remember at that time 1/2 the population was under 25, and at 10 am on a Monday I passed a bar and it was so full of kids you couldn't get in.
Are you sure they know its St. Patrick's Day?
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Are you sure they know its St. Patrick's Day?
Actually, I just saw a TV news report about a big parade in Dublin, so, yeah, they know it's St. Patrick's Day.
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I wondered the same thing and so researched it before coming here. They do indeed celebrate here, but they don't dye the river green like in Boston. And there are a lot of Americans and other foreign visitors.
Aw, c'mon, we haven't dyed the river green in yeahs.
Plus, it's all them Hahvahd and MIT boys that do that. And they got bettah things to do these days.
Most of the Irish folk around Boston just have their traditional boiled dinner of corned beef, cabbage and potatoes (pronounced p'daydahs). A little Guiness never hurt no one, either.
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Ah, so that's what you sound like. ;D
I haven't seen the green river myself, but my step-mom told me of visiting Boston and thinking that the river was just very polluted until someone set her straight.
Well, the Charles River was polluted at one time, inspiring the Red Sox anthem "Dirty Water" by the Standells. Here's the song and a nice little tour of "our fair city":
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tJL4Qf4qpQ[/youtube]
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Wow that was nice. I liked Boston, it reminded me a bit of London, but much cleaner.
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That was so cool!
I recognized a lot of those places.
I think one of the most moving and interesting things I saw while in Boston was the holocost memorial down by the markets.
I also loved the Paul Revere trail. I asked what the red lines were going across the street. When my brother in law told me I thought how cool it was to actually be standing where Paul Revere took his Midnight ride!
What a great City!! ;D
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That Holocaust memorial was really impressive, all those names etched on glass. I saw it at night and it was lit up, very powerful.
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That Holocaust memorial was really impressive, all those names etched on glass. I saw it at night and it was lit up, very powerful.
It really is moving.
(http://users.cs.cf.ac.uk/M.Burgess/photogallery/photos/boston/100_0063.JPG)
(http://static.flickr.com/31/58323160_fa14775f2e.jpg)
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Thats right it was serial numbers. It had a very calming effect as I recall.
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It really is moving.
(http://users.cs.cf.ac.uk/M.Burgess/photogallery/photos/boston/100_0063.JPG)
(http://static.flickr.com/31/58323160_fa14775f2e.jpg)
The coolest thing about it is it's right there in the middle of everything. your walking down the sidewalk and BAM!
There is this memorial to one of the most horrific events in human history. Just qutietly standing there unassuming yet impossible to ignore.
To think, each of those numbers was a person, a mother, father ,sister ,brother, child,friend.
It boggles the mind and hurts the heart.
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“There is only one way in which one can endure man's inhumanity to man and that is to try, in one's own life, to exemplify man's humanity to man.”
Alan Paton
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“There is only one way in which one can endure man's inhumanity to man and that is to try, in one's own life, to exemplify man's humanity to man.”
Alan Paton
Well that it powerful. I may print that out and stick it on the bulletin board.
Hey Paul were those your photos, or some you found?
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Hey Paul were those your photos, or some you found?
I wish I were that good a photographer. No, I found those on google images.
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Over the past two nights I have been watching a tremendous movie, Heaven's Gate. You have probably heard of it, it has been called the greatest big budget flops of all time.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080855/
Released in 1980, it stars Kris Kristofferson, Isabelle Huppert, Jeff Bridges, Christopher Walken, Willem Dafoe, Sam Waterston, Joseph Cotton and T-Bone Burnett. It was written and directed by Michael Cimino, who also directed The Deer Hunter and has nothing to do with the Heaven's Gate Cult who in 1997 committed mass suicide. It is a loosely fictionalized story of the 1890 Johnson County Range War between the local Cattlemen's Association and the predominently easter European settlers. It is a loooooooog movie, 3 hr. and 39 minutes and that had been cut down from over 5 hrs. from what I read. In recent years however it has come to be recognized as a classic, and I would agree with that.
It is a beautiful and richly layered film, shot primarily in Glacier National Park in Montana, not that far from where Brokeback was filmed in Alberta. Each scene is a story unto itself, doing into the detail of the lives people lead at the time. I had heard people in the past whail about the characters roller skating, but it does seem to be historically accurate. The rollerskating sceen is one of the most enjoyable of the whole movie. It also has this strange homoerotic thing going on with Walken's character and the guy he shares a cabin with.
It also has lead me to read more today about the Johnson County War, (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson_County_War) which has been depicted in several other movies. Annie Proulx has written about it also. For those who love Brokeback I would encourage you to read all of Proulx's Close Range stories, and read up on this insurrection, it helps to understand the world that Jack and Ennis would have lived in. For them to have a little cow and calf operation would not only have been remarkable for them being together, it would have been in keeping with their immigrant ancestors who fought a hard battle against the stock growers just to have a spot on the map to call home.
I think about my trip to Johnson County, Wyoming in 2006 and I wish I had known more about it when I was there.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiNlthlz1d8[/youtube]
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On the gay network Logo, there is this one show "The Big Gay Sketch Show" which I had to warm up to, but it is getting better. I particularily the recuring skit about Fitzwilliam, the very property English girl caught in a boys body. The childs best friend is the stuffed magical unicorn "TrixiE", who is an alcoholic, btw.
I just love how s/he says "Vagina"
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSvbgSthmNI[/youtube]
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On the gay network Logo, there is this one show "The Big Gay Sketch Show" which I had to warm up to, but it is getting better. I particularily the recuring skit about Fitzwilliam, the very property English girl caught in a boys body. The childs best friend is the stuffed magical unicorn "TrixiE", who is an alcoholic, btw.
I just love how s/he says "Vagina"
How who says vagina, TrixiE or Fitzwilliam?
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Trixie never speaks! She is a deaf mute you know!
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??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
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??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
And also an alcoholic who has just gotten out of an abusive relationship.
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Hey Gary thanks for the video, except for the bedframe that could be me.
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Gary, that was priceless!
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Gary, that video is great, my cat Code does a lot of that to wake me up, but he hasn't used a baseball bat..........yet :)
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(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l64/Asereht128/easter.jpg)
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Thank kew Chuck, Than kew Gary.
Easter weekend. It was pretty. The flowers are blooming, familar faces appear before me, but meloncholy I take up with like a drunk to a bottle of whine.
I got a new album this weekend (remember when they were albums? :laugh: ) An wonderful meloncholly masterpiece by Gillian Welch. Lord she is an underrated performer. It is called Time (The Revelator) and contains several refernces to the Titanic sinking and Lincolns assassination, her wonderful version of The Elvis Presley Blues and finishes up with the sweetest lulliby I ever heard, it puts me to sleep, even sitting in the driveway. :laugh:
That last song is "I Dream a Highway". It goes on for 14 minutes and 39 seconds. You have to hear it. I could only find this shorter version on youtube, but he captures the spirit well.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCPTeDWUqsk[/youtube]
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Hey Truman,
The only sign of spring up here was a gorgeous pair cardinals singing in the bare trees.
Wow, I just love that song, "I Dream a Highway", and that guy JD Justice is so cute.
I love melancholy songs.
P
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That is a beautiful song.
Has me in tears!
Here are the lyrics.
Haunting is a word I'd use to describe them....
Oh I dream a highway back to you love
A winding ribbon with a band of gold
A silver vision come and rest my soul
I dream a highway back to you
John he's kicking out the footlights
The Grand Ole Opry's got a brand new band
Lord, let me die with a hammer in my hand
I dream a highway back to you.
I think I'll move down into Memphis
And thank the hatchet man who forked my tongue
I lie and wait until the wagons come
And dream a highway back to you.
The getaway kicking up cinders
An empty wagon full of rattling bones
Moon in the mirror on a three-hour jones,
I dream a highway back to you.
Oh I dream a highway back to you love
A winding ribbon with a band of gold
A silver vison come arrest my soul
I dream a highway back to you.
Which lover are you, Jack of Diamonds?
Now you be Emmylou and I'll be Gram
I send a letter, don't know who I am
I dream a highway back to you.
I'm an indisguisable shade of twilight
Any second now I'm gonna turn myself on
In the blue display of the cool cathode ray
I dream a highway back to you.
I wish you knew me, Jack of Diamonds
Fire-riding, wheeling when I lead em up
Drank whisky with my water, sugar in my tea
My sails in rags with the staggers and the jags
I dream a highway back to you.
Oh I dream a highway back to you love
A winding ribbon with a band of gold
A silver vision come molest my soul
I dream a highway back to you.
Now give me some of what you're having
I'll take you as a viper into my head
A knife into my bed, arsenic when I'm fed
I dream a highway back to you.
Hang overhead from all directions
Radiation from the porcelain light
Blind and blistered by the morning white
I dream a highway back to you.
Sunday morning at the diner
Hollywood trembles on the verge of tears
I watched the waitress for a thousand years
Saw a wheel within a wheel, heard a call within a call
I dreamed a highway back to you.
Oh I dream a highway back to you love
A winding ribbon with a band of gold
A silver vision come molest my soul
I dream a highway back to you.
Step into the light, poor Lazarus
Don't lie alone behind the window shade
Let me see the mark death made
I dream a highway back to you.
I dream a highway back to you.
What will sustain us through the winter?
Where did last years lessons go?
Walk me out into the rain and snow
I dream a highway back to you.
Oh I dream a highway back to you love
A winding ribbon with a band of gold
A silver vision come and bless my soul
I dream a highway back to you
I dream a highway back to you
Oh I dream a highway back to you love
A winding ribbon with a band of gold
A silver vision come and bless my sould
I dream a highway back to you.
-
*waves to Truman*
-
I just spent $10 on iTunes for this album. Thanks a lot! ;D
*Waves @ Chuck*
I am glad you all like it, I think it is very haunting. Reading the lyrics it seems like she is taking the haunting parts of a lot of songs and country music history and bringing them together. The part about John kicking out the floodlights I think is a reference to Johnny Cash performing while all druged up.
-
Hi Truman!
-
Hey Dev!
Last night I watched a cool old movie. "Victim" is a 1961 British film about a group of homosexual men in London being blackmailed. This was in a time when being a homosexual in Britain was illegal. One of the characters had been imprisoned 4 times and is finally taking the advice of the prison doctor and immigrating to Canada.
The hero of the story, Melvin Farr, played by Dirk Bogarde, is moved to stop this, even though it means the loss of everything to him, and he had a lot to loose. He hopes that by standing up to the blackmailers the powers that be will see that the antiquated law only enables blackmailers and should be done away with.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6z-4VcUjjM[/youtube]
My copy of the movie from netflix also contained an interview done with Bogarde done just before the films release and he is asked some of the same questions I heard asked of Heath and Jake. He was adament this would not be a death knell for his career, and in fact it wasn't, he went on to have a very long career.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirk_Bogarde
-
'Mornin, Tru. Dirk says hi.
(http://www.adorocinema.com/personalidades/atores/dirk-bogarde/dirk-bogarde01.jpg)
-
Hey Paul! Man that Dirk was a handsome fella! He was family, too!
How are you doing today?
-
My new panoramic camera arrived yesterday from Russia! At first I was bemoaning the fact I has zero dollars to go buy some film for it but another envelope contained a check for $18.33, my part of a class action settlement I had no idea I was a part of nor did I understand.
I shot one roll, we'll see how bad a photographer I have become.
-
I could if I had a second panoramic camera, or too one in a mirror, huh, the tangential wheels are turning....
-
cool lookin' camera, Tru!
-
Truman, you got the check because you bought that penis pump a few years ago. Good thing you didn't actually use it. It was defective. Oh, the horror stories... :-X
??? Naw, it worked.
-
Law Gary, that shocked emoticon kindley mimics your avitar! ;) ;D
-
TRUMAN'S MISSING!!!
Somebody get out the dogs we gotta go look for him!!!
-
Ok here goes.. To all those freaks from the 70's
Far Out camera Truman!!!
-
Hi Truman. After reading your post yesterday I looked up the film "Victim" at Blockbuster Online with the intention of adding it to my queue. They had the DVD for sale, but, alas, it was not available for rent. >:(
Looks pretty interesting. Maybe I'll get to see it one of these days. Thanks for telling us about it.
I got mine from Netflix, they will rent it too you.
-
Ok here goes.. To all those freaks from the 70's
Far Out camera Truman!!!
I know, I get the first pic back today, can't wait, even though I messed the film up once I know. I wish I had it in Florida when I was down there.
Hey Jess!
-
Have fun with your cool new camera. Can't wait to see some pictures.
Great! Now you can retire to a villa in Italy. ;D
Truman, you got the check because you bought that penis pump a few years ago. Good thing you didn't actually use it. It was defective. Oh, the horror stories... :-X
That is a cool looking camera!!! I wonder what the pictures are like. Did it cost a lot, I bet it did.
Sorry to hear you got involved with that penis pump scam, but I thought you said earlier that you paid much more for it than $18.33. I guess maybe you only got that much since it was used :laugh:
-
Well I was just thankful I didn't have to break this one in.
The camera was about $200 I think, some of that was shipping.
Now if I can just get them to print the pictures right, I may have to send the film off to a professional lab.
-
Oh where, oh where has our Truman gone
oh where, oh where is he
with his hair cut short and his :o so long
Oh where, oh where is he?
???
-
I am sitting in the passanger seat of my car in the parkinglot of Staples in Harrisonburg, Virginia waiting for War and Peace to be xeroxed.
I don't think I'll have long hair again.
-
I am sitting in the passanger seat of my car in the parkinglot of Staples in Harrisonburg, Virginia waiting for War and Peace to be xeroxed.
I don't think I'll have long hair again.
Damn! :-\
I forgot yu was goin outta town.
-
Where are you off to now Truman?
-
safe travels!
-
Vienna, Virginia, and I am horribly conflicted about it. It will be okay though.
-
Where are you off to now Truman?
???
-
Who is Jeff Wrangler ???
-
Cartman!
son of a bitch!
-
Who is Jeff Wrangler ???
I dunno, but I would like to wrangle me a bit and find out! ;)
-
Country roads
Take me home
To the place
I belong...
West Virginia...
-
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, in Portland!
-
:D You look familiar pardner! ;D
(http://www.davecullen.com/forum/avatars/Musicians/Limp_Bizkit.jpg)
-
Be nice to the killer mechanic! He's also a memeber of Limpbiziskit.
-
I dunno, but I would like to wrangle me a bit and find out! ;)
:o ::) :-\ :-*
-
Hiya Big Bro!
Looks like this one missed the lava!
(http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh130/brittanysue18/S8000535.jpg)
-
Awe man I hate when that happens.
-
Awe man I hate when that happens.
:o
*makes mental note not to use bathroom next time I visit Truman*
-
I make Aent Brightie keep her pets out in the shed with her now. ;D
-
So now we have rakes and shakes ???
-
So now we have rakes and shakes ???
And lots of snakes.
-
So now we have rakes and shakes ???
And lots of snakes.
And Jakes for sakes.
-
Hola Truman! :D
-
*stops in to pay a visit to my big brother*
-
Happy Heath Day, everyone.
-
His smile as warm as the tropical sun,
Radiating heat in a sea of frozen air.
-
*Pulls up a chair, sits a spell, waits for my big brother to show up*
*maybe with some Key Lime Pie*
;D
-
And some of Natlai's tea, please, gowd that sounds good. :P
-
Did somebody say key lime pie? Dig in, boys.
(http://i.timeinc.net/recipes/i/recipes/sl/06/07/key-lime-pie-sl-1206119-l.jpg)
-
Yummy yummy yummy!
thanks, Paul!
how've you been?
-
Happy Heath Day, everyone.
Ya know, I didn't wear my stripes but I think I celebrated Heath day in a way that would have made him proud.
I registered Friday night to be a contestant in a rodeo. Because of his portrayal of Ennis DelMar, I have made so many changes in my life.
I think one of the best ways to honor the dead is to live and live in abundence!
I'm trying!
Thank you Heath!
-
Did somebody say key lime pie? Dig in, boys.
(http://i.timeinc.net/recipes/i/recipes/sl/06/07/key-lime-pie-sl-1206119-l.jpg)
Mmmmmmm, whose smilin' now? ;D ;)
-
Mmmmmmm, whose smilin' now? ;D ;)
I could do with some Key Lime Pie now...... ;D
-
Yummy yummy yummy!
thanks, Paul!
how've you been?
Hey Chuckie,
I'm doing good, but frantic with moving. Mind you, I'm only moving four blocks, but it's still a huge pain.
Key lime pie is good for what ails you.
Cheers,
Paul
-
(((((Paul)))))
-
Hey Chuckie,
I'm doing good, but frantic with moving. Mind you, I'm only moving four blocks, but it's still a huge pain.
Key lime pie is good for what ails you.
Cheers,
Paul
I once moved three doors down the hall and it might as well have been across town or across the state it was such a pain. It isn't the distance, it's the move itself. :-\
-
Mmmmmmm, whose smilin' now? ;D ;)
I make a mean key lime pie, if I do say so myself. It's none other than Paul Dean's recipe!
Squeezing those little bitty limes is a labor of love.
-
I make a mean key lime pie, if I do say so myself. It's none other than Paul Dean's recipe!
Squeezing those little bitty limes is a labor of love.
Labor of love,
Spead on the ground,
No little seeds,
Just an army of ants,
Wanting this little,
Slice of heaven.
-
Of course, I meant Paula Deen. Such a good southern girl.
(http://inthesav.com/db4/00345/inthesav.com/_uimages/PaulaDeen.jpg)
-
So, as part of my moving, I cashed in jars and jars of coins I had accumulated over who knows how long.
OMG, it was over $314 including 6000 pennies. I had no idea.
The counting maching spit out a few items:
-one very beat up penny
-one British penny
-one Bahamian penny (with a starfish on it)
-one Irish 5 pence (with a bull on it)
-one MBTA subway token.
-
And no Canadian Pennies? I am getting them in my change all the time.
Dang, you could have a nice dinner, shoot you could have a weekend with that much.
-
And no Canadian Pennies? I am getting them in my change all the time.
Dang, you could have a nice dinner, shoot you could have a weekend with that much.
Or, you could have gone to a Rodeo!! ;D
Dang!
-
No wooden nickles, huh?
;D
-
Of course, I meant Paula Deen. Such a good southern girl.
(http://inthesav.com/db4/00345/inthesav.com/_uimages/PaulaDeen.jpg)
Them have to be contacts.
-
Them have to be contacts.
Nope, they're real!!
She has been axed that before!
We love Miss Paula round here.
SHe is Elizabeths favorite.
Until we saw Alton Brown at the Kroger in Alpharetta!
The she was in love with Mr Alton! LOL
-
Or, you could have gone to a Rodeo!! ;D
Dang!
you thinking of any rodeo in particular???
:laugh:
-
So, as part of my moving, I cashed in jars and jars of coins I had accumulated over who knows how long.
OMG, it was over $314 including 6000 pennies. I had no idea.
Wow, Paul, you were sitting on a fortune and didn't know it :laugh:.
300$ is a nice surprise. How about using them for a Wyoming trip? Say, first week of June? ;D
The counting maching spit out a few items:
-one very beat up penny
-one British penny
-one Bahamian penny (with a starfish on it)
-one Irish 5 pence (with a bull on it)
-one MBTA subway token.
You should come with us on Oct, 31st. World Thrift Day, when all children (in Germany) bring their savings boxes to the bank and get small presents for being so good and saving their money.
Every year the counting machine still spits out German Marks, foreign coins, candy paper, barrettes and lots of buttons. :laugh:
-
Hmm, dinner, a nice weekend, a rodeo, a week in Wyoming. It all sounds nice.
However, I'll be spending my $300 in pennies and nickels on more prosaic items like a new bathroom faucet and a medicine cabinet! :P
-
you thinking of any rodeo in particular???
:laugh:
Ya think maybe?
-
Don't ya just HATE when real life rears its ugly head and takes your money?
-
I sure do, it has been doing a lot of that lately. OMG, I think the term is "Hemorraging Cash"
-
Lord, Don't even got here!
:-\
-
Well I keep telling myself "there will be more money" and there always is.
I never tell myself there is going to be more bills, but there always are too.....
-
never enough money, never enough. ;D
-
Or time, or space to store stuff in your house, for that matter.
You can say that twice and mean it!!
-
I ran into that just yesterday. Time to rearrange the closet, take half my clothes to Good Will and then I will have room to put up the comforters and blankets.
-
My pack rat mentality will not allow me to discard a "Virginia is for Lovers" T-shirt I wore when I was 8 that is now dry rotten.
I get sentimentally attached to shards of glass I dig up in the yard while gardening. It is alful. I need some catharsis, bad. :laugh:
-
My pack rat mentality will not allow me to discard a "Virginia is for Lovers" T-shirt I wore when I was 8 that is now dry rotten.
I get sentimentally attached to shards of glass I dig up in the yard while gardening. It is alful. I need some catharsis, bad. :laugh:
oh my god. You need to be living with my husband...I cleaned out a room in the stable last summer and he went thru the trash bags and got mad cause I threw away some of his 'strings'.
Truman one was a piece of twine about nine inches long. SERIOUSLY...what can you do with a piece of filthy twine that is nine inches long??? and how poor are we that we can't go buy some more rope that isnt' frayed and filthy???
He took it out and put it back in there where it sits STILL. (along with the rest of his collection of string) ::) ::) ::)
-
Oh my! Sounds like my husband. I wait until he goes out of town to clean out stuff now, so that it stays out.
he never leaves!!
well sometimes he goes off to get hay....
let me tell you though...it is a whole lot easier to throw HIS stuff away then mine! :laugh: :laugh:
-
I hear you on that! And if my husband ever threw out my stuff, I would be outraged. Pretty hypocritical, huh? I don't even like anyone to touch my stuff, and I can always tell.
Not to sound Chauvanistic, but thats a woman fer ya! LOL
My ex wife found box of old photo's and love letters from old girlfriends and she threw them all out yet she had shoe boxes of notes form her old flames and pictures too! LOL She wouldn't dream of parting with them!!
-
Not to sound Chauvanistic, but thats a woman fer ya! LOL
My ex wife found box of old photo's and love letters from old girlfriends and she threw them all out yet she had shoe boxes of notes form her old flames and pictures too! LOL She wouldn't dream of parting with them!!
hey it is our house...
;D ;D
-
Truman one was a piece of twine about nine inches long. SERIOUSLY...what can you do with a piece of filthy twine that is nine inches long??? and how poor are we that we can't go buy some more rope that isnt' frayed and filthy???
He took it out and put it back in there where it sits STILL. (along with the rest of his collection of string) ::) ::) ::)
Aww, you never know when a piece of twine about nine inches long will be JUST WHAT YOU NEED! ;D
Why waste good money on a new ball of twine when an old, used piece will do? :laugh:
-
Aww, you never know when a piece of twine about nine inches long will be JUST WHAT YOU NEED! ;D
Why waste good money on a new ball of twine when an old, used piece will do? :laugh:
MEN!
::) ::)
(and no you may NOT ask me why I am saving those plastic bags from the grocery store! THEY are useful!)
-
I save those plastic bags too, which btw would make a good rain cap for a buffont, but I mostly just take them to the recycling bin.
The twin reminds me of a dirty joke, but.......
-
MEN!
::) ::)
(and no you may NOT ask me why I am saving those plastic bags from the grocery store! THEY are useful!)
You can use them for trash bags, for carrying things in, or for Code's droppings ;)
-
You can use them for trash bags, for carrying things in, or for Code's droppings ;)
yeah!! Those are useful!! not like string!
-
I save those plastic bags too, which btw would make a good rain cap for a buffont, but I mostly just take them to the recycling bin.
:laugh:
-
yeah!! Those are useful!! not like string!
I use those plastic bags to line trash cans. That's how I recycle them.
However, I'm trying to cut down on the number of those bags I get because I think they are a real threat to the environment. I got a couple of canvas tote bags to carry my groceries home. I still get enough of those plastic bags from other places, like the drug store, to use as trash bags.
-
My favorite form of litter is plastic bags caught in trees.
There was a group of people I heard about on NPR once, they were making it their mission to come up with way to get them out of trees.
-
My favorite form of litter is plastic bags caught in trees.
There was a group of people I heard about on NPR once, they were making it their mission to come up with way to get them out of trees.
You have a favorite form of litter? :o :laugh:
I guess mine would be pairs of sneakers thrown over and dangling from telephone or electrical wires. ;D
I wonder whether they ever figured out how to get those bags down?
I took against those bags one day when I saw an open field across the road from a shopping center that was so full of those bags it looked like they were growing them there. :(
-
favorite litter......would that be your "pick of the litter"?
-
You have a favorite form of litter? :o :laugh:
I guess mine would be pairs of sneakers thrown over and dangling from telephone or electrical wires. ;D
I wonder whether they ever figured out how to get those bags down?
I took against those bags one day when I saw an open field across the road from a shopping center that was so full of those bags it looked like they were growing them there. :(
I like those too, there is a pair I have been watching for about 3 years now.
-
Well where I live here in Asheville litter can be an "art" form. Anything can be an art form here especially at this campus I work on. If you get up near the art building especially you will see things that look like trash, but no it is art. Right now they have all these little paper bags up there outside the building in the woods with sticks stuck through them. Some of the little bags even have pieces of trash "art" in them. And then if you go downtown it is no wonder what you might see, but remember it is "ART" pretty much anywhere you go around here. I live in a very strange place. Once they said it was on the corner or vortex or something of some alternate universe.
-
I like those too, there is a pair I have been watching for about 3 years now.
Anything started growing out of those sneakers yet? ;D
-
That is an idea, plant so grass seed it them and throw them over the phone line......He He . I have been waiting for this pair to rot enough to fall.
-
I have heard that too, but have not seen any evidence of it going on here.
-
I have heard that too, but have not seen any evidence of it going on here.
Here, either. I never saw it, or heard of it, till I moved to Philadelphia, and one of our local newspaper columnists once described it as an "old custom," but he didn't say how old.
-
I've never heard that story before. Interesting.
-
Hmmmmmmmmm
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRcRIbExrfg[/youtube]
-
OMG, did she say disturbingly healthy?! :laugh: :laugh:
-
unbreakable tube?
-
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v122/Guilmon_Gal/cats/hug.jpg)
-
Eritrea has more internet than TV.
Radio stations : 2 AM, 1 FM, 2 short wave
TV stations : 1
Internet Service Providers : 4
-
Happy Birthday Gun Girl !!!
-
Don't mess with Gun Girl. It's her birthday.
(http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/e/e031/e000760403.jpg)
-
Hmmmmmmmmm
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRcRIbExrfg[/youtube]
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: Jack - I know controllable hair is high on my priority list! Reminds me of George Clooney in O, Brother, Where Art Thou? and his Dapper Dan!!
-
I love the word Pomade.
-
Pomade is the French word pommade, for haircream, ointment, lip-salve...
you know for studs ?
-
The word Pomade reminds me of George Clooney in the movie, O Brother Where Art Thou?. He kept on putting pomade on his hair. Funny movie. Clooney was great.
-
George Clooney, what smile and man !!
I could kiss his smling lips!!
-
George Clooney, what smile and man !!
I could kiss his smling lips!!
Yeah, he's a good looking man.
-
"Hail Lady, full of grace,
Blessed art thou amongst dogs."
That is what I would tell her, as I scratched her head and wiped her eyes. She was my friends dog. She turned 17 this month, a spayed female part Shelty that had come from the SPCA when he and his son moved into their house.
I last saw her in the front yard, chewing on the rib bone of a pig, her atrophied back legs collapsing under her, I set her straight again and told her byebye. Yesterday at lunch he gave her the last left over rib bone from the trip to Texas Steak House and she happily tottered off with it. She never returned.
Last night as we positioned our vehicles to shine the headlights into the woods, as we whistled at the top of our lungs I knew she would not be found. Knew the leaves would not stir and produce a decrepit bag of bones loping along. She was on her way out for some time, slept 23 1/2 hours a day and would only eat people food anymore. She suffered from heart worms and it was just a matter of time. So with the last of her good quality of life, she answered the call of nature, and went off to the woods to die in private.
It was typical Lady. She was not a very social dog. The major emotion I saw her demonstrate in her life was disdain. She didn't need affection, did not care for most other dogs until about a year ago she made friends with a Chihuahua who would visit her at the end of the driveway every morning.
I hope her passing was peaceful, will probably never know. What I can do is tell myself a story about it to help it make sense. She, sitting in the yard with the rib bone betwixt her paws, gnawing. She smelled a sweet warm breeze that carried with it the taste of pig meat. All old dog love pig meat. She rose and tottered off, into some portal seen only by her, blue in color. Tottered off and that was that.
She was full of Grace.
-
She was a sweet ole girl!
I'd like to say I'm sorry but I think she is running in a golden field, bathed in sunshine and happily playing with Casy! :)
-
Truman, I'm so sorry about the loss of Lady.
I'm glad I had the oppportunity to meet her in January.
I was given this poem many years ago, when a beloved pet died. I cry each time I read it.
For Lady.
(http://www.westhillsanimalhospital.net/sites/site-1804/images/3ff8c340-7f00-0001-7424-051d075497e2.jpg)
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
-
Thank kew Chuck, Lady was the kind of dog who would spot someone and then just stand there waiting to be noticed, I never knew her to be affectionate. She may have kissed me once. :laugh:
And Rich I hope she is meeting Kasy. She was a good dog too.
-
How sad Truman :'(
-
SO on a happier diversion, when I went home to retrieve something this afternoon I saw that my odometer was sitting on 99,992 miles. I decided when I left I would head the other way, take the long way back to the office at $3.25 a gallon and watch for the magic numbers.
It was a wonderful ride, up Valley Drive, down Stones Dairy Road, onto Hodges Farm Road, where just below the house Sherry Wood grew up in I hit 99,999. On out to the end I took a left on The Great Road and the phone rang with a call from another couple of travellers in Georgia ;) and I got to share my excitement from the Free Will Baptist Church parking lot where I talked and clicked away.
I still don't know who this Will Baptist is or what he did, but is seems a lot of churches are on his side.
-
Truman,
I am so sorry to hear about Lady's passing. You composed a beautiful eulogy for her. I'm glad I got to meet her and that she's not in pain anymore. Please give Bob my condolences too.
Lynne
:'( :'(
-
coolness on the odometer reading, Bro!!!!!! ;D
-
Last weekend I started spring cleaning. It continues.
It never ceases to amaze me the amount of dust bunnies that accumulate under everything. The cobwebs in the corners. Where do these come from?
But what really amazes me is the amount of crap I have held onto for one reason or another. I have carried 10 bags of trash to the landfill. Among the things I have come across:
6 unopened decks of playing cards, the most recent of which from the Wild Mustang in Atlanta.
A file folder full of blank paper.
37 unsent post cards.
43 recived postcards.
A large number of dry ink pens.
Lots of clothes that no longer fit.
A couple dozen corks from whine bottles, some real some synthetic.
Piles and piles of photographs
7 Flashlights
My crowning achievement so far has been cleaning out the junk drawer in the kitchen. For 18 years it has been a catch-all for everything I could hardly open and close it. Now it contain three pair of sissors, two dispensers of tape, one drop cord (extension cord) and a film canister full of pins.
Now I must be vigilent to keep it from getting that way again.
-
You sure are doing better with spring cleaning than I am ;)
-
coolness on the odometer reading, Bro!!!!!! ;D
Does Truman have a little gay thingy in his car that talks too? Chucks is more than funny :laugh:
-
Does Truman have a little gay thingy in his car that talks too? Chucks is more than funny :laugh:
*says in really gay voice*
You made a wrong turn......
:laugh:
Congrats on cleaning out the house!
-
the most recent of which from the Wild Mustang in Atlanta.
I hope that didn't go to the land fill!! :o
-
I hope that didn't go to the land fill!! :o
Naw, it and all the decks of cards are sitting with the cribbage board I no longer know how to use.
-
You sure are doing better with spring cleaning than I am ;)
when he finishes he is coming to MY house!!
(he dont' know it yet though)
-
Change is a strange thing sometimes.
The nearby town where I work is on a bulldozing boom. One whole city block has been cleared so that this summer a sports complex can be built. It will be a good thing in the long run, will bring people together in an area where nothing much has happened in a long time. But I can still remember.....Cousins Brothers, it was kind of a hard ware store run but two old brothers whose last name was Cousins, weird, huh? It was THE place to get your old push mower fixed. 15 ft. ceilings made of stamped tin, now just a memory.
This morning I was cruising into town and saw this little white frame house next to the Divine Holiness Church being knocked down. It has sat empty for years, like a house I own. I made yet another note I need to do something about mine this summer before I get a notice from the city. I wondered if the church was going to put in a parking lot, which they don't currently have. Little house gone, my birthplace going back to open spaces at its heart. I was about go down memory lane when suddenly memory lane lept up and slapped me.
Up ahead on my right I saw something I had not seen since 1981. The National Business College had relocated out of the Jefferson Plaza, taking with them their sign that had for 27 years covered the painted bricks that must be a hundred years old: "Hotel Thomas Jefferson, Fireproof" I had to pull over and gaze at it, and as I did the a ghost passed me in a 1965 Plymouth Valiant. A grown woman and her baby brother, she was teaching him how to read by reading the signs they saw. That sign looked down on us both.
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Hi Shakes, I can't remember where exactly you are in the world geographically, but I hope you and yours weren't affected by the tornado damage...
Bel
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I was about go down memory lane when suddenly memory lane lept up and slapped me.
She'll do that sometimes. Time to make new memories.
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Hi Shakes, I can't remember where exactly you are in the world geographically, but I hope you and yours weren't affected by the tornado damage...
Bel
Hel Bel, Thankfully I am about 200 miles to the west, it sounds like a real mess.
I appreciate your concern! :-*
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She'll do that sometimes. Time to make new memories.
Oh yes, that is so true. Thanks for helping define that for me. :-*
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Hel Bel, Thankfully I am about 200 miles to the west, it sounds like a real mess. I appreciate your concern! :-*
Yes, the pics on the news have been awful.
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Hey Truman......
remember that first video I posted of you and CryBaby, as she wakes you up in the morning?
I found another one.
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I had thought about getting a door like that for the basement, you just saved me a bunch of money Chuck!
If there was some way to understand what goes thru a cats head as they debate walking thru a door....
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Johnny Cash Lives!
http://www.katu.com/home/video/11944831.html?video=pop&t=a
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That cat video is class!
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Well its official, I just found the season's fist tick climbing up me leg. :P
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Well its official, I just found the season's fist tick climbing up me leg. :P
Summer!
(you know you won't GET those as much if you'd stay out of the bushes.... ;D )
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Yeah, I need to spend some time on the bushes this weekend, weather permitting. Make this place look like some lives here. Everything is just exploding. ANd I need to move Mrs. Twist's Iris to a place where I got some others that are blooming.
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Well its official, I just found the season's fist tick climbing up me leg. :P
ewwwwwwwwwwwww
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Yeah, I need to spend some time on the bushes this weekend, weather permitting. Make this place look like some lives here. Everything is just exploding. ANd I need to move Mrs. Twist's Iris to a place where I got some others that are blooming.
I like iris. Grandma always called them Blue Flags, even when they weren't blue.
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;D I have heard them called that too, and when they were other colors too! I really hope moving it will make it happier and it will bloom at some point.
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;D I have heard them called that too, and when they were other colors too! I really hope moving it will make it happier and it will bloom at some point.
Next time you are here I'll have to give you some of mine that used to be my Nannies. I have some white, lavender and burgundy ones.
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Next time you are here I'll have to give you some of mine that used to be my Nannies. I have some white, lavender and burgundy ones.
That would be cool, then in time I could give the babies to Jay and Sam they would make an almost full circle!
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Next time you are here I'll have to give you some of mine that used to be my Nannies. I have some white, lavender and burgundy ones.
Oooo, I bet the burgundy ones are really pretty! :D
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Well! There will soon be a new flag flyin'!
I was all prepared to move Mrs. Twist's Iris to a location I thought it would like better, and lo and behold it has sent up a bloom! It will probably open in the next week! I am tickled to death!
It has been close to two years since Cowboy Wayne and Mouk rescued it from the overgrown yard of the abandoned house in Lightenin' Flat. Flew home with me in a damp washrag stolen from the Z-Bar Motel, and soon
its beauty will be appreciated again.
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That would be cool, then in time I could give the babies to Jay and Sam they would make an almost full circle!
That would be Beautiful!
maybe even plant some with Nannie and Paw paw up on the hill.
I would love to have them back in C'burg again! :)
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Well! There will soon be a new flag flyin'!
I was all prepared to move Mrs. Twist's Iris to a location I thought it would like better, and lo and behold it has sent up a bloom! It will probably open in the next week! I am tickled to death!
It has been close to two years since Cowboy Wayne and Mouk rescued it from the overgrown yard of the abandoned house in Lightenin' Flat. Flew home with me in a damp washrag stolen from the Z-Bar Motel, and soon
its beauty will be appreciated again.
How 'bout that! So that's why you call it "Mrs. Twist's Iris." I had not heard that story before. :D
I brought a pebble and a twig of Mountain Sage down off of Broke(n)back for myself.
Is that warshrag green? I took my own green warshrag with me to the Barbecue last year, and it will be goin' on the Roundup this year. :)
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Well it was white, it was kind of brown the last time I recognized it.
Makes me think about that thread they had going back in the old days where people were playing the parts of different items in BBM, I think Ray was the Washrag. It got kindley bawdy! :laugh:
"He was a poor wash rags and he knowed he done wrong"
It could be a blues song:
"Baby let me be your wash rag,
I wanna go every where you can reach!"
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Okay, I know I am going to shut down the laptop and rus as soon as I post this, and no I am not going to watch it.
If you have never met me and are curious as to what I am like in person:
http://brrltv.blip.tv/#841269
click on #48 on the right.
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Okay, I know I am going to shut down the laptop and rus as soon as I post this, and no I am not going to watch it.
If you have never met me and are curious as to what I am like in person:
http://brrltv.blip.tv/#841269
click on #48 on the right.
Check you out all professional
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cool beans Truman
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Oh you so CUTE!!! (that host should try to calm down some....)
You look like you know what the heck you are doing!! very nice..
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Bravo, Truman! You know your
shit stuff! 8)
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Well! There will soon be a new flag flyin'!
I was all prepared to move Mrs. Twist's Iris to a location I thought it would like better, and lo and behold it has sent up a bloom! It will probably open in the next week! I am tickled to death!
It has been close to two years since Cowboy Wayne and Mouk rescued it from the overgrown yard of the abandoned house in Lightenin' Flat. Flew home with me in a damp washrag stolen from the Z-Bar Motel, and soon
its beauty will be appreciated again.
Yee-haw, that's great news!! But, Tru, it was alec who was the warshrag, Ray was the blade of grass and I think he played a few other parts too in addition to being our producer at the very beginning.
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In my continued efforts at spring cleaning, I can report from the junk room in the basement the discovery of the following:
5 partially empty gallon jugs of windshild washer fluid.
4 opened and partially used bottles of isopropal rubbing alcohol, of varios sizes.
Uncountable partially used cans of paint of various sizes and colors.
A number of additional screwdrivers.
A large assortment of styrofoam packing pieces.
2 unopened boxes of nails.
One box of screws.
A set of adjustable wrench sockets.
A zip lock bag of frozen strawberries, circa 2002 (in the freezer).
An empty bottle of Crazy Horse Malt Liquor.
A bunch of maunals for electronic devices I no loger have or work, including software for Windows 95.
About a thousand "floppy discs".
And dirt, lots of dirt. :laugh:
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Now, knowing that I have a payday coming up I have decided I am going to do something bold. I am going to take my Brokeback Mountain movie poster out of its stoarge tube and I am going to take it to a frame shop and have it framed and hang it on my wall.
I wonder what they are going to say at the frame shop when I unroll that thing. I know they will be cool with it, I just think about it being there and commented on and if eyes will be on me when I pick it up and carry it out on the street. O-well, it is looooooooooooong over due.
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I just think about it being there and commented on and if eyes will be on me when I pick it up and carry it out on the street.
I think eyes will be on you, though I think it will be for a totally innocent reason, especially if they wrap the framed poster in paper for you, like the shop did for me the last time I had a large picture framed. I think it's just natural to turn and look when you see someone on the street carrying something as large as a framed movie poster. It doesn't mean anything in particular, just ordinary human curiosity.
If the poster isn't wrapped, the fact that it's Brokeback might draw a second look or two, but I think the first look will just be because you are carrying something fairly large.
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I think eyes will be on you, though I think it will be for a totally innocent reason, especially if they wrap the framed poster in paper for you, like the shop did for me the last time I had a large picture framed. I think it's just natural to turn and look when you see someone on the street carrying something as large as a framed movie poster. It doesn't mean anything in particular, just ordinary human curiosity.
If the poster isn't wrapped, the fact that it's Brokeback might draw a second look or two, but I think the first look will just be because you are carrying something fairly large.
umm...SECOND look would be because he is carrying a large package...
the FIRST is cause he is a cutie!
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Okay, I know I am going to shut down the laptop and rus as soon as I post this, and no I am not going to watch it.
If you have never met me and are curious as to what I am like in person:
http://brrltv.blip.tv/#841269
click on #48 on the right.
I didn't know you were on the board of directors in your local libraries - what does that involve?
And you were born across the road from your work!!! :)
Lovely to see & hear your voice for a prolonged period of time!
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I didn't know you were on the board of directors in your local libraries - what does that involve?
And you were born across the road from your work!!! :)
Lovely to see & hear your voice for a prolonged period of time!
Well we make sure the system gets funded, deal with growing pains, in fact in the 4 years I have been on the board most of the time has been taken up with replacing the air condition system at one of the branches. I do enjoy it, a good bunch of people.
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Happy Monday everyone.
Had a pretty good weekend here, some out of town company who took us up on the mountain. We even went back to Buffalo Mountain, but my companions of May were not quiet as in shape as my companions of January and we didn't make it to the top, but did see a lot of wild flowers in bloom.
Have a nice day.
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:P
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Truman, I don't know how to "quote" your photos to show what I'm talking about, but would you happen to know the name of that lovely little wildflower in the fourth picture in post 4411?
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As a matter of fact I can, it is a "Showy Orchis" it is a rare but not endangered plant, impossible to transplant because of a symbotic relationship they have with a fungus in the ground (I think)
Here is more info: http://www.knps.org/Wildflowers/orchis.htm and http://ncnatural.com/wildflwr/shwyorch.html
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As a matter of fact I can, it is a "Showy Orchis" it is a rare but not endangered plant, impossible to transplant because of a symbotic relationship they have with a fungus in the ground (I think)
Here is more info: http://www.knps.org/Wildflowers/orchis.htm and http://ncnatural.com/wildflwr/shwyorch.html
Thanks! It's such a pretty little thing! Could serve as an emblem for the delicate balance of nature. :)
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It is my considered opinion that most likely, everything is going to be alright.
Some things, in the final analysis, will fail to reach the threshold of alright,
But most likely those items will not matter nearly as much as we feared,
Or as the important stuff.
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It is my considered opinion that most likely, everything is going to be alright.
Some things, in the final analysis, will fail to reach the threshold of alright,
But most likely those items will not matter nearly as much as we feared,
Or as the important stuff.
I sure hope you are right!
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I face the future with a plastic spoon. :laugh:
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I think you'll be better prepared if you weild a spork!
(http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg83/daniellelovesyou4eva/cartoons%20and%20drawings/m_150fcbbca116597704dfcf734d72e39c.gif)
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r185/KoopaQueen/My%20icons/32aae2a3.jpg)
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There is a monkey sporting a red felt fez on my bathroom mirror. He recommends the spork also. :D :D :D
And just to prove there is an internet home for EVERYONE...
http://worship-thy-monkey.deviantart.com/
Who knew?? ;) :D
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There is a monkey sporting a red felt fez on my bathroom mirror. He recommends the spork also. :D :D :D
And just to prove there is an internet home for EVERYONE...
http://worship-thy-monkey.deviantart.com/
Who knew?? ;) :D
Hmm, interesting. But somehow I think I'll stick with Ennis and Jack. ;D
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Lynne that is my favorite card ever, I told the Hallmark Store to keep them in stock and you know what, I bet next year you'll have two of them!
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Had a close call last night, a storm passed thru and is believed to have caused a tornado in Greensboro, NC, about an hour away, killing one person. It was something, the lightning and thunder, which died away competely until 2:03 am when a final unbelievably loud clap shook the whole house.
Today is sunny, and a lot less pollen.
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Have Mercy!
http://health.discovery.com/convergence/duggars/duggarfamily.html
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Well I know not what course others may take, but I for one think that is ridiculous..
They are a community, not a family...
Glad you weathered the storm with no bad troubles...
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Sometimes a village is a family. ;D
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That can be true.. My daughter says it took a village to raise hers/ And being a
single mom, it sometimes requires help.
We couldnt be prouder....
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They are a community, not a family...
:laugh: :laugh:
*gets towel to wipe water off monitor*
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Okay, so I do a search on youtube for gay hillbillies and what did I find? An f'in' video about my home town!
Enjoy! I sure as shit did. :o
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oufSE3n3_z8[/youtube]
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oh man.
I had kinda hoped that far off cities was DIFFERENT than around here... :-\
:laugh: :laugh:
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you folks should put a gate at both ends of the county and charge a fee for people to enter.
Thats like the country Bear jamboree in Disneyland. ;D
Bye the bye was that one of your relatives, with Adkins written on the side of the truck?
I loved the tractor on the porch. That must be where they park the ones they are fraid of getting
stolen.
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Bye the bye was that one of your relatives, with Adkins written on the side of the truck?
Not sure, they were speling it with "T" and I use a "D" but I am related to some of them.
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I ain't sure what to make of it.
A few years ago I read in a gay newsletter published in Roanoke, Virginia, that my area, Martinsville, would be holding its first known gay event, the Rainbow Bowling League was going to be at Druid Lanes in a tournament. Well, whaddya know about that.
Since then I have witnesses a gay protest, right in front of my office. When the Virginia Museum of Natural History was opened in a gala event that included the Govenor and his wife strolling over my donated bricks in memory of Jack and Ennis, a guy who had been fired (he says because he was gay) and a few frends and hangers on stanged a protest on the sidewalk. I sat on the office porch with a drink and binoculars with my brokers making comments on how the women were dressed. I suppose I could have joined the protest, could have carried a sign that said "Govenor Kaine it's 2006!" (it took place in 2007).
Then the other night I am on youtube and discovered that DRAG SHOWS have been going on at the local Best Western! OMG! I like to have fell out! And they are posting it on youtube! Man, people are fearless any more.
I have never been much for a drag show, but a part of me would like to be there in real time just for the novelty. I mean, a room full of gay people, in Martinsville, Virginia, not in someones house! Out in public!
Like that guy in Laramie Tails said: "I am glad I have lived to see the day....."
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y12yodA5Zbo[/youtube]
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Truman, I hope you don't feel like you have to be an activist....you have a right to live your life..and not everyone can be like that.
But I also hope you can see that there isnt' so much to be afraid of....
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Well honey, give yourself a break. Take a walk on the wild side. Isn't life about learning. Maybe you
will have learned something that will make you like it better. Even if it isnt. It will just be something out
of the ordinary and humdrum days of life. Go for it ...!!! Come back and give us the report like all your
other reports. Make it a type of academial adventure.
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I thought at first that this drag show was supposed to be funny, but I take that it is serious. Am I right about that? I know the football players at the high schools around here have always dressed up in drag, but they are supposed to be funny.
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I guess it depends on your perspective, I think the performers want to be taken seriously, and have not themselves looked in a mirror.
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I guess it depends on your perspective, I think the performers want to be taken seriously, and have not themselves looked in a mirror.
Well I definitely see what you are saying. It might be a good idea for them to look in the mirror. Of course there is camp drag and maybe that is what they are doing. There used to be this guy around here named Cousin It and I guess he is still around somewhere. Anyway, he used to dress up as a very large country singer :laugh:
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So the story continues.
Kell is a doctor in Pennsylvania who had been out and partnered a quarter century now. At sometime in the recent past he picked up a copy of Jeb and Dash and read it, comming across a story he already knew.
Jeb's friend Max Bolling, a painter employed by the WPA, a U.S. agency (Works Progress Administration) during the depression of the 1930s, had been publically witch hunted for a mural he had painted that featured the likeness of the recently assassinated Huey Long. Bollins had taken it upon himself to add a halo around Long's head.
Soon, people were calling for his head, calling him a Bolshevik, a Communist, a Subversive, all the while oblivious to what he did behind closed doors.
Kell knew the story already. It had come down to him in his family. His cousin, the artist Philip Fletcher Bell, had painted the mural, he had been Jeb Alexander's Max Bolling. He turned to the internet and he found me. I have not the words to describe it, other than I am the heir.
So in the morning I will climb into my car and make the 5 hour drive to the nations capitol and meet this cousin, hear his stories and scan his inherited photos, one of which I have already featured as a picture of the day.
Carter Bealer, a little introverted man living in an insanely cluttered apartment, scribbling almost illegibly into his books because he couldn't connect with anyone in his time and place, will bring us together, some 43 years after he died.
Bless you Carter Bealer, standing just behind my right shoulder I hope you never leave. I could feel you there when I was had to make a decision that defined logic, reminding me that you, too, defied logic that August day in 1939 when you boarded that ship to Europe, Hitler be damned.
You were right.
The written word is sacred.
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Have you started writing a book yet Truman? Your writing is extremely good as I and many others have told you several times before.
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Have you started writing a book yet Truman? Your writing is extremely good as I and many others have told you several times before.
Amen!
Talent like yours deserves a broader audience.
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Amen!
Talent like yours deserves a broader audience.
Some of us are broad enough already.
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rotflmao!
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Some of us are broad enough already.
Jus' more to love, Paul! ;D
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Have you started writing a book yet Truman? Your writing is extremely good as I and many others have told you several times before.
Yeah, I started it in 1977 and hopefully it is no where near being finished.
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Amen!
Talent like yours deserves a broader audience.
Hunh. When I said that about Milo's writing, Jess gave me hell for it. :-\
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Well I would be happy to be a member of Milo's audience. ;)
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Jus' more to love, Paul! ;D
You can say that twice and mean it!!! ;D
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Hunh. When I said that about Milo's writing, Jess gave me hell for it. :-\
Why ???
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Hunh. When I said that about Milo's writing, Jess gave me hell for it. :-\
I did??!
I must have been high on the hydrocodone.....
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I did??!
I must have been high on the hydrocodone.....
Or smoking some Wildwood Weed..........
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Or smoking some Wildwood Weed..........
shhhhhhhh........we dont' want nobody knowing about the seeds we got out back...
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shhhhhhhh........we dont' want nobody knowing about the seeds we got out back...
Oh no!!! I have let the cat out of the bag ;D
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Oh no!!! I have let the cat out of the bag ;D
You ain't no good accomplice with your bad secret keeping self!!
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You ain't no good accomplice with your bad secret keeping self!!
That's true and I also told everyone about your pecan theft :laugh:
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That's true and I also told everyone about your pecan theft :laugh:
oh NO!! not the pecan hiest!!! :-X :-X :-X
>:( >:(
that is IT...you are officially NOT invited to our next antisocial acts of anarchy!!
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Heya Tru, what's that *thing* on your head in your current avatar? Am I seeing right, is it a sombrero?
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Heya Tru, what's that *thing* on your head in your current avatar? Am I seeing right, is it a sombrero?
Yes that was a sombrero on the somber ocassion of my 44th birthday, you'll notice I didn't say sober.
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Five more days, and the DVD will be mine! ;) ;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc23HMmT2m0[/youtube]
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Five more days, and the DVD will be mine! ;) ;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc23HMmT2m0[/youtube]
I love at :46 that little smile Zach has....he isn't confused or torn or hesitant....this is what he wants...it is only there for a second but it is as if inside he is saying "YES!"
;D
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Like it was a long time coming. ;)
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(http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/8126/5dfr8.jpg)
Happy Memorial Day!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Day-um, that is cool, thank kew!
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oh NO!! not the pecan hiest!!! :-X :-X :-X
>:( >:(
that is IT...you are officially NOT invited to our next antisocial acts of anarchy!!
Well dang!
I must be on the slow train cause i missed the first one! :laugh:
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Well dang!
I must be on the slow train cause i missed the first one! :laugh:
well it is good to hear there is ONE person he hasnt' ratted me out to!
>:( >:(
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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well it is good to hear there is ONE person he hasnt' ratted me out to!
>:( >:(
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Never! :laugh:
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:D Hey Shakes and all, hope you're having a good day! :)
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:D Hey Shakes and all, hope you're having a good day! :)
Hey Buddy!
How are you?
Sure would like to see you again! ;D
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Rich you should go by and see him sometime and get some more calamondins, I just finished up the last of my jelly recently. Gonna break out the kudzu jelly next.
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:D Hey Shakes and all, hope you're having a good day! :)
Hi Widgee!!!
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Gonna break out the kudzu jelly next.
the whut? ??? ???
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Rich you should go by and see him sometime and get some more calamondins, I just finished up the last of my jelly recently. Gonna break out the kudzu jelly next.
Kudzu jelly? :P :-X
And what the heck is a calamondin? ???
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Hey Friends :D
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Kudzu jelly? :P :-X
And what the heck is a calamondin? ???
Yes, I bought it in Dalonega, Georgia back in December, and it is good but nothing out of this world.
A calamondin in a very small, very tart, orange like fruit that Cowboy Wayne grows them in his house. We made some jelly with them and added a little orange in with it and Wayne's Mamma swears by it!
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Hey Friends :D
Hey Dev! Are you going to be in New Jersey anytime soon?
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Yes, I bought it in Dalonega, Georgia back in December, and it is good but nothing out of this world.
