tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65105964739437026172024-03-05T12:35:46.666-06:00Begin AgainSuzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.comBlogger1091125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-21993439590955609272022-01-09T19:47:00.000-06:002022-01-09T19:47:14.345-06:00Maybe, I’m back<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCEgG5x4K1Ebx2kQHw2onRlOuRcqfh6jw2FKDs1V6A1UclexZhz_upvYxWVZxFzLk2NxjoXGfUiC2DSUctxfCneqswsUGQPzyePBZhLemWd9gECnJCuRX72h6AqIWHf91mUmBV1ez4egqDT8ZaBkv81hGTYASPP2z57reG_7Lz-rPD7pKQA9bQTHwldQ=s3088" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCEgG5x4K1Ebx2kQHw2onRlOuRcqfh6jw2FKDs1V6A1UclexZhz_upvYxWVZxFzLk2NxjoXGfUiC2DSUctxfCneqswsUGQPzyePBZhLemWd9gECnJCuRX72h6AqIWHf91mUmBV1ez4egqDT8ZaBkv81hGTYASPP2z57reG_7Lz-rPD7pKQA9bQTHwldQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br />Seventy one and would you believe<p></p><p>Beginning again</p><p><br /></p>Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-10873802223606293302018-03-14T10:01:00.004-05:002018-03-14T10:01:32.366-05:00I've sold the weights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgLV_eKMWL-ZrPPt1Zzmd6gVxUlcy30KOoItccVFQqaWl7XWxNW0GhYJMkvhC4eT7vxyktxVzFHnYqrQ4V3L_cf7HVsukGfpIk4MqObeSWZrI4d-s-KNJ771C3SpblFCRYGrp5hyOMrhF/s1600/P1000897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgLV_eKMWL-ZrPPt1Zzmd6gVxUlcy30KOoItccVFQqaWl7XWxNW0GhYJMkvhC4eT7vxyktxVzFHnYqrQ4V3L_cf7HVsukGfpIk4MqObeSWZrI4d-s-KNJ771C3SpblFCRYGrp5hyOMrhF/s320/P1000897.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Oh boy, this used to be me</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
a long time ago</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Now, not waking up with an aching back</div>
<div align="center">
and trick knee </div>
<div align="center">
is an accomplishment</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
True, I'm thinner now</div>
<div align="center">
but it's more like</div>
<div align="center">
Saggy Baggy Elephant</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
My husband and I don't eat out much anymore</div>
<div align="center">
too much food, and he likes my cooking better</div>
<div align="center">
He's still not retired</div>
<div align="center">
what will I do when he is following me around the house</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I like my quiet time</div>
<div align="center">
Sometimes I binge watch English mysteries</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
and boy have I learned that I could never write a mystery</div>
<div align="center">
at least not the English type</div>
<div align="center">
I never figure out the murderer</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I have let my life be run by others</div>
<div align="center">
that has to stop a bit</div>
<div align="center">
or Ill shrink away to nothing</div>
<div align="center">
...not even saggy baggy left</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-42392894291678968682018-03-12T10:01:00.000-05:002018-03-12T10:01:28.164-05:00a few thoughts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwWhNZDhoPmO0uF68srS92QHYyQRHhgENlBkw3pnMweP9-1ZvLqnoXkA7s-P_SDnE4WTFyP19dGug5Ixcp2n0Ys5FBrl6qlE57L4llzmaUuGFensfjtfBJBO4pVsJI_Ud6RFwqMp72j3O/s1600/IMG_6306a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="310" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSwWhNZDhoPmO0uF68srS92QHYyQRHhgENlBkw3pnMweP9-1ZvLqnoXkA7s-P_SDnE4WTFyP19dGug5Ixcp2n0Ys5FBrl6qlE57L4llzmaUuGFensfjtfBJBO4pVsJI_Ud6RFwqMp72j3O/s320/IMG_6306a.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Something has happened to me this past year</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I got old</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
no, really.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
in the spirit I got old</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
physically I am just aging..</div>
<div align="center">
creaking and aches and all that comes with age</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But the realization that life is getting harder is not nice</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
My husband has had health challenges as have I</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
and the funerals that we've attended</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
of dear friends</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
My writing buddy, the one I traveled every year to workshops with</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
died</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I called her Indigo</div>
<div align="center">
like the color of a starry night</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
She once got caught in the woods while at a workshop, and spent the night hugging a tree for safety </div>
<div align="center">
one lonely star in the sky as witness</div>
<div align="center">
she made it through just fine</div>
<div align="center">
but we went back the following year and held a ceremony</div>
<div align="center">
at the tree, her tree</div>
<div align="center">
and blessed it with incense and beads</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
She was that kind of a person</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
When I went to the hospital to be with her</div>
<div align="center">
she was sedated</div>
<div align="center">
I leaned over and whispered in her ear</div>
<div align="center">
MaryAnn...Indigo. It's Sue</div>
<div align="center">
She opened her eyes and tried to sit up</div>
<div align="center">
oh </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
She was taken off of life support days later</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I can't believe she is gone</div>
<div align="center">
my hero</div>
<div align="center">
She was my Lone Ranger and I was her Tonto</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Bad enough I haven't written in a year. I lost my writer within</div>
<div align="center">
but the loss of my writing buddy has been heartbreakingly paralyzing </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I saw daffodils this morning.</div>
<div align="center">
I saw them just outside of my kitchen window, pushing their way into new blooms</div>
<div align="center">
pushing through debris and barrenness </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
This touched me</div>
<div align="center">
So much in my life has seemed barren</div>
<div align="center">
but now I feel a stirring of life within me just aching to bloom again</div>
<div align="center">
Maybe sharing a bit with you is a beginning</div>
<div align="center">
I have read all my blog friend's blogs but was frozen to write a comment</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
but maybe its Spring within me</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
love</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-13843926170421116852017-07-10T12:13:00.001-05:002017-07-10T12:13:24.193-05:003 out of 6 grandchildren pictured<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__2FG8prd5mCaJVUEomo7hL5EULbaiWf5LFTaioLqh0qjyVsIMNRXz7jJAiNp9yXZ4q2OVARZrXamlnMzY6itYk1hRh3RQzvZ81UQ-4Bhu7OUjpmaHpYLi1q5qIt8HfTqgEVQ7TZFrRP1/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh__2FG8prd5mCaJVUEomo7hL5EULbaiWf5LFTaioLqh0qjyVsIMNRXz7jJAiNp9yXZ4q2OVARZrXamlnMzY6itYk1hRh3RQzvZ81UQ-4Bhu7OUjpmaHpYLi1q5qIt8HfTqgEVQ7TZFrRP1/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="240" /></a>Grandchildren</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the pieced blessing that holds the family</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Joys and sorrows</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that make up our history</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
beneficiaries </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of love</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
much love</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All that matters</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-75275247139991463832016-07-29T17:04:00.000-05:002016-07-29T17:19:22.701-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVrVcCg5YNvzXmlGKpmFV9kbbVM-zXnYD-sC6nwXalVzgIjxJec-djmSGIWWNKRggBq7i-vO1R9lzVqo18QFZqPdKiE3wIs6m5X0ZjYYzwNRgInqpH2g22sLzrziOdsWd-gp91XaU8ZsO/s1600/b041478999f62eb36c6de0853d1aa804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiVrVcCg5YNvzXmlGKpmFV9kbbVM-zXnYD-sC6nwXalVzgIjxJec-djmSGIWWNKRggBq7i-vO1R9lzVqo18QFZqPdKiE3wIs6m5X0ZjYYzwNRgInqpH2g22sLzrziOdsWd-gp91XaU8ZsO/s320/b041478999f62eb36c6de0853d1aa804.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
I'm going to a barbeque next week </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
and I want to show up looking good</div>
<div align="center">
how I wish I could still wear those heels</div>
<div align="center">
alas, I can't</div>
<div align="center">
Stinks....but I have had to make many adjustments lately</div>
<div align="center">
regarding getting older</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
Last night I tripped over the cat's toy mouse</div>
<div align="center">
in the dark...heading to the bathroom at 4am</div>
<div align="center">
Stinks....</div>
<div align="center">
good thing I have a four poster bed... that foot board post saved me</div>
<div align="center">
But...the four cats flying around the room like bats out of hell</div>
<div align="center">
with a stick of dynamite up their butt</div>
<div align="center">
was worth it</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
Yes, I have kept the feral kittens from a year and a half ago</div>
<div align="center">
