If there is one thing I have learned from The Pratt, it is that one can compile seemingly unrelated and/or meaningless blurbs in a post and it is still readable.
Granted, what works for him, likely will not for me, but I am not letting THAT stop me.
0):
Why?
Because I can.
1):
Michelle, remember these words.
Tattoo them to your forehead.
Repeat them aloud: “Never. Never ever again. Ever.”
2):
Am I supposed to be doing this?
When I am doing digital art, I am frequently heard to mutter:
“STOOpid maCHINE!”
When I am painting, I am most often:
Quiet, prayerful, peaceful, thoughtful, at rest.
Does this mean I am *supposed* to be doing this, or perhaps it is more the natural effects of painting, and many people experience the same?
3):
I know that we credit the Japanese for the invention of the Sumi-e Brush, and that is all good, but honestly, I think that God invented it when He coloured the whole earth.
Surely this is Gods own paintbrush.
It is just THAT perfect.
Goes from fine-point to fat-flat-and-smooth with the flick of a wrist.
Holds lots of paint.
It is perfect.
3b):
But so is chocolate.
When manna fell from heaven, I have a feeling it was Chocolate.
(Of course if you ask Canada, they will say it’s cheese.)
4):
What am I listening to?
Gorilaz-Feel Good Inc.
Ill Harmonics – Banana Republic
Hocus Pick- I’m So Happy.
REM-Shiny Happy People
Pretenders – Back on the Chain Gang.
“ “ “ - Where’d ya go Ohio?
Enya – May it Be.
Annie Lennox – Into the West
Brak – What Day is It?
Devo – Gates of Steel
Devo- Freedom of Choice
Devo – Mongoloid
------Notice------
The use of the number '5' is temporarily suspended until after todays "meeting."
-----End Notice-----
6):
Some friends of mine were recently involved in what we hope will only be a temporary lay-off from their jobs.
The thought occurred to me to pray for their poor wives.
While it IS fun to have your man home for a while, sometimes you say inside your head:
“This is what I DO on Mondays” (or insert other weekday as appropriate).
“Uh, this is my ‘bubble.’ (Draws circle around self with two index fingers) and right now, you are IN my bubble. K?”
“Don’t you have a lawn to mow somewhere?” (!)
Ok well, it usually happens after about a week. Two if you are a good boy.
;o)
(Oh people! Don’t you know a joke when you SEE one?)
But hey! Here is a thought:
Ladies, here is what you can do.
Is your man temporarily finding himself with too many spare moments at home? Is he beginning to cramp your style a tiny bit?
Well, use this extra set of hands and have him:
-Clean out the litter box.
-Clean out his closet and fill a bag for the thrift store. (This may keep him occupied for a full day, just exploring his old junk.)
-Have him scrub the floors. Men usually have greater upper body strength than women, so use it to your advantage. Encourage him to scrub those little spots in the vinyl flooring that you can’t seem to get out with a mop, or on your own.
-How about kill all the end-of-summer garden spiders that like to build webs up under the eaves of the house.
These are all great things that need doing and will keep him occupied on those rare moments when he might be “under foot.”
Maybe offer him a snack and a nap in the afternoon?
NO!
That WAS a terrible rant.
And honestly, it was pretty demeaning and rude.
My apologies for that element.
But it was a free association moment.
Sometimes I can’t help but push the limits of humour.
0): Reprise
Why?
Because I can.
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
Sunday, September 4, 2005
Allegory, metaphor, analogy, fantasy twilight zone
This is a fairly unedited, allegory that I composed in my head today on the long drive to Portland and back.
(6 hours of high-speed-passing-lane-hijinks, and car-food fun.)
I pondered sending it to the lyst, but probably won't because it is:
a). unedited.
b). requires that one make extreme mental leaps, that match precisely my own mental gymnastics in order to comprehend, as IF that is ever gonna happen. ;o)
c). it is probably an over-emotionalization of things that were, are or may yet be.
Take into consideration, I was listening to The Lordof the Rings Sound Track at the time this came ot me, and listening mainly to Enya sing "May it Be," and Annie Lennox sing "Into the West."
;o)
But anyway, I am going to digress out into fantasyland - twilight zone, and toss out this metaphorical allegory thingie, that I imagined as I pondered our Myst Community, it's humble beginnings and what has transpired in the last few years/weeks/days/months/something:
(so basically I am venting weirdly.)
(How is THAT for a set up?)
;o)
Leave now if you hate metaphors, allegory, and analogy.
Run while you can!
-------------------------------------------
Today I remembered a question.
Not a question asked of me, but of a little boy by his grandmother:
"Look Atrus. Tell me, what do you see?"
I see a City.
Where there was once an empty wasteland, there is now a City, set upon a hill.
The City, fashioned out of Words and Ether, has taken on flesh and bone.
The walls behind which the City took refuge, are no longer.
"Look Atrus. Tell me, what do you see?"
I see a Little Tree.
The sheltering walls of the greenhouse have been taken away.