A calamondin in a very small, very tart, orange like fruit that Cowboy Wayne grows them in his house. We made some jelly with them and added a little orange in with it and Wayne's Mamma swears by it!
You're welcome to keep the kudzu jelly, but the calamondin actually sounds kinda good! :D
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Remember the Bicentenial Minute?
It was a commercial type history lesson each night on the CBS television network that ran for a couple of years before the U.S. Bicentenial and ended at the end of 1976. Here is Jessica Tandy:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUoto1lsX50[/youtube]
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I sure do remember those! That one was on my 12th birthday. Earlier that day I had braces put on my teeth. My mom made a birthday cake adorned with a smiley with braces.
BTW, there is a bas relief depicting the Liberty Tree, still on the corner of Boylston and Essex Streets, now the home of the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
(http://www.celebrateboston.com/images/sites/libertytreephoto.jpg)
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Remember the Bicentenial Minute?
It was a commercial type history lesson each night on the CBS television network that ran for a couple of years before the U.S. Bicentenial and ended at the end of 1976. Here is Jessica Tandy:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUoto1lsX50[/youtube]
I remember that!
I thought that was cool.
I seem to always remember it in conjunction with the waltons for some reason.
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They did have that Waltonesque quality.
Wow Paul, I totally missed that was your birthday, man what a present, but it seems to have worked. ;D
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Sure enough! Here's me at 12:
(http://th50.photobucket.com/albums/f326/partygirl26/MySpace%20Icons/th_SmileyBraces.jpg)
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Sure enough! Here's me at 12:
(http://th50.photobucket.com/albums/f326/partygirl26/MySpace%20Icons/th_SmileyBraces.jpg)
I still want to see the picture of you in the toll booth uniform.... ;)
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I still want to see the picture of you in the toll booth uniform.... ;)
Oh, yeah, twelve shades of goose-turd green, that's real attractive. :-X
Here I am, in an earlier incarnation:
(http://www.repmanblog.com/photos/uncategorized/48750_a.jpg)
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Oh, yeah, twelve shades of goose-turd green, that's real attractive. :-X
I was thinkin more about the Pilgrim Hat! ;)
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I was thinkin more about the Pilgrim Hat! ;)
Here ya go:
(http://www.optimuscrime.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/mass-hat.jpg)
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: ;D
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Hey there, Tru! It was great to talk to you today! The other movie I am seeing tomorrow is NEWCASTLE - there's surfing going on too.
Swimsuit? Check. :)
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Hey SunShadow! NEWCASTLE is an Australian film. From www.newcastlemovie.com:
"Newcastle, home to steel works, salt of the earth working-class families and surf...big, beautiful surf... Seventeen year old JESSE lives in the shadow of his older brother VICTOR and Victor's failure to become surfing's Next Big Thing. Even when Jesse's in his natural habitat of magnificent surf breaks, his blue-collar future is brought home by the coal barges that constantly line his horizon. Jesse has the natural skills to surf his way out of this reality and onto the international circuit - but can he overcome his equally natural ability to sabotage himself? What is supposed to be a momentous weekend away with his mates results in the heat of first love and an unexpected, devastating tragedy. Jesse must now face the biggest wave of his life and find the courage to hold on and discover his dreams."
I will post a trailer when I get to a real computer.
-Lynne
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I had several nice phone calls this weekend, but one I was particularily happy to get, Moremojo called! He is doing well, enjoying the early summer Texas humidity and looking to learn more about his relations, they are going to be having a reunion soon.
Mojoy stopps by ever so often, so if you want to leave hi a hello, I feel like he'll see it.
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I had several nice phone calls this weekend, but one I was particularily happy to get, Moremojo called! He is doing well, enjoying the early summer Texas humidity and looking to learn more about his relations, they are going to be having a reunion soon.
Mojoy stopps by ever so often, so if you want to leave hi a hello, I feel like he'll see it.
Hey, Scott. It is wildflower time here again and I think about you every time I pass a field of those yellow flowers. Good to hear from you.
I miss you.
Jess
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Hey, Scott. It is wildflower time here again and I think about you every time I pass a field of those yellow flowers. Good to hear from you.
I miss you.
Jess
You can say that twice and mean it!
I miss you too Scott!
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So what if, after the lovemaking at the Siesta Motel, Jack and Ennis turned on the TV and watched the late movie on chanel 11. What if it were Bette Davis in Now, Voyager a tale about two people leading seperate and uneuqal lives, one with an overbearing parent.
What if 6 year old Annie Proulx went to the movies in 1942 with her grandmother, and saw Now, Voyager?
I can hear Ennis, once it was over say: "That was a long movie."
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-KGiwGn1d8[/youtube]
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Hey SunShadow! NEWCASTLE is an Australian film. From www.newcastlemovie.com:
"Newcastle, home to steel works, salt of the earth working-class families and surf...big, beautiful surf... Seventeen year old JESSE lives in the shadow of his older brother VICTOR and Victor's failure to become surfing's Next Big Thing. Even when Jesse's in his natural habitat of magnificent surf breaks, his blue-collar future is brought home by the coal barges that constantly line his horizon. Jesse has the natural skills to surf his way out of this reality and onto the international circuit - but can he overcome his equally natural ability to sabotage himself? What is supposed to be a momentous weekend away with his mates results in the heat of first love and an unexpected, devastating tragedy. Jesse must now face the biggest wave of his life and find the courage to hold on and discover his dreams."
I will post a trailer when I get to a real computer.
-Lynne
What a surprise.....having a read thru Tru's thread to find a few posts on Newcastle, Australia.
That is the city where I was born, and lived until I was 7yrs old. My mum and dad grew up there. My dad was a lifesaver on Newcastle beach for many years.
Newcastle is 100 miles north of Sydney, and is the 2nd largest city in the state of New South Wales. Here is a pic of Newcastle Beach, which is within walking distance of the main CBD area of Newcastle.
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/newcastlebeach.jpg)
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Remember my friend Weston who fell off the roof? He sent me an email yesterday telling me, among other things, that this is currently his favorite song:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwrwBDycQFs[/youtube]
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What a surprise.....having a read thru Tru's thread to find a few posts on Newcastle, Australia.
That is the city where I was born, and lived until I was 7yrs old. My mum and dad grew up there. My dad was a lifesaver on Newcastle beach for many years.
Newcastle is 100 miles north of Sydney, and is the 2nd largest city in the state of New South Wales. Here is a pic of Newcastle Beach, which is within walking distance of the main CBD area of Newcastle.
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/newcastlebeach.jpg)
Nicer looking than the Newcastle near me!!
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Chcken Tikka you and I know!!! ... la lalalalala
PS I can not wait for the Mamma Mia film- saw an advert for it at the SATC screening - looks good
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I wanted to see the stage production of Mamma Mia, but the movie will do just fine.
Here is someone else I got curious about today from a file in my tangential mind: Cordell Jackson. She appeared in a Bud Light commercial with Brian Setzer in 1991. I looked her up and unfortunatly she passed away in 2004.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtZjK8x5kGU[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6VkxVFkssE&feature=related[/youtube]
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I'm in Maryland for a few weeks doing a production of Magic Flute. Some signs seen along the highway: Beantown 9 Miles; God Is in Control Church; See-Thru Windows and Doors. ;D
I decided I'm going to stage the chorus to greet each other with the Brokeback Cult handshake and it'll be my secret. ;D
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I decided I'm going to stage the chorus to greet each other with the Brokeback Cult handshake and it'll be my secret. ;D
That's an awesome idea High Priestess! :laugh: ;D
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[quote author=Meryl link=topic=654.msg376449#msg376449 date=1212721174
I decided I'm going to stage the chorus to greet each other with the Brokeback Cult handshake and it'll be my secret. ;D
[/quote]
I love it!
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Remember "James at 15"?
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ABX2-4RTrY[/youtube]
When he had sex with the Sweedish Exchange Student, I think every single student in my school was watching, and those who weren't were lying.
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I certainly do! Took place in Boston.
Here's Lance Kerwin today:
(http://photos22.flickr.com/34382855_f4c1c09e28_o.jpg)
Here's his bio from his church's web site:
Lance Kerwin, Youth Pastor
Lance Kerwin serves as the Youth Pastor here at Calvary Chapel.
He is a former Hollywood child actor whose list of credits include the NBC television series 'James at 15' and 'James at 16' and the feature film 'Outbreak' starring Dustin Hoffman. Like many actors in the business, the Hollywood lifestyle began to take its toll on Lance. While his life appeared to be on a downward spiral, God was getting ready to begin His work in Lance's life. God gave Lance his first daughter Savannah in 1994. With a daughter in his life now and God knocking on the door of his heart, Lance began to see that there was more to life than fame, drugs and money. Lance gave his life to the Lord and is now sold out for God. He has a hunger to bring the Gospel to the youth of today so that they can know the Savior of his life and avoid the struggles that he went through.
He resides in Temecula with his wife Yvonne and his three daughters Savannah, Trinity, and Terah.
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I had read on wiki he was a pastor now, but had not seen what he looks like now, would have never recognized him.
Wonder what his wife thought when God gave him that baby?!
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http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080609/od_nm/condoms_dc;_ylt=AkesU0jDiuPir88muxvTLSWs0NUE
Mon Jun 9, 1:24 PM ET
WELLINGTON (Reuters) - One of the last shipments to a U.S. research base in Antarctica before the onset of winter darkness was a year's supply of condoms, a New Zealand newspaper reported Monday.
Bill Henriksen, the manager of the McMurdo base station, said nearly 16,500 condoms were delivered last month and would be made available, free of charge, to staff throughout the year to avoid the potential embarrassment of having to buy them.
The base only has a skeleton staff through the long winter.
"Since everybody knows everyone, it becomes a little bit uncomfortable," Henriksen told the Southland Times newspaper.
About 125 scientists and staff are stationed at McMurdo base, the largest community in Antarctica, during the winter months when there is constant darkness.
The first sunrise will occur on August 20 and McMurdo's population will start to increase again in September when supply flights resume, peaking at more than 1,000 during the summer period.
(Reporting by Kazunori Takada, editing by Miral Fahmy)
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http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080609/od_nm/condoms_dc;_ylt=AkesU0jDiuPir88muxvTLSWs0NUE
Mon Jun 9, 1:24 PM ET
WELLINGTON (Reuters) - One of the last shipments to a U.S. research base in Antarctica before the onset of winter darkness was a year's supply of condoms, a New Zealand newspaper reported Monday.
Bill Henriksen, the manager of the McMurdo base station, said nearly 16,500 condoms were delivered last month and would be made available, free of charge, to staff throughout the year to avoid the potential embarrassment of having to buy them.
The base only has a skeleton staff through the long winter.
"Since everybody knows everyone, it becomes a little bit uncomfortable," Henriksen told the Southland Times newspaper.
About 125 scientists and staff are stationed at McMurdo base, the largest community in Antarctica, during the winter months when there is constant darkness.
The first sunrise will occur on August 20 and McMurdo's population will start to increase again in September when supply flights resume, peaking at more than 1,000 during the summer period.
(Reporting by Kazunori Takada, editing by Miral Fahmy)
Guess those scientists sure found a way to pass the time down there! ;D
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http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080609/od_nm/condoms_dc;_ylt=AkesU0jDiuPir88muxvTLSWs0NUE
Mon Jun 9, 1:24 PM ET
WELLINGTON (Reuters) - One of the last shipments to a U.S. research base in Antarctica before the onset of winter darkness was a year's supply of condoms, a New Zealand newspaper reported Monday.
Bill Henriksen, the manager of the McMurdo base station, said nearly 16,500 condoms were delivered last month and would be made available, free of charge, to staff throughout the year to avoid the potential embarrassment of having to buy them.
The base only has a skeleton staff through the long winter.
"Since everybody knows everyone, it becomes a little bit uncomfortable," Henriksen told the Southland Times newspaper.
About 125 scientists and staff are stationed at McMurdo base, the largest community in Antarctica, during the winter months when there is constant darkness.
The first sunrise will occur on August 20 and McMurdo's population will start to increase again in September when supply flights resume, peaking at more than 1,000 during the summer period.
(Reporting by Kazunori Takada, editing by Miral Fahmy)
dang! That is more than a thousand apiece!
How do they find any time to do research!!??!
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Popsicles for little Kids
Olive Popsicle
1 jar of olives
a blender
a popsicle mold
Put olives and olive juice in blender and blend well
pour mixture into popsicle mold
freeze
enjoy
Mayonnaise Popsicle
Mayo
popsicle mold
food coloring
put mayo in bowl and mix with food coloring
pour into popsicle mold
freeze
enjoy
Chinese popsicle
a chinese noodle dish
knife
popsicle mold
Chop up chinese noodle dish roughly with knife
stick it into popsicle mold
freeze
enjoy
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Yum! There is a place in Bar Harbor, Maine that sells lobster (lobstah) ice cream: Ben and Bill's Chocolate Emporium.
(http://photos21.flickr.com/24466276_6c746ad3a5_o.jpg)
(http://gonewengland.about.com/library/graphics/lobstericecream2.jpg)
I have no idea what "KGB" ice cream is.
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I think I remember that place from back in '06, the two guys names stood out.
Maybe the KGB popsicle has Stoli in it. ;)
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Truman & Paul.....those flavors are nasty! :o
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Truman & Paul.....those flavors are nasty! :o
Hey Chuckie, how about stromboli ice cream? Delizioso!
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Hey Chuckie, how about stromboli ice cream? Delizioso!
Yum, I think it is time for my sit up!!
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Inspired by the Wyoming photos:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkr_2G3Jlko[/youtube]
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Wow! I saw Big Country at Wembley Stadium in London in 1984! It was an all-day concert that, if memory serves, included such luminaries as Kool and the Gang, Nic Kershaw (!), Paul Young, and culminated with the headline act, Elton John.
At one point, when Elton entered, the crowd pushed forward, and being close to the stage, I really thought I would be suffocated...alas, the crowd swayed to and fro like a living organism, and I survived.
I later saw myself on a cable commercial for the show! I still have that concert on VHS.
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Man that sounds like quite the show, I bet you were exhausted when it was over.
Wonder if the clip with you in it is on youtube anywhere?
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Big brother Truman!
I miss you!
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Man that sounds like quite the show, I bet you were exhausted when it was over.
Wonder if the clip with you in it is on youtube anywhere?
I never thought to look, but here it is!
It's poor quality, but I saw myself a few times in the swaying crowd during "Blue Eyes". I had a beard that year.
Here's to you, blue eyes!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpx4MSHcz1Y[/youtube]
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Big brother Truman!
I miss you!
Do you miss me more than electricity? :D :laugh:
And next week you are crossing the big pond for the first time, I am so proud of you!
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I never thought to look, but here it is!
It's poor quality, but I saw myself a few times in the swaying crowd during "Blue Eyes". I had a beard that year.
Here's to you, blue eyes!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpx4MSHcz1Y[/youtube]
I *think* I saw you, or someone my mind wants to assign your identity to, lol. We'll have to watch it together and you can show me.
I remember that summer, omg, "Sad songs say so much" was the tune of the day, the radio played it over and over (I was glad they had quit playing Mr. Roboto) I was living in east Tennessee with a deaf Canadian guy and a local who was a total homophobe. The Canadian had grown up in London and his parents still lived there and he bemoaned the fact he had given up his summer to hang out with his girlfriend, and miss showed like this one.
The local guy loved Elton John, even if he was a "fag". :laugh: He thought SSSSM was the best song ever written.
There are time when we all need to hear the radio.
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Elton is one of the all time Greats. Love the video. Where is his big funky glasses?? ???
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Truman no one is posting to my blog lately. I am lonely :'(
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Elton is one of the all time Greats. Love the video. Where is his big funky glasses?? ???
I think his wife made him get rid of them. He got married that summer, and his grandmother reportly had to "sit down and take a powder".
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Ive always been so grateful that Elton didn't end up a sad case with AIDS.. I think we were all susceptible back in the day of all that partying and Sex!
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He did a lot of partying too, by his own admission. I think too he has had a pace maker since 1999.
I know I remember thinking when Rock Hudson died it would be just the begining. When Freddie Mercury died, it was pretty bad. I am glad we still have Elton, and Donna Summer.
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Do you miss me more than electricity? :D :laugh:
And next week you are crossing the big pond for the first time, I am so proud of you!
Of course I miss you more than electricty!
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Oh you are a Donna Summer fan.. Remeber doing the hustle!! ;D
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We all need to dance like we used to.
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Do you miss me more than electricity? :D :laugh:
And next week you are crossing the big pond for the first time, I am so proud of you!
Chuckie are you going to Europe Bud?
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Truman I should tell you that I so enjoy all the interesting and fun and memorable video clips you post on your thread here.. All Very Cool :-*
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It is amazing what you can find on youtube. I thought about changing my screne name to the Nostalgiantor.
Yeah I think it is next week Chuck is going to Oxford.
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Hey Truman, thank you so much for posting what you did on my blog. You are one of those special people who has come into my life. Thanks for making a stop by us on your way to the Keys. It was wonderful meeting you!
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I never will forget that lunch we had at "Resturant" and that crazy story you told me about your daughter and her car accident. It was so horrible and I couldn't help but laugh.
I remember you coming down the dock amidst all them chillins and I thought "wow, this is really her"!
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Yeah I was happy to see you for sure! I thought the sun was gonna come out so I didnt bring a sweater and you lent me yours when you so me shivering. You know I never did walk out to the end of that dock. That was kinda dumb :-\ I was happy to meet you and just wanted to talk to you. Thats good memories. Oh and that story, can you imagine running someone over? Thats the single most weirdest thing to ever happen in someones life or death. O M G
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So this youtube video dedication is for all my friends, old and new, who have visited Crazy Woman Canyon, the closing credits (and perhaps the best part) of the 1974 movie, Lords of Flatbush:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2NAb6bk3hA[/youtube]
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I'll gove you a pound if you try it :o
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To all the Fathers/Uncles/Brothers/Mentors here today:
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/cowboy%20pics/FathersDay-1.jpg)
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A calamondin in a very small, very tart, orange like fruit that Cowboy Wayne grows them in his house. We made some jelly with them and added a little orange in with it and Wayne's Mamma swears by it!
It was awful nice of you to send us that jar! We ate it up with some muffins and some kind of Mexican pastry. Mmmm!
And hey there to you too Rich!
Hope everybody's having a good day! :)
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I am sitting acorss the table from the best margarita maker in the world...... ;)
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Truman!
How are you, buddy?
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A sunny afternoon and a cat nap on the sun porch, the windows are open and a breeze is aided by the ceiling fan.
I sit across the coffee table from Paul's smiliing face, lap tops on every thigh in the house, we read to one another from Milli's birthday thread, the comics, the weather, which is wonderful, just like I ordered.
This has been a trremendous week, I have the callouses on my feets to prove it. From my arrival in Boston on Monday night, to our ferry ride back this evening, it has been a joy to spend time with Paul, seeing his world and his life first hand.
If you ever get a chance to visit Provincetown, please do so. It is the sweetest little town out at the end of the world. Narrow one way streets, old houses, gay people everywhere. We get off the boat and are greeted by Ellie, a 76 year old transvestite with a kayoke machine in a radio flyer, living her dream. The big draw this week is the Provincetown film festival. If you have never been to a film festival before you should check one out nearby. We saw Madonna's directorial debut, Filth and Wisdom, which I highly recommend, and got to have a q&a with one of the actresses.
Yesterday we travelled from one pole to the other, depending upon which way you think your sailing. In the morning we saw Be Like Others, a film about transsexuals in Iran, not all of whom probably are trans, but take this difficult route to try to find some place for theirselves in a nitch the koran does not address.
In the vening we saw If The World Were Mine. OMG, talk about ooposite end of the spectrum! It was brilliant! I so hope it wins the award, being given tomorrow, as I am waiting for my bag at the Raleigh airport. Jim Gallagher has posted a nice piece about it in the culture tent.
And just so nice,being around your own kind. Meeting a nice 23 year old lesbian bartender from Cork, Ireland whose mother cannot even say the word. What brought her here? The gayness.
But what I would like to solidify in my mind as artless and charmed happiness is two huckleberry friends shlepping across the moors to the sunny beach. Two drifters off to see the world, there is so much of it to see.
I'll put War and Peace back on the shelf, and ask Paul if he is ready to go down to the beach one last time. ;D
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P.S. and did I mention John Waters rode by us on his bike, not a lot unlike Elmira Gulch?
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P.S. and did I mention John Waters rode by us on his bike, not a lot unlike Elmira Gulch?
Really? Cool! Could you see his slender moustache? ;D
Sounds like you all are having a great time -- the day seems nice and relaxing. Good.
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I have always heard good things about Provincetown. I got some brochures of it one year and almost planned a trip there. I still have it on my list of places to see. That is a long list.
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So the flights back were decent, little planes with two seats on one side and one seat on the other, no way to stand up. I had the seat to myself going to LaGuardia, staring out the window at the islands in the east river, one of which used to house a big hospital, now ruins, and Rikers island, and thank gawd at the last second the runway appears under the landing gear.
I checked for M.R.'s flight and it was actually arriving a head of schedule, cool, I settled in with me book and text messages and shortly she was calling me! "Meet you at the baggage claim."
And hour later, I still waiting with that cart I was so fortunate to grab with out having to pay for.....I knew she had to go thru customs but WTF?! I kept my eyes trained on the escalator, looking for her blond hair and black Johnny Cash out fit and suddenly, finally, there she was, black blouse andOrange skirt.
"And how do you plan to get to Martinsville?" Customs asked her.
"In a car" she said.
The ride home seemed short, driving thru one thunderstorm. We past the eastern city limits, "why do we stay here?" She asks me, "Because we can afford it" I smiled back at her. Lynn was at her house, sweeping up the cat litter her cats had strode about the place.
I finally reached home about 6 pm, the birds were singing, and as I put my key in the door, a crow flew down the road, calling a song I had never heard before. It sounded like something from the jungle.
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For exactly a week she had been cooped up in a cage, but she did not know what weeks were, or days, only the cycle of eating and sleeping, as much as she dared in this place, the dark coming suddenly with the exit of the people from the room. Her initial terror had given way to a general warriness that danger was all about her.
They had stuck needles into her, repeatedly. Had made her sleep and when she woke she was in pain, the fur gone from her belly and the sense that something, she knew not what, was irrevocably changed. Still she was here, still in this indoor place cut off from all she had ever known. Her mind searched in tightly wound circles for answers, but there were none. Kind tones from the strangers and the intonation of the sound he made to her was the only comfort that came her way.
And as strangely as it had began, the tall boy with the ball cap woke her and reached into her cage. This was it, no doubt, her life was about to end or return and she was powerless to stop him, no where to run, nothing she could do. His rough hands guided her into the box as she recalled its smell, like old dankness in the room she rarely ventured, vaguely like other cats and a hint of something else, too far gone to tell when whoosh! up and away from the table, her claws could penetrate nothing, she faltered and cried out, she hated this.
Down the corridor her wide eyed terror tinged with the essential need to find out all she could, look for any out, any crack in the system that would allow her to get her head thru. If she could get her head out she was half way, where? The sounds all around her, animals she could not see or smell correctly, there, he is.
A cry, a wail, please, be real, don't be a dream, please undo this thing and put me back the way I was, she cried, long and hard. The familiar face bent down to the wire door and cooed, a familiar finger reached thru and she touched her nose to it, it was. It was.
Thru the door, into the heat, into to the box he put himself in to every day to leave, the air suddenly growing cooler and the sound of engine. The sky over head moved, she felt herself this way and that and she knew, it was almost over.
Meow? he said.
Meoooow! She replied, and reflexively, from deep within her, she relaxed and squinted her eyes as she let out the softest coo.
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Poor Cry Baby!
:-\
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Coming back into consciousness from the dream world I found myself this morning searching for a metaphor.
A waiter came with one of those hand brooms that has no handle, sweeping the crumbs from the table so I could see what was my food and what was my utentisels. Nah, not quite right.
The curtains pulled back so I can find my shoes.....no, but getting closer. I lay their a while and then it comes to me:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gKaT5uG80Ts[/youtube]
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it is good to see you in such a fine mood this morning!!
:) :)
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Yeah, and I will resist the temptation to say we'll see how long it will last, this is today, and today is all we ever have!
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Yeah, and I will resist the temptation to say we'll see how long it will last, this is today, and today is all we ever have!
yep
"The birds and the animals live day to day and live very well"
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Another bright, sunshiney day. Yesterday went faily well but I had a couple of cussing fits.
Went out to lunch with a couple of agents and when we returned we found our way to the back door of the office bloced by a swarm of hornets who were excitedly building a nest in the lattace work, had to cordon off the area. Hopefully that will have been taken care of when I get there today.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLt7clQbBzo[/youtube]
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*hugs to big brother Truman*
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Hola everybody!! *Natali waves* ;D
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Hola everybody!! *Natali waves* ;D
Whats up Doc??? ;D
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Whats up Doc??? ;D
somebody call me?
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somebody call me?
Yes! I would like one of your famous margaritas! A hyperlinked one!
(http://blogs.clevescene.com/cnotes/margarita.jpg)
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The tequila doctor is in !
(http://lukehoney.typepad.com/the_greasy_spoon/images/2007/11/09/margarita.jpg)
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The tequila doctor is in !
(http://lukehoney.typepad.com/the_greasy_spoon/images/2007/11/09/margarita.jpg)
TEQUILA!!!!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVKsd8z6scw[/youtube]
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Awe man that is one of my favorite movies, it plays out one of the great themes of the story: the quest.
Thanks to Pee Wee, I know there is no basement in the Alamo.
Ah another beautiful day, filled no doubt, with utter craziness.
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Tequilla Yeah !!!
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*sings*
"they call me 'ho', that's not my name, my name is Chuckie"
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She'll do that sometimes. Time to make new memories.
I was walking out of the city hall into the opressive heat and looked up and saw the old "Hotel Thomas Jefferson- Fire Proof" sign, and remembered this post, went and sought it out again so I could send you a thank kew in song.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoIvqoL0s4I[/youtube]
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Ah Friday, so glad to see it again. It will be hot, and muggy. Last nights rain left everything wet and in half an hour it will being converting into humidity, and ocean to breath.
Tomorrow I'll be headed up the mountain to Christiansburg, go tubing on the New River. It will be fun, hopefully won't get burnt. Right now, I could use about 8 hours more sleep!
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Cool! Don't forget to take some great pics! ;D
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Ah Friday, so glad to see it again. It will be hot, and muggy. Last nights rain left everything wet and in half an hour it will being converting into humidity, and ocean to breath.
Tomorrow I'll be headed up the mountain to Christiansburg, go tubing on the New River. It will be fun, hopefully won't get burnt. Right now, I could use about 8 hours more sleep!
Awwww! I wanna go home! :'(
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Interesting !
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Happy Gay Pride Week!
(http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z253/Nubbikins/Gay_Pride-1.jpg)
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Had a great time Saturday, tubing on the New River in the little town of McCoy in Montgomery County, near the Giles County line. It was a beautiful day, mostly sunny, it sprinkled just a little bit then the clouds went away.
For $9 you get and innertube, but in at the camp ground and float a mile down the river to the small rapids, nothing major, and you can get out before or after them, and take the bus back to the beginging as many times as you like. The water was pretty low Saturday, a couple of time I had to stand up and walk over the rocks.
Once I was to the rapids, I went thru them about a dozen times. It is set in a catarac that crosses the wide and shallow river. After a while I wade out and climbed up on the rocks to take in the scenery. The mountains and the hawks flying over them. The college age kids with their coolers of beer, the young girl going thru the rapids with her credit card in her teeth.
So where are the gay ones I thought, and soon enough here they came, two young buff guys in matching bathing suits, wading past me, to another rock, waaaaay out in the river, where they could sit side by each in private. I watched them for a long time, just sitting close and talking, often turning their faces to one another in their conversation insulated by the river. Bless them.
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Ok, a little soccer news. SPAIN, EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS!!! YESSSSS CAMPEONES OLE!!!! idon't usually follow soccer but this has been a great victory. GO SPAIN!!!!
Back to topic ;D
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And the first time since 1964?! That is Excellent! VIVA ESPANA!
(http://cache.viewimages.com/xc/1246172.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6662CDF60F80DB3EB9930FDCFC4C15FBB)
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Sometimes life is so surreal.
I had a check from a new tenant a day ahead of time (they sometimes start out that way) and needed to take it to the bank. It was not too hot, the breeze was blowing and I decided I would walk insted of drive.
And as soon as I did, I swear I could smell the ocean. :D
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Sometimes life is so surreal.
I had a check from a new tenant a day ahead of time (they sometimes start out that way) and needed to take it to the bank. It was not too hot, the breeze was blowing and I decided I would walk insted of drive.
And as soon as I did, I swear I could smell the ocean. :D
I don't think that's strange at all. When I was in Huntsville, AL, and it was particularly hot, and a breeze came, I often thought it was like a breeze from the Gulf of Mexico. We were talkin this weekend about different qualities of air and light that different places seem to imbue...one of those incredibly hard-to-describe-yet-still-nearly-tangible-things. ;) :-*
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I don't think that's strange at all. When I was in Huntsville, AL, and it was particularly hot, and a breeze came, I often thought it was like a breeze from the Gulf of Mexico. We were talkin this weekend about different qualities of air and light that different places seem to imbue...one of those incredibly hard-to-describe-yet-still-nearly-tangible-things. ;) :-*
and I was just discussing with my friend that I wanted to go out and take pics of her horses in their new pen at about 5 one day this week. The setting and the way the light comes across is just beautiful..the same light here doesnt' seem the same...
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and I was just discussing with my friend that I wanted to go out and take pics of her horses in their new pen at about 5 one day this week. The setting and the way the light comes across is just beautiful..the same light here doesnt' seem the same...
I completely agree, Jess...that watery, pale light near dawn is very different from light later in the day and at other places...It's funny but even after Fine Arts 101 or whatever multiple times it took the movie The Lake House with Keanu talking with his architect father about light in different places around the world - Chicago vs Barcelona vs Florence etc. for me finally really grasp the concept!
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I completely agree, Jess...that watery, pale light near dawn is very different from light later in the day and at other places...It's funny but even after Fine Arts 101 or whatever multiple times it took the movie The Lake House with Keanu talking with his architect father about light in different places around the world - Chicago vs Barcelona vs Florence etc. for me finally really grasp the concept!
and me...I 'get' it...I just dont' know how to capture it. :P
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and me...I 'get' it...I just dont' know how to capture it. :P
First, you have to let it capture you, bathe in it and drink it all in.
Then after a while it will be a part of you and you can capture it.
(Somebody call the plummer!! :laugh: )
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First, you have to let it capture you, bathe in it and drink it all in.
Then after a while it will be a part of you and you can capture it.
(Somebody call the plummer!! :laugh: )
I was just wanting to get a picture....
:laugh:
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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So for like 19 years I have owned Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses but have never been able to get past the third page.
I have decided I am going to read it this summer, and am already up to page 35 of 500 and some. It is very different than what I am usually attracted to, but it will be good. I bought it originally because he had been condemed for writing it. I really should actually read it.
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(Shades of Sophia Petrillo)
"Picture it if you will" Summer, 1972, my sister is driving a large white 1967 Chrysler thru the streets of Washington, D.C., I am sitting in the front seat and our mother is in the back seat with her hand on a coleman freezer sitting on a bath towel, the A.M. radio plays two songs with amazing frequence. One is Gilbert O'Sullivan's Alone Again, Naturally and the other from a native of Mt. Airy, North Carolina:
(and I sang along with every line)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPUlMC2qETo[/youtube]
(Thank kew Sue, for smiling and singing along)
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Great Truman! Now that song is going to be stuck in my head all day
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Dad Gummit!
You know I can't get youtube at work!
What is it? I'll be wanting to know all daynow! LOL
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That was the former Yvonne Vaughan (Donna Fargo) singing "Happiest Girl In the Whole USA!" I know you know that one. ;D
Well here is another one I just discovered on my cousins myspace, David Gray: Sail Away With Me Honey!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLkEkCpZ0y4&feature=related[/youtube]
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I love that song! I used to singit all the time when I was little! :laugh: :laugh:
A 5yr old boy singin I'm the happies girl in the whole USA!
People shoulda known then! LOL :laugh: :laugh:
Shine on me sunshine
Walk with me world
It’s a skippidity do da day
I’m the happiest girl, in the whole U.S.A.
Good morning morning
Hello sunshine
Wake up sleepy head
Why’d we move that bojangle clock so far away from the bed
Just one more minute
That’s why we moved it
One more hug will do
Do you love waking up next to me
As much as I love waking up next to you
You make the coffee
I’ll make the bed
I’ll fix your lunch
And you fix mine
Now tell me the truth
Do these old shoes look funny
Honey it’s almost nine
Now you be careful
Gotta go I love you
You have a beautiful day,
And kiss the happiest girl, In the whole U.S.A.
Skippidity do da
Thank you oh Lord for making him for me
And thank you for letting life turn out the way
That I always thought it could be
There once was a time when I could not imagine
How it would feel to say
I’m happiest girl, in the whole U.S.A
Now shine on me sunshine
Walk with me world
It’s a skippidity do da day
I’m the happiest girl, in the whole U.S.A.
Shine on me sunshine
Walk with me world
It’s a skippidity do da day
I’m the happiest girl, in the whole U.S.A.
Shine on me sunshine
Walk with me world
It’s a skippidity do da day
I’m the happiest girl, in the whole U.S.A.
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That might raise a few eyebrows for sure Rich ;)
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That might raise a few eyebrows for sure Rich ;)
Aw hell, wouldn't be the first time! :laugh:
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I hope everyone has a skippity-do-da day!!
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Speaking of skipping.......ya wanna?
(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/60/181063288_0069afe66a.jpg?v=0)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4xLwK4IUaE[/youtube]
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Aw hell, wouldn't be the first time! :laugh:
I used to sing them lyrics too. I remember I would try and convert the pronoun but most of the time I would forget. ;)
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I love David Gray--so moody. The first song I heard of his was "Meet Me on the Other Side". Here's a video with cool images:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNTn9klL7vs[/youtube]
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hello Truman! :-* :-*
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Happy Independence Day!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/fireworks-1.gif)
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Hi Tru,
The Gay Pride celebration started today in Madrid. I'm going to try to take some pictures tomorrow and post them here. I don't think I'll be here for the parade (I'm going up to the mountains) but I can go to the party afterwards. It's going to be huge as always.
Un abrazo.
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Hey, Truman! I'm back from the swamps of southern Maryland. Managed to stage "The Magic Flute" outdoors despite bugs, thunderstorms, heat, humidity, absent choristers, foghorn Sarastros, way too many fast food meals, feeble orchestra, unpainted sets, chaotic organization and tacky props. Never was I so glad to be back in New York! :P
Looks like you had a great time with Paul in P-Town! I'll take one several o' them margaritas now, please! 8)
((((((((Crybaby))))))))
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That sounds like so much fun! I didn't know you had joined the Peace Corps! :laugh:
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That sounds like so much fun! I didn't know you had joined the Peace Corps! :laugh:
Yeah, maybe southern Maryland could apply to join the Third World! ;D
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Madrid's Gay Pride. It was dedicated to the Lesbian Community.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/DSC_0496.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/DSC_0499.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/DSC_0504.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/DSC_0491.jpg)
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More of Madrid's Gay Pride. And I did make it to the Parade after all, but could not see it all. Too many people.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/DSC_0482.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/DSC_0495.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/DSC_0506.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/DSC_0516.jpg)
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j120/nataligv_2006/DSC_0521.jpg)
More on Facebook...
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you're on face book tru?
Add me!
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you're on face book tru?
Add me!
You know I thought I did, that must have been myspace, oi yev all these things run together in me haid.
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You know I thought I did, that must have been myspace, oi yev all these things run together in me haid.
Your's and everybody's.
NADAL #1 YESSSSS!!!!! This has definitely been a great year for Spain's sports. No spaniard had won Wimbledon since 1966!
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Way to go, Rafael! Love the lefties!
(http://bp0.blogger.com/_GWJatwb-WlI/R6s2EWQGbvI/AAAAAAAACFI/HJpp13o3wgw/s400/RafaelNadal07_Wimbledon1-1.jpg)
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:D
There's geneology/archive.com kind of ads to the right when I'm looking at your blog!
:D
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That is very strange, I only get ringtone ads.
Sounds like this is going to be the year of Spain. First the Eurocup and now Nadal ins at Wimbledon, it will be interesting to see what happens at the Olympics. (Or maybe it is just a lefty thing ;) )
Long weekend was nice. I got to go to my friend Carol's house for a pot luck get together and firsw works on the 4th. Waited and waited thru the rain for the sun to go down and about the time they were ready to fire them a sherriffs deputy showed up. Turns out he was looking for a purpetrator of a domestic violence incident up the road who had escaped into the woods and the deputy wanted up to keep an eye out for him. Well of course when she explained this to the asssembled 60 or so people everyone was sure they had seen someone they did not recognize at some point, someone coming out of the woods, all BS I am sure.
The fireworks went off at 10 pm, I got pics over at my pictures of the day.
Saturday I saw a great movie that came highly recommended and I will add my endorsement: WallE. It is an animated feature rated G but the story is a universal one.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5e16U8UsT4I[/youtube]
Ah now to get my mind back together to go to work. How do I do that?............
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Way to go, Rafael! Love the lefties!
(http://bp0.blogger.com/_GWJatwb-WlI/R6s2EWQGbvI/AAAAAAAACFI/HJpp13o3wgw/s400/RafaelNadal07_Wimbledon1-1.jpg)
He's a cutie isn't he!?
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So the past few days I have found myself challenged, in a good way, by the concept of hatred and the roll it has played in my life.
It started innocently enough with the passing of Jesse Helms.
I started the thread about his death in the current events section and knew it would probably be controversial and there was a good amount of back and forth. For a person who does his best to slink away from confrontation I can say I have seen much worse. The conflict seemed to come from how was the proper way to view the death of the controversial politician. You can go over there and read for yourself, I have given myself a dead line on this one.
I will admit that when I heard the news I felt a sort of excitement, he was someone I had loathed in my time and that I had lived to see the day he was no more felt like a vindication.
But it was a far cry from when Nixon resigned.
First I would like to say I am mostly Irish and I voluntarily reinforce the stereotype that we can hold grudge unlike anyone else. When I visited the island in 1996 and took my friends' Auntie Eilo cartons of cigarettes, she told me countless stories of people who had done her wrong, of the Church her family did not attend for a century because a priest had made some offense against them involving the expropriation of a donkey, it was flabbergasting.
When I was 4 years old I can remember waiting int he car when my mother got out on a rainy day to retrieve a box strapped to our mail box from the Democrat Party of Virginia, addressed to my father. It was a dart board with Richard Nixon's picture on it. They hated Nixon. What had Nixon done to them? He was a Republican and had won the 1968 election!
By 1974 his career was over, and I reveled in it. I didn't understand the first thing about Watergate but I painted a bed sheet with a caricature of him with the words "Kick Nixon Out". When my mother told me one afternoon at the back door that he was expected to appear that night on TV to resign I danced the happy dance. I even tried recording the audio with my tape recorder, which as fate would have it shorted out on that critical occasion and I only got static.
This lead to hatred of that particular brand of audio instruments, the name now long forgotten, and eventual hatred of Gerald Ford for pardoning that criminal. The purchase of a new one was not done at Sears, for an offense my mother had perceived from them in 1970, and don't even get me started on Jimmy Carter.
I think about these things now, the need to rush to judgement of a thing as either good or bad as part of the eternal "we vs. them " game that has been going on for ages. Eurasia vs. Eastasia, black and white compartmentalization, left over from the days when one had to quickly sum up a judgement about a development because life depended on it.
When I was about 25 I met a relative who has to be the Queen of all Judgements. She had no room for any dissension from what she thought was right. Dismissed me all together when I made some remark that probably had an off color word in it and thismissed my mother, who had been her seamstress, when she found out she was also doing work for a woman whose reputation she did not approve of.
Insanity I tell you!
Gradually over time my mind became so full of the running score of this opinion and that opinion I could not handle it any more and probably while watching some PBS documentary about Joseph Campbell or Desmond Tutu I learned how destructive it really was. I learned how to practice forgiveness because it frees you from the offense, real or imagined, that someone else has done to you.
It is also easier said than done. Rich and Chuck can tell you, I have a postcard of Ronald and Nancy Reagan on my livingroom wall I bought in DuPont Circle in Washington, D.C. in 1983. When I moved in to my house in 1990 I affixed it one drunken night to the wall with a roofing nail thru Reagan's heart.
Everytime I think of taking it down all I can think about is how the clawhammer could potentially damage the card more.
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LOL! It's true! ;D
I have seen the post card myself!
I can relate to much of what you say.
I learned how to practice forgiveness because it frees you from the offense, real or imagined, that someone else has done to you.
This is a good thing. Like Nannie always said "hate only destroys the vessel that carries it".
I guess that can be extrapolated to anger or any vengeful emotion. The people you are mad at could care less and it would probably make some of them glad to know they had some effect on ya. It takes to much time and energy to be angry at stupid people so i try not to be. Funny thing is i seem to be able to let go of all the anger and animosity I have at everyone other than myself. I guess i still need to work on that.
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but Truman...if you only forgive people and never hold them accountable for their actions how will things ever change? It is anger and hate of injustice that brought us the Civil Rights Act, women's suffrage, what rights gays do have these days.
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Well I guess that is the difference betwixt forgiving and forgetting. People should be accountable for their actions, and sometimes we have to hold them acountable when their actions have caused problems. All the screaming that was done against Women's Suffarage, it was for naught in the long run, but it did damage I am sure to people who had to listen to it.
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Well I guess that is the difference betwixt forgiving and forgetting. People should be accountable for their actions, and sometimes we have to hold them acountable when their actions have caused problems. All the screaming that was done against Women's Suffarage, it was for naught in the long run, but it did damage I am sure to people who had to listen to it.
well there is my problem....I find it hard to let go of the anger while holding onto the memory.
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Well try this: (like I am Oprah or something) Pick one situation and pratice the forgiveness and then turn your attention away from it to something better and don't put yourself in a position of remembering. Then when it comes around again just remember you have already frogiven that person or situation and be prepared for them/it.
An idea anyway.....
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well there is my problem....I find it hard to let go of the anger while holding onto the memory.
"First I would like to say I am mostly Irish and I voluntarily reinforce the stereotype that we can hold grudge unlike anyone else."
I like that Truman.
My mom always told me when I was little to forgive and forget.. The forgiving is not so hard, but the forgetting?! Not so easy. She had flaming red hair and freckles. The opitome of a good? Irish Protestant girl! Now I know why i find easy to forgive, no problem right? But forgetting, not so easy.
Now I know thanks to you Truman that its in my blood.
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"First I would like to say I am mostly Irish and I voluntarily reinforce the stereotype that we can hold grudge unlike anyone else."
I like that Truman.
My mom always told me when I was little to forgive and forget.. The forgiving is not so hard, but the forgetting?! Not so easy. She had flaming red hair and freckles. The opitome of a good? Irish Protestant girl! Now I know why i find easy to forgive, no problem right? But forgetting, not so easy.
Now I know thanks to you Truman that its in my blood.
Have you heard of Irish Altzimers'? It were you forget everything but your grudges. ;)
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but Truman...if you only forgive people and never hold them accountable for their actions how will things ever change? It is anger and hate of injustice that brought us the Civil Rights Act, women's suffrage, what rights gays do have these days.
I remember a quote, and I believe it goes "When you say 'I can forgive, but can never forget.' what you are saying is 'I can never forgive'."
I don't agree with that.
If someone does me harm in some way, I can forgive that person after time. But forget? Nope. Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it. Jess is right. People should be held accountable for their actions.
As far as Jesse Helms.....there are positive and negative aspects to every person. And I'm sure that when everyone dies at their time, there are a number of mourners who miss them, and a few who will think "good riddance" or just perhaps crack a small smile.
I'm sure when my time comes, there will be a few people smiling. I know I've pissed off my fair share of people.
I have no qualms admitting when I heard the news, I smiled.
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(like I am Oprah or something)
:laugh: :-X
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I had a cousin in South Carolina whose wife once told a story about her father, I forget the story but I will never forget a line from her description of him: "He never forgave Jackie Kennedy for remarrying."
I couldn't wait to get on the phone and tell my sister that because I knew we would both howl, recognize it as one of the great absurdities of the world we came from. People, angry at someone they knew of but did not know, for a personal decision about her own life. Could not forgive her, I both understood where they were coming from and how absolutely fucked up a thing that was and I am sorry there is no other way to describe it.
People fall in love with celebrity, witness things in the media and come to think of them as a commodity. Case in point: the assertion by some people that Jake Gyllenhaal is secretly gay. Who cares? Gay, straight, the chances you will ever meet him, let alone get to know him or have sex with him does not even register.
Why is it that people put so much energy into the outcome of Brangelina's pregnancy when there are people living in the streets?
My mother though I will have to give the grand prize to.
While on a trip to Hawai'i in 2001 she payed nearly $400 for a silk dress she later claims to have burned because she saw Whoopi Goldberg wearing an identical on on TV.
Just as well Mamma, you obviously did deserve to own such a thing! :laugh:
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I had a cousin in South Carolina whose wife once told a story about her father, I forget the story but I will never forget a line from her description of him: "He never forgave Jackie Kennedy for remarrying."
LOL.
I wonder if he ever forgave Jack for his "indiscretions" against Jackie?
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My mother though I will have to give the grand prize to.
While on a trip to Hawai'i in 2001 she payed nearly $400 for a silk dress she later claims to have burned because she saw Whoopi Goldberg wearing an identical on on TV.
Just as well Mamma, you obviously did deserve to own such a thing! :laugh:
Mothers! ::)
My mother is also a champion at holding grudges. Even with the Alzheimer's she still remembers she isn't speaking to her older sister, going on 35 years now!
I didn't realize it was because of the Irish - I always thought it was the Southern! ::) ;)
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you know what I hate? When I am holding a grudge and remember I am mad at someone but cant' remember what it was I was mad about.
I need one of those notebooks like in that movie "Rainman"
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you know what I hate? When I am holding a grudge and remember I am mad at someone but cant' remember what it was I was mad about.
I need one of those notebooks like in that movie "Rainman"
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
oh go ahead and laugh...holding grudges is an art! My friend says I am the best grudge holder she has ever seen!
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oh go ahead and laugh...holding grudges is an art! My friend says I am the best grudge holder she has ever seen!
You think that maybe she didn't mean that as a compliment?
I, on the other hand, have been told that one of my best qualities is that I don't hold a grudge. hogwarsh grumble grumble
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You think that maybe she didn't mean that as a compliment?
I, on the other hand, have been told that one of my best qualities is that I don't hold a grudge. hogwarsh grumble grumble
I am SURE she meant it as a compliment!!
;D :P
or not...
and you are NOT a grudge holder! You are very easy to get along with!
*Jess is GOOD at bsing too....*
;D ;D
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oh go ahead and laugh...holding grudges is an art! My friend says I am the best grudge holder she has ever seen!
If you promise not to hold against me, can I agree with your friend? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :-*
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If you promise not to hold against me, can I agree with your friend? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :-*
whoa! does it show even online??!!!
*Jess peeks at all the people she has on the blocked list.... :P *
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Sorry, couldn't resist! :-*
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Sorry, couldn't resist! :-*
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
oh it is ok. I know I have a problem in that area...without getting too 'Oprahy' it is a defence mechanism....hurt me once shame on you, hurt me twice shame on me!
and I am not convinced I am wrong... 8)
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
oh it is ok. I know I have a problem in that area...without getting too 'Oprahy' it is a defence mechanism....hurt me once shame on you, hurt me twice shame on me!
and I am not convinced I am wrong... 8)
well you've convinced me!
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well you've convinced me!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
well there you go!
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The news was on when I came into the barn earlier (we leave it on for the horses... :) ) and they were talking about a man that got arrested...
his name was Jesse James Jackson.
and I thought...what the heck were his parents thinking? Seems like a odd coincidence. Do you think a person's name predisposes them to certain behaviours?
and are those because of the name or because of how others think of the name and thus treat the kid?
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The date and time on a crinkled receipt from Fuzio's International Pasta, 469 Castro Streeet, San Francisco, California, found while cleaning out my desk drawer this morning. It made me smile with the memories it represents.
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awwwww!
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What a great afternoon. Rich in his white hat, Truman in his black hat, and a big hug from Lynne. Who could want anything more?
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.....a later flight maybe? ;D
An observation this evening on the status of hate in society.
Ever visited find a grave? www.findagrave.com I find it fascinating.
But what I really find fascinating is that for the virtual grave of Jesse Helms the virtual flowers feature has been turned off for misuse. I went over and check on the late Jerry Falwell and the same is true more than a year after his death.
But Matthew Shepard, is a different story, as of tonight, 1,455 virtual flowers and notes posted:
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=shepard&GSfn=matthew&GSbyrel=in&GSdyrel=in&GSob=n&GRid=9481&
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The date and time on a crinkled receipt from Fuzio's International Pasta, 469 Castro Streeet, San Francisco, California, found while cleaning out my desk drawer this morning. It made me smile with the memories it represents.
That would be Sept 16th.
That was a great day.
On my short list of great days thats near the top!
That picture bring smiles for the memories it represents and tears because I miss everyone so much!
As Truvy says "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion".
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OMG your right, I am going to check that recipt again they might need to reset their cash resgishter thingy. :laugh:
Golden Memories.
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Golden Memories.
that anything like golden showers?
*runs from thread*
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Latter Days???
http://my.att.net/s/editorial.dll?pnum=1&bfromind=7401&eeid=5979501&_sitecat=1522&dcatid=0&eetype=article&render=y&ac=-2&ck=&ch=ne&rg=blsadstrgt
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What a great afternoon. Rich in his white hat, Truman in his black hat, and a big hug from Lynne. Who could want anything more?
Awww...shucks, Paul! Love you, bud. :-*
That was a fabulous day, indeed.
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Latter Days???
Weird, Rich....that whole truth is stranger than fiction thing...one of the church leaders is "Frank E. Davie"...sounds a little bit like Elder Davis to me.
???
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.....a later flight maybe? ;D
An observation this evening on the status of hate in society.
Ever visited find a grave? www.findagrave.com I find it fascinating.
But what I really find fascinating is that for the virtual grave of Jesse Helms the virtual flowers feature has been turned off for misuse. I went over and check on the late Jerry Falwell and the same is true more than a year after his death.
But Matthew Shepard, is a different story, as of tonight, 1,455 virtual flowers and notes posted...
Interesting, Truman...I've been to that site before on your recommendation. I couldn't find my grandmother there, so I joined and added her. She was on my mind last week, her birthday being 7/7/1899. She always said it 'the seventh day of July' instead of 'July seventh'. Weird, hunh? There wasn't anyone else there from her cemetery, which is small one in Lincoln County, TN. Next time I go home, I should write down all the pertinent details I can find and add them.
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From where I sit, I can see them, across the street, across the parking lot and up on the deck at the front door of the museum, three older white ladies with processed hair, two of them grey, one brown, each with the destinctive curvature to their upper backs, they stand hands on hips and one points with the toe of her sensable shoe to the spot I have memorized in my head.
"Jack and Ennis, Ole Brokeback Got Us Good"
Yes! ;D
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Well done, Friend.
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From where I sit, I can see them, across the street, across the parking lot and up on the deck at the front door of the museum, three older white ladies with processed hair, two of them grey, one brown, each with the destinctive curvature to their upper backs, they stand hands on hips and one points with the toe of her sensable shoe to the spot I have memorized in my head.
"Jack and Ennis, Ole Brokeback Got Us Good"
Yes! ;D
;D ;D ;D
yes indeed!
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From where I sit, I can see them, across the street, across the parking lot and up on the deck at the front door of the museum, three older white ladies with processed hair, two of them grey, one brown, each with the destinctive curvature to their upper backs, they stand hands on hips and one points with the toe of her sensable shoe to the spot I have memorized in my head.
"Jack and Ennis, Ole Brokeback Got Us Good"
Yes! ;D
Yes indeed it did!
hopefully it gets them good too! ;D
The world needs a little Jack and Ennis and Brokeback. Hell, it needs A LOT!
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Hummm, you know if there were a gay agenda, that should be in it.
(might make a good thread.......)
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Interesting, Truman...I've been to that site before on your recommendation. I couldn't find my grandmother there, so I joined and added her. She was on my mind last week, her birthday being 7/7/1899. She always said it 'the seventh day of July' instead of 'July seventh'. Weird, hunh? There wasn't anyone else there from her cemetery, which is small one in Lincoln County, TN. Next time I go home, I should write down all the pertinent details I can find and add them.
Hey, Lynne, our grandmothers had the same birthday! My grandmother was born on 7/7/1907, and she always said she was born on "seven, seven, o-seven". She just missed her 95th, but we had a special celebration to commemorate her centennial last year when "seven, seven, 0-seven" came around again.
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Well, the calendar marker got excommunicated, not surprised.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080714/ap_on_re_us/shirtless_mormons
SALT LAKE CITY - The creator of a calendar that featured shirtless Mormon missionaries was excommunicated Sunday after a disciplinary meeting with local church leaders in Las Vegas.
Chad Hardy said he bears no ill will toward the council of elders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
"I felt like I spoke my truth," the 31-year-old entertainment entrepreneur said. "Bottom-line, they still felt the calendar is inappropriate and not the image that the church wants to have."
"Men on a Mission," which has sold nearly 10,000 copies at $14.99 each, included pictures of 12 returned missionaries wearing black slacks, but not their trademark white shirts, in modest poses. The men also were photographed in traditional missionary garb and share their religious beliefs in biographical sketches.
Some of the 12 models have also been called to disciplinary meetings, but none were punished.
