Firework!

Hellooooooooo! I've been lurking lately and leaving little notes when I can. My time management skills are horrible right now! I'm very sorry. I can barely find the time or energy to latch on to the weekly memes that I so love! So, I will add to my "New Year's List of Things To Do" item #23: MAKE MORE TIME TO WRITE!!!!! (even if it means that I give up 30 minutes of "sogging" on the couch!)

Katy Perry has a new song out (it's probably been out forEVA, but it's new to me) that has lyrics that move me to tears. I think it's the kind of message that one would give to a good friend who is a little down, or in my case, each of my four children. They all have their special talents and I would love to watch them soar through the sky while sharing their best. Please check out her video when you can.

I'm looking forward to the New Year, a healthier me, a few more "snow days" and a car that can pass the safety and emissions tests! Oh, and I'm looking forward to a lot more reading and writing.

Thank you to all who have entertained and touched me with your writing (which is just about everyone). I have received so much of what I needed to hear. I wish you all a very happy and fulfilling year with healthy babies, adventures beyond your wildest dreams, and so many hugs and kisses that you can't stand it any longer!

God Bless you all!

Liz

Saturday Centus - Santa's Dilemma

Welcome to Saturday Centus, hosted by the Divine Jenny Matlock! Her challenge is to write a 100 word post about the prompt that she provides. The prompt is not included in the word count of the post. This week's challenge is in bold type below.


It was a week before Christmas. Everyone worked overtime to handle the extra requests. When Santa joined Facebook the requests tripled. He worked late reading each request and soon found himself in bed with the flu.

“I’ll never finish!” Santa cried to Elf Larkin.

“Relax, Santa” Larkin replied, “I’ll handle it!” Off he scurried and didn’t return until Christmas Eve, with the list of names, matched up with toys.

“We had such a demand for the FT-105 racers that we ran out. So, we used all of the FT-103 racers that we had in stock” Larkin boasted.

Santa’s eyes crossed. “What was he thinking? OMG Elves are soooo 2009…”

Please visit Jenny Matlock's Saturday Centus by clicking on the logo below. You will enjoy the posts of many others who have met the challenge!

Have a wonderful (last-shopping) weekend!

Saturday Samplings - "...and she sparkled"

Back in November I wrote a post about a fantastic book that I was given. It's called "...and she sparkled" by Joan Steffend. I'm not blowing my own horn by recommending one of my own posts; I just want everyone to have the opportunity to check out the book. It's a heartwarming read, by a lovely lady. Please click here to go to my post, and then once you are there, please visit her website where you can literally read the book and watch a short video of Joan talking about the book.

Please come back and let me know what you think. Have a wonderful...last weekend to shop...weekend!

Just a Spoonful of Sugar....

Hello from a favorite meme of mine which is sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week,the lovely Janera posts ten quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses 10 questions for us to answer following each quote. This week's celebrity is one of my all-time favorites, Julie Andrews. Her performance in Mary Poppins placed the acting seed in me. Although my life has changed paths, I will always have a special place for her in my heart. Thank you Ms. Andrews!

I hope you enjoy her quotes and my sometimes off the wall responses!


1. “All love shifts and changes. I don't know if you can be wholeheartedly in love all the time.” Have ever felt that you’ve been in love with someone constantly over a long period of time?

Like Brad or George, or maybe even Kevin? Actually, I've been married for 34 years. I think love played a part in that. (And maybe some money, some luck and being in the right place at the right time!)


2. “I am an optimistic lady.” How optimistic are you?

Optimistic about what? That I will win the lottery, that I will lose 100 pounds, that my kids will buy me a beach house? Yeah, it could happen! At this point in my life, I am very optimistic. I spent a good deal of my life with negative feelings, and it was a lot of hard work. It's much easier (and since I like things to be uncomplicated) to think, hope and pray for good things to happen.


3. “I don't think today's younger audience... would even know what 1920s musicals were like.” Do you have any knowledge of 1920 films or musicals? If yes, any favorites?

As much as I love movies and theatre, you'd think I could rattle off a bunch of older movies, but my talents do not include photographic memory. I loved the old musicals and dancing movies. I am reminded of the song from A Chorus Line, "At The Ballet", where everyone is beautiful. Watching those movies, as well as, today's song and dance shows, make me feel a part of them as if I were on stage and involved. That feels good.


4. “I hate the word wholesome.” Play word association. I say “wholesome” and you say:

Hostess Cupcakes.


5. “I have always wished I could learn to be a potter. I love collecting ceramics; it would be so fulfilling to create something lovely.” What have you always wished that you could be?

Thin.


6. “Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th.” Tell us about something that you had to persevere through.

Childbirth...but I am not going to do it 16 more times. I'm not crazy!


7. “Some people regard discipline as a chore. For me, it is a kind of order that sets me free to fly.” How do you define your self discipline?

It can't be defined...I have none.


8. “Sometimes opportunities float right past your nose. Work hard, apply yourself, and be ready. When an opportunity comes you can grab it.” Have you ever missed a golden opportunity?

Do you have a few hours? My reference above to "being in the right place at the right time" is something with which I am not familiar! I did have an opportunity to apply for a position as a flight attendant, but bailed because I was afraid of losing a boyfriend. I also found myself walking to the admissions office of a law school when I realized that not only did I have no money, I would have to put off having children. I wanted to be a mom without too many other stresses. Oh, and I once auditioned for "The Dating Game", but I tried too hard to be funny, which wasn't really who I was at the time. Moral: Be yourself!


9. “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and... SNAP! The job's a game!” Have you ever had that perfect job that was always entertaining?

Yes. My job as a mom has always been entertaining...not always fun, but always entertaining!


10. “Sometimes I'm so sweet even I can't stand it.” Has anyone ever considered you as sweet?

Yes, the students at the middle school where I work. They think I'm really sweet when I write them late passes to class!

Thanks for stopping by! Please pop over to the Wicked Lady at Wednesday Wickedness and say hello! Just click on the logo below!

Sundays In My City - Brrrrrrrrr!!

Last night's news showed film of beach buddies basking in Venice Beach, CA. The newscasters moaned and groaned. Then they started with our local weather. First they said we would get a dusting. Then they said the whole dang storm was going to pass us by. I was secretly hoping they were wrong...AND THEY WERE!!! I don't have to work at either job today and I'm loving it!

