October
2008
Downsizing Your Life
I recently saw a segment on the Today Show where
some people in
What a concept!
I’ve been saying it for years:
Big houses, big cars, big Stuff equals Big bills, Big mortgages, Big stress, and often Big unhappiness.
And now look at the mess we’re in.
Everyone is pointing fingers. I say the fault of this Recession (dare I say it) can be summed up in one word: GREED.
And yes, it’s the greedy bankers and the lenders, and the people who wanted all the “good things in life,” even though they couldn’t afford it . . .
First off, their idea of the good things in life is sadly misguided. Because when it all comes down to a genuinely good life, you really need only this:
Family
Friends
A belief in something bigger than yourself, call it spirituality, God, whatever. . . .
And okay, you also, of course, need a job (hopefully, one that gives you some kind of satisfaction), and a decent roof over your head, and food. That’s about it. Oh, and gratitude for it all. It’s a known fact that people who appreciate what they have—even if they don’t have much—are generally happier people.
Here’s the little house I grew up in
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And although there were five people in it (my mother, brother, me and my grandparents), we were, for the most part, pretty darn happy in it.
Okay, end of this soap box. On to the next. . . .
Buy a
Damn Newspaper, Will Ya?
Sorry to sound so harsh, but this is important!
Calling all of you who love getting up every morning - or at least Saturday and Sunday morn - pour your cup of coffee, tea, or juice, and sit down and read your newspaper. It’s a wonderful simple luxury.
While many of us like to get our news via the Internet, most of us still like holding that news print in our hot little hands, turning the pages, folding it on the table alongside our bacon and eggs or oatmeal, enjoying the photos that goes with the stories.
It’s as comforting as a big piece of apple pie, isn’t it?
Well, imagine, if you will, one day your favorite newspaper no longer existed. That you no longer had a choice but to go on the Internet for ALL your news, including what’s happening in your own hometown?
Just wouldn’t be the same, now would it?
And especially if you spend plenty enough time at the computer, thank you very much. Now you’re forced to sit there at the desk with the mouse, clicking away and wondering why your eyeballs hurt.
Believe me, you’ll grow tired of this practice soon enough and wish to God you had that newspaper over there on the counter or end table, just like old times.
I sincerely believe that most people who now depend on the Web for all their news, still likes to read a real newspaper, particularly with local stories in it.
As we all know, newspapers and magazines across this great country of ours are in big trouble, struggling to keep their readers and advertisers. They’re being forced to offer buy-outs for longtime veterans who’ve been faithful to that newspaper for decades, and who many of us have enjoyed reading, and are as familiar with them as a family member.
So what can we, the little people, do about this threatening situation where our papers are nearly on the verge of extinction?
Take a break from EBAY and ADVERTISE in your own newspaper, for starters. SUPPORT your newspapers by SUBSCRIBING to them, or picking one up Every Day on your way to work, or school or wherever life takes you.
Hey, even my dog, Cody, likes getting the newspaper every day J
Many people don’t give their papers a moment’s thought – assuming they’ll just always be there, like white bread.
But folks listen to me - they won’t. Not if you’re not buying it, or advertising in it.
They will soon cease to exist and that’s one problem we can’t blame the politicians for. . . .
And
speaking of newspapers and politicians (now you just know where this is
going, now don’t you?). I might as well say a few words about. . . .
What’s
on Everyone’s Mind
Warning: The following is a political message. But I promise it’ll be short and sweet.
Okay, first off, let me say that I’m a pretty open-minded gal and I weigh all sides of every issue. I am not left (though I am left-handed), nor right, and sometimes I’m even wrong (just ask my husband). So I am not going to try and sway any of my readers one way or another as I know I’m not all that influential, anyway. But there are just a few things that I simply must comment on because, after all, that’s what blogs are for. . . .
That said, here we go.
Now I understand Sarah (who is now on a first-name
basis with just about everyone, right
Joe?) has to be awfully
nervous throughout this whole predicament she’s found herself in, being
plucked into the media so quickly and all. I myself would be a total
wreck. And I admit that I can be intimidated easily. But then, I’m not
running for Vice-President of the
Untied States of
Therefore, I have to admit to being a little queasy when Sarah seemed so intimidated by Katie Couric in that now infamous interview (the whole confusing content I won’t even repeat as we all heard the many blunders, thanks to Saturday Night Live).
But she appeared particularly nervous when asked what newspapers she reads to keep abreast on current events. You could actually watch her mind go blank.
Now, I know how that can happen – been there, too! But I also know, for sure, if little ole me was asked that question by anyone I could at least mention my hometown newspapers. And I’d be proud to be able to give them a little national plug, besides.
But when she said “All of them!” Well, all I can
say to that is, she’s a whole lot busier than I thought. After all,
there are literally thousands of publications in the
Wow, she must be some kind of speed reader. . . .
That said, I will admit, that as a woman, I was glad for her sake she redeemed herself a bit at the Vice President Debates, though everything sounded awfully rehearsed.
Which was when I started thinking about it, I realized just why she asked Biden as she shook his hand, if she could call him Joe. . . .
It was a day or two after the debate, I was talking to a few friends about her performance when it suddenly hit me (ok, call me slow). It was now obvious when she piped in that “Say it ain’t so, Joe” remark that she was just waiting for the perfect time to use that – thus, why she wanted to call him Joe in the first place. Pretty sly there Jane, and not in a good way.
And yet, Biden remained very respectful to her the entire time, and always addressed her as “Governor” never once called her “Sarah.” He treated her like just another debater. I have to say, that cool. I like respect.
One more thing that bothers me that as a mother I just can’t shake. Lots of moms have to work full-time jobs, but having a child with special needs, a pregnant teenager, along with three other children (well, one is in the service, so we’ll go with two) who need their mother. Well, shouldn’t she be home as much as she can with her family instead of traipsing around the country talking about family values??? Seems my sense of family values and hers differs. . . .
I’m just sayin’, okay? No need to email me with an ongoing dialogue on the subject.
All that aside, I will only add this - with all the passion I can muster:
Please do not vote for a person because of the color of the person’s skin, or their gender. Or not vote for a person because of the color of his skin. That’s just ignorant.
I’m just sayin’. . .
I don’t care who you plan to vote for (well, actually that’s an out-and-out lie right there, but that’s beside the point). I’m just worried about two things. I want to beg you all to do your research, watch all the debates, and make an intelligent decision on the issues.
It is hard to hear how some people are measuring the candidates. Some folks are listening way too much to propaganda and this disturbs me greatly. So please do your homework! Even McCain publicly stated that no, Obama is not an Arab (which sparks the question, do you really think all Muslims and Arabs are bad people?)
I have to agree, it’s all getting a little nuts. And like all of you I’m sure, can’t wait for it to be over. Though I have to say, the conversations have been - mostly – enlightening.
But don’t forget to go into both candidates Web sites and learn what they really represent. And remember: Everything you read may not all be the exact truth (after all, this is politics) but least you’ll be more informed than just listening to those TV ads, or hearing other people rant. (And boy, I’m learning fast to keep my opinions to myself - well, except for this blog because it is, after all, my blog.)
And watch “Meet The Press” on Sunday mornings. Now that’s a great show!
This is the most heated election I can ever recall, with everyone being very adamant about their opinions, even the misguided ones. There are some big, serious issues, and whoever gets in will have to deal with the legacy of what’s been left us by the former administration, so voting this year is more important than ever.
SO JUST
VOTE! OUR COUNTRY, OUR CHILDEN,
NEED YOU TO DO THE RIGHT, PATRIOTIC THING.
This was an
unpaid political message, but thanks for your time. . . .
Next month
– the Big Announcement!
Stay tuned, as they say. . .
August
2008
Surprise! It’s Me! Remember me? The writer whose dated photograph graces
the home page of this website?
And yes,
I know that old adage: “Writers Write.” Just not always in their Blogs.
. .
See, I know what you’re thinking. It’s been 5 months since this Blog thing’s been updated and what the hell is wrong with me that I can’t write a bit each week like some of my more prolific blogger friends?
