springtime

our resident mourning dove taking a break from building her nest

frisbee makes for a tired puppy

ooh! pick me, pick me!

happy to be relaxing

(maybe not my best photographic moment)

azaleas in bloom
Sometimes, nothing serves us better than a simple good time.

Thursday woes

I'm ashamed to admit I've been surfing the web and cannot find anything of interest to put down here. Could it be true that George Bush is taking a day off from ruining our country? That no singers or actors have been arrested or have checked into rehab? That Uranus is spinning on its side with no let-up in sight?

You Tube! I'll go to You Tube. Surely someone got naked over there and didn't realize they were being filmed. Back soon...

Whew! Ya know, it's a good thing you can always count on Bush.

widget me

I'm hoping someone can direct me to a free mp3 widget for my blog. I am the last of the great non-techies, and am having a terrible time with this.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Survey Notes

Thanks to all who participated in my little survey, What is the sexiest thing you've ever seen? at PollDaddy.com. All of the responses were wonderful, some intriguing, some simply beautiful.

So, what is sexy? Here's a quick snapshot.

Waking up to a man sketching me while I slept then joining in a good morning kiss!
(holy crap that's sexy! hope he wasn't a stalker)

I once saw a small concert for two mandolin players, a man and a woman. There was one piece specially written for four hands, and so the man sat behind the woman and put his arms around her to reach the mandolin. The whole piece was very sensual.
(that has a rich gooey center)

I went to a ball in Vienna, which is pretty damn sexy anyway - think Imperial Castle, wonderful music, long, low cut gowns, men in tuxes...we went in a group but I ended up spending the night dancing with this one guy, who moved so naturally to the music I was just blown away!
(wow! ancient castles and men in tuxes. mee-ow!)

A college professor, usually very buttoned-up, who I visited one day in his office. His tie was loosened and his shirt sleeves rolled. The memory of those exposed forearms still gives me chills.
(ahh, hot college days...a league of their own)

(this one, for the exquisite use of "man-panther")
I have to go right back to what made me think about sexy in the first place (geekiness to follow...): Darth Maul. That's pure man-panther...or alien panther. It actually comes down to the smooth, control of the body, but weapon wielding martial-arts aspect is somewhat important as well. Combine that with intensity of gaze and predatory stalking of another man, and I'm done. The end.

I'm so with her on intensity of gaze. Verry sexy! For myself, in addition to my oh-so-memorable tea experience, I'd have to add the fantasy of Jack Sparrow (with better teeth) calling me 'luv.' ::G:: But of course that's fantasy, not reality, which always has dibs on sexy.

Thanks again for participating, friends, and keep a weather eye for my next probing survey or poll soon.

ps: i didn't change punctuation or context on these. any and all errors in the cut and paste are mine.

Happy Birthday to friend Allison, who is on the cusp of Aries and Taurus. Hope it's a magical year!
~~

Aries
The desire for advancement, both personal and career-wise, could cause you to consider the possibility of furthering your education in some way, dear Aries. Someone close to you, probably a woman, could wake you up to the advantages of returning to school and getting an advanced degree. You may want to wait a little bit before actually deciding, but something has shifted within you, and it's time for some kind of change. Be prepared!
(Aries? UN-prepared. NOT.)

Taurus
Today you're apt to be a bit preoccupied. You might find yourself considering some concepts that others might consider strange and impractical, dear Taurus. This might involve the study of metaphysics or the occult, or unusual ways of making a living, or both. You might want to discuss this with others. However, you should make a decision based on your own preferences without influence from those who aren't directly involved.
(Talkin' bout the taurus, talk about stubborn)

Leo
Matters involving creativity, romance, and children could require some considerable thought today, dear Leo. Some exciting new options may be available to you and your loved ones, and you might be inclined to mull over the possibilities. You might consult others to get a second opinion. For the most part, you'll want to decide on your own what's best at this time. In the meantime, you could keep yourself occupied by working on ongoing projects.
(Leo. Heh. ROAR! oh shit. ROAR! oh shit)

Aquarius
Contemplation is the keyword for today. At some point, you might receive a phone call from a friend wanting some advice on a serious decision he or she needs to make. Don't be surprised, however, if you spend more time listening than advising, dear Aquarius. Goals of your own might need some thought and possible re-evaluation, as changes in your immediate environment could be presenting new and exciting possibilities to you.
(wish-wash...wish...wash..)