nuts...I know</div>
<div align="center">
but the shelter wouldn't take them because they're feral</div>
<div align="center">
and ...well...you know....I got attached</div>
<div align="center">
I have a saint for a husband</div>
<div align="center">
...he ignores them, but lets them stay</div>
<div align="center">
..a good man I married</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
There's an armed robber on the lose about 2 miles from here</div>
<div align="center">
near the store I was going to go to for a new pair of jeans</div>
<div align="center">
but decided to stay home because it's pouring outside</div>
<div align="center">
Don't you just hate an armed robber on the loose?</div>
<div align="center">
Five women were gunned down in that same mall about 5-6 years ago</div>
<div align="center">
....again I was going to go, but was too lazy to stop and get gas...so I stayed home</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
How many times have we had brushes with death or disaster and didn't know it?</div>
<div align="center">
scary...</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I prayed last night</div>
<div align="center">
back in the saddle again</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
oh, that's not a picture of me.....<br />
but a girl can dream</div>
<div align="center">
..................never did wear camouflage...darn....too late </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-73803434516269665732016-07-28T10:06:00.001-05:002016-07-28T10:06:39.444-05:00Dill<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyvDTOVx-4A2TEbhTbtyNg6p4WxoA6gWvjEWK-9xw4mh241ckfjGLOukk5BjXV_Hz5jihLfzcCk37tJpQYmzdzlz9vIVsD60MrRmIcg6UKWP2hXmOdc0HD2tHE-hJ_laS0BRSnw20eFe3/s1600/dill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsyvDTOVx-4A2TEbhTbtyNg6p4WxoA6gWvjEWK-9xw4mh241ckfjGLOukk5BjXV_Hz5jihLfzcCk37tJpQYmzdzlz9vIVsD60MrRmIcg6UKWP2hXmOdc0HD2tHE-hJ_laS0BRSnw20eFe3/s1600/dill.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I bought dill at the farmers market last week</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I put it in a pitcher around the fireplace</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
and let it dry</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
It works its magic on me as I am in the business of ordinary things</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
a simple olfactory delight</div>
<div align="center">
catching me unaware and suddenly</div>
<div align="center">
taking me back to grandpa's back yard</div>
<div align="center">
one of my saving graces of childhood</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Today, it brought comfort unexpectedly</div>
<div align="center">
so many things on my mind that I have no power over</div>
<div align="center">
except for my reaction to them</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
and the dill stepped up </div>
<div align="center">
did its job</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
brought me to a place of safety </div>
<div align="center">
and a simpler time</div>
<div align="center">
where I just excepted its fragrance around me</div>
<div align="center">
connected to a bent over gray haired man</div>
<div align="center">
who spoke little</div>
<div align="center">
I loved him so</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
and the dill brought him to me in a magic way</div>
<div align="center">
I am at the point where I think I will stop praying</div>
<div align="center">
no one is listening</div>
<div align="center">
and my heart gets broken over and over again</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
but the dill </div>
<div align="center">
told me differently</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
remember the love always</div>
<div align="center">
and have faith</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-4112557918948454612016-03-08T09:00:00.000-06:002016-03-08T09:00:05.216-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CR2GH8zeQqgTSi8mHgGj7bc8eSTXOWghtGses9XrroxvR6hEwduS_dvTbAp30_7N-MgsECKgWWzaiHvzFFa6aiiH1zJ2hlehigjXhBuknzd21NYOTc9u9491yZ-Yodc4Z6S84wfLbrjO/s1600/robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7CR2GH8zeQqgTSi8mHgGj7bc8eSTXOWghtGses9XrroxvR6hEwduS_dvTbAp30_7N-MgsECKgWWzaiHvzFFa6aiiH1zJ2hlehigjXhBuknzd21NYOTc9u9491yZ-Yodc4Z6S84wfLbrjO/s1600/robin.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
The changing of the seasons<br />
a welcome quickening of my heart<br />
swelling buds<br />
robin chirps<br />
aconites poking through<br />
the smell of wet earth<br />
<br />
joy<br />
<br />
soon the trees will awaken <br />
and birds will be spotted with grasses and mud in their beaks<br />
renewal<br />
and we have nothing to do with it<br />
<br />
except to get out our garden tools,<br />
books, and magazines<br />
Plan<br />
and dream</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-55948054346850666082016-02-26T12:39:00.002-06:002016-03-01T19:13:47.324-06:00Hank the Tank<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ikjpUOdm4HFFyiYl-0fT2sNK9WPtBG3KXIcIpiLYs3SSMm0C68YlAarBq7UxI7v2mji0-sfDOqcldKz0GVSfpQ6g_U7vP470ytj3b6_5zEtBMhDEACUOUPf66Sm7t04JSestXuIEHT70/s1600/pot-roast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ikjpUOdm4HFFyiYl-0fT2sNK9WPtBG3KXIcIpiLYs3SSMm0C68YlAarBq7UxI7v2mji0-sfDOqcldKz0GVSfpQ6g_U7vP470ytj3b6_5zEtBMhDEACUOUPf66Sm7t04JSestXuIEHT70/s320/pot-roast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
Pot roast today...comfort food<br />
<br />
It was a rough day yesterday.<br />
My wonderful, funny clown of a cat, Hank the Tank<br />
had a blocked bladder.<br />
I have been to the emergency vet twice this month<br />
the only time I can get this guy is after- hours it seems<br />
<br />
TRYING TO CATCH A HARDWIRED, now house kept, FERAL kitty is<br />
not easy<br />
But I knew he was going south quickly.<br />
I managed to chase him into a bedroom<br />
but our other male cat stuck his two cents in<br />
and Hank froze in place long enough for me to shut the door<br />
with Boo, the other male, safely locked out.<br />
But I couldn't get him.<br />
SO<br />
I called my 86 year old mother.<br />
She came over and she laid on the floor looking under the bed on one side, as I looked at him from the other side.<br />
It took a bit of talking to him and squeezing my arm under the bed<br />
trying to get him by the scruff.<br />
WHAM... one shot and I got him and managed to get my arm underneath him<br />
to support his weight and I yelled out to my mom to <strong><em>open the door</em></strong>!<br />
I had the carrier waiting just outside the door<br />
<br />
She's an 86 year old lying on the floor! But I was so afraid that Hank would wiggle free<br />
and then I would never be able to get him.<br />
And sure enough my mom managed to get up and open the door. What a miracle lady she is at her age.<br />
<br />
We got Hank to the doctor just in time...his bladder was about to breach <br />
<br />
It's a good thing we've saved our money and that my husband makes a good living<br />
he is getting the best of medical care<br />
<br />
<strong>I took my mom out for a wonderful lunch</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>she earned it</strong></div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-8473723132757980642016-02-17T09:42:00.003-06:002016-02-17T09:42:46.494-06:00I guess there will be stink in the car ride<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQM3ynyrzQTmtoQfIS2c0z1CkF0i3UY0t-B0aDPkyg_2T-m-OvvgC-CJJ2QW1pEBZPLcT4p3qK0dTu1hXPpE_UEczdD3n1jsmNKsVrxhFz9mRsbPZ72QmwM7vLhokmQkYUxAm9YXWjeIaH/s1600/skunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQM3ynyrzQTmtoQfIS2c0z1CkF0i3UY0t-B0aDPkyg_2T-m-OvvgC-CJJ2QW1pEBZPLcT4p3qK0dTu1hXPpE_UEczdD3n1jsmNKsVrxhFz9mRsbPZ72QmwM7vLhokmQkYUxAm9YXWjeIaH/s1600/skunk.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
time for a little poem</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Skunk</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Sometimes, around </strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Moonrise, a wraith</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>drifts in through</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>the open window:</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>a vague cold taint</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>of rank weeds</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>and phosphorescent</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>mold, a hint</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>of obscure dank</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>root hollows and</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>mist-woven paths,</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Pale toadstools and</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>dark-reveling worms</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>by, half vapor,half</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>shade, diffusing</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>The night's uncanny</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>essence and atmosphere</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by Valerie worth</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yep, there was a skunk outside last night</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
goodness....they let their presence be known when they are challenged<br />
I hope it wasn't one of my feral cats....<br />
maybe just a passing possum wanting a scrap or two left between deck boards<br />
<br />
While I was attempting to fall asleep, the wonderful world of the night creatures<br />