The picture above is from my kitchen window (because I'm too wimpy to go outside and shoot). We have a "bowl" in the common area behind our house, which, I am told, was supposed to be a pond when the subdivision was built. It never became a pond, but does occasionaly when we get a hard and fast rain...and only lasts for a few hours. So, in the winter, it is a magnet for kids on sleds! I am such a wimp! When the kids were little, I would watch them play in the snow from the house. I would only throw on boots and a coat if I saw a crowd of kids waiving their arms for assistance with a downed sledder whose limbs were bent in unnatural positions.

This storm won't constitute a "snow day" tomorrow, as I am sure by then all of the streets will be plowed and there will be no excuse why I couldn't drive or walk .5 mile to work.

This post is brought to you by Unknown Mami at Sundays in My City. Please click on the logo below and take a stroll through the streets of San Francisco!



Whether you are basking in the sun, or making snow angels, I hope you have a delightful Sunday in your city! I live in St. Louis, Missouri. Welcome to my city!

Gasp! It's Saturday Centus!

I love this weekly meme sponsored by Jenny Matlock. Each week, she gives us a prompt and challenges us to write a story using the prompt but no more than 100 words in length. I hope you enjoy it! (The prompt is in bold.)


Mom was a hypochondriac. She frequently acquired a deadly disease, which, of course, came with a tumor.

“When I die, I want to be buried in a fur coat and my red heels and nothing else!” she’d say from her deathbed(s).

“Okay, mom” I said. “I promise!”

That was twenty years ago. As I prepared for a move to the opposite coast, I began to clean out closets. In the corner of the master closet was a duffle bag that belonged to my dad. I had forgotten I had it. I opened the bag and pulled out a box. An involuntary gasp of shock escaped my lips when I opened the shoebox and saw the red pointy-toed shoes..."

“Uh-oh!”


Please visit Jenny by clicking on the logo below. There are many other short stories to amuse you! Thanks for stopping by!

Exhausted Fragments

The lovely Mrs4444 hosts several wonderful memes each week. Friday Fragments is one where you can write about bits and pieces of your week that may not have made an entire post. Please stop by and read about some of her fascinating followers who have shared their fragments by clicking on the logo below.

I could have written several Friday Fragments throughout the last few weeks! I've been so exhausted, however, that I have barely had time to catch up on reading.

I started a second job at a local department store. Yes, it's a chain store, and there are a million of them in the U.S. Since I have no cashier experience, my duties consist of emptying dressing rooms and returning the clothes from the rooms to their assigned racks and/or departments. Since I'm new, I don't have a clue as to where anything goes, I walk around with a dozen or so items on hangers until I find their sisters and brothers. I could easily kill an hour looking for the home of these 12 items. And, as I am walking circles around the departments looking to match up pants, tops, dresses, etc., I always find something stuck on the end of something else, and it belongs in the department at the other end of the store! My shift is over before I know it! I know there are millions of people who work two jobs and live to tell about it. I think I might not be around in six months, so I'm telling you now. I'm one of those of "mature" ladies who are beginning to feel the effect of being "large and in charge" (i.e. joints hurt, butt hurts, arms hurt and head hurts from circling the racks looking for the "right" place to dump this Calvin Klein number!) I am exhausted, I'm pooped, I'm ready to crawl into the Wardrobe and find myself in a magical land where I am young, thin and beautiful...forever! Oh, and smart, too!

I'm a slacker as far as Christmas decorations are concerned. I've always had them up the first week of December. Maybe I'll get lucky this weekend! Is it me, or does anyone else feel the need to hold back on some decs and keep things simple? I really don't have to see Christmas everywhere I look; there is plenty of that at work! I did get started on my Christmas Song yesterday, as well as, picked up the photo cards from Sams.

Katya is looking for a new job. No more free blizzards!!!! Ed is still hosting at Olive Garden and now that school is on winter break (for 5 weeks), she hopes to pick up a few more hours. If she can't, she will use it as an excuse to sleep in longer every day. Those teens sure like their sleep, don't they!!

And what's up with the dog? She has to pee just about every two hours. That's a breastfeeding schedule, not a "put on coat & shoes and take me outside in 25 degree weather to spend three seconds peeing!" Every day I threaten her with a crate...why I oughta...!

Fifteen days and counting....I'm beginning to feel it!

Thousand Words Thursday

Some time ago, The Mom Jen, of Cheaper Than Therapy, started the idea of posting a picture that would tell its own story of a thousand words. I like the idea because at 6:00am, I really have no business writing anything other than "I love my coffee!" It's the season, and this picture is one of my favorites. After you finish feeling sorry for the younger boy, check out Santa's expression!





Have a wonderful Thursday!

Writer's Workshop - Thanksgiving Memories

Memories of my Thanksgiving growing up were of driving to my grandmother's apartment to have dinner. She always cooked the turkey and everyone else brought the sides. The turkey was always dry. I grew up thinking that's how turkey was supposed to taste! After the meal, my dad and aunt would take a nap.

After I married, we split holidays with each of our families because everyone lived within an hour of each other. My mom started cooking the turkey for my family and I realized that turkey was really good when it was moist. We always ate at 2:00pm. Once all the leftovers were divided up between the three of us adult children, we hugged, kissed and said our goodbyes. Off we went to the other parent's house, where we partook in a second turkey dinner at 5:00pm. Not wanting to hurt anyone family feelings, we always ate twice... and put on a few pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Since our family has moved to "middle earth" we no longer have to rush around, scarfing down the first meal and then the second. We can stay in our jammies all day if we want, and we can take our time preparing the mass quantities of food that seems so difficult to reduce... Everyone makes a side, the turkey cooks in a rotisserie, and the pies cook while we eat!

But that's not the prompt I wanted to write about. Since I don't feel any of my Thanksgiving holidays were interesting or filled with wonderful smells, I chose to write about that time I fell down...