Libra
Today you might be considering entering into a business partnership of some sort with a relative or neighbor. This could well show promise of success, dear Libra, and is definitely worthy of serious consideration. You'll want to be sure it's right for you, so caution is recommended. You might even get around to considering the nitty gritty ins and outs of a possible agreement, but for the most part, it isn't likely that you'll be making any final decisions just yet.
(ya gotta love Libra for their endless thinking, weighing, and plotting. here's a million dollars, Libra, tax free. "hmm, should I take it? how will it change me if I do? if I don't, do I continue on the same path or choose something else? then, what if...")

Sagittarius
A partnership of some kind, perhaps business, perhaps romantic, is likely to be on your mind today. You might want to seriously consider whether it has a future, and if it does, what you should do next. You might spend some time socializing, dear Sagittarius, but your mind may be too preoccupied to participate much. A lot of serious decisions need to be made, and the outcome is likely to be positive. Try to relax and have some fun.
(as if having fun would be hard for a Sag)

Capricorn
A lot of serious matters are on your mind, perhaps involving plans for the future, so it's likely that you'll want to stay home today and do a lot of contemplating. Various new opportunities may be coming your way, dear Capricorn, and you won't want to let them pass you by without seriously considering them. Chores around the house and yard could prove a valuable outlet for physical energy while allowing thoughts to churn in your mind.
(Capricorn? serious?)

Friday Fun, part deux

Now and then, the personals and especially 'missed connections' at Craigslist provide a hoot and two hollers. Just for a laugh, this time I tried on a few familiar locations, including Sierra Vista AZ and San Francisco. What a difference a thousand miles makes. SV had nothing listed, so I have concluded the town is too small to miss any connections. Only a weird complaint about Taco Bell appeared, and an offer from a couple moving to Bisbee looking for...I'm not really sure what they want, but there you have it. A few posts seemed to be students in town just fer the ro-DAY-o, lookin' fer a lil night time action without crossing the border. I suddenly feel the urge to buy a chihuahua. Yo quiero Taco Bell.
Enjoy this sample.

I will be here for a few more day, I leave on friday and I am looking for a woman who wants to come over to my hotel at America's Best Inn and just have a great time getting recieving soem great oral. Please send pic.

Anyone recognize this student? I'm assuming he's learning debriefing since he gives great oral. And send pic? Send pic of what?

Now, this one in San Francisco is looking for...
Fun, down to earth, sane chick seeking stable, funny, tall, not too old man for actual dates and possibly a relationship. NOT looking for a one night stand. Must be funny, manly, mentally and financially secure and motivated.
WTF is a purportedly sane chick doing in the Castro looking for a man?

This one gets my Pick of the Day award.

Jasmine flowers at the Converge / Genghis Tron / Baroness show
Thanks for the aromatic entertainment. I'd have stayed to find out how you know that unicorns aren't red inside, but I had to catch the Bart. Did you ever pick out a shirt?

Friday Fun, part the first

( from Clinch Covers Contest, courtesy of Smart Bitches Trashy Books)

mm, mmm. just look at those manly pecs and that no-frizz mullet

Tuesday retreat

Today I'm abandoning humanity in favor of a little silence and personal space. Two weeks of frenetic activity has caught up to me; errands, eternal trips in the car, which always wear me out, physical therapy and the demands of stuff in general have sent me into my cave. Don't bother knocking. I'm not coming out.

I found a tree guy for our overgrown and falling down yard, but no landscaper. This issue goes on and on, like that of finding ' good domestic help '. I don't know what the problem is in this area, but I've concluded that landscapers are only one step above WalMart executives. A slight step.

My office is finally getting its makeover! We've decided on which wall we're going to build a custom closet (30x120) and I'm leafing through paint samples, and hanging drapes, my World Trade Center prints and my much-loved map of London.

