What's your movie?

What Classic Movie Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

I saw this movie (and maybe not all of it), years after it came out. The subject matter put me off. I have read many books that dealt with the Holocaust from many points of view and they all struck a horrified chord within me. I cannot comprehend how something that grand-scale-inhumane could have happened. I would like to think I'd behave with decency, courage and compassion like Mr. Schindler did. I hope I never have to find out.

Last night, after getting off of work, I dropped $6 in a beggar's cup. He is a one-legged man that I give a few bucks to whenever I see him. He always thanks me. I never stop to talk to him, always rushing to work, or to get back home. I have a one hour commute, and I build in no time for visiting. Another man that knows him saw me do that and told me the one-legged man's story, or part of it anyway. He said the man gets a gov't check and that he's taken care of. His sister beats him and takes his money. Now what do I do? Does the money I give him help him or hurt him? I could use my $6 - I am working hard to take care of my financial obligations. I know my intentions are good. I consider it tithing in a way. What goes around, comes around. He can't be making that much off the government. Now, if he was Governor, or something...

What Leader are you like?

What Famous Leader Are You?
personality tests by similarminds.com

I can't believe I am most like JFK. When I first came upon this test, it was on another's blog where he was identified with Abe Lincoln. I thought I'd be Abe too. Go figure.

This test was fun because it allowed you to pick the number of questions you were willing to answer to get the conclusion. I chose 18 questions. I wonder if I'd have picked more answers, would the answer be different. Hmmmm.

Solar Return '08

This is what I did for my birthday yesterday; I made beignets for breakfast. Polina, the tow-headed child, dusted them with powdered sugar.

I had 8 little people, ages 6-15, spend the night with me. They are children of 3 siblings, and a friend of Julia's stayed over too. It was an impromptu slumber party, spurred on by one of my sister's emergency surgery (she's recovering nicely). Julia and Shelby baked chocolate chip cookies and they were all gone before morning. That is probably why one of them had trouble getting to sleep and was disrupting others. They all started up in the living room, except Polina - who went to sleep in a bedroom, hours before the rest. At some point, Julia made her way to her own bed.

During that time, I took Aaron and his girlfriend to a movie - "Jumpers", he said it was very good - driving out to the country where his girlfriend lives to and fro. And then the next morning, well after breakfast and right before fixing lunch for the peeps, I had more taxi-ing to do for the rest of the day.

It was not a restful day. I couldn't have planned to have so much love surrounding me during my solar return. It just happened, and I accepted and appreciated it for what it was. I did grumble to myself once in a while that I should be sitting with a nice cup of tea and my newest books, but each of the children that were here were so anxious to please me, and were so happily doing what they wanted to do and being where they wanted to be, that I couldn't begrudge them that.

My nephew, Joe, asked me if I was having a good birthday so far, and I had to tell him "yes indeed, " and I meant it.

I am still recovering...

I'll never be the same. I worked last night and went out after. I cannot hang with the young and disaffected. I am way too sensible. Driving home after margaritas, across the longest bridge in the world is uncool. Never again. I think costuming for Mardi Gras was a way to mask a big drinking problem for some people. (pun intended) I should have spent the night at my friend's house, but didn't want to wake the house (husband) up to tell them. I hate feeling like crap. Did I say never again yet? Never again. Blecchh and retch.

Never mind

If you read the previous post, you'd understand. I found these pictures in an unlikely and new place. Rejoicing. Still trying to figure out how to view the videos I thought I made. Oh well, something is better than nothing. I decided the internatlization of the day matters to me more than a photo impression. It's just a lot of fun in my screen save slide show - while I am in the kitchen at the table, or cooking supper, or background for visiting with a friend over a cup of tea.

Mercury retrograde moment

I usually chalk stuff up to Mercury retrograde instances and resign myself to do over, restate, re-this or that, no big deal. In this case, I am bummed out. Not even the joke I posted to jokemail today could raise my spirits beyond a small forgetfulness, and then bummer mood again.

My trusty camera, of which I am very attached, broke a few days before Mardi Gras. I borrowed my reluctant daughter's for the days event into the French Quarter yesterday. It's the first time in years that my husband and I have been kid-free and able to venture in for the big day.

My teenage children were parked with family and friends in comfortable, safe Metairie. There was still a crowd there, just not the same.