was going on outside...poor animals in the winter<br />
but who wants skunk perfume<br />
<br />
I got an email yesterday from the feral cat group asking if anyone had room<br />
to house trapped cats overnight to be taken to the vet in the morning<br />
oh...I was tempted...but I want to stay married<br />
and there are limits<br />
<br />
Maybe I should open a shelter<br />
I have thought about it<br />
<br />
but my kitties here already tie me down<br />
I have to hire a caretaker for them when I go to Galena<br />
good thing we saved our money and my husband is a saint<br />
<br />
Glad there is a group that traps, neuters and releases these cats<br />
and that there are humans willing to watch over them<br />
and thank the county for protecting these colonies of needy felines<br />
The goal is stop all the breeding...to have stable communities<br />
<br />
Funny...since I have become a caretaker....the word must have gone out<br />
so far this past 6 months....three extra kitties have graced the food bowls<br />
<br />
Tommy Feral.....a beautiful <span style="background-color: yellow;">gray tabby</span>...I think he belonged to someone...he's gone now<br />
<br />
Ragged Ritchie....old fluffy orange and white one who has shown up for years during the cold weather for a handout...very feral....he's hasn't been seen for months<br />
and now...<br />
Brutus, a large white and brown striped male...unneutered, I'm certain<br />
<br />
My Henry runs from him, hiding under the deck until he (Brutus) has eaten every bit of food in the bowls and drank from their heated water bowl<br />
Funny...I haven't seen him in two days..now that I think about it<br />
<br />
poor cats...so much danger out there for them<br />
People love dogs....will risk everything to rescue them<br />
but cats.....they are maligned ....but there are a few of use who love all animals<br />
and help whenever we can<br />
<br />
I may give my character, grandma, a cat (thanks Vicki for the suggestion)<br />
and I will also make her a good cook....<br />
this could work to fill in the time the girl and mother sit in the car together<br />
...3 hours... one of the critiques I received at workshop<br />
to take advantage of the car ride.....to reveal things<br />
<em><strong>What did they talk about in the car?</strong></em> they asked<br />
meddlers<br />
but I guess they are right....humph more work<br />
<br />
Now to begin<br />
writing....see ya</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-58051399056554400272016-02-16T18:50:00.002-06:002016-02-16T18:50:54.966-06:00she cooks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei3GzK7fVVKdTHxw4BU1e5VJ8m6sQy5Bj8X9SOue7mVt0ckFyExJon2wonTUX7TOuRBbsdTcbAA1h3BwWFaXOm-YN1oS0bQtN-tm5xVdOomlNwfbYCkREx1q5QuOaWCWIw30WxmlNsUmv/s1600/tuula+dancing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei3GzK7fVVKdTHxw4BU1e5VJ8m6sQy5Bj8X9SOue7mVt0ckFyExJon2wonTUX7TOuRBbsdTcbAA1h3BwWFaXOm-YN1oS0bQtN-tm5xVdOomlNwfbYCkREx1q5QuOaWCWIw30WxmlNsUmv/s320/tuula+dancing.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When all else fails , make soup</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's always been my motto</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But ,I made meatball soup a day ago and finished it up today for lunch</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
while I was making chicken soup</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...it's cold outside</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Truthfully, I was hoping the aroma would awaken</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
something good in my grandma character</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the grandma of my story</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the one who slaps a 10 year old off of a chair</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...that grandma</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't think she ....oh.....yes, she just might be a good cook</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
why didn't I think of that before?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh good something to work on tomorrow</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can do that....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The family is coming home today from Disney World</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am anxious to hear about the trip</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope she captured a bit of fantasy as reality</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that's the miracle of being a 2 yr old girl or boy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't we wish they had a theme park for other things</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
like being with our passed loved ones</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
or beloved dogs or cats or birds or turtles?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
..put a quarter in the slot and get the answer to any question?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
get on a stage and say what we failed to say when they were alive?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh it could be fun </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I better get back to the real world real soon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em>step away from the anthologies</em></div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-12048202260965681732016-02-15T17:22:00.001-06:002016-02-15T17:22:27.767-06:00loveable grandma<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SFHP3iIrBuPfMl5_HM6h2Va3v6lUHOynm4epa0cuWcIk5OWA3WPcGR09ufOAte673Yxgwhci_ok-P4JdV8e-8TkXnfPeJ58yn_NVyXH3wl3zf11m7sZPZMVIztkaJqyc7o44CUPk2NJc/s1600/tuula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SFHP3iIrBuPfMl5_HM6h2Va3v6lUHOynm4epa0cuWcIk5OWA3WPcGR09ufOAte673Yxgwhci_ok-P4JdV8e-8TkXnfPeJ58yn_NVyXH3wl3zf11m7sZPZMVIztkaJqyc7o44CUPk2NJc/s320/tuula.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
I made meatball soup yesterday. It was good.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Today I ate two bowls for lunch while staring out my kitchen window.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I have so much energy I am paralyzed...and do nothing</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
but enjoy the snow falling outside</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
watching the outdoor cats snuggle in their igloo</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
watch the birds eat their cat food while they snooze</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
ahh.....what happens when you are asleep</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Two of my grandchildren are at Disney World now</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
having fun......much needed after so much health concerns for little Tuula</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Hopefully some suggestions and guidance from Boston Hosp will help</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Not fair that little ones get sick...</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But she is a trooper and my daughter is her warrior</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I have spent too much time inside lately</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
A person needs to feel the elements....smell them, taste them</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
stand in the wind and let it touch you</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
stand in the sunlight...feel its warmth, despite the bitter cold in the air</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I feed birds and cats outside</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
ha....a few squirrels, possum, skunk and rabbits too</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
A big raccoon was drinking water from the heated water bowl last night</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
aww...go ahead I said as I shut off the porch light</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
...you are the least of these in my book...but hurry and don't let the neighbors see you</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I have been reading many anthologies of short stories</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
...according to the Ray Bradbury plan</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I dropped the essay reading.....I knew it wouldn't last.</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center">
Insight....from all this reading...</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
most of it.... unfulfilling....boring...what can I say</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
sure...if I reread it after looking online for "explanations" I might get a bit more out of these stories</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But I'm sorry....you never grabbed me enough the first time to reread you</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
When you read one of my stories...I take you for a ride...</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
I have learned to layer things....'case you want to go back and look for more. Hints that you missed </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
the first time....maybe motivations you didn't see before...that only add richness to your experience</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
with my characters...</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
Just another kitchen writer....me<br />
<br />
you wouldn't think I am working on writing while eating and staring<br />
