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Welcome to 12dotsandablot

A writer's journal.

Fact and fiction co exist here.

If you don't know which is which?

Do not ASSume.

Ask.





Dear Internet Person(s) who have been reading my blog,


I've written this before on this blog but I'm thinking now that I should add it to the bottom of each post.

I'm a writer. This blog and the last one is a place to exercise my writer's voice. Some of the thing I write about and will continue to write about are true. But some of what I write is fiction. This isn't an Internet diary.

So?

A few facts.

I don't write here to deceive people or try to get sympathy by telling a lie. My dad really did nearly die. Was on ventilators and in critical care. It was one of the more difficult times in my life. So I wrote about it.

I am working on a story called Winter Solstice. You'll see snippets of it here on the blog. I do this sometimes because an idea will turn up and I want to remember it. Other times I'm sitting with it a bit. I want to see if it's still worth reading.


While I used to write about politics in the old blog? I don't so much here. Do I pay attention to the political world? Yes, definitely. Like the weather, we are affected by the comings and going of our politicians. This year is a primary year. In November, we elect a president. I'm watching the early debates because there are usually candidates who don't make it to the finally elections. Just because they don't end up on the final ballot doesn't mean they aren't noteworthy. Howard Dean didn't make it out of the primaries but he did go on to very much mold the outcomes of future elections. I'd heard Barack Obama speak at the DNC before he was on the national ballot. He spoke at the DNC convention when John Kerry was the nominee. I watched the determination of the Hillary Clinton supporters during the Democrat primaries and then after.   I watched as people who truly believed in their candidate  finally have to give up when their choice lost. It wasn't easy for them  Especially difficult for the Howard Dean, John Edwards, and Hillary Clinton supporters to finally have to give in. I watched the Democrat primary because there were so many people running.


I have a feeling the same thing is happening in the Republican primaries so I'm watching them.



Politics is not something I over look. I just stopped writing about it. For me, it's a personal choice and the last primary got to be a mean, "say anything to get your person elected" brawl. I watched people who believed in their candidate be attacked and I watched people use slurs that were just wrong;  factually and ethically wrong. Around here? They call that mean. There was use of what we call the "N" word about people that we don't use here. I have friends who were grown during the Civil Rights era. That word cuts and hurts people. All to get a person elected. 

So I quit writing about politics but I didn't "drop out" nor am I hunkering down for the Mayan end of times. Nope. It's just that after one particularly hard hurricane, after watching folks here turn on the generators so that they could keep the stuff in the freezed frozen AND actually have aircondition when we were hot?  I kind of started thinking local. It's like the folks who live in Alaska have airplanes and snowmobiles. It may seem like a luxury if you're in NYC but in Alaska it's a necessary. So out here where we have storms the folks with chainsaws for farming? Use them for clearing the driveway and the road. They need to go see about the cows.  Last year when roads were blocked after the tornadoes? People got out the four wheel drives and the chain saws that they use the rest of the year and used them to clear the road.  Sorry not an "end of timer" or "preparing for economic colapse or weather chaos" .  I'm not into it. If you are that's your business but if you met us you'd not find that we were hording for the coming end time and there are definately no "manifestos" in my future.


That's a fact.

And here's another one. I will not feel guilty about the way I spend my money. I am very aware of what it's like to not have the money to spend. I'm not a spend thrift but if I want to leave a big tip for a waiter or waitress who's been extremely nice, if I want to give money to an artist who's living on peanut butter cause they aren't selling, or if I want to buy a flat screen tv (which by the way was on super dooper closeout sale)? I'm going to. I lived below my means for a long time. When banks tried to give us lots of money to buy a house? We said no because we knew we'd have to pay it back in an economy that didn't look so good.. My first job? I got my first paycheck at age 13. I didn't start the economic crisis but I can remember thinking that what was happening was a bad idea. I even wrote about the banking crisis and the economic activities in Washington DC before the bailout. So did others and it turns out we were right. How the government spends taxes? That's all of our business. But as to how I spend what money I have, that is my business.  So please go lecture somewhere else.


That is also a fact.



AND -- finally --

I've just got to say this.

I do not engage in relationships that come from the Internet. I really and truly don't. If I don't know you by talking to you face to face? I'm not going to engage in any relationship with you. For one? I'm not interested because I happen to be involved in a relationship. I don't think they'd be happy if I engaged in any other personal relationships.   For two? Gentle Readers, statistically?  I'm probably not your type; not your sexual orientation nor your biological orientation. If you met me? You might not think that I was sexy at all. So do not read this blog and think, "Oh I'd love to meet this disinherited, blog writer." While it is factually true that I was disinherited? You must ask, "Disinherited from what and why?"



 I'm going to write what I used to call the 12dogs disclaimer alot on my blog to remind readers that there's fiction here.

Fact and fiction folks.


Now I do like dogs, sailing, and Pup. That's true.

Just don't ASSume everything else written on this blog is true.

Not a good idea.

I'm not trying to lie to you. 

I am a fiction writer. Believe it or not to be a good fiction writer, you have to practice.

THAT is what this blog is all about.  Again? NOT a diary.

If you don't know us and you don't know what's true? If I write something that worries you?  Then use the comments and ask. Otherwise you could be worried over a story that I'm working on. A FICTION STORY.

sheesh


There is one thing that is true. 

The fact is that I have responsibilities here and need to get to it. I talked to my mom and my family is okay.

Hope you have a good day. Gentle Readers.  Go help someone. Go for a walk. 


Hugs,

Author Ann


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Today's "already done list" ?

Fact. It's been a LOOONG week.  Just because I know how to use a clean out "snake" to clear a plumbing line doesn't mean I'm happy about it.

It was wet.
We're all soggy.

Best I can say? I finally took a nap. I was soo tired of all the "stuff". Worry that my parents might have been hurt in the tornadoes. Worried about the plumbing. Worry about Pup. Worry about the pup who's been sick.

Worry.

I just let it go. LOL I went and sat in the truck and felt so tired that I laid down my head on the bag of dog food and fell asleep. I had been told that the bad weather missed my family, that the animals and people in my life were okay. WB was there and he was handling the plumbing and the gate that mysteriously feel off it's hinges. I just looked at him and thought, "He's here. I'll be okay."

Then I went to sleep.

Woke up and he and Pup had indeed fixed the plumbing problem and the gate. They'd walked the pup and then cooked. They'd even washed a load of clothes.

It was such a relief.
I was grateful.

Didn't get to sleep until 4am and then back awake to walk and feed the animals at 7:30am.
Haven't had much sleep for the last month. Heck, who am I kidding. Haven't had much sleep since October a year ago. It's been a really bad year. I try not to think on it. Only think about the good that does happen. Otherwise, I'd start to cry. That's no good. Have to think positive to go forward.

Good that has happened.

My dad didn't die. He didn't end up a vegetable on a ventilator. He's back on his tractor and driving. He can do the little things that we all take for granted. I'm glad. We might not talk to each other now but I do know that he's okay. He did tell me that he loved me. We got to do something together for Father's Day.

The plumbing problem is fixed.  The gate is on the hinges. Pups okay. Our dog isn't going to die and in another 30 days she should be able to run again.

I am writer even if I don't have alot of people reading what I write. Some day.

Pup loves fencing. He really does. I don't know how he's learned all he has but I'm  proud of him.

We have a place for the animals if it gets un naturally cold or hot. No more animals in all parts of the house when the temperature goes below freezing.

I got a nap and I'm going to bed early.

True I didn't get to see Craig Ferguson's concert, I did make WB very happy with the big tv and the fact that he didn't have to take me to see a concert in all the bad weather or a work night. He's also delighted that I didn't have to come back alone, in the dark, and during tornado warnings.