It's leaves flutter desperately as in a gale,
But it is only the caress of the evening breeze.
Though the sun has faded, the pale twilight dances among the leaves,
And the air around them is illuminated.
"Look Atrus. Tell me, what do you see?"
I see the City on the hill.
Its light shines out across the land in the setting sun.
Vulnerable, not knowing the strength within.
The light, which shines out from the City, is its love of the pursuit of wisdom, honour, truth and beauty.
It beckons those wandering in the vastness, and its citizens encourage those who come to take shelter beneath the branches of the Little Tree.
(6 hours of high-speed-passing-lane-hijinks, and car-food fun.)
I pondered sending it to the lyst, but probably won't because it is:
a). unedited.
b). requires that one make extreme mental leaps, that match precisely my own mental gymnastics in order to comprehend, as IF that is ever gonna happen. ;o)
c). it is probably an over-emotionalization of things that were, are or may yet be.
Take into consideration, I was listening to The Lordof the Rings Sound Track at the time this came ot me, and listening mainly to Enya sing "May it Be," and Annie Lennox sing "Into the West."
;o)
But anyway, I am going to digress out into fantasyland - twilight zone, and toss out this metaphorical allegory thingie, that I imagined as I pondered our Myst Community, it's humble beginnings and what has transpired in the last few years/weeks/days/months/something:
(so basically I am venting weirdly.)
(How is THAT for a set up?)
;o)
Leave now if you hate metaphors, allegory, and analogy.
Run while you can!
-------------------------------------------
Today I remembered a question.
Not a question asked of me, but of a little boy by his grandmother:
"Look Atrus. Tell me, what do you see?"
I see a City.
Where there was once an empty wasteland, there is now a City, set upon a hill.
The City, fashioned out of Words and Ether, has taken on flesh and bone.
The walls behind which the City took refuge, are no longer.
"Look Atrus. Tell me, what do you see?"
I see a Little Tree.
The sheltering walls of the greenhouse have been taken away.
It's leaves flutter desperately as in a gale,
But it is only the caress of the evening breeze.
Though the sun has faded, the pale twilight dances among the leaves,
And the air around them is illuminated.
"Look Atrus. Tell me, what do you see?"
I see the City on the hill.
Its light shines out across the land in the setting sun.
Vulnerable, not knowing the strength within.
The light, which shines out from the City, is its love of the pursuit of wisdom, honour, truth and beauty.
It beckons those wandering in the vastness, and its citizens encourage those who come to take shelter beneath the branches of the Little Tree.
Friday, September 2, 2005
Black Thursday comes and goes...
...and the sun still rises.
There are new days ahead.
My gut response is, Grab All the People and Circle the Wagons.
Get every ones email address and keep a mega lyst.
But now I just do NOT know.
The days are changing.
I pretty much quit going to CC regularly a while back, hanging more in Lyst Chat, and at
theonering.net in Barliman's.
But now, I think of all the people who were mere tots when I first met them online and now many are grown up even. I see others that are so dear and like cyber kids of my own just like the now-older ones.
My concern is that we all hang together, and yet, inevitably there will be fading.
So many memories.
I guess the only consolation I yself can take in partings, is holding on to the hope that someday I will see people in eternity, if I don't see or hear from them again in this life.
After many partings, this is the only consolation I can find and hold on to.
Good byes are impossible.
They are for me at least.
The most rotten two words on the face of the planet.
(Besides "Balance Due.")
This is a phrase straight from the bowels of Hell itself, because originally God never designed us to have to say them.
I NEVER say them at Mysterium.
I NEVER say them when friends move far away.
I NEVER say them at the end of the evening, in the pub when we all depart.
I NEVER say them at the end of a phone conversation even.
I sometimes think I would rather face death, than to utter such horrible words as "good" and "bye" in the same breath.
May I never say them.
May I say, "see you later," or may I leave early.
But never "good" and uh...that other word.
Evil words, those.
To my Cyan friends, I have no fear that you will ALL find a wonderful new place to employ your many gifts. You are all so talented. Perhaps some of you will moveinto the film/production industry.
Maybe I'll "see you later."
:o)
mih-
who is Maranwe in Barliman's
There are new days ahead.
My gut response is, Grab All the People and Circle the Wagons.
Get every ones email address and keep a mega lyst.
But now I just do NOT know.
The days are changing.
I pretty much quit going to CC regularly a while back, hanging more in Lyst Chat, and at
theonering.net in Barliman's.
But now, I think of all the people who were mere tots when I first met them online and now many are grown up even. I see others that are so dear and like cyber kids of my own just like the now-older ones.
My concern is that we all hang together, and yet, inevitably there will be fading.
So many memories.
I guess the only consolation I yself can take in partings, is holding on to the hope that someday I will see people in eternity, if I don't see or hear from them again in this life.
After many partings, this is the only consolation I can find and hold on to.
Good byes are impossible.
They are for me at least.