but, yeah, I am<br />
This past fall at a writing workshop...I was made aware that I need to make grandma<br />
<br />
more loveable....at least capable of loving in some small way<br />
<br />
..that's what I'm working on.....<br />
<br />
but she isn't loveable.....but I get it<br />
<br />
...showing a speck of humanity makes her all the more frightening in her cruelty<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So.....I'm enjoying bowls of soup staring out of the window</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
on this cold snowy afternoon<br />
<br />
letting my mind sort it all out<br />
<br />
for tomorrow.....I sit and write<br />
<br />
maybe I can have her tend geraniums..........................................</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-47824800519344946262015-12-31T10:28:00.001-06:002015-12-31T10:30:20.706-06:00Goofing off with my mom today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Today I'm taking my mom out to lunch and then a little thrifting. We have a wonderful thrift store run by the local Christian high school. They have a spectacular book section....my haunts..my mom loves to look at everything but buys nothing. What do I need at my age? she tells me.<br />
I guess I'm still <em>young..</em>, I still buy a few things...two weeks ago I bought 6 beautiful Christmas glasses...that a fellow shopper tried to talk me out of (Ha!) When I washed them at home I discovered stickers on the bottom from Crate and Barrel...boy I have good taste. AH the thrill of hunting at a thrift store. <br />
The weather is not too bad..28,but sunny with blue skies. A good day to take my mom out. She will be 86 in March....not too shabby.....no health problems either...no, I got all of those...<br />
My daughter is due any moment now...so I have to stay ready to fly north to take care of her little one while she's away at the hospital. Its a girl....Agnes. What an old fashioned name...that's my daughter<br />
<br />
I am going to incredibly busy the next few weeks. My other daughter is heading up to Mayo with her little one. Six hour drive for her. I pray the weather is good and all goes well and she gets some answers. <br />
Tonight we eat left overs....steak and onions and gravy...maybe over rice...not sure....I'm trying to go grain free in the New Year....but it isn't new year yet...so maybe rice. My poor granddaughter is on a total elimination diet...kid can hardly eat anything.....so I am trying to be in solidarity with her.<br />
some what<br />
Maybe in the new year I will share my summer experience with you about my writing workshop....a editing workshop....wow was it fabulous<br />
let me tell you.....I got an A<br />
tears poured forth.....<br />
So off I go now, glad I am posting again. No pictures for a while.....this damn computer<br />
and google<br />
Have a good day .....I'll let you know if I snagged a bargain<br />
<br />
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-26336370203126010702015-12-30T16:53:00.000-06:002015-12-30T16:53:06.846-06:00No White Castles tonight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's my 45th wedding anniversary today...sorry to bore you with that detail, we all have anniversaries...if even only those of the heart. <br />
My husband asked where I wanted to go to dinner. I thought of the place where we used to go when dating...a place he could afford...a little Chicago Greek neighborhood restaurant. Best cheeseburgers ever...and the French fries...not like the imposters served today...fresh cut fires fried in true fat. <br />
but nah...the neighborhood is dangerous now<br />
Then I thought of our first meeting..date....White Castles......great strong coffee...that's all we had that night....and conversation<br />
nah...we are too old White Castles....the onions would surely kill us now<br />
<br />
So where are we going....a local steakhouse....early...fitting for folks our age..did I tell you I just turned 65 and the old guy I love is going to be 67 on Jan 1st<br />
Not ancient...but boy we are slowing down....and we go to bed early...and we eat less...and we watch old movies on tv<br />
It happens<br />
<br />
I am getting dressed up...best jewelry on...heels....sparkle<br />
he will come home in his suit ready to go....oh yes he still works.....runs his own company<br />
but no meatloaf tonight<br />
<br />
we are going to have wine... and there is candlelight at this restaurant..should be nice and cozy<br />
cozy is good at our age....believe me...<br />
<br />
It has been a difficult 6 months for us.....so every ordinary day is precious<br />
So enjoy<br />
we will do.<br />
<br />
.....happy new year<br />
and I mean it sincerely <br />
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-77497972918030778952015-08-21T18:09:00.002-05:002016-04-20T18:09:24.737-05:00ordinary days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
My husband sits quietly<br />
you'd never know<br />
that he went to the mat<br />
with the grim reaper<br />
twice in the last month<br />
<br />
I stand before the stove<br />
stirring<br />
a soup of disparate ingredients<br />
<br />
Though prayer got us through this<br />
its seems like so much more<br />
was needed to chase the awful, ugly<br />
horrifying thoughts of <em>what if</em> away<br />
<br />
He never was one for emotional display<br />
but one tear running down his face<br />
before they took him away a second time<br />
was a masterpiece of conveyance<br />
<br />
I slept in a chair in the family waiting room<br />
missing all the things of life that keep me centered<br />
sharing my heart thoughts with strangers<br />
that are living in this realm of waiting, too<br />
<br />
and again after a week, a week he was to come home<br />
...complication <br />
and again we enter the realm <br />
of the reaper<br />
<br />
No, you would never know by looking at him<br />
that he has returned from that land,<br />
a boneyard filled landscape<br />
<br />
His body continues to heal<br />
but somehow that one tear<br />
tore a slice of his ordinary days<br />
our ordinary days<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-21137319036697489402015-03-17T09:12:00.000-05:002015-03-17T09:14:56.323-05:00O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cNaTldFGWYFLfnssbcM71-IfbLGM8-UceQmfamDt4fX47k7YDDgrA0t8Tvmjff05AaKqTgkFyfn9-u1_cF6a_IL15ow8uYzxvTDroV7i8aZDbJ350JGQvbJFZQcxKkeY2V1LuKnYKaqh/s1600/10408501_10205877616836521_4591521933257423978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cNaTldFGWYFLfnssbcM71-IfbLGM8-UceQmfamDt4fX47k7YDDgrA0t8Tvmjff05AaKqTgkFyfn9-u1_cF6a_IL15ow8uYzxvTDroV7i8aZDbJ350JGQvbJFZQcxKkeY2V1LuKnYKaqh/s1600/10408501_10205877616836521_4591521933257423978_n.jpg" height="320" width="175" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2EU39lB0heiRxbWyYikCqwMR2BSkl2agyPHq4lQ_vrmRWA_WkUB_XoAvCOrT5_C-YeDhVoWVAOuWBfS3kGgj_H0_0i7G4tQC4WCtYq2QT-fhaFRd8PzTDiEueYDebm1uljid_c_ra2ot/s1600/10390314_10205870691343388_6601974363141811219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2EU39lB0heiRxbWyYikCqwMR2BSkl2agyPHq4lQ_vrmRWA_WkUB_XoAvCOrT5_C-YeDhVoWVAOuWBfS3kGgj_H0_0i7G4tQC4WCtYq2QT-fhaFRd8PzTDiEueYDebm1uljid_c_ra2ot/s1600/10390314_10205870691343388_6601974363141811219_n.jpg" height="320" width="176" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Saint Patrick's day</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why does the dog always steal the show?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-------------</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My head is indeed getting full of stuff Mr. Bradbury.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
reading and reading</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But yesterday it was 73 outside</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so....I was outside cleaning up the garden</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
oh what good medicine for the soul and body</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The smell of the air.......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the sound of robins chirping in the trees</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the feel of the warmth of the sun on my skin</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the taste of memories as I entered the zone</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while working...I visited my grandfather's garden in my mind</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the remembered smell of manure</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and marigolds</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was taken back to a trip to Michigan</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when I was so very tiny</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I remember the tall flowers, taller than me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the ducks walking around quaking</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
a rooster crowing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the warmth of the sun</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All this roused by being in the garden</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But today I am back inside...high winds and cool temperature</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
force me to get back to writing my story of the week---</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
.......Somehow an apartment building came to mind......</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