My H and I were in San Francisco a year after we were married. We were crossing a street close to Fisherman's Wharf. Of course, he was walking ten paces ahead of me, and I was trying to double my steps to catch up with him. I didn't see that there were little pockets in the crosswalk and managed to step into one of them. I can clearly remember falling into the pavement. As I hit the street, first with my arms, then with the rest of me, I let out a loud and anguished grunting-type noise. You know, the kind of grunt that one makes when they have been hit in the stomach with a very strong fist or baseball bat... My H was oblivious to the fall and continued to walk to the curb. He then turned to make sure that I was still ten paces behind him and saw that I was face down in the middle of the street! He stood still and watched...and laughed... I slowly brought myself to my feet and finished crossing the street. I was bright red with embarrassment, but could only laugh along with him.

From that day on, I walked and still do today, with my eyes on the ground in front of me! I still find myself finding unlevel places to trip over, but I manage to catch myself before going down for the count!



One such walk occurred in an outdoor mall in Los Angeles. As I looked for holes to avoid, a shiny object on the ground caught my eye. I picked it up and examined it. It looked like a very pretty broken broach with rhinestones. I looked around to see if someone was looking for it, but there were only shoppers coming and going. I brought it home and showed it to my mom. She could tell the difference between a rhinestone and something a little more valuable. She took it to a jeweler and then called me that night.

"Are you sitting down, honey?" she asked in a tone that made me feel like good news was coming.

"Okay, I'm sitting" I replied.

"This rhinestone broach is a one and one-half carat diamond surrounded by 18 smaller diamond chips!" My heart skipped a beat and it was difficult to breathe.

"Oh my gosh!" I screamed. "I don't believe it!"

"Well, dear" she replied, "believe it!"

I sat there and laughed. Because of my humiliating experience in San Francisco, I changed a behavior that led me to find a treasure! I felt like the luckiest girl in the world that night!

To be continued....

Please click the logo below and catch up with some amazing stories of Thanksgiving... or falling down... written by the many admirers of Kat at Mama's Losin' It.

Judy, Judy, Judy - Wickedness

Welcome to this always fascinating meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, Janera posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's meme posts quotes from a well-known actress, loved by so very many, Judy Garland! I hope you enjoy her quotes and my thought-provoking responses!

Let's Do This!

1. "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." Have you ever realized that you were trying to be like someone else?

I think because I've grown up being a people pleaser, I would be different versions to different people. I feel I am now a bonafide schizo and really don't know who I am. And, with the slight memory problems that I have, I wake up each morning a different person! It's fun...sometimes.


2. "Behind every cloud is another cloud." Are you more optimistic or pessimistic about things?

It really takes so much more energy to find all the bad things in life. Since I am naturally lazy, and slackish, I prefer to be optimistic as much as possible. Besides, you don't get that big vertical dent in your forehead from the constant frown.


3. "How strange when an illusion dies. It's as though you've lost a child." Tell us about a time when you realized your perception of reality was an illusion.

I was quite upset when I learned that monkeys didn't fly!


4. "I've never looked through a keyhole without finding someone was looking back."
Have you ever felt someone was watching you a bit too closely?

Yes, that someone is called Mother-in-Law! I really shouldn't say that I think I'm being watched all the time... but sometimes I feel like I'm in the middle of a snow globe.


5. "If you have to be in a soap opera try not to get the worst role." Have you ever had a job that you were embarrassed by?

I've been very fortunate to find work that I believed in. However, I did appear as an extra in a B movie about 30 years ago...that I never talk about...because it is still available online!


6. 'In the silence of night I have often wished for just a few words of love from one man, rather than the applause of thousands of people." Do you feel that you need a lover to make you feel “whole”?

Absolutely not! I need at least two or three to get the job done right!


7. "If I am a legend, then why am I so lonely?" Tell us about a time when you felt lonely.

I felt a little lonely after I ate my first "Tommy's Burger"...which was smothered in Chili. Nobody would come within 10 feet of me...


8. "I can live without money, but I cannot live without love." Would you rather be rich and alone or live with love from a lover?

It depends on the lover...and how rich he is!


9. "I try to bring the audience's own drama - tears and laughter they know about - to them." Tell us about the last movie that you saw where you could feel the drama as though you were living it.

"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" because it mirrors my life. I'm always trying to get somewhere and always having to change directions! I do, however, get to meet some very interesting people along the way!


10. "I was born at the age of twelve on an MGM lot." What was your life like at 12?

Born at the age of 12? I bet your mom was mad! Actually, at the age of 12, I was in the 6th grade, I had a crush on about three boys, and I finally got a better grade than the smartest girl in school. Life was good!

Thanks for bearing with me. For some really interesting and funny stuff, click on the logo below and say hello to Janera!

"I" is for In-N-Out Burger

I've been working on this story for a few weeks. It begins as a fact based comparison between the West Coast's In-N-Out Burger and the East Coast's Five Guys Burgers. I'm a Southern Cali girl, so you should know up front that this story will be a biased.

In 1948, the first In-N-Out Burger was founded by Harry and Esther Snyder in Baldwin Park, CA. Harry's idea of a drive-thru hamburger stand where customers could order through a two-way speaker box was quite unique. In that era, it was common to see carhops serving those who wanted to order food from their car. Harry's idea caught on and California's first drive-thru hamburger stand was born.

The Snyder's business philosophy was simple: "Give customers the freshest, highest quality foods you can buy and provide them with friendly service in a sparkling clean environment." These principles have worked so well over the years that they are still the company's fundamental philosophy.



The In-N-Out menu consists of three burger varieties: hamburger, cheeseburger, and "Double-Double" (double meat/double cheese). French fries and fountain drinks are available, as well as three flavors of milkshakes. The hamburgers come with lettuce, tomato, with or without onions (the customer is asked upon ordering, and may have them fresh or grilled), and a sauce, which is called "spread". There is no pressure to make a quick decision. Order one style of burger, fries and a drink. Personally, I always order a shake with my burger. It's like milk and cookies; how else would you have it?



There have been a few modifications in recent years. The original In-N-Out offered only drive-thru and walk up service. Most of the newer In-N-Out Burger locations provide indoor and outdoor seating. Aside from building improvements, though, In-N-Out has retained the basic traditions that have made it a favorite for 60 years. I love it because it's simple, quick, fresh and delicious! (And they toast their buns!)