"I have no ill feelings toward any of those people," Hardy said of the church council. "They did what they believed was right and I really do feel it was the best decision for both of us."
Frank E. Davie, the senior leader over a group of Mormon congregations in the Las Vegas area, confirmed the 12-member council's decision in a telephone call to The Associated Press. He declined further comment.
Hardy said the purpose of the 2008 calendar was not to tear down the church or its 13 million members.
"The project is about stepping outside the stereotypes and stepping outside of the image," Hardy said. "Not everybody fits the image and I let them know we're not trying to portray an image for the entire church."
An excommunicated person is removed from official church rolls, but are still welcome at church services. Excommunicated members are prohibited from receiving the sacrament and can't perform church callings such as teaching or preaching during meetings. They also cannot enter church temples.
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;D
(http://cards.webshots.com/resources2/3/7493.gif)
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Good morning, Big Brother! ;D
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Hey Chuck, hope all is well with you. ;)
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so far, so good!
Ya know, aside from Rich teasin' me in PMs!
:laugh:
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Well I think you started it! :-*
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Well I think you started it! :-*
well......I think you're wrong!
:laugh:
*runs from Truman*
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Well I think you started it! :-*
He did he did!
But I'm gonna finish it! >:(
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Ya'll so funny. ;D :-* :-*
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(http://www.magicaljourneys.com/Portugal/images/images-port1.jpg)
My first encounter with Port Wine was in the form of a Port Wine Stain on the forehead of the RA in my dorm the day I arrived at college. I had never seen such a thing before and tried to not look at it. The RA, who was family, was apparently used to it and made no indication I was staring. I think he saw something he liked anyway as he later took me to see both Rocky Horror and Tootsie.
My first encounter with Port Wine itself took place toward the end of my college career, when I took over an apartment from a friend who was an amazing pack rat and left about half his shit behind. Among his collection was a tiny bottle, airline size of Port. Had a Teeny-tiny little cork in it and was covered with dust. I was told by someone who may or may not have known what they were talking about that it was Portuguese wine and my stoner friend Mary, who always had the smile of a china doll on her face said she had drank some the summer before and liked it and I resisted her lobbying efforts to open it because it was not en ought for two people and I wanted to have my cake instead of eating it.
Then one day, months later, my dog, Sidartha Guitarma, was entertaining her sister, Norton, from across the street and in the process bumped the metal shelving unit the bottle sat on and it fell to the industrial grade vinyl tile floor and shattered. Gawd it stunk! In retrospect, I imagine the teeny-tiny cork had become dried out over the years, my theory being that it had probably spent some time in a hot car, and the contents had turnt to vinegar.
But I was not smart enough to figure that out for years. I just assumed Port was nasty and Mary was so stoned she would drink most anything.
At no time in the ensuing 22 years did I encounter Port again. I heard about it, but I never was offered any, not heard anyone express an opinion about Port until last month. Paul and myself were sitting in a wonderful little restaurant in Provincetown, Devon's, having had a wonderful meal and the owner came out with two glasses of Tawney Port for us. It was like the Prodigal Wine had come home, hands on hips hollering "Hay! Remember me?".
I sniffed it and the aroma was not vinegar, but a dark, calm, sleepy one of grapes. I tasted it, OMG, Mary you were right! It was wonderful, down to the last drop. The perfect after dinner wine. The big glass it came it was like a humidore to accumulate the flavor so it could attack your nose before your palette. Ah!
When I got home I went to Food Lion and recovered a dusty assed bottle from the bottom self, $4.95! I have a glass in the evening when I pull the book out and sanctify the day.
Thank kew Paul and Devon!
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I opened the door leading from the basement to the outside and Crybaby cried "Meow!"
I stepped out with a handful of cat food for her bowl and out of the corner of my eye I spied something large and
brown. I turned and beheld the deer. It was no more than 10 feet (2 meters) away.
I had encountered this deer last week when I was wandering about the "garden" looking for Crybaby, I just came up on it looking at me and as long as I meowed. When I spoke to it in my regular human voice it bolted.
Today I was luckier. I spoke to it and asked how things were going, if it were getting enough to eat or should I plant some more flowers? I made some animal noises for it which it found very interesting but mostly continued to eat the grass, which was fine with me. I decided it was much cheaper to have a deer around than to try and landscape the place. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and took a couple of pictures but I am going to have to go by the phone company and upgrade my plan to get them off my phone.
Sneaking back in side I got my camera from my desk and went back down stairs, aimed shot, I swear the thing smiled and my batter was dead. Went back in and replaced the batteries but by this time the deer was tired of me and sauntered off. Crybaby stretched her neck to watch it go.
My deer. I wonder if it is one of the twins that lived in the woods with the mamma last year. It looked healthy, and I am cool with having it around but I am not going to get attached to it.
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I am not going to get attached to it.
I'm thinkin that train done left the station!! :laugh: :laugh:
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He did he did!
But I'm gonna finish it! >:(
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/blah-blah.gif)
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My deer. I wonder if it is one of the twins that lived in the woods with the mamma last year. It looked healthy, and I am cool with having it around but I am not going to get attached to it.
I think you got attached when you called it "my deer". :laugh:
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(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/blah-blah.gif)
Since I actually work at my job and don't have time to twiddly dick around finding cute little anamation gif's, consider yourself bitch slapped! ;D
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Since I actually work at my job and don't have time to twiddly dick around finding cute little anamation gif's, consider yourself bitch slapped! ;D
Since I'm efficient enough at my job that I have free time to surf the 'net, consider YOURSELF bitch slapped!
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m180/Vpham81/slap.jpg)
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Since I'm efficient enough at my job that I have free time to surf the 'net, consider YOURSELF bitch slapped!
(http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m180/Vpham81/slap.jpg)
How can you not be efficient at roomper room?
:laugh:
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Hey, Lynne, our grandmothers had the same birthday! My grandmother was born on 7/7/1907, and she always said she was born on "seven, seven, o-seven". She just missed her 95th, but we had a special celebration to commemorate her centennial last year when "seven, seven, 0-seven" came around again.
That's really neat, Paul...'Seven, seven, o-seven'! :)
I seem to remember my paternal grandmother talking about 'aught' seven, now that I think about it. We weren't very close and her birthday was sometime in August...seventeenth maybe? I'd have to ask my dad to be sure. And his 69th birthday is coming up on the 19th of this month. Cripes. It seems like not so long ago he hit 65... ???
I'm thinkin that train done left the station!! :laugh: :laugh:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
We know Truman, don't we?!
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;D I love your deer Truman!
Hey y'all are smart, can you tell me something about the timeline of the major motion picture, "Brokeback Mountain"? Or about the short story.
Were Alma and Ennis pregnant when they got married? I don't recall any suggestion that they were, but I assume it could be deduced from the timeline. Anybody know?
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;D I love your deer Truman!
Hey y'all are smart, can you tell me something about the timeline of the major motion picture, "Brokeback Mountain"? Or about the short story.
Were Alma and Ennis pregnant when they got married? I don't recall any suggestion that they were, but I assume it could be deduced from the timeline. Anybody know?
I don't think we get an indication of pregnancy before marriage in the movie, Wayne. In the short story, Ennis (paraphrasing) 'has her pregnant by January' so that would be after the wedding, which was November, right?December.
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Right you are, Lynne. Here's the line from the story:
In December Ennis married Alma Beers and had her pregnant by mid-January.
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How can you not be efficient at roomper room?
:laugh:
If you think my job is so easy, how about you haul ass here to NJ and try to do it?
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Right you are, Lynne. Here's the line from the story:
In December Ennis married Alma Beers and had her pregnant by mid-January.
Thanks, Paul! I need to get back in the habit of carrying the short story around with me. :)
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Thanks, Paul! I need to get back in the habit of carrying the short story around with me. :)
It's very convenient having it in a searchable word file. :)
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Well of course it is my deer. Its eating my flowers. :laugh: You are what you eat.
Twiddley Dicking? :D
Wayne, how come the sudden interest in Ennis and Alma's family planning?
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(http://www.mugshots.net/zsa_zsa_gabor/zsa_zsa_gabor.jpg)
Chuck, is that you?
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Nope! Too much hair!
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Since I actually work at my job and don't have time to twiddly dick around finding cute little anamation gif's, consider yourself bitch slapped! ;D
I love it when Rich talks that-a-way. ;D
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Ooh, speaking of sevens, Jeff is at exactly 7,777 posts as I write this. 8)
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Ooh, speaking of sevens, Jeff is at exactly 7,777 posts as I write this. 8)
I talk too much. ... :P
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I talk too much. ... :P
:-*
Well you got a long way to go to catch up with LaShawn.
Here's guy sighting I think about from time to time. It happened a few years back when I stopped in a farm supply story in the town of Vesta, Virginia, two young guys were working there, about 20 and 21, not the handsomest things in the world not too bad looking either. They had been kidding arround with each other and from someplace Bette Middler comes on. The smaller of the guys turns to the other one who is giving me my change and says:
"Did you know you are the wind beneigh my wings?" and the guy waiting on me cracks up in embarrassement. It was like they were clowning around, but I sensed there was more to it. I chuckeld a bit too and said as I life "You guys have a nice day."
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I talk too much. ... :P
we love you talking too much!
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I'd like to put this out to help my friend Mary Rives, it is explained fully in this email her son sent out:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Mom is in the MSNBC Decision '08 contest on Myspace. The contest puts two winners from the Myspace Community on as commentators during the upcoming conventions. One will go to the RNC, the other to the DNC.
Submissions are now closed, and there are only 103 contestants. I think Mom's is the most impressive submission, as well as the funniest.
Help me get her there!!!!
It's simple...
Go to http://www.myspace.com/decision08
Hit "View Gallery" under the DECISION08 CONVENTION CONTEST to the right of the page.
Mom's video is on page 6, under the title " I CAN HELP" Just watch the clip, and her view count will go up.
The higher the view count, the better the publicity, and we can get her on TV with Joe Scarborough - which could lead to either insightful political commentary, or a domestic incident. Depends on how handsome Joe is looking that day.
So, thanks for looking, thanks for clicking, and if you are one of the many people who drinks all my Mom's liquor and fills her house with cigarette smoke over the holidays, Mom says you can't this year unless you get her on TV. IF you do, there will be lots more liguor. This is not a bribe, merely an incentive.
Thanks and if you forward this to anyone else, that is even better!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
She is a real hoot, and I know you'll enjoy her video!
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we love you talking too much!
Aww. ... ::)
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waves to truman!
I'll check out the link at home. my job blocks "myspace". ::)
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I'd like to put this out to help my friend Mary Rives, it is explained fully in this email her son sent out:
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Mom is in the MSNBC Decision '08 contest on Myspace. The contest puts two winners from the Myspace Community on as commentators during the upcoming conventions. One will go to the RNC, the other to the DNC.
Submissions are now closed, and there are only 103 contestants. I think Mom's is the most impressive submission, as well as the funniest.
Help me get her there!!!!
It's simple...
Go to http://www.myspace.com/decision08
Hit "View Gallery" under the DECISION08 CONVENTION CONTEST to the right of the page.
Mom's video is on page 6, under the title " I CAN HELP" Just watch the clip, and her view count will go up.
The higher the view count, the better the publicity, and we can get her on TV with Joe Scarborough - which could lead to either insightful political commentary, or a domestic incident. Depends on how handsome Joe is looking that day.
So, thanks for looking, thanks for clicking, and if you are one of the many people who drinks all my Mom's liquor and fills her house with cigarette smoke over the holidays, Mom says you can't this year unless you get her on TV. IF you do, there will be lots more liguor. This is not a bribe, merely an incentive.
Thanks and if you forward this to anyone else, that is even better!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
She is a real hoot, and I know you'll enjoy her video!
That was pretty good! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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I did it, Truman! She's on page 6 of the videos and now has 113 views, a long way to go, but I wish her luck! 8)
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I did it, Truman! She's on page 6 of the videos and now has 113 views, a long way to go, but I wish her luck! 8)
I just looked and it said 2000 views...the next closest is 1559 so.....(or I could be looking at it wrong)
It wouldn't let me in because I am not a member
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I was dozing a minute ago and she called me ant told me she was #3! I am amazed. I hope she will make it, it would be a hoot for sure.
She also said she bought a broadcast quality camera today and we are going to strat filming thing around the office and put them on some kind streaming video, and went on to site an example of a woman who called in the office looking for me and asked did I have any apartments with "air" she said her air had gone out and then she hollered:
"I wash his chicken on Sairday!"
I know you have to be there, maybe you will be soon..... ;D
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WHY IS THE GAY CHUBBY DATING AD SHOWING UP ON MY BLOG!!!
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I dont' know...I guess the same reason "Play the world of Magonali" is on when I come on... :P
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my blog has "Christian Singles dating"!!
and Hebrew lessons
and the thread about the lady stuck on a toilet??
ads for new toilets...
I need to start posting them Jack Nasty pictures I been putting in YOUR blog in mine to run off them Christian singles running all over the place in there!
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Tru, she's in 3rd place with 2379 plays.
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Here is a news story about a couple I met a couple of years ago in Boulder, Colorado, who recently got married in California:
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/jul/11/boulder-gay-couple-weds-california/
James Baetke, For the Camera
Friday, July 11, 2008
While newlyweds Keith Brown and Ramon Diaz took turns lifting their shared mug of coffee on the patio of a cafe, each of their silver wedding bands reflected in the sun’s rays.
They were slightly nervous to talk about their big news, but both said they were ready to let all of Boulder know — or whoever will listen — that they are legally married, weeks after they wed in San Francisco on June 25.
Their rings carry a symbolic weight, they said.
“It’s a public way of formalizing our relationship,” Brown said. “It’s a personal commitment between us.”
The reasons to wed also were practical, they said: wills, Social Security and health benefits.
“Marriage, to me, is to help protect my partner, and unfortunately (Colorado) and national laws aren’t there yet,” Brown said.
Ten years into their relationship, Brown and Diaz decided that a planned trip to a California gay and lesbian film festival would also be the week they would exchange vows. The decision was on a whim after the California Supreme Court started to allow gay marriages June 16.
All it took was scheduling a civil ceremony online and $150.
“I started to get butterflies just before the ceremony,” Diaz said.
The two men said they felt “extremely welcomed” at City Hall, with numerous volunteers welcoming couples with smiles and applause and a string quartet playing at the end of the ceremony. The couple went through the motions as any straight couple would: the rings, the vows and, oh yes, the kiss.
“When we kissed, I knew this was it,” Brown said.
The simple ceremony included a friend from Colorado Springs who acted as a witness and a “straight” and “sweet” judge, the couple said.
“I never would have believed government bureaucrats could be so warm, welcoming and loving,” Diaz said. “You stepped into City Hall and you saw all these different couples —different ages, different colors and sizes.”
Brown, 56, and Diaz, 44, live in a co-housing community of 11 families and said they are widely welcomed as the only gay couple in the neighborhood. They see the city as open and gay-friendly.
They gave little notice to their neighbors and friends about their marriage. But when they came home as newlyweds, their neighbors came together and bought the most ubiquitous wedding gift possible: a cheap toaster.
“The toaster symbolizes, ‘Now you’re married like everyone else,’” said Angelique Espinoza, the couple’s neighbor and a Boulder councilwoman. “Keith and Ramon are great people, and I am so blessed to have them in my life.”
Brown and Diaz met in Boulder 13 years ago just as the cyber world was beginning to heat up.
“We met back when the Internet was first becoming popular, and we actually met online,” Brown said. “Back when chats were called bulletin boards.”
Brown, a self-employed salesman, is divorced and has a daughter. He grew up in Iowa as the middle child of three boys. His older brother takes the “gay thing” fine, he said, but his younger sibling finds it hard to accept.
Diaz was born and raised in Guam as the youngest of 10 children. Not all his siblings accept his sexual orientation, but his mother and father have learned to accept it.
The men weighed the pros and cons of printing a wedding announcement in the Camera.
“It was a curiosity, on my part, to see if the Camera would publish it,” Brown said. “Would anyone in the public act negatively?”
Their official announcement will appear in Sunday’s edition.
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I'll be heading out to the Outer Banks of North Carolina tomorrow for a week. Will be staying in Nags Head, right across the street from the ocean, where I plan to spend a lot of time, becoming the only person I know to have actually read Satanic Verses.
Monday morning I will be going to Hang Gliding School at Jockey's Ridge State Park, something I have wanted to do for years. Maybe I will follow thru on it, maybe it will be like the rapelling attempt, o-well either way it will be there and not here.
Hopefully I will be able to get on line and post pictures.
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I'll be heading out to the Outer Banks of North Carolina tomorrow for a week. Will be staying in Nags Head, right across the street from the ocean, where I plan to spend a lot of time, becoming the only person I know to have actually read Satanic Verses.
Monday morning I will be going to Hang Gliding School at Jockey's Ridge State Park, something I have wanted to do for years. Maybe I will follow thru on it, maybe it will be like the rapelling attempt, o-well either way it will be there and not here.
Hopefully I will be able to get on line and post pictures.
Good luck, Truman! There is NOTHING more exhilarating than being really really scared and pushing thru it. You will feel like you could do anything!
There is a lady I am teaching to ride...she is an older woman and overweight, never has done anything athletic but something in her has clicked and she wants to do things she has always dreamed of before time runs out..She literally shakes when it is time to get on....but when she DOES get into the saddle she is sooo happy, she says she feels more alive than at any other time...sometimes she just pumps the air with her fists and says YES!! I did it!! and that is a big deal for this woman, she has such low self esteem.
I had a bad wreck last year, got bucked off and stepped on, I couldn't get back on at the time (too injured) so it was a while before I got to ride again. I still can taste the terror, standing there beside that horse holding the mane and looking at the stirrup.
I also can remember the incredible release and power I felt when my behind hit the saddle. It is addictive.
so anyway the whole point I am trying to make is that it is ok to be scared but there is a wonder beyond that fear that is MORE than worth it. Trust yourself, you can do this.
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I'll be heading out to the Outer Banks of North Carolina tomorrow for a week. Will be staying in Nags Head, right across the street from the ocean, where I plan to spend a lot of time, becoming the only person I know to have actually read Satanic Verses.
Monday morning I will be going to Hang Gliding School at Jockey's Ridge State Park, something I have wanted to do for years. Maybe I will follow thru on it, maybe it will be like the rapelling attempt, o-well either way it will be there and not here.
Hopefully I will be able to get on line and post pictures.
I hope you have a great time!
We'll miss you around here! :-*
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Have lots of fun Bud. Be careful!
Hey Tru, I saw you in my dream last night. It was so real. Im glad I got to know you a little my friend. ;)
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Monday morning I will be going to Hang Gliding School at Jockey's Ridge State Park, something I have wanted to do for years. Maybe I will follow thru on it, maybe it will be like the rapelling attempt, o-well either way it will be there and not here.
:o
I'll stick to horses. If I'm gonna break my neck and get killed, I'd rather it be that way. When we went riding on the Roundup, and Casper started trotting on that 45-degree downslope, I just told myself there are worse ways to die than falling off a horse and breaking your neck in the Absarokas of Wyoming. ;D
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Yeah, i was waiting to see DK and believe or not in my dream you were working at Starbucks! :laugh: :laugh:
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Yeah, i was waiting to see DK and believe or not in my dream you were working at Starbucks! :laugh: :laugh:
Not that there's anything wrong with that ;)
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Yeehaw, Truman! I salute your sense of adventure. Can't wait for the pics. 8)
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Yeah, i was waiting to see DK and believe or not in my dream you were working at Starbucks! :laugh: :laugh:
I hope it's not a Starbucks that's going to close. :laugh: :laugh:
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Yeehaw, Truman! I salute your sense of adventure. Can't wait for the pics. 8)
Heh. Pics of Truman hang-gliding, a-swoopin' in just like our very own Dark Knight. ;D
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Have lots of fun Bud. Be careful!
Hey Tru, I saw you in my dream last night. It was so real. Im glad I got to know you a little my friend. ;)
Wow, and I was working at Starbucks? Did I die?
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Wow, and I was working at Starbucks? Did I die?
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Died and went to work at Starbucks....is that Heaven or Hell??
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Dying at Starbucks is redundant.
Or was that dying in Buffalo?...
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Dying at Starbucks is redundant.
Or was that dying in Buffalo?...
Reminds me of a steamer trunk and a big black fur coat!
(http://www.tvland.com/photogallery/photos/I-Love-Lucy-Fred-Ethel.jpg)
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Truman!
You be careful out there!
Tropical Storm Cristobal rumbles off the Carolinas
CHARLESTON, South Carolina (AP): Tropical Storm Cristobal, the first tropical storm to menace the Southeast seaboard this hurricane season, continued to move along the North Carolina coast early Sunday, and was expected to dump several inches of rain in some areas of the drought-stricken state.
At 5 a.m. EDT (0900 GMT), the center of the storm was about 60 miles (98 kilometers) southwest of Cape Lookout, North Carolina, and about 130 miles (209 kilometers) southwest of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
The National Hurricane Center said Cristobal was moving northeast at about 6 mph (10 kph) with maximum sustained winds of about 45 mph (72 kph) and some higher gusts.
"Basically the track is running parallel to the coast,'' said lead center forecaster Martin Nelson, speaking with The Associated Press by telephone from Miami. "Slow strengthening is forecast for the next day or two.''
Elsewhere Sunday, Hurricane Fausto was expected to weaken far off Mexico's Pacific coast, while Hurricane Bertha, the longest-lived July tropical storm in history, was downgraded to a tropical storm Saturday.
The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said early Sunday that Bertha continued to move northeastward over the north Atlantic.
Bertha battered Bermuda earlier this week, knocking out electricity to thousands at the Atlantic tourist destination.
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Well I am happy to report the clouds have parted and the sun is out and the wind is perfect and it is a beautiful day!
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Well I am happy to report the clouds have parted and the sun is out and the wind is perfect and it is a beautiful day!
GO TRUMAN!! We are all behind you all the way....
(gentlemen! hands to yourselves!! the man is TRYING to hangglide!!!)
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Be careful out there!
(http://wallpapers.free-review.net/wallpapers/54/Hang_-_glider.jpg)
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WHY IS THE GAY CHUBBY DATING AD SHOWING UP ON MY BLOG!!!
:laugh: :-*
PS - Iv viewed and gave her a thumbs uop - she's at 15,472 views now.. wow!
Oh and enjoy the hangliding - photos please!!!!
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WHY IS THE GAY CHUBBY DATING AD SHOWING UP ON MY BLOG!!!
Dont take it personal, comes up on mine too! LOL
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Mine too!
Truman, glad the weather has cleared!
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I was thinking a bit this afternoon that not only has it been a year since Alberta, it has been a year since the day just becore I left that my cell phone rang with a number on it I didn't recognize. The caller said "This is Rich" and I had to think for a minute and itdawn on me "Rich from Georgia? Well let me just take a break here."
What a year it has been brother, have enjoyed visiting with you and getting to know you. Hope you enjoy TDK tonight. ;)
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I was thinking a bit this afternoon that not only has it been a year since Alberta, it has been a year since the day just becore I left that my cell phone rang with a number on it I didn't recognize. The caller said "This is Rich" and I had to think for a minute and itdawn on me "Rich from Georgia? Well let me just take a break here."
What a year it has been brother, have enjoyed visiting with you and getting to know you. Hope you enjoy TDK tonight. ;)
Yes, what a year ithas been!
I can't believe you remembered the date! I certainly remember the conversation ! :-*
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(gentlemen! hands to yourselves!! the man is TRYING to hangglide!!!)
Hey! This is a public blog! :laugh:
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I was over in Ravenden yesterday, Truman. It was hot as blue blazes. But the greenery was lush! :)
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Lawd I bet it is hot in Ravenden, was the Raven still out on the road? My friends Mamma has been out of work since the tornado blew away the Hallmark store.
Wanted to write a bit about the hang gliding experience. First of all, it is a lot of work!
We got to the hang gliding school by 11 am and filled out the many waivers required by both the school and the state park we were at and were told that there was a one hour presentation on dvd to watch, which we didn;t complain about because it was air conditioned and we were told that the heat out on the dune was excessive and if we decided we couldn't take it they would issue rain checks. Okay. it was about 93 def. F outside but on the sand of Jockeys Ridge the heat index was well over a hundred. The extremely well tanned young lads and lassies who were our instructors walked out either bare footed or with sox on. I could feel the heat thru my shoes! Te group of us schlepped out onto the sand with our water, harness and helmet, and once we reached the crest of the ridge the breeze cooled us down and it was tolerable. What wasn't tolerable was my screaming shin splints. They were throbbing like hell.
I watched a couple of people go before me and it looked okay, the hill was not real high and they were not getting very high, so when my turn came I was calm about it, got strapped in and then picked the thing up off the ground and crab waled with it sideways to the jump off point. That was some effort, that and holding it steady in the wind. I was straining. My instructor, Nicole, told me to fix my attention on a point on the horizon, the last house on the right, and then yell "clear" and then walk, jog and then run with it, she ran along with me and told me when to pick my feel up and fly.
Of the four times I went (could have gone five if I had the energy) the first time was the best, I kept my focus on that house but had the sense Nicole was somewhere down lower than me and I was sailing thru the air. I reached the bottom and then flared out like she told me, but never could land on my feet. On subsequent flights crosswinds knocked me for a loop and I crashed, getting sand all up in my helmet and inside my glasses and Nicole and another instructor had to come hold the kite down before it flipped over with me in it.
I was told I could give my 5th flight away to some one but no one wanted it, they were all as exhausted as me. The park service rangers had come around with water to refill our bottles and I am glad the did. We were out there for about 1.5 hours and I drank nearly a liter. The experience was tremendous, but exhausting, I would like to try it again when it was not so hot and I might have more of a sense of how it is to actually fly! :laugh:
And I'll be back, this is something I would like to pursue in some form.
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since the tornado blew away the Hallmark store.
:-\ Laws I bet that was a mess.
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:D Sounds wonderful Truman! Thx for giving us a birds eye view of your time in the air .... ;D
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cool story, buddy!
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Hi Tru, I got a new camera....and just wanted to send this greeting from Australia
http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/?action=view¤t=IMGP0106.flv (http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/?action=view¤t=IMGP0106.flv)
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I'm gonna keep watching Tru's blog. I know big brother's gonna write about his trip!
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Well I will give it a shot. It was a good time and I enjoyed it, read a little in my book, got to mark hang gliding off my list, ate some seafood, spent some time in the water, got a good tan, didn't burn too much.
I first went to the outerbanks when I was 7 and it was a very sparsely populated place, the biggest thing going was the Wright Brothers Memorial. Now, OMG, it is nothing but sprawl. Eveywhere you look McMansions have gone up everywhere. Strip malls with Abercrombie & Fitch, Tommy Hilgifer, Kmart, and Wings, which is a coastal chain crap store selling all kinds of cheap plastic shit and crap nobody needs, there is one about every 500 yards. The place is over run with yuppies and their children. In most cases I could not understand why they had had children because the only time they didn't ignore their constant whining was to criticize them for their constant whining. Endless displays of crass consumerism, like the Escalade stretch limo that pulled up in front of a restaurant one night. I waited to see who was going to get out. It was your average family of 5, parents, and in law and two kids. Waddling in to strap on the feed bucket. That place is trying to be so much like Myrtle Beach it is pathetic.
South of Nags Head is Pea Island, several miles of National park that cannot be developed. It is wonderful. People speed thru on their way to someplace else. You can park on the side of the road and walk several hundred yards thru the brush to an unspoiled (except for the occasional ship wreck) and unpopulated beach. Just south of there you have the town of Rodanthe. The first house you come to when you enter the town is now abandoned because it is in the ocean. All about town are signs screaming about portions of beaches being closed so that turtles and gulls can nest. Imagine, the rights of these people to access the ocean from the front door of their McMansion impeded because of some animal. I found it rather sickening.
I did climb the Hatteras Light House, which I had done once before in its old location. It had to be moved about a quarter of a mile because the ocean was getting too close. Not a bad climb, and they limit the number of people in which helps, otherwise it would be quite claustrophobic. Had a nice view of the woods below that were planted by the CCCs in the 1930 that changed the whole ecology of the island. The park service is now letting nature take it course and the hurricanes are taking care of most of them.
The last day I went north to Corolla to the brick light house there. It is one of the more recent communities to become gentrified and still has some of its local charm. Should be gone by next year. The young girl selling tickets was one of the nuttiest creatures I have come across in a while. "Could I just get you to stand along this wall until it is your time to go up?" in her best faux valley girl voice. As soon as the assembled did, "Okay! You can go up now!"
The view from there was quite different. The island is much narrower and the sprawl much more evident. A family from western North Carolina was gingerly navigating the walkway around the light and the eldest child, about 5, said to his father "Daidy! Ha' they gone change 'at light bulb?" I didn't hear Daidy answer, he was too busy worrying about the other child squeezing thru the bars.
Returning to earth I witnessed a polished and manicured woman sitting in a high directors chair outside the entrance screamed across the court yard at a man who had failed to put up his bike into the bike rack. She was some kind of employee/volunteer, what ever they were paying her was too much.
But what I did enjoy, was the evenings, when the crowds had left the beaches, left behind their sand castles and the sky would turn crimson with the setting sun behind me. Ghost crabs would come out of their holes and run about. Plovers would arch their backs and fight one another for territory to probe for tiny clams. Pelicans would skim the waves in formation and occasionally dive straight down from great heights. The wind would blow in off the ocean and the stars would come out and in time the moon, huge and orange, would emerge from the water too. It would leave a path of light on the water like a runway, like a highway back to someplace else. A boat on thehorizon would turn on its lights and the fishing piers to the north and the south would have competing fire works. The rest could be tolerated. This was the beautiful twilight, a lonely time. I have come to value the feeling.
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beautiful pics, beautiful story. worth the wait.
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Hi Tru, I got a new camera....and just wanted to send this greeting from Australia
http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/?action=view¤t=IMGP0106.flv (http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/?action=view¤t=IMGP0106.flv)
Katie Sue! That is so wonderful hearing your voice and seeing you move around. I am going to have to do the same and post it here. You sound exactly like I thought you would.
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:) Enjoyed your story and the pix True man! :)
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Hey there, Truman!
Thank you for writing about your trip to the Outer Banks and the hang-gliding. I was thinking I'm too chicken, but now that you've done it, I need to muster some courage. It is really too bad about all of the development...I've never been there specifically but I think I know what you're talking about from time at Hilton Head. I like the picture of the sand castle the best. And I'm glad you were able to carve out some quiet time in the ruckus. :-*
Lynne
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Howdy Truman Friend. Nice stories and pics. Thanks for writing. You are brave my man. Hang gliding. Not in my vocabulary. But you know what I was thinking about? Well this is your first attempts at hang gliding. I see you someday jumping off the cliffs at Maui Hang gliding high over pineapple feilds and Orchid gardens. :)
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Well I would do it again, but that would take some practice!
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Well I would do it again, but that would take some practice!
True that!!
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H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y
May you have the greatest year of your life. May you have the birthday that is required for a guy such as yourself.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb162/ifyoucantfixit/changeyourstars.jpg)
For one of the greatest Brokie Knights... here is a happy birthday wish from one Knight to another...!!!!
janice
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Bless her soul. :-*
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x4M7NhLGcE[/youtube]
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Bless her soul. :-*
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_x4M7NhLGcE[/youtube]
Yeah I loved her. She truly was a gift!
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Hugs to Truman! I missed you, big Brother! :-*
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My friends Mamma has been out of work since the tornado blew away the Hallmark store.
I'm sorry for your friend's Mamma--unemployment sucks--but I have to admit that phrase (in red) gives me a very funny mental picture. ... :-\
I hope she wasn't in the store when it happened.
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Naw, knowing Carolyn she was in bed asleap. Zzzzzzzzz
The sky here has been pregnant with rain all day but has yet to deliver.
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lmao!
I've never heard that expression before!
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The sky here has been pregnant with rain all day but has yet to deliver.
So the water hasn't broken yet, so to speak?
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The thunder was like labor pains.
The lightning was like the flashbulb of a scrubs-clad expectant father.
(Can we milk this thing any further?)
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The sky over AR had twins today! :o
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(Can we milk this thing any further?)
Oh, I dunno.......(please forgive)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wZdSYPi9qI[/youtube]
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Aw, Tru, the link works, but the video won't. Gotta love UB40. ;)
Here's Joe Cocker:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_Lef4KfbJU[/youtube]
And, of course, the inimitable Bette Midler (from Beaches) {video is from X-files}:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcDfUdpnIG8[/youtube]
Thank you, Randy Newman, for writing this.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fInxQSG9rPo[/youtube]
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Who knew there were so many other versions? Definitely a song when you're in a melancholy mood.
Here's Neil Diamond, sounding at his best:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjZ3xlJ32jU[/youtube]
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Then there's the inimitable Miss Nina Simone, with video from NCIS: Mercy!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QbZbX9s7z8[/youtube]
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I'm sorry, but I enjoy comparative interpretations. Here's Judy Collins from the Smothers Brothers Show circa 1960-who-knows: very sincere.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phsq-1dEC5w[/youtube]
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Audra McDonald. Liquid pathos.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pd_L4dGvg08&feature=related[/youtube]
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The quiet intensity of David Gray.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5jrJgkX4F8[/youtube]
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Sky
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a_TUvownHI[/youtube]
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Happy 8-8-08 Everbody! I listened to all the versions of the rain song posted, but I don; think I'll be getting any rain today. It is bright and sunny outside and soon I will be on my way to the office. But I will be humming a tune for sure:
Broken windows and empty hallways,
a pale dead moon in a sky streaked with grey.
Human kindness is overflowing,
and I think it's gonna rain today.
Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles,
the frozen smiles to chase love away.
Human kindness is overflowing,
and I think it's gonna rain today.
Lonely, lonely.
Tin can at my feet,
I think I'll kick it down the street.
That's the way to treat a friend.
Bright before me the signs implore me:
Help the needy and show them the way.
Human kindness is overflowing,
and I think it's gonna rain today.
Lonely, so lonely.
Tin can at my feet,
I think I'll kick it down the street.
That's the way to treat a friend.
Bright before me the signs implore me:
Help the needy and show them the way.
Human kindness is overflowing,
and I think it's gonna rain today.
Good ole' Randy Newman
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Wow Randy Newman... What a great talent! So many people covered his song. :)
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It's raining here in NJ.....so let me add to the rain songs....
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Hazell Dean - They Say It's Gonna Rain
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Will To Power - Say It's Gonna Rain
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Is it raining with you?
Eurythmics--Here Comes the Rain Again (1983)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-6sY66ftO0[/youtube]
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CCR--Have you ever seen the rain?
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TS9_ipu9GKw[/youtube]
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Anyone prefer the winter olympics?
Here's Sasha Cohen (with Dusty Springfield)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cYcsbf49fI[/youtube]
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Hazell Dean - They Say It's Gonna Rain
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCgd7pgegkw[/youtube]
From Wikipedia:
"Hazell Dean is also the answer to one of the questions posed by the Ann Droid, in the 2005 episode of Doctor Who - Bad Wolf."
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I decided to have a spontaneous art happening this morning.
I had an empty port bottle and the cap goes back on it so conveniently I have created a message in a bottle.
It says:
"Well Congratulations!
You have found the proverbial
Message in a bottle, are you,
Happy Now?
Do you feel like you have accomplished
Something?
Are you going to be nicer to those around
you now?
Did you expect 72 virgins?
Well sorry to disappoint.
Dispose of litter properly."
I thought about throwing it in the lake, since I don't live near an ocean, but I may just leave it sitting out in a public place.
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I decided to have a spontaneous art happening this morning.
I had an empty port bottle and the cap goes back on it so conveniently I have created a message in a bottle.
It says:
"Well Congratulations!
You have found the proverbial
Message in a bottle, are you,
Happy Now?
Do you feel like you have accomplished
Something?
Are you going to be nicer to those around
you now?
Did you expect 72 virgins?
Well sorry to disappoint.
Dispose of litter properly."
I thought about throwing it in the lake, since I don't live near an ocean, but I may just leave it sitting out in a public place.
huh....I am trying to imagine how I would feel/think if I found it....
Makes me think of how people spend their lives thinking if only...if only I could win the lottery...THEN I would be happy...if only I could have a baby...THEN I would be happy...if only I could find the perfect lover...THEN I would be happy...
or people that think they will have some mythical time in the future to do the things they want to do...you know people like that...People that won't spend time with their kids because they have to 'work' to get the kid things they dont' really need...then wake up to find the kid is grown and the things are broken or thrown out...
or people that spend their lives thinking 'I'll travel when I retire" then die in their forties... :-\ :-\
that is what I would be thinking of...how I always put off doing the things I want to do for all the things I think I HAVE to do...
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Yeah, it may go straight to the recycling bin. Some one at the recycling center may say "Damnit, this is the last straw! Insulted by the
trash material!"
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Yeah, it may go straight to the recycling bin. Some one at the recycling center may say "Damnit, this is the last straw! Insulted by the trash material!"
it is not REALLY an insult...more like a cold splash of water....a "Patton" style slap....
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I hope you do.
You never know what effect your actions will have...you dont' know who will find it. Maybe a kid that will throw it away without a thought...but it may hit someone just when and where they need to be touched.
you never know.
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I will do that, and I have another bottle in the works, so it could be a series.
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I will do that, and I have another bottle in the works, so it could be a series.
:laugh: :laugh:
you will make the news! The mysterious "Message in a Bottle" guy...who IS he? WHY does he do it?? When will he strike again!!?? How much port DOES the guy drink anyway!!???
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Anyone prefer the winter olympics? Here's Sasha Cohen (with Dusty Springfield)
Now you're speaking my language! I love the winter games!
Sasha Cohen is a beautiful skater....*runs off to find her short program to post*
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Now you're speaking my language! I love the winter games!
Sasha Cohen is a beautiful skater....*runs off to find her short program to post*
Big Tanya Harding fan myself..."But I BROKE MY LACE!!!" boo hoo...
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and here she is, skating to Malaguena
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Big Tanya Harding fan myself..."But I BROKE MY LACE!!!" boo hoo...
I'm a huge Nancy Kerrigan fan. *watches for metal rods*
To be honest, I'm rather pissed with Tonya, and not because of the "Tonya/Nancy" incident. All of Tonya's coaches talked about how hard it was to get Tonya to practice the way she should have. Tonya was one of the physcially strongest skaters around. If she had practiced, there's no telling who she could've beat.
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and no way should you have to worry about your equiptment at a big show....come on...a shoelace?? I would think some serious thought woulda gone into making sure every detail of your costume was ready. ::) ::)
but here it is again for our viewing enjoyment...(you can find anything on Youtube!)
well except the train from War of the Worlds...I didn't find THAT...
anyhoo! Ms BooHoo herself...
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI7qBAfWYP4&feature=related[/youtube]
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Last skating vid from me today.
Canadians Bourne & Kraatz in their long program/freedance. Many felt they deserved a gold medal that day, however, the judges saw fit to place Russians ahead of them, and give them a bronze.
::)
Shae-Lynn Bourne & Victor Kraatz skated to the music of "RiverDance", and many commented on how difficult this would be to bring to the ice, as skating is a fluid horizontal motion, while Irish stepdance is stationary vertical motion. They crafted a great program, including moves they had invented, that they called "Hydroblading", very low to the ice glides, with their knees bearing their weight.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmijaWvX_2U[/youtube]
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Hey Truman!!! How have you been?
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Hey Truman!!! How have you been?
I have been okay, I seem to work thru the week and become a zombie on weekends. :laugh: But my laundry is donw, how 'bout you Jack?
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I will do that, and I have another bottle in the works, so it could be a series.
I used to park next to a car just like mine in the parking garage at work, only it was a white Prius while mine was silver. For months and months. Never saw the driver because he seemed to come in early and leave very late. Sometimes at night his car and mine were the only ones in that part of the garage when I came out of the office. I knew it belonged to a man because I looked inside the hatchback and could see some very fine men's ski gear. So, one Friday night, I couldn't stand it no more. I wrote a note: Dear White Prius, I surely hope you get the chance to go off to the mountains this weekend and make use of those fine skis. You've been working too hard! Sincerely, Silver Prius"
The next Monday, white Prius was nowhere to be seen. I was happy that its owner was taking a day off. But later, I discovered that the white Prius was now parking way over in the far side of the parking garage, where its owner has to walk a long way to get to the office. And it has been like that for nearly a year... :-\
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Reminds me of the time in the 9th grade, I carried on a correspondence with someone by leaving a penciled note written on the desk top of my desk and someone in another class would write me back. Never found out who because I volunteered to tell them who I was first and they never wrote again. 8)
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Poor ole Tonya Harding, that video has to be one of the worst moments of her life and it just went down hill from there. She did save someones life once by doing CPR, but it didn't get as much notice as the sex tape fromher honey moon. You have to wonder what people are thinking sometime.
Speaking of which I remember talking to Jeff about this, and some others, hope they will see it.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR6DdcnUBas[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55-gHj7yxg0[/youtube]
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I have been okay, I seem to work thru the week and become a zombie on weekends. :laugh: But my laundry is donw, how 'bout you Jack?
I am fine, but still tired from the trip I think. I'm glad your laundry is done. You can now come and do mine. Tomorrow it is back to work and I am not looking forward to that at all!!!
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I am fine, but still tired from the trip I think. I'm glad your laundry is done. You can now come and do mine. Tomorrow it is back to work and I am not looking forward to that at all!!!
OOO!! OOOO!!
If Truman is volunteering to do laundry I call first dibs!!
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Last skating vid from me today.
Canadians Bourne & Kraatz in their long program/freedance. Many felt they deserved a gold medal that day, however, the judges saw fit to place Russians ahead of them, and give them a bronze.
::)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmijaWvX_2U[/youtube]
Did you see at 0:45 she whacks the hell outta the wall with her skate?
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become a zombie on weekends.
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff52/Indimystic/Zombies.jpg)
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Did you see at 0:45 she whacks the hell outta the wall with her skate?
I never noticed that before! :laugh:
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Did you see at 0:45 she whacks the hell outta the wall with her skate?
beats the crap outta whacking the hell outta your partners face...
I can't watch this without flinching....
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0T3RwwyYRU[/youtube]
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OMG, that is alful, and I am surprised it does not happen more often now that I think about it.
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfX-sPtVCmg&feature=related[/youtube]
for me building trust again after an accident would be very hard....this is an inspiring story
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So this is the high light of my weekend.
I belong to an email list called RAOGK, which stands for Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness. It assists people doing research on their family history connect with people in localities where their ancestors live. I am a volunteer for my county and will look up stuff at the court house if they have something specific to search for, or look up an obit in the news paper or take a picture of a head stone.
Often I will get an email from someone outlining their entire family history and asking if I can add anything to it. I have to write them back and tell them that is too vague, if there is something specific I can check on I will. Then I will get an email asking me to check the records in Henrico County. I live and volunteer in Henry County, and have to write them back and explain the difference.
While I was on vacation I got a message from someone in Seattle I had helped before looking for an obituary for one Amy Finney, giving her date of death in 1936. I smiled and wrote her back: I would check when I got back, but she might be interested to know Amy Finney was buried up the hill from my house.
Well she was and asked if I could get a photo for her. So Saturday afternoon I put on my snake proof boots, put my camera in me pocket and grabbed a stick and took off down the road, and back in time.
I once searched the chain of ownership of my one acre back thru all the previous owners, as far as I could. In 1855 a man owned my piece of earth along with 300 more acres by the name of John Salmon. He died and his sons inherited the land and two slaves, Lucy and her son, Lewis.
One brother traded his interest in these two human beings for his brothers interest in the land. Some 50 years later that brother had died and an auction was held. The land was bought by a man named Abe Craighead. He had been born a slave, and now owned the home the Salmons had occupied for decades.
The 20th century brought the mill and the African American Community was pushed back to the ridge above my house. They lived in little frame houses along the old road that had once been the Indian's path to Jordan Creek. They had a church there and their minister was Rev. Silver, a man my sister once saw emerge from the woods dressed in a sunday suit, on the hottest day of summer, with a hat. He was followed by his wife, wearing a full dress and her hair covered by a woman's nylon stocking. The followed one another to town, to do what ever business they had to.
The community has drifted away. You walk out that over grown road now and you might happen upon a foundation or a trash pile, but not even a sign of the church, except their burial ground. Down the road I marched to the gravel road leading to the water tank, my stick clearing the path of spider webs, and from the tank I took a deer path to the old logging road that is still kept open by the 4 wheelers. To the old road up the hill, scanning the trees for the recognizable and suddenly there it was: the head stone of Joe Waller, who had died 1924.
The grave yard is completely reclaimed by the forest. Hickory's, Oaks, Poplars growing in and about the graves, some 50 or so souls. Very few with headstones, some with just a rock but most of them just a coffin sized depression in the earth, row upon row of them. No one has been buried there in 41 years.
Amy Finney's head stone sat snug like a spectator with a good seat to watch some event. The wonderful passage of time, the budding of leaves and the falling away of fall colors, the chilly stars thru the branches and the moon, always smiling. While all around them at a safe distance, the world went on its merry way. It represented her unto someone who could not comprehend her life and time. Convey it back to her family: she is here.
And I swear I did not see any poison oak be I damn sure got it all over my right foot!
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coffin shaped depressions? We have some graves in our cemetary that are that old but they dont' have the depressions like that...is it because we are still using it, thus it is still being mowed and tended do you think? Sounds like a fascinating but eerie place..
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You sure can paint a picture withyour words brother of mine!
You have some talent!!
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Cool story Truman!
I'm so jealous of the way you write.
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So the secretary here at the office, who is usually not here on Mondays, comes up to me this morning and confides in me that her daughter told her that she was so broke, and her brothers were so broke and pointed out that she too was so broke, that this Christmas they were all gone go to Brokeback Mountain.
I just love run on sentances.
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Wow, and I was working at Starbucks? Did I die?
Why did you ask if you died?
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He may have been asking if he died and went to Heaven. Or hell, depending on your view of Starbucks. :laugh:
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Why did you ask if you died?
I dunno, I went back and looked at that time and can't figgure it out.
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I dunno, I went back and looked at that time and can't figgure it out.
I really should have asked at the time of the post. Wonder why though?
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I wonder
wa wa wa wa wonder
why
why why why why
Tru asked if he died
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Thats a definite LOL Chuck Hehhehhee
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I wonder
wa wa wa wa wonder
why
why why why why
Tru asked if he died
Because it is easier than looking in the paper for the obits. :laugh:
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I was having breakfast with my mother, like I do every Sunday morning when I am home, and like every Sunday Monring for 20 years we had the TV on, the selection always the same, CBS's Sunday Morning.
When I saw the story come on about the passing of Jack Weil, I pointed to the TV to get her attention to it. She does not care what she sees or what is being said she will comment right over it.
"You know what old people are that slow? It hurts to move." She said. The story progressed thru pictures of Clark Gable, Eric Clapton and then, the screen was filled with blue sky and green grass, and the outline of Chinaman Peak. I could see Roland laughing outloud, I knew that spot intimatly.
[Paraphraising] "Most recently Weil's shirts were featured in the movie Brokeback Mountain...." and Jack lassoed Ennis's feet and down they went, tumbling into that familar crevace in my heart.
She sat there and watched and for once offered no comment. I wiped away a tear. My Boys. :-*
When the story ended and they told he was 107 she was truly amazed.
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I was having breakfast with my mother, like I do every Sunday morning when I am home, and like every Sunday Monring for 20 years we had the TV on, the selection always the same, CBS's Sunday Morning.
When I saw the story come on about the passing of Jack Weil, I pointed to the TV to get her attention to it. She does not care what she sees or what is being said she will comment right over it.
"You know what old people are that slow? It hurts to move." She said. The story progressed thru pictures of Clark Gable, Eric Clapton and then, the screen was filled with blue sky and green grass, and the outline of Chinaman Peak. I could see Roland laughing outloud, I knew that spot intimatly.
[Paraphraising] "Most recently Weil's shirts were featured in the movie Brokeback Mountain...." and Jack lassoed Ennis's feet and down they went, tumbling into that familar crevace in my heart.
She sat there and watched and for once offered no comment. I wiped away a tear. My Boys. :-*
When the story ended and they told he was 107 she was truly amazed.
I saw that today, too, Truman. I used to watch "Sunday Morning" regularly with my Mom when I was home, too. Since she passed, I really miss having her next to me to share moments like that Brokeback sunbeam today. I hope Jack Weil looks her up when he gets settled in up there.
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I hope he gets a big greeting from Heath.
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I was having breakfast with my mother, like I do every Sunday morning when I am home, and like every Sunday Monring for 20 years we had the TV on, the selection always the same, CBS's Sunday Morning.
When I saw the story come on about the passing of Jack Weil, I pointed to the TV to get her attention to it. She does not care what she sees or what is being said she will comment right over it.
"You know what old people are that slow? It hurts to move." She said. The story progressed thru pictures of Clark Gable, Eric Clapton and then, the screen was filled with blue sky and green grass, and the outline of Chinaman Peak. I could see Roland laughing outloud, I knew that spot intimatly.
[Paraphraising] "Most recently Weil's shirts were featured in the movie Brokeback Mountain...." and Jack lassoed Ennis's feet and down they went, tumbling into that familar crevace in my heart.
She sat there and watched and for once offered no comment. I wiped away a tear. My Boys. :-*
When the story ended and they told he was 107 she was truly amazed.
:'(
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Good morning Truman
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I saw that on Sunday Morning too Truman. It felt strange knowing that I had actually been to Rockmount before.
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So I had just hung up the phone about 7:30 las night and I heard the wild cat charging up the steps and decided I better investigate. Sometimes she gets ambiances but this sounded like it was with a purpose. Sure enough she was chasing something. I thought it was a mouse until I see it try to fly out the window. OMG I had to do something quick.
I love Crybaby and generally am a cat lover but I know it is their predatory nature to stalk and kill birds and rodents. Once already I had to remove her for the house to allow a chipmunk to escape from under the TV. While I didn't have a cat for a couple of years, I enjoyed having the birds. Occasionally I would see a mouse, especially when the weather turned cold and there was the snakes.......
I thought (and Crybaby did too) that she had the bird cornered beside a chair and I was like "How am I going to save this poor little thing?" when I saw it was hiding in the folds of a blanket thrown on the floor. I moved quickly.
Out in the front yard with the door closed behind me I untangled the baby Brown Thrashers talons from the synthetic fleece. It was panting, in shock and exhausted. I held it in my hand and stroked its little head and spoke to it. "You were luck this time, you need to watch out for that cat and others!" Its eyes closed like it was falling asleep and I thought of the female Cardinal I found once sitting on the ground. It was in shock from flying into a window and my crew of cats had not discovered it, yet.
I took the bird inside to my bathroom and close the door, letting it recover amongst a pile of towels. When I cam back a half hour later it had snapped out of it and shitting all over the place! I lowered the upper sash of the window and finally managed to shoo it out.
About tat time the Trasher snapped out of it too, and with a chip took off in a hurry, landing sideways on a (damned) White Mulberry tree. It looked back at me and chipped again.
"You were lucky this time" I repeated and turned to see Crybaby thru the storm door protesting: "Meow!".
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oh I know that story so well chasing a bird and tryin to catch a cat in the process!
:laugh:
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A friend sent me a link to these.
I love Loretta Lynn, she is one of the icons of country music and it is interesting to see her in this new incarnaton at this point in her life (she's 74). Kind of reminds me of Tammy Wynette and The KLF, only better.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SHAX4z4sLg[/youtube]
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A friend sent me a link to these.
I love Loretta Lynn, she is one of the icons of country music and it is interesting to see her in this new incarnaton at this point in her life (she's 74). Kind of reminds me of Tammy Wynette and The KLF, only better.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SHAX4z4sLg[/youtube]
I've heard some of that CD and it's really pretty good. I'm still more of a traditionalist though!
I'll take "you ain't woman enough to take my man" anyday!
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You might like this one better then:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y3wRNdN6s0[/youtube]
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poor Crybaby! She was probably thinking "Dang, Daddy! You got money and can go get your OWN durn bird!"
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You might like this one better then:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y3wRNdN6s0[/youtube]
Oh Man!
Thats the Loretty I know!
I gotta get that CD!
That is fantastic.
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So my oft repeated line for today will be: "I was turned away at the Obamarama like Joseph and Mary at the Inn."
It had been announced in the local paper on Sunday that the presumed democratic presidential nominee would be coming to Martinsville, Virginia today, the first time a presidential candidate had visited here since Dwight Eisenhower's train passed thru in the 1950s (no one can remember if he stopped). The article also said he would be meeting with invited guests, people who had lost their jobs due to the economic down turn, at an undisclosed location.
WTF? That was the strangest campaign appearance I ever heard.
Since then there has been this quest for tickets going on, and rumors of where this appearance is going to be. When I contacted his local campaign HQ I was told I could be put on a waiting list someone could not use their tickets. I didn't bother. A fellow agent in my office, who holds down two jobs, had tickets but gave them away he told me yesterday. Two people I know who are die hard Republicans who are not about to vote for him have tickets and are over there right now.
The over there, rumor had it all over yesterday, was that he would appear at thelocal community college, which seemed to be reinforced by my friend who is a purchasing manager there sporting a ticket, but it turns out this morning the venue is Arrington Motorsports, a company that builds engines for racecars. (http://www.arringtonengines.com/)
So off I head over there, hoping to catch a glimpse of the man, witness some history. The place is a zoo, police everywhere, traffic backed up, signs for Obama and McCain and Warner (who is running for Senate and should be appearing also, along with the Governor, Tim Kane who is supposed to be on the short list for VP) and I wait in line and I get up to the interrogator, a kid with acne in a blue shirt and tie who asks to see my ticket.
"I don't have a ticket."
"Then I'm sorry, Sir, I'll have to ask you to turn around here, they won't let you in with out a ticket."