But I do have a perfectly valid excuse: Life Gets in the Way. A book’s life, that is. For the past several months, I’ve been in the long and tedious throes of editing and revising my next book and I have to do it while working full time writing other stuff that actually yields a pay check. Because contrary to what fans of Stephen King, David Sedaris and Barbra Walters believe, not every writer gets paid to write a book. The reality is that most authors don’t see any royalties until the book is out there and people buy it, and then the payment is usually just enough to perhaps begin another book (if you’re lucky and did the first one right) or purchase a decent used (very used) car, and even then that’s only from the first check, thanks to media exposure by doing the TV thing, the radio thing, having a couple good book reviews, or at least a nice article on how great your book is (again, if you’re lucky). After that, my dear aspiring writers, your book is then considered, by industry standards, as old as Andy Rooney. You are now passé and now it’s someone else’s turn. In which case, your follow-up checks after that exciting year when everyone knows your name, will be just about enough to cover a nice dinner at the Olive Garden and maybe, maybe, a bottle of good wine. Or these days, enough to fill up your gas tank. Once.
Some
Writerly Advice:
So this is what I tell my students in my class on “What it Takes to Write a Book,” and those fans of Stephen King, David Sedaris, and Barbra Walters: Don’t Do It For The Money.
Do It Because You Have Interesting Stories To Tell. Fiction or nonfiction.
And please, make sure you have some well-read manuscript readers who will honestly tell you if your stories really are, in fact, interesting because if they’re not, that sole royalty check you receive won’t even get you a 99-cent meal at Wendy’s.
And here’s another piece of advice to writers: Only do it because you must. Because the book inside your head is nagging the hell out of you and you just have to write it. No matter how long it takes—in-between work and kids and spouses and sleep and a few nights out with the girls, or boys. Because Life Will Get in the Way and that book will ALWAYS take longer than you think it will.
My first book took nearly four years. My second has
taken equally as long. Despite the fact that it will in no way be as
long as the former (good news for all my friends who are still trying to
get through “Rock and
Roll and the
I won’t reveal any more right now about the book so that maybe curiosity will bring you back to this blog each month for a new hint and photo leading up to its release in Oct. or Nov. (I can only hope. Again, writer friends, once it’s in the publisher’s hands, it’s out of yours. So you have to be patient and play the waiting game. What to do in the meantime? Start your next book!).
So here is Hint Number One about my new book, with a few photos to hopefully pique your interest:
It’s about This:
And This:
And This:
Stay tuned next month (ok, it may be a little longer . . .) for the title and perhaps a few more hints, and photos. . . .
Blessed
Are the Children . . .
Who have idiots for parents.
I’m sorry but I just cannot for the motherly life
of me understand how people can leave their kids in the car “forgetting”
they are there. Are You Kidding
Me??
Hey, I’m busy too. I multi-task, too. But I’m still
aware of any human being that may be sharing a ride with me, even if
they’re quiet as a mouse. I mean, come on. If you have that much on your
mind that you—even for a moment—have forgotten that you’re a mother,
therefore, totally responsible for another human being’s life who is
totally dependent on you, then you had better make some serious changes…
If you’re a boomer, you know that even though we
were “seen and not heard,” we were never left anywhere.
Our parents may have dragged us to a lot of places we didn’t want
to go, but least they didn’t leave us there. Although being left at a
place like
Observed
on a Website:
“Welcome to the teeching profession! Some things you might want to
check on before you start.”
Yeah, like spelling . . .
.
Spammers
Are Just Not Nice
We all hate spam and just like terrorists they keep finding new inventive ways to make our life hell.
Check out this latest story:
My friend Larry, is a hard working musician who sends out a news letter each month with his schedule of where he’s playing. So, as usual, I opened the email and knew immediately that ALTHOUGH IT CAME FROM LARRY’S ADDRESS, IT WAS NOT FROM LARRY!
In this letter, “Larry” was begging for my help because he had gotten this gig in some god-forsaken country, and was robbed and needed just “$2,000” to be able to return to the USA.!!
I happened to see Larry soon after and he had said
that somehow, someway, some jerk figured out his password, got into his
email and sent this letter to everyone in his email address book (as if
someone who actually knew Larry would simply just send him a few
thousand. I mean, Larry’s a nice guy and all, but $2,000 a lot of cash.
Poor guy would’ve probably been stuck there for awhile…). He had to go
through all kinds of hassles to get his own address back. Sheesh…
Life
Comes At You Fast
When your first born child turns the magical age of 21, you wonder how that happened. Because you yourself don’t feel any older, but suddenly your job is done and that child is an adult living her own life. But if you’ve done a good job (and yes, sometimes it’s just a matter of luck), you look at this grown child and actually like her as a separate human being. You take pride in knowing she has all the great qualities you’d hoped for way back when. And you don’t have to worry about her (well, there’s always that) because you know she can stand on her own two feet. Which is all very gratifying.
We look at this girl who we spent all those years raising, and Jeff and I realize that not only did we get lucky, we really did do an admirable job…
Happy Birthday, Danielle.
That’s it for now, folks. See ya all next month. Well, ok, maybe a little longer than that J
March 2008
Well, okay it’s almost April but it’s been a busy month. How busy? I’m, of course, going to tell you.
So I’m sitting at my computer one cold January day,
checking my email, when I come across this subject line: “Cruise
Opportunity for Rock Historian.” Now, first off, I do not consider
myself a “rock historian.” Yes, I did write that little (okay, so it’s
not so little) book on
Now that that’s clear, I can tell you I nearly deleted that email before reading it, thinking it must have come from this website and was spam.
Sure glad I didn’t.
Long story short (Hey, it’s a goal – though, as we all know, I usually fail miserably at that), it was indeed from a reputable Ft. Lauderdale company that books entertainment for cruise lines and they asked me to be a presenter for a Rock ‘n’ Roll themed cruise (right up my alley) with The Lovin’ Spoonful (“Do You Believe in Magic”? Yes, I do!) and Three Dog Night (“Joy to the World” among others) - two bands I grew up with and whose music has given me fond memories of my misspent youth.
So where do I sign up? was my first reaction…
So I have now just returned from a week-long cruise
to
Yep, my husband Jeff and I were cruisin’ with aging rock stars!
(Sorry guys, don’t take it personally, after all, we’re all aging, ya know) - though a few of them weren’t aging quite so much since there were a few “young guys” in the bands. But before you’re thinking this was all just a pleasure cruise, believe me, I had to work for it. I had to put together (and deliver!) four 45-minute presentations on the bands and the ’60s and ’70s – and while I do know a bit about all that, in order to do it right, I had to do a lot of research and update my knowledge on the bands, past and present.
But it was fun dressing for the parts – some examples:
Check out the peace medallion (actually
is from 1972!) and the
embroidered bell bottoms!
Yeah, sure looks like I’m working hard, doesn’t it?
You like my go-go dress? And how ’bout those cool boots? If you look closely you’ll see I also have on BIG peace earrings.
Dressed in tie-dye and faded jeans – now all back
in style!
By the way, the man who shared the stage with me
was my “technical support” guy, Jim Cannon from
So despite all the preparation work and having to entertain these people J I managed to have a great time. Jeff and I were able to chat and get to know a lot of interesting people as well as these talented musicians, and that was a real pleasure. They were all terrific. The first night at the VIP party (yes, they actually let us in!), we were lucky to sit next to two of the guys in Three Dog Night – Paul Kingery (bass, guitar and vocals), and Pat Bautz on drums (who explained the difference between a right-handed drummer and a left- handed drummer, he being a lefty – like me). These guys were so friendly and funny!
Me and Paul Kingery
Jeff had fun too – with the rockers wives!
And the concerts! Those great songs by both bands really took you back to “the old days.” Oh, did I just say that?
The Loving Spoonful – Left to right - Joe Butler, Steve Boone, and Jerry
Yester. Phil Smith (the younger one) behind Joe and their excellent
drummer, Mike Arturi (another of the “younger ones”)
Three Dog Night
“Three Dog Rap”
The group did a rap version of “Mama Told Me Not to
Come” – now that alone was worth the price of admission!
Then there was the “’60s
Party!”
Talk about reliving the past!
As you see, everyone went all out with those crazy
outfits!
And I guess I should also include a couple of
picturesque shots of our travels...
Yes, it really was beautiful
This photo is from
He Didn’t Have to Be So Nice…
I Would’ve Liked Him Anyway….
A real treat for me personally was meeting the Lovin’ Spoonful’s Joe Butler, former drummer now on auto harp and vocals (Mike Arturi is the band’s drummer, and man, this guy plays an amazing old-fashioned drum solo!).