The most rotten two words on the face of the planet.
(Besides "Balance Due.")
This is a phrase straight from the bowels of Hell itself, because originally God never designed us to have to say them.
I NEVER say them at Mysterium.
I NEVER say them when friends move far away.
I NEVER say them at the end of the evening, in the pub when we all depart.
I NEVER say them at the end of a phone conversation even.
I sometimes think I would rather face death, than to utter such horrible words as "good" and "bye" in the same breath.
May I never say them.
May I say, "see you later," or may I leave early.
But never "good" and uh...that other word.
Evil words, those.
To my Cyan friends, I have no fear that you will ALL find a wonderful new place to employ your many gifts. You are all so talented. Perhaps some of you will moveinto the film/production industry.
Maybe I'll "see you later."
:o)
mih-
who is Maranwe in Barliman's
And the Cry went forth, Where is Aid, you lazy FEMA
First off, make sure you understand that I am NOT minimizing the horrific situation going on right now in our own New Orleans wrought by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Why is the amount of aid needed to save lives not available in full at this moment in N.O. and Johnny-on-the-spot?
Wake up America!
This is how huge portions of the rest of the world live on a daily basis –dying hourly because there is no water, food or medicine.
The US government is not made up of Gods, super heroes, or even miracle workers. These things take at least SOME time.
There are logistical issues at work here that are not minimized just because the need is dire.
Mobilizing men, acquiring and transporting supplies such as food, water, medicine and clothing require that Gas also be transported to the staging areas to move the food, water, medicine and clothing to the areas needed, and if the roads are not in place that further hampers the efforts.
And let us also look at a small percentage of the multitudes of citizens of N.O.?
A few are ruining it for everyone else. Criminals are loose among the people.
Many of them are hindering the Aid work itself because of their lawlessness.
So I would not blame the government/FEMA.
I would say, “Welcome to the rest of the world, America.”
This is how people live, in the regions where you buy your diamonds.
This is how people live in the dumps, in the nations where you buy your drugs.
This is how people live in the places where you buy and procure goods and discard them later.
This is how people live in the rest of the world.
You are not more honourable than the rest of the world.
You are human.
And you are at the mercy of the earth and its forces like every one else.
And so are those who try to rescue.
You are human.
You are at the mercy of the whims, generosity and cruelty of your fellow human beings – just like the rest of the world.
And so are those who try to rescue.
And American's, you are so pathetically addicted to instant gratification and immediate comfort.
You are not more special America, and you are as vulnerable as the rest of humanity, who lives in lesser conditions and is made of much more honourable stuff (apparently?) than you.
Where is aid?
It is on its way.
The only people who have good reason to cry out in agony and terror are the people currently stranded in N.O.
For the rest of us, it is just frustration and self projecting indignance, and what would be best for the restof America to do is to shut up and be helpful, rather than
point the finger when a tragedy like this occurs.
And it is always easiest to blame first, the people who are trying to be helpful, in this case, it happens to be FEMA.
Just like always, the American population expects/demands a quick fix.
Why is the amount of aid needed to save lives not available in full at this moment in N.O. and Johnny-on-the-spot?
Wake up America!
This is how huge portions of the rest of the world live on a daily basis –dying hourly because there is no water, food or medicine.
The US government is not made up of Gods, super heroes, or even miracle workers. These things take at least SOME time.
There are logistical issues at work here that are not minimized just because the need is dire.
Mobilizing men, acquiring and transporting supplies such as food, water, medicine and clothing require that Gas also be transported to the staging areas to move the food, water, medicine and clothing to the areas needed, and if the roads are not in place that further hampers the efforts.
And let us also look at a small percentage of the multitudes of citizens of N.O.?
A few are ruining it for everyone else. Criminals are loose among the people.
Many of them are hindering the Aid work itself because of their lawlessness.
So I would not blame the government/FEMA.
I would say, “Welcome to the rest of the world, America.”
This is how people live, in the regions where you buy your diamonds.
This is how people live in the dumps, in the nations where you buy your drugs.
This is how people live in the places where you buy and procure goods and discard them later.
This is how people live in the rest of the world.
You are not more honourable than the rest of the world.
You are human.
And you are at the mercy of the earth and its forces like every one else.
And so are those who try to rescue.
You are human.
You are at the mercy of the whims, generosity and cruelty of your fellow human beings – just like the rest of the world.
And so are those who try to rescue.
And American's, you are so pathetically addicted to instant gratification and immediate comfort.
You are not more special America, and you are as vulnerable as the rest of humanity, who lives in lesser conditions and is made of much more honourable stuff (apparently?) than you.
Where is aid?
It is on its way.
The only people who have good reason to cry out in agony and terror are the people currently stranded in N.O.
For the rest of us, it is just frustration and self projecting indignance, and what would be best for the restof America to do is to shut up and be helpful, rather than
point the finger when a tragedy like this occurs.
And it is always easiest to blame first, the people who are trying to be helpful, in this case, it happens to be FEMA.