We're all still here.

I'd post a song here but - well - I think I'll skip the You tube. (I'd post the song Bring On The Rain but you'll have to YouTube it instead. Sorry.

Ann

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Please note. If Mr. Adkins or his representative didn't have anything to do with my blog posts being blocked? I'll happily post his songs on my blog. I really and truly do love his music. Especially fond of And she thinks we're just fishing song. LOL If only my dad had done that.  I'm hoping that I'm wrong but if now and until them?



 I will no longer be posting Trace Adkins' music on my blog.

You cannot imagine how sad this makes me.

I've been a real fan of Mr. Adkins' music. Always thought it was decent and sent a really positive, but not preachy,  message to the world about life and family.  So if it was possible for me to include it? I did happily. I didn't get any financial gain from doing so AND I always gave credit and used the original music. No covers for his work.

I love music. It's a part of my world and I'm happy to include it with my blog posts. As a writer, I know the importance of not taking credit for other folks work. If Mr, Adkins didn't want folks to post his songs on YouTube or on the blogs he simply sent a notice and guess what? The video posted a message and that was it. Instead the entire blog post was blocked even after I removed the video. A reader couldn't see the comments nor comment. This meant that not only were my words censored but so were others who would read and comment. Maybe folks who would say really great things about Mr. Adkins' music (free publicity from fans).

It's one thing to block the video but when you block a persons' blog post so that their original words can't be seen as well?  When you prevent folks from commenting on my work or reading the comments of others?

You are censoring work that doesn't belong to you.

That's not right.

This is a recent occurrence and wouldn't be surprised if it were someone trying to make a point about the recent legislation that would have censored the Internet.

All you've done is taken a writer's original work and censored it.

I've been working very hard to write something that folks would want to read. Like many new writers, I'm trying desperately to get readership.  Now how will the writer's agent or the reader see my words if you've blocked them? These are my words you have no right to block them.

I'm not giving any publicity to gorilla tactics or ass holes. Yes, I said it. Ass holes.

I am going to say feck it.

It's been a crap year. Instead of making a political statement? You've just made it crappier for someone who just didn't need it. Especially not today when I was worried sick that my elderly parents might have been hurt in the tornadoes that flew through Alabama. Thanks alot.

Whoo hoo.

Signed the author and creator of 12dotsandablot.


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First off prayers to the folks  who lost loved ones in today's and yesterday's storms. Hugs to the folks in Arkasas, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, and especially in Alabama where there's been deaths reported. After last year,  those tornado warning sirens make us all jumpy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/23/birmingham-alabama-storm-2012_n_1223169.html#s630378
http://photos.denverpost.com/mediacenter/2012/01/photos-deadlly-storms-rip-through-central-alabama-on-monday-january-23-2012/28212/#20

Relatives okay.

Animals okay.

I'm okay but really tired. Rain's stopped here and the temperature is dropping from the fitful hot to unusually warm. We've been sleeping with the AC for last couple of nights. It's January. The ground is saturated with water. I'm praying that there's no more big wind or we'll start having trees falling. The last two January have had unusally cold weather.  Now it's freakishly hot. We can see Orion in it's Winter sky but the trees and plants are blooming like it's March or even April.  It's way too early for tornado season but I'm pretty sure that this isn't the global warming politicians keep talking about.

LOL, no I'm not some weather expert. I just know to do what that pilot told me to do along time ago. "Wanna' know what the weather is gonna be? Look out the window."

Right now the view from my window is wet, wet, wet but at least the wind isn't kicking up and the temperature is getting cooler. Maybe Mother Nature's hot flash is over for the day. Hope so.



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Hope you're okay too, Gentle Reader.

http://www.al.com/mobilenews/news/birmingham.ssf

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/23/us-weather-idUSTRE80K0LJ20120123

Guess tornado season has started here in the South. Again. Hugs to folks in Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama (2 deaths), and now Georgia.

At least hurricanes give you more than a two minute warning.

Tornadoes just fall from the heavens.


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"Good night? Or? Good morning?  It really depends on where your feet are at the very moment you say it. You're awake? They're a sleep or they're awake and you're asleep. You're aware and they aren't. Vice versa.

Sometimes you can say it years ahead and then the person will say it back years later.

Time will contract at that moment and it will seem as if years are only seconds.

It just all depends on where you are at the moment you say it.


Simple really for something so complex."

Winter Soltice

by

c anne ford

Jan 22 2012

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"It's marvolous. Little windows that you touch and the world on the other side of them comes alive. Doesn't matter what time of day or what year. Frozen and then? Alive."

Winter Soltice

c anne ford

jan22,2012
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Now for today's posts -

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Before you read one more word, please, click the video and listen while you read. Thanks, Ann






No, I didn't get to go see the Craig Ferguson concert.

Instead?

I bought a big screen tv.

I got to thinking about it. For not much more than the cost of tickets, gas, meals, miles to the car, and the weather which might mean having to stay over night? I got dinner, a big screen tv, made WB and Pup VERY happy, and I got WB to agree to being responsible for cooking dinner and NOT washing clothes.

Sounds not so good but trust me, it is. I don't like planning and cooking dinner and WB does a horrific job washing clothes.  For us to continue  doing these activities causes us all kinds of stress.

So we are NOT going to continue doing this anymore.

And did I mention? We bought a big screen tv which makes both of us very happy.

True, Tv's Craig Ferguson would have me laughing tonight. But only me. WB and Pup aren't fans. I'd have to go alone and  I'd have to come back home alone through really bad weather. Back to where nothing was changing. I'd have been  really pizzed off at the spots in the laundry while trying to figure out what to cook for supper night after night.

Now no longer my problem.

New problem?

Trying to figure out where to put the tv. I'm good with that.


Plus tonight (it's now Monday) when they have the Presidential debate on NBC and they ask Newt G about his exwife? I can watch it in all it's 1080p, hooked up to the PS3, and HDtv glory while I'm nibbling on pizza that I didn't cook and folding towels so soft and clean - well it's good.

Then I'm gonna find a copy of something lovely.

Maybe?



Because I love musicals...

Or?



Again because I love musicals and Barbra Streisand.

Or even



Because the only thing I like more than musicals and Barbra Streisand?

This song from Funny Girl.

Nope, I don't care if probably didn't happen. I just love the whole song (and movie).

Or because it's big screen and great sound?

This one



Because no one really knows for sure until that moment when they leave this world...

LOL I'm an optimistic pessimist romantic with pragmatic tendencies.

All on my great big color HDTV, 1080 pixels, connectivity to the computer or PS3 for streaming or playing video games, or looking up a politician's nose.during a debate television all while NOT having to plan or cook dinner or pay 13 dollars plus drinks and pop corn and gas.

That is not something that I could do after going to see TV's Craig Ferguson.




....


(This is a long post.)

As you may remember, I tried something alittle different.

The Zen Happiness Experiment worked much better than expected.

Have decided to try a year of it.

The experiment.

Step one.

The "to do" list for this year.

No more "to do" lists only an "already done it" list. This year? I'm only doing what feels right or that puts a smile on my face.

If it doesn't feel right? Not doing it.

I'm clearing the decks of all the things that have caused my stress level to spike.

No more (LOL) "volunteering" to do kitchen duty or race duty. When you get the other people on the membership roster to actually do kitchen duty or race duty? Give me a call or pay us for the work. Until then? I'm very very very busy.breathing until next December.

LOL @ the timid comment. I think that you actually have to sail with a person before you can know how they'll sail.