Our dresser arrived (a real live adult dresser with mirror, woo-HOO) so we've moved the highboys into my office, which works well and actually gives us extra storage space for clothing. My filing cabinet arrived, too, so I can now store bills and all the manuscripts that will never see the light of day again. I've labeled, filed, and reorganized every scrap of paper in the house and have a new system whereby pending bills will go into a cubby above my desk, so that I don't have to look at them cluttering the dining table while I try to eat what I've cooked. *This* is a big deal. If you've been to my house, then you have seen the interminable stacks of paperwork dominating every surface. It's driven me ape shit for years. I am happy to say I can now return to my former state of sanity.

I purchased good tickets to see Crosby Stills & Nash this summer, but instead of seeing them at Wolf Trap it looks like we're driving to Charlottesville. Funny thing about these tickets. Hubby is being cornered into taking a ten week course and this means, dependant on the exact start date (undetermined - gov't, go figure), that I may be going to the show alone.

Anyone interested in seeing CSN with me? C'mon, hippies; don't be shy. I'll wear tie dye, if it makes you feel better to be seen with geeky ole me. I'll even put flowers in my hair and try not to cry loudly during Helplessly Hoping. (disclaimer: I said try)

Super Sunday

Who the hell is Harlan Ellison?

Hear this -er - outspoken author's rant. In the meantime, I'm going to belly-crawl into my office and consider what I've done to lower the prestige of decent writers. sob!!

WARNING!! bad words...bad..very bad

How 'The Devil Wears Prada' changed me

or, the power of the makeover in the scale of Life.

From the moment I saw The Devil Wears Prada, my life took on a brighter hue. It was more than the energy, which Prada has in abundance, certainly more than the fabulous clothes and the divine performances by Stanley Tucci and Meryl Streep. Yet as I watched the credits roll, I couldn’t find the source of my high spirits. In truth, the ending sucked; pat, Hollywood, improbable. One is to fight the good fight, write for the Post and commute to see the boyfriend. One is not to be successful in a superficial industry dedicated to **gasp!** money.

Yet there I sat, jazzed, intrigued, enlightened. By Prada??

It’s taken me months to figure out the source of my delight.

Stanley Tucci, cast as art director Nigel at fictional Runway magazine, delivers a catalytic speech to main character Andrea. It's become one of my favorite quotes; I'll never forget it.

“Don’t you know that you are working at the place that published some of the greatest artists of the century? Halston. Lagerfeld. de la Renta. And that what they did, what they...created, was greater than art. Because you live your life in it.”

This was where the map of my life took an important little turn, had I but known it.

Madonna’s Vogue provides the acoustic backdrop to a montage of stunning wearable art – designer samples that Nigel gives Andrea along with a makeover, and which give her the impetus she needs to succeed. ‘Beauty’s where you find it,’ Madonna croons, pouring energy into the image of an industry that long has been both worshipped and reviled. Nigel’s dry yet passionate delivery lends credence to it all. He made me believe.

Madonna found her beauty in music. It is to Coco Chanel’s shrewd beauty that we owe the little black dress and bellbottoms. Others find theirs in design, the arts, teaching.

Where was my beauty? where was my art?

And so I began to notice what was, not the lost maps to a future I couldn’t claim as mine.
I thought about it, even took that career personality test at Tickle.com. (I recommend Tickle; try the Ayurvedic nutrition test).

As I mentioned before, the results intrigued me; architect, film editor, graphic or interior designer. Most produced excitement, but nothing jelled. I talked to people, friends, acquaintances, but more importantly, I listened to what I was saying to them. I looked around, my home, my yard, the world, and at last found the thread that linked that subtle elusive beauty –- that art -- to me. It was the reason we moved to Maryland three years ago. It has been with me all along; spread across my bookshelves, in the artwork and prints that adorn my walls, even in the curved legs on my sofa.

History. Writing about history; design; architecture; artifacts; the color and fabric of Lady Steffington’s second-day dress! The beautiful Paca House and its architectural symmetry (they thought that symmetry brought them closer to G-d.) and lord knows, PoyRITS! All those wonderful, useless facts that tend to bore the masses. But not me.

And so, as I find my way into academia and look forward to an honors course (fingers crossed) in historic preservation, I know I’ll look back occasionally and smile a grateful smile.

Will I be wearing Prada? Jeez, I hope so.