Check out the similar interiors of the restaurants:

IN-N-OUT




FIVE GUYS




Five Guys is a quasi upscale fast casual restaurant chain that originated in Arlington, Virginia. The chain sells mainly hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries, and, in contrast to many other restaurants that have a similar menu in a similar market (such as Steak n Shake), Five Guys often serve beer and have a license for the consumption of beer on the premises.

Sell a really good, juicy burger on a fresh bun. Make perfect French fries. Don't cut corners. That's been the business plan since Jerry Murrell and his sons opened their first burger joint in 1986. When they began selling franchises in 2002, the family had just five stores in northern Virginia. Today, there are 570 stores across the U.S. and Canada, with 2009 sales of $483 million. Overseeing the opening of about four new restaurants a week, the Murrells are proof that flipping burgers doesn't have to be a dead-end job.



I only recently learned of Five Guys Burgers, and wanted to give them a try. St. Louis has yet to acquire an In-N-Out, however according to their website, it could be happening in the near future. (It took St. Louis seven years to get a Nordstrom store!) My first impression as I walked in was that it reminded me of In-N-Out without the drive-through. They make their burgers fresh and in front of you. What I didn't like was the menu and the way it was set up. There are just too many choices of items to add to the burger. I became stressed out because all I wanted was a cheeseburger with tomato and lettuce, no onion and no sauce. They have two sizes of fries, with the small size being too much to eat at one meal. AND, THEY DO NOT SERVE SHAKES!!!

Five Guys Facts

There are over 250,000 possible ways to order a burger at Five Guys. (stress)
We use only fresh ground beef. (great that it's fresh, but what about fat?)
There are no freezers in Five Guys locations, just coolers. Nothing is ever frozen.
We use only Peanut oil. (What if one has a peanut allergy?)
Our menu is trans-fat free. (that's nice)

Here is a visual that compares and contrasts the two restaurants.



You can decide....but if you ask me....hands down its IN-N-OUT!!

This post is in response to Jenny Matlock's Alphabet Thursday meme. Please stop by Jenny's post to read about others who are inspired by The Letter "I". Just click on the logo below and you will be transported to Jenny's Tangents...and post!



Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today!

Wednesday Wickedness - Oh Boy, George!

Welcome to the always fascinating meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, Janera posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's meme posts quotes from singer and celebrity, Boy George. George was already "out" before "coming out" became a common phrase. His creativity and courage to express some of his deepest thoughts are both controversial and entertaining. He lives his life differently than most, but he has made a very unique musical contribution which, I think, has encouraged many young people to follow their dreams.

That said....here we go!

1. “I can do anything. In GQ, I appeared as a man.” What have you done that really surprised people?

Every time I open my mouth, I surprise someone! Sometimes, I sound like a man...usually first thing in the morning! Actually, I have helped my kids lose their hiccups by suddenly screaming at them...anywhere and anytime!


2. “I suppose there is a lot of toughness in me.” What was the last thing that happened that showed you how tough you are?

Someone once called me "strawberry freckle face." It was all I could do not to take them out. I was ten years old.


3. “I try to exist in a world where there is freedom of opinion, where you're allowed to make jokes. I don't want to live in some PC world where no-one's allowed to say anything.” What do you think about being PC (politically correct)?

I work for an organization where political correctness is highly regarded out of fairness for all individuals involved. Honestly, I think most of it is crap! I have to stop and think about "proper responses" every time I open my mouth. It is just too much work for my limited supply of brain cells.



4. “I find it difficult to say this, but I'm quite a loving person and I've always been loving to my friends. In the long run, that pays off. I'm very interested in other people, and if you are, they're interested in you.” Do you have an easy time making friends?

I make friends easily; it's keeping friends that is difficult for me. I suppose it is a result of not being politically correct when expressing myself.


5. “Remember that I was out of the closet at the age of sixteen. My parents knew I was gay; I`d had to tell them.” At what age and situation were you in when you “came out”, in the sense of true honesty, with your parents?

After living together with my (then boyfriend-now spouse of 34 years) ball-and-chain significant other, I finally came clean about the arrangement with my parents. The "coming out" devastated my dad but he got over it three months later when we made it legal.


6. “People say things about me all the time and I get over it. I`ve had some appalling things told about me.” What is the worst lie that was told about you that you felt compelled to respond to?

When I was in high school, we had an authentic covered wagon located in a grassy area of the school. One weekend, it was destroyed by fire started by students who I knew. Those involved were all suspended from school. Someone started a rumor that I had turned them in. It was not true, and I protested being accused, but I had no way of proving that it wasn't me. I suppose if I had been more politically correct, I may have avoided having the finger pointed at me...

7. “I'd rather have a cup of tea than sex.” Are there a lot of things more important than sex to you?

Well, there are certainly things more important than sex, or a cup of tea, although I think it would be interesting to have a cup of tea with George. I think I would rather stick pins in my eyes than have sex. When one is a large woman, there is a lot of hard work involved, and to be honest, I'm just not up for it.


8. “I knew style and content went hand in hand.” What celebrity do you find that their sense of style speaks to you?

Sorry, George, your sense of style just doesn't talk to me. (Did I say that with political correctness?) I hate wearing hats because they make my hair flat and suffocate my head, thereby giving me one heck of a headache!

9. “In the '60s everybody wanted to be the Beatles or the Stones, in the '70s there were bands everybody tried to emulate, like Led Zeppelin. And I think in the '80s you had lots of bands that had quite individual sounds, ... '80s Rewind.” What do you think about today's music? How does it compare to what you consider YOUR day?

In my day, when dinos and sabres roamed, most of the music was danceable. I can't dance to some of the genre of today. I really miss the 20 minute drum solos, too!

10. “Most psychiatrists or analysts are a waste of time.” What do you think about shrinks and psychologists?

Bite your tongue, George. Without therapists, most of us would have eaten our young by now. You could have been one of those youngs. Besides, where would we get our "happy" pills? Do you think some general practitioner cares whether or not our coping skills are in good shape? I think not. "Just pay the lady at the front desk, please" can mean the difference of living in hell on earth, or making chocolate chip cookies with the kids! We need them...some of us more desperately than others.