I feel ever so much better. Sorry this isn't for venting but I do feel better.

"But wait," you might be thinking, "What about fencing? You were complaining how it made you ache? Are you going to quit?"

Nope, because every time I go to class? I learn more about an activity that makes my son happy.

And? I'm glad to learn something new. It's a pretty cool thing to put on a "already done list". Plus, I'm meeting some really nice people. I'm involved in Pup's life. It's good.  Plus it's alot different than the sailing. Alot. These guys are working hard each week to teach us how to fence. That's not just a one day thing or a "throw a person in the water to teach them to swim" thing. I might not be able to do all the moves in fencing but it won't be from lack of trying or teaching.



More later.



Like the the first Zen Happiness Experiment, I'll keep a record of what happens here.

Hugs, Newt. I don't think that I'd have thought of this without meeting you. Really and truly miss hearing about you and Lexi.

I hope that you're both happy.

Ann

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Bad news.

Just being underemployed and age appropriate doesn't qualify one to run for president of the US.

And since I'm a woman?

I'd have to have the IQ of a squid and male before a woman has her turn.

Another debate for prez tonight on NBC.





Sigh.



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I need a job.

Apparently, being president for the US pays pretty good, comps the house, and has an excellent retirement.

I qualify AND I'm unemployed.

:D


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Good morning!

Boy, do I feel better this morning.

Did I get re-inherited? Don't think so.

Did I get a free ticket to the CF show? Nope.

So why would I be so very chipper this AM?

Politics.

Oh no, not the Newt, Mitt, and Santorum hour. Nah.

This is better.

Take a look.

Wait, hold on. First shoo the kiddies from the room and THEN take a look...



Love the smirk on the anchor peoples face when they anounce the vid. LOL You can just hear them thinking, "Smucks, shouda let us in the court room to report. Now let's see --" LOL I'm sorry can't type now. Too busy laughing and thinking, "Good gravey what this could do for the Bingo trial down here in the sticks. We loooove a good spectical. Especial one where a politician is on the record saying about hookers and herpes. Sorry laughing again.


"If I got herpes I'm gonna drink out of everybodies cup...."





(The puppet hand patting the hooker's hooters after stuffing money in her cleavage is a nice touch.)






LOL. It's so worth the visit to Youtube.

God bless you Youtube.

God bless the First Ammendment.

I feel soooo much better.




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Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

By Robert Frost 1874–1963 Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

 

 

 

 

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Hello. The next couple of posts aren't the happiest. It's been a long month.


If there's a lesson in this past month or this past year?


I dunno.


Maybe?






It's always sunny the day after a hurricane.

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Yesterday, someone asked me, "Where are you from?"

I always stop and think hard when someone asks me that question.  If you ask someone here, they'll more than likely to tell you the name of a place.  "I'm from Bell Rattle." they might say.  There are people who live here that have literally lived here all their lives. They don't have to think.

"I'm from here." they'll tell you.

But not me.

I have to think.

I don't have to think of where I feel  like I'm from.  It's not that. It's how to explain that after years and years and nice people too, I still don't say this is home.

My home or the closest that I've ever seen was washed away twice. Once when I was young in Camile and again in Katrina.

I keep telling myself that it's time to go back for a visit. Time to go back and see if my grand parent's house is still there. I want to go get a poboy and a Barqs at Pirate's Cove. I want to go eat it sitting on the seawall.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HXP4UqgNg70" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>iframe>


I want to go home.

Who do you have to ask?  How do I explain? Please.

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I am so homesick right this moment. I haven't seen it for so long. The last time was 8 months before Katrina. I stood there trying to memorize every part of that moment. Dusk. The sky a dark winter blue as dark came running in. I could see the horizon. There I stood. I'm thinking, "This is as close to home as I've ever felt. I'm coming back. I'm coming back home."


 I am sitting on the side of the bed 8 months later. I'm whispering. "CQ CQ CQ Biloxi, Mississippi City, Gulfport, Long Beach, Past Christian, Bay St. Louis, CQ CQ CQ" I'm crying. The weather map shows something that I can't say out loud. All I can say is "CQ CQ CQ."

I haven't been back.

I tried. I talked to my parents about what it was like. They'd gone back for a bit but not to stay. "It's different." is all they'd tell me. "It's not the same. Keep the memory. Don't go back."



It's afternoon. I'm sitting on the bed with my pup. She' taken meds that require her to be still which is never easy for her. I hug her and sing to her. Finally she goes to sleep and I can get up and go get something to drink. She opens her eyes and I tell her it's okay. I'll be back.

I promise.



I've made promises to people. Promises that I keep. I stay here with my son. I've promised. I stay with my pups. I've promised.


But I wonder, when do I keep the promise I made to myself. The one where I promised to go back. To find home.



I'm yelling at WB. Loud. Tears are running down my cheeks and I'm so afraid that my pup will die without me. "I promised." I'm yelling. "I promised her that I wouldn't leave her alone. She'll be scared. I have to go get her. "

He asks me what in the hell do I want.

Like a kid I look at him fierce and yell," I want to go home. I want to take my pups and my son and go home."



There.
I said it.

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"Everytime you go you take a part of me...."
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Dear Home,

Where are you?

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Sitting here. Waiting. Long night.




I'm not writing about this. Can I use a hug? Yep. Am I going to filet my feelings here in public? No.

Do I have anyone to keep me company, hug my neck, or get me to laugh? No.

Won't be the first time I've spent a long night counting the seconds until the morning. Won't be the last.

I could use a hug right about now. Someone who'd give a dam.




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Gloom.

Tv's Craig Ferguson's concert tour is coming to the south and I can't go.

(Can't afford the ticket.)

Gloom.

Sigh.

People will be having a great time watching the big show and I - I - will spend Friday night washing clothes, Saturday morning at fencing, Saturday afternoon finishing up the insulation, walking and feeding the animals, and washing more clothes. The high light of the weekend will be on Sunday when we go out to eat at the local cafe.

Sigh.

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Oh hurrah for me. I have a new skill to add to my growing list of talents.

This afternoon the sink began to gurgle and water began coming out where it shouldn't. This has happened before. When it has, WB goes into the shed and pulls out something called a "snake". Then he goes to the main clean out for the sewer and viola after much gnashing of teeth and many, many expletives following by the solemn swearing that we'll have to call an after hours plumber or worse one of those septic tank pumping trucks. There's  a gurgle and then miracle, the water flows to somewhere unseen.

Yes, I got the mainline to the septic tank unclogged. All by myself. Well not all by myself. Pup was here. He manned the washing machine, the toilets, the sink, and the telephone call to WB. I was the one to find the "snake", open the main line clean out, put in the "snake", and finally dislodge the clog. It was rank. It was gross. The green rubber boots that I wear when mucking the kennels and cleaning the chicken coop had to be sprayed with disinfectant.

But I did it.

Whooooossssh (and no butt crack to be seen).

Yay.

AuthorAnn mainline, septic tank unclogger.

I am so proud.

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28 days until Valentine's Day.

My stomach is in a knot this year.

My love life is tricky.

And being celibate sucks.

This year I'm hoping that someone will show up at my door.

Hand me flowers.

Say, "Enough of this. Let's go have fun."



Unfortunately, I'm not that much of an optimist.

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"If you could go back in time and see yourself coming? Where would you tell yourself to be going."

Me? I tell myself to go try.



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The date

January 22, 2011

"...

I think -

No I'm sure that it's Eve's fault.

And Adams.

Stupid apple.

Stupid Snake.

On second thought stupid Eve.

Whomever? We've been paying for it ever since.

Maybe I'm wrong.

Maybe the cold has me sullen.