Anyway, I had a major crush on Joe when I was 12
and got to meet him back in 1966 when the group was performing at
Me & Joe – Finally - together after 42 years!
Well, I’m all out of time – but not out of stories
– or pictures.
But must go and make a living now. Like writing for
money!
So Till Next Time:
As my teenage daughter says “Peace Out!”
February
2008
Okay, so it’s an election year. And yes, it’s the most exciting, controversial, actually quite interesting, election year in the history of our country.
Still, that doesn’t mean we have to get all Ga-Ga over a candidate just because he tells you everything you want to hear. Especially when we’re not quite sure just HOW he’s going to do all these wonderful things.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m a bit impressed with Obama myself. How can you not be? And perhaps—because I don’t get to see and read everything that’s out there about any detailed plans if he becomes a president—I may have missed a few things, like the particulars on how, exactly, he’s going to execute all his great ideas (and yes, they sound pretty great).
I just don’t think we should give him this much power. Especially this early in the game.
He hasn’t yet earned it. And it’s kind of unnerving to see people acting like he’s a rock star. I don’t want a rock star as my president (well, maybe Mick Jagger – ok, just kidding) but it’s starting to look like a cult out there. Geeze, people are practically bowing down to the guy wherever he goes, like he’s this great king (who has yet, I might add, to have gained enough experience to make me comfortable with him as our Commander-in-Chief of this great country, and thus, in my opinion earned the right for Americans to treat him as such). Though, I will say I kind of like his wife.
And no, it’s not because I’m voting for Hillary. The jury’s still out on that.
And by the way, Hillary, if
you’re reading this (well, it could happen!) I am really, really sorry
I hung up on you the other day when you called. You see, it was right at
the time Steve Boone from the Lovin’ Spoonful was scheduled to call me (more
on that next month, folks)
and I thought it was him and I really needed to be available, so when
you called, I just didn’t have time to talk.
Please call again. Mornings are usually good. . .
And then of course, we have McCain. Who I liked a lot before this whole thing started, but he’s getting a little surly lately. And you got to think how a president’s going to deal with things when people piss him (or her) off. After all, you got to keep a level head, and not jump the gun, so to speak.
Plus, I’m holding out to see, if he goes all the way, who his running mate will be. After all, let’s face it. He’s kind of old for the job. And with that young wife of his, well, you know, things can happen. . . .
New
“Amazing” Invention on QVC
Speaking of old (well,
older), if you’re anywhere
near my age, you, too, wake up every night, say, around
So you get up and go to the computer or click on the TV. Me, I go the TV route because frankly it’s the only time I get the controller. So I’m channel-surfing and something catches my attention. This guy on QVC is selling this great new invention for your digital camera. Of course, I don’t recall the name of it because I didn’t write it down and well, it was 3 in the morning…
But it was a octopus-like “mini-tripod” for your camera about the size of your hand, with flexible “legs” that goes on your camera to supposedly (emphasis on supposedly) be able to stand it up “to ensure a perfect, steady photo.” So the guy tries to stand it up on the table in front of him and he’s putting the bendable “legs” every which way and it still won’t stand on its own (by now I’m laughing so hard, I can forget about falling back to sleep). Then you see a fake tree next to him (I am not making this up folks) so after giving up on showing how this “remarkable, easy to use” nifty device that he doesn’t dare let go of because it’ll fall flat on its viewfinder, and right off the table, he goes over to the tree and wraps those bendable plastic legs around the fake plastic branches, and after several attempts, finally gets that sucker wrapped tight and boasts, “Look, folks! You can even place it in the tree to get that perfect shot of those birds.”
Okay, all together now . . .
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
And one more thought, why the hell would you put the camera on the table, then have to bend down, and lean over to take a picture anyway? And sure, there are those who cannot hold a camera steady, so how ’bout just bringing a friend along who can? Even if you have to buy them a beer after the photo shoot, or several beers, it’s still cheaper than the “low price” of just $17.94, plus $4.95 S&H (and why, I have to ask, the weird .94 cents thing, instead of the normal .99??
Well, least it kept me from thinking about what I did 10 years ago…
Picture
This!
Because my blog readers really enjoy pictures with their prose, here a few just to keep you reading J
Here are some cool guitars from the Guitar Mania
last year at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
And yes, I still have stories about Cody, which
will have wait till when I have nothing else to say (yeah, it might be
awhile), but he’s still cute
We also still have “Harley”
who was here before Cody, and has always been a little
prima-donna, so of course hates, hates, hates this big, black
animal who has invaded her home!
.jpg)
I love this Bar!
Okay, now
where were we. Oh, yeah…
Kindle
This!
One new gadget that is sure to have a longer shelf life than the camera “mini-tripod” octopus legs is the new Kindle, the hot new “wireless reading device” that is currently all the rage – at $399.00 a pop.
I’m sorry, but if it doesn’t look like a book, feel like a book, or smell like a book, I’m not buyin’…
Yeah, I know. It really is a pretty cool device, and I’m sure it’ll get more young people to read again (other than Harry Potter) and that’s a great thing.
Still, what about all those great “author book signings.” Can they have “Kindle signings?” Hmmm. Doesn’t sound right to me.
Yes, I understand the importance of technology and all. But like when Britney Spears recorded her own version of the Rolling Stones “Satisfaction” (AGHH!!) some things should just be left well enough alone, as my mother used to say . . .
My Very
Own My Space
So my oldest daughter thought I should have my own My Space because it’s a good networking tool and she thinks her mother should be up on all that technology has to offer. So one day last week after we went to lunch she says, “Come on Mom, let’s get you your own My Space. “Uh, okay,” I said, just happy that she actually likes spending time with me now (she actually talks to me now!).
I have to say we had fun picking out all these pictures where I could choose my favorite books (Yeah, real books, no Kindles!), my favorite films, my favorite music and actors, actresses and heroes...
But now that it’s there, I forget about it. This same daughter (who is my My Space manager) just called me the other day, “Mom, you have like 10 messages on your My Space.” “My what? Oh, yeah, I got a My Space!”
Maybe I’ll remember tomorrow. At
Happy
Birthday to Me
It’s my birthday today as I write this, and I don’t feel a day over 29. Though I’m still getting over a little conversation I had with my youngest daughter, the teenager one. Last night, she plops down on the couch beside me and says, “So Mom, you excited about your birthday tomorrow?”
I looked at her and decided to give her a bit of reality from a middle-aged broad who wakes up in the middle of the night and starts watching QVC.
“Honey, when you get to be my age, you’re just excited that you get another birthday!”
How true. And, being here, as opposed to there means more time with all my favorite people. Cool.
So yeah, that’s pretty exciting to me.
So Till Next Time, listen to the candidates very carefully, don’t drink water two hours before bedtime, and sure why not, get yourself a My Space…
Cheers everyone! J.
January 2008 – Likes, Dislikes, and Down-right
Disgust . . .
I miss Ross Perot.
That’s right. That funny looking guy with the squeaky voice, with all those graphs and charts and maps. Yeah, that guy, remember him?
I have no idea if he’d had made a great president or not, and after 16 years (can it really be that long ago?) it hardly matters. But now that we’re in the political trenches once again, I miss how refreshing he was.
And smart. And honest.
Gee, no wonder he didn’t win.
We Americans aren’t used to such honesty in our politicians. But I think we’re finally beginning to demand more of that, and welcome the change. (Just look at the reaction when Hillary came close to tears the other day as she talked – honestly – about her fears that we may be going backward instead of forward. And how that moment of sheer honesty moved people, maybe even winning over a few more voters.)
And finally – finally – the majority of us have become absolutely disgusted and tired of the mud-slinging and nasty accusations and overall childish behavior.
For me, that’s always been the part that swayed me AWAY from a candidate. But then they all started doing it and so I had to try and figure out who was doing it in the most evil, backstabbing, underhanded way. Then vote for his opponent (the better of two evils so to speak).
To my recollection, Ross Perot didn’t talk much against anyone. He was too busy showing Americans EXACTLY what he would do if president, and EXACTLY HOW he was going to go about it. What a concept!
Then he lost. And in some ways, so did we.
But I don’t want to go back. I want to move forward
And as much as we may dislike all those “we interrupt this program” for political news bulletins, etc., we had all better pay attention because whoever becomes our president has his or her work cut out for him.
And now we get to Hillary. I may lose some Blog readers by this next sentence but I’ll risk it.
I like Hillary.