Just like always, the American population expects/demands a quick fix.
And in situations like these, there is no such thing.
American's, do you imagine that more aid was available in such short order after the Sunami's?
Our friends in N.O. are suffering in the same manner as those in the areas stricken by the sunami's.
When cataclysms occur, not even the government is strong enough to rescue immediately.
Not even here in America.
Welcome to the rest of the world, USA.
Remember what I said to begin with: make sure you understand that I am NOT minimizing the horrific situation going on right now in our own New Orleans, wrought by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Monday Monday
-Wondering how my nephew in Biloxi has faired.
-Did the ever-dreaded back-to-school supply shopping today.
-Updated the DulciNET jam tune for this week.
-Got a poop-load of portraits that people want "adjusted" in PS.
One mom wanted all record of her sons blemishes erased. Honestly, I don't see any, but...I think she is "like that" anyway. Poor kid!
I go to pick up Blake from Camp tomorrow. He will be home for good now that camp shuts down. They finished clean up on Saturday and then all went down to Tillamook (Famous Cheese factory town) for a staff retreat. Then I will have mountains of crusty, skanky, post-camp laundry to do before the first day of school on Thursday.
School Rant
Now it wouldn't be August without Michelle going off on a rant regarding the state of public education, so sit down, shut up and buckle up, cuz here we go:
The new (NEW!!!!) super intendent of our school district decided at the beginning of the summer that the schools should start here a week early. The businesses in town were pissed, because this is a huge revenue week for them before the advent of winter, and this removes half of their labour force during that crucial week. This super intendent has alot ot learn. He is the kind of administrator that believes parents are all idiots, and they should just shut up and do what they are told, because the school employs "Proper Trained Educators" who know better than a parent, what their child should be taught and learn and believe.
He is an excellent reminder to me, of why I chose to keep my kids out of the public system.
The Proper Educators:
-Who else gets a job where they are guaranteed employement despite their work ethic?
(Called "Tenure")
-Who else gets 3 months paid off per year during the summer?
I am a firm believer that tenure should be abolished straight away. Then we would see some serious changes in the school system. Teachers who don't teach and who don't give a rip, would be in dire straights - and well they should be.
And here is an interesting factoid:
Private school expensive? (Without vouchers, yes it is.
I would like to have my tax $$ back to pay for it thank you very much.)
EXPERIMENT:
Just see how much it would cost you to send your kid out of district to a different public school without the blessing of the current district they are in? Then compare the cost of the public schools flat tuition to that of your average private school.
GUESS WHAT?
- It's cheaper to attend a private school than it is to attend a public school.
And, the private school generally offers a better education - provided the teachers are all state certified and the private school is accredited.
If vouchers for education were permitted, you would also see severe panic and subsequent change in the public school systems. For the better!
No.
I do not believe more money is needed for our schools.
I believe accountability is needed.
These people owe us an explanation and an account for what they are using our tax dollars for in the name of our children.
The NEA sucks, and is a pack of self serving lying Bast......uhm, buggers!
They hit us where our hearts lie: the benefit of our children - when really that is very often not what is their true underlying concern.
There are few jewels in the educational system crown.
They are the few, individual teachers, sprnkled though out each district, who actually care about students, and are willing to work with the parents to achieve the best possible outcomes for the kids.
That is my story and I'm stickin' to it!
;o)
-Did the ever-dreaded back-to-school supply shopping today.
-Updated the DulciNET jam tune for this week.
-Got a poop-load of portraits that people want "adjusted" in PS.
One mom wanted all record of her sons blemishes erased. Honestly, I don't see any, but...I think she is "like that" anyway. Poor kid!
I go to pick up Blake from Camp tomorrow. He will be home for good now that camp shuts down. They finished clean up on Saturday and then all went down to Tillamook (Famous Cheese factory town) for a staff retreat. Then I will have mountains of crusty, skanky, post-camp laundry to do before the first day of school on Thursday.
School Rant
Now it wouldn't be August without Michelle going off on a rant regarding the state of public education, so sit down, shut up and buckle up, cuz here we go:
The new (NEW!!!!) super intendent of our school district decided at the beginning of the summer that the schools should start here a week early. The businesses in town were pissed, because this is a huge revenue week for them before the advent of winter, and this removes half of their labour force during that crucial week. This super intendent has alot ot learn. He is the kind of administrator that believes parents are all idiots, and they should just shut up and do what they are told, because the school employs "Proper Trained Educators" who know better than a parent, what their child should be taught and learn and believe.
He is an excellent reminder to me, of why I chose to keep my kids out of the public system.
The Proper Educators:
-Who else gets a job where they are guaranteed employement despite their work ethic?
(Called "Tenure")
-Who else gets 3 months paid off per year during the summer?
I am a firm believer that tenure should be abolished straight away. Then we would see some serious changes in the school system. Teachers who don't teach and who don't give a rip, would be in dire straights - and well they should be.