I've always been a Optimistic Pessimist.


Will think on it.

written by

c anne ford

January 22, 2012

..."

 


Did I tell you that I was a writer. I am.  That's my poem above.  When I hear about copyright infringement, I think about this poem. Then I think about the blog that I wrote that someone in New Zealand up loaded on to Face book.  They uploaded my entire blog. Two years of my work. Original poems. Original short stories. The time I spent working to find my writer's "voice".  I found out later that they got a job writing for a magazine half way round the world.

Here I sit out in the middle of nowhere. I'm lucky if anyone reads my  blog. Delighted if they do.

I am a writer.


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For Pup.


and for me.

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lyrics for the song above. I don't own the lyrics nor do I profit from publishing them here. Just thought that there might be someone who could use the encouragement.

I know that I could.

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Here I am at another dead end
Stopped in my tracks again
Closer then I've been to where I wanna be
A broken heart standing in my way
Big as life on a real bad day
Making lemons into lemonade
Ain't nothing new to me No

This ain't no stumbling block
It's just a stepping stone
I'm gonna climb right up on top
And take a good look at where I'm going
And it ain't gonna slow me down
Hold me back or turn me around (Stepping Stone)
This ain't no stumbling block (Stepping Stone)
It ain't no stumbling block (Stepping Stone)
This ain't no stumbling block
It's just a stepping stone

Now looking back I realize
How hard it is to recognize
Opportunity in disguise
That's some Clamady
So I ain't gonna cuss my luck
Every time a door slams shut
I know a window's gonna open up
Just as long as I believe

This ain't no stumbling block
It's just a stepping stone
I'm gonna climb right up on top
And take a good look at where I'm going
And it ain't gonna slow me down
Hold me back or turn me around (Stepping Stone)
This ain't no stumbling block (Stepping Stone)
It ain't no stumbling block (Stepping Stone)
This ain't no stumbling block
It's just a stepping stone

Stepping Stone.. Ohhh
This ain't no stumbling block
It's just a stepping stone
I'm gonna climb right up on top
And take a good look at where I'm going
And it ain't gonna slow me down
Hold me back or turn me around (Stepping Stone)
This ain't no stumbling block (Stepping Stone)
It's just a stepping
This ain't no stumbling block
It's just a stepping stone
I'm gonna climb right up on top
And take a good look at where I'm going
And it ain't gonna slow me down
Hold me back or turn me around (Stepping Stone)
This ain't no stumbling block
This ain't no stumbling block
This ain't no stumbling block
It's just a stepping, stepping stone
Stepping Stone


from 1998

.

.



.

Interesting conversation going on here...




I think that the world is full of lovely people.

Even with the troubles in the world they're there.

I can see them.

They laugh and cry.

The nudge each other and share.

They say hello and they tell me what is good in their life.

Sometimes I think that they think I'm a bit nuts.




But we're all abit nuts now and then. LOL.


.

Well, I woke up this morning to check my horoscope and the obits....

Notice was that Google had this black box super imposed on what is normally colorful graphics.

After years of following the crazy of the political process, the only thing that I can say is that the devil is usually in the details AND that politics and the arts are very strange bed fellows.



Going to read, listen, ask questions, and then decide before jumping on ANY band wagons.

Hugs,
WriterAnn



.

.

"
True, there are no small hogs- but- there are small wiener dogs with names like Nelson and Truday. They tend to eat very large ginger snaps on alternate Thursdays and watch Dr. Who on Fridays.
I believe that they are Whovians, but then again I’m not sure…."

January 16, 2012
Comments by Intern Jack over on theNerdist blog  http://www.nerdist.com/2012/01/embarrassing-dad-or-nerdist/comment-page-1/#comment-66475

I'm going to write in the comments over on the Nerdist blog.     If you miss me, you can engage in conversation there or you can pour yourself a glass of milk, take the gingersnaps from the cubbard and  wreck havoc with cookie crumbs. I'll miss you but I'll be fine.

.

.

LOL. I'm sitting here reading on the Internet and munching on the honey glazed pecans sold by this company

http://www.priesters.com/shop/dispProductDetail.cfm?Product_ID=136

Don't have the salty ones. If I did I'd be in pecan bliss.

Dang you holiday eatting.

Good thing I'm taking fencing.

.

Just incase Newt is reading.

Psst. Guess what. I'm taking fencing. LOL. Seriously they actually are teaching me how to fence.




Was telling Pup the difference between Tai Chi and fencing class.

In Tai Chi we have tea and cookies and a chat and then? We work at becoming graceful Tai Chi swans.

In fencing we have running and jumping while yelling at the top of our lungs things like "tomato".

Then, after hours -- HOURS -- of this, we are dismissed.

Tai Chi? Is tea and cookies.

Fencing? Is running with sharp pointy things and yelling.

I miss Tai Chi but -

All this jumping and yelling and pointy thing pointing is good too.

.

I can to write.


From January 22, 2011 12dotsandablot blog post.


"...

Strong women open their own doors.

They open their own jars and squash their own spiders because no one else will.

Because the world still turns and someone else has to.

They pick up hay bales because they can and they've too much integrity to con a guy into doing it.

Then they wonder why they spend Saturday night watching a rental movie with their dog.

Alone.

Kind of makes me sad.

Such lovely independent souls with rough hands.

Sightly disheveled and frayed around the edges.

Telling lovely stories about the adventures they've been on.

They live interesting lives and tell interesting stories.

Then they die alone.


..."

.

"...


I'm sitting here in the middle of all my failures.

They're "screaming" from all points.

The untidy parlor.

The dishes in the sink.

The un made bed called "My Life"?

My husband sits sullen in his chair.

Then it's upstairs in bed with the lights out.

He pretends to be asleep but I know he's not.

Better for us both that I keep up the ruse.

Lest we fight.

My daughter.

Fruit of my loins is somewhere.

She asked for money and I said no.

So she shut her "door" too and went into the night.

Bonnie girl.

I sit here on the couch in the dark and listen to all my failures screaming "You idiot."

It changes from my mothers voice, to my husbands, to my daughters, and then -

Into mine.


I cry.

Because I read in a poem that strong women do.

But in my heart I know.

That while these may be tears of failure,

They are not tears of strength.

..."

1/22/11

c anne ford

all rights reserved by the author.



Okay, before anyone starts in on this. Please read the following.


This is 12dotsandablot.

Like the old 12 dogs and a blog?

It's a writer's journal.

Fact and fiction are written here.

If you don't know which is which?

Don't ASSume.

Ask.

We're all okay here.

I was just reading the poem A Strong Woman and thinking about what I've seen in the world. I'm not sure that I believe that the world is kind to the strong women. Not to the ones I've known. The world tolerates them begrudgingly but it doesn't seem to open it's arms and say, "Come here Strong Woman. Here's your home."

More like, "We don't trust you strong woman. You don't fit the mold. Work hard for us but don't expect our affection. You're strong. Stand on your feet and work."




"...

I think -

No I'm sure that it's Eve's fault.

And Adams.

Stupid apple.

Stupid Snake.

On second thought stupid Eve.

Whomever? We've been paying for it ever since.

Maybe I'm wrong.

Maybe the cold has me sullen.

I've always been a Optimistic Pessimist.


Will think on it..

,,,"




Note:

Except where noted, all work in this post by the author and poet, c anne ford, 22 January, 2011, all rights reserved by the author.

..."


LOL. I can write. Just have alot of that life stuff happening.


.

.

.


Sigh.

Deeeeep sigh.


Deeeeepp, contemplative sigh.

.

I had this thing to write about but was busy trying to keep pups from becoming frozen.

Now?