Believe me, this comes as a surprise to me, too. This admiration, respect and trust I now have of her was late in coming. Granted, she may not have a dynamite, charming, enduring personality (her husband seems to have covered that territory) but then, aren’t we past voting for a president based on good looks and charisma? I hope so (I’d hate to think Perot lost largely because of his looks, or lack thereof). While those physical traits certainly make it easier on the eyes to watch TV debates, it will ultimately be the decision he or she makes that will affect our everyday lives.
With that in mind, I watched the New Hampshire Primaries. And again to my surprise, it actually made a difference in how I thought before I watched it…
And it made me like Hillary even more. And not because I want to see a woman president. Frankly, I don’t care if our next leader is female, male, black, white, or Arnold Schwarzenegger (which I don’t think is all that bad an idea). I—like most Americans—just want someone who can get the job done right, on all the problems we face.
This night, like most I’ve seen, Hillary was focused and had specific plans on the issues. She even showed a sense of humor, letting people see she really does have a softer side. But she is tough. And isn’t that what we want?
Then too, the debates introduced me to many likable things
about Bill Richardson (he’s practical, logical and intelligent). As a registered
Democrat (but in truth, an Independent - I will, if a candidate persuades me
enough, vote Republican, although that has yet to happen), all four candidates
actually gave me hope for
Listening to the Republican candidates, I was most impressed with Mike Huckabee.
Again, he had concrete details about his plans, and intelligent thoughts on all the important issues. And he was professional (no tacky comments about this opponents). In fact, I was so impressed with him that should I decide that voting Republican would be best for our country, he’d be my man. (And it doesn’t hurt that he’s a musician, as you may know, I’m fond of music men.)
That said, the debates in turn dampened my enthusiasm for John Edwards (I appreciate his passion for the middle-class—after all, I’m one of them—but he just didn’t convince me that he’d be the best one out of a really good group of contenders). And I was disillusioned by a guy I’ve always liked (even have his excellent book, “Character is Destiny”) - John McCain. I was turned off by his continual disruptions when others, particularly Romney, was trying to speak, so points off McCain for blatant rudeness…
And after all was said and done, it gave me little to sway me in Obama’s direction. He just doesn’t have enough experience for me to be comfortable with him running a country at a time we have so many problems, like a war we shouldn’t be involved in, and terrorism, which no one should be involved in. . .
This night gave me hope. A lot more hope. I also found it
vastly entertaining (another big surprise), and made me really anxious for that
change we’re all so desperate for.
Still, I miss old Ross…
I love Ugly Betty
I don’t really watch a lot of TV (mostly because my husband is a REMOTE CONTROL FREAK, see below) but Thursday night is my special TV night. I get a glass of wine, big bowl of popcorn and get entertained. Beginning with Betty. But last night, the 10th, was the best of all episodes. It addressed the issue that wearing a size 0 should not be a goal young women should be striving for. This was an important show all teen girls should have watched because being a size 0 is just not healthy, nor does it look good.
This topic hits me personally as a mother of two daughters. But it’s not just the super-skinny part that has me up in arms, it’s also the fact that today’s fashions seem to dictate that these girls show cleavage. And lots of leg.
Case in point. The other day, my teenage daughter got a “prom” catalogue in the mail (addressed to her, apparently they have access to a list of high school girls) from a company I’ve never heard of. This book filled with Angelina Jolie/Pamela Anderson/Paris Hilton look-a-likes all with come-hither expressions, wearing the slinkiest, lingerie-type, Academy Award dresses I’ve ever seen. And no, it wasn’t a Victoria Secret catalogue but it may as well have been. There is also a caption on the back of said catalogue promising that they will not “sell your dress to anyone else at your school.” Yeah, so only YOUR daughter can look like a hussy. (Sorry, that’s the mother in me talking). And many of these dresses were really slinky and showed way too much skin. To be fair (and I always try to be), there were maybe two or three dresses that were not bad. Of course, there were no prices listed, but with all that sequence and diamond (okay, probably cubic zirconia) studs, and boas (BOAS!!) it was obvious the cost for these gowns are as high as those slits that went all the way up the thighs.
There was no way I was letting her father see what prom dresses have come to, both in style and price. Not to mention (but I will) one shot of a young girl in an aqua lacey nightie (or so it looked to me) sitting up with her back arched to make her budding breasts look even larger, and another page depicting two girls posing around a David-like statue ….
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
WHY would we want our young hormonal teenage girls looking like and posing like that?
My only hope is that mothers are paying attention to this and not going to be buying anything from this company.
You all know I’ll be making a phone call…
I Love
Okay, I’m calmed down now—well okay, a little—because I just
came across some photos from when I was in 
which is heaven to book lovers. Imagine actually staying in a room with Books
Everywhere! (Unfortunately it was way over this freelance writers’ budget).
And contrary to popular belief, New Yorkers are actually quite
nice and friendly. And
helpful (my friends and I couldn’t at
first find that Library Hotel and simply stopped a person at random on the
street and she actually stopped and made a phone call [!] to find out for us!
Now that is the epitome of nice!
A Very Cool Lady
Another really nice person is my friend and colleague, Aileen
Gilmour, a member of the Writers of the
Writing
Speaking of writing, I’ve noticed several other writers have “Writing Blogs” that focus on the writing life. And while that’s certainly a great concept, there are two reasons I don’t have one.
Number one, a writing blog appeals to only writers, which eliminates a lot of people …
Two, I’d rather actually write, than talk about writing.
.That said, there are a few things about the writing life I think can be beneficial to everyone, but once again, I see that I’ve overextended my stay ( how do those bloggera stay under 500 words?
And so I’ll stop here before I get on to other topics and just say so long…
Except for this:
Happy New Year To
Everyone! (Especially to all you cool, nice people)
I’m sure you’ve all
made some resolutions so I’ll add this:
Remember, The Road
to Tomorrow - and Your Own Personal Dreams Come True - Begins with You. All it
takes is one foot in front of the other.
Now go….
Oh, and one more thing – Spend some Time with Friends…
November, 2007
“Life Gets in the Way”…
I am not dead.
Really.
See? I’m here, just lying around, doin’ nothing.
(And sorry, folks, this is about as provocative as I get, least on the Internet J
I’ve been so comfortable in fact, that I’ve just haven’t felt like getting up and writing in this blog…
Blog? What Blog?
Oh, yeah, right. That’s it…
Of course, I could simply admit that I’ve ignored this blog way too long because I’ve been so busy. And that would be true. But hey, you’re busy, too, and you’ve had time to go into this blog expecting some kind of entertainment (yeah, I got your emails) but you see, as my friend Michael Heaton says (well, he’s not my friend-friend, but we are acquaintances) writers don’t get paid to blog, and it takes an enormous amount of time to write it – for free (something we serious writers were trained never to do, and by the way, go Writers Guild! – *not that I support anyone out of work but rarely do writers get compensated enough for their work, and then there’s that whole internet issue…)
But bloggin’ is fun, and I forget that sometimes, when life gets in the way.
So let’s have some fun. . . .
What really is fun is listening to those great Bud Light Real Men of Genius commercials. In my opinion these writers are true geniuses (And I bet they get paid very well, too - as they should).
It just makes my day when I hear these bits on WNCX-98.5, and boy, what I wouldn’t give to be in a room full of those writers as they crank out those gems! (My favorite part is when that guy, who talks really, really fast, pipes in with his little input – it’s the best part.
So in honor of those talented writers, and the guy who keeps this website current (that is when I finally send him something) I thought it’d be fun to make up my own little Real Men of Genius ditty.
But of course, in order to truly appreciate this, you have to have that little jingle going on in our head as you read along. . . .
Ready? (and if you don’t know what the hell I’m talking about, please move on to next subhead as it really doesn’t work on paper if you don’t know the tune – or better yet listen to 98.5 for at least an hour, you’ll hear it)
Okay, here goes…
My Personal Bud Light Salute:
Real Men of Genius. Reeaal Men of Geeeniuuuus . . .
Today We Salute You, Oh Great Master of Dee’s Website
(Oh, Great Master of Deeee’s Websiite!)
Without you, this site would look like that first attempt so long ago, when musician Jonah Koslen had but one word to describe its graphics . . . “Oooouch”
(Oh, where are my cheap sunglasses ? …)
But then, without me, my fine Webmaster, your hair might look like David Lee Roth’s, circa 1980…
(But you’re no Gigolo...)
