Terry's Timeout

2011-11-30T22:50:00.000-08:00

"Holy cow bubba, that's SOME RABBIT TRACK!"

"Drag your thoughts away from your troubles... by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it."
-- Mark Twain

RABBIT RABBIT

TO ALL YOU "GOOD LUCK IN DECEMBER"
FANS...

Been a while since I've dropped in on my own blog - guess the fact I turned 55 today helped things along after reading my birthday-mate Mark Twain's sentiment...

It doesn't surprise me that Samuel Clemens was a Corvid fan...indeed it is clear that he studied them at great length, having made many well-appointed observations as noted below.

Here is his most direct opinion on crows:

CROW (INDIAN CROW)

Illustration from first edition of
FOLLOWING THE EQUATOR

I suppose he is the hardest lot that wears feathers. Yes, and the cheerfulest, and the best satisfied with himself. He never arrived at what he is by any careless process, or any sudden one; he is a work of art, and "art is long"; he is the product of immemorial ages, and deep calculation; one can't make a bird like that in a day. He has been reincarnated more times than Shiva; and he has kept a sample of each incarnation, and fused it into his constitution. In the course of his evolutionary promotions, his sublime march toward ultimate perfection, he has been a gambler, a low comedian, a dissolute priest, a fussy woman, a blackguard, a scoffer, a liar, a thief, a spy, an informer, a trading politician, a swindler, a professional hypocrite, a patriot for cash, a reformer, a lecturer, a lawyer, a conspirator, a rebel, a royalist, a democrat, a practicer and propagator of irreverence, a meddler, an intruder, a busybody, an infidel, and a wallower in sin for the mere love if it. The strange result, the incredible result, of this patient accumulation of all damnable traits is, that he does not know what care is, he does not know what sorrow is, he does not know what remorse is, his life is one long thundering ecstasy of happiness, and he will go to his death untroubled, knowing that he will soon turn up again as an author or something, and be even more intolerable capable and comfortable than ever he was before.

In his straddling wide forward step, and his springy sidewise series of hops, and his impudent air, and his cunning way of canting his head to one side upon occasion, hereminds one of the American blackbird. But the sharp resemblances stop there. He is much bigger than the blackbird; and he lacks the blackbird's trim and slender and beautiful build and shapely beak; and of course his sober garb of gray and rusty black is a poor and humble thing compared with the splendid lustre of the blackbird's metallic sables and shifting and flashing bronze glories. The blackbird is a perfect gentleman, in deportment and attire, and is not noisy, I believe, except when holding religious services and political conventions in a tree; but this Indian sham Quaker is just a rowdy, and is always noisy when awake--always chaffing, scolding, scoffing, laughing, ripping, and cursing, and carrying on about something or other. I never saw such a bird for delivering opinions. Nothing escapes him; he notices everything that happens, and brings out his opinion about it, particularly if it is a matter that is none of his business. And it is never a mild opinion, but always violent--violent and profance--the presence of ladies does not affect him. His opinions are not the outcome of reflection, for he never thinks about anything, but heaves out the opinion that is on top in his mind and which is often an opinion about some quite different thing and does not fit the case. But that is his way; his main idea is to get out an opinion, and if he stopped to think he would lose chances.

I suppose he has no enemies among men. The whites and Mohammedans never seemed to molest him; and the Hindoos, because of their religion, never take the life of any creature, but spare even the snakes and tigers and fleas and rats. If I sat on one end of the balcony, the crows would gather on the railing at the other end and talk about me; and edge closer, little by little, till I could almost reach them; and they would sit there, in the most unabashed way, and talk about my clothes, and my hair, and my complexion, and probable character and vocation and politics, and how I came to be in India, and what I had been doing, and how many days I had got for it, and how I had happened to go unhanged so long, and when would it probably come off, and might there be more of my sort where I came from, and when would they be hanged, - and so on, and so on, until I could not longer endure the embarrassment of it; then I would shoo them away, and they would circle around in the air a little while, laughing and deriding and mocking, and presently settle on the rail and do it all over again.

They were very sociable when there was anything to eat - oppressively so. With a little encouragement they would come in and light on the table and help me eat my breakfast; and once when I was in the other room and they found themselves alone, they carried off everything they could lift and they were particular to choose things which they could make no use of after they got them. In India their number is beyond estimate, and their noise is in proportion. I suppose they cost the country more than the government does; yet that is not a light matter. Still, they pay; their company pays; it would sadden the land to take their cheerful voice out of it.
- Following the Equator

2011-08-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

RABBIT RABBIT - yes, and I can scarcely believe today is the first day of August!

What better way to wish everyone good luck this month than by envisioning a lovely gallop across summer gardens, pretty thunderheads overhead, and the slow summer days still ahead to wile away...

As I write this from my sister's computer here in Casper, Wyoming, I am content to imagine time going on indefinitely in this fashion. No routine, no work, just family surrounding each other with comfort and understanding. The silver lining of a tragedy is that the family gets to gather together and share each others company.
My days here will end this week, and I will return to the reality of my own life at home, with the necessity of work and all the mundanity that goes with it.

Postscript: I tried to post this in time for rabbit rabbit wishes on the first day of August, but sadly my sister's computer would not let me post. Thank goodness my sweetie brought his - better late than never.

2011-07-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

Tibbar Tibbar - all the way from Jackson Hole... very late to wish everyone Rabbit Rabbit and good luck in the month of July! Not even a picture today - I'll leave it up to you to visualize your very own Rabbit.

2011-06-01T07:02:00.000-07:00

*SIGH*
Rabbit Rabbit and away we go!

Rabbit Rabbit - is this June? More like "JUNUARY" ha ha - we're still having stormy weather here in the bay area of Northern California... Prepping for our big camping trip family reunion at the end of this month at Yellowstone National Park. Guess I'd better pack the snowshoes!

2011-05-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

Thought for the day:

I wish you peace.

2011-05-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

Rabbit Rabbit
It's May.

2011-04-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

Life, death, hand in hand

No special rules conform them

Each profoundly real

Today the Icelandic part of the family is in deep mourning at the loss of an Uncle, Brother, Father, Husband, Friend... a vibrant part of the family who has gone away to that mysterious, unreachable place we all will discover in our own time. Gunnar first became known to me on my virgin visit to Iceland where, amidst the blur of Icelandic relatives, he stood out like a sparkling gem with his sky blue eyes twinkling in hidden mirth when directed at me. After meeting one of his daughters Asa, I was introduced to the further magical qualities of this man: he was a friend to Ravens! Passionately loving the outdoors, he befriended a Raven, who came to be tame enough to sit right on Gunnar's shoulder... I drool with envy at the thought. I didn't know him for very long, but in that abbreviated length of time, he grew to legend purportions in my heart. I know he leaves a great family - large, loving, and now adrift without his loving direction. I just wanted to say "Peace Gunnar", and may the Ravens of Odin guide you to your destiny.