Can't remember.

I can remember it was fantastic and Earth shaking news.

Hmmmpf.

In other news? Craig Ferguson is in contract negotiations with CBS.

I think he should to on cable like Bill Maher did. Can curse like a sailor and no one has a problem with repeats.



I'd watch.

I'd have to actually get a television and cable tv but then if it meant seeing an uncensored Craig Ferguson? Might be worth it.

.

.

There is one good thing this morning.

According to the stats?
Apparently there are alot of people reading my blog this morning. Yay.

Oh who am I kidding.

They're probably just here to post spam about handbags.

But then? Maybe not.

Just in case?





I don't know who you are but welcome to the funny farm.

LOL

Hugs.

Writer Ann

.

.

There are typos.

I'm not going back to fix them.

I'm very very very busy this morning.

No time to proof read anything.

Just call it part of the charm of the blog and get over it.

:D

.

Ann

PS

I went back and reread the to do and already done list for today. Notice there is no mention of a lovely person handing me a cup of cocoa and shooshing me back into my office to write. There are no flower on my desk or kiss on my cheek. That is because at the moment the only place that I usually have privacy here,aka the bathroom, is occupied by pups.



I have to write people. I'm a writer. It's what I'm supposed to be doing.

Ack.

And it's Friday the 13th.

And my feet are cold.

Really and truly cold.

I haven't had sex in forever.

I do not like being celibate.

It's sucks more than having cold feet.

Ack.

Ack.

Crap, out of buttermilk, have to add get butter milk to today's to do list.

I hate to do lists almost as much as putting "" around things.

Yes, I do know better.

No, I'm not. I'm supposed to be slacker. See. Up there in the title. It's says, The Slacker Chronicles. That's me. Slacker.

I'm suposed to be slacking not running round checking things off my "to do" list.

Again ack.

.

gotta go.

.

.

.




Okay God here's the deal.

I know that we need cold weather. It's part of the circle of life thingy but seriously. It's cold. The temperature droped 50 degrees in 49 hours. I went from wearing shorts to wearing double layers of clothes.

I CAN SEE MY FRIGGIN' BREATH INSIDE THE CABIN.

(And it's Friday the 13th.)

Everyone's cranky.

The two legged people and the four and two legged critters are really cranky. Cassanova (the rooster) attacked me when I tried to put him in the now luxury chicken condo. I was trying to put him some place warm and he tried to spur me. HE JUMPED ON TOP OF THE CHICKEN HOUSE AND TRIED TO ATTACK ME WITH HIS FEET. HAVE YOU SEEN THOSE FEET. THERE ARE CLAWS AT THE END OF THEM. Sorry for shouting but he tried to attack me. LOL. I can't wait to try and take him out of the luxury chicken condo with indoor heat. If I weren't so soft hearted, I'd leave him in the chicken pen but that wouldn't be nice.

I am changing his name.

His new name?
Chicken Pot Pie.


.

I'm going to the beach next weekend.

I'm going to sit in a lawn chair in the sand and hope that it's not raining.
I'm going to sit in a lawn chair in the sand on the beach even if it is raining.
I'll wear an umbrella and a hat.

Hopefully? A miracle will happen and I'll have a romantic encounter.

Or at the very least?
I'll go out to eat without dog print and dog hair on my person.

I will be the elegant, grown up that I am.

Underneath all this animal stuff.

Sure, I'll miss the two and four legged critters but I need a break.

Love and kisses,

Ann

(PS If you're Newt and you're reading this? Hug. I can really use a hug.)

Now then, I'm off to the fun of living on a farm.

Back tonight to let you know what all we did this week. It was eventful.

And it started by me getting bit on the butt by a tick.

I'm not kidding.

I really, reaaally, reeaaallllly need that beach break.

I got bit on the but by a tick people.

It hurt.

I could have gotten, get this, DISEASES!!!!!!!

More tonight.

Ann.


.

.



LOL. Oh mercy. I just looked at the calender.

It's Friday, 13th or January.

AKA. Friday the 13th.

If I didn't already have enough complications.

Now?

I've got Friday, the 13th to contend with.

Yikes.

Three day weekend. WB will be here to help put up insulation in cabin.

Hopefully will be warmer tonight and we won't see out breath inside the cabin.

That's for outside.

.

Hugs,

Next couple of posts are new.

Will let you know how things go tonight. Hopefully I'll get to go to fencing tomorrow instead of spending the morning wrangling animals.

Missed tai chi yesterday and alreay I'm feeling cranky. Of course that could be because I spent part of last night sleeping with the dogs. Nothing says fun like a dog pouncing on a full bladder at 2am. Especially fun if the bathroom is next door and you have to try and lock the cabin door with gloves on while you have to pee and the dogs are running around and around barking because it's COLD and they want to go inside.




That MIGHT have something to do with me being cranky this AM.

OR it could be that the same pup who woke me up at 2am by poucing on my full bladder also woke me up again this AM by pouncing, licking me in the face, and demanding to go for walkies.

LOL. No sleeping through this Friday the 13th.

Like the sign says, "Keep calm. Carry on."




(I love my dogs. I love my dogs. I love my dogs. I love my dogs. Oh crap.
Seriously, we don't do this level of cold. That's why I have a sailboat and the dogs have short hair.)

.

.

.





Well, we almost made it through the night.

When Ivan finally jumped on my stomach at the exact time I had to go pee?
When I could see my breath inside the new cabin?

I did the only sane thing I could think of.

We all went inside.

The pups were joyous and I got to go tinkle without it freezing mid stream.

The good news is that WB brought insulation and I have (thanks to a heck of a good power extention cord have electricity. Took a bit of work and a ccouple of blown fuses. Did get the chickens sorted with heat lamps and plastic. Good news is that I now have the lamps needed for the brooder next spring. Yay.

Sun is out. Gonna let the pups out for their walkies and then inside for treat. Swap out the clean chicken water for the dirty one. Clean the dirty one (I do this daily. Makes for happy chickens. Make sure that the chicken bfood bowl is filled. Collect eggs. Move the chickens back into the chicken yard. Put the pups up. Clean the water bowls in the kennels (have to wait until mid day to do clean up because of the ice.)

Wash towels because today is Friday and it's wash the towels day.

Call mom to find out about my aunt.

Get the mail.

Already done list for this morning.

Walked two sets of outside dogs.
Made sure that the dog kennels are clean.
Dumped ice out of water bowls. Maked sure they have water. Will wash water bowls when it warms up outside.
Made sure that there's food and water for outside dogs.
Fed, walked, and gave meds to one of inside dogs.
Walked another of the pups.
Put one of the pups in the bathroom.
Made sure that bathroom floor is clean (disinfected).
Cleaned the water bowls and put food in the bowls in the bathroom for now inside pup.
Fed the bird.
Made sure that there is food and water for inside pups.
Found the other heater for cabin.
Checked on cabin to see if the heater that is outside is working.
Found broom and dust pan for cabin.

Made sure that the gates are closed.

Breakfast?

Milk, rolls, ham, cheese, and buttermilk.


Lunch?

Homemade vegetable soup, ham and cheese sandwiches, bananas, and milk.


Why?

Cause baby? It's frickin' cold outside.


:D Ann,

.

.

,

Finally!!!

For the first time EVAH!! (at least on this blog)

Someone has posted in the comments.

True, it's a SPAM post about knock off hand bags but it is a comment.

Hurrah and hurray!!!

Now if I can only get someone to actually say hello?

I'd be delighted.


Song?



I really and truly do not like this song.

I reeaaaaaly don't.