it's about a man who goes downstairs to tell his neighbor who lives just below him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that her singing of show tunes at 6am are driving him crazy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When she opens the door to him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he sees the likes of Ruth Gordon </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is going to be a funny story</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for sure......so back to work</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel the story rising to be worked on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-45861563014421012242015-03-14T09:58:00.000-05:002015-03-14T19:29:03.492-05:00 An Edgar Allen Poe dream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ9jSACjxcrJW1rVnMlI0CN0NOaoGYYw0bTBYRIM-0xMjNGeAcj752snnKUoZqB5kZq1cLzUhgb-zFC9Kf08UZuDdyta6cy4VN4r364rEIYPtyROFZmWzt1xpfM6dZWPWPKcTxiaAVS3JE/s1600/imagesWGKO0EOM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NjFrmJEK_4mgvY1RFttZ9AzDtJn7bWtnhrdzlt4e0WJEGvjRtk6qjbA2d4onubMVDP0gh2p1xjHJ8q__byqKWs6ZFQeJ5_Rn2pQprVFD_bUMTxnvDFdnreTGEeDuaAyGjtOBg1QUjjxa/s1600/imagesWGKO0EOM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1NjFrmJEK_4mgvY1RFttZ9AzDtJn7bWtnhrdzlt4e0WJEGvjRtk6qjbA2d4onubMVDP0gh2p1xjHJ8q__byqKWs6ZFQeJ5_Rn2pQprVFD_bUMTxnvDFdnreTGEeDuaAyGjtOBg1QUjjxa/s1600/imagesWGKO0EOM.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I read the Telltale Heart before going to bed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and early this morning I awoke suddenly</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
knowing and remembering what I had been dreaming</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was entering a mansion through a heavy mahogany door</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and it swiftly became a revolving door </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I was spinning around in mahogany walls that kept closing in on me</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and it all stopped</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and a piece of wall cracked open</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with a little shaft of light piercing through and there it was</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the eye....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
.shriek!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll never read him before bed again</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
-----------------------</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our writing group ( we are now down to 3) :(</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
has begun</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a great time it is meeting with these women once a week</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of them is stuck in her writing, trying too hard to control her characters </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
they won't to go one way and she is determined to make them go according to her plot</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
oh well....do what you must....but I think the characters know better</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other woman is onto a great story about an escaped slave</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...and me....I presented them my story for the week and they all cried</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was an emotional piece</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and it did unburden me from something from the LISTS</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The little girl character has appeared in many of my stories</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
..in fact they did recognize her.....Is this the girl you wrote about in another story</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...Three other stories.....I said</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is a lot of energy to this girl from my childhood</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a tragic event that happened</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But not until I began my Bradbury way</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
did I write almost the truth...what I mean is</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the truth of my shame</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the story is fiction, but the shame was released in the writing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't realize the burden of this character, so I put her in stories in different ways....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...I wrote around it</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bits of her story appearing in my stories</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yes, she had an alcoholic father</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yes, she had a mean grandmother</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
yes, there was a fire</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used all that in stories</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but the engine of my writing about her was hidden to me</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I never wrote the true story</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
until I heard Mr. Bradbury's lecture</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
--------</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Almost everything I write is in first person</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I am always having to say that it is a fictional story...sort of like trying to defend myself</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that's how it feels.....I have worked hard and used skills to write that story and somehow I thought and still do think</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
they were dismissed by some because they think I am only writing about something from life</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and not using imagination to write it</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but they are wrong....my stories gather things from me, but they are fictional</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it didn't happen to ME...it is a story</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Surely something of me is in there, but it is made up</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But this time it was pretty darn close to the actual event</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
things changed to make it a better story...because that is what my goal was...<strong>story</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but the haunting hidden thing I unveiled was shame</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
a shame a little girl.....me.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
had wrongly incorporated into her very being and hidden until it was no more</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but oh lordie....it was there </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and this little 550 word short revealed it to me</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
no wonder they cried</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but it is still a story</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-30451176934229427942015-03-12T14:29:00.000-05:002015-03-13T07:50:43.496-05:00I thought it was something I said<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5mSJCcQ3Ujtcg1LvbWfyAqlGg-yQbS5-f2_-_H06OZaXAok4oawFNiu2DILhYq3b2FoqCHn0dgfQ7BTe7rPC_vHWflnShdxZL6mNjFSSy110qW-VhBdlcNm-wipYZHmbbRf7byunydzy/s1600/behind+bars+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5mSJCcQ3Ujtcg1LvbWfyAqlGg-yQbS5-f2_-_H06OZaXAok4oawFNiu2DILhYq3b2FoqCHn0dgfQ7BTe7rPC_vHWflnShdxZL6mNjFSSy110qW-VhBdlcNm-wipYZHmbbRf7byunydzy/s1600/behind+bars+hands.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
Marilyn<br />
<br />
.....not her real name</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
In 2005 I became a workout freak</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I was very disciplined about my diet and exercise</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
paid off with good results....I looked good</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
That year I saw a good friend in the grocery store</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
she walked right by me....didn't even recognize me</div>
<div align="center">
How'd you do it? she asked</div>
<div align="center">
Hard work I told her</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
For years we had worked hot lunch at school every week</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
We adored each other.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
She married a Lutheran boy,even though she was a strict Catholic</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
we used to laugh about that....I said all the Catholics girls stole all the Lutheran boys</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
She was so much fun to be with.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
But she always complained about her weight and her bad complexion....</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
We were friends until our children graduated and went to high school<br />
She was a situation friend I guess....the situation of grade school lunch had brought us together as pals</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
So when I spotted her years later again in the grocery store<br />
</div>
<div align="center">
I was shocked to see how wonderful she looked</div>