At a moment’s notice, you carefully cut, and paste, and copy, and send. And—after much-advanced notice—I carefully trim, and weave, and highlight your drummer locks. . .
(We make each other look good …)
So crack open another cold, thirst-quenching brewski, Oh Creator of the Charismatic Website
Because without you, I’d be just another writer desperately seeking a left-brained computer geek
(We only use our right brains, ya know…)
And you’d be just another poorly coiffured (but great, great) musician from the North Coast….
(Oh Greeeat Maaaster of Deeeee’s Websiiite…..)
Brought to you by deannaadams.com, Cleveland, Ohio
Gee, now that was fun (though a lot of work for free…)
If You Want to Get Caught – Rob a Bank!
Okay, we all know it’s tough to get a job with limited skills and brain cells, but come on, there are better options than wearing a stupid scarf on your face and barging into a bank demanding money. New Flash!: Statistics show that 98% of bank robbers get caught. Hear that? 98%!! Now wouldn’t you want better odds if you were going to break the law? I mean, duh?! And yet, this is still one of the most common crimes. And it’s particularly sad when you read about a guy who had a hit R & B record and is now robbing banks for a living. The artist, who now lives in Northeast Ohio, was a member of the ‘50s group, The Coronets which charted with “Nadine,” recently robbed a Key Bank because he “was behind in his bills and was going to get evicted from his apartment.” Didn’t anyone ever tell him he could always sing for his supper?
Still There’s Hope for America
A wonderful thing happened to me on Halloween night. I was enjoying handing out the treats to the kiddies with their little bags (some with not-so-little bags) marveling at their costume ingenuity and politeness (every one of them, save for one, said “Thank you” upon receiving their treat). After one excitable boy, perhaps eight or nine, took off after receiving his candy, but then soon came back. Did he want more candy? No, he came up to me and handed a broken solar landscape light that graces our driveway. “I’m really sorry, ma’am,” he said. “I broke your light but it was an accident. I didn’t see it, honest, I’m really sorry.”
Wow, what could I say? He was so sweet and apologetic. I was so impressed and wanted to immediately flag down his mother and thank her for raising such a great kid, but he was gone in a flash, perhaps expecting me to yell at him.
Of course, I can forgive him for breaking the light, though I’m not so sure about calling me, Ma’am. Man, I hate being called Ma’am…
Anyway, it did my heart good that there are still kids out in the world who are kind, polite and respectful. And own up to their mistakes. Some adults can learn a lesson in that . . .
It Is What It Is!
While I do try and keep this blog short and to some kind of point (I may not keep the promise of “updated weekly!” but once I’m in here, it’s hard to get me out! J
I like having all the old blogs on one continuous page. However, one of my old friends (he deserves that) mentioned to me that when he finally took time to check out my blog, he first scrolled down to see “how long it was.” (Apparently, he’s a busy guy, being retired and all…)
And I suppose he scrolled down so quickly, he didn’t notice that every entry is not only dated, but also has subheads to separate topics so readers don’t have to read everything all in one setting (I suppose he thought there would be a test afterward…)
Now, I could have my Honorable Webmaster (remember
him?)
put in a separate link for each dated blog as many folks do. But then, let’s be honest here, would you really read the old stuff? I think not.
I myself never click on those dates in other sites because I don’t know what they’ll be about, and so am not intrigued enough to go into it.
It is thus my opinion that having all the blogs on one easy-to-read page J you scrollers out there might actually spot something of interest on your way down.
In addition, I often refer to former entry mentions to emphasize a point, so it’s actually to your best interest to have everything readily available. So keep up with me people.
Lastly, I remember when my rather lengthy book came out - one look and a few people thought “I’ll never read all that, it’s too long!” Then they realized that each chapter has a lot of subtitles dividing the sections for easier reading (I was way ahead of you who “don’t like to read a lot”).
Anyway, it’s my hope that as a result of keeping this whole Blog at your one-stop disposal, that you return often, since you’ll have something else to read before you must fill up your time with boring stuff like work, and chores, and bathroom duties. . .
This has been an emergency announcement. Now back to our regularly scheduled Blog…
Cody Update
You know, when we first got this dog, I was surprised at the reaction I often got from people (apparently who have had dogs in the past). First, they’d ask what kind of dog, then they’d say, “Now why would want to do that?” And now I know why. . .
In the hour I’ve been writing this blog, I’ve let him outside four times, let him back in four times, have gotten up once again to feed him, give him water, stopped him from chasing the cat, taken away one of my best socks (too late, holes already there) along with pulling out some other kind of foreign matter from his mouth . . . And it’s only 8 a.m.!!!
There was also the time we got him fixed a few months back and
we had to make him wear this cone around his head so he wouldn’t tear out his
stitches .
But then he kept bumping into furniture (ok, that was kinda
funny) so my daughter got this idea to wrap him up with an old shirt, like a
diaper
but that didn’t last long either. Finally we gave up and he is just fine, thank
you.
So many times I have asked myself, Oh, what were we thinking?
But then . . . then . . . I look at that face
And all is forgiven…
It reminds me of that saying ‘bout little kids, God makes them cute so you don’t kill ‘em….
One More Thing Before I Go
First a big shout out to The Indians (for at least getting us in the playoffs) The Browns (for getting us excited again – that was some kick . . .), and well, I’m almost ready to forgive LeBron for that cap incident. So you all can forget what I said in the previous blog. . .
I also want to say Happy Birthday to my much-older husband,
who, like a fine Merlot, gets better with age. Here he is
still celebrating his big day a week later, (he generally goes the whole month
but has mellowed over the years). And no, that’s not me sitting next to him, but
another redhead (who doesn’t even use Miss Clairol, the bitch LOL – really, just
kidding) who is actually a good friend of ours who, fortunately for me, has a
nice boyfriend).
Anyway, Happy Birthday, Jeff, here’s to another 50-something years (that is, if you quit smoking J
Till next time, folks, if you ever feel the need to get a pet, I hear a Chia Pet is pretty low-maintenance. And cheap, too.
September 2007
Steelers Fans Have More Fun.
There I said it. Sorry but it’s the plain, ugly truth. It’s just no fun being a Browns fan (except, of course, for those tail-gate parties). I’m not going to even try to figure out why our team continually disappoints us (In case you don’t know, our beloved Browns lost last Sunday to Pittsburgh AGAIN. Oh how we suffer!).
Granted they did put on a valiant effort, and should be applauded for that, but turns out it was just a mean, mean tease. I’d be more forgiving if it wasn’t such a common occurrence but geeze.
All I’ll say about that is, if our own job performance record was this bad, we’d all be standing in unemployment lines, and living on Spam (wait, does anyone really eat that anymore? Let’s change that to plain old pork and beans. You can live on pork and beans).
But the GOOD NEWS is:
Sales of hard liquor in Ohio has hit a new record high this year, keeping many people, like bar owners and liquor salesmen employed. Still, some wonder why the increase, particularly in Cleveland.
Okkaaay, now let’s review: The Indians. The Browns. And our beloved LeBron James wearing a Yankees cap during the ALDS playoffs IN Cleveland. Man, that was just plain mean….
And people wonder why we drink??!!
But getting back to good news - many of us apparently make enough money to actually afford the top shelf spirits, such as Grey Goose vodka, Crown Royal whiskey and high buck martinis, which were the biggest factor in the record sales. But the BEST news is that we baby boomers have nearly forgotten what Ripple Wine tastes like! Now THAT’S something to celebrate!
Cheers!
More Record Breakers
It’s a fact that two-thirds of Americans are overweight. And it appears, according to one poll, that most of them live in Cleveland (why do we only get on the negative lists?)
Well, one thing for sure, drinking all that liquor, and those Starbuck’s Lattes, and eating drive-through burgers on your way to a ball game where your team is sure to lose, are bound to show its effects. Especially for us baby boomers who are in that “middle-age spread” stage.
But some of us are losing weight, and that would be my newly buff and trimmer husband, Jeff, who has lost 20 pounds (in three months! Feel free to hate him). And while I’m thrilled that he’s now healthier and easier to hug, it makes me mad that he has done it with such ease! (Though if you ask him, it was “sooo hard”)
When we women want to lose weight, we have to live on those tasteless card-board patties (Senior Moment: What are those called again?), and drink “lots of water” and give Jenny Craig all our income.