It reminds me of this couple who'd been married 27 years, raised kids, and then divorced. Everyone who knew them was apparently required to take sides. They were both nice people but they married really young. When the kids grew up and moved out? They realized that there wasn't any relationship left. Very sad. First they let you know that you aren't welcome and then when you finally leave they tell you that they knew it would never last. Funny, it took less than a year for one of those busy bodies to fill the ex's shoes.

I didn't take sides because I like them both.

So someone? Give the "Sister Better Thans who make folks feel unwelcome cause what they really want is to be in the other person's shoes" a big ole kick in the ass.

LOL bunch of busybody gossips.

Besides. I was in one of those relationships. Lost alot of so called friends because of it. Found out that he was seeing me and someoneelse at the same time. Guess the folks who said I wasn't good enough missed that bit of gossip.

I really don't like this song.

.

.

.





There's only one reason to own a microwave.

Microwaved chocolate ice cream.


Yummy.

.

.

Goals for 2012

"Queenly tips for living the good life..."

1) Treat yourself royally.

2) Honor who you are.

3) Do what you love.

4) Embrace your age.


To do list?


Go to the "Over 50 and feeling nifty." meet up at the Burger King.

Get a breakfast burito.

Come back later and order the Whopper for supper.


.

.





Feeling pitiful.

Shouldn't.

LOL

Roll Tide.



....


Valentine's Day sucks.

It always has except for one time.

But the rest of them?

Suck.

....

Now I'm supposed to be plucky, put on a happy face and celebrate my loving nature.

Instead?

I'm going to the Kroger. Gonna' buy a dozen roses.

And tear the petals off each one of them one petal at a time.


"...Does he love me? No. Does he love me not? Yes. repeat..."

I will not be plucky.

I will be sucky.

I do know the difference.

.

Happy Valentine's Day, Irish David. I don't know where you are, but, thanks to you, I know what romantic looks like.

.

Unfortunately, while I may know what it looks like.
I don't see it anywhere.

And, no, I'm not going to make the best of it or celebrate the love in the world by making some assine post like





(although it is an excellent mind worm)


Instead?

I'm gonna go with this:




Daaaayyyooo. Daayayyayayo.

Daylignt come and me waanna goooo....

to the beach.

LOLOLOLOLLOLOLOL, I love my dog(s).

Soldier on.


.

.






.


"... Apparently it was all a lie. An elegant fiction designed to fcuk with my head. Or it was some kind of psychological attempt to kill the optimism in my heart...."


Winter Soltice

C Anne Ford


I got bit by a tick. Nasty little tick. Bit me on my butt. 

That's not the point.

I don't know if I trust a man who tells his significant other to go to a complete stranger to get medical care on the same day that he's going to his own doctor.  It doesn't seem right.  You'd think that if you are claiming to love the person, you'd tell them to come see your doctor. It's not like asking a guy to go see a gynecologist.
No, it's like NOT asking someone to go see your doctor. It is, instead, asking them to go see a strange doctor at the free clinic on the exact same day and hour that you're going to see your private doctor.

The reason?

Dunno'

My guess is that the guy's got a thing for one of the staff and he doesn't want them to know that he's married.

Or he's going to get tested for VD.

I'm hoping for the second option or both if it's actually the first one. Nothing says revenge for roving like a burning pee pee. :D

Whhheeeeeeee. (tee hee)

Which reminds me.

Could it possibly be time to think about the ultimate Venereal Disease, Valentine's Day?

Ack.

This year I have the best Valentine's Day Hurricane Hole.

A real one.

I can wine and dine my own self.
Gonna grill steak and drink tea.

LOL


..
.

.




Roll Tide

:D




.

.

"I don't make New Year's resolutions. Instead? I leave the bad with the old year and bring the happy good into the new. Works better."

C Anne Ford, January, 2012


It's busy now. Have things to do inside and outside. Going to bed early because I'm getting up very early. Not much time on the computer.

Wishing you, Gentle Reader, a happy day and good new year.

Since I'm not a practicing Mayan? I'm not really worried about 2012.

Same to you and yours.


Anne

.

.
Note to readers. I had posted the YouTube of Trace Adkins' song Day Like This on my blog post. Apparently this displeased someone and instead of just saying that we couldn't post the song here, someone fixed it so that you couldn't read my blog at all. So I've removed the video.

I will no longer post anything by Mr. Adkins on my blog, no longer buy his music nor watch. I WAS a big fan of his music. I liked the message that it sent. Since I don't get a financial gain from posting his music on my blog and he get's free advertising, I'm not sure what I've done wrong.

It's not like the person who up loaded my entire blog (2 years of work) and then got a job out of it. I was simply posting music that I thought was pretty good in an age where women tend to be treated pretty bad as subject matter.

Anyway, I can post the next part as it is my words that are now on this post.


From Winter Solstice a story that I've been working on.

And folks who not only banned Mr. Adkins's music but also blanked the words that I own?



I'm a writer. The great thing is I don't need your words for my blog. I can write my own.
LOL






"Finally, after what seemed like weeks with no smile or even a word, she looked and him and said 'I love you.'

He never really knew why she said it. They were looking at letuce in the Kroger. He'd picked up a head of romaine, shook it and said to himself, "Looks like your brother"..."

From Winter Soltice

C Anne Ford



And from the comments

LOL I almost forgot. A riddle. What cannot be bought? What cannot be sold? What is worth more than silver? What is worth more than gold? What cannot be seen but is visible to all? What is constant but changes all your life?


And

LOL. I just marvel at people and then? I go find a friend to sit next to. Last night I hugged WB's neck. I meant it. He and I have been through alot together, so when I hugged his neck and he hugged mine? Something clicked. I was grateful to have that hug from him. . .


Not sure what the problem is about this post but someone doesn't want for me to  attach the video and two post comments. Nor do they want you to see the comments on this blog post OR comment.

You can post comments to this blog post on any of the other blog posts. I'll see it.

Hugs.

Again I'm not sure what the problem is because the words to Winter Soltice are mine AND? I've gotten no financial gain from Mr. Adkins' video.

I"ve always given free advertising to the songs on this blog but I can stop right now.

Although I do hope to get financial gain from being a writer.

C Anne Ford

Jan 23 2012



.

.

Don't feel much like writing.

Sad.

Need happy, Happy, and "happy" PDQ.

Until then?

Click here http://12dotsandablot.blogspot.com/2010/03/125500-pm-uh-oh-got-phone-call-from-not.html


.

.



There's still time...


There are people who are paying folks layaway bills at the WalMarts, the KMarts, the Targets ....

Here's how you can too.

Go to your nearest place that have layaways. Ask them if there's someone one who's about to loose their layaway toys.  If you want, you can pay upto a dollar. You can do it like a Secret Santa if you wish. The store can call the person whose layaway you've helped pay and wish them a Merry Christmas.

Sometimes just a little will help.

http://www.sooeveningnews.com/features/x2321502/Anonymous-donors-pay-strangers-layaway-accounts

,


I'm sorry for the ad with this video but I'm in a hurry. Will look for an ad free version later.

So why this video and the link to http://www.tzchristmas.com/

Because.

There are millions of people who live in the US and they are from all over the world. It's hard enough to get family to agree this time of year. Can you imagine getting millions of people to agree?

I can.

This Christmas? I'm asking for something special. I'm asking that for one day all of us get along. I'm asking for Peace. No matter who you are or where you are? Surely for one day we can all sit and marvel at this world. Like when it snows in the city and instead of hearing all the traffic you hear quiet.

I hear Hope.