<div align="center">
...thin....great haircut.....clothes that fit her perfectly<br />
make-up and earrings</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I tried to get through the checkout quickly</div>
<div align="center">
to try and catch up with her,</div>
<div align="center">
but it wasn't meant to be that day</div>
<div align="center">
<br />
I somehow wished it was something that I had said to her<br />
so many years ago<br />
that had inspired her<br />
<br />
Oh ego......it wasn't<br />
<br />
Last year I was skimming through our local paper and stopped<br />
to read and re-read an article about a woman charged with<br />
stealing from her employer<br />
it was Marilyn<br />
<br />
After getting over my shock, I remembered the week she had gotten that job<br />
A job that she hoped would help her family<br />
She started happily at $7.50 an hour<br />
She hadn't worked since she had gotten married.<br />
and she was thrilled to start a new phase in her life<br />
<br />
I also remembered the times I kidded her about how lucky she was to be Catholic<br />
Yea, she said......I can be bad then go to confession<br />
<br />
She had stolen<strong><em> almost a million dollars</em></strong> from her dear employer<br />
who I am sure cried, like I did, when he found out.......she was the kind of person everyone liked<br />
even loved<br />
<br />
Now that is not a small amount of money<br />
<br />
<br />
I still can't believe it...<br />
but I saw her mug shot online<br />
and an article about how she had set up a separate account where she deposited<br />
her employers checks to herself<br />
...thus the lavish living and good looking style<br />
I often think if I would have picked something up about her if I had<br />
been able to catch up with her that day at the store.<br />
<br />
probably not.....<br />
<br />
I hadn't been an inspiration to her after all<br />
<br />
I only bring this up because of all my writing lately<br />
I made my list<br />
I have written 3 short stories so far<br />
read until my eyeballs are about to fall out<br />
Made my list of things<br />
I hate, fear and love<br />
<br />
Marilyn appeared on that list<br />
<br />
...on the rumblings list (that's my category)<br />
<br />
I think of Marilyn every time I work out or go to the store<br />
....if this could happen to her ..could it happen to anyone...<br />
...I sat down and wrote a story<br />
<br />
Marilyn....she got 7 years in prison<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-35746377668540649822015-03-07T10:26:00.001-06:002015-03-07T10:26:41.937-06:00Essays.....not so much, but we'll see<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpPsqOWsur3v9tzZ9SonUm-GS7w-TnJHn4rcNn0duwgL81VhWu4yhwCQ2dywEcGGe66Rf7TZAPv4dmZK4VX9BVNGb-LbIQEBbQETWHXzYxV2EIEBS9XdoIYbU6jopjoW03IZavBACXhlA/s1600/donald+hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpPsqOWsur3v9tzZ9SonUm-GS7w-TnJHn4rcNn0duwgL81VhWu4yhwCQ2dywEcGGe66Rf7TZAPv4dmZK4VX9BVNGb-LbIQEBbQETWHXzYxV2EIEBS9XdoIYbU6jopjoW03IZavBACXhlA/s1600/donald+hall.jpg" height="320" width="285" /></a></div>
I'm finding that I haven't read many essays. <br />
<br />
Since starting my one essay a day, I realized there was a reason for this....I haven't liked the ones I did read. <br />
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
But there must be a reason Bradbury insists that you read them.</div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've ordered the above book of essays by Donald Hall. He was married to one of my favorite poets, Jane Kenyon. A curmudgeon of a man. I think part of him just died when she died of leukemia. I anticipate some strong, unlikeable writing here. But I am sure, very interesting in its own way.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am also searching on the internet for essays. I don't own one book of essays. Maybe this one above, will be the only one I will own. But maybe this kind of writing will open up things in my writing that I never knew existed. Or maybe not.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Reading one poem a day is like cheating.........a pleasurable thing I do often.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have been reading Hitchcock's collection of short stories, and Eudora Welty and Flannery O'Connor's. This is a wonderful assignment Mr. Bradbury. So much better than watching The Housewives of here or there.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Along with all of this I continue reading novels. My current one is, <em>House Broken, </em>by Sonja Yoerg. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After this one I have two more on my list:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>Under the Mercy Trees, </em>by Heather Newton...recommended by our dear writer blogger friend, Vicki</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>The Knife, </em>by Ross Ritchell......written by a friend of my daughter's, his first novel</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also like to read non-fiction books on such topics as health, meditation, and of course...writing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Right now I am reading, <em>Stein On Writing</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last night I finished writing my first <em>one-a-week</em> short story. It's rough, but it's not bad. It was about something I feared. Set myself up for a few bad dreams...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Update on my other life......house mom to kittens</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have fallen in love with all my kittens.......One I am keeping, one has a home as soon as I can catch him and get him fixed, one that is coming around to being petted and cuddled...and then there is Fiona........</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
all I can say.....there's always one</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and I will cry my heart out when they are gone....truly I will.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-19257471957637876662015-03-06T12:05:00.001-06:002015-03-07T07:13:42.903-06:00What you love, what you fear, and what you hate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIditZr_yU4_9wfWrZgJOhYWfeYNCgX_Z8bY9bzuNzvLBbu9qnMzqY9zMNn8py_TM-iEFhSfQOzJKZERGd4w5-0UAOnCIfSFrIDimAyBFKHy0C6igwBeDqiLTSU4iJVEfPRp43MtegsxK-/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIditZr_yU4_9wfWrZgJOhYWfeYNCgX_Z8bY9bzuNzvLBbu9qnMzqY9zMNn8py_TM-iEFhSfQOzJKZERGd4w5-0UAOnCIfSFrIDimAyBFKHy0C6igwBeDqiLTSU4iJVEfPRp43MtegsxK-/s1600/writing.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKwOjIazq2CHqsTi_PwT4DtKK-oSv6WUmYsthar_dN3fVUvueX5Sv9ScNwb2J-GSbCVHNn8n1-RMG-xFT0nqa9DWXikWupcaF-DuqopEJAsNIu0Bkj5sYj25lDJCEP22aIXromVY_fCPF/s1600/writer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKwOjIazq2CHqsTi_PwT4DtKK-oSv6WUmYsthar_dN3fVUvueX5Sv9ScNwb2J-GSbCVHNn8n1-RMG-xFT0nqa9DWXikWupcaF-DuqopEJAsNIu0Bkj5sYj25lDJCEP22aIXromVY_fCPF/s1600/writer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKwOjIazq2CHqsTi_PwT4DtKK-oSv6WUmYsthar_dN3fVUvueX5Sv9ScNwb2J-GSbCVHNn8n1-RMG-xFT0nqa9DWXikWupcaF-DuqopEJAsNIu0Bkj5sYj25lDJCEP22aIXromVY_fCPF/s1600/writer.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aren't we all sick of snow and cold?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Besides taking care of and socializing the kittens</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been reading a whole bunch.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My friend called and wondered if I wanted to go to a workshop in October</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
....oh isn't possible that October will be cold?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's a rewrite and revision workshop.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well since my computer has been down,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I haven't written much</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Until....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I listened to a lecture by Ray Bradbury on my Ipad</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was a lecture about writing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wow, I love this guy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He is kick ass about writing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I remember one of my favorite shorts by him,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><em></em></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><em>Bless Me Father For I Have Sinned</em></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He stated in this lecture, that for him ,writing is about someone saying they connected</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with what he'd written....that they were thankful for what he had written</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that they found joy in what he wrote</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hopefully as much joy as he had in writing it</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Joy...why you should write--</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It should bring you joy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He went on to say that the three things that you should examine in yourself</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
are</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
what you love</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
what you fear </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