"Well I don't want to get in I just want to gawk at him when he goes by."
"I'm sorry, Sir, due to security they are not allowing that."
"Well I am very disappointed."
Now, here is how I look at it:
1. If you are running for President, you should not pass up an opportunity to be seen. Maximize every effort to be seen by as many people as possible. If you want to meet with a specific group of people do so in private in conjunction with a public appearance.
2. If you are running for President, and you come to a little assed town like Martinsville, Virginia, where the only thing exciting that ever happens is a scandal, do not have a closed meeting. Make an appearance, have the audacity to be seen Put up metal detectors, frisk people, they expect that. Don't tell people: you can't be admitted. You may have made 3000 people's day, but you have pissed off about 30,000 in the process.
The whole thing is bullshit, and as a result I am officially announcing my own write in campaign for President. My motto will be:
"I can screw things up as good as any of those guys."
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Truman for President!
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Well, I now know who I'll be voting for!
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(http://ronwade.freeservers.com/TrumanLitho.jpg)
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(http://ronwade.freeservers.com/TrumanBlueWhite.jpg)
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(http://ronwade.freeservers.com/OldiesRR-1x3.jpg)
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YAY Truman!
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What an opportunity to impliment the "gay agenda", whatever it might be.....
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haahaahaa! Go Truman!
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"I'm sorry, Sir, due to security they are not allowing that."
"Well I am very disappointed."
LOL. That would have made me let you in!
(http://www.hoorayforbuttons.com/vote_truman_for_president.jpg)
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Vote Truman!!!!
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What an opportunity to impliment the "gay agenda", whatever it might be.....
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/etexjess/trumancampaign.jpg)
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Who's his VeeP?
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Who's his VeeP?
He hasn't made that announcement...he is waiting til closer to the convention.
;D ;D
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Truman! Looking sharp as "Man of the Month"!
No wonder you waited until August to announce your candidacy!
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Wow, you look great, Calendar Boy!
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Truman wil never get elected. I've heard he hangs around with some real "seedy characters".
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/SF%20Castro%20Bbm/Copy3ofSFCastroBBM087.jpg)
:laugh:
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Truman wil never get elected. I've heard he hangs around with some real "seedy characters".
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/SF%20Castro%20Bbm/Copy3ofSFCastroBBM087.jpg)
:laugh:
dang, didn't take long for the mudslinging to start!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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I love the calendar pics, Truman! :-*
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Thank kew Meryl, I was tickled to be there, and we managed to get one of Paul in too, it is his birthday next weekend!
Chuck, are you saying I shouldn't put you on the ticket?
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Where's the dang calander? I can never find it! >:(
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Where's the dang calander? I can never find it! >:(
thank you! I can't find it either! I was just embarrassed to admit it
Heck I am here all the time how could I miss it?
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Hits up 'air at the top 'tixt the Profile an'e Logout kees.
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Chuck, are you saying I shouldn't put you on the ticket?
;) ;D
Looks like the VP has been announced. ;D
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;) ;D
Looks like the VP has been announced. ;D
drats....I was hoping he would select an OLDER more experienced running mate...someone with different view. You know to balance out the ticket...
but who??
I thought
and thought
and I really wish Truman would consider
someone from a DIFFERENT background....I mean Truman is a Southern country boy....I am thinking a northern guy from a urban background....true true Cellerdweller IS a city boy....and he is from the north but he is a bit young....
so why not
throw in a "August surprise"
and nominate
(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h2/etexjess/rolandPH.jpg)
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Ummm......Jess....with all due respect, Roland is Canadian, and can't run for president, so how will that happen?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm........
I see only one logical answer........
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Veepposter.jpg)
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I can just see my face on money now.
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/BayCityTrip038-1.jpg)
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Ummm......Jess....with all due respect, Roland is Canadian, and can't run for president, so how will that happen?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm........
I see only one logical answer........
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Veepposter.jpg)
ROTF!!!
LOVE the flag...
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Well I must say Roland does look very vice presidential.
Chuck looks very patriotic, but you can't see his eyes.
I never did know what or who Punky Brewster is/was.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNWYNKx-azY&feature=user[/youtube]
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okkkkkkkaaaayy
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Hehehehehheheehhheeehhehehheh.
Man, monday is almost here. August is almost over, headed into the last week. We got those what you call them, counvetions to get thru and then the election......
I still am amazed at some of the stuff the campaigns are bringing up about each other. First there was an email questioning weather of not McCain could run because he was born in the Panama Canal Zone, then one started that questioned weather Obama was born in Hawai'i or outside the US and I am like hmmmmmm, who ever the next president is, he will be born in a place the U.S. forcibly took from somebody else. Lovely.
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBL7JggnSg8[/youtube]
;)
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Hehehehehheheehhheeehhehehheh.
Man, monday is almost here. August is almost over, headed into the last week. We got those what you call them, counvetions to get thru and then the election......
I still am amazed at some of the stuff the campaigns are bringing up about each other. First there was an email questioning weather of not McCain could run because he was born in the Panama Canal Zone, then one started that questioned weather Obama was born in Hawai'i or outside the US and I am like hmmmmmm, who ever the next president is, he will be born in a place the U.S. forcibly took from somebody else. Lovely.
speaking as a Native American descendent...you ALL were born in a place the US forcibly took from somebody else... ;)
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Very true.
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Mornin' Truman and friends.. I got a real kick out of the video clip. Especially the trumpet at the end. LOLOLOLOL
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I liked that video because it had all this random stuff in it and in the end they tied it all together into a neat little package, and played taps!
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Good morning Big Brother Truman!
How are you today?
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Good morning Big Brother Truman!
How are you today?
I am doing well. I actually just wrote a long speil and decided to save it rather than post it. I might later. How you doing? Sorry I missed your call last night.
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I am doing well. I actually just wrote a long speil and decided to save it rather than post it. I might later. How you doing? Sorry I missed your call last night.
Oh boy......Truman's getting to writting again! I love how you write, big brother!
as for missing my call, no worries, that's what voicemail is for! ;D
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Yesterday morning, the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay reached my area, with a soft gentle rain you could still walk a dog in without an umbrella. We have needed this rain. The lake is down but not like in Atlanta. The grass had died, the leaves on the trees were starting to turn and the flowers were all wilted. This is the kind of rain we need the most, slow and steady and it looks like for a long time. It may rain off and on thru next week and there is Gustave behind it.
As I drove to work I saw this splash of purple, it was a gang of morning glories in full bloom on a chain link fence, revived from dormancy. In the parking lot, the birds splashed in puddles, cleaning the dust from their feathers.
This morning the rain pours. There are flash flood watches until this afternoon. On the highway the traffic slows except for the big trucks who do what they want to. The churn up the water from the pavement and atomizes it, it hangs briefly in the air as the tanker flies ways, gradually to be pelted out of the air by more rain. It is wet, and Crybaby stands at the door and says: "Meow!"
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Hiya Big Brother Truman! How are you today?
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I hope to see pictures somewhere of that dry lake you visited last year, Truman. I've often wondered how it looks now. Hope it's filling up a bit.
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Rich says it has come up a foot in this rain, but it was lower than when I saw it in December. Maybe he can take some pictures sometime and post them.
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Thanks, Truman. I guess a foot is better than nothin'. :P
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(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/stupidgirl.gif)
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Thanks, Truman. I guess a foot is better than nothin'. :P
Depending ofn the circumstances, it could be over kill! ;) ;D :laugh:
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Depending ofn the circumstances, it could be over kill! ;) ;D :laugh:
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/ohsnap1.gif)
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Depending ofn the circumstances, it could be over kill! ;) ;D :laugh:
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Ohmy.jpg)
;D ;D ;D
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Oh Meryl, that's just wrong......but funny
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Hiya Big Brother Truman! How are you today?
I am enjoying the rain. ;D
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Does Crybaby like the rain too? meow
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She stares it with that wide eyed, head twiching wonder and then scruntches up and turns and runs. She has been playing peep eye this evening.
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peep eye?
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peep eye?
BOO!
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I'll start up the step and she is peeking over the edge, with her ears back and if I say something to her she bolts and runs.
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lol!
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I'll start up the step and she is peeking over the edge, with her ears back and if I say something to her she bolts and runs.
I love how they pin those ears back as if that is the only part of them you would notice. I have one that weighs twenty pounds but he thinks if he crouchs and lays his ears down, he is invisible....
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The other evening she lit on a little table where I have plants sitting next to my desk. I have cleared her out a place so she can look out the windown with out knocking any of them over. She had just settled in when a Hummingbird appeared. They were two feet apart, with a screen in betwixt them. Crybaby was fixed on the bird, following its every jerk and movement and the bird was just as interested in her. She dove and hovered and I could hear the insect like buzz of it wings. Lasted all of 10 seconds and when it flew away I asked her what she thought of that bird, she turned and looked at me like "Did you see that!"
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lmao! Cute story!
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Hiya Big Brother!
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/catmanwill/BearHug2.jpg)
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Awe Thank kew Chuck, ain't they sweet?
Here is a short film from Scot/Canadian film maker Norman McLaren, "Neighbors". I love the part where they are dancing in mid air.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88JS1lrqPHA[/youtube]
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what a happy little movie!
now I'm in the mood for some fresh flowers. :laugh:
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Loved "Neighbors"! Thank you so much for posting it, Truman.
Norman McLaren was one creative filmmaker. No doubt about that.
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Recently a friend of mine told me about a documentary she had seen on the early days of the coal industry in West Virginia. She told of how the mining companies would bring in different ethnic groups, Africans, Eastern Europeans, Italians, and actively promote racism between them and the Anglos living there in an effort to "divide and conquer" their work force. Pit them against one another and they would not see the company as the real enemy.
That thought has been resonating within me ever since. I keep seeing or think I see it in so many other instances. Perhaps it is a learned behavior that has become so ingrained in American life that we know nothing else.
I get that feeling about this election. Granted in a presidential election year in the U.S. the political parties are more polarized than usual, but then you got all this gray area, fueled by the internet. Political pundits, conspiracy theorists and people with a need to manufacture drama.
There was the email that McCain was ineligible to be President because he was born in the former U.S. territory of the Panama Canal Zone. There was the email that Obama was ineligible because he was not actually born in Hawai'i, but in Kenya and some how was brought back to the U.S. at a later date. There is the news media, interviewing and official at the GOP Convention ostensibly about the curtailing of event due to Hurricane Gustav, and their questions all about Bristol Palin and her baby.
To me, it seems like there are forces at work to divide and conquer American, forces coming from both ends of the spectrum, and I am just not going to buy into it. I refuse to buy into it. All the candidates have said and done things they wish they could have taken back, regret now, were misunderstood about. All of them advocate something that I can't go along with, all of them are loosing some of their humanity by being in the public eye. The issues in the campaign don't just take back seat, they are not even allowed in the car because all the room is took up with character examination and assassination.
There has got to be something better. There has got to be a better way. If we were a smaller country it would be simpler, if were were a poor country it might be too. Instead we have become a country of big over grown children jealous of one another's toys.
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nicely said, Truman
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Thank kew Chuck. I think it might be time for a vacation from Bettermost until this election is over.
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Truman, please don't let it get you down.
Unfortunately, even if you take a vacation from BetterMost, there will still be a ton of political talk everywhere, all participants thinking they're right, and the other side is Satan.
Which, of course, makes it harder to find exactly where the candidates stand on issues.
Just keep repeating, "It will all be over soon!"
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what Chuck said.
Plus I will miss you and I am not the only one :'(
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I think it might be time for a vacation from Bettermost until this election is over.
Don't you dare go away! >:( (Stamps foot like overgrown child. ... ;D )
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(Stamps foot like overgrown child. ... ;D )
shocker! :o
*runs from Jeff* ;D :-*
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Thank kew Chuck. I think it might be time for a vacation from Bettermost until this election is over.
Just ignore the election forum!
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I will try to ignore it, but gawd it is everywhere. I don't see how the folks from other countries can stand it.
Back in the spring I knew it was going to be bad, I thought, because of the race issue. I felt like it was going to be a lot of racial tension and scarcasm and certainly in my own world I see and hear that from local people every day. But now everywhere you turn it is like a rabid feast of he said/he said/ she said/ he said/ people posting all kinds of opinions.
You know, I don't care anymore who wins this election. I know I should, I cared in 2000 when Bush slipped thru a loop hole. I mourned when the terrorists attacked in 2001, I supported going after them in Afghanistan and then, what the hell did happen? I have never understood it.
I opposed the war in Iraq. The first time I heard it mentioned as a possibility I said I hoped they administration in power had enough sense not to do something so foolish. I have opposed the war every step of the way since then, I have called for Bush to be impeached for this action and failing to uphold the constitution, which he has sworn to do twice now.
I give up caring because I live in a country where people have their minds so closed they and are so gullible they will believe anything handed them by authority. Sadam had WMDs, chauffers held in Guantanimo want to kill everyone, it is okay to listen in on the conversations of citizens, Obama is a muslim, all muslims are suspect, McCain was not born in the U.S., Obama was not born in the U.S. , Palin wants Alaska to be an independant country.......(you know last week when she was anounced to be his running mate one of my coworkers actualy asked out loud, if Alaska was a part of the U.S.?!) Gays recruit children, gay marriage will undermine the institution itself, I mean, what is the point, I am living in a country full of armed lunatics. While they argue over who has the moral lowground there are people loosing their jobs, loosing their homes, loosing their hope.
I am going home, turn off my phone and escape into a good book.
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shocker! :o
*runs from Jeff* ;D :-*
>:( Where's my mariconera? >:(
;D :-*
I am going home, turn off my phone and escape into a good book.
That's the best idea I've heard in a long, long time! :D
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I am going home, turn off my phone and escape into a good book.
sounds like a good idea!
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Howdy Truman Honey. Its really not so bad. Try to have a good day my friend :-*
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(((((((Truman)))))))
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Yesterday I had to spend the entire day at the office, answering the nonringing phones, until 5pm, but I was glad in a way, I learned a lot about the Portuguese Air Force and tried to explain to some idiot that just because he did not see a propane tank out side of an empty house it was quite possible it did have some sort of gas heating unit inside as the listing said.
When I left the office I had a call that there was a Pow Wow going on in Stuart. It was being put on by the Wolf Creek Clan of Cherokee, a local group of native descended people dedicated to maintaining the Cherokee identity among their group. Not necessarily "Indian Looking" people, but their hearts are in the right place. Hadn't been to one in a long while so I headed off, driving a circuitous route threw the country, and arriving at the fair ground about 6:30 pm. It was a beautiful evening, the temperature was absolutely perfect, the humidity was absolutely perfect, the ground was dry. I payed the $8 admission and walked in the direction of the circle, where I learned the drum would now do its final song. The brochure said there would be dancing until 9 pm, but you know thats the way things go.
The dancers were gathered around the drum, mixed in with spectators. The parents with their children, wanting them to have the best vantage point to see and everyones head I noticed, bobbing slightly. I smiled, looked around the gathered and saw every shade, every complexion, every advantage and disadvantage. The way it should be I think, gathered together to hear the heart beat of the earth mother, of humanity, to be of one mind.
After checking out the vendors selling arrowheads, books on how to speak Cherokee, dream catchers, herbs, staffs, medicine bags and miniature boxes to store feathers in that resembled caskets, I found myself not feeling the need to posses any of it. Some of it I already had, and it could bring me no more joy that the late afternoon sun on the fence did.
Leaving the Pow Wow I stopped at the nearby Wendy's a recent addition to Stuart and one of the most difficult places to enter I have ever seen. The girl at the drive up window saw my orange wrist band and asked if that "PeeWee" was still going on. (Gawd, please don't ask me 'bout no propane tanks!) I told her it would be back tommorrow and she should check it out.
"Well I might but I'm worried about that tornado they're callin' for" I smiled. Tropical Storm Hanna was long gone and Ike was far off, she would have the opportunity, if she would take it.
And today is a beautiful day. From my window I can hear a Wood Pecker thumping on a tree in the woods, but I can't turn my head to look for it, I woke up with a crick in my neck like nobody's bidness.
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The girl at the drive up window saw my orange wrist band and asked if that "PeeWee" was still going on.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
:-\
Sorry, I guess that was sorta rude of me, laughing at her that way. ...
::)
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I think it's only proper that you checked out the "PeeWee", O Great Shaman. Thanks for the account. 8)
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I think it's only proper that you checked out the "PeeWee", O Great Shaman. Thanks for the account. 8)
I second what Meryl said! ;D
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Hey there, Bud,
I am caught up on the last nine pages here...sorry I haven't been around much lately. I liked the Loretta videos - I bought Van Lear Rose for Mom when it first came out a few years ago and it's damn good work for someone in their 70s. I like Johnny Cash's last CD a whole lot too.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmVAWKfJ4Go[/youtube]
Much of my aversion to being here lately is election-related also. I come in almost daily, read a few things, get annoyed, and log back out. I know that theoretically I should be able to Ignore better, but I haven't figured it out yet. November 5, 2008 can't get here fast enough to suit me, but I worry that the damage is done. You might be onto something with respect to the divisiveness conspiracy theory.
I love the account of the powwow peewee. Sounds like just the thing.
Lynne-Who-Drinks-Wild-Cherry-Koolaid
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I just remembered that your colleague's non-knowledge of Alaska reminded me of something...
I was mailing a card to an inlaw in New Mexico from Estill Springs, TN and the post office guy kept insisting I needed foreign postage...I eventually just took it away from the counter and put it in the box outside. ::)
Very sad. ???
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Ain't it amazing how many Americans think New Mexico is a foreign country? I have a nephew who lives there and he is always encountering it. My own uncle even thinks it is a foreign country. I mean, it has its own quarter. They have zip codes there, didn't the guy at the post office have to take some kind of test to get his job?
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didn't the guy at the post office have to take some kind of test to get his job?
He should have!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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They have zip codes there, didn't the guy at the post office have to take some kind of test to get his job?
one would hope so!
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Ain't it amazing how many Americans think New Mexico is a foreign country? I have a nephew who lives there and he is always encountering it. My own uncle even thinks it is a foreign country. I mean, it has its own quarter. They have zip codes there, didn't the guy at the post office have to take some kind of test to get his job?
New Mexico might not be a foreign country, but we know Texas is a world unto itself. ;D
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New Mexico might not be a foreign country, but we know Texas is a world unto itself. ;D
I know that's right!
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havin' been to Texas, I can agree! ;D
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Been reading these posts, and just wanted to ask a question? (From a dumb Aussie)......
Is Mexico a foreign country??
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Been reading these posts, and just wanted to ask a question? (From a dumb Aussie)......
Is Mexico a foreign country??
It is, unless you live there LOL.
New Mexico is a state of the US, kinda like New South Wales.
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It is, unless you live there LOL.
;D
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But one thing I have never understood, where is Old Zeeland? ;D
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But one thing I have never understood, where is Old Zeeland? ;D
Zealand is a part of Denmark, actually.
And New London, Connecticut is the capital of New England. :)
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Zealand is a part of Denmark, actually.
And New London, Connecticut is the capital of New England. :)
I wondered why the Coast Guard Academy was located there.
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I seem to recall also some one recently asking "Is Boston capitol of Massachusetts?" :laugh:
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zonSL24AJ44&feature=related[/youtube]
I dont know why I have been thinking about this song today but...
"The class of 57 had its dreams
we all thought we would change the world with our great thoughts and deeds..
or maybe we thought the world would change to meet our needs
'but living life day to day is never like it seems
things get complicated when you get past eighteen'
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I can remember when I was in high school that song was on the radio. The graduating class that year wrote their own lyrics to and tried to sing it at a pep rally at the end of the year but they ended up cryng more than singing, plus they tried to include EYERYBODY in the class and it went on for ever.
Yeah, when we are young we thing we are going to change the world and we know just what do do. I wish I had a tenth of the knowledge I had back then.
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I can remember when I was in high school that song was on the radio. The graduating class that year wrote their own lyrics to and tried to sing it at a pep rally at the end of the year but they ended up cryng more than singing, plus they tried to include EYERYBODY in the class and it went on for ever.
Yeah, when we are young we thing we are going to change the world and we know just what do do. I wish I had a tenth of the knowledge I had back then.
and the hard thing is to look at kids today and they think the same thing.....and there is no way to tell them the truth. There is an unbridgeable gulf between us.
and maybe that is a good thing....they are too young to feel the despair of knowing how hard it is to change anything...that we are just animals and we mean nothing really in the grand scheme of things. Things grind along as they do no matter what we do.
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Zealand is a part of Denmark, actually.
And Zeeland is a part of the Netherlands. :)
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oh my god!! Truman, your candidacy has taken off!!!
(http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/political-pictures-roberta-meghan-mccain-vote-truman-grandma.jpg)
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oh my god!! Truman, your candidacy has taken off!!!
(http://punditkitchen.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/political-pictures-roberta-meghan-mccain-vote-truman-grandma.jpg)
Isn't Mrs. McCain, like, 96 or something? She probably means she's gonna vote for Harry S. Truman instead of Thomas E. Dewey.
;D
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she means OUR Truman...his supporters has just TRIPLED!
McCain and Obama WISH they had his bump!
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she means OUR Truman...his supporters has just TRIPLED!
McCain and Obama WISH they had his bump!
Did I hear right? Truman is pregnant? With tripliets? :o
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Did I hear right? Truman is pregnant? With tripliets? :o
I'll let you be the one to ask him if he has been 'exposed'.... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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I'll let you be the one to ask him if he has been 'exposed'.... :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Is that another term for knocked up? ;D
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Is that another term for knocked up? ;D
when you wonder if a horse or cow is pregnant you ask if she has been 'exposed' to a male (or the cause of a pregnancy)....
it is a slang term here. Wasn't sure if it was national...
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when you wonder if a horse or cow is pregnant you ask if she has been 'exposed' to a male (or the cause of a pregnany)....
it is a slang term here. Wasn't sure if it was national...
Oh, okay! It makes sense when you describe it, but the term 'exposed' just makes me think of the measles. ;D
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Like fresh air, after some has been sitting blocks on your chest,
I look to see the most recent posts and not one is election related.
I can smile now. ;)
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*VP Candidate Chuck steps up to poduim*
I am here to denounce the rumor that candidate Truman is pregnant with triplets. It's a simple misunderstanding.
He was listening to a CD by pop group, "The Triplets".'
(http://www.spiralfrog.com/sfimages/covers/pop/cov200/drf700/f782/f78230lgrga.jpg)
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Like fresh air, after some has been sitting blocks on your chest,
I look to see the most recent posts and not one is election related.
I can smile now. ;)
its that rowdy crowd over in Dev's blog....I keep telling them to quieten down over there, the cops have been out three times just this morning... ::) ::)
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its that rowdy crowd over in Dev's blog....I keep telling them to quieten down over there, the cops have been out three times just this morning... ::) ::)
They were getting rowdy over there. That includes YOU Jess! Its calmed down, but it was fun! Come to think of it I do believe there was a Truman post over there. Something about a deadbeat paying rent ???
HEHEHHE
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*waves to big brother Truman*
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They were getting rowdy over there. That includes YOU Jess!
Figgers if there's rowdiness, Jess is involved somewhere. ...
;) :-*
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Well Emmett does pretty good, he was down at the Baptist Hospital with his mom. I woke up this morning and had a text message from him " lifet it in your door" sure'nuf, two hundreds, two twenties and a ten, crammed in the betwixt the door and the frame, he usually puts it in a baggie and puts it under a rock next to the driveway. Guess he was in a hurry.
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Hey Tru, what's shakin? Thanks for asking about my ankle, I sprained it playing volleyball last month. Guess what, no more volleyball this season! How're things down yonder buddy?
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Hey Tru, what's shakin? Thanks for asking about my ankle, I sprained it playing volleyball last month. Guess what, no more volleyball this season! How're things down yonder buddy?
Hey Juan, Great to hear from you.
I thought you probaby injured it playing Vollyball, now you got time to recuperate.
Same ole, same ole here, Feds have to take over Fannie and Freddie and the folks in my office are more concerned with Sarah Palin's glasses.....
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Hey Juan, Great to hear from you.
I thought you probaby injured it playing Vollyball, now you got time to recuperate.
Same ole, same ole here, Feds have to take over Fannie and Freddie and the folks in my office are more concerned with Sarah Palin's glasses.....
I have the perfect person to play her in the Lifetime movie of her life...
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Thanks for asking about my ankle, I sprained it playing volleyball last month. Guess what, no more volleyball this season!
You could hang out with Tom Brady. ;)
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You could hang out with Tom Brady. ;)
Can I hang out with Tom Brady if I sprain my ankle? :o
Quick, somebody find me a banana peel to slip on. ... ;D
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They were getting rowdy over there. That includes YOU Jess! Its calmed down, but it was fun! Come to think of it I do believe there was a Truman post over there. Something about a deadbeat paying rent ???
HEHEHHE
hey as moderator of this here forum I just went over there to try to get ya'll to settle down!!
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Hiya Truman! Hope the day went well for you!
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It did Chuck, the tenant prevailed. Not that I have any vested interest in it.
Crybaby says to tell you meow.
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I guess this belongs here, being the eclectic place it is. Keith Olbermann just reported that a guy has kept every receipt for every Big Mac he has eaten since I don't know when. Total = 23,000! :P
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You know McDonalds aught to give him a gift certificate or something. Wonder if he has ever seen that documentary "Supersize Me"?
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V168xofxgu0[/youtube]
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Ewe to Mickey D's. I might have a burger from there once or twice a year. KInda like Jack and Ennis' high altitude F***s once or twice a year. Although Im sure they enjoy that WAY more than I enjoy my McDonalds.
Queen Rocks the stage!!
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I hate McDonald's food!
Rather have Burger King!
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Burger King is better, but I will probably go to Subway today and have a Tuna Wrap with Carots.
So I was riding to work today thinking one friend has had a father pass away and another has a father in very dire straights who may not make it and they were both missing a finger.
Sometimes there are messages hidden in the pattern of the tweed, but they don't make much sense.
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Over here in Oz, we have Hungry Jacks, and we have a few Burger Kings. They seem to be one and the same place, same menus and appearance of their restaurants.
Hungry Jack's decor, has a wurlitzer juke box, and a 50's type atmosphere, usually with pictures on the wall of Elvis or other pop stars.
Our nickname for McDonalds, is Maccas......Im not that keen on their hamburgers, but I do like their breakfast menu. My grandkids love going there, but I think the food is secondry to playing on the playground equipment.
I dont know if they are doing the same thing over there as they are here, but here now, they dont make the hamburger until it is ordered, where before they used to have them all prepared and boxed or wrapped waiting to be just picked up and put in the bag or on the tray. I've peeked into the kitchen, and seen that they have all the eggs, patties, bacon, and whatever else they put on their "sesamee seed rolls", in trays, so when it is ordered, they just open the roll, and proceed to fill the roll from the trays. In busy times, there is sometimes quite a wait, and people are non too happy about having to wait five minutes for "fast food". I dont know if this is just an Aussie health regulation or whether it is universal.
The other thing that pissees me at our local Maccas, is that the drive thru customers seem to get served a lot quicker than those of us standing in line.
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Over here in Oz, we have Hungry Jacks, and we have a few Burger Kings. They seem to be one and the same place, same menus and appearance of their restaurants.
Hungry Jack's decor, has a wurlitzer juke box, and a 50's type atmosphere, usually with pictures on the wall of Elvis or other pop stars.
Our nickname for McDonalds, is Maccas......Im not that keen on their hamburgers, but I do like their breakfast menu. My grandkids love going there, but I think the food is secondry to playing on the playground equipment.
I dont know if they are doing the same thing over there as they are here, but here now, they dont make the hamburger until it is ordered, where before they used to have them all prepared and boxed or wrapped waiting to be just picked up and put in the bag or on the tray. I've peeked into the kitchen, and seen that they have all the eggs, patties, bacon, and whatever else they put on their "sesamee seed rolls", in trays, so when it is ordered, they just open the roll, and proceed to fill the roll from the trays. In busy times, there is sometimes quite a wait, and people are non too happy about having to wait five minutes for "fast food". I dont know if this is just an Aussie health regulation or whether it is universal.
The other thing that pissees me at our local Maccas, is that the drive thru customers seem to get served a lot quicker than those of us standing in line.
I went into a fast food place and over on the wall (in view of the customers but in the kitchen) there was a sign "Serve drive thru first"
>:( >:( >:(
to me you are more likely to spend more money if you come in....why would they prefer the drivethru?
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I went into a fast food place and over on the wall (in view of the customers but in the kitchen) there was a sign "Serve drive thru first"
>:( >:( >:(
to me you are more likely to spend more money if you come in....why would they prefer the drivethru?
I agree Jess, If I order thru drive thru, even sometimes if i think of something else, I think, "oh I wont bother, it will only stuff them around"...but when Im in line, I change my mind all the time, and end up ordering more than I intended to.
Maybe thats it, keep the ones waiting in line, getting hungrier as they smell the food, and they WILL order more.....
Also, I guess if people go thru the drive thru, then that is one less table that needs to be cleaned, and one less lot of litter to be taken care of, so costing wise, a drive thru sale is more profitable than a walk in sale.
Pisses me off though, if Ive bought thru the drive thru, and get up the road somewhere to eat it, and they have forgotten a spoon, or a stirrer for my coffee, or forgotten the sugar or salt and pepper. I remember a couple of years ago, I was on a diet, and I went to Hungry Jacks drive thru and bought a salad. I was working in the pet shop at the time, so drove back to the shop, really hungry, and looking forward to my salad, only to discover that they had forgotten to put in some plastic knives and forks. To make matters worse, the only fork we had at the shop,was one that we used to get the dog food out of the cans, when we fed the dogs.........I was absolutely furious, and rang the manager of the Hungry Jacks, to let them know how angry I was. The fact that they didn't seem too concerned about my plight, only made me more furious. I then proceeded to eat my salad with my fingers, gumbling and mumbling about what a shit hole of a Hungry Jacks we had in town.
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I agree Jess, If I order thru drive thru, even sometimes if i think of something else, I think, "oh I wont bother, it will only stuff them around"...but when Im in line, I change my mind all the time, and end up ordering more than I intended to.
Maybe thats it, keep the ones waiting in line, getting hungrier as they smell the food, and they WILL order more.....
Also, I guess if people go thru the drive thru, then that is one less table that needs to be cleaned, and one less lot of litter to be taken care of, so costing wise, a drive thru sale is more profitable than a walk in sale.
Pisses me off though, if Ive bought thru the drive thru, and get up the road somewhere to eat it, and they have forgotten a spoon, or a stirrer for my coffee, or forgotten the sugar or salt and pepper. I remember a couple of years ago, I was on a diet, and I went to Hungry Jacks drive thru and bought a salad. I was working in the pet shop at the time, so drove back to the shop, really hungry, and looking forward to my salad, only to discover that they had forgotten to put in some plastic knives and forks. To make matters worse, the only fork we had at the shop,was one that we used to get the dog food out of the cans, when we fed the dogs.........I was absolutely furious, and rang the manager of the Hungry Jacks, to let them know how angry I was. The fact that they didn't seem too concerned about my plight, only made me more furious. I then proceeded to eat my salad with my fingers, gumbling and mumbling about what a shit hole of a Hungry Jacks we had in town.
LOL!!! I always unwrap my food before I leave...I have been burnt too many times!!
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It was absolutely the most beautiful day there had been all year. The sky was clear and blue, the air was clean, the temp was warm but the humidity was low. I was listening to NPR about the time it started, it had not reached the media yet. A woman from Texas who was no fan of Bush, was giving a rundown of his first 9 months in office using many of the gaffes and misspeaks attributed to him.
I went by the credit union and told the teller people would be having emergencies all day long because it was 9/11. I then went up the hill to the Bank where we were having an office meeting. I met one of the agents in the office, she was in a good mood because she had heard from her daughter who lived in NYC and told me how much it meant for a parent her age to hear from a child.
In the meeting room another agent told how his father had been lost at sea before he was born and he never met him. It was his son who came running in late and after the women all stopped their carrying on that he had to put $5 in the jar for being late he got out the news: He had been watching the Today show on NBC and there had been a report of a plane hitting the World Trade Center.
Immediately I thought "All those people are dead, all of them on the plane, many more in the building." He went on and told how they were showing it on TV when all of a sudden another plane hit the other building. It didn't take long to compute, it was intentional. Suddenly it was all different.
The woman whose daughter had called whipped out her phone. I think she got an "Yes mother, I am fine" she worked in another part of town. Another agent who grew up in the NYC area when out in the hall and soon we heard her crying. The brokers announced the meeting was over. We filed out and tried to ascertain what was wrong. Her brother in law, the husband of her husbands sister, his office was on the 108th floor. Unless he had gone down to the lobby for donuts, he would have been at his desk.
Unable to drive, Myself and and still another agent helped her get home, me following in my car, calling my mother to make sure she knew, calling my brother in law to make sure none of his kids were travelling that day.
When we arrived at her house, and stepped in the foyer, we could hear her husband screaming. We ran down the hall, down the stairs to their den and there on the big screen was the Pentagon, on fire. Just across the Potomac river from the capitol, suddenly the attack had taken on huge new proportions. It was not isolated, it was still on going, and no idea what would happen next. The husband said to me someone was getting "ready to have their balls handed to them". It was the first time of many I would hear things like that said over the coming years.
I went home and watched CNN the rest of the day. They never found a trace of the brother in law from the 108th floor.
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It was absolutely the most beautiful day there had been all year. The sky was clear and blue, the air was clean, the temp was warm but the humidity was low. I was listening to NPR about the time it started, it had not reached the media yet. A woman from Texas who was no fan of Bush, was giving a rundown of his first 9 months in office using many of the gaffes and misspeaks attributed to him.
I went by the credit union and told the teller people would be having emergencies all day long because it was 9/11. I then went up the hill to the Bank where we were having an office meeting. I met one of the agents in the office, she was in a good mood because she had heard from her daughter who lived in NYC and told me how much it meant for a parent her age to hear from a child.
In the meeting room another agent told how his father had been lost at sea before he was born and he never met him. It was his son who came running in late and after the women all stopped their carrying on that he had to put $5 in the jar for being late he got out the news: He had been watching the Today show on NBC and there had been a report of a plane hitting the World Trade Center.
Immediately I thought "All those people are dead, all of them on the plane, many more in the building." He went on and told how they were showing it on TV when all of a sudden another plane hit the other building. It didn't take long to compute, it was intentional. Suddenly it was all different.
The woman whose daughter had called whipped out her phone. I think she got an "Yes mother, I am fine" she worked in another part of town. Another agent who grew up in the NYC area when out in the hall and soon we heard her crying. The brokers announced the meeting was over. We filed out and tried to ascertain what was wrong. Her brother in law, the husband of her husbands sister, his office was on the 108th floor. Unless he had gone down to the lobby for donuts, he would have been at his desk.
Unable to drive, Myself and and still another agent helped her get home, me following in my car, calling my mother to make sure she knew, calling my brother in law to make sure none of his kids were travelling that day.
When we arrived at her house, and stepped in the foyer, we could hear her husband screaming. We ran down the hall, down the stairs to their den and there on the big screen was the Pentagon, on fire. Just across the Potomac river from the capitol, suddenly the attack had taken on huge new proportions. It was not isolated, it was still on going, and no idea what would happen next. The husband said to me someone was getting "ready to have their balls handed to them". It was the first time of many I would hear things like that said over the coming years.
I went home and watched CNN the rest of the day. They never found a trace of the brother in law from the 108th floor.
:'(
(You write so well Tru)
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It was absolutely the most beautiful day there had been all year. The sky was clear and blue, the air was clean, the temp was warm but the humidity was low. I was listening to NPR about the time it started, it had not reached the media yet. A woman from Texas who was no fan of Bush, was giving a rundown of his first 9 months in office using many of the gaffes and misspeaks attributed to him.
I went by the credit union and told the teller people would be having emergencies all day long because it was 9/11. I then went up the hill to the Bank where we were having an office meeting. I met one of the agents in the office, she was in a good mood because she had heard from her daughter who lived in NYC and told me how much it meant for a parent her age to hear from a child.
In the meeting room another agent told how his father had been lost at sea before he was born and he never met him. It was his son who came running in late and after the women all stopped their carrying on that he had to put $5 in the jar for being late he got out the news: He had been watching the Today show on NBC and there had been a report of a plane hitting the World Trade Center.
Immediately I thought "All those people are dead, all of them on the plane, many more in the building." He went on and told how they were showing it on TV when all of a sudden another plane hit the other building. It didn't take long to compute, it was intentional. Suddenly it was all different.
The woman whose daughter had called whipped out her phone. I think she got an "Yes mother, I am fine" she worked in another part of town. Another agent who grew up in the NYC area when out in the hall and soon we heard her crying. The brokers announced the meeting was over. We filed out and tried to ascertain what was wrong. Her brother in law, the husband of her husbands sister, his office was on the 108th floor. Unless he had gone down to the lobby for donuts, he would have been at his desk.
Unable to drive, Myself and and still another agent helped her get home, me following in my car, calling my mother to make sure she knew, calling my brother in law to make sure none of his kids were travelling that day.
When we arrived at her house, and stepped in the foyer, we could hear her husband screaming. We ran down the hall, down the stairs to their den and there on the big screen was the Pentagon, on fire. Just across the Potomac river from the capitol, suddenly the attack had taken on huge new proportions. It was not isolated, it was still on going, and no idea what would happen next. The husband said to me someone was getting "ready to have their balls handed to them". It was the first time of many I would hear things like that said over the coming years.
I went home and watched CNN the rest of the day. They never found a trace of the brother in law from the 108th floor.
That brings it all back to us Truman...It was one of the most devastating times of my life. I am sure it was for all Americans. We arent over it yet............ :'( :'( :'(
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I heard one of the talk show guys today (I Know) and he said that people have three different attitudes.
one is a September 10th attitude: that everything is ok and the world is fine and nothing like that will ever happen again.
a September 11th attitude: that we are under threat and need to be very afraid.
or a September 12th attitude: that we are determined to live our lives to the best of our abilities and try hard to be the very best friend, lover, parent, child we can be. To never be complacent again because you never know.
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To never be complacent again because you never know.
I think most people have forgotten this part.
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Truman, when you are feeling down, here is a site that might make you smile now and again. I think you will like it.
This is part of today's entry
As someone who grew up in a residential area on a golf course and lived for years in big, exciting Los Angeles, I especially cherish these reminders that exist around me now—reminders that there was once a time in America when slick feed trucks and prefab steel barns weren’t all the rage, when mega houses and SUV’s weren’t seen on every street…and when decency, resourcefulness, hard work, and kindness were the measure of a person’s success.
But then, the wide-eyed optimist in me knows that we still live in that place. We just have to remind one another every once in awhile.
http://thepioneerwoman.com/confessions/ (http://thepioneerwoman.com/confessions/)
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I heard one of the talk show guys today (I Know) and he said that people have three different attitudes.
one is a September 10th attitude: that everything is ok and the world is fine and nothing like that will ever happen again.
a September 11th attitude: that we are under threat and need to be very afraid.
or a September 12th attitude: that we are determined to live our lives to the best of our abilities and try hard to be the very best friend, lover, parent, child we can be. To never be complacent again because you never know.
I think I will try to be ther third one. ;)
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I think I will try to be ther third one. ;)
And not to detract from the enormity and tragedy of 9/11.......How many of us came away from BBM with that third part on our minds....
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Yes that is right, and I think it says a lot about who we are, and more importantly who we ain't. We ain't Ennis. I am sure of that! ;)
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There is this apple tree I discovered in an older section of town where I manage some apartments. I had gone to show the apartment the other day and driving down the street afterward I saw the tree, loaded with apples, and the gutters on both sides of the street loaded up with them too. Large green, "cookin' apples", not the kind you can just pick and eat, too tart.
I thought of how that tree was probably planted for a practical purpose, providing supplemental food for the family who lived there. Now, it was mature and having a bumper crop, the family long gone and the apples wasting in the street, being run over, attracting yellow jackets.
Today I rode by and saw two people with boxes, loading them up. The idea of road kill did cross my mind, but I was glad they were making use of them. Wondered why I didn't get some myself.
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There is this apple tree I discovered in an older section of town where I manage some apartments.
*sings to Truman*
don't sit under the apple tree
with anyone else but me.....
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"God didn't make
little large green apples..."
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There is this apple tree I discovered in an older section of town where I manage some apartments.
saw a tree today.....had apples on it the size of balls! :laugh:
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Well I'm not going to eat any of them, I don't wanna keep the doctor away. ;)
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saw a tree today.....had apples on it the size of balls! :laugh:
I bet that was a plum tree, they would go good with lamb! :laugh:
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Well I'm not going to eat any of them, I don't wanna keep the doctor away. ;)
Is this your doctor?
(http://time-blog.com/tuned_in/mcdreamy_web.jpg)
I can see why you'd want him around!
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I think I will try to be the third one. ;)
me too.
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Is this your doctor?
(http://time-blog.com/tuned_in/mcdreamy_web.jpg)
I can see why you'd want him around!
Cute doctor!
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Talking of doctors.......I just posted this in Kerrys Komedy Klub, but thought it might fit in here too......editted to change the gender....
My internal medicine doctor got me a referral to a urologist.
I went yesterday. OMG, he is so handsome and unbelievably sexy!
He told me that I have to stop masturbating.
I asked him why.
He said, 'Because I am trying to examine you....'
****************************************************************[/b
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Haahaaha! that's great.
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Talking of doctors.......I just posted this in Kerrys Komedy Klub, but thought it might fit in here too......editted to change the gender....
My internal medicine doctor got me a referral to a urologist.
I went yesterday. OMG, he is so handsome and unbelievably sexy!
He told me that I have to stop masturbating.
I asked him why.
He said, 'Because I am trying to examine you....'
****************************************************************
:laugh: :laugh:
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Hiya Big Brother!
I've missed you today! Where are ya?
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Howdy Truman. How are you Bud?
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*peeks in, looks for Truman, peeks out*
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*peeks in, looks for Truman, peeks out*
Dont be quiet about it.......
(hands on either side of mouth)TRUUUUUUUU....TRUUUUUUU.....WHERE ARE YA.....
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Truman! Don't make me get the bloodhounds!
-
Here they are Chucky.....
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm46/gossip_grl13/bloodhounds.jpg)
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Hey! I am right here. Got my lunch packed and will head to the office in a minute or two to do......nothing. Have nothing scedualed. Keep an eye on the news to see if any more banks go under.
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Hey! I am right here. Got my lunch packed and will head to the office in a minute or two to do......nothing. Have nothing scedualed. Keep an eye on the news to see if any more banks go under.
about time you done showed up, big brother!
-
and I got to get my septic tank cleaned out. :'(
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I thought you did that already.
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No I called them and the secretary said she would have the guy call me and he called at 7:30 the next morning, said Mumble, mumble, mumble and hung up.
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No I called them and the secretary said she would have the guy call me and he called at 7:30 the next morning, said Mumble, mumble, mumble and hung up.
so you are scheduled for the first week in October? must be a lot of people getting ready for winter.
(I am fluent in mumble)
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No I called them and the secretary said she would have the guy call me and he called at 7:30 the next morning, said Mumble, mumble, mumble and hung up.
Well tell them they need to step to it and get that shit cleaned up! :laugh:
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I talked to him this morning and he was going to go by and take a look at it. I have a real concern they may be unable to get to it to clean it out. It apparently was done once before I bought it, but that was 18 years ago.
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18 YEARS!!!!! We get our pumped every other month practically. NO SHIT (no pun intended) LOL
We need a new $5000 leach Field. Bob's glad we got enough property to do it. We get the lady next door's septic pumped too. She needs it done as often as we do. Its the damn builders fault. They used those Styrofoam peanuts instead of pebbles. Stupid stupid stupid.
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Mine is probably failing too, my father installed it circa 1952 and I have dug up some of the drainlines and they are clogged. I am pretty sure my washing machine is not connected to it in anyway.
A lot of the drainfields in the area have become saturated and would not perk now if they had too. Many places to not have space for another drain field and it is going to interesting in another 20 years to see what happens.
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So, did the honeydipper come? ;D
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So, did the honeydipper come? ;D
weren't they a pop group?
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:D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpgYxZJwAHI[/youtube]
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ex me·ro mo·tu
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Yoooooooooooooooooo whooooooooooooooooo.
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Hey! You have 500 pages here of Shakesthegrounds Rumblings!!! I can remember when you first started! ;)
:-* :-* :-*
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I think he's hiding on us! :laugh:
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We are like the old homesteaders, ain't we Lynne!
I rememory the first time I ever corresponded with you it were in relation to the tattooed woman slowdancing with the cowboy at Cassie's bar. You asked how I thought it compared to the Flannery O'Conner story about a man getting Jesus tattooed on him. I had never read the story until then. Now I have mentioned her twiced in one night.
When I met you at the Cooledge Theater it was like I had always known you.
We have seen some changes, fer sure.
Will be good seeing you and Chuck and Paul and Rich soon. I've needed a visit.
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Will be good seeing you and Chuck and Paul and Rich soon. I've needed a visit.
(((((Truman)))))
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We are like the old homesteaders, ain't we Lynne!
I rememory the first time I ever corresponded with you it were in relation to the tattooed woman slowdancing with the cowboy at Cassie's bar. You asked how I thought it compared to the Flannery O'Conner story about a man getting Jesus tattooed on him. I had never read the story until then. Now I have mentioned her twiced in one night.
When I met you at the Cooledge Theater it was like I had always known you.
We have seen some changes, fer sure.
Will be good seeing you and Chuck and Paul and Rich soon. I've needed a visit.
Yep, you were sure patient about those ramblings that having a crush on my English professor sophomore year brought out in me. I still think McMurtry and Ossana have read O'Connor tho. And lots more to say about idolatry vis a vis the dance if anybody cares ::) ;).
And wow...Coolidge Corner Theatre...A great memory but one that doesn't stick in my mind as sharply as Paul's backyard, for some reason. I remember coming out his backdoor and catching your eye when you stood across the garden near the fence. That sense of always knowing was there from the very beginning. Now that I've decided to come/go/leave/move I'm really happy about it. :-* :-* :-*
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Will be good seeing you and Chuck and Paul and Rich soon. I've needed a visit.
I'm gonna red line it all the way!
I need to visit and see my Brokies.
I don't think anyone else really "gets me" as much as my Brokies do.
Not just the ones I have met but all of my brokie friends. I think they just know me better'n most! ;D
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*does happy dance*
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I'm gonna red line it all the way!
I need to visit and see my Brokies.
I don't think anyone else really "gets me" as much as my Brokies do.
Not just the ones I have met but all of my brokie friends. I think they just know me better'n most! ;D
Ya'll have a real good time! :D :-*
(And don't forget to check whether Chuckie keeps his gay thingie in his mariconera! :laugh: )
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Here's some great red-linin' music: Rufus Wainwright and Teddy Thompson (on the ukulele!) doing "King of the Road" live:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qbq43l7tjHA[/youtube]
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I am happy. Happy you all are visiting in a week, happy it is friday, happy the septic tank will be taken care of today, happy the accountant found the check, happy Crybaby had a pur motor, happy, happy, happy! ;D ;D ;D ;D
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I am happy. Happy you all are visiting in a week, happy it is friday, happy the septic tank will be taken care of today, happy the accountant found the check, happy Crybaby had a pur motor, happy, happy, happy! ;D ;D ;D ;D
I am happy YOU are happy.
I am happy it is Friday, I am happy that the weather has turned so nice, I am happy I have a 'free weekend', I am happy that my son is coming home alone this weekend (I love his bf but I also am looking forward to having him to myself, it has been a long time)
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(http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o446/SpockSarah/MrHappy.jpg)
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Ya'll have a real good time! :D :-*
(And don't forget to check whether Chuckie keeps his gay thingie in his mariconera! :laugh: )
I'm not bringing my Mariconera to Virginny!
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
I am happy. Happy you all are visiting in a week, happy it is friday, happy the septic tank will be taken care of today, happy the accountant found the check, happy Crybaby had a pur motor, happy, happy, happy! ;D ;D ;D ;D
sounds like it's time for a happy dance!
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo104/xthatgirlsinead/2hol06f.gif)
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I'm not bringing my Mariconera to Virginny!
I thought it was like American Express--you never left home without it? ???
;D
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(http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o446/SpockSarah/MrHappy.jpg)
(http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm49/Little-Miss-Happy/tickle.gif)
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I thought it was like American Express--you never left home without it? ???
;D
Only when I go to NY......it's easier to carry everything in it.
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Man, them are some happy-assed people. They must have saved someones life. :laugh:
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo104/xthatgirlsinead/2hol06f.gif)
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I'm not bringing my Mariconera to Virginny!
Ghasp! ??? :o WTH? Damn.......why not?
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Ghasp! ??? :o WTH? Damn.......why not?
because I won't need it.
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Man, them are some happy-assed people. They must have saved someones life. :laugh:
(http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo104/xthatgirlsinead/2hol06f.gif)
I know! Don't they look funny as all hell?
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because I won't need it.
Please Bring Your Mariconera!!!!!
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Please Bring Your Mariconera!!!!!
??? why?
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everyone has heard about it.
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Everyone? Who you been talking to? ;D
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Everyone? Who you been talking to? ;D
See? Your mariconera is famous! (Not to mention your gay thingie. ...) If you don't bring it with you you'll disappoint everyone!
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Please Bring Your Mariconera!!!!!
Don't encourage him! >:(
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See? Your mariconera is famous! (Not to mention your gay thingie. ...) If you don't bring it with you you'll disappoint everyone!
Well, the people of Virginny will just have to do without! The mariconera is staying home. :laugh:
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Don't encourage him! >:(
well, maybe this changes things.....If Rich doesn't want me to bring it.............
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What is the point of having a mariconera if you never use it?
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well, maybe this changes things.....If Rich doesn't want me to bring it.............
I'm glad I'm not in your shoes. Who you gonna listen to, Rich or Truman?
Decision, decisions. ... ???
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What is the point of having a mariconera if you never use it?
I do use it, when I go to NYC. It holds my camera, my wallet, my cash, my parking garage ticket, spare batteries, sunglasses, and anything else.
When I'm in Virginny, it will be cool enough to wear my denim jacket, so I won't need my mariconera.
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I'm glad I'm not in your shoes. Who you gonna listen to, Rich or Truman?
Decision, decisions. ... ???
I know! i'll make one big brother happy, and the other upset.
???
what I could do is bring the mariconera, but never actually use it....that's a compromise.... :laugh:
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I know! i'll make one big brother happy, and the other upset.
???
what I could do is bring the mariconera, but never actually use it....that's a compromise.... :laugh:
And both of them are bigger than you, so you wouldn't want to upset either one. :o
I think you need to add it to the traveling roadshow of movie memorabilia.
"Here we have Heath's shirt, and over here we have Chuck's mariconera." ;D
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Well Chuck, I found out the septic people are not coming to clean out the tank because
1. Your not here &
2. Your not bringing your mariconera!
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"Here we have Heath's shirt, and over here we have Chuck's mariconera." ;D
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/hahanosmiley.gif)
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Well Chuck, I found out the septic people are not coming to clean out the tank because
1. Your not here &
2. Your not bringing your mariconera!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/overreactsmiley-1.gif)
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WARNING: THIS WILL GROSS YOU OUT!
So I told the dude anytime before 2:30 pm, I had to go to the office then.
So 2:30 came and no septic dude. I headed to the office and checked my BRAND NEW phone and it was off. Seems if I close it up it cuts its self off, sometimes, not all the time, but this time it had and Septic Guy had called and left a message at 2 pm so I called him back and he was on his way. So I called the office and explained the whole thing to them, no problemo, nothing going on anyway.
So he arrives and I show him where I was 100% sure it was located and he sticks his (metal) rod in the ground (I'm wait anxiously, Jeff, for a comment here) and it sinks to the handle. Nope, this is not the spot, but there is a depression about 4 ft away and there he hit something solid. I paid him $200 in cash and he said when his assistant got there and helped him back the truck down the driveway by directing the traffic on the road he would get to work and let me know how it went. He added since there was no way for him to get in the house he could not test it. I should have left the door open, but I was thinking about getting to the office.
So he calls two hours later to tell me:
A. The pump out is done and the tank was not full. (Oh Boy)
&
B. He ran the snake up in the drain line and got several roots out.
&
C. The "T" was broken, but he could come back on Monday to put an new one on for $35. He left it uncovered so it would be no problem to get to.
&
D. If when I got home I found the situation was not any better to call him on Monday and he would come back with the rotorooter and work from the inside out and clear out the roots.
So at 6 pm I left the office, hoping but not betting on everything working like it should, but also with a kind of giddy excitement. I was glad he had left it uncovered because I really wanted to see the septic tank. My father had built and installed it, and I remember his plant when I was a kid, less than 4, playing inside the concrete bunkers set up to cure. My mind had made a mental image of this one, based on other things I had seen done to the house and I imagined some degraded piece of rubble barely serving its function.
I had been to other pump outs before, and had wondered if the hoard of tiny black flies would escape into the long fabled light they hadn't seen for a thousand generations. I didn't ask the Septic Guy. I parked and hurried around to the clothes line and there in the raw red clay gash in the ground it sat. Just like I remembered all the others looking like, solid concrete with two lids to be pried up. It was almost like being able to dig daddy himself up to say hello.
So now that I have totally creeped you out, I will have to call Septic Guy back on Monday to bring the rotorooter, it is still not working like it is supposed to. He will come and take care of that and the "T" and cover the tank back up and I will wonder if my life will be long enough to allow me another visit with this piece of my father that has continued on long past his time on earth. By the time it needs to be cleaned again it will be older than he ever lived to be.