2011-04-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or does something look terribly wrong?

Spring has snuck right up behind me and sprung. The birds have exploded into song and color - and I am amazed at the transition (only last week it had rained 20 of the last 30 days...) Yesterday it was 80 degrees... sheesh!

There is something almost comforting in the inevitability of the seasons as they march forward. At least something is uniform in the world - something to be counted on.

Happy Happy April Fools Day to all of us fools!

2011-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Rabbit Rabbit - Good luck in February!

Kung Hei Fat Choy -Happy Chinese New Year~!
WELCOME TO THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT!

Spring festival, or what is more known as the Chinese New Year, is considered one of the most important events in China. The celebration is based on the lunar calendar, so that the first day of the lunar year marks the Chinese New Year. Thus, the event falls between late January to early February. The celebration begins on the eve of the lunar new year and continues on until the fifth day of the lunar calendar's first month. Next will come the lantern festival. This year Chinese New Year falls on February 3; the Year of the Rabbit.

I feel as though Spring is just around the corner -but only here on the west coast. Reading about the onslaught of snow and ice storms hitting the east coast makes me shudder - so fortunate I live in California. My Sweetie is in Florida at the moment, and he reports temps in the 70's, nice, temperate, and filled with sunshine. Temps here in the Bay Area are in the 50's during the day, and 30's in the evenings...cool but not unbearable. It has begun to rain this evening, and I love to hear the sound of the rain on the roof as I lay in bed. I love the winter weather - *California style* and look forward to more.

For all my friends living elsewhere - I wish you sunny skies and happy times. Winter is about to give way to Spring, and the cycle begins again. There is always hope in whatever comes... the seasons renew and so do we. All of the birds around here are revved up for spring... looking for a mate and chipping in their voices every day at my feeders. They are too numerous to list here, but I enjoy each and every one.

2011-01-08T23:07:00.000-08:00

The stunning beauty of the fjord, laying so still before us as we drove up over the hill and then descended into the wide valley below exploded with thrills into my soul. I've looked away from these pictures many times, only to find that when I again stare at them, I'm stricken just as hard as I was when I first laid eyes upon the scene.

I have a fellow blogger friend - roughly my age, who up and moved from Australia to Iceland, after having spent one winter on the rock. She was gripped with the same intense love (obsession lol) with Iceland that I harbor, and then unlike me, took action - sold her home, packed up and moved, lock, stock and barrel to Iceland! True, she had a job skill to fall back upon, funding, and friends whose support she could rely on... but the truth is SHE DID IT. This gal has earned my complete respect, and undying hero worship due to the fact that she actually took action. Those of you who have read my blog for any length of time know that I've harped and whined about Iceland ever since I started blogging. That was about 5 or 6 years ago... duh... what a laggard I am. My dad (though he will never read my blog) told me once that I operate on "fear"... lovely. But I suppose it is true. Fear of failure, fear of ridiculous defeat - mostly fear of living underneath a bridge... but the lure of that fabulously beautiful country drives me still and who knows... Maybe I shall over come.

2010-12-31T22:04:00.001-08:00

Wishing you peace and prosperity during the New Year and always.

Peace Rabbit Rabbit.

G and I welcomed a new grandson each into the world in 2010 - two brand new little people on the earth.

Happy New Year indeed~

Crow On The Cradle by The Corndodgers

2010-12-23T00:55:00.000-08:00

I think the reason I really like this song is because it is an old folk tale... People seem through out the ages to associate crows with death, illness, and misfortune. The tune is mournful and ominous but attractive just the same.

2010-12-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

Did you ever take a walk on the wild side? Even the truly wild do it... check out this crow taking a moment on the wild side - on the back of a golden eagle. It makes one pause and reflect. Those crows...

2010-12-01T09:40:00.000-08:00

Rabbit Rabbit!

May there be peace between enemies, joy between rivals, and understanding across the usual barriers in December.

... oh, and extra energy, pizazz and endurance for all to survive "the most wonderful time of the year" and all of its stress.

Walking In The Air (from: The Snowman)

2010-11-30T00:10:00.000-08:00

For my own birthday extravaganza, here is a European treat. Some of you may not enjoy "cartoons", but the music is superb, as is the scenery - a magical treat of animation, imagination, and wonderful imagery. Take a few moments just to enjoy it... I promise it isn't very long. I wish you peace, happiness, and a moment of simple joy today, November 30th, 2010.

2010-11-17T19:00:00.001-08:00

Anyone need some fresh Icelandic water?

2010-11-12T18:38:00.000-08:00

I was saving this picture for some fine and wonderful "Rabbit Rabbit" but my countenance today took over.

This picture says it all... did you ever find when a "warm and fuzzy" took over and turned everything horrible? Well, you are looking at it.

May the rest of the month be nothing but better.

2010-11-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

Having been recently renewed and refreshed whilst out on an island in the Northwestern Pacific, I find my head still up in the clouds.

It is enormously difficult to assimilate back into the mundane daily routine of urbanity after being completely surrounded by natural beauty, quiet, wildlife, international community, stormy seas and loving people - to name a few fabulous things.

There actually is a method to my madness, as I have embarked upon a way to achieve my goal of surrounding myself with these things on a permanent basis. But the process is oh so slow, and may take a very long time to achieve.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." -Confucius

I just took it.

2010-11-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Is it time for dinner yet? Hmmm, isn't that supposed to be a turkey?

Rabbit Rabbit from one who never has the time for a proper post, even on the first day of the best month in the year...

Good luck in November.

2010-10-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

I wish I knew as much as he does.

2010-10-06T08:19:00.000-07:00

Look through my window
Ancient and new become one
When seen through this pane

2010-10-01T06:39:00.000-07:00

Rabbit Rabbit!

Good luck in October.

I love the Fall - warm days giving way to cool and often blustery nights... Indian Summer giving out to brightly colored leaves and woodsmoke scented mornings.

It is the month of trick or treat, happy Hallows Eve, ghouls and ghosts... Fall is here.

Tonight is the night
When dead leaves fly
Like witches on switches
Across the sky
When Elfin sprite
Fly through the night
On a moony sheen....
It's Halloween!

2010-09-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there;
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on... snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there;
I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye

2010-09-03T12:00:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day at the beach.
This Crow was standing on a wall above Depot Bay, Oregon...
Wish I was back there now.

2010-09-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sculpture by Darla Jackson

Beware the hare
In a Raven's mask
All is not as
It seems
September came fast
Upon us unaware
Whilst through the eye-hole
Lies a mischievous gleam

Rabbit Rabbit - Good luck to all as Fall begins it's trudge.