Woman, thy name be clown

In one of those brilliant, clownish manuevers I fell into the front door while trying to enter my abode. I slammed my left shoulder into the steel door, fell forward, slipped, wrenched my back, pulled a muscle in my thigh, then bounced BACK into the screendoor, which slammed me in the ass.

I've set my chiropracty back two weeks. Oh, I can deal with another week of pain to be sure. What kills is the rampant embarrassment that goes with the fall. When you act the clown you immediately wonder who saw it and how stupid it really looked.
I remember falling in the street in downtown San Francisco, having tripped over the cable car tracks. I saw the hand of my rescuer appear directly in front of my face. When I took note of his, he was grinning. "Yeah, I've taken a header down here, too," he said, righting me. "You get a 'ten' for style." Then he walked away.

Thank god for the Olympics. Oh, and while I'm on the subject, SF'ers, get off the street and let the damned torch pass.

I'll post tomorrow if I can sit upright. My son suggested I buy LifeAlert.

IRAQ FOR SALE: WAR PROFITEERS

'the moral equivalent of insider trading'
~Ralph Peters, Lt. Colonel (Ret)

If you haven't seen Robert Greenwald's 2006 documentary, Iraq for Sale: War Profiteers, beg borrow or rent a copy. Contaminated water, the burning of equipment in burn pits (such as flat beds with a flat tire), empty supply convoys billed to the US government, and Halliburton's no-bid contract are all topics covered in this riveting ninety minute documentary.
For those of you who are interested in visiting, I've added CorpWatch to my list of NONPAREILS, at right.

BLACKWATER

Would you download
a meatloaf recipe
from someone whose
e-handle is
petlover?

How 'bout a recipe called "Korean Hamburger"? I think I'll opt out of that one.
Speaking of opting out, there has been great response for my survey at Poll Daddy, but a few shy blogophiles peeked at the question, and then bailed, not leaving a response, thereby skewing my numbers.
Now, I've deleted the blank testaments to the scary world of 'is it anonymous or can she see me?' and am giving all the go ahead. I honestly cannot see your name, addy, height weight or shoe size. And if you're reading my blog, I can't imagine you're afraid to answer the question.
G'head. You can do it. I'm interested in what you have to say
((hug)) ((hug))

TAKE THE SURVEY

Survey

It's Survey Sunday, your one in a million chance to share.

I've set up a single revealing question for you at my account at Poll Daddy. It's anonymous and completely secret until I decide to post results.

Go on; give it a try. You have nothing to lose and you'll be doing an ex-romance writer an enormous favor.