I'm so glad you stopped by today. If you'd like to leave a comment, you don't have to be politically correct. Just say what you feel...good or bad. Then click on the logo below and read some of the responses left by people more interesting and funnier than me.

Saturday Centus - Gotta Rake Those Leaves!

Once again, I had a brain-dead Saturday morning. I went back to bed, but please don't tell... I love this weekly meme sponsored by Jenny Matlock. Each week, she gives us a prompt and challenges us to write a story using the prompt but no more than 100 words in length. I hope you enjoy it! (The prompt is in bold.)

The early November sunshine cast golden rays upon the backyard leaves yet to be raked. As I poured my coffee I watched the deer slowly make his way across the yard. He had just assaulted the last of the mums, and was now searching for hidden delights below the leaves.

I laughed as I thought "I would never see this in Anaheim. I might see Mickey or Donald, but not a real Bambi!” I quietly walked to the deck and Tootsie ran ahead of me. She bolted down the stairs to the yard. As she hit the last step, there was nothing left but dust and leaves.

Please stop by Jenny's Saturday Centus and enjoy the creativity of others. They are all quick reads, so you won't lose too much time. Just click on the logo below.

Wednesday Wickedness - You're Fired!

Welcome to the always fascinating meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, Janera posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's meme posts quotes from well-known businessman, entrepreneur and celebrity, Donald Trump. Enjoy his quotes, the questions and my silly responses!


1. “A little more moderation would be good. Of course, my life hasn't exactly been one of moderation.” Do you live your life by moderation or extremes?

Well, Don, if I had your bank account, the word "moderation" would not exist in my vocabulary!


2. “All of the women on The Apprentice flirted with me - consciously or unconsciously. That's to be expected.” Have you ever thought someone was flirting with you in a work environment? What happened?

Of course, many have been "unconscious" when they flirted with me. It happens all the time! I've never had to buy my own lunch!


3. “As long as your going to be thinking anyway, think big.” Have you ever “thought big” and you wound up crashing and burning?

I'm a big woman. I usually think big. The only time I crash and burn is when I am involved with someone bigger than myself...which happens more often than not.


4. “Everything in life is luck.” Do you believe in luck? If not, do you feel it all happens to us for a reason?

Sure I believe in luck. That's why I usually come home from Vegas in my underwear! I can't think of a reason why that happens!


5. “Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you're generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make.” Have you ever benefited big time because you declined an offer, investment, job (Well you get the idea.)?

First, when I listen to my gut, I usually gain a few pounds. Second, how can one stick to what they know...if they don't know anything? Third, after declining to invest in Yahoo, I benefited "big time!"


6. “I don't make deals for the money. I've got enough, much more than I'll ever need. I do it to do it.” Tell us about someone that you know that has all the money they need.

I can't, because there is no one who I know in that position.


7. “I have made the tough decisions, always with an eye toward the bottom line. Perhaps it's time America was run like a business.” Do you think running your country like a business would be a good thing?

Finally, you have my attention, Donald!


8. “I try to learn from the past, but I plan for the future by focusing exclusively on the present. That's were the fun is.” Do you live in the past in any way?

I love to live in the good times of my past, I stumble through the present, and I dream about the future.


9. “If you're interested in 'balancing' work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable.” How are you at balancing work and pleasure?

I balance work and pleasure by sleeping through it all.


10.“Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war.”
Tell us about a time that you won the battle but lost the war.

Every day of my life is spent in battle. I won't know about winning the war until I breathe my last breath.


Thanks for checking out this Wednesday's craziness. Please visit the Wednesday Wickedness site by clicking on the the log below.





Happy Wednesday!

Saturday Centus - 11 Years and Counting

Welcome to my contribution to Saturday Centus, sponsored by Jenny Matlock - Off On My Tangent. She posts several memes during the week with which we can play along. On Saturdays, she gives a prompt and challenges us to write a short story, 100 words or less, using the prompt as the topic. AFTER you read my entry, and, give me a thumbs up or thumbs down, please click on the logo below and go visit Jenny. There are others there, just like me, with short stories that are quick reads, and very entertaining!

The theme of this week's Centus is in bold lettering.


It seemed like yesterday that I watched Tommy dance in the Halloween parade. He was a great scarecrow and played the part well.

Who knew that a week later, he would be diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. We saw many doctors who performed all kinds of tests and still they were unable to offer a cure.

Tommy was getting weaker by the day. Family and friends arrived for support. We prayed as we laid our hands on him. I fell asleep next to him and awoke the next morning to a sweet voice whispering,

“Mommy, I’m hungry.”

It was the 11th anniversary of the happiest day of my life.




Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!

Writer's Workshop - Passionate Life

In answer to one of the prompts from Mama Kat over at Mama's Losin' It, I'd like to share a dream I once had.

When I was ten, my grandmother took me to see Mary Poppins. I LOVED IT, and secretly wanted to see it 100 more times. I loved the Mary Poppins character and wanted so badly to be her. It was then and there that I began my passion to be a movie star (not actor, but movie star). I read all the movie star magazines and learned as much as I could about my favorite movie stars, but I didn't personally know anyone who was a movie star. I became discouraged because I thought one had to live in Hollywood or Beverly Hills to be a movie star, not boring Orange County.

In sixth grade, I wrote a short play, got friends to commit to parts and started raising funds to help pay for...whatever expenses one has with putting on a play. I think I collected about $3 in change. I became discouraged because all of a sudden everyone had other commitments...like riding bikes with Joey, practicing piano, and babysitting younger siblings. So the idea sort of died.

When I was in high school and saw how weird all of the drama people were, I thought I would never be a movie star because I'm not that weird. Little did I know that I was that weird, but didn't want anyone else to know. I was involved with student government, which was sponsored by the drama teacher. I thought he was weird, and he felt the same about me. He never asked me to be in any of his plays. At this point, I still did not make the connection between actors and movie stars.
(And I wonder where my kids get their stupid genes?)