2010-08-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

There is a beautiful getaway at a place in southern Oregon called the Shooting Star Hotel... it was so fine. Simple, but in a great surrounding... I highly recommend it. Not so much because of the ammenities of the hotel, but because if you are there, it means you are... ON VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

I had my Rabbit Rabbit post up today, on the first day of August. But looking at it, I can see it is pitifully small, unreadable, and well, I had to find something more apropos. Something that more describes the mood of the day/month. Here in the throes of summer is a wish to everyone for peace, good luck and fun times in August. Rabbit Rabbit, bless bless.

2010-08-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Rabbit Rabbit
Good luck in ... gulp
Holy cow it can't be
August already...

2010-07-29T20:44:00.000-07:00

Blind rise ahead! Everyone gets them - might as well enjoy the ride. Life is full of these - blind speed bumps. Blind sides, blind corners, blind curves... you name it, it is all the same. Dodging them is out of the question - you just have to deal with them as they pop right up in front of you. I especially enjoy the Icelandic variety - all it means is slow going-and cautiousness ahead... and it is all a blast as well as fabulous adventure... never fear them. Everybody has them - just enjoy the ride.

2010-07-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Camping always works.

Gorgeous Lake Davis under approaching thunder storm clouds

A boy at his campfire...

Mmmmm - smoked freshly caught trout brought over by our neighbors.

Followed by steaks on the barby...

The Citronella candles were less than effective -

...against the hoards of flying mosquito-looking gnats.

"Like my live lizard corsage?"

2010-07-12T23:23:00.000-07:00

The Dog Cloud at LAKE DAVIS kept a watch over us :)

Simply dreamy camping trip!

2010-07-07T22:54:00.000-07:00

Oh boy - here is where I'll be tomorrow - camping at Lake Davis, CA.

Guess I'd better remember to bring the fly for the tent this time - thunderstorms predicted~

2010-07-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

Manana Island Watercolor by OLGA SHEVCHENKO

Manana Manana - (Rabbit Rabbit in Hawaiian)
It is the first of the month and so I wish everyone good luck in the month of July.

Manana Island is located on the Windward side of O'ahu, north of Makapu'u Point. The shape of the island actually resembles a rabbit but it was named Rabbit Island because rabbits actually live there after a rancher released the animals there. Today the island serves as a seabird sanctuary.

The Bear has been in Hawaii for the past month, caring for his busy 3 year old granddaughter. This has allowed his eldest pregnant daughter to maintain her mandatory bed rest, as she awaits the birth of her second child.

Aloha honey.

2010-06-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

Is there no ending
Just ignition out the back
Constant moving on

2010-06-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

Iceland in summer
Lupine bobbing in the wind
Ancient rock beneath

2010-06-13T09:07:00.000-07:00

Into a black hole
Swallowed down whole in one gulp
Spit me out alive

2010-06-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

Foamy offering
Pebbles hissing as they roll
Seaside lullaby

2010-06-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

RABBIT RABBIT IT'S ROAD TRIP MONTH

June is summer vacation, no more school, warm days and lots of fun.

Too bad for me - already got back from my summer trip to Washington State, I can't take the heat like I used to, I don't get any vacation from work, not even going to school, and well, I can only hope for good luck this month.

I've got my work cut out for me - so I plan to make fun happen~
Here we go!

2010-05-23T20:53:00.000-07:00

Old Man Crow cawed out his piece
Across silver bay
Impervious to the wind

2010-05-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

There are places
Just to be
How I wish
That I could see
This location
Only me...
On the edge
Of this blue sea

2010-05-01T08:22:00.000-07:00

MAY DAY MAY DAY... and Rabbit Rabbit - good luck in May!

Off to the roller derby today in Sacramento to watch G's daughter Referee a game with the Redwood Rollers of Humboldt... wheeeeeeee. What a way to start the day on this very first day of May!

2010-05-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

RABBIT RABBIT - Good luck in um... holy cow, is it MAY already? Yipes~...where did April disappear to? Okay, well, I stumbled across another quaint Rabbit related road stop that is definitely on my map for my next visit through Kentucky.

In a world that seems to be changing constantly, the Rabbit Hash General Store is a heaping slice of Americana from another era. A working general store since 1831, the Rabbit Hash General Store is the heart of historic Rabbit Hash, a quaint little Northern Kentucky river-town whose fortunes literally have risen and fallen with the waters of the Ohio River.

The town's name, "Rabbit Hash" is said to have originated during the flood of 1847 when the abundant local rabbit population was driven to higher ground and became a food staple in a special stew called "hash." Little documented history of Rabbit Hash actually survives, primarily because devastating Ohio River floods in 1884, 1913 and 1937 deluged the little town and ruined many records.

The Rabbit Hash General Store was completely submerged during the 1937 flood that crested at an unheard of 79.9 feet. There is still mud in the store's attic crawl space from the historic 1937 flood, and the only reason it has survived the river's often angry waters is that it is anchored securely to the ground by a series of iron rods which run through the entire structure. Much of the rest of Rabbit Hash was not so fortunate during the historic flood. Several residences, outbuildings, the creamery, a tobacco warehouse and the blacksmith shop were washed away in 1937.

The Rabbit Hash General Store looks untouched by both time and river waters. Its large front porch with roof overhang is the town's social focal point.

A large painted sign welcomes visitors to the store itself, which still sells groceries and other staple items for local residents. As a major tourist attraction, however, the Rabbit Hash General Store features antiques, collectible Bybee pottery, hand-woven towels from Boston Weavers, brooms made at Berea College in Kentucky, hand-made soaps, wooden kitchen utensils, enamelware, and the necessary hats, shirts and postcards. Lots of delicious foods are offered as well, such as Mom Blackmans cream pull candy, Windstone Farm blackberry jam, shortbread wafers in tins, Lion coffee and Saponi Soaps handmade olive oil soaps.

In addition to the General Store, Rabbit Hash features the Rabbit Hash Museum, historic homes, and shops such as the Kentucky Huckster, which offers a variety of Appalachian crafts and quilts. Day-long riverboat cruises on the Ohio River to Rabbit hash are offered from Covington (directly across the river from downtown Cincinnati) by area sightseeing cruise operators such as BB Riverboats. It sounds like a whole lot of fun, and I've stuck a pin on my destination map for my next road trip.

2010-04-28T08:49:00.000-07:00

Ah, the wonders of science - and for me, ahhh, the wonders of watching my grandson Hunter explore the amazing transformation of sugar into candy... a fun and wonderful experience for all.

2010-04-22T05:04:00.000-07:00

Today, Earth Day, is as good a time as any to think about the planet we live on. How can we reverse the toxic poisoning of our earth, water and air?

Organic food is a start.

Closing thoughts from the movie Food, inc.