Anyway, I was dressed up in one of Grandma Mimi's ball gowns from back in the day. It had pink peacock feathers all around the top of it. It would have been gorgeous if not for the big rust-colored stain on the back of it. I quickly changed into plan B outfit, jeans and a top that Julia picked out, after seeing and video-taping with Julia's camera, the longest train of people, all very colorfully, creatively, uniquely outfitted in costumes and masks and headgear of all fashions. They were each and every one of them impeccable in originality and design. It was so awesome of a display. I was stymied. There were drummers and trombones amongst them, so the march and dance down the street was the most spectacular, spontaneous entertainment I have ever seen.

You'll just have to picture it for yourself.

Now.

I have no pictures or videos. I took another one that was equally, or more, entertaining because by then I got the hang of Julia's camera. Or at least, how to take pictures and videos.

It ran out of memory after a couple of dozen shots. I couldn't figure out, or maybe wasn't able to, delete some of her old prints. That was my first bummer. I couldn't take any more pictures of all of the amazing, interesting, clever costumes and make-up.

I wasn't interested in getting shots of women showing and fondling each others breasts. I accidentally ran into a blog with lots of those pics a little while ago. There were plenty of people taking pictures, and shooting film. In real life, not all of them will make "Girls Gone Wild" videos. People of all shapes, sizes, and ages show their tits.

None of that matters. I uploaded the pictures and video clips that I was able to get. Then a screen asked me if I wanted to delete pics from the camera after I saw that they were uploaded. I told it "okay." And now the prints are all gone. I don't know what happened. I tried searching, I looked for them, and then hope against hope I searched the camera, just in case they really didn't get deleted.

In the scheme of things, if I allow that it is a Mercury retrograde moment, and that yesterday was a void-of-course-Moon, I will also have to allow the idea that it will be a do-over next year. I know what to expect. The void-of-course Moon meant that I couldn't plan or count on anything - so putting out my desires to the Universe - I had to remain flexible of how it worked out. And it all did so remarkably in each way.

I ate well, shrimp poboys for lunch and beignets and cafe au lait before we left for the day. I had a couple of largish margaritas, heard great music, danced and played, and celebrated the rhythms and colors of life. Thank goddess for diversity. It was an expansive experience - Mardi Gras '08. The memory will just have to remain internalized.

Gum freaks anonymous

I have an oral fixation. One can always find gum, mints, or some other kind of candy (Smarties, for one) in my purse.

I started off my career as a gumball freak when I was way little. I don't remember my first piece, but I do recall doing some desperate things to get gum; scraping it off sidewalks and streets (abc - already been chewed) and picking chunks out of it before making it my own, or walking to the grocery store at 2 years old because I found a penny for the machine, or constantly getting caught chewing gum in school.

One of my worst habits was saving my chewed gum in the butter compartment of the refrigerator - where I'd park it to break for meals. My sister, Sue, complained bitterly about that disgusting habit. The blob would harden in the fridge, and then come to new life when plucked out of there and popped into my warm, moist mouth. There could be many blobs in there at a time.

I just loved the stuff. Still do.

I like to try new kinds of gums when they come out, ever encouraging inventors to develop new flavors and chewing textures.

My current favorite is a gum called "5". I haven't tried the cinnamon flavored yet, but the peppermint and spearmint flavors are delicious and have a long-lasting chew.

"5" edged out the contender for my favorite, which is Orbit's White - spearmint or peppermint. Orbit also makes two others that are respectable; Bubblemint and Melon Breeze. All of these Orbits purport to remove stains and whiten teeth, but I haven't noticed a difference.

I am still crazy about Bazooka, Fruit Stripes, and any Colossal gumball from a quarter machine. I chew them in the privacy of my own home so as not to disturb anybody but my husband with my chomping, smacking, and bubble-blowing habits. He asks me, "do you have to make all that noise?"

I had 4 teens in my car the other night, on the way to a parade (Mardi Gras season again). I asked if anybody wanted any gum - they all did - and pulled out three different kinds for them to choose from.

I figure that I will always have gum in my purse. It is better for me than the cigs I used to carry on me as well.

I no longer swallow gum when I am finished - that used to be a bad habit when I was a younger lass. My final reformation came from watching the show "Unwrapped" on the Food Channel when they visited "Double Bubble's" headquarters and the information that rubber is used in the making of gum. All those years of swallowing... I am probably quite bouncy on the inside.

On my desktop right now...

I took this picture last week in Lacombe. There is a one mile peninsula, with a rocky road, that juts out into Lake Pontchartrain, which ends at a cul de sac. There was this pelican and some other birds staked out on the posts in the water.

When one wants to get away from all noise, this spot is there. Fishermen and crabbers pick a spot along the road and cast their nets and lines.