Men? They drop pounds as easily as Paris Hilton slips in and out of jail.
Then to add insult to injury, Jeff says—ever so smugly—“You just have to eat less and be more active.” Don’t you just want to slap him, girls??
Still, I have to congratulate my husband for finally listening to me. Now, if he’d just quit smoking! I know, I know, one vice at a time…
Question of the Month:
Why don’t dogs give themselves baths like cats do? The other day, our daughter brought Cody (see Blog entry below) all dirty and smelly from romping in a nearby pond. She then ran off to work, leaving me to give this now-55 pound animal a bath.
So I roll up my pant legs, hop in the tub and ask Cody, politely, to join me. “Come on boy, let’s get a bath, it’ll be FUN!”
His eyes said, “Lady, have you been dipping into that Grey Goose again?”
I then proceed to pull up his big front paws while still being polite, “Cody, come on, it’s not so bad.”
And Viola! It works. He steps into he tub, albeit reluctantly.
That is, for 2.1 seconds, upon which time—and while the shower is spurting out—he decides to jump ship. He’s out of the bathtub and slippin’ and sliddin’ all over the wet, wet floor. I reach over to catch him before he escapes, but slip myself and the sprayer thingy takes flight like a helicopter and everything in the bathroom, walls included, gets cleaned.
Except for Cody. Who stands there all dumb-like, staring at me, full of innocence.
Me—a woman who normally takes pride in her healthy sense of humor—is NOT HAPPY.
And did I get any help at all from my newly fit husband? Nooo, he is laughing, laughing so hard outside the door that he later tells me he finally had to run to the garage so I wouldn’t hear him (or is that kill him?). I believe he’s still in there. . . .
One thing for sure, I will NEVER, repeat NEVER give a dog a bath so long as we both shall live. SO HELP ME GOD.
One More Question:
How is it that one poll says only 25% of Americans read books, when just last year, the Book Industry Study Group reported 3.1 BILLION book sales?
It can’t be my purchases alone, (though if you ask Jeff, he’d say it’s pretty close).
My times up, folks, so till next time, don’t eat or drink too much, and instead of trying to give a dog a bath, soak in the tub surrounded by bubble bath and candles, and read a good book.
Sounds good to me. . . .
July 24, 2007
Favorite Vacation Spots
I think this is what heaven might look like
I’m jumping right ahead to favorites this time because I have Chautauqua on my mind.
Hmmm, sounds like a song . . . oh, wait, no, I think that’s Georgia . . . well ANYWAY . .
Lake Chautauqua is in New York and is truly a heavenly place. And let me tell you why.
The town surrounding this beautiful lake is quaint, quiet, and lovely. And so are the people. And yes, they all - everyone I’ve ever met there - are really NICE (my favorite kind, as my friends and regular Blog readers know). It is actually a place where kids can ride around on their bikes till sundown and parents don’t have to worry about them, and that’s surely saying something these days.
I go there every June for the Chautauqua Writers Festival, but no sooner did I get back this year when my husband asked me where I wanted to go for our anniversary (24 years, but who’s counting?), it was an easy answer. I said, “Back to Chautauqua.”
As we usually do when we planning a trip, we got online to look up Bed & Breakfast Inns (another of my favorites), which far as we’re concerned are the only places to stay (homey atmosphere, wonderful breakfasts, and yes, Nice people – always).
This area has so many places to stay that I’m sure you can find something even last minute. We chose the Maple Springs B&B because it’s right on the lake, and we had a wonderful stay. Owners, Paul and Rose were great hosts and always had lots of suggestions on where to go and what to do.
Another place I’d recommend is the Italian Fisherman in Bemis Point (right outside Chautauqua). In fact, that whole area makes a great vacation place – and only about two and half hours from Cleveland. (Check out Chautauqua Institute for all kinds of events throughout the summer season).
So if you’re still wondering where to go, before this summer is just a memory, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by Chautauqua, New York (especially if you’re a boater, fisherman, arts lover, or just like being around nice people).
Okay, that’s my plug for this month…
Some Thoughts on Marriage
So speaking of our anniversary, people often ask us how we have kept a marriage together all these years when so many other couples can’t.
Well, I have to say, first off, we got lucky. We happened to meet at the right time, if not exactly the right place (that’s a story for another time) and we were friends for some time before we got, let’s say, involved.
We have a lot of the same interests, like music, and going to new places, and bed & breakfasts, etc). But we also have separate interests. He likes golfing and, on occasion, gambling casinos. While I like books, and on occasional, women’s retreats (preferably for writers). So, of course neither of us have a problem with going away separately. Plus, it gives us more to talk about when we return (and of course, there’s the trust issue – absolutely essential for a strong marriage).
We also don’t agree on movies (he likes “Action and Comedies, I like films with a PLOT) and TV shows (I like Grey’s Anatomy, he LOVES Funniest Home Videos) and that’s why I often read or work when he watches TV, which is just as well because even when he falls asleep he STILL has the controller thingy in his hand, and when I try to remove it ever … so … gently … he wakes with a start and says, “Hey, I was watching that!”
SOOOO….
Guess what I bought my wonderful TV CONTROL FREAK husband for our anniversary?
Ta!Da!
Yes, that’s right - a JUMBO REMOTE CONTROL that’s nearly as large as the TV itself!
Now this is the way to a man’s heart, girls…
Ugly Divorces are Bad for Your Health
And since we’re talking marriage, let me say a few words on divorce….
When there is no other choice left, and both parties determine they want to live separate lives, why does the process have to get so ugly? Okay, so they can’t live with each other. Fine. But how easy it would be on everybody (especially the kids) to simply admit that it’s not working out, say, “Okay, we gave it a good shot, so see ya later, have a nice life, GOODBYE.” End of discussion. Get on with your new life.
But no, instead many people feel it necessary to make their former partner—who they once vowed to love and cherish—absolutely miserable. I’ve seen it all too many times. And all that negative energy is so draining, and let’s face it, depressing. It all takes up so much precious time, and life. Not to mention the vast amount of money, high blood pressure, stress…
Why can’t we all just get along? And when we can’t at least be KIND to each another.
So girls, come on, just give the guy the darn remote control and be done with it…
ANYWAY, Happy Anniversary to the man who takes such good care of me and his family, who supports everything I do and write about (even when it’s about him), who tells me he loves me—everyday—and who knows when to just use the smile-and-nod program and simply say, “Yes, Dear.”
Now that is one smart man J
Oh, and he cooks, too.
PS - Now before you women get all envious and such, I have to admit that it did take some training to get him to be the wonderful husband he is today, in fact, several years. And the cooking part? Well truth be told, that was basic self-preservation since I’m not exactly Betty Crocker (or even Aunt Jemima). Remind me to tell you about the time I set the kitchen on fire one day…
Gee, For A Minute There I thought It Was Just Me...
Sometimes when I read an article, or an issue comes up - often about parenting – and I feel like I’m terribly old-fashioned and that raising kids with certain morals, values, and respect for others is passé.
Then comes those times when my opinions are justified. And that there are still some parents out there who think like me.
Here’s the story:
A few weeks ago, there was an article in the Plain Dealer – kind of a new twist on “local teens make good.” But this twist was plain horrifying by my—and apparently many parents’—standards. You see, it’s a story of 23-year-old triplet girls who are all excited (and so is “proud” mom, who always told the girls they could do anything they wanted) that they will be featured in an upcoming Playboy issue.
Jeff and I were sitting on our patio, and I had to read this one out loud to him.
The girls were realizing one of their life dreams! (Wait till you hear of the others). Ever since they were 15, their goal was to be featured in Playboy and “to be famous!”
In preparation for this wide-eyed career achievement, they all dyed their naturally brown hair a wonderful platinum, hussy shade (sorry, just can’t help myself) and each one decided to forgo a high school education (after all, an education is not the “big” requirement for Hefner). They also saw no need to get a job until they were 19 (how they lived, I can’t imagine as the article didn’t say anything about a struggling mom or dad trying hard to make ends meet to support their GROWN triplets).
Now wait - It gets better . . . The girls finally did get a job but that was only so they could buy themselves nice large breasts. So they became strippers and quickly made $40,000 in 45 days to pay for it (my, they must have been very good at their jobs).
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE!
They aim to live in the Playboy Mansion, and strive to be in the Centerfold (apparently just “being” in the magazine isn’t enough), and if that doesn’t pan out, their “back up plan” is to be strippers at an “upscale club in Las Vegas.”