When you go to the supermarket, choose foods that are in season.
Buy foods that are organic.
Know what’s in your food. Read labels.
The average meal travels 1500 miles from the farm to the supermarket. Buy foods that are grown locally.
Shop at farmer’s markets.
Plant a garden (even a small one).
Cook a meal with your family and eat together.
Everyone has a right to healthy food. Make sure your farmer’s market takes food stamps.
Ask your school board to provide healthy school lunches.
The FDA and USDA are supposed to protect you and your family. Tell Congress to enforce food safety standards and re-introduce Kevin’s Law.
If you say grace, ask for food that will keep us, and the planet healthy.

2010-04-15T07:07:00.000-07:00

- fresco mural on the wall of 1926 church - Flatey, Iceland Baltasar

April 15th - Day for Death and Taxes.

Life, a stormy sea awash
Wind and foam threaten
To capsize the boat

2010-04-08T03:38:00.001-07:00

Our trip back home
From desert roam
Became our journey's highlight

Saw turkey, bobcat, even elk
Before we drove in twilight.

A wolf-dog's kiss
And beagle's kill
Did not eclipse the pleasure

Of meeting old friend
Blogging bud
A Bear and Crow's good measure

2010-04-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

Easter Vacation.
April Fool's Day.

End of Winter. Beginning of Spring.

April showers bring
Spring flowers.

Yin & Yang.

Death and Taxes.

Oh - and chocolate Easter eggs.

Rabbit Rabbit - and good luck in April!

Looking forward to spending some time in front of the Dawg - have never seen - only heard of his famous digs/canine companions/surroundings... I hear he does a great bbq...

2010-03-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

Gateway to heaven
Just beyond the barren edge
I've been there before

2010-03-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

RABBIT RABBIT. Good Luck in March!

The last few posts (in fact, the last YEAR's posts on the first of each month,) have been rather simple... I've lazily relied on the quote of the day to take care of my post for the month. Shame on me - I'm sorry and I apologize to any readers (do I even really have any readers left?) who have stuck here through thick and very thin despite my most sloppy writing.

Not much has changed this past entire year, as far as career, change of venue, etc... life changes are rather slim: daughter moved back home with grandson Hunter (8) and dog (Ipo) - definitely a change not anticipated; became more entrenched in new career of caregiving - which is more involved than I first imagined;... have sunk under water financially due to low paying job, and have become grandmother to a one year old... Jayden, born on Valentine's Day 2009. Life's challenges are ever present: losing some weight, packing house up to make it available to rent; figuring out and fine-tuning plans to move away from this urban area to the hermit's location in the wild which I've dreamed of for years... these things are NEW (in the sense of Rabbit Rabbit - new and good luck ) I would LOVE to actually find this hotel on our travels - because that would mean we actually WERE traveling!

Happy March to all of you - my friends and family - and may you all find just exactly what you are looking for. xoxo

2010-02-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

Rabbit Rabbit

Time is marching by relentlessly. I need a lift.

2010-01-30T20:10:00.000-08:00

(I don't know the artist)

This is how my Sweetie makes me feel.

Every day.

2009-12-31T22:45:00.000-08:00

RABBIT RABBIT 2010~

May The BearCrow of happiness not forget you in the new year :)

Happy New Year 2010! May this new year allow you space to realize your dreams, shore up the old ones, and renew loving friendships xo.

2009-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Escorting the new
Last month of the old year out
Rabbit Rabbit all

The ghost of good luck
Rests vulture-like on my head
Time for something new

2009-11-14T14:18:00.001-08:00

Just getting ready to pack up my troubles in my old kit bag and smile, smile, smile.....

2009-11-01T14:02:00.001-08:00

Rabbit Rabbit O
It's the first glorious day
November has come

A cold has stolen my weekend away
Not much fun from my vantage point
In the bed
Stuffy head
The cool breeze is so nice
From my window

2009-09-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

Rarely have I found
Anything half-ly profound
As the Moon on one

How lucky am I
That I have an other half
Who loves it like me

Rabbit Rabbit all
Not only this year will be
Lucky for us all

2009-09-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

Icelandic building art.

Walking about the downtown area
of Reykjavik is never boring.
There is always something
to please the eyes
and uplift the spirit
where ever
you look.

If you click on the picture to enlarge,
you can read the words better.

2009-09-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

King Snake!
What a treat to see as we were out on a walk at the Lafayette Reservoir. I've seen one in a battle with a Diamond Back Rattle Snake - usually the King Snake wins. The King Snakes are getting scare around here - as are the tarantulas, tarantula wasps, horned toad lizards and velvet ants... all creatures I used to spot often as a kid. I miss those days.

2009-09-02T19:43:00.001-07:00

This house is on a family owned farm, which my Bear's Mom spent summers on when she was a girl away up in the West Fjords near Isafjordur.

Driving, driving on
No one ahead or behind
A place I could be

No thought of money
Bills or pain, only sky alive
Sea salt fills the air

Here dreams are born wild
Fresh fodder for a new path
A turn up ahead

I beg of you to double click on the pictures if you want to experience them as they should be seen...

Rabbit Rabbit

2009-09-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

September Rabbit
Anniversary of Life
I have loved you since

I wish All of Us
Rabbit Rabbit good luck
In September forever

5 long years ago,
A great magnificent Bear
Stepped back here to me

33 years long
The passage of time amazed
We are meant to be

Like our tails?

Good luck
However it
Presents
It's self

We can
All use it.

2009-08-16T04:26:00.001-07:00

It has been a life long dream of mine to see and to interact with puffins. When I was in high school, I had lofty dreams of photographing them out on the far most rocky posts off the coast of Maine where I had heard about a foundling colony of them. I imagined myself sitting as an observer, writing about and documenting my discoveries of their behavior. Of course, I had yet to even lay eyes on my first one.

Then Life happened - and my dreams got buried under layers of mundanity. But those dreams didn't die; they were just laying dormant, waiting for a drop of magic to bring them back to life.

Iceland provided the magic. Truly, it might have been a disaster, because just as we had arrived near Látrabjarg, Vestrjörðum (the furthest western point of Iceland in the West Fjords) my camera needed a new battery pack. I was insane with frustration (just ask G, he will tell you as he rolls his eyes). When we arrived, and without prior knowledge that there would be something special to see there, I saw the little puffins on the extreme edge of the cliff. I couldn't jump out of the car fast enough as I struggled to see them - see and experience them with my own two eyes up close.

Noticing my anguish at being without my camera intermixed with my speechless awe at seeing the little birds so close, my Bear handed over his own camera with which I shot my first shots of my beloved puffins. My eyes were filled with tears of emotion as I watched them hop clumsily over the tufts of grass at the cliff's steep edge, and I could scarcely breathe for fear they would fly away. They were almost childlike in their actions with no fear at all - curiously coming right up to within a foot of where I crouched. I was nearly oblivious of the sheer drop to the crashing waves on the sharp rocks far below, where a sudden gust of wind could easily blow me right over. Instead I was marveling at how small and petite their orange feet were - and how compactly their wings folded close to their bodies after flapping them for a stretch.