I wonder just how many he poured into those metal forms, how many he planted, some still sitting there disused in a back yard after the advent of public sewer service, waiting for the day Bubba drives his monster truck over it, and it explodes in "ripetousness" and covers him in a plague of little black flies.
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WARNING: THIS WILL GROSS YOU OUT!
I havent even started to read and you made me laugh...
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No more of a gross-out than some of our Annie's more colourful writings!!
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You know Tru, you can make the most mundane and even gross things beautiful!
You have such a gift. You really need to write. Maybe a book of short stories and reflections to start.
I know I'd buy it! ;D
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You know Tru, you can make the most mundane and even gross things beautiful!
You have such a gift. You really need to write. Maybe a book of short stories and reflections to start.
I know I'd buy it! ;D
[/quote
me too! You're a very good writer Tru.
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You know Tru, you can make the most mundane and even gross things beautiful!
You have such a gift. You really need to write. Maybe a book of short stories and reflections to start.
I know I'd buy it! ;D
I hope he isn't insulted...but he reminds me of Garrison Kellior
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damn Truman! That's quite a story!
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So he arrives and I show him where I was 100% sure it was located and he sticks his (metal) rod in the ground (I'm wait anxiously, Jeff, for a comment here) and it sinks to the handle.
You mean, like, "I bet you wish he'd stuck 'his (metal) rod' someplace else?"
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You mean, like, "I bet you wish he'd stuck 'his (metal) rod' someplace else?"
:o :o :o :o :o
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Euuu :o
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like where the sun don't shine? :o :laugh:
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so how come you ahd a bad day tru?
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I think that Tru needs some more caffine!
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If you guys are in the mood for a good laugh check this out:
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,21956.msg413156.html#msg413156 (http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,21956.msg413156.html#msg413156)
It can be sort of repulsive too but it is totally hillarious and ridiculous.
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That is funny, in a strangely sick way, Natali, thanks for sharing that. I heard a news report this morning about a guy in Lexington, Kentucky, who has been arrested 1,000 times, mostly for public drunkeness. This time the judge put him behind bars for 1,000 days.
Now here is something to think about, thanks to my friend Ina for sending this to me:
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/us/20071007_AGED_FEATURE/index.html
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*waves*
hiya Truman!
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Hey Chuck, Joy, Joy, my drain is open !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpcUxwpOQ_A[/youtube]
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There is joy,
Even when my core being
Dismisses the facade I show the world,
There is joy in my heart,
And at the moment, I can feel it grow.
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That is funny, in a strangely sick way, Natali, thanks for sharing that. I heard a news report this morning about a guy in Lexington, Kentucky, who has been arrested 1,000 times, mostly for public drunkeness. This time the judge put him behind bars for 1,000 days.
I actually felt bad for the cop, even though the story made me laugh (mostly because of the way it was written). You got to work, you have to deal with all sort of scumbags all day long, including some of your coworkers, and then on top of all that, some drunk asshole farts in your face. That man had a shitty day, literally!
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJdts4v8r34[/youtube]
I hope y'all are chillin' in Virginny along the lines of this here cat. ;D 8)
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Dont we all often feel like that cat when we wake up and sit on the edge of the bed, pondering the thought of facing the day..
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Morning Truman. Nice weekend you had with paul, chuck, rob, and rich. Oh yes and Lynne!
-
When I disposed of the last of the Wyoming sage, it was with no fanfare.
Scooped and deposited on the embers, it flared a bit, and for an instant gave off a faint sweet smell,
But it carried with it up the chimney no prayers, only the acknowledgement.
It is done.
-
I was interested to know whether you showed everyone your septic tank at the weekend - there was a pick in the Don Wroe's Caboin thread by chucky where Rich was looking out the window.. I was imagining him staring at that for some reason!!!
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Hey Chuck, Joy, Joy, my drain is open !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpcUxwpOQ_A[/youtube]
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I just watched this now! that was funny as hell!
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Truman!!!!!
In the debate, when talking about McCain, Biden said; "God love him."
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Truman!!!!!
In the debate, when talking about McCain, Biden said; "God love him."
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I heard that, too, bless his heart! ;D
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I heard that, too, bless his heart! ;D
I started laughing out loud! The only time I did that during the debates.
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I started laughing out loud! The only time I did that during the debates.
There was one time when I laughed out loud, but it's really sorta obscure.
Palin made referrence to Ronald Reagan's remark about America being like "a city set upon a hill." Ultimately that referrence is Biblical, but in the meantime Reagan's speecwriters stole it from John Winthrop, who used the phrase in the same context in a lay sermon he preached on board ship bound for New England in 1630.
Like I said, obscure. Sort of a history joke. :)
-
There was one time when I laughed out loud, but it's really sorta obscure.
Palin made referrence to Ronald Reagan's remark about America being like "a city set upon a hill." Ultimately that referrence is Biblical, but in the meantime Reagan's speecwriters stole it from John Winthrop, who used the phrase in the same context in a lay sermon he preached on board ship bound for New England in 1630.
Like I said, obscure. Sort of a history joke. :)
Oh, that was obscure......."Golly, you're all intellectual-like!" ;D
-
For Truman, because I'm thinking of him.
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n242/birondino/hug.gif)
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Oh, that was obscure......."Golly, you're all intellectual-like!" ;D
Yeah, I'm just one of those lefty liberal Northeastern elitist intellectuals that Brokeplex and HerrKaiser, et al., despise so much. ;D
OTOH, LLNEIs must scare the bejesus out of them for them to hate them so much! :laugh:
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Yeah, I'm just one of those lefty liberal Northeastern elitist intellectuals that Brokeplex and HerrKaiser, et al., despise so much. ;D
OTOH, LLNEIs must scare the bejesus out of them for them to hate them so much! :laugh:
lmao! Jeff Wrangler, striking fear into the hearts of fellow Brokies! :laugh:
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Just because I'm missing you, Tru.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOByH_iOn88[/youtube]
-
Next to Audrey's simple guitar, this harmonica is the next best thing.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiemK-Abh8w[/youtube]
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Yeah, I'm just one of those lefty liberal Northeastern elitist intellectuals that Brokeplex and HerrKaiser, et al., despise so much. ;D
Oh you're not the only one. I think the line is long! I'm not Northeastern just lefty liberal.
-
Sad hugs to everyone on the tenth anniversary of Matthew Shepard's murder.
(http://www.matthewshepard.org/images/msf/msf_banner.gif)
-
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e343/gay_stephy/mattcollage.jpg)
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(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l111/hyehopes91206/5719dd75.jpg)
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Sad hugs to everyone on the tenth anniversary of Matthew Shepard's murder.
(http://www.matthewshepard.org/images/msf/msf_banner.gif)
wow.. ten years :'(
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Hey guys where's Truman been? Did I miss something. ???
-
See my blog Dev.
-
i miss Tru :'(
-
He was last online today Dev according to his profile... So he is around!
Tru - cmon - I wanna here about the Portuguese Air Force & rescue teams and the likes!
-
Tru's around...got a text from him earlier - said he was studying something that I didn't understand, tho. ???
-
stopping by to give you hugs and kisses, big brother! :-*
-
I got a pm from him yesterday! I love getting pm's but this one was special cause its from Truman. Hugs Truman
-
Yeah, PMs from Truman are cool! ;D
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Hey Truman. How have you been?
-
Hello to you Jack. I have been, and you?
So the fire is at the door now, there is no escaping it. I should just let it in and be done with it. My distaste for the election and its rhetoric, has become one of those life issues waiting to be dealt with like taxes and bills. It is waiting for me, so in spite of my best efforts not to, here goes.
I am deeply disappointed in my country.
We have such an ability to do great things and instead we use our bulk and our resources to aggrandize our own egos. We parade about like we are the world, we are the children, the adults, the rulers, the be all and end all and I find it embarrassing. Each election appeals to a bit of this, but none like a Presidential election, and particularly none like this one. The reason is obvious as the nose on ones face, or more to the point the color of that nose.
Dread as I have, the storm is here now. The gusts come to me in the form of statements like the one a emanating from a relatives mouth not long ago: "You ain't voting for that Nigger are you?" That is one of the sharper ones. The lesser, but more constant wind is that should Obama loose, the African American population will rebel with charges of fraud. I think, but keep to myself the reply, "oh, like in 2000?"
Fact of the matter is I am not really impressed with either candidate. The world is in a mess beyond my comprehension, the media is pouring gas on the fire and the this media in particular is making it possible for every single person to be heard. Hey, that is why I am posting this. I have not heard anything from either candidate I believe, even if they are themselves sincere about what they say. I have been down this road too many times, see how agendas get derailed. And neither of them seem to want to pick up the cause of my people unless they are wearing some sort of prophylactic. Thank you both, for thinking I should be allowed to visit a partner in a hospital, but as far as you are concerned a partnership without legal standing is what I deserve.
None the less I am going to vote and this time I won't vote for Nader as I have done several times now. I am going to vote for Barach Obama, and my reason is purely racial. I see the only possibility of any good coming out of this mess in the belief that for all its faults my country is capable of electing a person of color to the Presidency. He may turn out to be just as bad as the rest of them, but with him in the White House, my country has an opportunity that I have been hoping would always come along. That white folks, like the ones in my family, like the ones who raised me, can finally face and deal with their fear of black people.
And yes, they fear them. It is not something we talk about , verbally at least, but I look at some of those people that I love and care about and I know that they know what has been done to people of color in this country. I understand that was the underlying need to control them. Being from Virginia also carries with it the genetic memory of the Nat Turner Rebellion. When it was portrayed in the Miniseries "Roots", it was to say the least an interesting dynamic. The grown ups I was watching it with had already been moved by the story, and somehow their consciouses would not let them recoil in selfrightous indignation.
It is that hope I hold on to now. My hope that this man of color (who is also part Cherokee ;D) who has not one ancestor who was held in slavery in this land, can by his presence be the crux that tips us over, over the mountain top, over ourselves. Yes, my words here are harsh, but the are only representation of a much harsher reality.
Prepare the table of brotherhood. My soul is starved.
-
It is that hope I hold on to now. My hope that this man of color (who is also part Cherokee ;D) who has not one ancestor who was held in slavery in this land, can by his presence be the crux that tips us over, over the mountain top, over ourselves. Yes, my words here are harsh, but the are only representation of a much harsher reality.
Prepare the table of brotherhood. My soul is starved.
Big Brother, I don't find your words to be harsh. I find them to be truthful, and eloquent.
I will say that I have also heard the word "nigger" thrown about when Obama's name came up. I turned to this person and said "There are a lot of words that can be used to describe Obama, and I'm offended that you decided to use that one. I then informed him that I was voting for Obama.
It happens, unfortunately. I believe that America is still a racist country in many places we thought we had gotten past that ugliness.
If Obama wins, will it help us move forward? I don't know......but I hope so.
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Hey T,
I appreciate your candor in this piece you wrote, Bud. The last two lines inspire.
Long time no chat. How are ya? :)
~M
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That's a well-written commentary, Truman. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I haven't really spoken with any of my family about the election. You know how racist my father is and we don't talk about much meaningful anymore since I started calling him on it. I have been getting lots of spam from his side of the family in emails, which I disregard.
I got another email of a nonspam variety from my Mom's nephew (the Baptist minister in IL) who I love so well, sincerely asking me to support McCain along with the anti-socialistic talking points. I am overdue talking to them but am procrastinating to avoid conflict. They have told me before that they are single issue voters (anti-choice), and I just don't want the dissonance that I feel like our separate beliefs, especially about religion and social issues.
-
It amazes me the ugliness that is called up out of people sometimes.
I was having supper last night with my friend Bill, the retired Miss America Judge. We of course were talking about the election, which brought us around to his 95 year old uncle who hates Obama.
"Did you ever get your Uncle Roy to change his mind?" I asked.
"About Obama? Said Bill, "Nah, he even voted to turn the preacher out at his church because he and his wife adopted a black baby."
Flabberghasted! This happened in this century.
-
Good grief, but the guy is 95 right? Not so surprising I don't suppose.
Grandma Mamie's (b1899) best friend was Mattie Lou Ward, a black woman, neighbor, and midwife. The economics of their circumstances gave them common ground. They still went to different churches. Grandma's church was dictated by Grandpa, who by all accounts was a mean, abusive bastard.
-
I think the world has been run by mean, abusive bastards.
But the times, they are a changin'!
-
lets hope so!
-
Hi Truman, Lynne, Chuck and kelda.. :D
-
I think the world has been run by mean, abusive bastards.
But the times, they are a changin'!
We put them there. I don't see anything changing just getting worse.
No matter who wins the election it'll be more of the same if not more crap.
-
I am trying to look at a bigger picture than this election. People are standing up for themselves more these days.
-
Hi Truman, Lynne, Chuck and kelda.. :D
Hey Devony! ave you ever been to Neptune Beach?
-
Nope never been, but im sure its beautiful! :D
-
I am trying to look at a bigger picture than this election. People are standing up for themselves more these days.
and that's a good thing! As long as they are respectful of the other side's point of view.
-
Whats going on in Neptune Beach?
-
I went there after work on Wednesday for some quiet reflection time...it was nice.
-
Oh, quiet/reflection time is good.
-
Oh, okay Neptune Beach is up by Lynne. The beach is nice at sunset, isnt it Lynne?
-
It was really nice and why I was lamenting us being almost at the end of daylight savings time! I need to become a morning person so I can have sunrises instead until April.
Last night I put my 'never met a stranger' to good use and lined up some fun things to do in the next couple of weeks, including a Friday-night wine tasting in Riverside, which I am told is the GLBT-friendly part of town.
But today I am setting up my wireless at home and going to St. Augustine with my roommate.
-
But today I am setting up my wireless at home and going to St. Augustine with my roommate.
Its good things are working out with your new roommate. Oh and you are going to love St. Augustine! We went there on our honeymoon! We were there just as they were lighting up the whole town in white lights ~ cnristmas lights. You've got to check out when its happening so you can go.
-
I will make a note of it, Dev! Are you feeling better?
-
Yes, Thank you, I am feeling a little better everyday
-
Yo! Big Brother! We're all busy in your blog! ;D Where are you?
-
He told me he was visiting the planet Neptune, who is not yet out of the closet :D.
Should be back in a few light years, I would think!
8)
-
hehhehehhe
Thats Tru for ya
-
Hey Truman!
"Shakes The Election Off" :laugh:
You don't say much, but you sure get your point across!!
BTW.......Be proud! I love you!!!!!
-
Happy 39th birthday to Ben Harper!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mf7zJbqi4Q[/youtube]
-
Good mornin', Big Brother! ;D :-*
-
ThatKs a great video, Truman! Thanks for posting it and Happy Birthday, Ben.
-
Happy 39th birthday to Ben Harper!
Oh, Matilda Ledger and Ben Haprer share a birthday. Didn't know that. I reposted the video on HHH.
-
Thats right, Matilda Rose is 3 today.
(http://lh5.google.com/fisherwy/R5bTukP8IEI/AAAAAAAANCg/2dyKnc0nV8M/Heath%20Ledger%)
-
Hi Truman :-*
-
happy halloween!!!!!
-
Happy Halloween!!!
-
happy halloween!!!!!
Wow.. Long time, Phoenix. :)
Happy Halloween to you..
Howdy Truman! ;)
~M
-
wOW THIS MUST BE WHAT ITS LIKE TO HAVE ALTZIMERS, PEOPLE ARE GLAD TO SEE YOU AND YOU DON'T HAVE A CLUE WHO SOME OF THEM ARE.
Wow I just typed all that in all caps......shit.
-
wOW THIS MUST BE WHAT ITS LIKE TO HAVE ALTZIMERS, PEOPLE ARE GLAD TO SEE YOU AND YOU DON'T HAVE A CLUE WHO SOME OF THEM ARE.
Wow I just typed all that in all caps......shit.
They tell me if you have Alzheimer's you are always meeting new people. ... ::)
-
It went something like this:
"I'm officer Raines from the Henry County Sherriff's Department. I am trying to locate Robert Martin."
"He was evicted last week, took my stove, is this what this is about?"
"No Sir, I'm trying to locate him and an unidentified woman who passed several bad checks. Do you know if he has a wife or girlfriend?"
(Laugh) "No, he has no wife. In fact....you say they passed some bad checks?"
"Yes"
"Well, I think Robert is your unidentified woman."
"Excuse me?"
"Robert is a transvestite. Did the person that took the check happen to mention if the man had one eye?"
"Why yes, he did."
"That's his roomate, Melvin, Robert wrote the check and Melvin posed as him because Robert dresses up like a woman and it would be easier for them to....pass back checks..."
Pause
"I see."
-
:laugh:
-
That sounds like an episode of sordid lives!
It went something like this:
"I'm officer Raines from the Henry County Sherriff's Department. I am trying to locate Robert Martin."
"He was evicted last week, took my stove, is this what this is about?"
"No Sir, I'm trying to locate him and an unidentified woman who passed several bad checks. Do you know if he has a wife or girlfriend?"
(Laugh) "No, he has no wife. In fact....you say they passed some bad checks?"
"Yes"
"Well, I think Robert is your unidentified woman."
"Excuse me?"
"Robert is a transvestite. Did the person that took the check happen to mention if the man had one eye?"
"Why yes, he did."
"That's his roomate, Melvin, Robert wrote the check and Melvin posed as him because Robert dresses up like a woman and it would be easier for them to....pass back checks..."
Pause
"I see."
-
Hey Truman.......
I'm comin' for ya.............
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/PIE-1.gif)
Gotcha!
-
Hi Truman. After today the elections will be over! Yay.
-
Yeah, I am glad it is Wednesday, I noticed they have started putting the Xmess lights out around town.
-
The supermarket down the street has a Christmas tree up already.
::)
they don't waste any time, to they?
-
The supermarket down the street has a Christmas tree up already.
::)
they don't waste any time, to they?
They've been up here since early October. :-\
-
They've been up here since early October. :-\
doncha just LOVE they way they rush the holiday on, and completely gloss over Thanksgiving?
::) ::) ::)
-
Happy Hanauka!
Happy Hanauka!
May the menorah keep burning,
May your every dream come true.....
-
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff29/mckibben4/Menorah_4.gif)
-
Happy Hanauka!
Happy Hanauka!
May the menorah keep burning,
May your every dream come true.....
Isn't it a little early for that? ???
-
We could practice. Believe me I would need it.
-
We could practice. Believe me I would need it.
Ya'll get your Hannukah bush yet? ;D
-
Ya'll get your Hannukah bush yet? ;D
Truman don't want nothin' to do with bush. :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
Hell I just got rid of one after 8 years! :laugh:
-
I wish I had paid more attention to Steve Martin back in the day:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtsErVLpy0k[/youtube]
-
This is my new favorite group, the Black Twig Pickers. I got their cd two weeks ago and have been listening to it in the car ever since.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6bQq6RkucQ&feature=related[/youtube]
-
cool music, Truman! I could quite make out what he was singing a lot of the time, but I did like the music.
;D
-
Nice, Tru! Very bluesgrassy!
:-* :-*
-
The guy playing th ewashboard is really coool. good music to listen to while your driving Truman.
Steve Martin is such a talent. I think i remember him playing the banjo back in the day. :)
-
;D Hey Shakes! Had fun seeing you this weekend! Talk w/ya latah. :)
-
:o
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64263IO83lE[/youtube]
-
:o
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64263IO83lE[/youtube]
Damn, I caint see youtube! :-\
-
Damn, I caint see youtube! :-\
That's a shame! It's a really hot-lookin' guy dressed like a cowboy doin' a slow strip-tease! :o
Not. ... ;D
-
Hiya Truman!
It was soooo good to see ya this weekend!
Missing you already, and your big hugs!
Love you!
-
good morning Truman :D
-
*waves to Tru*
-
*opens door, turns on light, looks around*
Truman....are you here?
*no reply*
It's safe! Good! Time to set up for the party today!
*puts out punchbowl*
(http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo155/cjbetancourt1/punch-bowl.jpg)
-
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o153/rockrgurl4life/60roundtableandchairs.jpg)
*starts setting up extra tables and chairs*
-
some tasty treats......
(http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh318/atasteofeloquence/fruitplatter.jpg)
-
Perhaps a chocolate fountain.......
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm220/AnnaMollyMadison/Chocolate/fonduefountain.jpg)
-
*gets the help organized to serve the crowd*
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/shaunte1223/gay_cowboy51.jpg)
-
Turns on mirrored ball.
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd261/sexymonnae/disco.jpg)
-
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f48/i9lilcarebear88/boom_box_3-2.jpg)
turns up music, and waits for the others to come...... ;D
-
That punch looks good, Chuck! ;D
Maybe we need a few noisemakers to wake up folks around here! :P
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm238/BlueGrrl_Miami/tina/noisemakers.jpg)
-
*gets the help organized to serve the crowd*
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/shaunte1223/gay_cowboy51.jpg)
The help is very ..... helpful---to the eyes. :o ;D
-
MMMmmmmm....all that yummy food!!! The aroma oughtta cause a crowd to appear!
-
*gets the help organized to serve the crowd*
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/shaunte1223/gay_cowboy51.jpg)
hi Boys!!
-
Whoo-eee the party has already started! :D.
I brought some friends with me. Good thing we have Chuck's boys to handle the crowd... ;D
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/300641672_86a186cb56.jpg)
And decoration
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/The_ballons_for_the_ballon_dropsize.jpg)
I also wanted to bring snacks and beverages
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/A2331RSRainbowSnacksFLg.jpg)
But someone was faster than me. He ate it all alone and left nothing for us :-\
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/snacks.gif)
There was only one item left (Homer didn't see it *phew*).
-
It's only one bottle of Champagne, but it is a magic bottle. Look closely at the lil guy on the label.
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/Casual_champaign.gif)
When you drink this, you'll fell an irresistible urge to dance. Look what this Champagne does to people:
It starts moderate, you'll get a bit dishevelled
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/sildancers.gif)
But then it gets worse. This woman got caught by the magical Champagne in her office. There was no holding back after she tried a wee dram
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/dance_animated.gif)
Advanced state
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/man-dancing.gif)
Who knows where this will end? C'mon, let's all try it! :D
-
OMG, who left the bottle open?
The cat sipped at it :o
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/Dancing-Cat-Animated.gif)
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
I brought some friends with me. Good thing we have Chuck's boys to handle the crowd... ;D
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/300641672_86a186cb56.jpg)
Oh My!
I'm going to need a bigger punch bowl.
-
Oh My!
I'm going to need a bigger punch bowl.
Maybe even a second or third one, considering...
-
*gets the help organized to serve the crowd*
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/shaunte1223/gay_cowboy51.jpg)
Why don't I help organize the help?
Boys, come on out to the barn for a sec, I got sumthin to show ya........... 8)
-
Rich, how altruistic of you to offer help! ;) ;D
I organized some more punch bowls
There ya go
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/Beeren_Bowle_ee7e5fddefd2e78c6707de.png)
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/3970_-_Caipi-Bowle2.jpg)
-
Why don't I help organize the help?
Boys, come on out to the barn for a sec, I got sumthin to show ya........... 8)
Oh Lord......figures...... ::) :laugh:
-
thanks for the help, Chrissi!
-
Oh my liver! :o
-
Rich, how altruistic of you to offer help!
I'm just a giver! What can I say! ;) :laugh: :laugh:
-
I'm just a giver! What can I say! ;) :laugh: :laugh:
*goes to get boots, 'cause it's getting really deep over here!*
-
Oh my liver! :o
Good morning Truman!
:-*
-
I'm just a giver! What can I say! ;) :laugh: :laugh:
(http://www.blueworldgardener.co.uk/store/images/shovel%20ally2oscom.jpg)
-
*goes to get boots, 'cause it's getting really deep over here!*
(http://www.wirtzrentals.com/backhoe.gif)
-
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Big brother Paul! how are you?
Apparently, you're offering to be the clean up crew? ;) :laugh:
-
Y'all have a good time! I'm running late for work. ::)
See ya tonight.
8)
-
How about a little music? (I know Rich you can't get youtube at work)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60og9gwKh1o[/youtube]
-
Woooooooooo hoooooooooo!
Truman turned on the music!
Let's dance!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance7.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance7.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance7.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance7.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance7.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance7.gif)
-
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance1.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance1.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance1.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance1.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance1.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance1.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance1.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance1.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance1.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/sexydance1.gif)
-
How about a little music? (I know Rich you can't get youtube at work)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60og9gwKh1o[/youtube]
:'(
-
The mentioning of punch made me thirsty for it. I haven't had any punch since, like the eighties :o. I remember punch was a big hit in the seventies, my parents served it on birthdays.
Anyway, I went searching for recipes and found some interesting things.
Strange names of punchs:
- the whore of Babylon
- cow Elsa
- horny Emma
- mud punch
- Lily's exotic mud-wrestling punch
:laugh:
Aaaaaaaand: eyeball punch. I brought some for our party. Enjoy! :D
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m47/Penthesilea06/Sonstige/augapfelbowle.jpg)
It really looks like eyeballs. Yuck! But it's lychees in cherry juice and tonic water. It's originally for kids, maybe we should add some vodka to it ;D.
-
what kind of children would you serve that to?
Psycho children? :o :o :o :o
-
what kind of children would you serve that to?
Psycho children? :o :o :o :o
Well, maybe my kids are psycho children ::) ;). I just showed the pic to my daughter and she found it cooooool 8).
Guess it's a great beverage for Halloween :).
Or try it on Thanksgiving, if you don't like your in-laws or sumpn ;D
-
Wow, punch with eyeballs, geeks with great accents, and dancers of both genders and flavours shimmying in time to the music! You sure know how to throw a great party, CellarDweller!! I'll come to your cellar anytime! I picked the right day to take off work!!
Here's to you, Truman!!
-
FRiend Lee!!! :-*
Good to see here!
Weren't Mike's videos great? Such a great job.....you can tell he worked hard on them!
-
My Daddy used to make punch called Pink God D***it.
He would mix the ingredients ( I remeber marichino cherries, sprite, and alchol, lots of alcohol not sure what else) ANd he would sip it. We knew it was ready when he would sip and stomp his foot and say God D****it! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Wish I had gotten that recipe! :laugh:
-
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I went out to dinner to a place in NYC, and they had a drink called "Paulina's Pink P**sy".
:o
It was sooooo tasty!
-
My Daddy used to make punch called Pink God D***it.
He would mix the ingredients ( I remeber marichino cherries, sprite, and alchol, lots of alcohol not sure what else) ANd he would sip it. We knew it was ready when he would sip and stomp his foot and say God D****it! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Wish I had gotten that recipe! :laugh:
:laugh:
Sounds like a fun punch! :)
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
I went out to dinner to a place in NYC, and they had a drink called "Paulina's Pink P**sy".
:o
It was sooooo tasty!
Chuck! :o
Y'ain't sposed ta like da taste a Paulina's Pink P**sy, you're gay. Careful or they might revoke your gay card ;) :laugh:
-
I can't help it, Chrissi! It was sooooo good!
-
Y'ain't sposed ta like da taste a Paulina's Pink P**sy, you're gay. Careful or they might revoke your gay card
Friend, I just LOVE you! You make me laugh so much and just brighten my day!! :laugh:
Thanks!
:-*
-
In college we would make what we called "Grain"
We would get a new trash can or a clean bath tub and fill it full of ice, a gallon on Everclear Grain Alcohol, several packets of Coolaid, several can of fruit juice, a fifth of vodka, several oranges and lemons cut up and some more ice and it was the best shit. Couldn't tase the alcohol at all and you'd drink a glass and feel fine and stand up and fall flat on your face.
-
Y'all are soooo crazy!
-
Friend, I just LOVE you! You make me laugh so much and just brighten my day!! :laugh:
Thanks!
:-*
Aw, shucks! Love you to Bud :-*
-
Couldn't tase the alcohol at all and you'd drink a glass and feel fine and stand up and fall flat on your face.
Yup. That's the reason you drink punch ;D.
An ex BF of mine never drank any alcohol. He just didn't like the taste of it. Until we had punch one day. Nobody said a word when he remarked that he didn't like the punch all that much, "but the fruits in it taste good" LOL :laugh:
Boy, later he was drunk as a skunk! My father let him sleep in the cellar that night. No way he could have found the way home.
:laugh:
-
In college we would make what we called "Grain"
We would get a new trash can or a clean bath tub and fill it full of ice, a gallon on Everclear Grain Alcohol, several packets of Coolaid, several can of fruit juice, a fifth of vodka, several oranges and lemons cut up and some more ice and it was the best shit. Couldn't tase the alcohol at all and you'd drink a glass and feel fine and stand up and fall flat on your face.
We did that too c'ept we called it Hunch Punch. If it was grape koolaid we used it was Purple Passion! LOL
-
Boy, later he was drunk as a skunk! My father let him sleep in the cellar that night. No way he could have found the way home. :laugh:
He wasn't here with me!
-
That was me too, I had not drank much and it snuck up on me. ;D
-
We used to make cheap wine coolers.
The recipe was a two liter bottle of Ginger Ale and a quart of Israeli wine.
We used Israeli wine because it was the same price as the Ginger Ale. :laugh:
-
He wasn't here with me!
No, lol. But if you had been there with us, you also would have been in the cellar. My father (second father, who was actually my uncle, long story) had four teenage girls in the house back then. As long as we weren't of legal age, all our BFs (or any male friend) had to sleep in the cellar.
Just imagine the possibilities Chuck! ;)
:laugh: Oh yeah, fun times...
-
We did that too c'ept we called it Hunch Punch. If it was grape koolaid we used it was Purple Passion! LOL
We called it Yucca cuz when you drank it you would say Yuck ah :laugh:
-
As long as we weren't of legal age, all our BFs (or any male friend) had to sleep in the cellar.
Just imagine the possibilities Chuck! ;)
Brokeback Basement......
-
*waves to Dev & Cylde*
Good to see ya both here! ;D
-
This is Peter, I comandeered him to help serve punch, hope you don't mind.
(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Money/Pix/pictures/2008/08/08/PeterEdmunds_Andrew460.jpg)
-
Works for me, Clyde!
Thanks! ;D
-
cute boy ::)
-
We called it Yucca cuz when you drank it you would say Yuck ah :laugh:
Thats good Dev!
Course prolly on said that after the first few sips after that ya didn't much care! LOL :laugh:
-
Thats good Dev!
Course prolly on said that after the first few sips after that ya didn't much care! LOL :laugh:
That is so true! Then you just keep drinking till you cant stand up or see straight :laugh:
-
That is so true! Then you just keep drinking till you cant stand up or see straight :laugh:
And thats why I dont drink!
-
Hey Shakes check this out.
-
What a handsome man in that black cowboy hat!
-
Groan, wha'happened? :-X
-
(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f218/Elvira-de-Monica/Gifs/arg-word-party-sm.gif)
(http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee348/Menelaos73/gifs/PARTYhard2.gif)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v190/tajikaroo/Animated%20Gifs/PARTYHARD.gif)
(http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k403/flyMisuzu/Lucky%20Star%20Gifs/dancekagamiami1.gif)
-
Why don't I help organize the help?
Boys, come on out to the barn for a sec, I got sumthin to show ya........... 8)
Dang, what the heck is this all over these blankets!!? I am about tired of washing these things...
-
In college we would make what we called "Grain"
We would get a new trash can or a clean bath tub and fill it full of ice, a gallon on Everclear Grain Alcohol, several packets of Coolaid, several can of fruit juice, a fifth of vodka, several oranges and lemons cut up and some more ice and it was the best shit. Couldn't tase the alcohol at all and you'd drink a glass and feel fine and stand up and fall flat on your face.
there was a clean bathtub at your college?
-
No, lol. But if you had been there with us, you also would have been in the cellar. My father (second father, who was actually my uncle, long story) had four teenage girls in the house back then. As long as we weren't of legal age, all our BFs (or any male friend) had to sleep in the cellar.
Just imagine the possibilities Chuck! ;)
:laugh: Oh yeah, fun times...
yeah, well you imagine what I felt like when I realized how many times Jeff slept over before D came out to us... :o :o
heck, how many boys slept over, period....he had friends over every weekend it seems since the third grade...it just isn't something you think about!
-
*waves to Shasta and Jess*
Hiya!
I'm about to post pics of the t-shrit and cap I'll be wearing tomorrow at NJ's Prop 8 protest.
-
Hi Chuck!
I want to see the picture---are you putting it in here?
-
I put the pics up in the "Prop 8" thread in the "equality agenda" section of the forum.
-
Thanks. I saw them! You're going to be decked out. I hope you have good weather!
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(http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=654.0;attach=21728;image)
What a great pic!
I love that!
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*gets the help organized to serve the crowd*
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/shaunte1223/gay_cowboy51.jpg)
O.K stuff the party !! just give me the numbers of the helpers !!!! I am more than happy to help them help.
Has to go and lie down for a while, under a fan.If the helpers go AWOL then just give me 24 hours before you send out a search party !!!
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O.K stuff the party !! just give me the numbers of the helpers !!!! I am more than happy to help them help.
Has to go and lie down for a while, under a fan.If the helpers go AWOL then just give me 24 hours before you send out a search party !!!
24 HOURS!!
You GO, Girl!!
-
(http://www.spareroom.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/GAY-SPEIGHTS.jpg)
-
Check out Matt, postin that pic!
lmao! :laugh:
-
well, I see the party is getting a little rowdy.....look what is going on upstairs!!
:o :o
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Ya know, I'm all for being yourself.....but damn....couldn't he find something better to do with his time?
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
there was a clean bathtub at your college?
Well mostly the showers got used, and they would clean them and clain the alcohol would kill anything else.
-
That was called Purple Jesus here. Once I went to a party and someone who didn't drink said they loved the fruit. He kept eating the fruit and kept getting drunker. The fruit had been soaking up the alcohol from the day before.
-
10 other things Dr. King said:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIFTNmOOLmk&NR=1[/youtube]
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That was called Purple Jesus here. Once I went to a party and someone who didn't drink said they loved the fruit. He kept eating the fruit and kept getting drunker. The fruit had been soaking up the alcohol from the day before.
LOL! OMG! Thats what the all the sorority girls would say.
By the end og the night they looked like Bozo because of all the red koolaid arounr their mouthes and there hands were just as red.
Shu gysh gots more pie applesh? Translation from drunk to sober The pinapple tates lovely, could Ihave a bit more? LOL
-
It could be my vivid imagination, but it seems to me these parties are getting more and more rowdy.
Or is it sour grapes because I keep turning up at the end.
-
It could be my vivid imagination, but it seems to me these parties are getting more and more rowdy.
Or is it sour grapes because I keep turning up at the end.
Oh Fiona, the best is always last you know!! LOL
Besides, I've been organizing the help all day!
I'm sure Icould talk them into "helping" you clean! ;D
-
Truman!
It's soooo good to see this back! Fantastic!
:-*
-
Trus blog is back.. yay!
-
Gidday Truman!!
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Hey Tru!
Good to see this back :).
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Howdy Truman!! (http://bestsmileys.com/waving/5.gif)
Happy Tuesday! :)
-
Looks like everyone is glad to see your blog back!
I know I am! ;D
-
Hey Truman
-
:D 8) :D
-
Out of the history books, and back in business, I hope!
-
I just spent part of yesterday and today goin' through the old posts!
OMG.....so many memories!
Tru, I'm so glad you opened this back up!
:-*
-
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JkJ3nsiVL._SX315_SY375_.jpg)
Hiya Truman!
Just wanted to say that it was great to talk to you on the phone the other night! I've missed your voice!
Hope that the world has stopped rocking for you, and you feel like your feet are on steady ground again!
-
Well the day started off good with the plumber calling to tell me that they had found the clean out down in the woods and was able to get the sewer line on that house opened up after all so we don't have to spend several thousand of dollars to replace it. Little things like that just make life worth living somedays. :laugh:
-
Good news is always welcome! ;D
-
Well the day started off good with the plumber calling to tell me that they had found the clean out down in the woods and was able to get the sewer line on that house opened up after all so we don't have to spend several thousand of dollars to replace it. Little things like that just make life worth living somedays. :laugh:
:D
-
Hello Truman...........how's everything in Virginia?
-
You all have indoor plumbing in that neck of the woods? :laugh:
-
You all have indoor plumbing in that neck of the woods? :laugh:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Truman, good thing you saved all that money. We have to replace our leach feild. Well not replace it. Well its much cheaper to put in a new leach feild than take out the old one and replace it with a new one. Thankfully we have enough property that we have the room to put in a whole other one. Problem is it will run about $5000 to have it done! The plummer was here yesterday to snake out the main line. He told us NOT to do anymore laundry. Yeah right, NOT
Hope you have a beautiful day. :-*
glad you're back
-
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/happy_thanksgiving.jpg)
Happy Thanksgiving Big Brother Truman!
-
It is my sincere wish that you alls annual observance of thanksgiving has exceeded your wildest expectations for it, or else I am gone knock your ignorant asses into next week.
(Damn, this aged tequila is the shit!)
-
It is my sincere wish that you alls annual observance of thanksgiving has exceeded your wildest expectations for it, or else I am gone knock your ignorant asses into next week.
(Damn, this aged tequila is the shit!)
;D
-
(Damn, this aged tequila is the shit!)
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
Today I am thankful for discovering the toilet was leaking from the tank and not the bottom, now I can fix the right thing.
-
Today I am thankful for discovering the toilet was leaking from the tank and not the bottom, now I can fix the right thing.
Hey Truman. Glad you can fix your own plumming.
-
(Damn, this aged tequila is the shit!)
That stuff goes so well with turkey!
Brother, I hope you had a great Turkey day!
-
:D Happy belated Thanksgiving Truman! Hope things are going well. :)
-
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCWyYOOS8FQ[/youtube]
This morning I was driving to work and this station I like, that plays everything from Slim Whitman to Metallica, played Wild Boys. I cranked it up.
Back in the day it was just back ground music, something that was on the radio, with Princess Diana jamming along with them as she did her aerobics. I never paid much attention to the lyrics.
The wild boys are calling
On their way back from the fire
In august moon's surrender to
A dust cloud on the rise
Wild boys fallen far from glory
Reckless and so hungered
On the razors edge you trail
Because there's murder by the roadside
In a sore afraid new world
They tried to break us,
Looks like they'll try again
Wild boys never lose it
Wild boys never chose this way
Wild boys never close your eyes
Wild boys always shine
You got sirens for a welcome
There's bloodstain for your pain
And your telephone been ringing while
You're dancing in the rain
Wild boys wonder where is glory
Where is all you angels
Now the figureheads have fell
And lovers war with arrows over
Secrets they could tell
They tried to tame you
Looks like they'll try again
Wild boys never lose it
Wild boys never chose this way
Wild boys never close your eyes
Wild boys always shine
My memory put it in context. The 1980s: The Aids Virus, Reagan in the White House, Televangelists, and the notion, I never understood, that Disco was dead.
Disco never died, it just went to England, bought some outrageous clothes and charged people more. In the midst of all this conservativeness was Boy George and the Culture Club, proudly announcing "We're still here." Frankie Goes To Hollywood, they rattled some cages.
But I'd not thought about Duran Duran that way until this morning.
They tried to break us,
Looks like they'll try again
I knew exactly what they were talking about. I drew up to a stop light, it was fairly warm outside. I rolled down all the windows and cranked it up.
You got sirens for a welcome
There's bloodstain for your pain
And your telephone been ringing while
You're dancing in the rain
Wild boys wonder where is glory
Where is all you angels
Now the figureheads have fell
And lovers war with arrows over
Secrets they could tell!
You just got to show off ever now and again.
-
So cool! Moments like that make it almost worthwhile to be commutin four hours a day!
-
Truman rockin' out to Duran Duran! ;D
-
So last night the phone rings and it is our old friend Moremojo calling me! I had not talked to him in a while and he was calling to get a clarification on something bazaar I has said on a post card from Central America. He asked I remember him to friends here and I am pleased to report he is doing well and is not all caught up on the the drama of the past year here on bettermost.
"So what happened with so and so?"
"Did you hear about whatstheirface?"
"No! You have to be kidding!"
Mojo echoed a thought that I have often had in these online communities that we loose sight of the human element in our dealings with people. We both agree we see people on line as an icon, and the media empowers us to act in ways we would not if they were sitting in front of us conversing.
I am so happy to hear from him, and look forward to the day I get off that plane in Austin and me and him and Judy laugh and carry on over a nice plate of Sopapillas.
-
I am so happy to hear from him, and look forward to the day I get off that plane in Austin and me and him and Judy laugh and carry on over a nice plate of Sopapillas.
And I look forward to hearing about it! I remember we were all worried about him for awhile, and I've been wondering how he was faring. Glad to know he's okay.
-
How wonderful that you heard from our dear friend Scott! I miss him terribly! Please give him my best wishes and address, if he would like to correspond.
-
So last night the phone rings and it is our old friend Moremojo calling me! I had not talked to him in a while and he was calling to get a clarification on something bazaar I has said on a post card from Central America. He asked I remember him to friends here and I am pleased to report he is doing well and is not all caught up on the the drama of the past year here on bettermost.
"So what happened with so and so?"
"Did you hear about whatstheirface?"
"No! You have to be kidding!"
Mojo echoed a thought that I have often had in these online communities that we loose sight of the human element in our dealings with people. We both agree we see people on line as an icon, and the media empowers us to act in ways we would not if they were sitting in front of us conversing.
I am so happy to hear from him, and look forward to the day I get off that plane in Austin and me and him and Judy laugh and carry on over a nice plate of Sopapillas.
Great to hear Scott is doing well....twll hij I was asking for him.
I got a postcard today and I was having trouble reading the signature! Now I know who it was from! Thanks Tru!! :-* :-* :-* :-*
-
Kelda, look at the date on that post card--July 2008, I found it in my bag when I was packing to leave the cruise ship the other week!
-
I did wonder with the date! Thankyou for sending on!!! :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
-
Hiya Tru!
Good to hear that Scott is doing well!
-
So last night the phone rings and it is our old friend Moremojo calling me! I had not talked to him in a while and he was calling to get a clarification on something bazaar I has said on a post card from Central America. He asked I remember him to friends here and I am pleased to report he is doing well and is not all caught up on the the drama of the past year here on bettermost.
"So what happened with so and so?"
"Did you hear about whatstheirface?"
"No! You have to be kidding!"
Mojo echoed a thought that I have often had in these online communities that we loose sight of the human element in our dealings with people. We both agree we see people on line as an icon, and the media empowers us to act in ways we would not if they were sitting in front of us conversing.
I am so happy to hear from him, and look forward to the day I get off that plane in Austin and me and him and Judy laugh and carry on over a nice plate of Sopapillas.
That's terrific news, Truman! Please say hello from me and let him know I think of him often. :-* :-* :-*
-
*sneaks up behind Truman*
BOO!!!!
-
*peeks in at Truman*
:o
He's in the shower!
:o
-
Yes I am, and amongst my on going plumbing worries, I had a slow toilet this morning, which I deduced, hopefully, as being cause by the drain line freezing last night. I had it partially uncovered so as to replace it and never got a roundtoit.
But my mother now has a new knee and I have a post card from New Zealand!
-
(http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=15438.0;attach=15801;image)
2 F'in years! I can't belive it! Time passes so quickly!
I love you and miss you brother!! :-*
-
You both look delightful!!
-
Great pic, big bro!
;D
-
Damn, we were hot back then, and didn't even know it!
-
???
-
Weel you were hot too Chuck, you just wern't in the picture. :-*
-
Over the weekend I went tot he theater thinking I would see Brothers, but to my amazement there was a sequel to Boondock Saints! It had totally slipped by me. Gratuitous violence anyone?
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjMBd9XSLgI[/youtube]
-
Hiya BBT!
:-*
-
Glenn Shadix is da bomb!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gIUnr2gojU[/youtube]
-
Glenn Shadix is da bomb!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gIUnr2gojU[/youtube]
That was awesome!
-
Three years ago today I was celebrating Jake's birthday with two wonderful friends at a Crackerbarrell in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Today I am snowed in and going no where. Hope you two are well and happy.
-
Was wonderin' if you was buried down there. We're about to have it start up here. Get out the cocoa and whiskey chasers! 8)
-
Seems like yesterday. I barely knew you that first night and now I can't envision life without you in it. I love you.
-
Hiya big brother!
I'm glad to hear you are warm and safe. Snow started here about two hours ago.
-
Man I hate snow. :o
-
Happy Solstice and Anniversary, Friend. Are you busy tonight, or may we call you and sing you a carol?
:D
-
Hey Truman, how are you doing, bud are you still snowed in? Im thinking about you this winter solstice. Enjoy dear friend.
-
Hiya Big Brother!
Still snowed in?
-
I am hoping to be able to get down the driveway tonight, I have been parking on the road.
Yesterday about 2 pm I let Crybaby out because she'd been in for days and come dark she was nowhere to be seen. She stayed out all night, in 20 deg. F weather until 8 this morning. I had decided, again, that something must have got her. She came trotting right in and said Meow.
-
I am hoping to be able to get down the driveway tonight, I have been parking on the road.
Yesterday about 2 pm I let Crybaby out because she'd been in for days and come dark she was nowhere to be seen. She stayed out all night, in 20 deg. F weather until 8 this morning. I had decided, again, that something must have got her. She came trotting right in and said Meow.
You have a lethal driveway; be careful. I'm glad Crybaby came back, which I would not have doubted. I don't see how kitties manage in the cold weather, but I'm glad she's no worse for the wear. Silly kitty. ;)
-
Kitties seem to be able to endure the cold.
Skimble just half an hour ago sat ouside just looking at the snow in the -6C "heat"... he was sting quit happily in the middle of all the white.... brrrrrr!
-
Our dog will look out the door when he needs to go out, and check out the weather. If its raining or
snowing, he will decide he can still wait for a while. But the cat will just go out, no matter what the
weather is outside. If its really raining hard, he wont stay out too long though.
Merry Christmas dear friend. You have a great holiday, and a super new year.
-
Hiya Big Brother!
Glad to hear that Crybaby came back home where she belongs!
-
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/western-christmas-tapestry-throw-at.jpg) (http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/Hat20and20Holly20-jpg.jpg)
Merry Christmas Big Brother Truman!!!!
Hope you have had a happy holiday season,
and that the past year has been a great on for you!
May 2010 bring you more great things!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/Hat20and20Holly20-jpg.jpg) (http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/western-christmas-tapestry-throw-at.jpg)
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Over the weekend I got to watch Religulous the Bill Maher's documentary on most things religious. I loved this part where he interviews a director of one of the ExGay Ministries, and at the end you hear The Wings, now universal, it needs no introduction or explanation.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piwmshfmsrc[/youtube]
-
I don't understand. Is he an ex gay or an ex Pastor? Obviously it is impossible to be ex gay but some people certainly believe they actually can.
-
He believes he is Heterosexual, but I have me doubts and think he does too.
-
I also got for Xmess a book, I don't have it with me at the moment, its name is something like Queers in History and is like an encyclopedia of everyone even suspected of having had sex with a member of their own gender.
One tale I found particularly fascinating because it involved King Elvis.(http://melaman2.com/oldies/letters/Elvis/elvis.jpg)
According to the author, Elvis's Stepmother, Dee Presley, seen here with Elvis' father, Vernon, (http://www.elvis-presley-forever.com/images/elvis-father.jpg) wrote an unpublished biograph of the King in which she maintained he was bisexual and had an affair in his Hollywood days with the actor Nick Adams. (http://www.celebritydrugdeaths.com/images/celebrities/nick-adams.jpg)
She also maintained that Elvis's agent, Col. Tom Parker, knew about his sexuality and used this knowledge to blackmail the king into doing more schmaltzy movies. I dunno, I have looked for independent confirmation of this and no one seems to be as convinced as this text I got for Xmess. Here is what Wikipedia sez about Nick Adams http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nick_Adams_%28actor%29
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(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/New-Years-Time3.gif)
Hello Big Brother Truman
It's time to say "good-bye"
to 2009, and I hope it
was a good year for you.
I hope that 2010 brings you
good health
good fortune
happiness
and all that you can wish for.
-
Truman thank you so much for the nice Christmas card. it was late getting here so I'm late posting it. We are all doing fine. We have a rainy New Years day happening here. Ive got a ham bone in the slow cooker, fixin to make some blackeyed peas for good luck. Please enjoy good health, prosperity and as safe 2010, friend :)
-
New years was like a giant broke off piece of something blank I had forgotten about.
-
???
-
???
Yeah that's what I said..... :-X
-
Yeah that's what I said..... :-X
:laugh: :laugh:
:-*
-
Well, I hope you had a good one!!
-
It was nice and sedate, and the next day I had three appointments, took my Mamma to her sister in laws birthday party and made it to the 4th of January at 10:30 am before I screamed at anything.
-
Im' just glad it wasn't me you were screaming at!
-
Sounds like the old Truman is back: A statement like that is like something you may have said a long time ago, when
you were doing all the writing daily. It was good to see.
I hope your rest of 2010 is more combobulated than the first day. :D We have been having pretty much non stop
rain. But no matter, because I am still under house arrest. The only thing I get to leave for, is to go to the Dr visits.
I tell you one thing for sure, I dont know how much longer I can handle this. I may as well be under the protection of
the police.
I have wanted to go to see Jakes new movie, and several others as well. It will probably be on DVD before I get to
see it. Drat.
How is your life in general my dear sir. I wonder about you often?" Well enough to kick frogs I hope. Love Janice
-
Well my life I would say in general is a series of the mundane and underwhelming. Right now we are having a cold snap what might last another week.....yikes. I have wanted to see Brothers and Avatar and something else, I done forgot now. Hope to this weekend.
I have made a new decade resolution to visit the continents of Australia, Antarctica, South America, Africa and Asia by the 31st day of December, A.D. 2019, we'll see how that goes. It is expensive to go to Antarctica, like $10,000.00. O-well....I have already been to North America and Europe. My nephew suggested I visit the lowest points on each continenet, but the lowest point in North America is at the bottom of Lake Huron and that would be awful involved.
-
My nephew suggested I visit the lowest points on each continenet, but the lowest point in North America is at the bottom of Lake Huron and that would be awful involved.
Indeed. :laugh:
I would settle for Death Valley if I were you. :)
-
I would like to go to Death Valley, especially after it rains, once in a great while, it blooms with a profusion..
-
"I've been higher than the High Sierra. Lower than Death Valley must be..."
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cnieh0Y1V-o[/youtube]
-
Hey Truman and friends!
-
Well my life I would say in general is a series of the mundane and underwhelming. Right now we are having a cold snap what might last another week.....yikes. I have wanted to see Brothers and Avatar and something else, I done forgot now. Hope to this weekend.
I have made a new decade resolution to visit the continents of Australia, Antarctica, South America, Africa and Asia by the 31st day of December, A.D. 2019, we'll see how that goes. It is expensive to go to Antarctica, like $10,000.00. O-well....I have already been to North America and Europe. My nephew suggested I visit the lowest points on each continenet, but the lowest point in North America is at the bottom of Lake Huron and that would be awful involved.
wow! please keep us updated. Are you thinking you will visit one continent at the time, or maybe do two or more during the same trip?
-
wow! please keep us updated. Are you thinking you will visit one continent at the time, or maybe do two or more during the same trip?
Lets see, I could go to Egypt and that would be Africa, and then go to Israel and that would be Asia......
-
Lets see, I could go to Egypt and that would be Africa, and then go to Israel and that would be Asia......
I´ve done that trip, although in the opposite direction. I started out in Israel and jumped on a bus to Cairo.
I hear many people also combine trips to Australia with a trip to Asia. Evidentely the airfares between Australia and some Asian countries are pretty inexpensive.
-
Well my life I would say in general is a series of the mundane and underwhelming. Right now we are having a cold snap what might last another week.....yikes. I have wanted to see Brothers and Avatar and something else, I done forgot now. Hope to this weekend.
I have made a new decade resolution to visit the continents of Australia, Antarctica, South America, Africa and Asia by the 31st day of December, A.D. 2019, we'll see how that goes. It is expensive to go to Antarctica, like $10,000.00. O-well....I have already been to North America and Europe. My nephew suggested I visit the lowest points on each continenet, but the lowest point in North America is at the bottom of Lake Huron and that would be awful involved.
As long as you come back to GA!!
There are things here we have yet to do and see!! ;D
-
You could get a 6 or 3-month job on Antactica and maybe get free transportation--free room and board too.
http://www.coolantarctica.com/Community/find_a_job_in_antarctica.htm (http://www.coolantarctica.com/Community/find_a_job_in_antarctica.htm)
-
*waves to Truman*
-
Wow, work in Antarctica....I bet that would be tax free! Thanks for letting me know about that.
Now last night I watched an absolutely wonderful movie, The Station Agent, featuring our own Michelle Williams! I highly recommend it.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8MrVBMsBYQ[/youtube]
-
sounds liek a goo new years/new decase resolution Tru!
-
(http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo165/petrifiedsprings/dancing_by_Urumbumburu.gif)
-
Chuck, what the hell is that? The Pillsbury Doughboy on crystal meth? :laugh:
-
Chuck, what the hell is that? The Pillsbury Doughboy on crystal meth? :laugh:
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
lmao!
I don't know what it is!
I did a search on "dancing smilie" and that's what came up, and I just started laughing so hard, I had to post it in a few blogs.
-
:o
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGx4N6v7kQE[/youtube]
-
:o
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap12W5gn6Bs&feature=related[/youtube]
-
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Oh Truman, that was too funny!
-
Mornin' Big Brother!
;D
-
Whoop ! Whoop!
-
:o
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGx4N6v7kQE[/youtube]
Great vid. #36 is a darned good one all by itself. Hugs and take care y'all.
-
A few of my favorite things:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvYZMqQffQE[/youtube]
-
Ive seen this gorl before.. maybe on betermost and shes very very good isn't she? I love how she layers and layers her vice and imstruments to create the music.