TAKE THE SURVEY

I ran across this at Astrocenter and found it amusing. Find your AstroBoss - or yourself - here.

~~~

Aries:(March 20 - April 19)
Your Aries boss is a fireball endowed with inexhaustible energy. While giving you your marching orders, he or she may also be reading e-mail and answering the phone. A quick decision-maker, Aries knows how to endow leadership with a personal touch. What you need to impress your Aries boss: good grooming, an alert demeanor (no yawning!), an ability to admit your mistakes, sincerity rather than empty flattery, and enthusiasm for working overtime.

Taurus:(April 20 - May 20)
Taurus has plenty of stamina and a flawless sense of organization. Willing to stretch a deadline if you need more time, this boss is a comforting presence rather than a dragon. But he or she wants detailed estimates and loathes improvisation on a job. Your Taurus boss wants plain talk about any problem that is worrying you, evidence that you are cost-effective (you earn more for the company than they pay you), and respect for professional discretion.

Gemini:(May 21 - June 20)
The Gemini boss is always on the move and always chattering via every means possible: cell phone, e-mail, or videotaped presentation. He or she haunts the hallways hoping to hear the latest jokes and then rushes off to tell them to others. Your Gemini boss unconsciously seeks unpredictability, faster-than-lightning efficiency, an able hand with the latest Web technology, and the capacity to improvise.

Cancer:(June 21 - July 21)
Your dear, sweet Cancer boss may secretly doubt him- or herself. The family photo is well in evidence on his or her desk, and you always will get concern for you and your family. Moreover, Cancer tries hard to make the office atmosphere comfortable and cozy. Your Cancer boss wants someone to go fishing with occasionally who stays out of the way when a bad mood strikes, and who respects schedules. Never argue once he or she has made a firm decision.

Leo:(July 22 - August 22)
Leo is a born leader, a star people naturally admire. Endowed with charisma, your Leo boss can purr a command and obtain instant obedience. A healthy dose of personal ambition inspires him or her to conduct business with pride and efficiency. You will fare best through flattery, applause, and blind obedience, by taking pride in your own personal appearance, and by being willing to give him or her credit for your ideas. Never challenge your Leo boss in public or upstage his or her performance.

Virgo:(August 23 - September 22)
Despite the low profile, your Virgo boss is amazingly efficient. Always reasonable and in total control emotionally, he or she appreciates projects that run on schedule, without the need for much supervision. Order reigns supreme. What your Virgo boss wants from you is punctuality, a tidy desk, respect for schedules and deadlines, an ability to stay within budget, impeccable manners.

Libra:(September 23 - October 22)
Your Libra boss is sociable and fair-minded. A bit of a flirt, he or she always has a kind word for everyone and enjoys coffee breaks with employees. Your boss may often ask for your opinion, because of an unfortunate and incurable tendency to be wishy-washy. To get along with your Libra boss, you should be tactful, fair to your coworkers, and willing to play tennis at lunchtime. Smile as much as is humanly possible.

Scorpio:(October 23 - November 21)
Scorpio takes an almost perverse enjoyment in wielding power and authority. Fortunately, he or she also is logical and determined and a very efficient manager. To get along, never engage in a clash of wills. Always admire his or her worth, show initiative, and tolerate his or her excessiveness. Above all, trust in Scorpio's amazing intuition.

Sagittarius:(November 22 - December 20)
Sagittarius is an inveterate optimist with folksy good humor. No problem is too big for your Sag boss to solve. If the team succeeds, the profits are shared out fairly. What this boss wants from you is respect for underlings, warmth and good-heartedness, enthusiasm, trust in others, an ability to express ideas, and unsinkable morale, regardless of what happens.

Capricorn:(December 21 - January 18)
Your Capricorn boss works like a slave and demands that you do the same. He or she has absolutely no compunctions about asking you to meet impossible deadlines. What he or she is unconsciously seeking in an employee is punctuality in every way, flawless honesty, and an ability to work at the speed of light. This boss loathes malicious gossip in the office and leisurely lunch breaks, both of which waste valuable time.

Aquarius:(January 19 - February 17)
Your Aquarius boss is a visionary. Cutting-edge technologies are second nature to the Water Bearer, who comes up with a new idea everyday and often hankers to rearrange the office. You'll impress your Aquarius boss if you are teeming with ideas, assertive in your opinions (even if they contradict his or hers), courteous, and open to dialogue.

Pisces:(February 18 - March 19)
The Pisces boss is sensitive and moody. Although he or she sometimes has trouble expressing ideas verbally, Pisces will demand unswerving loyalty. For some reason, his or her mysterious logic is always profitable. Expect sudden reversals of opinion. To get along, you should agree, accept his or her flashes of intuition without explanation, and be available at all times.

I'd rather clean toilets...

I ended my post on Saturday with the question, Who could ask for more than that?

I'm asking for more than that. Pardon me while I eat crow.

This morning my son ran to the mailbox and in an unusual gesture brought me the local newspaper just as I was leaving for work. I now consider this an obvious omen.