Their eyes looked directly into mine - and I felt simply incredible.

2009-08-07T06:56:00.000-07:00

Leaving my cares here
Walking upon ancient rock
Cooled by untamed winds

Sunday early morning this is a sight I might be privy to see... the lovely purple lupine on the Icelandic coast.

Lucky lucky me!

2009-08-01T07:19:00.000-07:00

Rabbit Rabbit - here it is August already and I'm still in February...

Let's do the time warp again.

Seems I have taken a sabbatical from blogging - it just happened. I must say I've become enamored with Facebook and its many applications (Fairyland and Farmtown to name a few) *hangs head in shame* so there - the secret of my blogging absence is out.

Have missed you all - will try to post from a different perspective after my return from Iceland later in August. :) Thanks for sticking with me.

2009-07-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

Walking out on the porch I surprised a pair of skunks
raiding the cat food. I don't know who was more startled -
me or the little guys...

HOLY COW - don't aim that thing at me!

Crow Butts

2009-07-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

This lovely photo, taken when I was hiking at a nearby reservoir netted me... yes, a crow poop on the head.

It could have been worse - a crow poop in the eye...

They both look quite better when clicked upon... please do.

2009-07-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Rabbit Rabbit

July! July!

Curiouser and curiouser

These are strange days indeed.

Been a long time -
could have left my last month's post up...
think anyone would notice?

2009-06-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

RABBIT RABBIT

June arrived - surprise
I stayed on the unknown road
It is full of bumps

Crow is well tattered
Survival of the fittest
The sparklies are gone

Grim determined bird
Gamely hanging in the mix
Hopeful optimist

2009-05-11T09:41:00.001-07:00

The road ahead has
Become even more obscure
I'll just keep going

2009-04-30T11:13:00.001-07:00

RABBIT RABBIT
GOOD LUCK IN MAY
Happy May Day!

May Pole

The most well-known symbol of May Day is the maypole. They go back to the pagan custom in which trees (birch or fir normally) were brought into the village square through a solemn parade. Later, in the 16th and 17th centuries many towns in England erected permanent poles that were left to stand for the rest of the year and decorated only on May Day. The shaft was often painted with stripes and the flower doll was fastened on the top. A tuft of greenery of some sort was left on the end of the pole as a reminder that it was a symbol of the newly awakened spirit of fertility and vegetation.

Colorful ribbons (or streamers) were then hung from the pole and people would dance around it holding the ends of the streamers in such a way that they were woven into a pattern as the dancers progressed. Today the Maypole dance is often performed by traditional English Morris dancers (not just common folks) who wear hats decorated with ribbons and flowers and streamers on their wrists and elbows. They also have bells strapped to their calves, hold white handkerchiefs and clack wooden sticks. The bells and sticks in pagan times were used to frighten evil spirits and the dancers high leaps were believed to encourage the crops to grow tall.

I have always loved the May pole dance, although I can't remember ever really participating in one.

2009-04-25T11:04:00.001-07:00

On the road again
Off to the roller derby
Fun in different form

2009-04-23T15:47:00.001-07:00

So much dark moisture in the clouds - ...such a thirsty desert below, never receiving the wet drops...

Albeit a little blurry - the view from my car window while driving from Reno, Nevada to Walnut Creek, California was fabulous and beautiful. The temperature outside was about 85 degrees... hot.

There was cold white snow on the mountain sides...

2009-04-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EARTH DAY

The Earth refreshes

Renews and replenishes

Treat her with respect

2009-04-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

Built upon the beach
A monument of cobbles
Rounded by the sea

2009-04-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

Wanna get away?

That is what I think of when I see this picture - beautiful Lake Tahoe framed by snowy mountains with clear cold sunshine kissing the water. Yes, I want to get away - from the increasingly approaching reality of ... well, everybody has problems - you get the idea. So put on your sunglasses and pop out of where ever you are to skim over the bright waters of a stunning escape. It will only take a moment.

2009-04-03T17:01:00.001-07:00

It is almost time
Camping without walls around
Firepit smokey scent

2009-04-01T03:00:00.000-07:00

RABBIT RABBIT!
I wish you all good luck in April.
Still have my fingers crossed too.

These Royal Rabbits are blowing miniature versions of a type of herald trumpet.

Fanfare Trumpets are constructed so that the bell extends about twice as far forward as the normal trumpet. Although these instruments play exactly as the normal trumpet, their flashy construction attracts attention to the fanfares.

Herald was originally a messenger sent by a king or nobleman to pass on a message or announcement. In medieval Europe, herald was charged with carrying messages to and from the commanders of opposing armies. In the 12th century heralds formally announced and conducted tournaments, including the proclamation of each joust and the name of each combatant. The trumpet was usually used to get people's attention. Perhaps because of their role managing the tournaments of the late Middle Ages, heralds came to be associated with the regulation of the knights' coats of arms. However, in the United Kingdom, heralds are still called to read announcements publicly.

Here is a fabulous personal collection of horns - including a herald trumpet in the dining room of an Icelander.

This beautiful trumpet blowing-angel (Gabriel?) graces the beautiful Bass Hall in downtown Fort Worth.

2009-03-29T12:01:00.001-07:00

Did you ever witness the horror of ... stretch marks? When I was pregnant with my first child, I fought off the dreaded malady by using self-proclaimed miracle products which were saturated with cocoa butter and lanolin. Unfortunately, those bogus snake oil merchants lied like a rug and had no such heaven sent properties. My stomach (and its stretch marks - badges of pride for having given birth 3 times now) never see the light of day, preferring instead to hide away forever.

As I was walking around the reservoir one day after a heavy rain, I chanced upon this old oak tree in all of it's glory. I saw the scars of its newly formed stretchmarks - marks of new growth and life. The trees have no shame or self consciousness about the way they look - no, they just are. I could take a lesson from them.

2009-03-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

A few bloggers - A.K.A as Dawg, Penguin, Bear and Crow met up in San Francisco - coming together from many different directions to have a whirlwind tour of the area.

There was a ride up the cable car, a trip down the curviest road in the world (Lombard Street) and a traipse out onto the Golden Gate Bridge where one overjoyed penguin left her fingerprint on the rusty red colored railing of the famous structure.

With an occasional sprinkling by the threatening grey clouds, the friends also visited the great redwood forest called Muir Woods, so named after the naturalist John Muir. Much mud was squelched through and worn home on shoes and pant-legs.

The grand finale was dipping our feet (some were more adventurous than others) into the stormy surf of the Pacific Ocean at Muir Beach.

At the last stop of the cable car, a walk along the famous Fisherman's Wharf was in order. After perusing the large population of sea lions who have actually permanently taken over the docks at Pier 39, the motley crew stopped into a local sea shanty eatery where clam chowder (yes, served in the fine San Franciscan tradition inside a sour dough bowl), fish & chips, fried clams and BBQ ribs were devoured with great satisfaction.