-
Ive seen this gorl before.. maybe on betermost and shes very very good isn't she? I love how she layers and layers her vice and imstruments to create the music.
I think that Truman posted a vid of her doing a version of Beyoncé's "Single Ladies".
-
I think that Truman posted a vid of her doing a version of Beyoncé's "Single Ladies".
I think he also posted Mrs Robinson too. This girl is really good.
-
Wow, she sure does switch around to a lot of different genres since all three of those songs are quite different from each other.
-
I think that Truman posted a vid of her doing a version of Beyoncé's "Single Ladies".
Ah, yes you're right! Well remembered Chuck!
-
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIr8-f2OWhs[/youtube]
;D
-
I bet Crybaby goes crazy when you play this one!
:laugh:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiHXASgRTcA[/youtube]
-
Oh, that's great, Chuck! The little gray tabby looks a lot like Obie when he was a baby....climbing up her leg! :laugh:
-
sooooo cute.... my kitty Skimble didn't bat an eyelide tho!! stealing this for facebook Chuck!
-
I showed the vid to my kids. It's so cute. :D
-
cute :) :)
-
Crybaby did enjoy that video immesly, she even sniffed the laptop to see where they were.
-
:o
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGx4N6v7kQE[/youtube]
It just goes to show the ignorance, of the statements that people make, with absolutely no facts to back them.
When are these mental midgets going to start to get it. Their pre concieved prejudices are causing them to say
things without any real or provable factoids to back them up.......This is the scariest part of all. These are the normal,
(if you can call them that) everyday people living and voting in this country.
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President, are you snowed in today? Hope you're having a great day and keeping warm. Catch ya later.
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(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/b5295cbf.gif)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/2676.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/Val_mini4.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/valentine2.gif)
Happy Valentine's Day, Big Brother Truman!
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Big Brother!
Thinking of ya! :-*
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Happy St. Patrick's Day, Truman!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/4098.gif)
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I cant wait to see you again, wont be long now! :-* :-*
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*waves to Truman*
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HaaaaaaaaaaY!
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Hey back!
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HaaaaaaaaaaY!
(http://i609.photobucket.com/albums/tt176/4Passion/Greetings/HUG.gif)
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Happy April Fools day my dearest friend. I hope it is a wonderful day, and a great Easter sunday for you!!
You are a super person and deserve a super Easter.
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(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg230/hersheysmileys/icons/Easter.gif)
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I think this will be my official "good-bye" post for the blogs when I leave for a trip.
:laugh:
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/poop.gif)
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OMG! I've just about pissed my pants listening to this!!!
This link is a vid that is only 24 seconds long. It's a clip from "The Wiggles". They're a group of 4 guys who do a kids' show and music.
Just listen.....:D :D :D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmj1RNE1wGM[/youtube]
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OMG! I've just about pissed my pants listening to this!!!
This link is a vid that is only 24 seconds long. It's a clip from "The Wiggles". They're a group of 4 guys who do a kids' show and music.
Just listen.....:D :D :D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmj1RNE1wGM[/youtube]
Thank kew! Just what I always wanted.
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Watch all the cartoons and strips on the bottom....Interesting stuff!!!
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Here is one of several gay short films I watched on youtube yesterday evening, it is called Alkali, Iowa
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzK6EOVCOrk&feature=related[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27EGAnoz4PQ&feature=related[/youtube]
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For Daniel and Janice:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_t0Qhj-L6U&feature=related[/youtube]
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Beautiful - thx Truman :)
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(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Memorial-Day.gif)
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In France, McDonalds is have a "Come as You Are" Campaign. Would be nice if they did this everywhere.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IGg0fH6QKU[/youtube]
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For Daniel and Janice:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_t0Qhj-L6U&feature=related[/youtube]
Two of my favorite things, from one of my favorite people...
Luke and Noah, and Hallelulah and YOU Thank you
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Hiya Truman!
Happy Independence Day
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)
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Thank kew Charles Andrew, did you get my text last night?
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Thank kew Charles Andrew, did you get my text last night?
Uh oh.....he called me Charles Andew....am I in trouble?
:o
I got it very late last night.
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Naw, I wuz bein' flamboyant :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Naw, I wuz bein' flamboyant :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
:laugh: :laugh:
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There's a summer place
Where it may rain or storm
Yet I'm safe and warm
For within that summer place
Your arms reach out to me
And my heart is free from all care
For it knows
There are no gloomy skies
When seen through the eyes
Of those who are blessed with love
And the sweet secret of
A summer place
Is that it's anywhere
When two people share
All their hopes
All their dreams
All their love
There's a summer place
Where it may rain or storm
Yet I'm safe and warm
In your arms, in your arms
In your arms, in your arms
In your arms, in your arms
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SeDGvfR0HU&NR=1&feature=fvwp[/youtube]
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(((BBT))) ;D :-*
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I love you, Truman.
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I love you, Truman.
I love you too Lynne, and I hope you have a wonderful day.
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Soylent Green is people. >:(
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Soylent Green is people. >:(
?????
-
?????
It's a movie, Kelda.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_Green
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It's a movie, Kelda.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_Green
Ah, I see
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For four years now in my hotmail account I have had 4 unread messages and no way to find them.
Today, of all days, they changed the format and now have an "unread" feature. I found them, from Sept and Oct. 2006, netflix was sending me Lords of Dogtown, a genealogy list was sending me a digest of the weeks events, Martinsville High School Band Boosters was having a fruit sale, and kodak gallery.com was having spooktacular savings.
Good bye, and good riddence.
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:laugh:
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For four years now in my hotmail account I have had 4 unread messages and no way to find them.
Today, of all days, they changed the format and now have an "unread" feature. I found them, from Sept and Oct. 2006, netflix was sending me Lords of Dogtown, a genealogy list was sending me a digest of the weeks events, Martinsville High School Band Boosters was having a fruit sale, and kodak gallery.com was having spooktacular savings.
Good bye, and good riddence.
that made me smile. which is hard today.
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I finally did what I said I wouldn't do after the official announcement. Thank you
so much Darlin, I truly appreciate the call. I hope your day turns out ok after all. I
Love you. Janice
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It's a movie, Kelda.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soylent_Green
Thanks Chuck for letting everyone hear the news. If you talk to Gene again
please tell him we are all thinking of him. Plus the family. I guess even the
biggest hearts, have their limits.
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Thanks Chuck for letting everyone hear the news. If you talk to Gene again
please tell him we are all thinking of him. Plus the family. I guess even the
biggest hearts, have their limits.
Hello Darlin'.
I sent Gene a text......I let him know all the Brokies are sending their love to him and the boys and Bizzy.
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((((((((((((((((Truman))))))))))))))))
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((((((((((((((((Truman))))))))))))))))
Yes, ((((((((((((Truman))))))))))))))
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Hey Tru, hun, hope you are doing okay......
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Thank you all. It is another day, I woke up feeling good until I remembered what was going on.
Most likely by the end of the day we will be headed toward Atlanta, if I can get Crybaby to the vet. Regardless of when the services will be there will be time to get about and see Gene, Ruth and Wayne, who we'll stay with.
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Thank you all. It is another day, I woke up feeling good until I remembered what was going on.
Most likely by the end of the day we will be headed toward Atlanta, if I can get Crybaby to the vet. Regardless of when the services will be there will be time to get about and see Gene, Ruth and Wayne, who we'll stay with.
(((Truman)))
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Rich turned me on to Eva Cassidy, who he described as someone who wanted to sing the way she wanted to sing and not like the way her record label did, so she walked out and followed the harder path.
He gave me her CD.
After her death her former producer quit and dedicated his time to promoting her as she was:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce-5OWBNGNw[/youtube]
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That's her signature song. I remember Rich and I shared a love of Eva Cassidy (so far from country music!), and I had sent him her most recent CD.
She was someone else who died far too young.
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This is a song I sent to Rich once, just thought of it this morning:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k-0rskSk_c[/youtube]
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Truman, I wish you strength for the journey you are taking on tomorrow.
(((Tru)))
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Truman, my Friend,
I am sure that exhausted doesn't even begin to cover it. Please get some rest tonight, and we'll talk later in the week - much later - unless you just want to talk. You don't need to do anything more than you've already done. Some of the rest of us can take the reins for a little while. If there are any important developments, I will let you know.
You are a true friend who can be counted on when it's important and you really came through this weekend. Rest for awhile now.
Love,
Lynne
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((((Tru)))))
(((((Lynne)))))
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Truman, hope you're having a reasonable day and were able to get some rest last night. It was so good to have you here... wish y'all could just stay here :-\
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Truman, hope you're having a reasonable day and were able to get some rest last night. It was so good to have you here... wish y'all could just stay here :-\
I wish that too Wayne. I always said I hated Atlanta, but I now know that was the same reason I hated Myrtle Beach. It had nothing to do with the city, it had to do with the ex and some other things that happened way back when I was 17....lol. Now after being there this time even under the bad circumstances........I think it is really a cool city.......I like it.
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Hiya Big Brother Truman!
;D
Just stopping by to say I miss ya and love ya, ya big lug! ;D :-*
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Hey Truman. I hope you have gotten rested up from last weekend. Thanks again for everything you did.
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Big brother Tru! The rock, and fearless leader. ;D
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The rock says: keep breathing!
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If you don't, you turn blue! ;D
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Big brother Tru! The rock, and fearless leader. ;D
Makes me think if Zena the warrior princess!
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Makes me think if Zena the warrior princess!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/cebb7da81061909c.jpg)
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(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/cebb7da81061909c.jpg)
I have such a shit eating grim.
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I have such a shit eating grim.
and such a slim waist! ;D
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and such a slim waist! ;D
For a change :laugh:
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Hiya Big Brother Truman!
:-*
Just droppin' by to say "I Love ya!" and give ya some moonshine!
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll72/idkwtfomg/moonshine.jpg)
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Oh g wd h ow am I gon e clean up this ke yboard ?
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Oh g wd h ow am I gon e clean up this ke yboard ?
Canned air?
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truman! Is it sticky because you spilled your moonshine all over it?
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truman! Is it sticky because you spilled your moonshine all over it?
;D Thanks for giving me a reason to smile. Your a Prince.
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I apologize for texting you so late. I didn't realize it was 2330 until I hit send. Time got away from us.
I hope you are sleeping soundly and we will call from I81. :*
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;D Thanks for giving me a reason to smile. Your a Prince.
;D
*adjusts crown*
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I need a vacation Chuck, how about you?
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I need a vacation Chuck, how about you?
Oh yeah!
I'll be in London & Rome in less than a month! ;D
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;D
*adjusts crown*
Shouldn't that say "tiara"?
;D :-*
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Shouldn't that say "tiara"?
;D :-*
#1. Truman called me a Prince, and princes wear crowns, not tiaras.
#2. I don't have a tiara to wear, since you wouldn't let me borrow yours.
;D :-*
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#1. Truman called me a Prince, and princes wear crowns, not tiaras.
Maybe he forgot a couple of letters? Like "ss"? ;D
#2. I don't have a tiara to wear, since you wouldn't let me borrow yours.
;D :-*
Of course not. I don't lend my diamonds to anybody! :laugh: :-*
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:laugh: :laugh:
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London and Rome! Wow you are the world traveller. Send me a post card, let me know your there.
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London and Rome! Wow you are the world traveller. Send me a post card, let me know your there.
;D :-*
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London and Rome! Wow you are the world traveller. Send me a post card, let me know your there.
;D
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On this day, 20 years ago I was driving down Depot Street listening to the news on the radio when I heard the news: Stevie Ray Vaughn had died early that morning in a helicopter crash.
I was stunned. How could such a thing happen?
In my drinking days, Stevie Ray was it. His home grown Texas blues was the soundtrack of my world. The lyrics I kept around to remind me to stay away from the dark side of life.
Twice I got to see him.
The first time was Halloween, 1985 and he was performing in Knoxville. Jason and the Scorchers were opening up for him. Four of us went in two cars. I rode with my friend the Rev. Billy Bob Karma, who was at the time the only Buddist in Southwest Virginia. He had a 1984 Mustang with a bad paint job. We stopped at the Package store headed out of town and bought multiple minibottles of Ameretto that we mixed with Mountain Dew on our heroic drive south.
Our average speed was 108 miles an hour. We passed everything on the road!
The show was in a large area at UT, and was about half full, a lot of bikers were there. A lot of college kids dressed up for halloween. It was a fright. Stevie Ray came out finally and whailed on that guitar, his feathered hat a bobbin' and I was happy, happy I had picked up on something special before it got ruined by popularity.
That night at one am, returning thru Fall Branch, Tennessee me and the Rev. Karma were the last customers at a Wendy's drive thru. He ordered a burger "and I don't want no goddamn pickles on it!" he demanded. When we got our orders the window was locked and the lights went out and he dicovered they had put every goddamn pickle in the place on it.
The second and final time was on Friday the 13th of February, 1986, in Johnson City (pronounced "Jon'city") Tennessee, at Freedom Hall, a small arena. It was also a full moon, the media claimed it would be the last time such would happen that century, and now that century is long behind us.
I met up with my friends at a bar downtown where they had been drinking all afternoon. One of them, a very masculine girl named Becky, later passed out and was carried into the place, where she was set in a seat and missed the whole show. I with a buddy, went down on the floor and up close to the stage where he played Voodoo chile, and everyone was dancing and moving to the music. It was wonderful. It was the pinnacle of my rock and roll experience.
Three years of change later, there would be no more chances to see him, but memories I would never forget. I can still feel those chords reverberate in my chest.
Here kitty, kitty.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPDJicA816s[/youtube]
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Thanks for sharing those memories. I don't really know his work myself, but I know folks who consider him one of the all-time greatest guitarists.
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Thank you Truman for sharing your memories. I've said it before, but it bears repeating: you do have a talent to tell stories. Love it! :) Loved the pickles detail :laugh:.
Today you brought memories of my own life back to me.
The name Stevie Ray Vaughan rang a bell very, very far in the back of my mind. As so often, the video you posted doesn't play in my country ( :P). So I went to youtube and searched SRV. The first hit was Voodoo Chile and I listened to it. I didn't recognize it for sure - but boy, that was the type of music we listened to in pretty much similar settings you described. Same time, dubious clubs in dark cellars, plenty of stuff to be high on, and that type of music.
Next I searched for Superstition on youtube: BINGO!!! Yep, I sure do know this.
So while SRV wasn't the soundtrack of my life back then, I know I also listened to him in those wild days, long ago. :)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/85ef0856.jpg)
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I saw SRV perform at Red Rocks Amphitheater less than a year before his death. I generally don't get into Texas music and can only take so much blues, but he was the exception. "The house is a rockin, don't bother knockin!" :D
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I thought about it, but I missed commenting on it. Yesterday was Nebraska Day.
In 2004 I went solo on a road trip with my car that had 4,000 miles on it, up to Chicago, Minnesota, The Dakotas, Rushmore, the Black Hills, thru Nebraska and Kansas, visited the Truman Library and grave of my namesake, down thru the Ozarks to Memphis and one loooong drive back into the eastern time zone.
On September 1st I awoke in a cavernous motel room older tan myself in Valentine, Nebraska, and drove east on Rt. 20 to the town of Bassett, where I turned south on Rt. 183. And I Drove. And Drove, And Drove.
Rt. 183 is a two lane road, and I averaged 55-60 miles per hour and seldom ever saw another vehicle. What I did see were the sand hills, and arid almost desert covered with sunflowers and humans feeble attempts to crow corn. Up and over the rolling hills, due south, the radio from Omaha keeping me company, all day.
The first little place I reached was the community of Rose, which was a wide spot in the road, looked like an extended family compound. Another hour south of there the road took me off in a SE direction. This took me near a state park, a human made lake, and a lush corridor of grass along the creek bank. Bird swooping and diving for bugs. And the bugs were everywhere. Locust, splattering the windshield and headlights. The night before I took a wash rag from the motel to the car was to try to scrub them off, but the sticky goo of their exploded bodies was baked on by the dry heat of Nebraska. When one hit the windshield you had 2 seconds to get the washer going or you would be dealing with it until the next stop.
The next stop was to buy gas, at an old gas station in the town of Taylor. The first real town I had been in in 2 hours. I wondered how people could live out in the country like that dealt with having to keep gas in their tanks an hour from the pump. They probably kept a tank where they lived, if they could afford it. I pulled up to the pump and this real country sounding fella come out and pumps the gas for me. He said it was a state law, seeing my Virginia tags and asking me where I am headed. They don't get many tourists.
I loved that little town, I rode around it and saw its big old high school and football field. Their season opener was going to be that Friday. It had a motel with 4 rooms, some big old houses and not a lot of people in the middle of the day.
On further south, Thur sunflowers of every description, stopping to eat lunch at a little county park with an outhouse and an sign explaining the sand hills. A walking trail lead over a hill to a small grave that was brightly decorated with the name Elliott. A sign there said the countryside was littered with graves of homesteaders, mostly children, long forgotten. Locals said that this was the grave of someone who had died on a rail road, which itself is long gone.
South of there was the town of Sergent, a bit bigger and a little less dry. I crossed a bridge above the Platte river and there south it began to get greener, at least the native weeds did. The corn stood dead in the fields mostly. A lady in a convenience store told me about her recent visit with her sister in Raleigh, North Carolina, and how it rained every day. "I wish we would get some of that here." she said.
By this time it was the afternoon and I wondered would I ever reach the state line. Except for Holdridge and finally Alma, there was nothing much but sunflowers and birds and locus. The sound of tires on asphalt and the smell of dust, chafe and sunshine. I rolled down my windows and let my fingers trail over the breeze, and thought about turning back, going back to Taylor and getting one of them 4 motel rooms and staying Thur the weekend. Go to the football game on Friday night and listen to the conversations of the people in the crowds. The high bridge over the Harland County lake made me want to stop there, find a little cabin somewhere and hold up for a while.
Would be nice, I thought, if I could just let myself. Just forget the itinerary and live in the moment. Maybe I will get back there one day. Strange little thing to hope for.
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you should totally write professionally.....
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you should totally write professionally.....
I told him that numerous times, he don't listen to me none!
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I told him that numerous times, he don't listen to me none!
I have also belaboured the point to no avail (so far), but I'm pretty good at nagging, so I'm not throwing in the towel yet. :)
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"Would be nice, I thought, if I could just let myself. Just forget the itinerary and live in the moment. Maybe I will get back there one day. Strange little thing to hope for."
I dont think its strange at all. Only if we could all forget our itinerary and do what feels right. Of course then a lot of people would miss work and other responsibilities. You know its kinda like being a kid playing war in the woods and hanging out in a tree house. We used to be able to do that back in the days of childhood,. Truman I guess where just too responsible these days in our adult life to stray too far off the path.
You are truly blessed with writing. I love your stories. Its the descriptions and punctuation that make it so interesting I think. You would make an excellent novelist.
Thinking of you Tru
Love,
dev
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Anybody else pick up on the "Thur"?
It was posted yesterday...
8)
-
Huh?
-
whut?
-
Maybe you do it subconsciously, but it always works and is uniquely you.
Several times in your story you wrote 'Thur' instead of 'Thru'. And you posted it on a Thursday.
:)
I love my Truman.
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;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r2pEdc1_lI[/youtube]
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;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9r2pEdc1_lI[/youtube]
Sweet 8).
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:-\
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoBFhdeR9PE[/youtube]
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Dear Tru, I love your stories, but Amaretto and Mountain Dew don't sound very good to me.
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Morning Truman!
:-*
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HI Truman how are you this evening?
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:laugh:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcpx8O82KLM&feature=related[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIoG4PlEPtY[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CU1rmt7-Vos&annotation_id=annotation_466696&feature=iv[/youtube]
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What a hoot! :laugh:
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:laugh:
-
Gawd Almighty.
-
Hiya big brother!
:-*
Hope you are well! Miss ya!!!!
I'm thinking about placing a video on YouTube, I've discussed it on my blog...
give it a read (please) and let me know what you think on my blog! Thanks!
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,13511.msg588144.html#msg588144
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Hey Shakes :D
-
love that backing up thing!!!!
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Yeah, fuck it.
-
Yeah, fuck it.
(((((Truman)))))
-
you ok tru?
-
Yeah i just went to bed.
-
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Pqpmm2T6j4g/SLPa7KG9w1I/AAAAAAAAEDY/S7GJsyxSaz0/s400/hugs.jpg)
Thinking about ya today! Miss you, big brother!
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Tru, Tru, how are you? xxx
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I am doing fairly well, hope you are too. It is a gorgeous day outside and I am stuck here at the office answering the nonringing phone. Our office cat, LaVerna Rae, was spotted crossing the road today and that just won't do so there was a momentary burst of interest in finding her a permanent home again, which will probably be my brokers. She already has three cats: Miss Kitty, who weights a million pounds; Blanche, who has some form of cat autism, and Aleister, who is an obnoxious part Maine coon cat whose soul purpose in life is to foul any litter box put on the floor.
Which brings me to another point of ponderment, I wonder just home much money I have spent in my life so I could have a cat shit in my house. I bet it easily exceeds the amount I have spent on alcohol. Just the other day I had to haul off Four, count them, Four garbage bags of used cat litter to the dump. I only have one cat, Crybaby, and I live in a house with one bathroom. Crybaby has to have two litter boxes. She has always had one downstairs but then she started going by the front door and the only solution was to put one there also.
Last night I was downstairs and she had followed me down and she used her box and then she followed me back upstairs and, you guessed it, she used that one too. It had not been two minutes. I am like "what in the world is the matter with you?" and she just looks at me and says "Meow".
And of course it is race weekend in my fair town. There is a NASCAR track in my area and one of the two car races it has every year is this weekend which means we are inundated by people from New York, Pennsylvania and parts of Ontario. It is supposed to frost, but they will be out in fields sleeping in tents, because there is not enough motel rooms to go around and they stay booked years in advance for these weekend. Traffic will grind to a halt starting tomorrow and Sunday will see a huge influx of people driving in from nearby towns, followed by hours of engine noise that can be heard for a 18 km radius and then a mass expulsion of them as they leave.
A friend of mine whose husband is a policeman arrested one of these people last night for being drunk in public. He went behind a light pole in a parking lot, urinated, and while trying to zip up, lost his balance and fell over and passed out. It is like Woodstock without the music.
Ain't you glad you asked?
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And you don't fancy getting involved in woodstock without the music??
Wow, am I glad I've trained our kitty, Skimble to poop outside... he has a cat flap so can come and go easily.
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Hello Truman!
Happy Halloween!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/floating-ghost.gif)(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/floating-ghost.gif)(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/floating-ghost.gif)(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/floating-ghost.gif)
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Thank you Chuck I hope you don't get any Hershee's kisses with LDS in them this year lil brother.
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Hugs Truman ♥
-
Hugs Truman ♥
Yeah, big hugs to Truman. :-*
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Grassy-ass, I feel like a million dollars!!! (Ya think the 5 cups of coffee had anything to do wid it?) :laugh:
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(http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/Euler5853/Thanksgiving/thanksg2.gif)
Happy Thanksgiving Big Brother Tru!
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Thank kew Little Brother, I hope your day was full of pie.
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Thank kew Little Brother, I hope your day was full of pie.
Hiya Tru!
I had cheesecake, and Pecan Pie and Pumpkin Pie for the first time. Not impressed with the pumpkin, but really liked the pecan. It appealed to my sweet tooth.
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It was pointed out to me yesterday the Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potato Pie can be confused with one another.
Any way, I am looking forward to seeing this movie:
The Kings Speech
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aS4hoOSlzo[/youtube]
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Wow, I can't wait to see this one too.
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It was pointed out to me yesterday the Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potato Pie can be confused with one another.
Really?
I've had both, and think that SPP is very different from PP.
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Really?
I've had both, and think that SPP is very different from PP.
Yeah, thanksgiving calls for for some criticism no matter how imaginative in my family.
-
It was pointed out to me yesterday the Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potato Pie can be confused with one another.
I can see that, if you put in so much spice that you can't taste either the pumpkin or the sweet potato.
-
There is something about this time of year, when it is cold, I feel the mountain calling me.
The exquisite quality of the loneliness of the dusk in winter, on the mountains, in the cold.
Not a memory, but a tangible reality.
It is the spirit of Jack and Ennis, they come this time of year to remind us.
Remind us of our own individual thing.
-
There is something about this time of year, when it is cold, I feel the mountain calling me.
The exquisite quality of the loneliness of the dunk in winter, on the mountains, in the cold.
Not a memory, but a tangible reality.
It is the spirit of Jack and Ennis, they come this time of year to remind us.
Remind us of our own individual thing.
I feel that you are correct, my friend. Always in the cold.
-
There is something about this time of year, when it is cold, I feel the mountain calling me.
The exquisite quality of the loneliness of the dunk in winter, on the mountains, in the cold.
Not a memory, but a tangible reality.
It is the spirit of Jack and Ennis, they come this time of year to remind us.
Remind us of our own individual thing.
beautifully said
-
Thank you so much for the christmas card P. T. Adkins lol hope all is well with you and your family.
I saw a Christmas commercial for cars on TV of group that you had posted a u tube video of on here. Have you seen it? Sorry I dont knw the name of the group but they sing Mrs Robinson on U Tube. I following her for a while but as you might have noticed, Im not online much anymore. My hands are a bit numb. Anyway I dont know if the Mrs Robinson is the vid you posted?
Hope its snowing and the weather is beautiful during this Christmastime for you. Thinking of you often. ;)
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That is Pomplamoose and man they are hitting the big time alright. What ever the big time is anymore.
Sorry your hands are knumb.
-
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/western-christmas-tapestry-throw-at.jpg) (http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/Hat20and20Holly20-jpg.jpg)
Merry Christmas Truman!!!!
Hope you have had a happy holiday season,
and that the past year has been a great one for you!
May 2011 bring you more great things!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/Hat20and20Holly20-jpg.jpg) (http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Christmas%20Cards/western-christmas-tapestry-throw-at.jpg)
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Thank kew my brother, and I wish the same for you.
-
I'm doing "double duty" on this greeting, since Paul doesn't have his own blog
(http://i870.photobucket.com/albums/ab267/Aspoiledbratt/New%20Year/737.gif)
Happy New Year
Big Brother Truman
&
Big Brother Paul!
I hope that 2011 brings you
great things and happy memories!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/SF%20Castro%20Bbm/SFCastroBBM030.jpg)
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Welcome 2011
-
Hey Truman
Happy and Prosperous New Year Buddy
Cheers
Matt
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Thank kew Matt, and blessings to you and yours for the coming year, and may there be three days in February that warms your heart.
-
Happy New Year Truman. May 2011 be a better year than 2010 was for all of us. Hope this post finds you happy and healthy. Have a wonderful New year.
Love,
dev & Bob
-
Thank you Dev, so far so good, almost an hour on, watched Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin on CNN, they should take their act on the road.
Blessings to you and Bob this year, and I think you all should go see the Mermaids. Blessings to Ashley and Crew, and Puppies and the possum in your back yard.
-
Hoping you the happiest of New Years Truman. To our Bettermost handsome
storyteller. With the craziest sense of humor, and the warmest of hearts. Love ya
dear. Janice
-
Five years ago tonight I saw the car come down River Road.
I had driven my car 50 miles at the same breakneck speed to make the show time, 7 pm. It was opening day in Roanoke, there had already been two showings. I can still remember the feeling that came over me when I rounded the corner onto Grandin Avenue and saw the Marquee: Brokeback Mountain.
The crowd in the lobby was huge, and gay men were in the majority. I saw faces there I recognized, had not seen in years and have not seen since. Had to twist thru them to get into the main theater. And nothing was ever the same.
Back at the beginning of this blog I wrote about Curtis, he was a friend of mine. In the brief time we knew each other he introduced me to the song "Nobody Knows" by a bald country singer named Kevin Sharp. He told me how Sharp was battling cancer, and it was one of those details I retained even after I had forgot his name. This evening I clicked onto Brokeback Mountain Radio, and that song was playing. I saw his picture and recognized him. I was able to find out he lost his hair permanently, but won his battle against Ewings Sarcoma. His music career, well, thanks to Mr. Edison we can relive his 15 minute when ever we want.
So here is to Curtis, who didn't make it, and to all the countless men and women, Jacks and Ennises, who have walked in this world, loving someone they can never be with, may the hand of grace that has brought me safe thus far guide them as well. Here is to Rich, may his story and his bravery be told down the generations. May grace guide us to a world that is not so lonely.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wExJDsdExnA[/youtube]
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Happy 5th anniversary Truman!!
Your post brought tears to my eyes. :'(
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Thanks for the song and the memory, Truman. Glad we're still here to wish you well five years on. (http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/merylmarie/Emoticons%20and%20Avatars/campingsmiley.gif)
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Big Brother Truman, I love the way you write!
I'm so glad you went to the movies that day, and that you started out on a path that led you to us.
Happy anniversary!
:-*
-
It was pointed out to me yesterday the Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potato Pie can be confused with one another.
They're both orange-ish in color, but otherwise, I don't see how.
-
Five years ago tonight I saw the car come down River Road.
I had driven my car 50 miles at the same breakneck speed to make the show time, 7 pm. It was opening day in Roanoke, there had already been two showings. I can still remember the feeling that came over me when I rounded the corner onto Grandin Avenue and saw the Marquee: Brokeback Mountain.
The crowd in the lobby was huge, and gay men were in the majority. I saw faces there I recognized, had not seen in years and have not seen since. Had to twist thru them to get into the main theater. And nothing was ever the same.
Back at the beginning of this blog I wrote about Curtis, he was a friend of mine. In the brief time we knew each other he introduced me to the song "Nobody Knows" by a bald country singer named Kevin Sharp. He told me how Sharp was battling cancer, and it was one of those details I retained even after I had forgot his name. This evening I clicked onto Brokeback Mountain Radio, and that song was playing. I saw his picture and recognized him. I was able to find out he lost his hair permanently, but won his battle against Ewings Sarcoma. His music career, well, thanks to Mr. Edison we can relive his 15 minute when ever we want.
So here is to Curtis, who didn't make it, and to all the countless men and women, Jacks and Ennises, who have walked in this world, loving someone they can never be with, may the hand of grace that has brought me safe thus far guide them as well. Here is to Rich, may his story and his bravery be told down the generations. May grace guide us to a world that is not so lonely.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wExJDsdExnA[/youtube]
I'm glad you went to the theater that day too, Truman. Not knowing you is unthinkable.
(((((Truman)))))
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(http://www.riverroadentertainment.com/images/smLogo.gif)
It's been quite a road. Happy Anniversary, Tru. Love you.
-
Happy Anniversary Tru. I'm glad this River Road led you to us, led all of us together. :)
-
Happy 5 year anniversary Tru!
xx
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I came across this song this evening for the first time. Really amazing version, speaking to the assassination of JFK:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujnYHJxfiRw&feature=related[/youtube]
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Thanks for posting that, Truman. I always loved the Byrds' sound. They did right by the song and by John Kennedy.
-
Hi Truman, I may be coming to Richmond for a family wedding in April.
-
Hi Truman, I may be coming to Richmond for a family wedding in April.
That is great news, maybe we'll be able to visit.
-
Happy Anniversary Truman...............
It would not be Bettermost without you here. There are some people in
this world, that without them, it would not be the same world. You are one of those.
-
Thank you Janice,
I feel the same way about you. I will always keep our picture as my avatar, that wonderful trip to SF is a beautiful memory I always want to stay connected with.
-
You know I got to thinking about that rodeo weekend last night and went to Google Earth and found the place in LaHonda, the lay out was recognizable from the air. I was amazed at how far from SF it was!
-
hiya Big Brother!
:-*
Thanks for posting the pic of me and Matthew!
Sorry about the confusion on DCF......you can't attach pics there like you do here, you have to have them uploaded to photobucket first.
-
You know I got to thinking about that rodeo weekend last night and went to Google Earth and found the place in LaHonda, the lay out was recognizable from the air. I was amazed at how far from SF it was!
Well damnation I thought I posted that in Janice's blog......
I fdon't have a photo bucket, o-well.
-
Hey pal, how are you doing? I hope you are well and hearty. I know it is
a job, these days just to keep mind and body together. It is getting better
however, thank goodness. I hope that the economy gets better soon. It is
sorely needed. If we don't get it turned around, we are going to have a new
president after the next election. Dear me, I can hardly stand that idea, as
a reality. It looks like I am going to have to have some more surgery, if I let
them do it. I try not to think of it. It makes me so depressed. Seems like there
is never any end to it, when it comes to my health. I lost fifty lbs and thought
that would take care of all my issues, but it obviously didn't do so. Seems now
they think I need a pacemaker. I have always had a heart murmur, but it was
what they called functional. Evidently it isn't so functional anymore. My heart is
too slow anymore. It is part of the reason that I have the alternate sweats and
cold spells. ''DAMMIT'' I am sick of all this shit. Oh well if it has to be someone,
I guess its best that it is me. I don't want it to be any other of my loved ones.
Lov, have a good one. me
-
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/b5295cbf.gif)
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/2676.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/Val_mini4.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/smilies%20for%20forum/valentine2.gif)
Happy Valentine's Day, Truman!
-
Thank kew Chuck, I hope there is some chocolate in your near future.
Man it is windy here.
-
It's windy here too. ugh!
-
It is very windy here also. It is also pouring down rain. But you know what? I do not mind it. The wind isn't doing any damage really, and I love the rain. So it for sure could be a lot worse. We at least didn't have the blizzards that they had on the east coast last couple of weeks.
-
It was pointed out to me yesterday the Pumpkin Pie and Sweet Potato Pie can be confused with one another.
Any way, I am looking forward to seeing this movie:
The Kings Speech
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aS4hoOSlzo[/youtube]
Well I finally saw the Kings Speech last night. It was a wonderful movie.
Colin Firth really made the King a human, when his character told of how he was treated growing up, it was just pitiful. Helena Bonham Carter was amazing as the Queen Mum and Geoffrey Rush just melted into the role of the therapist.
However, Eve Best as Wallis Simpson I think stole the show, for her breif appearance. She was like a ghost!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__7s9GUTM-oY/TPHlg-8vJiI/AAAAAAAAUzw/Ja6Dg7he6Z4/s1600/eve_best_2010_a_p.jpg)
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I agree about Eve Best, Truman. She was uncanny in her resemblance to Wallis Simpson. If you ever get a chance to watch the cable series "Nurse Jackie" on Showtime, she does a funny turn as a British doctor that's superb. ;D
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Heard this song on Public Radio the other night, and I imagined her singing it to her childhood bullies, and it made me happy:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtoXtzjmo2I[/youtube]
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Hiya big brother!
Just dropping by to give ya a kiss!
:-*
-
Chuck>>>(http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv126/Marston72/emotion%20smileys/th_image038-17.gif)<<<Tru
Hiya big brother!
Thinkin' about ya! Hope all is well!
-
*waves to Truman*
Ohhhhh.........March 15th!
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/marge_simpson.png)
-
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/angwbc/St%20Patricks%20day/384922rb9kk3sxwd.gif)(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/angwbc/St%20Patricks%20day/384922rb9kk3sxwd.gif)
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/angwbc/St%20Patricks%20day/384922rb9kk3sxwd.gif)(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f355/angwbc/St%20Patricks%20day/384922rb9kk3sxwd.gif)
Happy St.
Patrick's Day
-
Good morning, Big Brother!
here, have an I-Pad!
(http://newtech.aurum3.com/images/apple-iPad-steve-jobs.jpg)
:laugh: :-* :-*
-
Good morning, Big Brother!
here, have an I-Pad!
(http://newtech.aurum3.com/images/apple-iPad-steve-jobs.jpg)
:laugh: :-* :-*
Well ain't you just the Senegalese Bees Knees.
-
(http://i327.photobucket.com/albums/k463/dcfmod/Easter_Front.jpg)
Happy Easter, Big Brother Truman!
-
Well my darlin, I cannot afford a fancy doodad such as an I-pad, so just
consider me the one that left all those chocolate Easter eggs around ya place.
I am sure ya found em, left em all around ya door.....I specially liked the
gold leaf ones.....lov janice
-
Well, I just got off the phone with Truman, Bob and Fritz!
They are all out at a Mexican restaurant, drinkin' and talkin' and all!
;D
they sounded like they were having a lot of fun!
-
Well, I just got off the phone with Truman, Bob and Fritz!
They are all out at a Mexican restaurant, drinkin' and talkin' and all!
;D
they sounded like they were having a lot of fun!
Yay for Brokies drinkin and talkin and all! 8)
-
What Meryl said! :) 8)
-
What Meryl and Chrissi said!
-
Never enuff brokie drinkin and talkin and all, never enuff. :) 8)
-
Well, I just got off the phone with Truman, Bob and Fritz!
They are all out at a Mexican restaurant, drinkin' and talkin' and all!
;D
they sounded like they were having a lot of fun!
OOOH Tru! Details please!
-
(http://i1114.photobucket.com/albums/k527/popsuckette/Cool%20Stills/Holidays/memorial_day.jpg)
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Hi Truman. Been to church lately? ;)
Lov,dev
-
Not since my uncle died in February.
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Happy Canada Day !!! Bonne Fête du Canada !!!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0Y3L0s1m2o&feature=related[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwDvF0NtgdU[/youtube]
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Very diplomatic, Truman. 8)
-
Very diplomatic, Truman. 8)
You can say that twice and mean it.
-
You can say that twice and mean it.
Trés diplomatique, Truman. ;D
-
Happy
Independence
Day
Big
Brother
Truman!!!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/pfireworks.gif)
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Chuck I went to my friend Carol Ann's last night for the 4th party and I had the beast time I have had in several years. And I ate, man I must have gained 17 pounds but all them hippies brought such good and healthy food I did not care.
Well, won't be long now, will it? ;)
-
I must have gained 17 pounds . . .
Well, won't be long now, will it? ;)
I wonder what the significance is of the use of the number 17 in this context? ::)
And the mystery tease at the end!!
-
I wonder what the significance is of the use of the number 17 in this context? ::)
And the mystery tease at the end!!
Yes what does Well, won't be long now, will it? ;)
mean!?
-
Well, won't be long now, will it? ;)
Explain? ? ? ?
-
...until something happens, I'm sure. :o
-
...until something happens, I'm sure. :o
hm...that was a most unsatisfactory explanation of the mysterious statement.... ::)
-
:laugh:
-
hm...that was a most unsatisfactory explanation of the mysterious statement.... ::)
Well sometimes it is like that, but then when you are not paying attention a house elf steals your whine.
-
Well sometimes it is like that, but then when you are not paying attention a house elf steals your whine.
You think maybe that elf would like some cheese to go with the whine?
I wish I had a house elf that would do my housework for me when I go to visit my dad. :(
-
Well sometimes it is like that, but then when you are not paying attention a house elf steals your whine.
;D ;D ;D
My house elves are a lot better behaved than that! Besides they have enuff whimper themselves, they don't need my whine.
-
;D
http://www.wimp.com/disappearingprank/
-
^^^^^^^^^^
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
I always loved this song, it is not a very good video however.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3dDKyOnd-Q[/youtube]
-
Nice song, Truman. What kind of instrument is that?
-
That is a Dulcimer. It is supposed to be an instrument that evolved here in American, but here is an article about it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_dulcimer
-
That's very interesting, I've never seen one before.
Thanks, Truman!
-
(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o126/kez4oz/Album%202/birthdayHB.gif)
Happy Birthday ShakesTheGround (Truman)!
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g116/CellarDweller115/Don%20Roe%20Cabin%20Weekend/DonRoesCabinWeekend058.jpg)
-
(http://i136.photobucket.com/albums/q186/southendmd/truman/ptowntruandpaul.jpg)
Happy Birthday, Tru!
-
Happy Birthday Tru!
(http://cdnet.myxer.com/tn/c/1056453/big/?t=20081219200046)
-
Thank kew all, it is going to be a great year.
-
Sorry this is late, But Happy Birthday Mate!!!
-
Well I finally saw the Kings Speech last night. It was a wonderful movie.
Colin Firth really made the King a human, when his character told of how he was treated growing up, it was just pitiful. Helena Bonham Carter was amazing as the Queen Mum and Geoffrey Rush just melted into the role of the therapist.
However, Eve Best as Wallis Simpson I think stole the show, for her breif appearance. She was like a ghost!
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__7s9GUTM-oY/TPHlg-8vJiI/AAAAAAAAUzw/Ja6Dg7he6Z4/s1600/eve_best_2010_a_p.jpg)
Say, if you remember this movie, I was wondering (I just rented it last night and saw it for the first time), do you think Loewe was the first friend that Bertie ever had??
-
Oh defiantly, and it seems like he had to figure out this guy was his friend, rather than his subject. I think his wife truly loved him, but that was a little different.
-
It will all be better, starting in a minute, when I walk out the door into the sunshine. ;D
-
Watched this movie the other night, stilted acting, weak dialogue, scrip was nothing to write home about, but everyone with a big screen TV needs to watch this because it was soooooooooooo beautiful!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tL1X_7jIcIM[/youtube]
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Well, I found Artiste on facebook and friended him briefly. I am happy to report he is doing well and still stuck on the same broken record he was n when he was here. I wish him well.
-
Well, I found Artiste on facebook and friended him briefly. I am happy to report he is doing well and still stuck on the same broken record he was n when he was here. I wish him well.
Tru! That's brilliant :laugh:
-
Tru! That's brilliant :laugh:
Hugs!!
-
I have been wondering about him also. He was so passionate about his beliefs I also wish him the very best. I wonder if he may come back now that you have talked to him?
I wish you the very best belated birthday also my dear friend. I have not done the best
job keeping up my social requisites of late. I do hope you were wonderfully happy on your special day. :-* :-*
-
Oh laws, pleeeze don't encourage Artiste to come visiting. It's been so lovely and peaceful since he moved on to greener pastures. ::) :P
-
Hugs!!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
I have been wondering about him also. He was so passionate about his beliefs I also wish him the very best. I wonder if he may come back now that you have talked to him?
I wish you the very best belated birthday also my dear friend. I have not done the best
job keeping up my social requisites of late. I do hope you were wonderfully happy on your special day. :-* :-*
Thank kew Janice, on my birthday I was helping make salsa and my aent croaked. Still it was a nice day, all in all.
-
Thank kew Janice, on my birthday I was helping make salsa and my aent croaked. Still it was a nice day, all in all.
:o
I'm so sorry to hear that! :(
-
What a terrible thing for you to have happen on your birthday. I am so sorry.
I hope it did not completely destroy the day. ((Truman)) :-* :-*
-
Oh naw it did, my great uncle died on my birthday back in 1982. O-well.
-
I missed the news about your aunt Tru...
Sorry to hear that.
(((Tru))
-
I dunno if I ever even posted anything on bettermost. I did put her picture on facebook. She was my fathers only sister who married one of my mothers brothers. She and my uncle and cousins were a military family and in the 1950s lived in Europe, once in Oxford, England.
-
So sorry to hear about your aunt, Truman.
-
Thank you friend.
Had an unusual experience today I thought I would write about.
Yesterday about 6 in the evening I get a call from a banker acquaintance wanting to know if I can attend a workshop at 9 this morning for high school seniors from two area high schools. It is a life skills type thing, how to do a budget, live within your means, etc. I was needed to man the housing booth. I had done it before a few years ago and said sure.
Man there was a lot of kids, easily 500. I was asking them if they wanted to buy, rent, or live with their parents and then going over their options further. Lots of cliques and groups of friends wanting to rent a place together.
Then this couple approached, African American, the girl looked like a model and the guy very well dressed with dreadlocks. She handed her materials to him because she had to fix her hair. He said "Uh, whatever!" and we went over his housing needs. It was then I saw on his wrist a bracelet, one of those mass produced bans that said "I heart boys". Wow.
I went on thru the rest of the group, several people had to come back to see me to get a cheaper place to live when they went over budget. I saw the couple sit back down, with a large group of girls. I kept wanting to tell him I was proud of him somehow. Then here he comes. He was $250 in the red each month. I told him he had a two bedroom apartment, he could get a room mate and halve what he was spending each month. It put him back on track and then I said:"I'm glad you came back because when you were here earlier I saw your wrist band, and I want you to know I am proud of you, and I wish I had had my act together when I was your age, I could have saved a lot of time and heart ache." He seemed a little embarrassed but he smiled and said thank you. We shook hands.
Sometimes, I am still amazed the world has gotten as better as it has. Sometimes, the road ahead does not seem that long.
-
Sometimes, I am still amazed the world has gotten as better as it has. Sometimes, the road ahead does not seem that long.
What a wonderful experience! :D
Time is on "our" side. :)
And I think it's great of you to give your time for this program, too. We didn't have anything like that back when I was in high school.
-
We didn't have anything like that back when I was in high school.
I agree, and so do several of the others who volunteered. Most all of us work with the public and have to deal with people lack of life skills and remembered well our own experiences learning to live within our means.
-
That's a wonderful story, Truman! Thank you for sharing it. :-* :-* And for speaking to him...I imagine he will remember it always.
-
Aww, that's a nice story Tru.
-
very cool story BBT!
I'm glad that he came back, and you were able to talk to him.
-
Hi Truman!
*David waves to Truman*
-
Have a nice day.
-
Have a nice day.
I hope you are having a WONDERFUL Christmas season, Truman! :)
-
Thank kew David, it really is just another day. There is somewhat of a break from things as people have lower expectations from me as the holidays approach. That break is welcome.
I got my stamps from the post office this morning so I will probably try and do my Xmess cards this evening. I got off to such a good start in late October but time slips away. I got off one to Germany, The Netherlands and Scotland this morning also.
Today is the Solstice, although technically it is just past midnight. It is raining here. It would be a good day to sit in a bar and drink, drink all day and call the tow truck about the time the supper rush starts. Maybe one day I will do that, but not today. I am hoping to go by some friends this week with a pint of egg nog and bourbon, we'll see if that happens. You all should know when you get your cards....... :laugh:
I was very sorry to hear that Phillip lost his father in the wee hours. This is a very hard time of year to loose someone, as if there was a easier time. I am not in close contact with him, but I wish strength and peace for him and John and his family.
-
I was very sorry to hear that Phillip lost his father in the wee hours. This is a very hard time of year to loose someone, as if there was a easier time. I am not in close contact with him, but I wish strength and peace for him and John and his family.
Oh, dear! I hadn't heard. :( This is, indeed, a very hard time of year to lose someone, when everywhere you turn they're promoting joy and happiness. My thoughts and condolences to Phillip and John at this sad time. :(
-
They had just moved him to a care facility yesterday I believe.
-
That's very sad news. Thanks for letting us know, Truman.
-
Scotland! Ooh!
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I hope you and your family have a VERY Merry Christmas Truman, and the very best to all of you in the new year!
-
I am not sending christmas cards this year. Sorry; I just can't manage it. Hopefully things will be
better next year. Thanks to those that send them to me. I will understand if you do not.. Love you
all and wish you the best of holiday wishes. Merry Chrismahanaquansifestivus, to all of us.
-
Happy Boxing Day.
On this day 39 years ago, the President I was named for died. I acknowledge this anniversary every year. As a child I had hoped to meet him. When he died I was nine and a half years old. I wore a campaign button from the 1948 election for days afterward, watching the coverage on TV.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF0dJYh3JbM[/youtube]
I suppose if I had to be named for a public figure Harry Truman was as good as any. As a child the name was not a popular one, it forced me to stand out when I didn't want to, it has lead to expectation from people who jump to conclusions. It sometimes forces me away from rabbit holes.
He was a very unlikely President. He had failed at most everything. He got into politics and found favor with a political boss that supported him, to the horror of his poor wife, a woman who lived 90 years in fear that the public would find out her father had committed suicide in the bathtub of the house where they still lived. I cannot help but think when he accepted the nomination in 1944 he knew what would happen. Roosevelt was obviously a very sick man. His family was carried along onto a roller coaster ride that included moving into a White House that was literally falling down around them. Most of the presidency would be spent living at the Blair House nearby while the entire place was rebuilt.
When I visited his grave at his library in 2004, there was a monument erected by a lone veteran thanking him for dropping the Atomic Bombs on Japan. It reflects an almost forgotten ideal held by tens of thousands of servicemen and their families. He had saved their lives probably. No invasion of the island needed. That gratitude now seems almost absurd in the face of the pandora's box every single person that will ever be born with have to deal with.
My namesake Integrated the military. I think that is his greatest achievement. He was called all sorts of things. He was disparaged and everyone expected him to loose the 1948 election. We have all see that picture. "Dewey Defeats Truman". He was not perfect. The "Martinsville Seven" a group of seven African American men from my town were convicted of raping a white woman, and were all executed. He could have come involved but chose not to.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517khXZXiaL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
(http://i.cdn.turner.com/trutv/trutv.com/graphics/photos/notorious_murders/famous/martinsville_seven/1-2-Martinsville-Seven.jpg)
He was full of one liners. He was a true dandy. In 1953 he and his wife packed their 8 year old car and they drove home to Missouri. Took a week. No secret service, no motorcade. Just two old people alone on the road, stopping and eating at diners, staying at roadside motels. Not even a cell phone. Such a thing will never happen again. In retirement the man whose finances had never been his strong point found a life of near destitution until Congress agreed to pay former Presidents a pension. He wrote him memoirs, and walked from his house to his office at his Presidential Library every day until the last month or two of his life.
I have lived to see a time when my name is considered cool. My own nephew and his wife considered naming their son for me but I talked them out of it. He is still better off with them name he has. I kind of like keeping it for meself.
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Cool post truman
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Very cool post, big brother! :-*
-
I am going to ponder the word Circumnavigation.
It conjures up ideas of sex, surgical procedures, sexual orientation and world travel.
Mrs. Fanuken would say: "That's a powerful word".
-
Well, I now have $8.00 in my coffee can.
-
If I was small enough, I'd stay in your coffee can.
:-*
-
Happy Boxing Day.
On this day 39 years ago, the President I was named for died. I acknowledge this anniversary every year. As a child I had hoped to meet him. When he died I was nine and a half years old. I wore a campaign button from the 1948 election for days afterward, watching the coverage on TV.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF0dJYh3JbM[/youtube]
I suppose if I had to be named for a public figure Harry Truman was as good as any. As a child the name was not a popular one, it forced me to stand out when I didn't want to, it has lead to expectation from people who jump to conclusions. It sometimes forces me away from rabbit holes.
He was a very unlikely President. He had failed at most everything. He got into politics and found favor with a political boss that supported him, to the horror of his poor wife, a woman who lived 90 years in fear that the public would find out her father had committed suicide in the bathtub of the house where they still lived. I cannot help but think when he accepted the nomination in 1944 he knew what would happen. Roosevelt was obviously a very sick man. His family was carried along onto a roller coaster ride that included moving into a White House that was literally falling down around them. Most of the presidency would be spent living at the Blair House nearby while the entire place was rebuilt.
When I visited his grave at his library in 2004, there was a monument erected by a lone veteran thanking him for dropping the Atomic Bombs on Japan. It reflects an almost forgotten ideal held by tens of thousands of servicemen and their families. He had saved their lives probably. No invasion of the island needed. That gratitude now seems almost absurd in the face of the pandora's box every single person that will ever be born with have to deal with.
My namesake Integrated the military. I think that is his greatest achievement. He was called all sorts of things. He was disparaged and everyone expected him to loose the 1948 election. We have all see that picture. "Dewey Defeats Truman". He was not perfect. The "Martinsville Seven" a group of seven African American men from my town were convicted of raping a white woman, and were all executed. He could have come involved but chose not to.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517khXZXiaL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
(http://i.cdn.turner.com/trutv/trutv.com/graphics/photos/notorious_murders/famous/martinsville_seven/1-2-Martinsville-Seven.jpg)
He was full of one liners. He was a true dandy. In 1953 he and his wife packed their 8 year old car and they drove home to Missouri. Took a week. No secret service, no motorcade. Just two old people alone on the road, stopping and eating at diners, staying at roadside motels. Not even a cell phone. Such a thing will never happen again. In retirement the man whose finances had never been his strong point found a life of near destitution until Congress agreed to pay former Presidents a pension. He wrote him memoirs, and walked from his house to his office at his Presidential Library every day until the last month or two of his life.
I have lived to see a time when my name is considered cool. My own nephew and his wife considered naming their son for me but I talked them out of it. He is still better off with them name he has. I kind of like keeping it for meself.
"Friend, thats more words than you've spoke in the last few weeks."
-
If I was small enough, I'd stay in your coffee can.
:-*
Wow, Chuck we could make a mint of money if you could. I will get a bigger can if you want to try.
-
Happy Boxing Day.
On this day 39 years ago, the President I was named for died. I acknowledge this anniversary every year. As a child I had hoped to meet him. When he died I was nine and a half years old. I wore a campaign button from the 1948 election for days afterward, watching the coverage on TV.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF0dJYh3JbM[/youtube]
I suppose if I had to be named for a public figure Harry Truman was as good as any. As a child the name was not a popular one, it forced me to stand out when I didn't want to, it has lead to expectation from people who jump to conclusions. It sometimes forces me away from rabbit holes.
He was a very unlikely President. He had failed at most everything. He got into politics and found favor with a political boss that supported him, to the horror of his poor wife, a woman who lived 90 years in fear that the public would find out her father had committed suicide in the bathtub of the house where they still lived. I cannot help but think when he accepted the nomination in 1944 he knew what would happen. Roosevelt was obviously a very sick man. His family was carried along onto a roller coaster ride that included moving into a White House that was literally falling down around them. Most of the presidency would be spent living at the Blair House nearby while the entire place was rebuilt.
When I visited his grave at his library in 2004, there was a monument erected by a lone veteran thanking him for dropping the Atomic Bombs on Japan. It reflects an almost forgotten ideal held by tens of thousands of servicemen and their families. He had saved their lives probably. No invasion of the island needed. That gratitude now seems almost absurd in the face of the pandora's box every single person that will ever be born with have to deal with.