Today complete strangers and kind friends greated me with "Happy holidays.", "Merry Christmas.", "Namaste" (I think that I spelled it right.) ... I think that you get the point. In the paper, there was a fella who met a fella shinning shoes who shared the "happy". He wondered of all the places his feet had taken him in his life.

Happy, Merry


I'm sorry that this fella is having such trouble with his neighbor.

I'm hoping for a Christmas miracle.


When we were little and didn't know each other, WB and I both had families who took us to see the Christmas lights. We took Pup when he was little. I don't know what it is about the magic of those lights that made us happy. I do know that it was the most fun.

It's the same for both of us and for Pup too.

.






Peace on Earth and good will to all mankind.


"...It's been a long hard ride and I won't lose hope..."



Peace and hope.


.


.


.,

.

Sigh.

Tonight I'm having one of those every part of me hurts nights. It helps if I can get a back rub but no such luck tonight.  Still tired from being sick but am feeling better than I did.

T'would be nice to curl up with a good story.






LOL. I need a hug...
.




.

.

Notice!

Only 56  days until Luke and Liz's first anniversary!

Save the date!

Buy the gift!


Yay!


.



Hmmpf.

Now if Newt were here, I wouldn't be sitting listening to Van Morrison on this cold winter's night. Oh no.

Instead I'd be bouncing like a bunny round this virtual gloom. Singing like Tigger from Winnie The Pooh. Telling here about Tai Chi and the chickens and the fact that Atticus the Finch was still alive and well. That I'm going good and having a bit of a good time at it.

But alas.

No Newt.

Which makes me sad.

:(

LOL

Need music









.

"...

"Now then," she said, "If life's been kind? Then stay where you are. Be happy for the gifts you've been given. But --" and here she paused and drew a breath, " -- but if life's been hard?  Come here and sit by the fire with me. There's a place for you to lay your head in my arms. Rest and be glad for the company."

..."



from

Winter Solstice

12/12/11

c anne ford






.

The point wasn't to master the Tai Chi form. Nope.  The point was to do something. Something different than I'd done and something that I, in my heart of hearts, would be good for me to do.

So I did.

I practiced.

Went from "...flapping chicken..." to  spreading my wings.


Then?  I made my ownself laugh. (Which really is half the battle.)



And guess what. It feels pretty good.
:D

Lots to do. Fencing class begins next month...

Hugs,

Ann

PS.



Cya on the beach Happy.


,

.

.

Tonight's menu?

meatloaf

baked sweet potatoes

Song of the day?

Trace Atkins

(See video below)

Oh and it's official.

While it might not be the best Tai Chi form?

While I have to stop everyonce in a while to check the list of moves

(or cough)

While there's still more to learn?

Guess what.

Yep,

I can now do the 108 Tai Chi moves.

Yay to all the beginning Tai Chi students!!

Congrat!!!.

I finally saw the last new move.

I am so happy it's silly.

LOL

Here's the Trace Atkins song

.

Slap, dash, go.

oh oh oh




lOL. Irony.


.

.




And because the night can be long.





For David



Where are you? How are you? Did you marry? Have a family? I hope that whatever your fate was that it it's a happy one. And if it's not happy? I hope that the road brings you back here to us.

And because I found it but just not now.





Until then?



Love,

Ann

.

.

I dearly love talking to Pup.






Next post? Convo about Martha Graham, Master Moy (108 Taoist Tai Chi moments), Mummenschanz, the Modern Dance movement, and the Muppets.

LOL

.

,


On the homeward stretch of tai chi's 108 movements.




As I've been practicing the kick sequence in the middle of the tai chi form, it has me thinking of the dances choreographed by Martha Graham. Was talking to Pup about it tonight. We looked up Lamentations by Martha Graham and found the following video of Ms. Graham dancing. A friend, who used to dance, was telling me about Martha Graham and the dance movement she help found. Apparently there are movements in modern dance and a dance philosophy in general that are unique to this dance form. Even the contraction and stretch within the movement is different.

Here's the YouTube of Ms.Graham dancing her original work, Lamentations. It's the first time I've seen here dance. I've seen photographs of here dancing and I've seen others recreate her work, but actually seeing her dance is a treat.

I'm saving this series of videos for later conversation with Pup. I really do wish that Billy were here to talk to Pup about dance and about Ms Graham. Plus I'd love for Pup to talk to Billy. I used to love to talk to him because we would pull from all kinds of ideas in order to understand a process. Pup does it too. If a movement of an atom would express and idea in dance? Both of them would use it to illustrate the point.




This is supposed to be Martha Graham dancing and not someone recreating her work.

If you aren't familiar with her work, Martha Graham was one of the founders of the Modern Dance movement. It's apparently unique with it's own dance theory. Supposed to be different than ballet.

Anyway the kick sequence in the second part of the tai chi form is very much like Martha Graham to my eye.

Who came first? I'm thinking it would be Tai Chi. Would love to ask Ms Graham if she was aware of the TaiChi movements. Hopefully someone did ask.

.

G'night, We're actually feeling much better here.

Hugs,
Ann

.

Was talking to Pup about the similarities between Martha Graham and Master Moy's 108 Tai Chi kick sequence. He mentioned seeing the dance group Mummenschanz on the DVD of the first season of The Muppet Show. Off we went to YouTube. Sure enough there are similarities.



Which led us to this video by Mummenschanz



.Pup's quick.

I wish Billy were alive to talk to Pup. He'd have had much to say and Pup would have had much to share in the conversation. Now I wish that I could have Master Moy, Martha Graham, the folks from Mummenschanz, Billy, Pup, WB, and myself in the same room to talk about influences in movement and dance.

Sigh. T'would be a good conversation.

Got to go. Sleep for me and Pup needs the computer. BBL


Don't you just love YouTube.

I'm getting that "time to sleep" feeling.

.Back later.

Ann

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We're in the middle of a cough and cold hurricane.  Honest to mercy, I'm leaking fluids or coughing them up from all bodily orifices.

It's not pretty to have tissue stuffed  up your nose because the cough meds quit working and the next dose hasn't started.yet.

So far?

I've yelled at the dog, yelled at Pup, yelled at WB, and whined at the LLShow about how bad I feel.
 (LOL Like Craig Ferguson could actually hear me.)

Last night I was particularly fuzzy and missed Trace Adkins sing Million Dollar View.

Heck, and heck again.

When I went looking I found the song, I found this one instead.

So I'm posting it instead.

But that's not the point of this post.

The point is that I've been a bit under the weather and very cranky. Add to this that Pup is also under the weather and cranky and you have alot of cranky.

At the moment he's declining my offer to make hot cocoa and is suggesting I go back to bed.



Good idea.

But

That's not why I'm posting this AM.

Nope.

I'm posting about someone who's working hard this AM and is by all the signs, fixin' to get sick too.

This is for WB.


You're welcome WB.

Thank you for rubbing my back, getting us chicken soup, getting us tissues and thermometers and cough medicine.

Yes, we are VERY fond or the NyQuil and that Mucinex stuff is great.

I'm grateful for the gallons of ginger ale and orange juice so that we can keep hydrated.

And when I can keep my eyes open?

Thank you for the books and the videos.

But mostly thank you for hugging our viral infested necks and saying, "Hang in there. You're going to get better soon." knowing that at any minute we could sneeze and expose you to our cold and cough germs.

Still you hugged our necks.

And now you're sneezing.

Yes, we will try to take good care of you while you are sick.
Yes, you can whine about it.
Yes, we will buy you the name brand tissues with the aloe and lotion in it so that our noses don't look like Rudolph the Reindeer.

And, no, we won't make seasonal comments if your nose turns red.

Instead?

(If we can. Hey, we are still sick ourselves.)