A fine time was had by all.

2009-03-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

Guilty - I am guilty of reposting this picture. It is I think one of the best pictures I've ever taken - and when I was looking at it I felt so overwhelmed by it and the memories it invoked I had to just put it out there once more. Westmannaeyjer, Iceland is a place I'd love to live. My Sweetie's Auntie grew up there - Rosa & Gunnar were reminiscing last time we were in Saltjarnanes, Iceland about it. I have memories of our trip - I was seasick ad nauseum along with a few other folks as we rode a boat over to the island off the southern coast of Iceland in a storm. The several hour trip left me weak from throwing up, but I was in good company as a few others suffered the same difficulty (we were partners in close-quarters-throw-up tales) :) This land we arrived at was nothing short of spectacular, with views that took away one's breath, and wildlife (PUFFINS, did you HEAR ME - LIVE PUFFINS!!!!) such as PUFFINS, Oyster Catchers, to name a few...it was grand. The best thing was all of the volcanic evidence. We climbed a recent volcano, viewed the old houses which had been spared by the volcanic eruption and devastation in the 70's, and generally fell in love with the island. Dang - if only I were a fisherman - I could make a living there. The only other business which took my fancy there was a fabulous store which featured Polish Pottery. The entire outside of the shop was composed of handmade mosaic, made from the very Polish Pottery which the shop owner sold. Truly amazing. I crave that pottery today - I have many pieces of it and it is all so expensive I don't know why I pop for it.
Just have to say, I'd move there in a heartbeat, the view was beyond stunning, the smell of the ocean could sustain a person beyond all thoughts of food, and a crow could find her soul there...

2009-03-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

Bleak... cold and foggy

My path stretches out unknown

Sun breaks through the mist

2009-03-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

Out of the water
Poised in airy freedom
Water girls in free form

2009-03-03T12:30:00.000-08:00

Sparkling sunlit shore
Muted by the foggy sky
Seagulls taking five

While catching my first glimpse ever of the Gulf of Mexico off the Tampa coastline, I was thrilled to see a part of the world I had never yet visited.

We declined an afternoon swim.

2009-03-01T20:23:00.001-08:00

AWESTRUCK new Daddy Joe

I
Am
Nothing less
Than
Amazed

This
New
Life
Has

Swallowed
My
Heart

Happy new Mommy Elli

MY NEW GRANDSON JAYDEN
Born on Valentine's Day
5 lbs 13 oz

2009-03-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Rabbit Rabbit - Caw Caw.
Now's the time
When Spring is here
Luck in March
To all we hold dear

It's been a winter
Bleak and cold
Hard luck stories
Ever told

I need luck
And wish you too
Good things coming
All March through.

2009-02-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

I think it is pretty terrible that I've been away from blogging so long - I feel badly but truly I just haven't had a moment. We have been gone from our normal routine for the past month (Florida, Eureka, Reno, plus house guests still)... I miss my blog and long for the old days at work (now I don't work so it is so different :) )

This is a picture of my favorite place on the earth. It is a painting which was done by a friend of the family... Grandma Gully has it in her living room and it is a very large painting. I took a picture of it, and now I have my very own miniature. Sorry I don't know the artist's name, but you may take this as a simple swatch of the beautiful countryside of Iceland. Ahhhhhhh.

2009-02-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

And now for something completely different:

Remember FLIPPER?

In order to get to the point of my post, I have to add a little bit of background.

The television show is an adaptation of the 1963 film Flipper starring Chuck Connors and Luke Halpin as Porter and Sandy Ricks, and its 1964 sequel, Flipper's New Adventure, where Brian Kelly took over the role of Porter. In adapting the films to a television series, the producers made Porter a single parent and gave him a second son named Bud. The producers departed yet again from the films in endowing Flipper with an unnatural degree of intelligence and an extraordinary understanding of human motives, behavior, and vocabulary.

Flipper was played mainly by a female dolphin named Suzy, and occasionally by other females named Patty, Kathy, Scotty and Squirt. Female dolphins were chosen because they are less aggressive than males and their skins (unlike the skins of male dolphins) are usually free from scars and other disfigurations acquired in altercations with other dolphins. The five dolphins performed all of Flipper's thespian chores except the famous tail walk, a trick they were unable to master completely. A male dolphin named Clown was brought in for scenes involving the tail walk.[1] The dolphins playing Flipper on the show were trained by Richard O'Barry.

The reason for this post is this: I heard the most amazing trivia that made me laugh. Remember that weird "dolphin" noise Flipper always made? Yes, the one you have never heard a dophin make anywhere, anytime? Well, the famous "voice" of Flipper was actually the doctored song of a Kookaburra bird, played sped up a lot of times like the chipmunks. I don't know why I find that so funny, but I find it hilarious that they took a bird to create a fake dolfin

2009-02-14T20:34:00.000-08:00

WELCOME INTO THE WORLD LITTLE BOY!
JOY JOY JOY - LET ME PRESENT Jayden Mark Savage, who in keeping the family tradition of his father (my son Joe being born on Easter), was born on today at 1:44 pm on Valentine's Day. I was getting a little grumpy because none of the other family members who were there called me with updates other than once in the past 24 hours... - and I worried myself silly not knowing what was happening so very far away. I have only received this picture via my cell phone - haven't even spoken to anyone yet... sheesh. But all is well - I'll hear the gory details later - for now it is enough to know that the boy is here, Mom and Dad survived the ordeal as well, and Happy Valentines Day! Isn't life such a fabulous miracle?

BIRTH

"The first and direst of all disasters."

~Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

I don't necessarily agree in part or at all with Ambrose's definition.

As I write this, my Son Joe and his sweet Wife Elli are having their first baby. They are at the hospital in Reno, NV - a mere 2315 miles away from me as I pace the floor out here in Florida. Will little Jayden Mark Savage be born on Valentine's Day? Or will he pop out tonight... nobody knows. (He wasn't due until Feb 26th). So who's sleeping tonight anyway? :D
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATE: FEBRUARY 14, 5:30am EST. No word, no word, no word. I'm going nuts. It is only a few hours into the new day in Reno, but surely it seems like forever. No news is good news, right? A small Valentine is surely on its way.

2009-02-12T19:36:00.001-08:00

This post doesn't really need my input. Obviously I'm thinking about dieting night and day - so far since I've been here in Florida I've managed pretty well. Honest. Plus drinking tons of water (which causes embarrassing countless trips to the loo) because I heard somewhere it helps to keep the body flushed out.

I forgot how hard it is to REALLY eat healthily. No in between meal snacks, one glass of wine (not four)... no salt, small portions... you know - healthy! My stomach is growling all the time but I refuse to let it run my life. I want to lose all this excess ~me~ I'm lugging around. It is very hard.