My namesake Integrated the military. I think that is his greatest achievement. He was called all sorts of things. He was disparaged and everyone expected him to loose the 1948 election. We have all see that picture. "Dewey Defeats Truman". He was not perfect. The "Martinsville Seven" a group of seven African American men from my town were convicted of raping a white woman, and were all executed. He could have come involved but chose not to.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/517khXZXiaL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)
(http://i.cdn.turner.com/trutv/trutv.com/graphics/photos/notorious_murders/famous/martinsville_seven/1-2-Martinsville-Seven.jpg)
He was full of one liners. He was a true dandy. In 1953 he and his wife packed their 8 year old car and they drove home to Missouri. Took a week. No secret service, no motorcade. Just two old people alone on the road, stopping and eating at diners, staying at roadside motels. Not even a cell phone. Such a thing will never happen again. In retirement the man whose finances had never been his strong point found a life of near destitution until Congress agreed to pay former Presidents a pension. He wrote him memoirs, and walked from his house to his office at his Presidential Library every day until the last month or two of his life.
I have lived to see a time when my name is considered cool. My own nephew and his wife considered naming their son for me but I talked them out of it. He is still better off with them name he has. I kind of like keeping it for meself.
I once read a book about President Truman called Plain Speaking. I liked it very much.
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Wow, Chuck we could make a mint of money if you could. I will get a bigger can if you want to try.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
-
I have Plain Speaking in my collection somewhere and fully intend to read it one day.
-
The first thing he noticed when they went in was that all the patients were on respirators. Without exception.
Billy had been coming here for a year now to see his step son. He had come to live here after the stepsons wife proved to be incompetent in caring for her husband after the doctors told her they could do no more. The bullet he fired that night had not damaged his mental faculties, but the physical situation was hopeless. At 30, the remainder of his life would be spent in this room, with this TV, this room mate, this machine breathing for him, this sunken forehead. His feet and hands turning inward with atrophy, followed by his legs and arms.
It was Robbie's first visit, and he was as prepared as someone could be on a first visit. It was a ghastly situation. They were everywhere, sitting in wheelchairs, some asleep, some moving toward them to see what was going on, room after room of damaged people with tubes connected to their throats to fill their lungs with air.
Billy called to one of them "Hey Roscoe, how ya doing?" The bespeckled face lit up and a grunted response accompanied the smile. "He knows everything that goes on in here, has to check it all out." Roscoe was checking it out. People here got visitors but rarely did they carry a guitar and a Conga Drum.
David was sitting up in he bed, and his eyes turned from The TV when they came into his world. "How ya doing there partner? Feeling okay today?" his step father asked. In response Davids eyes widened and his face lit up a bit. Robbie smiled at him, remembering the blond young boy who had once built a fort with his own son. He vocalized a bit, recognizing him. Billy addressed the room mate, a rotund man who was more ambulatory, he was happy to see them, sure it would be fine if they made a little music.
Robbie pushed the door together, and got out the guitar. Billy beat a rhythm on the conga, and Davids eyes widened to take it all in, the hands translating their force into a palatable feeling in his body. He was excited. Robbie tuned his instrument and they played Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer"
"I am just a poor boy
Though my story's seldom told
I have squandered my resistance
For a pocket full of mumbles such are promises
All lies and jests
Still a man hears what he wants to hear
And disregards the rest"
"Ya like that?" Billy called way too loud.
"Eh!" came the reply, between small blasts from the machine.
Robbie and Billy looked one another in the eye and Robbie said "Diamonds and Rust?"
"Sure!"
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtQh0EBbPwo[/youtube]
Outside the room, up and down the hall, those who could move, moved toward their doors. The staff stopped what they were doing and congregated in hushed tones. The sleepers awoke. For three minutes the world stopped its progress to nowhere. The TVs were silenced and as they had already paid, Roscoe wheeled himself to the shut door and tapped.
Billy cracked it open and looked down at him.
"We, uhhhhhhhh, want to hear the uhhhhhhhhhh music too!"
He swung the door open and without missing a beat exclaimed "Cool! but we're getting ready to play some Jimi Hendrix, we're all done with this sad shit!"
Over his shoulder, he heard the faint, familiar giggle of David, coming between breaths.
-
The first thing he noticed when they went in was that all the patients were on respirators. Without exception.
Billy had been coming here for a year now to see his step son. He had come to live here after the stepsons wife proved to be incompetent in caring for her husband after the doctors told her they could do no more. The bullet he fired that night had not damaged his mental faculties, but the physical situation was hopeless. At 30, the remainder of his life would be spent in this room, with this TV, this room mate, this machine breathing for him, this sunken forehead. His feet and hands turning inward with atrophy, followed by his legs and arms.
It was Robbie's first visit, and he was as prepared as someone could be on a first visit. It was a ghastly situation. They were everywhere, sitting in wheelchairs, some asleep, some moving toward them to see what was going on, room after room of damaged people with tubes connected to their throats to fill their lungs with air.
Billy called to one of them "Hey Roscoe, how ya doing?" The bespeckled face lit up and a grunted response accompanied the smile. "He knows everything that goes on in here, has to check it all out." Roscoe was checking it out. People here got visitors but rarely did they carry a guitar and a Conga Drum.
David was sitting up in he bed, and his eyes turned from The TV when they came into his world. "How ya doing there partner? Feeling okay today?" his step father asked. In response Davids eyes widened and his face lit up a bit. Robbie smiled at him, remembering the blond young boy who had once built a fort with his own son. He vocalized a bit, recognizing him. Billy addressed the room mate, a rotund man who was more ambulatory, he was happy to see them, sure it would be fine if they made a little music.
Robbie pushed the door together, and got out the guitar. Billy beat a rhythm on the conga, and Davids eyes widened to take it all in, the hands translating their force into a palatable feeling in his body. He was excited. Robbie tuned his instrument and they played Simon and Garfunkel's "The Boxer"
"I am just a poor boy
Though my story's seldom told
I have squandered my resistance
For a pocket full of mumbles such are promises
All lies and jests
Still a man hears what he wants to hear
And disregards the rest"
"Ya like that?" Billy called way too loud.
"Eh!" came the reply, between small blasts from the machine.
Robbie and Billy looked one another in the eye and Robbie said "Diamonds and Rust?"
"Sure!"
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtQh0EBbPwo[/youtube]
Outside the room, up and down the hall, those who could move, moved toward their doors. The staff stopped what they were doing and congregated in hushed tones. The sleepers awoke. For three minutes the world stopped its progress to nowhere. The TVs were silenced and as they had already paid, Roscoe wheeled himself to the shut door and tapped.
Billy cracked it open and looked down at him.
"We, uhhhhhhhh, want to hear the uhhhhhhhhhh music too!"
He swung the door open and without missing a beat exclaimed "Cool! but we're getting ready to play some Jimi Hendrix, we're all done with this sad shit!"
Over his shoulder, he heard the faint, familiar giggle of David, coming between breaths.
Don't know where this came from, and it's not my business either.
I loved to read it. It's a wonderful short story.
You have a way with words, friend. I know I've told you before, but it bears repeating.
:-*
-
Don't know where this came from, and it's not my business either.
I loved to read it. It's a wonderful short story.
You have a way with words, friend. I know I've told you before, but it bears repeating.
:-*
*nods*
-
damn, I love the way you write.
-
The plan had been that on Monday the birthday card would be purchased and put in the mail to make the trip to South Carolina in time for his birthday. That had been the plan.
Now it was Tuesday evening, and it was dark, and the options were reduced to the Walgreens up ahead. They had a good selection he reasoned, he would find something.
There were two rows. He usually gravitated to the 99 cent cards, but this was to be a special birthday, he was going to splurge on an expensive one. There were several with hunky men on the cover, and he was not worried about picking them up and reading them. The sentiment on the inside was generally a bit more on the juvenile side, or just not appropriate for a gentleman of a certain persuasion.
There were the cards that played music, or the ones you could record a message in, but as the recipient was hard of hearing there was no point sending one of those. There was the Peanuts card, which had individual windows on the inside with various characters wishing the recipient a happy birthday, nah that one wasn’t it.
There was the one with the vintage Mickey Mouse and he carried this one in his hand for a minute until realizing his friend would have been a teenage when Steamboat Willie came on the scene. No, that one too wouldn’t be just right.
Then he came to the monkey section. Someone had told him once you could never go wrong with a monkey card. Still, the one of the monkey smoking a cigarette didn’t stir him. The one with the confused monkey saying he/she/it did not know why they were sending the card wasn’t going anywhere on his stamp. Then, there it was….
A simple, posing chimp with sunglasses on, mirrored ones. The inside said “OK, light the candles!” He flipped to the back to check the price and found a further dialogue balloon saying “And call the fire department!” Yes, he had found it. $3.99.
The next morning in the parking lot of the Post Office he said a little appeal for steady hand and even ink flow. The device quickly delivered the words:
“May this 100th annual observance of your nativity exceed your wildest expectations for it, and may your expectations remain, exceedingly wild.” He took it to the window and requested a special birthday stamp, one with a flowered red heart.
And with all sealed and affixed, he slip the card through the slot, and with it stitched another thread in the long story. A written story, a sacred journey. One that began with a friend of theirs he had never met, and the Christmas gift of a diary he began writing in just weeks before John Zeigler broke his water.
(http://alumni.cofc.edu/NetCommunity/view.image?Id=2863)
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:D
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This morning while getting ready I had the radio on my local public radio station and heard the following essay courtesy of the "This I Believe" project. The story was so strongly reminiscent of Ennis finding the shirts that I had to find it and repost. This is Opal Ruth Prater of Chilhowie, Virginia:
(http://www.bobedwardsradio.com/storage/tib-pratero-25233-200.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1328357812321)
I found the shirt hanging on the back of a chair in the cook shed when we came home from the funeral. It had been a beautiful day when he last wore it. We had cut the last of the corn, gathered pumpkins, and picked the last of the green beans. Then he took the kids down the ridge to pick apples, and the warmth of the day combined with the heat from his labor forced him to remove it.
There it hung on that old, straight-back chair, mocking me with its emptiness. With a cry, I snatched it up. It smelled of sunshine and fresh air, that wonderful outdoorsy scent of my husband emanating from this final source. I buried my head in it and cried, as I had been unable to cry before.
My children gathered around me, their small hands patting, trying to comfort me. These four beautiful children were now my only reason to go on, and from them I drew the strength to dry my tears.
My husband, Dusty, had had a heart condition, one that could be controlled with medication, the doctors told us. “He should live to be an old man.” When he lay down in the yard that lovely fall day, he was only forty-one years old. Our idyllic mountain home became a lonely, haunted place.
Days passed slowly without Dusty there to laugh with me, read to me while I cooked supper, and rub my back until I fell asleep at night. When things got really rough, I would slip out to the cook shed, bury my face in his shirt, and cry out my sorrow and frustration. That was as close as I could get to the lost half of me.
Then the day came when we had to go out for groceries. It stormed while we were out and delayed our trip home, so we went to bed right after our return.
The next morning, I went out to the cook shed for a few moments of meditation before the children woke up. Some of our goats and sheep had taken shelter in the shed from the previous day’s storm, and they had knocked Dusty’s shirt off the chair and trampled it underfoot. I grabbed it up, but its wonderful, comforting smell was gone.
Fifteen years have passed since my husband’s death. My children are grown, and I have to admit that they turned out pretty well. I still catch myself thinking, “We didn’t do half bad, did we, Honey?”
I heard someone say of a departed husband, “I loved him.” How do you get to the point where you can speak of that love in the past tense? If that love is past, why does the memory still have such power to invoke both happiness and sadness?
I believe that as long as I am alive, Dusty’s memory will live in me. I see his eyes peeking out at me from my grandson’s face. I find something of his spirit in each of our children.
My husband’s death affected our family greatly, but his life impacted it more. He will live as long as one of us is alive to remember and to love him.
And sometimes on a warm fall day, I catch that outdoorsy scent of fresh air and sunshine, and my face is buried in Dusty’s shirt once more. Although I know he sleeps, I hear his shout of laughter somewhere just ahead, and I think he waits for me.
I believe that love is stronger than death.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opal Ruth Prater and her late husband, Dusty, raised their four children on several hundred acres of land about three miles from the nearest blacktop, with no electricity or running water. Ms. Prater still lives among her beautiful southwest Virginia mountains, with her children and grandchildren close by.
http://thisibelieve.org/essay/25233/
-
Don't know where this came from, and it's not my business either.
I loved to read it. It's a wonderful short story.
You have a way with words, friend. I know I've told you before, but it bears repeating.
:-*
That actually is a true story as it was related to me, I only added a few details I remember from visiting David myself.
-
Wow yep definitely very Brokeback esque
-
This morning while getting ready I had the radio on my local public radio station and heard the following essay courtesy of the "This I Believe" project. The story was so strongly reminiscent of Ennis finding the shirts that I had to find it and repost. This is Opal Ruth Prater of Chilhowie, Virginia:
(http://www.bobedwardsradio.com/storage/tib-pratero-25233-200.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1328357812321)
I found the shirt hanging on the back of a chair in the cook shed when we came home from the funeral. It had been a beautiful day when he last wore it. We had cut the last of the corn, gathered pumpkins, and picked the last of the green beans. Then he took the kids down the ridge to pick apples, and the warmth of the day combined with the heat from his labor forced him to remove it.
There it hung on that old, straight-back chair, mocking me with its emptiness. With a cry, I snatched it up. It smelled of sunshine and fresh air, that wonderful outdoorsy scent of my husband emanating from this final source. I buried my head in it and cried, as I had been unable to cry before.
My children gathered around me, their small hands patting, trying to comfort me. These four beautiful children were now my only reason to go on, and from them I drew the strength to dry my tears.
My husband, Dusty, had had a heart condition, one that could be controlled with medication, the doctors told us. “He should live to be an old man.” When he lay down in the yard that lovely fall day, he was only forty-one years old. Our idyllic mountain home became a lonely, haunted place.
Days passed slowly without Dusty there to laugh with me, read to me while I cooked supper, and rub my back until I fell asleep at night. When things got really rough, I would slip out to the cook shed, bury my face in his shirt, and cry out my sorrow and frustration. That was as close as I could get to the lost half of me.
Then the day came when we had to go out for groceries. It stormed while we were out and delayed our trip home, so we went to bed right after our return.
The next morning, I went out to the cook shed for a few moments of meditation before the children woke up. Some of our goats and sheep had taken shelter in the shed from the previous day’s storm, and they had knocked Dusty’s shirt off the chair and trampled it underfoot. I grabbed it up, but its wonderful, comforting smell was gone.
Fifteen years have passed since my husband’s death. My children are grown, and I have to admit that they turned out pretty well. I still catch myself thinking, “We didn’t do half bad, did we, Honey?”
I heard someone say of a departed husband, “I loved him.” How do you get to the point where you can speak of that love in the past tense? If that love is past, why does the memory still have such power to invoke both happiness and sadness?
I believe that as long as I am alive, Dusty’s memory will live in me. I see his eyes peeking out at me from my grandson’s face. I find something of his spirit in each of our children.
My husband’s death affected our family greatly, but his life impacted it more. He will live as long as one of us is alive to remember and to love him.
And sometimes on a warm fall day, I catch that outdoorsy scent of fresh air and sunshine, and my face is buried in Dusty’s shirt once more. Although I know he sleeps, I hear his shout of laughter somewhere just ahead, and I think he waits for me.
I believe that love is stronger than death.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opal Ruth Prater and her late husband, Dusty, raised their four children on several hundred acres of land about three miles from the nearest blacktop, with no electricity or running water. Ms. Prater still lives among her beautiful southwest Virginia mountains, with her children and grandchildren close by.
http://thisibelieve.org/essay/25233/
Oh....
-
That actually is a true story as it was related to me, I only added a few details I remember from visiting David myself.
Yeah, it had that feel to it, as if there were a personal connection.
-
This morning while getting ready I had the radio on my local public radio station and heard the following essay courtesy of the "This I Believe" project. The story was so strongly reminiscent of Ennis finding the shirts that I had to find it and repost. This is Opal Ruth Prater of Chilhowie, Virginia:
A bittersweet story, and reminiscent of Ennis indeed.
Loved this:
My husband’s death affected our family greatly, but his life impacted it more.
-
definite Brokeback connection there, Big Brother.
-
I am now halfway to my goal of having $24 in a coffee can.
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Wow! ;D
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Wow! ;D
I know, its an exciting life. :D
-
Just because: the saddest song in the world by Rufus Wainwright and Teddy Thompson:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeSYvsEgTyw[/youtube]
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I am now halfway to my goal of having $24 in a coffee can.
Well, when you reach your goal, bury that coffee can in the backyard so you won't be tempted to spend the money.
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Well, when you reach your goal, bury that coffee can in the backyard so you won't be tempted to spend the money.
I'm just not sure yet. Maybe I'll find a deserving soul to give it too.
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M just not sure yet. Maybe I'll find a deserving soul to give I to.
That's a nice idea. :)
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So last night I watched The Shooter, staring Mark (I was afraid to pay Ennis) Walberg and Kate (I played Ennis's daughter) Mara.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogb72h4vYKU[/youtube]
I think it was universally panned, but it was none the less a nice diversion. Plenty of violence, tension and a lot of intrigue and a story line that was pretty well written. I have not seen Kate Mara in many rolls, but she was very authentic in this one.
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If you have been looking for a really, really strange movie to watch, but were afraid it would be too wired and turn you off, this is your lucky day.
Rubber
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6G5pyFhmAqE[/youtube]
I watched this movie last night about Robert, the Tire. Except for the graphic parts it was thoroughly enjoyable.
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I am now halfway to my goal of having $24 in a coffee can.
Have you added any more to the coffee can?
-
T'waz a beautiful weekend. I worked on one of my rental houses on Saturday, pulling nails out of the wall and filling the holes. The enclouse back porch that had become an apartment for a German Sheppard got a fresh coat of primer which smelled of red wine. ;D
Sunday I worked on my own house, cleaning the gutters, sawing up a limb that had fallen off a tree and while I had the latter out I decided to do something I'd wanted to do for a few years now. I nailed an old tire iron to the gable end of the front of my house for the whole world to drive by and not notice. :laugh:
If anyone asks me about it, I will tell them, it is for people like Jack Twist, James Byrd and Matthew Shepard and countless others. They will no doubt look askance at it, same way I look at the huge 100 ft. metal cross in the parking lot of the church down the road, awaiting erection. Lots of people have died so we can have a better world, and they all died needlessly.
Its going to be another beautiful day today as well, the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming and life returns to the northern hemisphere. My internal clock races to catch up with the time change, and my heart basks in the warm sun.
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Sunday I worked on my own house, cleaning the gutters, sawing up a limb that had fallen off a tree and while I had the latter out I decided to do something I'd wanted to do for a few years now. I nailed an old tire iron to the gable end of the front of my house for the whole world to drive by and not notice. :laugh:
Ver' good, Truman. I like it. Have a great spring, bud! :-*
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Sunday I worked on my own house, cleaning the gutters, sawing up a limb that had fallen off a tree and while I had the latter out I decided to do something I'd wanted to do for a few years now. I nailed an old tire iron to the gable end of the front of my house for the whole world to drive by and not notice. :laugh:
If anyone asks me about it, I will tell them, it is for people like Jack Twist, James Byrd and Matthew Shepard and countless others. They will no doubt look askance at it, same way I look at the huge 100 ft. metal cross in the parking lot of the church down the road, awaiting erection. Lots of people have died so we can have a better world, and they all died needlessly.
Its going to be another beautiful day today as well, the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming and life returns to the northern hemisphere. My internal clock races to catch up with the time change, and my heart basks in the warm sun.
Love you, Truman, for the out of the ordinary way your mind works. :-*
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T'waz a beautiful weekend. I worked on one of my rental houses on Saturday, pulling nails out of the wall and filling the holes. The enclouse back porch that had become an apartment for a German Sheppard got a fresh coat of primer which smelled of red wine. ;D
Sunday I worked on my own house, cleaning the gutters, sawing up a limb that had fallen off a tree and while I had the latter out I decided to do something I'd wanted to do for a few years now. I nailed an old tire iron to the gable end of the front of my house for the whole world to drive by and not notice. :laugh:
If anyone asks me about it, I will tell them, it is for people like Jack Twist, James Byrd and Matthew Shepard and countless others. They will no doubt look askance at it, same way I look at the huge 100 ft. metal cross in the parking lot of the church down the road, awaiting erection. Lots of people have died so we can have a better world, and they all died needlessly.
Its going to be another beautiful day today as well, the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming and life returns to the northern hemisphere. My internal clock races to catch up with the time change, and my heart basks in the warm sun.
So that's what a tire iron looks like! I don't think I've ever seen one before.
Love the colour of you window shutter!
And I very much like the grey wooden wall!
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You are basking in the beginnings of spring. I am at the beach in Oregon. Its snowing on the beach...WTF? Cray cray...
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You are basking in the beginnings of spring. I am at the beach in Oregon. Its snowing on the beach...WTF? Cray cray...
It is supposed to be in the high 70s on the F scale here today........
.....and I love the way Latrice Royale laughs!
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um60hLoEvts[/youtube]
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damn! That's a lotta laugh! :laugh:
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Hiya Big Brother!
I haven't heard from you in a while, I hope that everything is going ok!!!!
Miss you like Hell!!!! I need a big ole hug from ya!
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I love my car.
When I bought it in 2004, brand new, it had 4 miles on it. As of this morning it had 191,286. It needs a tune up, but I have changed the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles and it runs great, the gas mileage is still as good as when I fist bought it.
But the CD is screwed up, the carpet is worn out and now the drivers side seat back is broken and won't stay upright.
That's right, I have a BROKEBACK CAR!
I just set a pillow behind my lower back and keep going. It's paid for, maybe one day I will fix it, until then I will just stand it.
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Truman, only you would have a "Brokeback Car!"
There's no way I could wait on that if it was my car, I'd have that fixed asap, it would work on my nerves.
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It's that time of year again!
Presenting the 2012 edition of Mrs. Twist's Irises:
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Bettermost wouldn't be the same without that pic!
:-*
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Hmm....at the risk of divulging my ignorance here... but, why are they Mrs Twist's?
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Hmm....at the risk of divulging my ignorance here... but, why are they Mrs Twist's?
Back in late June, 2006, I went to Wyoming and met esseffjoe, Judy (ohiomyown), Mouk, and Cowboy Wayne amongst others. We make the trip to Lightning Flat, and as far as I know we were the first ones to see the old house there.
Wayne and Mouk discovered these irises growing in the overgrown yard and he pulled some of them up. He has some and I have some. They didn't bloom for me until the following year, a nice yellow/champagne color. They have been multiplying ever since.
And since they came from Lightning Flat, I call them Mrs. Twist's Irises.
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Back in late June, 2006, I went to Wyoming and met esseffjoe, Judy (ohiomyown), Mouk, and Cowboy Wayne amongst others. We make the trip to Lightning Flat, and as far as I know we were the first ones to see the old house there.
Wayne and Mouk discovered these irises growing in the overgrown yard and he pulled some of them up. He has some and I have some. They didn't bloom for me until the following year, a nice yellow/champagne color. They have been multiplying ever since.
And since they came from Lightning Flat, I call them Mrs. Twist's Irises.
Well, they're lovely. :D
Irises bloomed early--very early--in southeastern Pennsylvania this year. When I was a little kid, my grandma's "blueflags" used to bloom around Memorial Day. This year we had irises blooming for Easter. :-\
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Back in late June, 2006, I went to Wyoming and met esseffjoe, Judy (ohiomyown), Mouk, and Cowboy Wayne amongst others. We make the trip to Lightning Flat, and as far as I know we were the first ones to see the old house there.
Wayne and Mouk discovered these irises growing in the overgrown yard and he pulled some of them up. He has some and I have some. They didn't bloom for me until the following year, a nice yellow/champagne color. They have been multiplying ever since.
And since they came from Lightning Flat, I call them Mrs. Twist's Irises.
What a lovely story, Truman!!
Those are indeed special irises!
I'm glad they found a home with brokies.
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I love my car.
When I bought it in 2004, brand new, it had 4 miles on it. As of this morning it had 191,286. It needs a tune up, but I have changed the oil every 3,000 to 4,000 miles and it runs great, the gas mileage is still as good as when I fist bought it.
But the CD is screwed up, the carpet is worn out and now the drivers side seat back is broken and won't stay upright.
That's right, I have a BROKEBACK CAR!
I just set a pillow behind my lower back and keep going. It's paid for, maybe one day I will fix it, until then I will just stand it.
So weekend before last, I enjoyed a very nice visit from essefjoe, who was making is way down the east coast. We took my Brokeback car to the Floyd Country Store where we were treated to a fine ole time watching the young men and young ladies stomp the floor. It was a little cool up on the mountain that evening, but Joe decided he would leave his extra shirt in the car.
At one point when one band was leaving the stage and another coming on, a little girl of about 2 year of age took to the empty floor, clapping her hands and running around in a long tie dyed dress. As the fiddle player drew her bow across the strings the little tyke turned around all wide eyed and put her hands together and commenced jumping up and down and smiling a big ole smile. The crowd, infected with her joy, began to clap along in unison, and for a moment she was the center of the universe.
And later on, I discovered, Joe had left his (damn) shirt in my Brokeback car. I can't believe he did that. I told him I would be happy to send it to him, or put it in my closet inside one of my own shirts.
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So weekend before last, I enjoyed a very nice visit from essefjoe, who was making is way down the east coast. We took my Brokeback car to the Floyd Country Store where we were treated to a fine ole time watching the young men and young ladies stomp the floor. It was a little cool up on the mountain that evening, but Joe decided he would leave his extra shirt in the car.
At one point when one band was leaving the stage and another coming on, a little girl of about 2 year of age took to the empty floor, clapping her hands and running around in a long tie dyed dress. As the fiddle player drew her bow across the strings the little tyke turned around all wide eyed and put her hands together and commenced jumping up and down and smiling a big ole smile. The crowd, infected with her joy, began to clap along in unison, and for a moment she was the center of the universe.
What a lovely story. :)
And later on, I discovered, Joe had left his (damn) shirt in my Brokeback car. I can't believe he did that. I told him I would be happy to send it to him, or put it in my closet inside one of my own shirts.
Guess you'll see him around and can give him his shirt back. Hope it won't be four fuckin' years.
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It's that time of year again!
Presenting the 2012 edition of Mrs. Twist's Irises:
Beautiful flowers Truman!! And what a beautiful account of how you acquired them. And I love the name you gave them too!
Re the shirts: put them in your closet. That's what I would do. At least until he returns to pick them back up again.
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Hugs, everybody!
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SO I now have $24.00 in a coffee can.
I am going to start on another can this week. It is a chock full o' nuts can.
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Saturday night I was over at a friends house,t hey were playing music and conversing as they tried to navigate from one song to another. Some how the subject can up of an acquaintence of one of them was headed to the big Harley rally in Sturgis, South Dakota and broke down before he got there.
"You know what the name of the place was? Ten Sleep."
I was like "Wow, Ten Sleep, Wyoming."
He asked if I had been there, I said no, I had been near there and knew people who had been there. Then they sang:
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3G2ob_gWp4[/youtube]
And Ennis smelled that shirt, hoping to catch a wiff of the lodge pole pine. All that remained was a memory.
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I tell people that if it wern't for funerals I wouldn't ever get out of town. When Lynne announced her plans for her mothers memorial service , I jumped at the chance. I am shallow that way, and others.
Friday morning, with Crybaby safely exploring her new surroundings, I pointed the silver bullet west, intoned Mamie to clean the way and climbed the mountain, Lovers Leap, the way I could drive with my eyes closed having over 30 years experience at it, the ever changing landscape, the old buildings I used to stop and photograph now replaced by replaced by prefabs steel structures what housed a business one year and have set empty ever since.
The way familiar to the state line with Tennessee, where I always peeled off and went to college and late alumni weekend. More lay beyond, but it was the road I was not familiar with, the towns that were vague to me. That day, crossing the state line I was met with dust. The air was full of it. The mountains in the distance were obscured, the wind rocking the silver bullet worse than the semis.
In Baileyton, Tennessee, I pulled off I81 and got some gas. It was time for luncheon and I noticed a BBQ food truck set up in a parking lot next door. It had one of those metal carport structures set up with tables, a semipermanent restaurant of sorts. I got me a sandwich and a Dr. Enuf, the man at the window wondering where all this dust was coming from. He had thought the day before ti was blowing from the truck stop parking area across the way but it was everywhere today. I ate in my car.
Down past the end of I81, on I40, headed west through the sprawl of Knoxville, five lanes and signs that still gave milage in miles and kilometers, a relic of the 1982 Worlds Fair, and off to my left the Sun Sphere. That oddball tacky golden structure where it will always be 1982. I 75 should be coming up. Watch for the signs, ear bud in my ear to the mechanical woman could tell in "in a quarter of a mile, exit right onto I75 South". Five lanes at 75 miles and hour and the phone wrings. It is the office. Bless her heart this agent has to tell me that she doesen't know if she is going to be able to show that house or not this weekend. So and so's mother has to be hospitalized and so for but if she does where does she find the key. She is an only child. Nothing in the world exists except what she has going on right now and that does not account for the 8 years she has worked with me. I tell her to look on the show card and it will tell her what to do but I have to repeat myself because at the same instant mechanical woman is telling me to exit left onto I 75 south.....
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The text from Lynne came to be before I left saying she had forgot to pack DVDs. I was still packing, if you could call it that. I packed a bottle of whine that was never opened, not because I didn't pack a bottle opener but because it was not needed. One well traveled bottle of Winking Owl Shiraz awaits.
I looked around, I pulled out boxes. I could not remember what the year was when I last watched it. Could not remember who was living then or what the drama was. Brokeback was missing. I had no idea what I had done with it. I suspected it might be in the safe, and I had already locked the safe and sent myself an email saying I had locked the safe in case I had any question later as to its status. I saw Ciao, which I watched one time but really liked, and Were the World Mine, which I recently saw with commercial interruptions on Logo at 4 am recently when I could not sleep, and Shelter, it was up on the shelf. O-well. It would be nice to see it again.
I did not bring the sage that I said I would. I had to go back in the house and grab a bunch of shirts when I realized sitting in the driveway I had not packed any. Had not looked under the hood, had not bought gas. I was just going. I had finally, after half a century got comfortable enough that I could just get in a car and go.
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At 204,000 miles, the Silver Bullet still runs like a top, but the CD player is f'd up and my Ipod was dead and I had not packed the cord to charge it. I did have a radio. As soon as I reached Marion I tuned into 89.5, WETS in Johnson City, Tennessee, the first public radio station I ever seriously listed to and the gold standard by which I will always judge others. After 30 years it is still a golden meeting ground of blue haired classical devotees and left wing Appalachian Activists.
George McGovern was dying. "A family spokesperson reports that he is in the final stages of his life and resting comfortably in Hospice care surrounded by his family. The 90 year old former Senator has been unresponsive since Wednesday."
I was treated to the audio portion of a 2005 documentary about McGovern, and how the 1972 Democratic Convention brought conventions out of the smokey back rooms and into the lights of the TV. I would argue that had probably started 4 years earlier when the whole world was watching. It was my first exposure to politics. Age 9 when I learned how to hate. Validated two years later when when the eventual victorr of that race came on the TV and said he would resign the presidency effective noon tomorrow.
By the time I reached Knoxville the signal had faded and presumably the senator could have too. I was delighted however to find many other public stations and just generally cool ones playing bluegrass and classic country as I made my way down the road, looking for Athens. I had already decided Athens was as far as this road was taking me. My calculations put me sling shotting around Chattanooga about rush hour and I had no desire to get in that mess. At Athens, Tennessee l left the Interstate and stopped and got me a Nutty Buddy and took a right out of the gas station onto Rt. 30, and into the mountains.
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Here, I was cutting fence. This road would take me some place I had never been before, never seen. Signs in years for candidates I had never heard of, knew nothing of and did not want to know. 50 miles an hour, did I mention it was a beautiful fall day in sprite of the dust, which was still everywhere? It was the temperature perfect, the road winding, Rt. 30 changing from William Jennings Bryan Highway at a bridge being redone. It was reduced to one lane with a stop light to regulate it. A sign there reading that the delay would be no longer than three minutes. Since I was the lead car I had to stay on the ready for the light to turn green.
I crossed over that wide river and landed on the Old Washington Road, which carried me to Dayton, a little town where you have to be on your toes or you'll miss your turn. Take a right and go down two blocks where the bald headed man in polyester pants is sweeping the funeral home parking lot. Then climb, climb again. Somewhere, there is no sign that I saw, is the border with the central time zone. Only my all knowing phone could tell me that now I would have to subtract an hour from the time on my dashboard.
Here were the sought after leaves, yellow and red and rust and an occasional wild purple like a tunnel opening out unto a dusty vista of the valley below. A sign said this road was part of the trail of tears, the route the Cherokee had travelled when President Jackson decided they were not worthy to remain where they had lived for centuries and needed to to go "Indian Territory". Down, down the switch backs that my phone was showing me was just a crawl forward. Down the mountain. Down to Pikeville.
Here my quandry, turn south and take a more direct route to my destination or continue west thru McMinnville. I elected south on 127 and was glad I did. The beeline road went down the valley for miles. The Sherriff not paying any attention sitting in the middle school parking lot. Here were farms and cattle and horses and churches with inpronouncable Cherokee names like Ewtowah. The clouds gathered and I took off my shades. Lonely places. I soaked them up into my soul.
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At Dunlap, I got on Rts. 8 and 111 and climbed the mountain again. A nervous four lane where a couple billion years of history could be seen in the excavation of the road, like a mural that just came as a result. Up ahead a road block, flashing lights slowed the traffic so that approximately 30 uniformed officers could assist in the towing away of a broke down semi, a livestock carrier, empty of contents. I wondered it they had had to effect a transfer there on the road. Soon I was up on the plateau and took a left on Rt 399, which I think was called Shooting Range Road. It was two lanes and carried me far into the country, and up behind another semi, loaded with a sweet mash I suspect having to do with the local distilleries, it travelled 15 miles and hour for a long way and I cracked my windows to inhale the sweetness of the grains, but not so much or so close as to be pelted by the hard bits falling off of it.
Intersection ahead, please turn left. Ah hell no.
I passed through the oddly named for that region community of Gruelli-Laager. What lost bunch of northern Europeans had settled on this place I wondered. I would have to read up on it later, the constant mental calculations with the dash board time piece ever reminding me that trying to arrive at a place one has never been before in the dark is always a GDBOAUS.
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The Sweet Smelling Semi pulled off onto an unnamed gravel road, never to be seen again and I was left to navigated the last set of switch backs into the valley, into Franklin County where I crossed over the interstate 24 that I would have no use of, and on toward my destination. Time for the GPS again. In the potential shadow of a water tank with Nissan on it I set in my Nissan and goodled Tims Ford Rustic State Park. I wonder if the car detected it was near its birthplace?
Down Rt. 50, the Veterans Memorial Highway, toward Winchester. First however was the very well preserved town of Decherd, pronounced as far as I could tell "deckard". Here the train was passing though town so I had chance to look at all the old store buildings, home now to occasionally run antiques stores, and a hardward store gone dark. Ear bud in my ear, I approached the birthplace of Dinah Shore in the rush hour traffic, maze of strip malls and CVS, Republican Headquarters and "in a quarter of a mile (DING DONG) right on (DING DONG)" both the phone was ringing from home to see if I had made it and a deluge of text messages betwixt Lynne and Wayne discussing a shopping list with the admonition to Drive Carefully.
Up by the court house and the square lined with old businesses and a right turn on High Street. It was like the cuttin' horse road twixt Rocky Point and Lightning Flat. Take a right, talk a left, take a right, take a left. Drive, drive, drive. Cross a bridge. Welcome to Tims Ford Rustic State Park, and Golf Course. Cabins, this way.
But before I could reach it, after every other obstacle had been exhausted, here come a flock of Guinney Hens. There were about 2 dozen of them. Dumbest birds that ever lived, sharing one brain cell betwixt the entire flock. I can remember as a kid watching a regular chicken go out into the road to coax a Guinney on the rest of the way across. They were in the process, stopping (each one) to scratch at the pavement. I rolled down the window and asked them why they won't already roosting.
She come running out of that non rustic cabin like I'd come home from Iraq.
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Maybe she was the one coming home from Iraq.
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How beautifully descriptive! Wow.
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I think Penth hit the nail on the head.
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Cabin 12 at Tims Ford Rustic State Park:
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(Tru) Thank you! :-*
Not being familiar with that part of the US, I opened google maps and followed along your trip, alternating between reading and looking at the map.
I can't say anything I haven't said before, but it bears repeating in any case: I love, love, love your writing. You could re-write the phone-book and I'd be happy to read it. You have a way to reach people's souls with your words.
Love, Chrissi
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Cabin 12 at Tims Ford Rustic State Park:
Looks rustic to me! Maybe not in the sense of old-fashioned or country-chic, but at least rustic in the sense of rough and basic. :laugh:
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Did I mention there was cotton?
As soon as I entered Franklin County I noticed on both sides of the road, cotton fields, ripe for the picking, some streatching off to the far woods. I have expected to see Sally Field and John Malcovich come riding down the road in a wagon.
Lynne had arrived the day before with her friend Michelle from Boston, and Mandy had drove down from Missouri the same day, by her own account with everything but the kitchen sink. Lynne's cousin Chris had arrived several days earlier and visited with relatives. It was my first time meeting all three of them. I was given the grand tour of the Architectural Digest cabin, including its connected balconies which I never visited again. It was very angular with a sunken living room, gas logs in the fire place, kitchen dining room area, two bedrooms and a bath.
Also there was Lynne's brother Billy and his partner Maggie, who is becoming great with child but has a ways to go to meet her Christmas due date.
They were pouring over the recently discovered and for the most part never before seen by them photographs of their mother and her family discovered in the storage locker. Apparently fairies had hid these from them when they cleaned out their mothers house a few years back. They had taken these albums and folders and individual photos and hid them, letting these children believe there was only two photographs of Cricket as a child existing. They had been some how snuck back into the storage locker to the wonder and amazement of those left behind.
Presently Wayne arrived, bearing: One 12 Pack of Pomplamoose Soda, 3 six packs of beer, a large bottle of a dark whine, a bottle of Jack Daniels, A bottle of George Dickle, Three cowboy hats, a pair of boots and over very well packed suit case.
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Born Frances Rose Shore, on Leap Day, 1916 in Winchester, Tennessee, young Dinah Shore often claimed to be from Nashville. Her parents, Soloman Shore and Anne Stein, where Russian Jewish Emigres who operated a dry good store there. According to Wikipedia (so it has to be true) the young Dinah suffered from Polio at the age of 2 from which she never fully recovered.
One of her childhood memories was described in wikipedia as follows: "She had a childhood recollection of her normally restrained father's exasperated reaction one evening when the Ku Klux Klan paraded in Winchester; despite the hoods the marchers were wearing, Solomon Shore, a dry goods merchant, recognized some of his customers by their shoes and gaits" In 1924 she and her parents and her sister Bessie moved to McMinnville, Tennessee, where her father operated a department store.
Dinah went on to have a fabulous career in Hollywood and on TV and although deceased remains the namesake of the largest lesbian golf event in the U.S.
Winchester named its main street after her.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SEn3c4MLzs[/youtube]
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You have such a way with words Tru!
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Saturday was the day of the service at the Methodist Church. I drove Lynne into town about 9 in the morning to meet with the preacher and music director. Mandy and Michelle and Chris went to Kroger to get the meal for after the service. My electric razor had made the trip from Virginia to spend eternity in the Franklin County, Tennessee landfill so I was looking for another one or a barber that could make me look presentable.
Having dropped her off, I parked on the square and went looking for a shop and soon came upon a door to an old building that read "Philpotts Barber Shop" That is not a common name, but one I was familiar with. My father's late attorney was a Philpott and has a highway named in his honor running through southside Virginia in recognition of his years in the legislature.
Inside a man in his late 60s was watching TV. I asked him if I could get a shave. He won't set up for that. So I asked him could I get a hair cut and could he run the clippers over my face and he agreed to do that. I had a seat in his chair, and had a good look at the place. I realize I was now in the year 1928.
The room was huge, the tin ceiling was at least 20 feet high. To my left was another barber chair and to my right the parts to make a third one. Beyond that a shoe shine stand waiting for a young man in a straw hat and clip on collar to come along and have the polish applied before heading out to the dance. Back to my left was a series of mirrors which at the bottom of them in gold leaf advertised various business in town that I doubt survived the crash of '29. Some of them had phone numbers and one in particular had the phone number "19".
I asked the barber if he knew Lynne's mother but he didn't. The TV was going on about something. I gave him a tip and told him it had been a real experience. I looked like a million dollars if I do say so meself.
Back at the Church the family and relations had gathered for the service. The interior of the church was magnificent, all vaulted ceilings and ornate wood and thank you Jesus padded pews. The piano played in the time honored stalling tactic until the arrival of everyone and the service began. Chris wore her dress and carried a hand bag and no one at all seemed to care. The minister gave his welcome and soon it came time for our readings.
Lynne rose when the time came, and carrying the family Bible only recently discovered, the one her grandfather had bought on the installment plan for $16.00 in 1957, she went to the pulpit and delivered, bravely and eloquently, the eulogy. The summation of the life of their mother. As Cricket had come into this world 72 years ago to the arms of her parents and grandparents, she had in her time seen them all safely out, into the unknown and unknowable, those people had passed her off to her husband and her children who in turn had carried her to the end. It was as it always has been, and it is what we all secretly hope for. Some one to stand at the end of the line and sum it all up to those who care. I can honestly say this woman's hard work and sacrifices were well worth it. She was in her humble way, a success in life.
We sang the hymns, as best we could, my own voice I would compare to Marianne Faithfuls tone deaf brother. The real blessing came at the end when Billy's friend came to the pulpit with a guitar that looked like it could tell some tales. The Choir director lady looked apprehensive, and after a few words of remembrance, the music came forth, under special license from Shawn Kirchner himself, he bellowed: "I'll be on my way....I'll be on my way.....I'll lay these burdens down......You know I'm Glory Bound.....I'll be on my way"
Never before in my life, and I was raised Methodist, have I heard applause in a church. It was magnificent.
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The preacher had made a point of blessing the food in the reception hall in his closing benediction. I thought that was very thoughtful and perhaps he had another engagement to get to.
At the meal I met Lynne's father and his wife, and her cousin Tim as well as many other relatives. All good people and as I have said, no one passing the first remark about Chris's dress. Afterward we loaded the flowers in the car and set out for the family plot where in the spring, Crickets ashes will go back to the earth. There was business to conduct with Mr. Newgent, the caretaker, with regard to the erection of the monument.
But first we had to get there.
Lynne and myself and her cousin Tim took my car, Wayne and Chris were behind me and Lynne's father and step mother in the third car. We headed out of town on Rt. 64 and headed into Lincoln County, out amongst the cotton fields and scattered houses. I played the radio for Tim, who would occasionally sing random verses to the classic country songs played on WSM. The year before he had lost his father and almost his sister when a tornado tore through their town. His sister, who I met, had spent 6 months in a rehab. There was a sadness about him that you knew would never leave him, but it did not consume him. He was in love. In love with a woman in Tullahoma he was taking dancing and it sounded to me like they might dance all night.
We passed the United States Postal Service facility for Flintville, Tennessee and following Mr. Newgents directions turned at the convince store. There things got murky.
Memory is a fickle thing. It requires frequent refreshing to be useful. Lynne and her family knew the way, but the way changes, rearranged by road imps and fairies who replace old barns with new houses. After several anticipatory turns the GPS was consulted and to our amazement it knew where the Golden family was, and they were only 3.8 miles away.
I pointed out immediately this was the fanciest family plot I'd ever visited as it had its own privy.
We took the flowers and undid the arrangements, decorating the graves of each family member. The Baby who died in 1936 with a cursive hand frozen in concrete to tell about her, the brother who died in France in World War II leaving behind a tantalizing photo of himself and buddy. We read the names and the dates and waited for Mr. Newgent, who was prodded 100 meters down the road with another phone call. He arrived in his Lincoln and was the only one expressing any confusion the whole day with regard to Chris's gender when introduced as Lynne's sister.
He was the caretaker. He was the fountain of knowledge of such places out in the country. Where you could dig and where not to dig. He kept it all in his head.
"Over here" he gestured to an otherwise empty section "are soldiers and Indians". He went on to point out his parents graves, and how he had come by the knowledge from his father, and here was his brother, who had gone north to find work as Lynne's parents had, only to fall victim to an unsolved crime.
Wayne whispered: "He was only 39 years old".
-
;)
-
That evening we had a cabin full of people, a couple of local friends of Lynne's came by. It was jolly just like a get together n a TV show. I grilled burgers and hot dogs on the carcoal grill in the yard, standing in my socks on a cool fall evening, the crescent moon setting and Javier Bardiem on the TV. The kind of night you wish you could freeze and come back to often.
In the morning, Michelle cooked a delicious breakfast of eggs and grits and bacon, broiled in the oven. Mandy treated me to a true gift, she brought out a copy of the slide show from our friend Rich's memorial service two years ago. It was such a blessing being able to see those pictures again of his smiling face, see them now without grief or sadness, but with an appreciation I had the eyes to see it, and the ability to tell her: "That dog there, his name was Jack from Tennessee!"
We said our goodbyes and Wayne, Mandy and myself rode down to the dock near the boat launch. Although we were on the water it was the only contact we had with it as the wood came betwixt Cabin 12 and the lake. Nice and quiet and peaceful. It promised to be a good day.
Chris and Lynne were at the Waffle House in town with her brother. I stopped by and had a cup of coffee with them, heard a couple of family stories and share some time with this remarkable woman. I wished I had another day so I could go with them to see Sewanee, but we all know, there is never enough time, when you got to be somewhere else and there are miles to travel to get there.
So Chrissi, I took 41A north to Tullahoma, and then got on 55 to Manchester and continued on throught the country side to McMinnville, then pealed off on 70S to where it merged with 111 and went north to Sparta, a town where a classmate of mines father was from. He had took the Greyhound to NYC and became a mortician and my hearing impaired roommate for years thought his son had told him he was a magician. Then Rt70 took me up the mountain again and at Crossville I got back on I40 for exactly 101 miles before exiting off onto I81 for a short ways.
I took exit 8 onto 25 E at Morristown and there to my left it set.
The flea market, all the vendors packed up and gone home its pristine white tables and buildings and neat and orderly as the first time it was shown to me, by my father's attorney, the Philpott, not long after he died, when he came to visit me in a dream. I have never understood, I think he was trying to tell me what lay ahead. I told all this to Curtis when he first took me there exactly 16 years earlier, the same weekend. When I had made my one visit to see him.
Soon I was on the bridge and crossing Cherokee Lake and there on my right was the Lakeside Marina, just as it was then. Just as it was the last time I saw it six years ago, when I began my Bettermost journey. I pulled around back to the docks. It was a heavenly Indian Summer afternoon, the water was like glass. Had he been there we could have took Nightfever out for a spin.
I hummed a verse of Strawberry Wine, but I did not come back to this place year after year to remember the taste. No, I looked about and remembered and smiled. No grief, no tears, no hate or regret or longing nothing but the pure joy of being able to stand there and remember being happy. Remember and be.
"It is my feeling that a story is not finished until it is read, and that the reader finishes it through his or her life experience, prejudices, world view and thoughts."
--Annie Proulx, 2005
That, I have done. And because I have done it, I am free.
I stopped in the convenience store where six years earlier I had passed a child named Travis while headed to a post card rack. Amazing how fast things can become seedy in a disposable age. The restaurant part was cordoned off, chairs upturned on tables. Inventory laying idle and dusty. Over against the wall the post card turnstile sat neglected. I turned it, turned it like a prayer wheel until I found the right one. A scene of Cherokee Lake, golden on a day such as this. Thirty cents, the young man at the counter said he appreciated it.
This card will not go on the inside of my closet door. This card is in the mail.
You Bet.
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fe1dzhY_ps[/youtube]
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So lovely, Truman. I surely do enjoy traveling with you. Lynne is blessed to have this wonderful account of Cricket's sendoff to read in later years. Thanks, bud, for your shaman heart and your friendship.
Meryl
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You so need to write more often, Big Brother Tru! You do it so well!
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Meryl said it more eloquently than I am able - I am truly blessed to have this account, and moreover I am blessed that you were there with me this weekend. I have a lot of empty pages in the journal where people signed in - I was planning to use it for affixing cards and a program and other notes I've received. I hope it's OK that this goes there as well. You're a good friend.
:-* :-* :-*
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Absolutely beautiful words, Truman. Your memory, and eye for detail, are simply astonishing. I've had goosebumps for the last hour, reading and rereading your account of the long weekend. It was a true pleasure to meet you, as well as Wayne. Brokies are just the best there is!
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Lovely words Tru x
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Just peeking in on you, big brother!
:-*
I hope our paths cross this year, I need a Truman hug!
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And I need a Chucky hug.
And a Truman hug...
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And I need a Chucky hug.
And a Truman hug...
Me too!
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*ahem*
We're looking for you, Truman!
You NEED to come to the Boston Brokie Bash!!! We miss you !!!!
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We'll see. I see you sent the place on fire. ;D
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We'll see. I see you sent the place on fire. ;D
did Truman just call me a big flame? ??? :o :laugh:
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did Truman just call me a big flame? ??? :o :laugh:
Burn bright like a diamond....
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWA2pjMjpBs[/youtube]
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shine on, you crazy diamond! ;D
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shine on, you crazy diamond! ;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SqFPNTBnv8[/youtube]
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Bless your heart, I miss you Big Bro! :-*
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I miss you too, how is the weather? Has the snow started? Sunny and windy here.
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mucho snow here! I'm about to go out and shove in a few minutes.
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Hey Tru!
:-*
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*throws snowball at bbt*
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*throws snowball at bbt*
;D
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D261SHq69z0[/youtube]
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*peeks in at Truman*
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii205/lassie_faire/GIF%20central/Glee/j8fgagjpg.gif)
Yo bro! When are you gonna update here and let us know what's goin' on with you?
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*peeks in at Truman*
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii205/lassie_faire/GIF%20central/Glee/j8fgagjpg.gif)
Yo bro! When are you gonna update here and let us know what's goin' on with you?
Lol love the jpg!
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Isn't it funny? :laugh: I think it's from Glee.
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Isn't it funny? :laugh: I think it's from Glee.
I would say so. Yeah it is a coudy day here and I wish I was asleap.
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I would say so. Yeah it is a coudy day here and I wish I was asleap.
On days like that, asleep is good. LOL
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"The Lacks cousins don’t remember much about the service—they figure there were some words, probably a song or two. But they all remember what happened next. As Cliff and Fred lowered Henrietta’s coffin in to her grave and began covering her with handfuls of dirt, the sky turned black as strap molasses. The rain fell thick and fast. Then came long rumbling thunder, screams from babies, and a blast of wind so strong it tore the metal roof off the barn below the cemetery and sent it flying through the air above Henrietta’s grave, it long metal slopes flapping like the wings of a giant bird. The wind caused fires that burned the tobacco fields. It ripped trees from the ground, blew power lines out for miles, and tore one Lack’s cousin’s wooden cabin clear out of the ground, threw him from the living room into his garden, then landed on top of him, killing him instantly. "
--The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Pg. 92.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Nsis9xu5L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg
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:o
-
:o
Don't mess with HeLa, she can cut you.
-
Don't mess with HeLa, she can cut you.
I can see that!!! :o
-
Sunday I was watching "Sunday Morning" on CBS, as I have done for over 30 years and they were having a story on the company that lends out diamonds for the stars to wear on Oscar night. There was Anne and almost immediately there was Michelle. I smiled.
Last night I was watching an episode of The New Normal and the two would-be Dads were walking to school the daughter of their friend who is having their baby and going over her homework with her when one asks "Who won best movie in 2006?" and she says "Crash" and he says:
"Yeah, never have figured that one out..."
!
-
Kate Mara is 30 years old today.
-
I dreamed last night that Alma was wanting to get Ennis help dealing with his sexuality by posting a personal ad in the local paper there in Riverton.
-
I was pondering at length the other day after Anne won the Oscar, if BBM would have been as good and believable a movie if Michelle had been with Jake, and Anne with Heath, yet still portraying the wife characters as written. Hmmmmmmm...... perhaps there's an existing thread somewhere on here from way, way back at the beginning....
-
I have a hard time imagining scenarios like that when it comes to Brokeback. The actors and characters are so cemented in my brain as is, to try and envision something else is difficult.
-
I have a hard time imagining scenarios like that when it comes to Brokeback. The actors and characters are so cemented in my brain as is, to try and envision something else is difficult.
They were so well cast as they were. Alma is a mousey little person, and Anne isn't suitable for a role like that; her eyes and her lips are too big. Michelle, on the other hand, can play "mousey."
-
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAbvdch1ELY[/youtube]
I will be seeing Nataly Dawn in concert on the evening of Easter Sunday.
-
Never, ever forget the way this thing made us feel. Hold on to the threads, when the memory becomes thread bear and let it carry you over, to the land of the whiskey springs, where there will be no good byes.
Well, I came home
Like a stone
And I fell heavy into your arms
These days of dust
Which we've known
Will blow away with this new sun
But I'll kneel down,
Wait for now
And I'll kneel down,
Know my ground
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
So break my step
And relent
Well, you forgave and I won't forget
Know what we've seen
And him with less
Now in some way shake the excess
'Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
Now I'll be bold
As well as strong
And use my head alongside my heart
So tame my flesh
And fix my eyes
A tethered mind freed from the lies
And I'll kneel down,
Wait for now
I'll kneel down,
Know my ground
Raise my hands
Paint my spirit gold
And bow my head
Keep my heart slow
'Cause I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGKfrgqWcv0[/youtube]
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGKfrgqWcv0[/youtube]
As per usual, the vid doesn't play for me - but I love the song! :D
-
As per usual, the vid doesn't play for me - but I love the song! :D
Maybe youtube will have another version it will let you see.