I finally got it together in my mid-20's and took some acting classes...duh! The school I attended would send us out as extras on non-union commercials, movies, etc. I was told that I would be good at coffee commercials, because I looked like a mom. Thanks for nothing! I did not become a movie star, but I did get my "15 minutes" with a commercial for a local grocery store. I impressed the nieces and nephews, but they didn't have any pull in Hollywood. The more classes I took, the more I found how little I knew about everything! I took a voice class and had to sing a song in front of the class for the final. That was some scary stuff! The song I sang did not make it to the Billboard 100, but it did give me something to sing to my babies as I rocked them. They thought my singing was great! What did they know? As long as they got some one on one, they were happy!

That was my passion for most of my young adult life. Now, at midlife, my passion is writing...I can do it in my jammies and it doesn't matter how much I weigh! And, because of technology, I can do my work, and read the work of others who have the same passion...and I no longer feel weird!

Please visit my good friend Mama Kat, the Head Dudette for "Writer's Workshop", over at Mama's Losing' It. You will find some great reads! Just click on the logo below and voila! You will be there!

Wednesday Wickedness - Dolly Style!

Welcome to this always fascinating meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, Janera posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's meme posts quotes from the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton! I hope you enjoy her quotes and my sometimes off the wall responses!

Let's go!

1. "I hated school. Even to this day, when I see a school bus it's just depressing to me. The poor little kids." What was your worst year in school? Why?

I think my worst year in school was my senior year in high school. I didn’t make the cheer squad; thereby, I was unable to do the captain of the football team. I gained back the 30 pounds I lost over the summer, and then gained some more. It wasn’t bad enough not having a date to the prom, but the four boys who I asked couldn’t (or wouldn’t) go with me. But the on the day of graduation, I didn’t cry. I couldn’t wait to get out and start my new life!

2. "I still close my eyes and go home - I can always draw from that." Tell us about YOUR home.

My home was fantastically dysfunctional! I loved being around my family, and then I couldn’t wait to be alone. I managed to get just enough of both. When I close my eyes, I can draw from the psychedelic images that appear when I rub my closed eyes!

3. "I'm not going to limit myself just because people won't accept the fact that I can do something else." What have you been told that you couldn’t do, but proved them wrong?

I was told by a parent that they “just didn’t see me as a career woman.” If one considers a legal secretarial position a career, then I proved them wrong. I also had my own typing business for a year. It didn’t work out, but I was my own boss for the duration. I showed ‘em!

4. "I'm old enough and cranky enough now that if someone tried to tell me what to do, I'd tell them where to put it." What was the last incident where you were told what to do and were insulted?

Well, Dolly…do you have a couple of hours? I’m old and cranky, too! And, I’m a mom of teenagers; you know what I’m talking about!

5. "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one." Have you ever reinvented yourself? How?

I try to reinvent myself about every two or three years, whether or not I need it! I can no longer color my hair…too much gray! But, if I could have hair like you Dolly, I would color it in a heartbeat! When I want to make a change, I use the Pro and Con sheet. Whichever side has the longest list…wins!

6. "If you talk bad about country music, it's like saying bad things about my momma. Thems fightin' words." Is there a type of music that you hate?

Hate is such an ugly word, Dolly! I don’t like anything that I can’t dance to. We used to call country music “cry-baby” music. Then I developed an appreciation for Blue Grass, but that’s only a part of Country. It’s still “cry-baby” music!

7. "It's a good thing I was born a girl, otherwise I'd be a drag queen." Have you ever crossed dressed for Halloween or just for the hell of it?

Oh yeah! I cross-dressed just the other night when I gave out candy at the door. I put on hiking boots and tucked my shirt in. When you have white hair, you look like anybody’s gram or gramps! At least I didn’t scare anyone. I also cross-dressed when I was 10 and we were playing Robin Hood. It was an all-girl group and all but one other girl were too prissy to run around with no top on!

8. "My weaknesses have always been food and men - in that order." What are your weaknesses?

My weaknesses are food and men – in that order.

9. "The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain." Tell us about something that you did that required patience, but was worth it.

I went through labor four times… 46 hours; 36 hours; 28 hours; 24 hours.

10. "We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails." When was the last time you made a major change in your life?

When I attended my first 12-Step meeting. “Hello, my name is No Excuses, and I am a procrastinator.” Seriously, 20 years ago, I attended my first meeting. It opened my eyes and gave me a new take on the Big Guy. It also made me a more accepting person. I stopped throwing coffee at super models.



Thanks for the visit! Please pop over to the Wicked Lady and say hello! Just click on the logo for Wednesday Wickedness below!





Happy Hump Day!

"and she sparkled"

I just received this book from a good friend, and I am so excited to share it with you. It's the kind of book in which almost everyone can find a piece of themselves.


The author, Joan Steffend, initially wrote this for herself, however, after sharing it with friends and family, she received many comments about how they were touched by it. The book is a short read, and for some, the touch is very deep. I know you will love it!

Please take a look at the book and watch a short video by Ms. Steffend by going here

I am not a book reviewer, nor am I receiving anything for writing about "and she sparkled." I have just fallen in love with this book and want you to do the same.

Enjoy!

Sundays in My City - Who Ya Gonna Call?

Just in time for Halloween and all the other scary stuff (like mom overdosing on sugar as she passes out the candy...before she passes out), my little Katya's employer made it into our local news magazine for being one of the "things that go bump" in our area.

Katya is a manager at our local DQ, where there is tale of a horrific murder that happened back in the '70's. In the '70's?...why, I was just a blossoming young adult back then making all of the "dating, drinking and don't do this" mistakes that many of us use as our base for being so strict with our own blossoming young adults!

Back to the story...it tells of a female manager counting money one night after closing. She was murdered (email me if you want the gory details) in the utility/mop/broom closet and since that night, she visits the restaurant...moving items, knocking things off of counters and making the hair on the back of necks rise to the occasion.

The son of the current owner has been said to have seen strange things out of the corner of his eye, but never seen a full-fledged apparition. An employee who stays late to make the ice cream cakes for the next day's orders has had similar experiences witnessing things moving with no explanation. One of the grill cooks was carrying a stack of milk crates when, all of a sudden, the top crate seemed to be pushed off from the side. Employees have said that while in the freezer getting supplies, the door was pushed closed. There was no one around at the time to push the door.

Katya has yet to personally experience anything, however, she has seen shaded areas in the cameras. Unknown to the writer of this article, I have a friend who was there with her kids once when her then four year old was standing outside of the utility room in a trance-like state while he stared into the room. He could not recall what he was looking at when she questioned him later.