Abstemiousness And Gluttony
________________________________________
More die in the United States of too much food than of too little.
J. K. Galbraith
________________________________________
My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people.
Orson Welles
________________________________________

To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.
Benjamin Franklin
________________________________________
Gluttony hinders chastity.
Pope Xystus I
________________________________________
Gluttony slays more than the sword.
English Proverb
______________
__________________________
Great eaters and great sleepers are incapable of anything else that is great.
Henry IV of France

________________________________________
One must eat to live, and not live to eat.
Molière
________________________________________
How hard is it to persuade the belly, that hath no ears?

Eat right, exercise regularly, die anyway. ~Author Unknown

2009-02-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

THE WINNER IN MY ONE WORLD ONE HEART GIVEAWAY - CHOSEN BY THE RANDOM GENERATOR IS

DRUMROLL.......................

Oxana from Fancyscrap

Hello Oxana!

You are the winner in my One World One Heart giveaway! Congratulations!! Your entry was chosen via the Random Generator and you have won a set of 10 handmade note cards, lovingly created from some of my favorite photos, most of which were taken here on the entire west coast of the United States, including the states of Washington and California where I live. I'm thrilled to have "met" someone from the other side of the world via this wonderful giveaway. Thank you for participating in this great event - and I hope you will join in again next year. I've met so many new people with a myriad of different artistic talents - a huge thank you to Lisa for all her inspiration and work on this amazing event.

Please email me your address information as soon as possible so that I may put your package into the mail to you immediately. Again, congratulations - and I hope you have as much fun using the note cards as I did making them.

PEACE
Terry Duff
tsduff.blogspot.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2009-02-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Crows like raisins sit
In trees, silently waiting
Where are their voices

2009-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

This year I scrunched up my courage and have decided to participate in one of the largest blogging events on the net, One World - One Heart. It's the brainchild of Lisa Swifka, of A Whimsical Bohemian. The idea behind this event is that bloggers will get together to share their stories and creations. We will see some old friends and make new ones and also have the fun of hosting a giveaway. I will be giving away one set of handmade stationary, made with love from my favorite photographs.

Here are the rules for One World - One Heart...

1. Giveaway started 1/19/01 and lasts until 2/12/09.

2. You must comment on this post only to be entered.

3. Open to everyone, anywhere with an active blog. Please be sure to leave an email address so I can get in touch with you if you win.

4. Visit the OWOH blog and visit all the other creative folks onboard the Gypsy Caravan!

Entries to this giveaway will close February 11th at 10:00 pm PST. No more entries will be considered after that deadline passes. Good luck to everyone - it has been so great to participate in this One World One Heart event.

The Winner will be announced here on February 12th, 2009.

Thanks for stopping by!

For more information on a wonderful contest called "One World One Heart" CLICK HERE

2009-02-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

I was interviewed by Yellowdog Granny. She made up 4 random questions for me. They were not too bad, except for that #3 question... I've spent hours trying to answer it. I even inserted videos, rock songs etc., but to no avail (I took them all out, and, how can you have a rock opera without music? I'm horrified, but I don't know how to add music sound bytes). What was I thinking? Rock Opera? Man. What a lame playwright I am. That's one career I can scratch off!

1.If you could take your Harley and camera to any country and just travel it end to end and do nothing but take pictures which country would it be and why..

Heck, that’s an easy one. Combining two of my absolute favorite LOVES all in one shot... Iceland of course! Not an easy road to travel on a motorcycle, as most of the lone highway referred to as the “ring road” (the road which encircles the country’s outer rim) is made mostly from harsh lava-gravel; not easy-going on a Harley. But the pictures, the views, the landscapes and the birds... ahhhhhh. You need not possess any special talent as a photographer to capture the most fabulous of photos - the natural scenery is breathtaking just as it appears. I would go in the early summertime, when the midnight sun rides the sky and the temperatures are suitable for camping. The love of riding astride my Harley coupled with the miles of unbelievable eye-popping moss-covered lava fields, purple lupine waving on black-sand lowlands, endless waterfalls, blue-iced glaciers and windswept vistas is something one can only dream about.

2. If you could go back in time with your camera and capture one picture of one incident in time that has never been captured in print, what would it be and why?

It sounds selfish, and perhaps it is when compared on the world’s grand scale… but I remember as if it were yesterday the day the tall 15-year old dreamboat (my Bear) stepped forward out of a completely unknown crowd of many other young party-going lads & gals to take his rightfully won place on the back of my black & white pinto Misty for a ride, in exchange for his tall Colt .45. He jumped, in his attempt to mount the horse to sit behind me, at which point he did a complete endo, landing on his handsome head on the other side of Misty in the dirt. It was so funny I’d give anything to have a picture of his dazed face… He was determined however, and gamely tried again until he succeeded in placing himself comfortably and snugly behind me as we rode off into the hot Malibu afternoon…

3. You have just finished a rock opera and it's going to open on Broadway this week..what is is about and who will play the parts?

Okay keep in mind the question: "What is it about, and who will play the parts. "
I struggled mightily with this one for two days - as I know it needs more MUSIC and MORE MUSIC. I haven't seen many Rock Operas - I can think of Jesus Christ Superstar (bleah) and also Tommy (bleah bleah)... I wanted to see HAIR but my grandparents told my parents that it had actual nude actors parading down the aisles, so that one was definitely out (never got to see it). Well, here is my sincere attempt (that I almost DELETED A BILLION TIMES). I do like some of the Hollywood glitz (especially Sam Elliot, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino...) but unfortunately it hasn't translated into Broadway.

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS - IN THEIR OWN WORDS
A portrayal of 3 beings who try (as do we all) to make life work out in a positive fashion, and the evil meanie who tries to thwart their happiness.

FIRST LITTLE PIGGY – Starring Rachael Ray, bobbing happily along in the woods to Grandma’s house with a huge basket of stuff which her studio fridge was too overflowing to store it in. Oops – did I get the plot mixed up with another fairy tale?

SECOND LITTLE PIGGY – Me

THIRD LITTLE PIGGY – Played by The Little Red Hen

BIG BAD WOLF - My former boss

One day the FIRST LITTLE PIGGY built a house made out of straw. She stocked her fridge as if there was no tomorrow & her stage hands wouldn’t be back tomorrow with fresh ingredients. She stacked her picnic basket and blithely took off into the woods. The last time she was seen was on her way to a little chapel in the woods humming

and was never to be seen again. (Hmmm, I think I’m missing part of the story here) Anthony Bourdain took over her TV show and ratings actually went up.

Next day, the SECOND LITTLE PIGGY went into the woods, fully intending to gather the sticks needed to build her house. She procrastinated on her chore, and soon became enthralled when she discovered an ancient raven habitat, and never made it back to the homestead at all, instead finding solace and peace living among the Corvid tribe.

She was welcomed back among her own and lived happily ever after.