A perfect day

The weather was excellent for hiking today. Kids were in school. Michael and I had the day off together. After a walk in the Lacombe Wildlife Refuge, where we only saw one snake, we came home for lunch. I made a grilled cheddar and swiss sandwich on sourdough bread with tomato, and I fried some french fries. Mmmmmm.

We are both off again tomorrow. When Julia gets on the bus at 7:50 a.m., I'll have the day to myself. Michael will be doing his things and I will do mine. I always enjoy my down-time.

Lest you think I've gone quiet...

My dog, Chip, is ever hopeful for some lovin'.


Besides working at Snug Harbor a few nights a week - spontaneously, as opposed to scheduled - and doing more frequent astrological consults, I am producing a monthly astrological forecast, and also astrology articles on this blog.

Time for a walk in the woods. I walk to the left of this huge puddle. Chip wades right through it.

Happy New Year - 2008

I found this web-site last night before midnight. If you click on the music and then view the art work, piece-by-piece, you will be thoroughly inspired and feel the love.

Peace and many blessings to all in this upcoming year.

Awaken Visions by Daniel B. Holeman

My favorite x-mas video

I never get tired of hearing these two men sing this song.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_zMhSjDqvRs

Love and peace to you this season, and evermore.

My new job...

http://www.snugjazz.com/
I trained as a cocktail waitress at New Orleans premier music nightclub last Sunday night. There were 14 customers total for the shows that night which was ideal for learning how to use the computer and feeling out the environment.

Last night was my first official solo night on the job. Spencer Bohren played, and many jazz legendary personalities sat in on his sets. What a generous, fun-loving musicican Mr. Bohren is. Both shows sold out and it was standing room only. A lot of the people in the audience were relatives and friends, and it was a lovely jumble of good fellowship.

Spencer's music is great(what an understatement). His grown-up daughter joined him on stage during the first set. She is a wonderful chanteuse. I liked the songs she sang.

I had the upstairs lounge to take care of by myself. Because it has been a while since working in a bar - there was pressure and chaos. I learned by my mistakes, got stiffed on an $80 tab, and realized that I haven't had many jobs where I was afforded a leisurely training period. Almost all of my two hundred jobs - I have been just thrown in and learned to swim.

I am going to like working at Snug Harbor. The food is very good, and employees eat free. You can't beat that; good music, good money, AND good food. It's my Merry Christmas job.

I'm just sayin'...

Because I want to connect with others, I have sought out groups to network in. I find affinity with like-minded souls who are thoughtful and wise, and who speak with kindness to and about others.

There are too many ways that words can be misconstrued, or used to damage that connectivity. If you want to distance yourself from soneone, criticize them or complain about them to others so that it can get back to them.

I am going to figure out how to withdraw from Facebook, MySpace, and maybe even TIBU because of feeling less connected that way, not more. I mostly just embarrass myself with my lack of understanding how to use those networking tools. I find they are more time-consuming to operate in than the time I have left on Earth.

I am also in OKCupid at the urging of a friend. Even though I put that I am married and not searching for lovers, that site still sends me beefcake pictures of men who want to be my friend. I don't even understand those percentages - Enemy, friend, romantic partner - or somesuch.

I have at other times joined Astrology or Philosophy forums that have turned into one-upmanship on intellectual points made with such negative words - evoking low self esteem.

I found a new web-site that I love today. It is www.wellnow.com It sung my song. I don't watch the news. I rarely read the paper. And when others get stuck on sad stories, I change the subject or inject light into it. There are enough things in this world to make us mad, sad, frustrated, and to act hateful towards others. Just say "no" to that crap. Ooooh, am I being negative? I don't know. I am not perfect, just don't keep pointing it out or I'll never be.

Androgyny

Eight years ago, I was asked to audition for a British Farce that was being produced at a local community theater. I used to do a good British accent. I read for the girl parts, but was asked if I would cut my hair and mind dressing like a man to play the male lead. Being Aquarian, that was right up my alley. It was my favorite part ever, playing Philip Markham in "Move Over Mrs. Markham."

Michael hated my looking like this.