We have many places with ghostly histories here in my city. I love to read about them, watch documentaries and "Ghost Hunters" marathons, or listen to stories of some of our older residents, as long as I am in the safety of my own home!

I'd like you to get to know Unknown Mami! She has a wonderful blog where she shares photos of her city on Sundays, and then invites the rest of us to link up with her and share some of our own city's photos. Click on the logo to visit Sundays in My City!


I live in St. Louis, Missouri! Welcome to my city! MMUUHAAHAAAAHAAAA!

E is for Eagle Scout

Any mom or dad of an Eagle Scout knows exactly what their son(s) went through to earn this highest honor of Boy Scouts. For many of us, it was a lesson in "just under the wire" or "how to keep one's sanity while hours away from a deadline!"

I have the privilege of having two sons who were Boy Scouts, and who both earned their Eagle Scout Award just hours before their 18th birthday. That is the deadline for all sign offs for the project the boys complete as the last part of the Award. My two princes turned my gray hair white by leaving so much until the last minute.

But that is all water under the bridge now. The Eagle Scout Award can open so many doors for young men. They can enter the military, or Police Academy with one year already completed, merely by earning this award. When college admission representatives or employers see the award listed on applications, it indicates to them that the applicant worked through the scouting program until it was completed; just like a job project, or college curriculum requires one to complete. Yes, I had to kick their butts a fair amount of the time, but in the end, it was their hard work and tenacity for which they were rewarded.

I can honestly recommend both the Boy Scouts of America organization, as well as the Girls Scouts of America organization for any parent or child with an interest in developing life skills, broadening horizons, and giving service to their community. These organizations offer opportunities and experiences that may not be available to some in their everyday lives.

This post is in response to Jenny Matlock's Alphabet Thursday meme. Please stop by this week's post to read about others who are inspired by The Letter "E". Just click on the logo below and you will be transported to Jenny's post.

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today!



P.S. My Scout is the one in the middle!

Writer's Workshop - A Wardrobe Malfunction

I think my story is more of forgetfulness than of a malfunction, but I will share it with you anyway.

I have this cotton/rayon sleeveless dress (black with green leaves and white flowers) that has a matching short sleeve jacket. The dress is mid-calf in length, with a little bit of a slit up to the knee. The jacket buttons in the front, and has an open slit down the middle of the back. There is a button at the base of the back. I sometimes will wear the jacket over a black tank or shirt with pants or a skirt.

One Sunday, I hastily dressed for church as I was running late. I threw on a pair of black pants and threw the jacket on over my head. The service was very nice, and close to the end, I realized that I had nothing but my bra underneath the jacket.

“Oh, crap” I screamed inside of my head. “The minute I stand up, the people in back of me will see…oh, wait, I’ve already stood up when we were singing hymns!” I was totally mortified!!!

“How am I going to get out of here?” I am acquainted with several members of the church from my years at the pre-school. I couldn’t face anyone at this point!

“Oh, Lord…please don’t let anyone call my name or ask me to stop and chat!!!” I said to myself as I quickly made my way to the parking lot. Well, the good Lord heard my prayer. I walked swiftly to my car while pulling the back of the jacket down with one hand to close up the opening, and frantically clicking the remote with the other hand. I wanted to unlock I the car so I could throw open the door, slide in and get home….as fast as possible.

Once I realized that there probably were a few people who noticed, (and who were too kind to say anything) I laughed at myself all the way home! Whew!!! I vowed that from then on, I would check out the front AND back of me in a mirror!


Thanks for stopping by! This post is brought to you by Writer's Workshop and Mama Kat over at Mama's Losin' It. Click on the logo and get some great reads in!

Saturday Centus - Mini Goblin Style

Welcome to my little contribution to Saturday Centus, sponsored by Jenny Matlock - Off On My Tangent. She posts several memes during the week with which we can play along. On Saturdays, she gives a prompt and challenges us to write a short story, 100 words or less, using the prompt as the topic. AFTER you read my entry, and, give me a thumbs up or thumbs down, please click on the logo below and go visit Jenny. There are others there, just like me, with short stories that are quick reads, and very entertaining!

The theme of this week's Centus is in bold lettering.

It was Friday afternoon. The whole class was jumping with excitement. They were 30 minutes into their Halloween party. The closing bell rang and the masses rushed out of the school and into the waiting buses.

Richard’s business day was extended due to a worker calling in sick. Richard repaved driveways for a living, which brought him home covered in tar each night. He arrived home, snuck in the back door and raced to the front door as he heard the children’s voices.

“Trick or Treat” they shouted as the door opened. Upon seeing Richard covered in tar, the mini goblins screamed and ran amok into the night!

Thanks for stopping by! Please click on the logo and see how creative Jenny's friends are today!

Wednesday Wickedness - Kim Kardashian

Welcome to this always fascinating meme sponsored by Wednesday Wickedness. Each week, Janera posts quotes from a well-known celebrity, and then poses questions to the reader following the quotes. This week's meme posts quotes from mega celebrity, reality show diva and entrepreneur, Kim Kardashian. I hope you enjoy her quotes and my sometimes silly responses!

Onward!



1. "White is actually one of my favorite colors. I have a white car. I love white." Tell us about your first car.

My first car was a beige 1956 Ford Falcon. It was so old that I needed a choke to get it started. If you know what I’m talking about, then you are very old like me! The year was 1971, and I didn’t have to pay for it, so I was very happy. Beige is not my favorite color, although it is sort of close to white. Give your life a few years with kids, Kim. I don’t think your favorite color will be white any more.


2. "I've just had enough of people misrepresenting me. Get to know me and see who I am." Have you ever been paranoid?

I have been paranoid for most of my life. I grew up in Southern California. I think paranoid is a very normal survival tactic. Get to know you, Kim? Well, I’m not sure that would be a good idea at this point. I don’t want to add schizo to my paranoia!


3. "I opened the store myself. Even Paris and Nicky Hilton -- they`re completely independent too." How old were you and what were you doing when you became independent of your parents?