Finally, the THIRD LITTLE PIGGY came along and after much ado managed to supervise the organization of enough of her offspring to build a complete luxury brick house, spa included out the back.

Knock Knock: “Who is that knocking at my door” asked the third piggy.

“The big bad wolf” said he. "I am here to take away your job, your paycheck, destroy your close family ties with your co-workers, and steal your dignity. If you don’t let me in, I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your house down."

The third piggy gathered her kin, found out who owned a shotgun between them all, and blew a big fat load of rock salt into the cowardly Big Bad Wolf’s butt, sending him howling into the sunset, never to return.

THE END

4. You are granted the ability to cure one disease...what disease would you cure and why?

My younger Sister Tammy died at age 38 from Lou Gehrig’s disease only one year after her diagnosis. There are so many diseases which take or destroy the lives of our loved ones, that it seems silly to imagine a cure for only one of them. But since the question was personal, finding a cure for such a cruel sickness as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s, which takes the ability to freely move and breathe away from an otherwise healthy person seems reasonable. With the onset of this disease, the victim has perfect cognizant skills and sense of physical touch – comprehending and aware of the same things as you & I are all the way up until the last day of their life. The illness robs the luckless stricken person of all ability to move their limbs, lungs, mouth… eventually requiring intubation for feeding, breathing etc. though the person is just as aware of every feeling in every nerve as you or I. It is devastating, and if I could find a cure for such a torture I would do it in a heartbeat. The inability to breathe on her own, sentencing her to a breathing machine and no voice (she had to sacrifice her speaking ability for the greater necessity of breathing) was torture and eventually killed my Sister when the breathing machine malfunctioned and she suffocated. The amazing Stephen Hawking British Theoretical Physicist has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a condition that has progressed over the years and has left him almost completely paralysed. The long gevity of his condition however is an anomally, as the usual expected time from diagnosis to death is 2 or 3 years.

Thank you Jackie Sue for making me think, making me reflect, and finally for making me fume and fret until this dang post was finished. :)

2009-02-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Rabbit Rabbit - Let's all have good luck this month of February. I think many of us could really use some. Is it Spring yet?

2009-01-29T20:07:00.000-08:00

No, I haven't quit blogging nor fallen off the face of the Earth, although believe me, it sure feels like it sometimes. This past week we have been sitting vigil at the hospital bedside of our dear friend Ernest. He is my "Most Unforgettable Character"... still working full time at nearly 80 years old and going strong until this terrible car accident which left him nearly paralyzed with a broken back, broken neck, shook-up brains and fighting pneumonia. Anyway, to make a long story short - there is some relief in the picture as today; he actually walked a step or two. Miracles still do happen Mabel...

We finally felt as though we could leave him yesterday for the first time in over a week - and after driving all day we came home and collapsed. Unfortunately, seems like my Bear caught THE FLU BUG FROM HELL and is upstairs with his tummy turned inside out all day today :(

For those of you that were aware - I thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. They worked a miracle. Ernest has a ways yet to go, but he is a man like no other and if anyone can pull off this recovery, he can.

Life is short - don't forget the magic.

2009-01-21T14:09:00.000-08:00

Along the glowing skyline
Blazing gold and pinks
Soon becomes a sparkling black

2009-01-19T11:18:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked by Tom if crows really do like shiny things. Yes they do... as do many of their cousins and family (crows, magpies, ravens, jays etc.) In a crows nest you will find pieces of shiny glass, marbles, and as Tom Waits sings, many shiny things. Also things that are blue. I had a friend who left her dining room slider open in the hot summer, and a scrub jay came in (I saw him do it) to raid the fake decorative "nest" on her table filled with pretty small rounds of blue egg shaped glass. Later that year, when trimming her back yard tree, she came across the pretty glass eggs in the nest. I love sparklies too.

Click to listen to Tom Waits' version

(Tom Waits/ Kathleen Brennan-Waits)
The things a crow puts in his nest
They are always things he finds that shine best
Somehow they'll find a shiny dime, a silver twine
From a Valentine
The crows all bring them shiny things

Leave me alone you big ol' Moon
The light you cast is just a liar
You're like the crows, 'cos if it glows
You're dressed to go, you guessed I know
You'll always cling to shiny things

We'll, I'm not dancing here tonight
But things are bound to turn around
Though the only I want that shines is to be king
Here in your eyes
To be your only shiny thing

or watch below as the tune is picked prettily

2009-01-18T20:08:00.001-08:00

I've seen this meme here and about, but the ones I've seen so far were associated with the number 5. I wasn't impressed with the results so wasn't overly eager to act upon it. Today while over at Logo's Place I found it with a different bit of rules:

Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.
Select the 4th picture in the folder.
Explain the picture.
Tag four people to do the same.
No Cheating (cropping, editing, etc.)

So, here is what turned delightfully up for me :) This is my little fire headed niece Lynnie, so named after our Mom. She was out last summer from Wyoming with the rest of her family, my sister Sally & her hubby Jeff, plus her brothers Micah and Jacob. We thoroughly enjoyed their visit and somewhere in the middle of it, tiny little Lynnie (almost 5 years old) decided she would like to ride on my Harley. Just sitting on the bike wasn't good enough; she had to wear my summer gloves, my silver helmet and some big glasses with no lenses left in them. THIS made her a real biker. So with that beautiful engine rumbling comfortingly... deafeningly around us, and having been incessantly warned about the burning hot pipes below her bare feeties (I had beautiful Gatling gun pipes) Lynnie became a Harley Rider in her own right.

After a bit of wiggling about, she decided she wasn't achieving the ultimate "biker" look, so removed her glasses and proceeded to give the normal "bad girl" stare typically required of any true Harley rider. My niece rocks.

Tags? Who knows I don't tag folks because it isn't always well received. Would love to see your results though, should anyone feel the urge :)

2009-01-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Odd Animal Couple

I always love these kind of stories. As a child, I fantasized about having my very own baby elephant... what a perfect pet/friend to have. But of course I was a child and knew nothing of the ways of elephants or their food intake etc... I should have just grown up on some kind of wild animal compound. Anyway, here is another neat story of how love transcends species, culture, practicality and just about everything else we put in our logical thinking caps. What a neat story.

2009-01-13T22:19:00.000-08:00

Unsigned art from Stumbleupon

2009-01-11T23:57:00.000-08:00

If you love accordion (as I most fervently do) and/or if you enjoyed the movie Amelie (which is a matter of eclectic taste for sure) you might find this performance as enchanting as I do. I'm obsessed with it... although I play the keyboard variety of accordion rather than the diatonic type pictured here it sounds as wonderful as I can imagine. The sound just blows me away... I love it magnificently. Please excuse me while I lapse off into my own musical spasm (for want of a more mature word)... truly I'm lost in this performance. It is the best I've ever experienced. ahhhhhh

PS: If you don't feel like watching it, it does make excellent background music...