I admit I've been struggling at work. Oh I was prepped to deal with the demands of tax season; anyone who has ever picked up their taxes from an accountant can see the strain on everyone's faces. That's not what I'm talking about. Indulge me.

The world is the way it is; relationships, work, traffic, child rearing, lines at the grocery store/bank/movie theatre. Day to day life in general.
I get it.
But I still have to ask, what is it inside some human beings that makes them think it appropriate to vent their frustrations on the nearest person? how does one's so-called business 'style' grow over time from 'happy naive business owner' to 'complete and utter asshole'? My boss may be all dat but I"m certain there isn't a bag of chips in sight.

I'd use the term mein kampf here but i'd hate for the fbi to tag my blog. (I'm just a homemaker!)

Anyone remember the movie scene when Bridget Jones tells boss Daniel Cleaver that she'd rather wipe Saddam Hussein's arse than work for him? Hm. good girl. Me too.

Back to my struggle to understand human nature.

See, it's not just the stress, the angry clients storming out of the office, angry hang ups, the total lack of understanding that Gary can't come out of his office every time a client arrives, or that I'm suspected of being incapable of accepting an e-file document in case I lose it, thus screwing up someone's life. Nor any of the other hundred ridiculous stresses that I managed beautifully these last two weeks.

It's the latitude that my boss gives himself to be a royal shit -- because it's tax season.
Well, it was tax season for me, too, this year. I didn't crit anyone's work in public. I didn't storm out of a cave demanding to know what my receptionist just told a client about our business hours when he's never once been clear about it, despite asking.

And of course he tried to launch the 'you are so unprofessional' tirade when I told him I was quitting. Well, at least he didn't get away with it. He's supposed to be leading the office and the most he's done is behave in a way that makes me question whether he's got all his light bulbs screwed in. I busted hump and am proud of the work I did. There.

So, back to the job hunt. For now though, I'm going to go eat my lunch. It's a turkey club sandwich with bacon and lots of yummy mayonnaise. And just for today I'm giving myself a 45 minute break.
------------------------
just found this in my email inbox. Heh.

April 1, 2008
VERY FLEXIBLE HOURS!!
Insurance Processor
Administrative/Clerical Data Processing Insurance
Highly Automated Insurance office needing to fill two Part time positions. We have flexible hours, you tell us when you want to work and we will work around your schedule!! Mornings, Afternoons, Nights, Weekends, 3-4 hours a day or 8 hour days 2-3 days a week, YOU TELL US WHAT YOU CAN WORK!! Must have basic office and computer skills and a high willingness to learn. We are willing to teach anyone our system!!! NO INSURANCE EXPERIENCE NEEDED!!! Potential for advancement and more money for the right person. Please stop by the office to fill out an application. Bring your resume and be prepared for a possible interview and we will be glad to go over the job specifications.

Company Name:
Sierra Vista Insurance Agency Inc
Location:
Sierra Vista
Available:
Immediately Part Time.
Pay:
$8.00 per hour
Posted:
3/29/2008

Into the Wild

Since I'm home today with a sick little boy, I thought I'd spend a few minutes posting. Wonder if I'll get canned for excessive absenteeism? Any takers?

.

I am not now THAT which I have been.
~Lord Byron

Into the Wild
Monumental act of egotism or unquenchable fire of the spirit?

The true story of Christopher McCandless’s solo trek into the Alaskan wild provides a fascinating cinematic look into a very short, very tragic life. On the surface one can see Chris’s motivation to become a leather tramp as escapism from affluence and a total rejection of the poorly pieced fragments of a broken home. But Sean Penn’s screenwriting goes deeper, managing to give one a more objective glimpse into the heart of an adventurous spirit.

After graduating from university, Chris donates all his money, cuts up his ID, and abandons his shot at Harvard Law and his family to roam the country. He demonstrates a remarkable amount of courage in the pursuit of his dream, although one can hardly call this familial cruelty courageous since he never contacts them again - not even sister Carine, a kindred spirit in every sense of the word.
Throughout his journey he meets a handful of special people whom he also ultimately abandons for the call of the road.

This denial of personal involvement is an impossible proposition; he forms relationships with those he meets, whether he acknowledges it or not, and these friends come to love him in their way. In fact, his presence in their lives is so moving they fairly plead with him to stay. Since he leaves them anyway, it begs the question, does he understand people at all?

His adventures are many, varied, funny, and tragic. I'm amazed he didn't succumb to injury or death much faster than he did during his two year odyssey.

McCandless’s final friendship with elderly widower Ron is the most touching and Hal Holbrook delivers a masterful performance. Eddie Vedder’s soundtrack is poignant and moving, but what makes this film truly special is the honesty of Chris’s yearning for enlightenment and solitude.

Fascinating scenery, a riveting story, and the question of whether selfishness or the heart’s quest for freedom motivates McCandless makes Into the Wild an indelible film experience.
As it has been said, uncompromising men are easy to admire. Being uncompromising, however, does not make one admirable.

At the end, McCandless makes a final entry into his journal. You’ll have to read the book or see the film to discover whether he found an answer in the wild, or not.
You decide.

An ‘A’, for a great story, well done.