I became independent of my parents at age 19. It would have been later, but they were moving to some Poe-dunk town up the coast. I had just landed my first “real” job and was making just enough to pay my way! I loved staying up until dawn watching movies, eating cereal for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and sleeping 75 percent of the weekend. By the way, Kim, Paris still needs her mommy and daddy when she gets busted…


4. "I want to be a Bond girl!" Have you ever wanted to be in the movies?


I have wanted to be in the movies since I was seven years old, but I refused to have my breasts augmented, eyebrows plucked, and I wouldn’t sleep around until I was 15. I also wanted to be a rock star, astronaut, and professional football cheerleader. Instead, I did things that were not as demanding, didn't need 20 years of education, and didn't require sit-ups.


5. "I would never snub Hugh Hefner. I love him and his whole team." How much money would it take for you to pose nude?

How much money would it take for me to pose nude? Are you crazy? When I think of all the lawsuits that would be filed for vision assault, it would have to be in the billions! I’m cute, but every body part I own has gone South, even the leftover baby fat!


6. "I think my sense of style is evolving. I'm figuring out ways to be sexy without having to flaunt it." Who are the top 3 sexy celebrities in your opinion?

Now, Kim, can you even spell the word “flaunt?” Paleeze!!! Your sense of style is that of “I want to jump your bones…do you think I’m sexy?” By sexy, does your question mean, “who do I want to do it to….or who or whom is easy on the eyes?” What do you think, Kim? The top of my list includes, George, Brad and Clive.



7. "I'm the girl who's too shy to dance in a nightclub — maybe for one song, and then that's it." Tell us about the last time that you danced in a nightclub?

I was 22 the last time I danced in a nightclub. It was the Whiskey in Hollywood. My date was approached in the men’s room by someone asking him, “how much for my company?” He and I both laughed about that for a long time!

8. "I want to be pregnant by the time I'm 30, hopefully." Since normal people don’t decide on having kids depending on their age, what factors do you think are important when making that decision?

What? I became pregnant when I was 30! I think it is a life changing event that requires much thought. One sacrifices their figure, gets stretch marks everywhere, and, for about six months, has to put up with everyone rubbing her stomach as though it is public property! Important factors to consider: 1) finish college; 2) sleep around; 3) travel and sleep around; 4) babysit someone’s infant; 5) marry someone who is either filthy rich or drop-dead gorgeous!


9. "My balance is really bad. I just hope my clumsiness doesn't show through". Is there anything about you that you hope doesn’t show through?

Clumsy can be good sometimes. Doors get opened for you, people let you cut in line because they want you away from them as soon as possible, the waiter will bring you a fresh drink, even though you already finished three-fourths of it before you spilled it. There are lots of things about me that I don’t want to show through, so why would I show them now?

10. "I eat less junk food, hardly any soda, and just try to eat more protein. I definitely can’t give up sweets all together, so I just toned them down!" How does one “tone down” their diet?

Milk is protein. Cookies are sweet. You can’t tone these down any further. However, if there are other proteins and/or sweets to be consumed, moderation is the word I like to use. Common sense is, perhaps, something that both Kim and I may share...NOT!


Thanks for stopping by for a while. Please pop over to Wicked and say hello! Just click on the logo for Wednesday Wickedness below!

Sundays in My City - It's Almost Here!

Only a few choice trees are showing their morphing talents, but oh my, the colors are fabuuuuu! I'm sharing just a few this week, but will take some more again next Sunday!

Now, I won't show you all of the dried up brown leaves on the lawns, streets and cars, as they really don't seem that attractive to me. They only remind me of the fact that they will need to be raked up soon, and disposed of properly!

I love the fact that we are not having any more 90 degree with humidity days, and that now I can start wearing more sweaters and other cute outfits that are traditionally more popular in cooler weather!

I have been on the top ten list of "worst moms ever" for a few years now. Maybe if I drag out the Halloween decorations I might score a few points with the kids! Below is a picture of my darlings when they were in preschool and Kindergarten. This was one of the best costume years for me, as they were easy to make and CHEAP! I stole the idea off of the Today Show (in those days, I could actually catch the show!) The serapes are made out of black felt and the stars, sun and moons are gold wrapping paper that are glitter glued onto the felt. The hats were bought at a party store for a few "dobbers."





Have you heard of Unknown Mami? She has a delightful blog where she shares photos of her city on Sundays. She invites the rest of us to link up with her and share some of our own city's photos. Click on the logo to visit Sundays in My City!

I live in St. Louis, Missouri! Welcome to my city!

Friday Fragments - Oh, Hello!

This is one of my favorite linking blogs! Mrs4444 from Half-Past Kissin' Time invites us to share ideas, talk about our day or week... just about anything too short for a regular post, but still very noteworthy!

Oh, hello, my name is Noexcuses. I've been really lazy, quiet, brain-dead and/or invisible lately, so I haven't posted much. When I read the posts of my bloggy friends, I feel energized and almost have that old "get crackin" feeling. It's amazing how a comment or email can pull one back from the edge. Thanks, Lora!



I once had a pediatrician ask me "what were you thinking?" when I had my fourth child only 17 months after my third. It made me mad, and I never went back to him! Now that the girls are 17 and 18, I know exactly what he meant! I think it's payback for all the grief I gave my mom....except that it is doubled! The drama around here would make for a great reality show, but then I'd have to get my hair and nails done, and, actually clean my house!



Last weekend I went to Boulder City, Nevada, to help my cousin with her booth at an art show. She makes very beautiful and unique jewelry. If you have a chance, click on Yasek Design Jewelry and check it out. She is on Etsy, too! For anyone who has lived on Mars for the last 100 years, Boulder City is about 20 minutes from Las Vegas...sin city...the strip...a town that never sleeps - at least not at night! The art show was a success. I wish I could say the same about the slots! We took a drive to Hoover Dam, about five minutes from Boulder City. Very impressive! Did you know that the Liberace Museum is closing in two weeks? You better get out there and check out those incredible costumes, cars and pianos! They will go back to the vault for at least seven years, just like Disney movies!


Now that I've gotten back in the water, I hope to be more visible and do what all of you wonderful people do...write! Please click on the Friday Fragments logo or any of the thumbnails at the end of this post, and see what many others are up to this week! Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!