And here is an interesting factoid:
Private school expensive? (Without vouchers, yes it is.
I would like to have my tax $$ back to pay for it thank you very much.)
EXPERIMENT:
Just see how much it would cost you to send your kid out of district to a different public school without the blessing of the current district they are in? Then compare the cost of the public schools flat tuition to that of your average private school.
GUESS WHAT?
- It's cheaper to attend a private school than it is to attend a public school.
And, the private school generally offers a better education - provided the teachers are all state certified and the private school is accredited.
If vouchers for education were permitted, you would also see severe panic and subsequent change in the public school systems. For the better!
No.
I do not believe more money is needed for our schools.
I believe accountability is needed.
These people owe us an explanation and an account for what they are using our tax dollars for in the name of our children.
The NEA sucks, and is a pack of self serving lying Bast......uhm, buggers!
They hit us where our hearts lie: the benefit of our children - when really that is very often not what is their true underlying concern.
There are few jewels in the educational system crown.
They are the few, individual teachers, sprnkled though out each district, who actually care about students, and are willing to work with the parents to achieve the best possible outcomes for the kids.
That is my story and I'm stickin' to it!
;o)
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Sorry for lack of content: busy week
I got sidetracked with a last minute art project, (shown to the left) which is currently unfinished and is clocking in at a total of 486 layers. Still, it is a fun project. I got ths really cool tutorial at wetcanvas.com (thank you Lehsa!) on doing digital knotwork. I haven't used it yet, but this project was DANG HARD! and I am now certain there must be an easier way to do knotwork than the way I did this! I can see this going on for ever and I am having a hard time knowing when to stop. I am working on the Fish now, and turning him into a knotwork pattern, but with en eye toward retaining the Pacific Northwest Native Art style.Other than that, I have been busy re-processing how I want to share the News According To Scotland, aka Scotsman Journal Snippets. Granted most of the links are worthless unless one is a registered member of the Scotsman.com but still, it is interesting to read their perspective in the headlines, and see how the rest of the world processes the same kinds of things that we in America do.
The world grows smaller everyday.
At least from where I sit. (Maybe I should go on a diet?)
;o)
Monday, August 22, 2005
Amusing Movie Quote
Fiddler on the Roof.
Golde: "Ennhhh! You could DIE from such a man!"
Tevye:" If riches are a curse, then may the Good Lord smite me, and my I never recover!"
Golde: "Ennhhh! You could DIE from such a man!"
Tevye:" If riches are a curse, then may the Good Lord smite me, and my I never recover!"
Sunday, August 21, 2005
New Jam Tune to Learn
DulciNet has a new tune to learn for this week complete with audio file, PDF and ABC files.
This weeks tune is: THE ROSE TREE.
Enjoy.
This weeks tune is: THE ROSE TREE.
Enjoy.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Updated : Word From Cannon Beach
Had this "Beauty" Shot lined up right?
Early morning mist and all?
Yeah.
Uh-huh.
As I am totally focused on framing the thing, at the last minute there is a cameo appearance by America's favorite over-bred, under-brained canine: The Lab.
In the end, I decided it would make the perfect post-card:
Any way, Yesterday Blake and Andrew wanted to earn some $$ so that they could buy some more firewood to build another fire on the beach at dusk. Blake has one of those fishermens rain hats, like the Gortons Of Gloucester Fishermen wear, and Andrew has a Skipper/Captn hat.
Blake takes myIrish whistle and Andrew take a small, rusty metal bucket and they go down outside of the Mariner Market. They stand in front of the covered porch and where there are 3 benches for people to sit and rest.
The benches are labeled:
DEMOCRATS (This is the one nearest the front door of the store)
REPUBLICANS (this is the one Nearest the Street and Furthest from the door,)
and in the middle of the benches is an unmarked Green Bench.
ANYWAY, so Blake (Who can NOT play theIrish whistle) begins to toot and repeat some nebulous melodic (almost) pattern over and over and over and over and over and over again while Andrew dances and clanks the "Primer Change" in the bottom of the metal bucket in tune to the "music."
After what seemed an eternity, people began to throw money in the bucket, (more to get them to STOP I am sure.)
Anyway, the girls and I eventually ambled along and pretended we did not know them (for good reason) and we sat and "listened" for a while.
Then I loudly declared, "You Suck!" and attempted to rip the bucket out of Andrew's hands.
A wrestling match for the bucket ensued, much to the astonishment of the onlookers.
Yes.
They were bad.
Yes, horrible even, but they WERE just kids.
Who was this dreadful woman verbally abusing them?
Well I ended the mock-battle by saying "fine!" and I grabbed a couple of coins from the bottom of the bucket before beating a hasty retreat.
Blake followed and said loudly, "Uh, excuse me Maam, but we would like our nickle back please!"
"Fine!" I replied.
Ah yes...fun with the tourist trade in a small beach town.
See y'all when I get back.
Early morning mist and all?
Yeah.
Uh-huh.