what you hate</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then he went on to give this advice:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't start trying to write a novel.......yea sure...I don't have to worry about that..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Start by writing a short story a week! ..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that's 52 short stories for a year....yikes...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then he said it is imperative that you</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
read</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>One short story A DAY</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>one poem A DAY</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
....and not the modern poets....they're crap, he said</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
look to the masters...like Frost and Pope</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then read</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>One essay A DAY</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
.....on varied subjects</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He assured...that if you do this, you will fill your head with <em>stuff</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and if you write one short story A WEEK...they won't all be crap</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
there will be good stuff </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you hit a writer's block....dump it....it's not truth</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I started to do all this...and man....oh man....has it lit my wick</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
one story a week</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I actually think by next month I will be writing two a week</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
love, fear, hate.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now to word associate</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also took out some class notes from a prior workshop</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
where we were to listen for "found language"..eavesdrop </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My were:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"nobody's going to be arrested"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"he's all whiskers and gray"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I like the reverse"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"I steep my tea bag a bit longer"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"my mouse is frozen, now what?"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and "lady slippers are behind our cabin"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why not start with these, I thought</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bradbury's Martian Chronicles started out as a collection of short stories</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and a publisher in New York said they didn't publish shorts</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But could he go home and outline them to form a novel?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...the rest is history...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Snow...cold...who cares...I'm busy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh, I just finished a delightful book</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><em></em></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><em>A Man Called Ove</em></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maybe give it a look</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><em></em></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<em></em> </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKwOjIazq2CHqsTi_PwT4DtKK-oSv6WUmYsthar_dN3fVUvueX5Sv9ScNwb2J-GSbCVHNn8n1-RMG-xFT0nqa9DWXikWupcaF-DuqopEJAsNIu0Bkj5sYj25lDJCEP22aIXromVY_fCPF/s1600/writer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em> </em></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKwOjIazq2CHqsTi_PwT4DtKK-oSv6WUmYsthar_dN3fVUvueX5Sv9ScNwb2J-GSbCVHNn8n1-RMG-xFT0nqa9DWXikWupcaF-DuqopEJAsNIu0Bkj5sYj25lDJCEP22aIXromVY_fCPF/s1600/writer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKwOjIazq2CHqsTi_PwT4DtKK-oSv6WUmYsthar_dN3fVUvueX5Sv9ScNwb2J-GSbCVHNn8n1-RMG-xFT0nqa9DWXikWupcaF-DuqopEJAsNIu0Bkj5sYj25lDJCEP22aIXromVY_fCPF/s1600/writer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em> </em></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKwOjIazq2CHqsTi_PwT4DtKK-oSv6WUmYsthar_dN3fVUvueX5Sv9ScNwb2J-GSbCVHNn8n1-RMG-xFT0nqa9DWXikWupcaF-DuqopEJAsNIu0Bkj5sYj25lDJCEP22aIXromVY_fCPF/s1600/writer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em> </em></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKwOjIazq2CHqsTi_PwT4DtKK-oSv6WUmYsthar_dN3fVUvueX5Sv9ScNwb2J-GSbCVHNn8n1-RMG-xFT0nqa9DWXikWupcaF-DuqopEJAsNIu0Bkj5sYj25lDJCEP22aIXromVY_fCPF/s1600/writer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em> </em></a></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpKwOjIazq2CHqsTi_PwT4DtKK-oSv6WUmYsthar_dN3fVUvueX5Sv9ScNwb2J-GSbCVHNn8n1-RMG-xFT0nqa9DWXikWupcaF-DuqopEJAsNIu0Bkj5sYj25lDJCEP22aIXromVY_fCPF/s1600/writer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em></em></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-48667487988701991722015-02-26T18:30:00.000-06:002015-02-26T18:30:35.580-06:00Words on a snowy day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKnMzpB5d_eZZrs6y4Fo4jEXMcOyH3TxqZw56vsvFMNG5cmouY9eZNjtwj_Bv8CQYc-PPXT8zF8MTDmYAanz00kmfkHUzcp302Jvhjm-ST4sdVaJeFbIfGQBxrf9rNdulC06HRb4P4vG7/s1600/DSCN0184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfKnMzpB5d_eZZrs6y4Fo4jEXMcOyH3TxqZw56vsvFMNG5cmouY9eZNjtwj_Bv8CQYc-PPXT8zF8MTDmYAanz00kmfkHUzcp302Jvhjm-ST4sdVaJeFbIfGQBxrf9rNdulC06HRb4P4vG7/s1600/DSCN0184.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Hello there...</div>
<div align="center">
My computer has a patch job, so it is working...how long...no one knows</div>
<div align="center">
I wish I could say the same thing about blogger....and picasa...I still can't post photos</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
and what am I without pics</div>
<div align="center">
just words.</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
so it will have to do...except for the photo above taken on our way home from Galena Il</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
snow and sunshine and blue skies and clouds....add fields and hills</div>
<div align="center">
and you have magic being sighted</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Here's a poem....a little one written by Valerie Worth</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Snow</strong></span></span></div>
<div align="center">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Garden's, fields,</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>the far hills,</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>lie deathly</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>with white winter,</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Wide drifts</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>and heavy deeps</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>made only of</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>each snowflake fallen,</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Like these many</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>still falling, these</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>few still alive</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>on my sleeve-</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>None anywhere</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>ever like</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>this one, this</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>very one.</strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
When I stop and remember this small poem</div>
<div align="center">
...remember it</div>
<div align="center">
after just having grumbled about another day of snow and cold</div>
<div align="center">
I am taken down with shame</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
Have I really lost the child within?</div>
<div align="center">
The power of poetry...ahhh</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I am a child again</div>
<div align="center">
happy and joyful</div>
<div align="center">
filled with awe at what I see before me</div>
<div align="center">
a miracle of tiny flakes</div>
<div align="center">
glistening</div>
<div align="center">
their beauty back to where they have come from</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
I glisten too</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
..the power of just words</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-63821322878049688922015-02-06T08:45:00.002-06:002015-02-06T18:12:40.013-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
no computer<br />
<div>
Been sick,Getting over a horrible virus that has taken me down since Christmas</div>
<div>
But I do read you all</div>
<div>
and glory be one of my most beloved bloggers posted</div>
<div>
I have tried using my IPad but fat fingers and advancing age make it hard</div>
<div>
I hope to have a computer soon</div>
<div>
So look out..........,so much pent up writing</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cats and kittens doing well</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-87496662909713916932014-12-12T11:29:00.001-06:002014-12-12T11:33:09.364-06:00It's my birthday......just saying<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tBcDmuR0ksg" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