I believe my whole neighborhood heard me scream . . .
(Okay, you regulars know what’s coming) . . .
“ARE YOU KIDDING ME?”
To add insult to injury, one triplet is quoted as saying, “Every girl wants to be famous and every girl wants to be in Playboy.”
Excuse me, not MY girls!
As you can imagine, other mothers – and fathers - of girls were all over this story. So I was so relieved to read the letters to the editors from others who had the same reaction as I did, and that Plain Dealer columnist Connie Schultz echoed my thoughts that this should be used as a teaching lesson for parents to show their daughters that they are worth more than just their looks, bodies, etc.
I mean, come on, this is the Millennium for heavens’ sakes! An age when women have more opportunities than ever before to live fulfilling lives that involve more than just being someone’s fantasy girl (I mean, let’s face it, looks are fleeting, best have some brains to go along with those physical amenities)
I have to say, after the shock wore off, I found the story actually incredibly sad that these girls think that’s all they have to offer the world. These are indeed beautiful girls and I am sure they - although terribly naïve - are probably not unintelligent (just naive and gullible enough for others to lure them and take advantage of their misled Fame and Fortune dreams).
I sure hope someone, if not their parents, think a bit deeper about their life’s goal and try to direct them toward something that will benefit them when their looks decline…
I hate to see them on the same path that includes Britney, Paris, Nicole, and of course Lindsay Lohan, the saddest of all the stories because she is the biggest talent, I think, and I’m sure, the most intelligent and has (had) a really great future ahead of her.
It’s like I said about Anna Nicole a few Blogs back – there seems to be no good influences around them, and no one has their back, so to speak (they’re all too busy watching their own backs). Sorta makes you glad these days that you’re not “rich and famous.”
And Playboy Centerfolds…
A Cody Update
Okay, on a lighter note (see how I always strive to bring the conversation onto happy things J )
Our dog, Cody, has successfully integrated himself happily into our family. He’s already house broken, though he does tend to chew things up rather quickly. In fact, he’s in need of a new chew toy since he’s torn out the stuffing of all of them, so now I’m looking for one with MICHAEL VICK’s face on it (bet those would sell better than Harry Potter books right now).
And wasn’t I just saying a few Blogs back about how pets have a way of bringing such peace and love to our world and how we should be KIND TO ANIMALS?!!!
Okay that’s all I’ll say on THAT subject…for now, anyway.
Here’s a great Cody photo
As you can see, he’s getting bigger, but I miss his floppy ears. While they are still a little floppy, they’re raising up a bit more now with his growth spurt. Jeff says his ears look like Yoda’s, but they remind me more like Sally Field’s habit in the Flying Nun (for those of you who actually recall that ’70s sitcom).. . .
And speaking of Sitcoms, with so many programs on TV these days (and so little to watch) I was thinking… why is it the so many shows these days are so stupid and mindless and so not entertaining when “back then” there were tons of equally silly, mindless shows that were wholly entertaining like the aforementioned Flying Nun, and My Favorite Martian, and Wonder Woman and Bewitched, and My Mother, the Car, oh, wait, no, that really was stupid…
Anyway, speaking of TV shows, a quick congrats to our own Cleveland native, Drew Carey, who is replacing Bob Barker on The Price is Right. Now that’s huge. He’s not just an old Cleveland boy comic anymore…
More Favorites:
Friends and Sunsets
And speaking of favorite things and places (remember up top, now pay attention), I just want to share a photo of one of the many beautiful sunsets we get here in Northeast Ohio and a photo of a couple good friends of ours, one night when we all took a walk (yes, we can actually walk to the beach where we live, we’re one of the lucky ones).
Oh, and remember that inquiry into Eliot Ness’s Funeral I was going to get into, and the tie-in with my mother [See further down in May/June Entry?]
Well, sorry, I’m out of time, so please stop back next time for the continuing saga of Blog Banter and “My Opinion” J
And remember – if you can’t be happy, or rich and famous (which can be a good thing), or happily married, or have daughters who want to be in Playboy (again, a good thing, in my opinion), or have an innocent little animal in your life, at least be NICE. It really does feel good
So till next time, put a photo of Michael Vick in front of
your dog and tell him to “Get It!”
Good Dog…
June 25, 26, 27, 28 . . . (I told you life gets in the way!)
Well, it appears my webmaster should change the home page and put “Updated Monthly” since I’m always late on this thing – but hey, let’s look at it this way – when this BLOG does appear there is lots to read in one sitting J
Okay, let’s get it over with. . .
A few words about you-know-who:
We Americans should be ashamed (well some at least). What is it about celebrities (especially those who have not done one thing to improve the world) that capture us so?
I don’t watch much TV, but I only had to turn it on for a minute the other day to catch the media folks making idiots out of themselves scurrying to get to Paris Hilton as she walked out of jail. They weren’t that excited when THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND came to America last month for the Kentucky Derby. They were clustering around her like the mob of those mating Lake Erie Mayflies that attach themselves to our house each summer.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Why does anyone care??
I just wish the world would give that much energy to concentrate on issues of poverty, crime, and HELLO – THE WAR!
And then before I had a chance to switch the station (I actually had the remote control thingy in my hand – which, in our house, is highly unusual – you wives know what I’m talking about J.) Entertainment Tonight was showing this man, this awful, despicable man (I have more choice words for him but this is a family BLOG) who was touting his NEW BOOK on John F. Kennedy Jr. and revealing all kinds of shocking revelations! about his life, his dalliances, and of course speculations about how he died – now, hasn’t’ all that been done and sensationalized before, time and again?
Again, why would we want to know these things? The poor man is dead, for heaven’s sakes. Geez, leave him alone already . . . and leave his poor sister alone. My heart goes out to her every time these things come up, it’s got to be really painful to hear that crap.
Okay, I have to settle down a bit, I know you didn’t come here to hear me rant (or maybe you did?) because we all know how I can go on . . .
So I’ll conclude this topic of Paris and why she matters (or more so, why she shouldn’t) by actually quoting her:
“Jail is scary.” She says.
YA THINK?
And this one, in answer to Larry King’s questions (and no, I didn’t watch it, but people talk):
“I’ve never done drugs.”
ARE YOU KIDDING ME??
Okay, that’s all on that one, folks.
Oh, this just in . . . There is one more complaint I have (today anyway).
Am I the only mother in America who still wants to actually talk to another parent when it comes to my children’s whereabouts?
Case in point:
I used to think that kids outgrow sleepovers once they’re in their teens but nowadays it’s nearly a weekly event, especially in the summer. My daughter often stays over a friend’s house, and vice versa. And it seems to me that it’s a no-brainer that parents should touch base or at least talk to each other when they are responsible for another kid (and if this sounds familiar to you then I thank you for reading my Essays link).
I’ve raised two teenagers and although I’ve had many kids stay at our house through the years, I can’t recall one parent calling me to be assured that we in fact will be home, or to meet my husband and be reassured he isn’t some deranged person, or that alcohol won’t be given to these under-aged kids. And why do some parents act like I’m bothering them when I call just to make sure everything’s on the up and up?
I don’t get it.
Right now, I have a beautiful teenage girl staying overnight at our house and not only have I never met the mother or father, but neither one of them has even bothered to call me to make sure their daughter is in fact really staying with us! In fact, they don’t even know where we live – and we don’t even know where she lives!
Why don’t most parents today seem to even care to know who these people are where their child is staying?
Again, I just don’t get it.
Though I do believe part of it is because parents feel funny about calling and talking to strangers. I myself am very uncomfortable making these calls, but then I remind myself I want to know who my child is staying with, even if I just talk to them on the phone (and in one instance, I decided my daughter is better off not staying there).
Isn’t your child, your teenager, worth taking a few moments out of your busy schedule to make sure (best you can) that she or he, will be safe?
Whenever I mention these kinds of issues to my daughter, she calls me a “worry wart.”
Well, isn’t worrying a parental trait? It’s the lack of parental worrying that bothers me. It seems there are a lot more causes for worry and concern these days than ever before, and the fact that some parents are oblivious is extremely disturbing to this “worry wart”...
Of course, this is a topic that can go on and on, so let’s just say parents need to be more involved with their children lives. They’ll be doing everyone who ever has contact with them in the future a favor. And the kids themselves will thank them later.