As I am totally focused on framing the thing, at the last minute there is a cameo appearance by America's favorite over-bred, under-brained canine: The Lab.
In the end, I decided it would make the perfect post-card:
Any way, Yesterday Blake and Andrew wanted to earn some $$ so that they could buy some more firewood to build another fire on the beach at dusk. Blake has one of those fishermens rain hats, like the Gortons Of Gloucester Fishermen wear, and Andrew has a Skipper/Captn hat.
Blake takes myIrish whistle and Andrew take a small, rusty metal bucket and they go down outside of the Mariner Market. They stand in front of the covered porch and where there are 3 benches for people to sit and rest.
The benches are labeled:
DEMOCRATS (This is the one nearest the front door of the store)
REPUBLICANS (this is the one Nearest the Street and Furthest from the door,)
and in the middle of the benches is an unmarked Green Bench.
ANYWAY, so Blake (Who can NOT play theIrish whistle) begins to toot and repeat some nebulous melodic (almost) pattern over and over and over and over and over and over again while Andrew dances and clanks the "Primer Change" in the bottom of the metal bucket in tune to the "music."
After what seemed an eternity, people began to throw money in the bucket, (more to get them to STOP I am sure.)
Anyway, the girls and I eventually ambled along and pretended we did not know them (for good reason) and we sat and "listened" for a while.
Then I loudly declared, "You Suck!" and attempted to rip the bucket out of Andrew's hands.
A wrestling match for the bucket ensued, much to the astonishment of the onlookers.
Yes.
They were bad.
Yes, horrible even, but they WERE just kids.
Who was this dreadful woman verbally abusing them?
Well I ended the mock-battle by saying "fine!" and I grabbed a couple of coins from the bottom of the bucket before beating a hasty retreat.
Blake followed and said loudly, "Uh, excuse me Maam, but we would like our nickle back please!"
"Fine!" I replied.
Ah yes...fun with the tourist trade in a small beach town.
See y'all when I get back.
Friday, August 12, 2005
All I want for Christmas...
Are some platform Biker boots!
Ok well, anyway, my friend Amber shared these links with me and I swear! I a gonna get some of these boots. Not the pointy toe stiletto ones, but the raucus big ol' lug sole 12 buckled steel toe
'ecrasses merdes'!
Boots by Pennangalan
9 Buckle Calf Comando Boots
Bucket Muskateer Boots
Libby 8 Strap Wedge Boots
Storm L5 Wedge Boots
Storm Elevator Boots
Ok well, anyway, my friend Amber shared these links with me and I swear! I a gonna get some of these boots. Not the pointy toe stiletto ones, but the raucus big ol' lug sole 12 buckled steel toe
'ecrasses merdes'!
Boots by Pennangalan
9 Buckle Calf Comando Boots
Bucket Muskateer Boots
Libby 8 Strap Wedge Boots
Storm L5 Wedge Boots
Storm Elevator Boots
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Scoutbytes
Sometimes the weirdest stuff comes out of your kids mouths.
It's just too bizarre.
So, here are two examples taken from the last 24 hours in our home.
“Hey Mom! I just farted eggs in pots, and flowers grew,
and dead people said, "THaaaaaNK YOU!”
– Said while playing Banjo Kazooie.
“Mom, I can’t tell the difference between you and me.”
-This comment was made while watching a slideshow of recent photos taken in Eastern Washington State.
(This quote should be unnerving to her on SO MANY levels but she does not yet seem to be appropriately alarmed. She has not yet learned to cry out, "NOOO! I have become my mother!"
On the other hand, I feel pretty darned good!)
;o)
It's just too bizarre.
So, here are two examples taken from the last 24 hours in our home.
“Hey Mom! I just farted eggs in pots, and flowers grew,
and dead people said, "THaaaaaNK YOU!”
– Said while playing Banjo Kazooie.
“Mom, I can’t tell the difference between you and me.”
-This comment was made while watching a slideshow of recent photos taken in Eastern Washington State.
(This quote should be unnerving to her on SO MANY levels but she does not yet seem to be appropriately alarmed. She has not yet learned to cry out, "NOOO! I have become my mother!"
On the other hand, I feel pretty darned good!)
;o)
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
SOUNDS Update and Celtic, Folk and Olde Time Musicians Untie!
...uh, ehrm... I mean UNITE!
There is a new feature over at DulciNet which is designed to encourage Hammered Dulcimer Players. Many of theses tunes are traditional old standards, but any Celtic/Folk/Olde Time musician can benefit from a new-old tune here or there, eh?
The tunes at DulciNet are all in midi format, and played slowly and without much ornamentation for ease of learning. It also makes for a good opportunity to brush up ones ear training. For those who prefer sheet music, there are also PDF's and ABC files available.
Anyway, so the link is
http://dulcinet.blogspot.com
And the SOUNDS Link has been updated courtesy of the crew down at Cartoon Planet, so for now you can listen to a "Nugget of Joy From Zorak."
There it is.