Next year my mom is hosting a Medicare party for me<br />
<br />
Birthdays...at my age... they are important...consider the alternative!<br />
but the hoopla isn't as important as it was,say when I was 10<br />
I like a phonecall....a card......flowers....<br />
.wish my birthday were in summer<br />
then I could really get some good stuff for the garden....but heck at my age<br />
if I want it I usually buy it myself...Who knows better than me what calls to me at the market<br />
or store?<br />
So....dinner it is today ....with family.......or whoever shows up to sit next to me...<br />
no birthday cake please...watching the blood sugar....<br />
no gifts.....just a smile and a "glad you were born"loving hug<br />
Thanks mom ...you did all the work<br />
to make it happen<br />
<br />
Oh...did I tell you my little brother, Tim was born on my birthday 12 years later?<br />
I take my thank you back Mom....nasty trick :)</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-9808915130905841962014-12-11T10:20:00.002-06:002014-12-11T10:23:51.807-06:00whose house is this?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgninNfudX1RPcCYvbxD35LCwWh21i3gTmQ1b9VlOdnbgFhwlDOoDISyTPiPfvtUWXKuK0aQ2hHQBxg4esnIweOmbLA55RzUThp4ftapoI3PXXJB6FRsSTgC1ReJhCJ181D1TdS46dU75PV/s1600/DSCN8603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgninNfudX1RPcCYvbxD35LCwWh21i3gTmQ1b9VlOdnbgFhwlDOoDISyTPiPfvtUWXKuK0aQ2hHQBxg4esnIweOmbLA55RzUThp4ftapoI3PXXJB6FRsSTgC1ReJhCJ181D1TdS46dU75PV/s1600/DSCN8603.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This has been harder than I thought.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Socializing</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have spent time on the internet researching this topic</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I have found a lot of helpful info </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But to be honest.....it's a heap of work</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are working on getting them to be dependent on us for feeding</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
moving the bowl closer and closer each time with us sitting on the floor in front of the bowls</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
got past that hurdle....now</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we have to get them to eat off of our finger..baby food...chicken</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
they love it</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This morning I came down and I found my husband feeding three of them</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
out of the jar....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They have escaped out of the study and are running around the house...they sound like wild horses..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but a good thing is .....noise and the other cats don't seem to frighten them</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
progress</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now the hardest step....touching them</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So far I have touched two.....cornered them in the closet</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I held them tight to me and talked to them</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
they calmed down and let me hold them....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
no bursting heart rate...no hissing no biting or scratching</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But boy were they happy to be let down</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hank the tank and Mr Grumbles are still to be touched and held</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But boy...I needed this job like a hole in the head</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The parents have forgiven me and are showing up twice a day to be fed and are using the heated house outside on the deck</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
....not the ideal life for beautiful cats but it works for them</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My Boo, Ms.Kitty O'Shea and Abigail seem to get along with them just fine</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think it is good for them to have adult cats to mentor them</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-78322108627037002732014-12-02T12:37:00.000-06:002014-12-02T12:37:20.722-06:00a still house, a stirring heart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hRP7CgA6hdOrdVGHFxI4mvtoj8n9tVs5G2IH_oAPDnprJRfL83BgKxA4HH8O3jF4XEs_nMGKoo-zff0gJM1dQf_xYs-HduQ2fT4sXCLnoLSNGsMKiLqSIohYJbiXk3wOoQ9A6jSt8B_W/s1600/DSCN8499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2hRP7CgA6hdOrdVGHFxI4mvtoj8n9tVs5G2IH_oAPDnprJRfL83BgKxA4HH8O3jF4XEs_nMGKoo-zff0gJM1dQf_xYs-HduQ2fT4sXCLnoLSNGsMKiLqSIohYJbiXk3wOoQ9A6jSt8B_W/s1600/DSCN8499.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
They have all left now</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
There are still dishes to wash</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
towels to be picked up</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
sheets to change</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
...toys and books to be put away</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
The silence of the house was closing in on me</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
in an odd way</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
So what did I do</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
I put on Josh Groban's Christmas CD</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
tears started to fall....good tears</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
How I love my family</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
and how much do I love them all together</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
a neat trick if you can do it</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
It is Finn's 5th birthday today</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
we are going to CHOO CHOO Johnny's</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Where our meal is delivered by a little train</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
how fun is that?</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Then off to Build a Bear...heh, that's what he wants</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Then later they will be off to the Bulls game with Grandpa</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Grandpa......I have hardly ever talked much about him</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Let me tell you</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
I am married to the kindest, generous loving man on earth</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
He'd have to be ...to let me keep 7 new cats in the house....</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
they are all doing well</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
But the day is coming soon when I will have to let go of the precious kittens</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
all of whom I have let into my heart</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
....but we must love</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
and we sometimes must let go</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Just like waving at the suv pulling away from my driveway</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
my grandchildren crying in the back seat and waving goodbye</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Our hearts heal...but they never close..at least not mine</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
Life and love go on</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
as it should</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
But for today I will be a bit sad</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
the house so quiet now</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6510596473943702617.post-79935030338599176992014-11-29T11:34:00.001-06:002014-11-29T11:36:12.342-06:00and then there were 4<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR_Rzq53sbSlwASp0FZDQ39ZCGLN8ThE8e7X-dakNs0idVjgIsALLGprkku_UF7a-RWXmpi6K885Ngjh0oLjzaIuL_GM2JUTblKEjgT69yrtds6dL1oSBOMW1Qg2UX2v0d2OL0eJIUTh1/s1600/imagesEQD3H8PH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxR_Rzq53sbSlwASp0FZDQ39ZCGLN8ThE8e7X-dakNs0idVjgIsALLGprkku_UF7a-RWXmpi6K885Ngjh0oLjzaIuL_GM2JUTblKEjgT69yrtds6dL1oSBOMW1Qg2UX2v0d2OL0eJIUTh1/s1600/imagesEQD3H8PH.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Early Thanksgiving morning, while it was still dark</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while we were hurrying to leave the house to head to our home in Galena</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I found a precious kitten had passed away during the night</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I cried so hard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We called him Artful Dodger...Artie for short</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rest in peace little one....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
life is so unfair<br />
<br />
where we are born<br />
to whom we are born<br />
the worth of our birth<br />
so random<br />
But Little kitty, you were loved by me<br />
and for this I can take comfort<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Suzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10329289442910294160noreply@blogger.com10