Trust me on that one.
And on a lighter note. . .
More Favorites
Great Bands, continued:
It’s been awhile since I included some of my favorite things. And as often happens in this BLOG, the topic includes music.
Besides being a die-hard Rolling Stones fan (and thank you, Paula Balish at WNCX for always playing my requests, even though we differ on who’s the Best Rock and Roll Band in the World - she thinks it’s Led Zeppelin, but they’re Number Two, followed by Van Halen – and how do I know this? It’s My BLOG, correct?) I’m also a big fan of many, many Cleveland bands (remind me to tell you of the time someone – who in fact has never BEEN to Cleveland – ignorantly questioned the talent here just because of the city itself and how I sent the poor fool straight).
Anyway, there is one local band that you simply must check out, especially if you’re a Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny fan (and actually even if you aren’t, they are that good). Quite simply, this band will make you happy.
The Stone Pony Band
I’ve been meaning to mention them for some time now and after seeing them perform once again, I cannot delay any longer. They are so good that now, whenever I hear a Springsteen song, or a Southside Johnny song, I often think of Kelly Derrick singing and performing it.
Here’s the thing about Kelly that makes him stand out - He can sound exactly like the singer of any song he sings! I am not kidding. He’s got those kind of pipes that seem to adjust to any vocals. His history is too long to go into here, but when he was in "Stage Pass," the Michael Stanley tribute band, he sounded just like Michael Stanley. And now he sounds like The Boss, or Southside – whoever he is singing – and get this – he can even sing a Barry White tune and sound just like him! – it’s truly amazing!
And in addition to that, he is a great performer, and has a great stage presence.
In fact, the entire band - that includes all equally talented musicians - is fun to listen to and entertaining to watch (because they’re having fun, too).
That’s when you know a band is doing its job.
So first thing you should do when you leave this BLOG, is go to www.stoneponyband.com
to check them out.
And the second thing you do is go see them perform…
And here’s a photo of another local band, Damnation of Adam Blessing, I’ve always loved (they go way back to the late ’60s and early ’70s and still perform occasionally, such as last April when they performed at the Beachland Ballroom as seen here):
I believe they are playing my favorite song here – “Back to the River.” Excellent song.
Harley Davidsons:
There is simply no better way to enjoy and appreciate the land in which we live than riding on a Harley (notice I did not mention those other motorcycles, and there’s a reason for that - beginning with the vroom vroom sound).
I do some of my best writing on a bike (mentally, of course, although I admit I have been known to write a few things down while driving a car, I feel it’s best not to do either). It clears your head, and makes you feel good. I liken it to sitting in a church pew, really. It’s very satisfying and produces great thoughts.
So naturally, people often ask me, do I ride my own bike? That would be a no (remind me to tell you of the one time I tried lifting my husband’s bike off its kick stand and ended up on the other side…). But I do so admire other women who ride their own bikes (and that would include, once again, Paula Balish, who I’m sure rides down the highway listening to Zeppelin). But hey, it’s never too late and maybe someday, like when I’m 60, I’ll decide it’s high time to get my own. But for now, I am very content to let Jeff do the driving, so I can merely enjoy the landscape and think great thoughts.
Summer Reads
And speaking of books (remember up at the top?) I have a lot better suggestions for you than reading some sleaze bag who makes money off poor dead people who can’t defend themselves.
The following are but a select few of my favorites (with more at a later date)
As they say, summer is the best for reading a good book. So here are some (old and new) that will surely become some of your favorites, too:
Fiction:
The entire Kent Family Chronicles by John Jakes (though The Rebels and The Seekers are the best –in my opinion)
East of Eden, by John Steinbeck
What We Keep by Elizabeth Berg (Wonderful!) and so is Berg’s Open House
Lily White by Susan Isaacs
Looking for Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky
Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann (yeah, I know - but it’s still a good read)
And an old favorite – Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk
Nonfiction:
Family Portraits: Remembrances by Twenty Distinguished Writers edited by Carolyn Anthony
The Liar’s Club, by Mary Karr
Mommies Who Drink: Sex, Drugs and other Distant Memories of an Ordinary Mom, by Brett Paesel (actually haven’t read this one yet, but love the title! And the book cover with the lady with the lampshade on her head)
Why Do I Love These People? (about families) by Po Bronson (another one I haven’t yet read, but I’m sure we can all relate!)
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Small Wonder – collection of essays by Barbara Kingsolver
Teach with Your Heart by Erin Gruwell (should be a summer must-read for all teachers)
The Seasons of Women: an Anthology edited by Gloria Norris
Great books by Ohio Writers – Fiction and Nonfiction
Tinkerbelle: The Story of the Smallest Boat Ever to Cross the Atlantic Nonstop by Robert Manry (who is from my hometown of Willowick, Ohio). Although the book is out of print, try to find it – it is a truly amazingly, intriguing, and inspiring story of a man’s journey to fulfill a dream.
Some Things That Stay by Sarah Willis
We’ll Always Have Cleveland by Les Roberts (Read it especially if you’ve never read anything good about this really fine city).
Rock ‘n’ Roll and the Cleveland Connection, by me – this is not a self-promoting plug - it’s for those kind of people I mentioned above, who haven’t a clue as to the huge amount of musical talent that stems from the North Coast of Ohio. So for those of you who are quick to judge, especially you who have never even been to My Town, please - Read This!
House by Michael Ruhlman
The Year that Trembled by Scott Lax
Gum-Dipped: A Daughter Remembers Rubber Town by Joyce Dyer
And for now, I’ve Saved the Best for Last:
Journey Through Heartsongs, Reflections of a Peacemaker - and anything by the amazing young poet Mattie Stepanek (one of the reasons there is some truth to the saying the good die young). If you do not know who he is – you need to find out. Your life will be enriched a hundred fold . . . And that’s an absolute promise.
Well, that should keep you all reading for awhile . . . Enjoy
And till next time . . .
Read, Ride, and Dance to your favorite band . . .
And PLEASE - KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE!
June 1
Wow, time sure flies, doesn’t it?
I do try to keep this Blog thing going on the promised weekly basis, but alas, Life Gets in the Way, as I always say.
And before you know it, you’re late.
As I am with this entry.
But I have a good excuse, or rather excuses. First one is that earlier this month, I was in Key West, Florida.
Ah, yes, now you understand…
The last time I was there was in 1985, and before that, my honeymoon in 1983. So I expected to see a lot of changes—and, as in most places that run on tourism—not good changes. But I was pleasantly surprised.
Key West is still magical. And a whole lot of fun.
Okay, I admit it, I have a Fear of Flying
Jeff (no need to explain who he is if you’re a regular here) and I flew first to Ft. Myers, and for me, that’s traumatic enough (though I’m getting better, really I am) but then, we had to hop on this nine-seat “puddle jumper” to the island. AGHH!
I mention this only because I’m very proud of myself. I stared into the face of fear, shook out those menacing thoughts of imminent death, started singing Gloria Gaynor’s ’70s disco hit, “I Will Survive” . . . First I was afraid, I was petrified . . . all the way there (a whole 20 minutes), and indeed lived to tell the tale!
AGHHHH!"
Well, okay, so it wasn’t all that dramatic. There was never a point where the plane started going askew and I feared for my life (thank God) but flying is not in my comfort zone. I don’t like being up in the air, or the water (while I will swim occasionally, I keep my head above the water the entire time. Which is odd, considering I’m Aquarius - a water sign…).
Anyway, we met my best friend, Nina, and boyfriend, Joe, there and, for the next four days, partied like it was 1999. Unfortunately, we woke up and it was 2007! Every part of our bodies hurt. Because in Key West, you walk everywhere - all day and all night - while visiting the numerous restaurants, bars, and of course Mallory Square (the place to see the quirkiest of performances, along with a great sunset (though to be perfectly honest, Lake Erie’s can rival theirs anytime). We must have put in 100 miles a day (well, it felt like it). I had blisters on my blisters! And yet, with all that walking, I still managed to gain weight (those Pina Coladas with dark rum floaters are just too good J).
Clothing Optional?
When Jeff and I go out of town, we often stay at a Bed & Breakfast Inn. They are always, clean, quaint, and always operated by the nicest people (my favorite kind, as you know). And I guess, they’d have to be pretty tolerant to let perfect strangers stay in their homes.
So what better way to stay in Key West then to find a cute little Southern-style house among the palm trees. And whe