There is a new feature over at DulciNet which is designed to encourage Hammered Dulcimer Players. Many of theses tunes are traditional old standards, but any Celtic/Folk/Olde Time musician can benefit from a new-old tune here or there, eh?
The tunes at DulciNet are all in midi format, and played slowly and without much ornamentation for ease of learning. It also makes for a good opportunity to brush up ones ear training. For those who prefer sheet music, there are also PDF's and ABC files available.
Anyway, so the link is
http://dulcinet.blogspot.com
And the SOUNDS Link has been updated courtesy of the crew down at Cartoon Planet, so for now you can listen to a "Nugget of Joy From Zorak."
There it is.
Monday, August 8, 2005
Incidental Photos From Washington State
Funny.
I had forgotten all about these.
I grabbed them really quick while in Leavenworth, Washington.
I remember thinking about a conversation I had with Chucker at last years MysteriGON and I am SURE that he would have loved visiting THIS place.
Perhaps someday he'll get his chance.
This is also a place where Blue Max might find solace from the modern/normal world.
So for my sausage-eating and beer-swilling friends, I give you :
I had forgotten all about these.
I grabbed them really quick while in Leavenworth, Washington.
I remember thinking about a conversation I had with Chucker at last years MysteriGON and I am SURE that he would have loved visiting THIS place.
Perhaps someday he'll get his chance.
This is also a place where Blue Max might find solace from the modern/normal world.
So for my sausage-eating and beer-swilling friends, I give you :
Leavenworth, Washington
Friday, August 5, 2005
Quotable Quote
Well My friend Pete B and I were discussing the heat.
90 in Philomath and all of its lovely humidity, and 107 on my butte sans lovely humidity.
He emails me and asks" is it hot enough for ya?"
"No" I reply, "please can you get some one to turn up the sun?"
As a reply, he shares a quote from some one he knows:
"You think THIS is hot?"
-God
hmmmm.....
90 in Philomath and all of its lovely humidity, and 107 on my butte sans lovely humidity.
He emails me and asks" is it hot enough for ya?"
"No" I reply, "please can you get some one to turn up the sun?"
As a reply, he shares a quote from some one he knows:
"You think THIS is hot?"
-God
hmmmm.....
Thursday, August 4, 2005
This one is really starting to grow on me now...
While looking for an abstract texture in the dead centre of this one, I managed to accidentally compose an entire shot I liked.
Yay for accidents!
Can't wait to play with this one.
:o)
Monday, August 1, 2005
Whirlwind Road Trip Rolls to a Stop
As far as the road trip was concerned, it was a good trip.
So this is pretty much what the car looked like for the entire trip:
Coffee and Cheez-Its are as crucial as petrol to any successful road trip,
and what I looked like after a two days on the road, no shower and still perky.
(Blech!)
I got a lot of stock images shot.
I will slap up a few of them here, but bear in mind these are pretty much un-processed, meaning, I haven't finished "working them over" yet. Some are just fodder for future abstract paintings, some may be a conglomeration of photo and abstract paint.
Who knows.
Got some fun pictures at Stonehenge.
Not the real one obviously, but there is a replica built in the early 1900's by a really crazy "patron of the arts" kind of guy. He turned his house into a fine arts museum, with a lot of work by French impressionists and Rodin sculptures and what not. He entertained Romanian Royalty frequently as well, all out in the absolute desolate, middle of NO WHERE! It's histerical. So anyway, out on this rocky outcropping, over looking the Columbia River is this mock-Stonghenge.
Its pretty cool.
This particular Stonehenge is a WWI memorial and at one point, an older gentleman insisted he take our pic together, much to my daughters embarrassment.
Gah!
Not a picture with her mother!
She much prefers the company of a good sword as opposed to that of dear old mum.
Had a good time at Hammered Dulcimer fest.
Handed off some Rich Mullin's music to Pete B and kept copies for myself.
I got to learn a new tune in 3 different time signatures, which Mick wrote for the workshop, entitled "Chatter Creek-Waltz-Jig-Polka" and catch a quick jam before bugging out early to get home.
Karri, Kris and I showed up early to snag some campsites, each of us witha daughter in tow. So for those fortunate enough to get there, there was Girl Camp, where:
-Scout reads her book while KiKi plays a tune in the background.
-Bri perseveres in her quest to build a legal fire in the High Cascades.
-Karri demonstrates the true meaning of "Fight Like A Girl," while Bri assists and KiKi and Erica watch from a safe distance.
Had a nice visit with some friends in Washington.
Learned a bit about "detailed work", and so I won't be harshing on myself for taking so long to complete projects - especially in PS.
(Yet another moment to look at myself and say,
"wow, I'm not looney after all!" Either that, or I am in good company.)
;o)
I also had my travel plans redirected, because my way was stupid and convoluted, and theirs was a more obvious straight route to my next destination.