-
Never, ever forget the way this thing made us feel. Hold on to the threads, when the memory becomes thread bear and let it carry you over, to the land of the whiskey springs, where there will be no good byes.
;D :-*
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Hi, Truman!
This is Debbie. ;)
Chuck says you were wondering about me.
Don't worry, everything is fine. I've been really busy for the last few months and am about to leave town again for spring/summer travels. I haven't been on BetterMost at all lately (not even to Chuck's thread here, where I used to say hi to everyone) except to go to the thread for the AIDS walk in Boston on the first weekend of June. I'll be there, with Chuck and Lynne and Paul and some other people.
Would be nice to see you somewhere, someday.
Meanwhile, I've been doing most of my posting on DCF, and I'm not on Facebook.
If you have a DCF account, I posted a lot of my travel pics from last summer on the Travelogue thread in Meet Your Neighbors, if you're interested. But I mean hundreds of pictures :laugh: so I couldn't possibly copy them to BetterMost even if there was a place to put them. They weren't Brokie-related; I just took some "tour group" type bus trips with people in Pittsburgh, whom I'd met the year before. We went all around the country, including out west.
Hope all is well with you.
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hi tru.. :-*
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Bless your heart Debbie that was so sweet of you to come over here and catch me up, I am glad to know you are doing well.
I know out yonder in Colorado there is a lot of snow right now, but lawd it is in the 80s here and I need to find my shorts. I just walked about a mile to the bank and back to try and burn off some of this fat and I think it is working.
Leaving in the morning for Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee and a very abbreviated alumni weekend. Got to come back Saturday morning. Still......
Hey Kelda, hope you are doing well.
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Bless your heart Debbie that was so sweet of you to come over here and catch me up, I am glad to know you are doing well.
I know out yonder in Colorado there is a lot of snow right now, but lawd it is in the 80s here and I need to find my shorts. I just walked about a mile to the bank and back to try and burn off some of this fat and I think it is working.
Leaving in the morning for Bristol, Virginia-Tennessee and a very abbreviated alumni weekend. Got to come back Saturday morning. Still......
Hey Kelda, hope you are doing well.
Enjoy your break!
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Bless your heart Debbie that was so sweet of you to come over here and catch me up, I am glad to know you are doing well.
Nice talking to you, Truman.
Hope you had a good trip for your alumni weekend.
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When I was in college 30 years ago, downtown was a seedy, deserted place with closed buildings, worn out old store fronts and the like.
What I saw down on State Street this weekend was amazing. A renaissance of shops and galleries and bars and restaurants. Historical buildings uncovered from the clothes they dressed them up in the 50s and 60s to modernize them. It was like walking in a strange dream in which some of the things were familiar and some of them foreign. What was so foreign to me were the people, everywhere, and no available parking places.
"Here comes Pork Chop" I heard the gallery owner say. I went out to the side walk and here come this redneck guy, dressed in t-shirt of scantily clad women walking a pig on a leash. An eager pig, eager to greet its admirers and sniff their clothes to see what stories he could derive from them. The dud said Pork Chop was about a year old and at first did not like the leash but now he was ready to go every day. He loved the attention he got and the treats they gave him at the Burger Bar. He said last year at the Rhythm and Roots Festival he plopped down in from of a BBQ vendor in protest and the vendor was begging the guy to make him move because people stopped buying his product.
And then in a instant I turned a corner on an alley untouched in many years. The one leading from the bus station to State Street. I stopped and paused and let my self be taken back to 1996. Let myself remember the face of someone I cared for driving away in a big assed car one last time. The last time I ever saw him. Right here.
(http://C:\Users\Storytel\Pictures)
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Hiya BBT!
Very cool that the area is revitalized, and that Pork Chop sounds too funny!
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Hello Truman. I am so glad you had fun round about State Street. It was Rich you wrote about the leaving alley way, wasn't it? Take it easy dear. I hope your doing well. Last night we grilled hot wings. They tasted delicious, but not after I ripped the label off the bottle of wing sauce and shook it up only to have the cap go flying off getting the sauce everywhere including splatting me right in my left eyeball. OMG I felt massive pain. Immediately I Flushed water from the sink into my unopened eye. Bob got my close off me and walked me into the shower cold water running. The whole time I was cussing the lord. Omg ! I wish you have a nice day. ;)
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Bless your heart, that sounds awful. I hate when I get stuff in my eyes. It is no fun.
No, it was not Rich. His biological father lives or did live there and he went there once to visit him, the last time they ever saw one another. It was someone else from long ago who is now driving a large automobile in the hereafter I was remembering.
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Big Brother Truman! :-*
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Big Brother Truman! :-*
Chuck, how you doing? Do you have a terrace in you apartment?
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Chuck, how you doing? Do you have a terrace in you apartment?
Nope! And that's fine by me. ;D
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Hiya everyone!!!!
(http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/iqoncept/iqoncept1205/iqoncept120500019/13541105-the-word-surprise-in-3d-letters-shooting-out-of-a-burst-of-colorful-stars-or-fireworks-illustrating-.jpg)
I decided to throw one of my old "blog surprise" parties for Throwback Thursday! What better place than Truman's blog?
He's written some great things here, and I think he's much more talented as a writer than he gives himself credit for!
So let me put out some food and drink, and start the party!!!!
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We'll have some burgers!
(http://robbwolf.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/grill.jpg)
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(http://www.davison.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Grilled-Food.jpg)
Hot dogs and chicken
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Meatless lasagna for the vegetarians
(http://www.vegetarian-world.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Recipe-Vegetarian-Lasagna.jpg)
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*turns on the music*
(http://www.outblush.com/women/images/2008/10/ipod-boombox.gif)
Time to dance, now we can have a sexy party!
(http://gifs.gifbin.com/op5q3qg639.gif)
anything that's missing (drinks?) can be supplied by others!
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And since I talked about Truman and his writing, here are some posts from the past, regarding a Don Wroe weekend that took place in 2008, with Tru, myself, Paul, Wulfie and Bob (Tru's partner).
I posted a link to each post, because they are not 'back-to-back' in the blog, so you'd have to search for them. Each link is to each specific post.
The first post, getting me and Paul at the airport.
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,654.msg316711.html#msg316711
Lunch and shopping
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,654.msg317658.html#msg317658
More shopping
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,654.msg325492.html#msg325492
Driving in the car, lunch, and more shopping
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,654.msg325512.html#msg325512
Climb to the top of Buffalo Mountain
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,654.msg326166.html#msg326166
Italian dinner and conversations
http://bettermost.net/forum/index.php/topic,654.msg327032.html#msg327032
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Yeah, blog-party! :D
The first round of drinks is on me. Caipirinhas! ;D
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/Caipirinha_XS_zps4c068a99.jpg)
I had my first ever Caipirinha last weekend at my friend's BBQ. Loved it! Perfect for summer. ;D
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(http://global.fncstatic.com/static/managed/img/Leisure/champagne.jpg)
Bubbly all around!!
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Ooooooh!
Sham Pag Nee! :laugh:
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I brought the whiskey!! Essential for any Brokie party... It's 5 pm somewhere right?
(http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r347/atz75/misc/10222740-pouring-cold-whiskey-into-the-glass-isolated-over-white-background_zps2004cee4.jpg) (http://s352.photobucket.com/user/atz75/media/misc/10222740-pouring-cold-whiskey-into-the-glass-isolated-over-white-background_zps2004cee4.jpg.html)
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Ooooooh!
Sham Pag Nee! :laugh:
I had a kitten once named Shampagnee, that's what color he was. ;D
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Yum! Love a blog party! I'll check the fridge and see what I can bring.
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Truuuuu-maaaaan! You need to come by and save your blog. Otherwise we may tear the wallpaper to shreds, let the tub overflow and knock over the furniture.
After having all those drinks people bought, that is. ;D
The neighbours are already banging on the walls
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/knock-at-door-c_zps2defa117.gif) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/knock-at-door-c_zps2defa117.gif.html)
but we don't care because we want to
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/party_zps4d4fb03b.gif) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/party_zps4d4fb03b.gif.html)
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Oh, I just see Tru already joined us. Well then, all bets are off. ;)
Let's see how old that anique vase over there really is.....
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/3475419-alte-vase_zps63ee9be0.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/3475419-alte-vase_zps63ee9be0.jpg.html)
Ooops! Chuckie just let it drop. I hope you weren't too atached to it...........
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Pillow fight!
(http://www.animateit.net/data/media/smiley712/pillowfight.gif)
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Hi Truman, old friend. How is every little thing?
Lets PARTEEEY
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(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/earlywakeup_zps6f8d3413.jpg)
HEY WHATS GOING ON HERE......ITS 6 O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING HERE AND SOMEONE JUST TOLD ME ABOUT A PARTY....
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Hey bud!
TT
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:laugh: :laugh: @ Sue's reply!
It's 6am by you, but it's 4pm here!
Have some pizza!!!!
(http://www.oumbrella.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Pepperoni-Pizza.gif)
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And now Steve's here too!
Good to see you!!!
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HELLO HELLO HELLO!!
(http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSiHqh2H2Ab4udoFHgL5hWM_LHqcR7a66RWptYQqwyw06DiFr1UpQ)
(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRRpBNDN_Sm-A_zEBFmCV5htIraH5u9DLEwDdaosP1Gvn2jnE4N)
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I'll just drink TEA for a while, to wake myself up...if thats OK.........maybe I could dunk some Pizza in it......
BUT YOU ALL PARTY ON.....I'LL BE WITH YA AFTER A COUPLE OF CUPS.....
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/tea_zpsa40964bc.jpg)
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Kelda made it too! ;D
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Maybe some cherry cake will go better with tea than pizza... :D
(http://i352.photobucket.com/albums/r347/atz75/cakes/1838_MEDIUM.jpg) (http://s352.photobucket.com/user/atz75/media/cakes/1838_MEDIUM.jpg.html)
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OK.....I'm awake.....so where's this party.........
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/party_zps04667df2.jpg)
I got my dancing shoes on.........
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/partyshoes_zps360b51d8.jpg)
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Oh, Sue wants to dance!
(http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lcktq93mX91qa1xnko1_500.gif)
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(http://imageshack.us/scaled/landing/138/tumblrlk2qnadobq1qjpza4.gif)
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I was thinking more of a bit of 50's music......
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/billhaley_zps323d8229.png)
LETS ROCK N ROLL......
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/dance_zps9be5d50e.jpg)
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*sighs*
*groans*
*stretches*
Looks I'm the first to awake on the morning after the party........
*takes a cautious look around*
Uh-Oh.
:o
???
::)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/gei2nbb2_zps306ca4af.png) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/gei2nbb2_zps306ca4af.png.html)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/4760_zpsdc0efdc3.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/4760_zpsdc0efdc3.jpg.html)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/26455-ende-einer-guten-party_zps96820fcb.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/26455-ende-einer-guten-party_zps96820fcb.jpg.html)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/1w650c0bild_zps4b21f153.jpeg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/1w650c0bild_zps4b21f153.jpeg.html)
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Crybaby seemes pretty disturbed. Look at the poor little kitty
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/Katze_zps29b44da2.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/Katze_zps29b44da2.jpg.html)
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We gotta help the poor thing.
First
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/kaffee-130_v-image853_-7ce44e292721619ab1c1077f6f262a89f55266d7_zps8f9d8ca1.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/kaffee-130_v-image853_-7ce44e292721619ab1c1077f6f262a89f55266d7_zps8f9d8ca1.jpg.html)
Then
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/Hausputz_zps21f00869.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/Hausputz_zps21f00869.jpg.html)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/putzen_zps1b7b523d.gif) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/putzen_zps1b7b523d.gif.html)
Check in later, see how it looks by then.
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Ahhhhh! Look, much better. I'd even say perfect. ;) :)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/wohnung1_zps9acff5c3.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/wohnung1_zps9acff5c3.jpg.html)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/wohnung3_zps2eea10ea.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/wohnung3_zps2eea10ea.jpg.html)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/wohnung2_zpsa6a1443e.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/wohnung2_zpsa6a1443e.jpg.html)
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/wohnung4_zps9fba05f0.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/wohnung4_zps9fba05f0.jpg.html)
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I think we can officially give Tru his blog back. Here, friend:
(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/stellenanzeigen-blog-sxc-hu-jaylopez_zps922c1515.jpg) (http://s575.photobucket.com/user/Penthesilea09/media/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/stellenanzeigen-blog-sxc-hu-jaylopez_zps922c1515.jpg.html)
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and Cry Baby looks like she's back to her normal self.
(http://laughingsquid.com/wp-content/uploads/Tard2.jpg)
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(http://i575.photobucket.com/albums/ss192/Penthesilea09/Nach%20Neugestaltung%20der%20Website/gei2nbb2_zps306ca4af.png)
Oh, look in the picture! Red Balloons! Red Balloons! :laugh:
*runs from Paul*
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You betta run. And take the g-d balloons with you!
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haha, what a transformation! :laugh:
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Lawd have mercy! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Was a great party.......thanks Tru for letting us use your blog.........
Thanks Chrissie for cleaning up........
Cya at the next one.........
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd7/suekat777/byebye_zps1753d704.jpg)
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Happy Birthday, Truman!
(http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa298/dejavu91/choc20birthday20cake-1.jpg)
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(http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mab028TQl81qdremio1_500.jpg)
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(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lrfeprE8tS1qjnkejo1_r1_500.jpg)
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Yes, that is them, those sinisterly good cookies!
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Hiya Truman! I hope you're well! Been thinkin' about ya lately! :-*
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If you take a tour of the Great Barrier Reef, do it by helicopter, do not take the boat. You will get sick.
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If you take a tour of the Great Barrier Reef, do it by helicopter, do not take the boat. You will get sick.
Oh noooooooooo...you weren't sick were you Tru?... :o
(http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/ii176/gosyante/DSC_1453.jpg)
I'm sure the underwater was still worth it.....
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I think I'll just get the DVD!
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:laugh:
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Rough water or not, once you were out in the water, looking at the colours of the world under there in the beautiful barrier reef, I'm sure you forgot about feeling sick.
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When I went to NZ, Matthew and I went on a cruise of Milford Sound. When we got out to the sea, the waters got rough, you could feel the boat going up and down. I didn't get sick, and neither did Matthew, but one person on the cruise got VIOLENTLY ill. I never heard anyone make noises like that. The crew had to walk him out to the back of the boat.
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You sure kept your trip to Oz quiet! Are you back or still travelling?
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You sure kept your trip to Oz quiet! Are you back or still travelling?
Yes he sure did......I was busting to say something, but didnt want to until Truman did....he definately is a quiet one...
They are back home in the US now.....I'm sure we will hear from him, once he has settled back in.....
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Yes he sure did......I was busting to say something, but didnt want to until Truman did....he definately is a quiet one...
They are back home in the US now.....I'm sure we will hear from him, once he has settled back in.....
;) I would have been bursting to tell people too!
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Hope you're home and rested up, BBT!
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Yo! Big Brother!!!
Where you at? ? ? ?
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I am in Ft. Lee, New Jersey trying to get into NYC but the traffic is backed up for miles. :laugh:
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lmao! That's just wrong!
And at first I was pissed! I was like: Oh no he didn't come to my state and not tell me! :laugh:
I guess Chris Christie is sitting on your bridge, huh?
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How are you doing Tru?
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I am doing pretty well, this getting older is wearing on me. This winter is wearing on me. More cold weather on its way today.
Naw I didn't say much about going to Australia and have not felt the need since I got back. Had a good adventure and I very much enjoyed meeting Sue. My family back in the US wanted me to get an app on my ipad so they could see where I was. It was about all I could do to tell them to kiss my ass. Sometimes I feel like participating in the world and sometimes the world makes me very paranoid. I get back and one of my friends was like "when are you going to put up your Australia pictures?" and I told her I wasn't. She couldn't believe it. I told her they were my pictures and I would do what I wanted with them and I didn't feel like sharing them with the world.
Moral of the story is: if your going to travel, do it when you are young and still have a sense of wonder. When you get old and have a lot of baggage it is not the same. :o
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We are very different.
I will be 70 in less than 2 months time. I am looking forward to my 6 weeks trip to the USA starting June 2. I worry I annoy my friends as I send a weekly email with about 6 to 8 of the best pictures then put them up on my blog and on here. None of them have complained yet.
I admit I use to travel in Europe or USA for 8 weeks but have found that a bit long to be away. I get a bit sick of packing my bag every day or 2. This year I have booked apartments in New York, Washington and Seattle to stay 3 to 5 days in each.
I am just making first email contacts today for a tour from Paris to the Australian war memorial on Anzac day 2015. I plan to spend about 2 weeks in an apartment in Paris where I have stayed before.
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I think it is wonderful, maybe I will mellow out and be more like you. ;)
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Yeah, I'm the kind of traveller, that likes to put it all out there, pictures, stories, everything....
Its my way of sharing it with friends and bringing them to the places I am visiting, in the hope that they will get some enjoyment out of my travels as well.
But, nothing can feel like actually being in a different country, unless you are there.....and nothing Tru, will ever let me forget the absolutely wonderful time I spent with you while you were here in Australia....xx
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I tend to like to share my pics as well, but I understand the desire to keep it to yourself at times too.
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Like others I'm a sharer but nothing wrong with wanting to keep pics etc private.. I'm just nosy!
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(((((Hugs for Tru)))))
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(((((Hugs for Tru)))))
??? Tru? Are you all right?
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Oooops! Didn't mean to cause worry!!!
It was just a way to greet Truman is all! Nothing is wrong.
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Well alright, I recon but you know I got a 20th century brain bombarded by the narcotic effect of the internet and constant interruptions. Like right now, I wrote that and I had 4 interruptions. But that is nothing new I, always been like that. Did I think it was gone get better? Naw.
I am glad the bunch that made it to Madrid got there. I was sorry to hear Wyomen couldn't make it. I sure would love to see Europe. I have seen London and Ireland and Italy and a tiny bit of Switzerland and here comes another interuption......and all the other places in the worold that I have not been. Now my goal has been to go to every continent by 2020, and so far I have three, North America, Europe and Australia. Now Antartica will be the hardest so I am looking at now trying to knock that out in 2015, at which time I would also get South America out of the way as you have to go to South America to get to Antarctica. Packages range anywhere from $4,500 to $15,000 and does not include the cost of getting to Terra Del Fuego. So, I am going to be mowing some yards next summer I think.
I saved up all my pocket change for about two years and on 1 January 2014 I commenced rolling it up, it took days. Of course I was sick as a dog at the time but that is another story and I put it all in a box and it weighed over 70 lbs (that is 31 kilograms) and I took it to the bank and they were like "awe gawd, don't bring all that crap in here", which turned out to be $649.00.
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I took it to the bank and they were like "awe gawd, don't bring all that crap in here", which turned out to be $649.00.
Nice!!!!
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So whatcha going to treat yourself to?
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something fun, I hope!!!
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I put that money in my savings account and I will be ready when I know what it is, or something needs to be fixed.
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*peeks in at one of my Big Brothers*
Yooooooooooooooooooooooo Tru!!!
What you doin'??
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Missy Elliott nasty.
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Oh dear Tru, did you have to roll all that coin up?
Over here we have machines in the banks, where you just empty it all into a shute, it counts it, and gives you a receipt, that you take up to the teller and she puts it into your account or gives you the money for it.....EEEEEEEASY !!!
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Some bank here do, but my bank didn't so I roll it all up by hand. Now all that change is about 1/8 of the new roof on one of my rental houses.
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Some bank here do, but my bank didn't so I roll it all up by hand. Now all that change is about 1/8 of the new roof on one of my rental houses.
Well that's just no fun!
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But it is real purdy.
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Hiya Tru! :-* Missing you!!!! Hope you're doing well! What's the news?
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Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, well I guess I don't check in here enough. The news is I am older and fatter and it is almost 5 pm.
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Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, well I guess I don't check in here enough. The news is I am older and fatter and it is almost 5 pm.
LOL Same here!!!!
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I long for those old days.
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Some things you can't go back to.......you just smile and remember and move forward.
But even moving forward, I still love ya!! :-*
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I love you too Chuckylicious.
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I love you too Chuckylicious.
Ha! That's what Jackie (Painted Shoes) and a few of the slashers used to call me.
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Jackie is safe in the Ark now. :o
Lawd, I was thinking the other day on Rosh Hashana that is was the anniversary of the big cook out at Paul's former home in Boston, because that woman left early "its my new year!" she said. I can see her plain as day. I cannot remember her screen name. She had Springsteen's rear end as her avatar.
And I met Andrew and Laurel drove us from the theater to his house and after that gathering she was never seen or heard from again. All these people fall away. Like little onion peals. What did is all mean?
I will probably wonder the rest of my life.
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Jackie is safe in the Ark now. :o
Lawd, I was thinking the other day on Rosh Hashana that is was the anniversary of the big cook out at Paul's former home in Boston, because that woman left early "its my new year!" she said. I can see her plain as day. I cannot remember her screen name. She had Springsteen's rear end as her avatar.
And I met Andrew and Laurel drove us from the theater to his house and after that gathering she was never seen or heard from again. All these people fall away. Like little onion peals. What did is all mean?
I will probably wonder the rest of my life.
Hey Tru, yes it was our 8th Boston anniversary last week. As for Springsteen's ass, that was Sandy, screen name memento (far left in the photo). She often shows up for our AIDS walks gatherings. As does Andrew. You're right, Laurel kinda disappeared. As did Joe. However, I have seen everyone else in this photo at least several times since 2006. In fact, I am seeing Lisa next week!
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h243/lnicoll/group1.jpg)
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Oohhhh! Give Lisa a big hug for me, please!!!
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Oohhhh! Give Lisa a big hug for me, please!!!
You bet, Chuck!
Here's more nostalgia: in the lobby of the Coolidge Corner Theatre, before the group viewing. Love Tru's face!
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h243/lnicoll/cc2.jpg)
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And to prove that we were/are truly crazy, especially in them early days, here is some of the party decor:
(http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h243/lnicoll/ennisandjack.jpg)
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Love the party decor!!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Who made those glorious J & E dolls?
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Love the party decor!!
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Who made those glorious J & E dolls?
They're not dolls, they're piñatas. I bought them from the party store, and painted one with blue eyes and black hair.
Leslie won them in the cherry cake bake-off (second prize; first prize went to Sandy and she won the drag queen sheep).
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Hey Tru, yes it was our 8th Boston anniversary last week. As for Springsteen's ass, that was Sandy, screen name memento (far left in the photo). She often shows up for our AIDS walks gatherings. As does Andrew. You're right, Laurel kinda disappeared.
I thought Laurel was one of the three-person team behind Finding Brokeback, the wonderful web site that diagrams all the shooting locations. I tried to contact her to ask her to take down the precise location of the stash on Brokenback Mountain before it disappeared, but there was no answer.
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I thought Laurel was one of the three-person team behind Finding Brokeback, the wonderful web site that diagrams all the shooting locations. I tried to contact her to ask her to take down the precise location of the stash on Brokenback Mountain before it disappeared, but there was no answer.
That's Lauren, aka tamarack (far right in the group shot above). I might have her email somewhere, if you'd like.
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Ah yes, Brokie-versaries!
This December will mark the 9th anniversary of my seeing the movie for the first time, in Montclair, NJ.
The 10th is coming up!
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All these people fall away. Like little onion peals. What did is all mean?
I will probably wonder the rest of my life.
What I wonder about is how we came together in the first place. Ours never was the typical fandom, and the people who stayed around are not the kind of people who run in fandoms. I have been so blessed to meet and know people who I never would have had the chance to meet otherwise. Without Brokeback Mountain and BetterMost, I would have gone my dreary way for the rest of my life, unknown, unloved, unchallenged. Instead, a story about two lonely sheep herders, written by a fiercely unsentimental author, has changed my life forever. And the biggest change is knowing there are people like me out there, being able to reach out to them and know them, even though some have passed through only briefly and even though I may never meet some of them in so-called "real life."
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and the people who stayed around are not the kind of people who run in fandoms.
well.....I don´t think that is quite accurate. I´ve been in other fandoms, and I don´t think I am the only one here.
But BBM has become something more, it has become a part of who we are.
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Yes, it sure has!
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That's Lauren, aka tamarack (far right in the group shot above). I might have her email somewhere, if you'd like.
If you can't find it, I have it. I'll be happy to send it to you in a pm, Lee.
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What I wonder about is how we came together in the first place. Ours never was the typical fandom, and the people who stayed around are not the kind of people who run in fandoms. I have been so blessed to meet and know people who I never would have had the chance to meet otherwise. Without Brokeback Mountain and BetterMost, I would have gone my dreary way for the rest of my life, unknown, unloved, unchallenged. Instead, a story about two lonely sheep herders, written by a fiercely unsentimental author, has changed my life forever. And the biggest change is knowing there are people like me out there, being able to reach out to them and know them, even though some have passed through only briefly and even though I may never meet some of them in so-called "real life."
Yes, the whole thing sure still is a mystery in many ways.
BBM has changed my life so profoundly, that I can hardly remember what it was like before anymore.
But I don't wonder about it so much anymore, I accept it and enjoy it. And I'm deeply grateful that BBM happened to me, it made my life so much richer in so many ways.
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But I don't wonder about it so much anymore, I accept it and enjoy it. And I'm deeply grateful that BBM happened to me, it made my life so much richer in so many ways.
Me to, darlin'! I remember when I was first into the Brokie Fever, I was talking with friends, and one of them said that they never had a movie affect them like Brokebackk affected me. I told them there was still time for that, and they replied that they didn't think it would ever happen to them.
I thought that was sad.
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Me to, darlin'! I remember when I was first into the Brokie Fever, I was talking with friends, and one of them said that they never had a movie affect them like Brokebackk affected me. I told them there was still time for that, and they replied that they didn't think it would ever happen to them.
I thought that was sad.
But I understand where they're coming from.
If someone had told me, pre-BBM, that they had been affected by a movie (or something else) like we were affected by Brokie Fever; I would never ever in a million years have thought it would happen to me!
And I'm so glad it did!
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And I'm so glad it did!
Me too, it's good to be part of the crew!
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I spent most of the day with our friend LauraGigs and told her I didn't really know the meaning of the word friend until I became a Brokie. I celebrate 8 years of meeting her and friend Katherine and later this month I'll be celebrating the 8th anniversary of meeting Adam and Adrian, Jack and Trina, Pete Tannen, and Ellen Raff. Also 8 years since I first talked with Annie Proulx.
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Lotsa brokieversaries coming up for you, Lee! ;D
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brokie love to ya, Lee!
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Wow!
That is awesome.
Congrats for you!
Can I call ya preacher now? :laugh:
However, this part makes it all bitter sweet!
"So this morning, I, who cannot marry the person I would marry if I were so enclined, took an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia, and became commissioned to unite one man and one woman in matrimony."
Brother, it is days like this I wish you were here. I remember you sending me a message on yahoo saying maybe one day I could perform the marriage of our own kind.
Today was the day.
Yesterday the Commonwealth we were born into began issuing licenses for same sex couples. By the end of the day I appointments to marry three couples starting Friday. Then this afternoon I got a call from two young ladies, asking could the come now. I said please do.
They came with a friend, and told me they had been married three years ago, but just wanted the basic pronouncement to make it legal and that was what I did, in a small office upstairs we have started calling the wedding chapel. The license had previously said "Groom" and "Bride", it now says "Spouse" in both places. They both promised to each other till death, and I had the very great pleasure to pronounce them married.
Their friend asked them what date they were going to use as an anniversary. One wife said "all of them, the meeting date, the first kiss date...."
I wish you could have lived. I wish Jim Gay could have done your wedding to Gene. But I cannot be sad today. Today is the day your wish came true, and I remember it.
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Congrats on marrying your first same sex couple, Truman!
I hope there'll be many more.
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I wish you could have lived. I wish Jim Gay could have done your wedding to Gene. But I cannot be sad today. Today is the day your wish came true, and I remember it.
remember me with joy and laughter
for that's how I'll remember you all
if you can only remember me with tears
then don't remember me at all
I will readily admit that sometimes fail at that!
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Congrats on marrying your first same sex couple, Truman!
I hope there'll be many more.
Hiya Sonja,
I could be wrong, but I believe I remember Truman telling the story that he married a same-sex couple before......when he did the ceremony he carried a bible and copy of Brokeback Mountain with him.
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Hiya Sonja,
I could be wrong, but I believe I remember Truman telling the story that he married a same-sex couple before......when he did the ceremony he carried a bible and copy of Brokeback Mountain with him.
Oh, how appropriate!
I must have missed that.
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Smiling through my tears. :'(
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Naw, actually it was a hetero couple, but I did carry Beyond Brokeback with me and I will again on Saturday.
On Saturday I am marrying this couple who are of European descent but they want to step over a broom. This is a version of Jumping the Broom, which I am told, was the way African slaves were married in the days of slavery. They are just going to step over it because neither of them are physically able to jump. They also asked if I could bring a broom because they did not have one. Which got me to thinking maybe they use a vacuum cleaner, which got me to wondering if you want to be modern about it would you jump a vacuum cleaner instead of a broom.
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Or, if you want to be truly modern, have a roomba run a circle around them. They won't even have to move.
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:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
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Or, if you want to be truly modern, have a roomba run a circle around them. They won't even have to move.
I'd pay good money to see that!
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Or, if you want to be truly modern, have a roomba run a circle around them. They won't even have to move.
:laugh:
Naw, actually it was a hetero couple, but I did carry Beyond Brokeback with me and I will again on Saturday.
Ah, well at least I got parts of it right! :laugh: You officiated someone, and carried a Brokeback related item.
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Or, if you want to be truly modern, have a roomba run a circle around them. They won't even have to move.
HAhahahaha!
Tru, for some season I didn't know that you officiated marriages. I love that you have done some same sex marriages - I'm sure Richard is looking down giving you a thumbs up. xx
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*ahem*
Looks around....... I know you're here, BBT! :-*
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Sometime I wonder where I have gone.
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I'm glad you come back every once in a while, out in the middle of nowhere. :-*
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Don't make it ever' four fuckin' years. :)
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Sometime I wonder where I have gone.
You are right here where you've always been, and we've been waiting, with open arms.
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You are right here where you've always been, and we've been waiting, with open arms.
;D
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:-* We've missed you here, Truman!
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Heya Truman, you hottie, I've been "missing" from here too. Apparently they send out search parties when you're gone too long. :D
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Heya Truman, you hottie, I've been "missing" from here too. Apparently they send out search parties when you're gone too long. :D
(http://engage.synecoretech.com/Portals/141995/images/search-party-google-and-the-evolution-of-SEO.jpg)
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OK here is something weird on the genealogy front: I recently found out that 90 years to the week before I drove a hundred miles round trip to see Brokeback Mountain, I had a great Aunt, who climbed in another car with a bunch of people and drove a hundred miles round trip to see Birth of a Nation.
Now, please do not assume I am comparing the two or that I am in any way endorsing Birth of a Nation, which I have seen and once is enough, thank you very much. It was a cultural phenomenon in 1916 and she participated in it, as I participated in mine 90 years later.
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That's actually pretty interesting. ;D
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??? Is it just me, or are the headlines for the various threads ALL BECOMING CAPS NOW? ??? :laugh: :laugh:
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:laugh:
Tru doesn't like shouting.
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what?
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:-*
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So then today I had to replace my wallet. I had bought it in July of 2007, right before going to Alberta, that wonderful time on the mountain.
I knew I had to do something before I lost a credit card, the stitching was coming out. Still it is sad. I am going to keep it, it does not take up much space now. I will put it in the drawer with my graddaddys.
Hoarder, that is what I am.
You know how some people save Christmas wrapping paper on the pretense of reusing it? My Granny did that. I still have the paper to prove it. Its older than I am, I have to take care of it.
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You know how some people save Christmas wrapping paper on the pretense of reusing it? My Granny did that. I still have the paper to prove it. Its older than I am, I have to take care of it.
♥
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So then today I had to replace my wallet. I had bought it in July of 2007, right before going to Alberta, that wonderful time on the mountain.
I knew I had to do something before I lost a credit card, the stitching was coming out. Still it is sad. I am going to keep it, it does not take up much space now. I will put it in the drawer with my graddaddys.
Maybe it's a guy thing to be attached to your wallet, even when it's worn out? I have a drawer full of old, worn-out wallets. I've just never gotten around to throwing them away. Every time I need a new one, the old one just goes in the top dresser drawer with all the others.
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Be thankful you can keep it. My wallet which I had for over 10 years was taken out of my pocket in Paris 2 weeks ago along with 85 euros, a credit card (blocked and replaced but now with my sister in Australia, not much use to me) and a driver's licence (also cancelled). I have a new one bought for 52 euros but it does not have all the features of the old but will do until I get home, perhaps longer.
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:)
[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b96YGqNyK64[/youtube]
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Truuuuuuuuuumaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan................
where you at?
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Truuuuuuuuuumaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan................
where you at?
"Hello from the other siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide!'
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Don't go into the light, Truman! :laugh:
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Don't go into the light, Truman! :laugh:
Have you been reading The Tibetan Book of the Dead, friend Jeff?
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Have you been reading The Tibetan Book of the Dead, friend Jeff?
No, I believe that's a line, or a take-off on a line, from a horror movie. I'm not sure which horror movie, but it might Poltergeist. Is that the one where the little girl goes into the light?
Or it might be taken a reference to the old TV show Ghost Whisperer.
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"Hello from the other siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiide!'
LOL! :laugh:
Have you been reading The Tibetan Book of the Dead, friend Jeff?
No, I believe that's a line, or a take-off on a line, from a horror movie. I'm not sure which horror movie, but it might Poltergeist. Is that the one where the little girl goes into the light?
Or it might be taken a reference to the old TV show Ghost Whisperer.
Actually, it's much more recent.
It's a line from Adele's new #1 smash "Hello", where she's singing to her ex, trying to make amends.
Hello from the other side - I must have called a thousand times
To tell you I'm sorry for everything that I've done
But when I call you never seem to be home
Hello from the outside - At least I can say that I've tried
To tell you I'm sorry for breaking your heart
But it don't matter it clearly doesn't tear you apart anymore
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I love calling her A-Dell, like some cousin of Andy Taylors from Mt. Pilot.
I love her voice, I love her last name.
I miss the world that was a beautiful flower blooming.
I dread the coming election cycle.
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and we all love you, Tru!!!
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I miss a cool breeze on a warm day.
I miss the water.
I miss the tear in my right eye.
I miss the sound of a steel guitar.
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I miss my big brothers. We need to schedule a trip!
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I miss them early days.
I miss the mountains.
I miss Mouk.
I miss my big brothers. We need to schedule a trip!
That too.
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(https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/67/0c/05/670c050b2c1699a2e1fdef3068227e45.jpg)
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I miss the time that song was popular,
Cruising down the interstate in a car that couldn't pass inspection
70 MPH
Seat Belts that doubled as bottle openers.
But I tell you what,
I still have the Portuguese Air Force and next year I am going to
Visit one of their bases.
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:-*
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Queen Fabiola of Belgium died 2 years ago today.
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You mean Queen Fabiola Fernanda Maria de las Victorias Antonia Adelaida Mora y Aragon?
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I wonder if our Fabienne was named after her.
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Why does she have so few names?? ::)
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You mean Queen Fabiola Fernanda Maria de las Victorias Antonia Adelaida Mora y Aragon?
If she had died on August 31, 1997 St. Peter could've done a double announcement in opposites.
*gates open* Heavenly hosts, please welcome Queen Fabiola Fernanda Maria de las Victorias Antonia Adelaida Mora y Aragon and Princess Di.
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If she had died on August 31, 1997 St. Peter could've done a double announcement in opposites.
*gates open* Heavenly hosts, please welcome Queen Fabiola Fernanda Maria de las Victorias Antonia Adelaida Mora y Aragon and Princess Di.
Princess Di had such an unfortunate name.
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Well.... yesterday I had the nicest email from our very own Sherriff Roland! He is doing well, walking 6 km a day and enjoying rising property values in Toronto.
I have completely given up on Impish, however. ;D
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Glad to hear about the Sherrif!!! :)
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Good to hear from the Sherriff! Thanks for sharing, Tru. :)
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Well.... yesterday I had the nicest email from our very own Sherriff Roland! He is doing well, walking 6 km a day and enjoying rising property values in Toronto.
I have completely given up on Impish, however. ;D
Awesome! I met Roland in Calgary and once drove down to Albuquerque just to meet Impish. Wish we could hear how he is doing. Impish was one of our founding members, as I recall. Maybe Sheriff and you were too, along with Phillip and John, of course. And Celeste. I still hear from Celeste, met her at Rodney's memorial in early 2011 in KC.
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....and it's good to have you back, Tru!!!! :-*
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Happy Valentine's Day, big brother!
(http://logo.blogs.com/photos/uncategorized/240x360_brokeback.jpg)
You ever look at a picture like that and wonder about the story behind it? Were they actors? Lovers? Did their relatives see it?
I was just searching Flickr, and accidentally found out what those pics are from!
I searched on "Gay Kiss", and found the above images on Flickr, with the description "Chicago Gay Games 2006 Closing Ceremonies VII". Apparently it was a routine set up
and performed by a group called DC Cowboys.
Here's a link to the Flickr album I found. The pics start about halfway down the page.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/3_d/sets/72157594235748190/?page=2
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Well how about that. Image search is a very cool thing. I have not had much luck with it myself but it will get better.
And I really like Aloe Water.
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[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyIt3atHEjQ[/youtube]
,
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Happy Longerdays, Truman!!
I saw Boz Scaggs in concert back in July. Are you a fan?
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BBT! Hope you stop by again soon!
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I do like Boz Scaggs, never have had any of his recordings or followed him much. He has a nice voice. I seem to remember you posting that.
Tomorrow will be the 12 anniversary of seeing Brokeback Mountain for the first time. Hard to believe so much time has passed, then I feel the pain in my back and I am like yeah it has.
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Tomorrow will be the 12 anniversary of seeing Brokeback Mountain for the first time. Hard to believe so much time has passed, then I feel the pain in my back and I am like yeah it has.
Oh, did that filly get lucky and throw you? Hope it didn't flatten your harmonica!! :-\
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I do like Boz Scaggs, never have had any of his recordings or followed him much. He has a nice voice. I seem to remember you posting that.
Tomorrow will be the 12 anniversary of seeing Brokeback Mountain for the first time. Hard to believe so much time has passed, then I feel the pain in my back and I am like yeah it has.
I don't think I've ever heard a Boz Scaggs song, but being raised by a mom who loved disco, that would explain it. I do know who he is, however.
The time sure has passed, hasn't it? Thinking back on 2005 when I first saw Brokeback.......and who I was then, and who I am now......it makes me smile, and realize that time does pass quickly.
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Bay City John.
It was late at night, and we were in San Francisco. I had rejoined the party that had start on a flight from Atlanta early that morning. It was the wee hours now. Myself, Jack, Janice, her x-daughter in law Michelle, Chuck, Rich (who was Duh-runk as hell) and John Trudell, sitting at a table at Mel's Diner down the hill from where we were staying or at least did that night. Both places are gone now, I understand, Rich is long gone, Janice is gone, and now John is gone.
I could not tell you anything about the sound of his voice, I do not remember him speaking. I remember conversing with him a bit that crazy weekend, but he was laid back and quiet and content to let us have our fun. It was online I got to know him in the years that followed, on facebook, one the thousands and thousands of posts he made, and it would seem like Laurence and Gary and Fritz would always be there to react, to add to or ask more.
John Trudell, like every other person born, had a hard time growing up. He had an equally hard time as a young adult as he saw multitudes of his friends and lovers die. He found his way through it all, he sang, he danced, he was the Renaissance man. And Brokeback Mountain made him one of us.
I remember the first time I heard of him he had organized a viewing of BBM at a theater in Bay City, Michigan, where he lived at the time. I remember his work with "Meet Me On The Mountain", his videos of their performances still move me. I remember his contribution to the book the DC forum produced and I wrote him once I read his entry. How he had lost a tooth to an abusive relationship. We did not communicate much directly. Mostly it was hitting the like button.
John had the gift to uncover the lost stories. He was flipping through Ancestry.com one day looking at old passport photos when a handsome face appeared that intrigued him. The WWI ear photo was of a man named Arthur Mayer, and soon John was hot on the trail to learn all he could about him, and what a life he uncovered. The connections, the stories, the "coincidences". John found Mayer's niece and was able to confirm yes he was gay, yes, he did live with a partner in 1930s New York and eventually he learned of Mayer's friend John Laraway. Laraway was none other than the uncle of Laurence his then room mate.
It was amidst all this posting of his latest discoveries that I asked him "Where are you finding all these newspaper articles?". He told me about genealogybank.com, newspapers.com and the free once, chroniclingamerica.com. It was a game changer, a life changer for me. Entire generations of my family came roaring back into the light. His perseverance to leave no stone unturned inspired me to do the same. I now see my history and my purpose in life differently.
when he and Laurence went to Brittany several months back, I could sense it was a struggle for him. Struggle none the less they visited his ancestral house, where some Trudell 15 generations ago had lived. Where he filmed Laurence speaking from his heart to the the father he had never known, who had left from Brest to fly through the air to save the world, and never return. The decline seems like a landslide now. He put his phone number out there for people to call him and I saved it to my phone. It will probably always remain there, along with Richard Wilson, 678-492-1428. I never called him. I didn't because I did not know what to say to him. I could send him a message, but I could not speak to him, such was the nature of my friendship with this man.
The last things he posted, a picture of the hotel lobby as he waited for the cab that would carry him to the place he would die, that he was scared. All I could tell him is I wish I could do more (in a life where more becomes more impossible all the time). I was not surprised to read this morning his suffering was over, I had felt like it would not be long. I have seen people have the time of surgery he had and it really does something traumatic to the body.
John Trudell was a friend of mine. I met him one time in San Francisco at a Rodeo in 2007. I will never let his memory go.
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Beautifully written, as always!
You have such a way with expression! I really love reading your posts.
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Beautifully written, as always!
You have such a way with expression! I really love reading your posts.
Thank you, now I have the WHOLE thing posted, before it was just partial because of a certain fat assed cat who thinks she can just stretch out anywhere sees fit.
And poor Arthur, John's cat.
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It is beautifully written :-*
I’m not religious but I imagine a little Brokie meet up “up there” is now going on
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Thank you, now I have the WHOLE thing posted, before it was just partial because of a certain fat assed cat who thinks she can just stretch out anywhere sees fit.
And poor Arthur, John's cat.
LOL @ your cat.
As for Arthur, Larry has said that a neighbor will be taking him in.
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When Chuck suggested this homecoming earlier this week, I began looking forward to it. Began composing in my mind.
Facebook supplanted Bettermost for me, but only on a cheaper level. So many of the same faces there, I partition these people as Brokies and Non Brokies. And there are the fan pages for Brokeback Mountain, with all new people, the next generation. I am to the point I don't care to post much there either, unless it is something funny. I tire of the politics, even the side I agree with. How much energy can you devote to disparaging someone who needs no help from you to do so himself?
I left real estate at the end of 2018. I gave it 19 years but it was not worth making it an even 20.
For a while I flew by the seat of my pants, doing this or that odd job, then in the spring a friend gave me a day a week at her restaurant running the cash register and making fancy coffee, which I totally sucked at. It put me in the right place for another friend to come walking in one day and offer me a job working for her at a local retirement community. "Driving Miss Daisy" I tell people. I began taking them to their hair appointments, picking up their prescriptions, hearing their stories and such. Gradually I began to get back on my feet a bit.
Then 2020.
In January my sister was in South Africa and I was talking to her on the phone before she left. I wanted to make sure she had heard about this virus in China. We had often discussed how airlines can spread them quickly. She said she would wear her scarf over her face.
By March she was cancelling a trip for the following month to a destination she has wanted to visit since before I was born. I had a train trip too and was determined I was still going to go. I finally didn't. If I had held out a couple more days I would have lost all the money I had spent on it.
March 13, I got the call from work. They were locking down and I was basically without work as the residents I drove would now not be allowed to go out except for doctors appointments and most of the doctors offices were closing down. Then the other nursing home called, the one my mother lives in. They would be doing the same. After that afternoon there would be no more visitation until further notice. We thought maybe 2 weeks, that was the quarantine period. I loaded her up with snacks and sat with her for about an hour. It was like saying goodbye to someone on death row.
And then everything slowed the hell down.
My days were spent at home and I resolved to use the time constructive and began an epic house cleaning. It lead to reorganizing everything, decluttering, throwing away. I got rid of 1/3 of my stuff. I also began to watch my budget and cash flow and that lead to what I was eating and I began to eat better and take long walks. At the beginning of March I weighed 244 lbs. Slowly, very slowly, a half a pound at a time I began to loose it. As of this morning I weigh 197 lbs.
And for maybe the first time in my life I really enjoyed my days. It was like I had permission to stay at home and not work. I would wake up in the morning and wonder what needed to be done and I would smile to myself and think: Anything I want.
Of course, there was plenty I could not do, like travel, see many people, going to the grocery store was an existential nightmare. It was however spring, and I was spending a lot of time chopping and cutting and pruning and taking care of all the stuff around the house I had neglected for years.
By May, it changed again. I was needed back at work some, which was welcome and today in addition to a limited transportation scheduled I also man the guard house in the afternoons, taking temperatures of people as the come in. Getting them to fill out the forms. In a few weeks I will have been there a year.
My mother turned 98 last month. My cousin organized a parade of family and friend and the facility allowed her outside to watch it. I get to go with her to doctors appointments because she can hardly hear and needs an advocate. She has suffered from the isolation. She calls me several times a day, complaining about everything under the sun. I am on a first name basis with the social worker. I go to see her a few times a week thru the locked automatic front doors. I write on a pad and she reads it and answers me.
It is a weird world. I hope the Queen is right, that we will be together again but I don't hold my breath. I anally watch every penny and pound and try to keep myself in the best position possible. Consume too much Vitamin C and keep my distance. I have known people who have had the virus and recovered. I have known people who have died suddenly and there is a loud absence of any comment as to what happened. It is a lot like the late 80s and early 90s as HIV made its way around and about.
I spend too much time in my head. I have come to the conclusion that that saying "That which does not kill you, makes you strong" is not the truth of my experience. I have come to believe the things that do not kill you in fact, infects your soul and has the cumulative effect of achieving its intent in the long run. But we have happiness too. It should be pursued every day because it has the power to heal somewhat and to sustain somewhat.
Remember Annie Proulx's birthday is August 22!
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Wow, Tru, that’s an amazing amount of weight to lose. Well done you.
Yes, COVID has certainly allowed time to think, it sounds like for the most part that’s been a good thing for you.
I love that you are driving miss daisy... I’m sure all the old ladies love you and we’re happy to see you return! :)
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When Chuck suggested this homecoming earlier this week, I began looking forward to it. Began composing in my mind.
Truman! :) I'm glad you joined us for Throwback Thursday.
Facebook supplanted Bettermost for me, but only on a cheaper level. So many of the same faces there, I partition these people as Brokies and Non Brokies. And there are the fan pages for Brokeback Mountain, with all new people, the next generation. I am to the point I don't care to post much there either, unless it is something funny. I tire of the politics, even the side I agree with. How much energy can you devote to disparaging someone who needs no help from you to do so himself?
I'm sure there are many of us who agree with you. It's gotten to the point that I don't even bother to answer the political posts anymore. I also have my friends put into lists, it's easier for me to keep track of everyone's posts. I have about 15 or so people in each list, and I have 10 Brokie lists. I have a list I made up of family and friends who are all major Trumpers, and I moved them all to a list called "God Give Me Strength". I only open it up when I really feel the need to see what they're up to. It isn't often.
I left real estate at the end of 2018. I gave it 19 years but it was not worth making it an even 20.
Good for you!!! I don't know many people who would leave a career of 20 years, that takes courage!
For a while I flew by the seat of my pants, doing this or that odd job, then in the spring a friend gave me a day a week at her restaurant running the cash register and making fancy coffee, which I totally sucked at. It put me in the right place for another friend to come walking in one day and offer me a job working for her at a local retirement community. "Driving Miss Daisy" I tell people. I began taking them to their hair appointments, picking up their prescriptions, hearing their stories and such. Gradually I began to get back on my feet a bit.
I'm not sure I would ever be able to make coffee. I don't drink it, so I couldn't begin to judge how to make a fancy cup of coffee. Working for the local retirement community sounds much more rewarding.
Then 2020.
Yeah, that year smacked everyone in the face.
In January my sister was in South Africa and I was talking to her on the phone before she left. I wanted to make sure she had heard about this virus in China. We had often discussed how airlines can spread them quickly. She said she would wear her scarf over her face.
Wow, I'm glad that your sister was able to get home before things got really bad over here. I had a friend from the bowling league who was on vacation just as the quarantines and isolation started. He boarded a plane to come home, and took a selfie on the plane, he was the only one on.
By March she was cancelling a trip for the following month to a destination she has wanted to visit since before I was born. I had a train trip too and was determined I was still going to go. I finally didn't. If I had held out a couple more days I would have lost all the money I had spent on it.
Glad to hear you canceled the trip. We were talking just tonight on UBF about travel plans, and that we didn't think that any travel will really go back into force until 2021 sometime. Even at that time, we're not sure what 'normal' will look like at that point.
March 13, I got the call from work. They were locking down and I was basically without work as the residents I drove would now not be allowed to go out except for doctors appointments and most of the doctors offices were closing down. Then the other nursing home called, the one my mother lives in. They would be doing the same. After that afternoon there would be no more visitation until further notice. We thought maybe 2 weeks, that was the quarantine period. I loaded her up with snacks and sat with her for about an hour. It was like saying goodbye to someone on death row.
Oh, I can't imagine what it was like to talk to your mom under those circumstances. Thankfully, both of my parents still live at home. they also both work in the school system, so they have been home on unemployment since March. They're still in a good place because my dad gets a pension from his job, and my mom gets one from his job as well, so they aren't in dire straits.
And then everything slowed the hell down.
That's one way to put it!
My days were spent at home and I resolved to use the time constructive and began an epic house cleaning. It lead to reorganizing everything, decluttering, throwing away. I got rid of 1/3 of my stuff. I also began to watch my budget and cash flow and that lead to what I was eating and I began to eat better and take long walks. At the beginning of March I weighed 244 lbs. Slowly, very slowly, a half a pound at a time I began to loose it. As of this morning I weigh 197 lbs.
Congrats on the weight loss! I've been working on that as well. Haven't been as successful as you, but it has been dropping off. I've also been decluttering my place, and getting cleaning done. I've taken down my blinds and washed all the dust off them, moved all the furniture and cleaned and dusted behind and under it. Gave the bathroom a full scrubbing too.
I've also had a few "social distance" meeting with friends. Each time I met with someone, it was outdoors in an area where we could be 6 feet or more apart.
And for maybe the first time in my life I really enjoyed my days. It was like I had permission to stay at home and not work. I would wake up in the morning and wonder what needed to be done and I would smile to myself and think: Anything I want.
That was a good description. I'm glad you were able to find the positives about the situation.
Of course, there was plenty I could not do, like travel, see many people, going to the grocery store was an existential nightmare. It was however spring, and I was spending a lot of time chopping and cutting and pruning and taking care of all the stuff around the house I had neglected for years.
When it came to me getting groceries, I had been using "shop from home" for a while, so I only needed to go to the store to pick the groceries up, I didn't have to go into the store and shop. Of course, I still had to disinfect everything once I got it home.
By May, it changed again. I was needed back at work some, which was welcome and today in addition to a limited transportation scheduled I also man the guard house in the afternoons, taking temperatures of people as the come in. Getting them to fill out the forms. In a few weeks I will have been there a year.
I'm glad you're able to go back to work, and congrats to a year on the job.
My mother turned 98 last month. My cousin organized a parade of family and friend and the facility allowed her outside to watch it. I get to go with her to doctors appointments because she can hardly hear and needs an advocate. She has suffered from the isolation. She calls me several times a day, complaining about everything under the sun. I am on a first name basis with the social worker. I go to see her a few times a week thru the locked automatic front doors. I write on a pad and she reads it and answers me.
98! What a great, long life! I hope my parents are able to do the same! Dad turned 80 last year, and I turned 50, we had a double birthday party.
It is a weird world. I hope the Queen is right, that we will be together again but I don't hold my breath. I anally watch every penny and pound and try to keep myself in the best position possible. Consume too much Vitamin C and keep my distance. I have known people who have had the virus and recovered. I have known people who have died suddenly and there is a loud absence of any comment as to what happened. It is a lot like the late 80s and early 90s as HIV made its way around and about.
I've seen many stories that compare Covid-19 to HIV. I know a few people who were sick with the virus, but they've recovered. However, much like you, I know a few people who died, but no official cause was ever given, so people are left wondering what happened.
I spend too much time in my head. I have come to the conclusion that that saying "That which does not kill you, makes you strong" is not the truth of my experience. I have come to believe the things that do not kill you in fact, infects your soul and has the cumulative effect of achieving its intent in the long run. But we have happiness too. It should be pursued every day because it has the power to heal somewhat and to sustain somewhat.
I love how you ended this entry. As difficult as it can be, we have to try and find the happiness. I'm not saying be a Pollyana, just don't wallow in all the awful things that are going on now. Work to find the happiness, it will improve your mood.
Remember Annie Proulx's birthday is August 22!
and on August 19th, it's Gustavo Santaolalla's
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Good to see you, Truman. :D