We will plump your pillows.
We will bring you juice.
We will make you chicken soup.
We will even put your "...cootie infested, used tissues..." into the waste basket when they land on the floor because you are just to weak to throw it with accuracy.

We will understand that just throwing it in any random direction is indeed a Herculean effort worthy of understanding.

And, WB, yes, we will put extra salt into the "healthy" chicken soup because, yes, we agree that when you have a cold stuff already tastes bad. You need the extra salt.


Your welcome for putting the towels on the windows of your car last night.
I'm glad that you didn't have to clean frost off of your windows.

No, I didn't have a problem going out in the cold to do it. I was feeling feverish at the time. Needed the cold air.

And WB?

After staying up late to rub my back and get us all settled in?

It was the least I could do.




Hugs, WB.

Don't get too sick and hurry up and get well. We've got places to go and lots to do. Having fun and an adventure is an art. And this hear Slacker is a master of the art. While I might not have to go anywhere to see a "million dollar view"? I'm certainly going to. Will be glad to have the company on the trip.

Oh and WB? One more thing.

That guy on tv may be funny and good looking, but you?

You really are a "million dollar view".





Here's that Trace Adkins song.

,

My head knows reality.

But my heart? 

My heart knows faith.





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,


Today a young man is laid to rest.


In the arms of the Earth his body will lie.

Each day he will become more and more a part of the land.


While above his mother and father will walk the Earth asking,

"Is love alive?"


He was 17.


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A long time ago in a different place and time, my love and I waited for a son to be born.  It was a terrible struggle to get him here but come he did.  When we held him crying, we told him that it would be okay. We were there to help him. There to keep him safe.

I feel asleep believing this.

Then I woke up.



His life was brief but his lesson is with me always.


It was the reason why I stopped to ask,


"How can I help?"


We are the family of man.


The universe is vast.


Our boat is so small.


"Is Love alive?"


I think so.



So to the mother and to the father who I met on that cold road?

This day your kind son and my son are playing in Heaven.

They feel no pain.

There, they are spared the troubles of this world.


In the arms of the angels, their days are sunny and kind.

While we struggle here with the dark of the world wondering if we are good enough for Heaven?

They were spared that struggle.

God, seeing this extrodinary kindness in them, spared them the pain of this world.

He took them home.


Be kind to one another and have faith.


We will all be together someday.


Is love alive?

Yes.

I know that it is.
.


Hugs,

Ann


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,

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Rise up. Rise up 'Bama Nation.


Time for football domination.






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"I keep readin' about how Alabama doesn't deserve to play in the BCS bowl.

It's got me wondering.

If they're so bad and you're so good?

How come ya'll ain't playin' ? "


- quote, unknown
.


19 days until Christmas.

26 days until the New Year

33 days until the BCS Bowl


Priorities, people you've got to have your priorities.





,


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My daddy asked me
When I was three
"Can you? Will you? Be tougher'n me?"






This game is the one that giants play on any Saturday all over. From the Cascade Mountains to the Florida swamps to the Cali streets to mid west farmers. All tribes of one school or another.  All claiming bragging rights and flying colors. The people who play? They be giants. The fans? Tougher than nails.


Football in the deep south is different. Tougher because the fans are tough. They build ships that cross oceans and outter space. They work oil rigs in some of the harshest conditions.. Life gives them little but they make it fierce. Their champions have to be tougher than the rest because their fans are.  They play hard because they live and love life hard.  That's what I hope will come to this game between LSU and 'Bama. Play hard.  Show the rest of the football tribes just what football is about and why you are there.

Because you are the best. 





Cut from the Earth.
Baked by the Sun.
Hurricane and tornado.
Instead of blood.
Bayou or back woods?
Giants all.

..

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Hope that everyone has a great month and a happy entry into the new year

The Zen Experiement this summer worked great.  Have a full "already done list" for the year.

Only 5 more moves left to learn in tai chi and still have one more month to go.


Going to be a busy year in 2012.

Ciao,

Ann


The following was posted earlier but it's a good message for 2012.






Be different.

Be astronauts.

Be explorers.

Be teachers.

Be students.

Interview the world and change your inner view.

The next face you see.

Maybe they see the world different.

Ask them what they see.

And then?
Pay attention.

You may see the world like they do.

Or?

You could see the world in a whole new way.

Perfect.

Happy holidays and happy New Year.

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They call them the Crimson Tide because when they come at you it's like a huge wave of red.

"I'll put you through Hell, but at the end of it all, we'll be champions."

Paul "Bear" Bryant

There're people here who say that the fact that they "bleed red" has nothing to do with biology and everything to do with 'Bama football.

The others say that they "bleed orange and blue" because of Auburn.

In the end? It's the football.

Not the kind with the round ball that's played in other parts of the world but the other kind. The kind that giants play. The ground? It shakes when they run. Fierce. Each year we wait to see. The rankings, the polls, and now the BCS. Looking into the crystal ball and willing to find a National Championship there.

It's pride. It's our state.

It's football.

.




Wake up. Wake up. Bama nation.

Time for football domination.

Rematch in the Sugar Bowl?

Bama fans say, "Roll, Tide, Roll"



Voodoo Kings and Voodoo Queens.

This games like you never seen.

LSU and Tide will Roooooollll.

See you in the Sugar Bowl?



They're saying here that, even if Georgia beats LSU,  it's still LSU v Bama.

Somehow? I'm thinkin' that there'll be alot of folks watching that LSU/Georgia game. LOL

.

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LOL. Really, I don't care but the idea of it as a rebound? Or maybe a "I'm free and I can? What are you gonna' say. They're both consenting adults. 

But honest? In the photo of them both (the one with Smart in the sailor hat)? He looks just like a buff Mark Anthony. I'm wondering if it's all just PR and Smart is along for the ride? Maybe Jen with the kids at Christmas, a glam New Years, and then?  A Valentine's break up?

Have fun and watch your "hearts".  It's not my thing but hey it's not my life.

LOL

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"I Know That There's Something I Forgot" memoir by C Anne Ford



.

If you're a college football fan, you've heard.

Who'll be playing for the national title in New Orleans?
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Sung to the melody Hurry Christmas by Alvin and the Chipmunks, words by C Anne Ford



Bowl bid, bowl bid time is here.
Time for worry.
Time for fear.
We've been good but can it last?
Hurry bowl bid.
Hurry fast.

'LSU wants the Sugar Bowl.
Georgia's saying, :"Oh hell no.".
We can hardly stand to wait-
Oh bowl bid don't be laaaateee.

We can hardly stand to wait
Oh bowl bid don't be late.






Auburn and Arkansas tried to snatch.
An LSU and  a Bama rematch
Now Georgia's saying, "Oh hell noo."
To rematch in the Sugarbowl.
Game statistics.
Fumble facts.
An LSU and a Bama rematch.
We can hardly stand to wait.
Ohh bowl bid don't be late.

Game statistics.
Fumble facts.
LSU and a Bama rematch.
Million dollar coaches OOOH
Fight down at Sugar Bowl.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/bcs-standings-lsu-alabama-poised-to-meet-for-title-likely-regardless-of-conference-championships/2011/11/27/gIQASfQL3N_story.html?tid=pm_sports_pop

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Be different.

Be astronauts.

Be explorers.

Be teachers.

Be students.

Interview the world and change your inner view.

The next face you see.

Maybe they see the world different.

Ask them what they see.

And then?
Pay attention.

You may see the world like they do.

Or?

You could see the world in a whole new way.

Perfect.

.

"Do something daring. Be bold."

Best words I've heard today from two people who give great advice.

Hugs. Seriously. Hugs.



We are all born to fly.

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