I am a girlie girl. I like jewelry, makeup, perfume, wearing dresses and skirts. Man, oh man, though, it was a lot of fun entering a masculine persona, or the other way around. From the feedback of some of the theater's boardmembers, and by the packed house everynight, it was very fulfilling to be The Man. THAT was acting. (or, I am a cross-dresser)

My Dad wouldn't or couldn't come to the play, but my Mom did. She did not like anything at all about it. She disliked that I was cast in this role, and probably was most appalled by my fake-kissing a woman on-stage. We have a history of my shocking and appalling her. I know we c/wouldn't have our relationship any other way. It doesn't take away from my Being in my flow. My approval comes from within. She and I mutually respect one another and can disagree about things now. I have grown up in my esteem of what I am, this actor identity. I love to Play.

Meet Granny D.

http://www.grannyd.com/speeches/wartburg-college.htm
Some of you may know her. This lady is amazing. If only I could live up to her example...

It's (Self)worth a try.

An untimely truth

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

What a wise woman Annie Leonard is. I like her style.

This is a very interesting and informative 15 minute video.

I sent it to my kids.

Watch it and spread it around like butter. Let's break the pattern and create a new one that is more life-giving.

Broaden your horizons, mentally and spiritually, while the Sun is in Sagittarius.

Jupiter and Pluto are conjunct in Sagittarius too. It is transformative(Pluto) and expansive(Jupiter) for belief systems. It can be brutal, yet liberating, to change any beliefs if you are strongly holding onto them. At the top of our collective education, as so much energy is focused in Jupiter's lenses right now, is to embrace, learn from, and live cooperatively with others. We aren't all alike, and that's a good thing.

This "Story of Stuff" by Annie Leonard is an easy to follow concept that will open your mind to all kinds of changes. We don't need more stuff.

Shalom

Time stands still for no one

Or no thing either.

This picture is of Synchronicity, behind the blue tractor. It's been re-built and is for sale. I used to lease the building.

The brick steps in the lower, right hand of the picture led into a two story building which was a yoga studio on the ground floor and an apartment on the top floor.

Behind the yoga studio was a dilapidated, two story, pink house that was rumored to be haunted. It wasn't just rumors; there was definitely more there than met the eye.

Both bldgs. were no match for hurricane winds and water surges from the lakefront behind me in this picture. They crumbled under the pressure and then rammed a big hole in the side of Synchronicity and piled up in there, pushing tables and merchandise around like nothing. Half of my stuff washed down the street.

Before the hurricane, I tucked all my merchandise into waterproof containers, and then piled them high on top of tables. I regret that I didn't take more out of there when I had the chance to.

I am NOT sorry for how things turned out, though. I have been crazy unsettled lately, but I don't care. I am happy to not be tethered to one spot. I just bought Synchronicity to avoid getting a job that require I be anything other than what I am.

Dedicated to Kim in Scotland

That was a 5.5 or 6 landing. You missed it.

Tally ho, Kim. Next time, it'll be a round-off.

Hello in There

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you John Prine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSufO2FlpAQ

In the past year or so, I've been very aware of the aging process. I am 47 and still in great health, standing tall, all organs and limbs are functioning properly. I am going to keep it that way if I can help it.

Sure, I am a little slower than I used to be. I can't do as many cartwheels as I used to, and don't care to. I have other attributes that are becoming more prominent; like patience, my sense of humor is more easily triggered, I don't sweat the small stuff, and more and more of the time in my day is filled with small stuff.

My thought processes go a mile a minute when I see an elderly person all hunched over, pushing a shopping cart, their back in the shape of a C. How'd they get like that? Gradually?

In the past year, as I was stocking grocery shelves, I worked during the day when mostly elder folk did their grocery shopping. I saw couples doing that deed together, and I saw widows and widowers doing it alone. Some of them were in pretty bad shape; C's and D's, gimp legs, protrusions from their necks and heads. They could tell I was sympathetic and asked for my help reaching or finding items. I never minded. I know I will be old one day too.

At one of the stores I maintained, I would run into a man in a motorized cart that I came to know as Anthony. He lost his wife 15 years ago on New Years Day and still misses her terribly. From the first time I encountered him, he pegged me as a listener and followed me around aisles for about 10 minutes. I learned a lot of his personal history in those few minutes.

I only went to that store a few more times before becoming the rep at a different store. Each time, he'd stop and talk to me and tell me stories about his wife. He recited poetry to me that he wrote for her. I knew it was important to listen to him. I felt compassion for him - wheelchair bound - lost both legs a few years ago, and living alone. He goes to the grocery every day to get out the house, and he cooks for himself.

At first, I thought I was doing him a favor by listening to him, but now I realize that I have been inspired and uplifted by his story. What a blessing it was to have encountered him - instead of his slowing me down at putting away the products.

To the young person that's still inside of you, and the old person waiting to develop, hello in there.