I am so glad they did though, because there were a multitude of photo opp's that I never would have found, and even then, Scout got fed up with me stopping every 10 minutes to shoot this or that, so I had to pass up some stuff. I am already planning another Highway 2 trip, to pick up the stuff I missed.
I think this was taken just outside of Reardan (sp?)
I am not sure why I ended up liking this one, because none of the elements are all that compelling, but hey, it's what it is.
Not sure what I will do with it yet.
This kitchy sign I found just outside of Coulee City.
BIZARRE SIGHTINGS:
I wish I had been more observant when it started to happen but, I wasn't: There seems to be a strange fetish in Eastern Washington Small Towns. The front yards of private individuals often sport lifesize (if not life like) replica's of animals and people. Giant deer and horses, and manequins even. By the time Scout and I realised there was "something to this" it was too late and we were passing out of the Eastern side of the State and into the High Cascades. And this bizarre phenomenon seemed to halt before the foothills. Ah well, I will have to shoot these things next time around.
Note To Ry:
Remember we were talking about wheat, more wheat, and almost Endless Blue Skies on the Horizon? I have SO MANY of these! It was at this point I drove Scout crazy.
She was all, "Mom! Enough with the wheat already!"
Lots of fodder for abstracts here!
RAMADA DRILL:
Had a great time at the Ramada Inn!
6:45am, and I am awakened by a hideous piercing beeeeeeeep!
Now, if I were at HOME, I would think the fire alarm was going off.
It usually does when we make toast or boil water.
(Stupid thing!)
So I sit bolt upright, from a sound sleep, with my hands clamped over my ears, looking stupidly around the room thinking,
"Stop! I'm not boiling any water!" and looking for something to fan the air away from the ceiling alarm with.
(And yes I realise I just ended that last sentence with a presposition. Get over it.)
It suddenly dawns on me that I am not at home and this may actually be a fire drill.
All of the guests were already out in the parking lot by the time I figured this out.
Good thing there was no actual fire.
EARLY DEPARTURES:
I got a call from Stu who was called to work another gig Sunday, meaning I had to get home Saturday night so as not to leave MacKenzie all alone, so my trip ended up being cut short with my loosing a day at the Music festival. :o( Still, it was a good trip. And I am glad to be home. I can't wait to unpack my picture card reader, though I have no clue as to where I threw it in the car after I used it at the Ramada. Talking with Pete was great. His view of Celtic culture and Christianity is really unique and one I've never heard before, but it was one of those "duh!" moments when you hear something that you should have recognized long ago, but didn't, and now suddenly ideas come into much sharper focus and suddenly fit together and make greater/deeper sense.
Pete is so cool!
What a knucklehead!
Anyway, time to do laundry.
Time to sort clean junk up.
Yay.
So this is pretty much what the car looked like for the entire trip:
Coffee and Cheez-Its are as crucial as petrol to any successful road trip,
and what I looked like after a two days on the road, no shower and still perky.
(Blech!)
I got a lot of stock images shot.
I will slap up a few of them here, but bear in mind these are pretty much un-processed, meaning, I haven't finished "working them over" yet. Some are just fodder for future abstract paintings, some may be a conglomeration of photo and abstract paint.
Who knows.
Got some fun pictures at Stonehenge.
Not the real one obviously, but there is a replica built in the early 1900's by a really crazy "patron of the arts" kind of guy. He turned his house into a fine arts museum, with a lot of work by French impressionists and Rodin sculptures and what not. He entertained Romanian Royalty frequently as well, all out in the absolute desolate, middle of NO WHERE! It's histerical. So anyway, out on this rocky outcropping, over looking the Columbia River is this mock-Stonghenge.
Its pretty cool.
This particular Stonehenge is a WWI memorial and at one point, an older gentleman insisted he take our pic together, much to my daughters embarrassment.
Gah!
Not a picture with her mother!
She much prefers the company of a good sword as opposed to that of dear old mum.
Had a good time at Hammered Dulcimer fest.
Handed off some Rich Mullin's music to Pete B and kept copies for myself.
I got to learn a new tune in 3 different time signatures, which Mick wrote for the workshop, entitled "Chatter Creek-Waltz-Jig-Polka" and catch a quick jam before bugging out early to get home.
Karri, Kris and I showed up early to snag some campsites, each of us witha daughter in tow. So for those fortunate enough to get there, there was Girl Camp, where:
-Scout reads her book while KiKi plays a tune in the background.
-Bri perseveres in her quest to build a legal fire in the High Cascades.
-Karri demonstrates the true meaning of "Fight Like A Girl," while Bri assists and KiKi and Erica watch from a safe distance.
Had a nice visit with some friends in Washington.
Learned a bit about "detailed work", and so I won't be harshing on myself for taking so long to complete projects - especially in PS.
(Yet another moment to look at myself and say,
"wow, I'm not looney after all!" Either that, or I am in good company.)
;o)
I also had my travel plans redirected, because my way was stupid and convoluted, and theirs was a more obvious straight route to my next destination.
I am so glad they did though, because there were a multitude of photo opp's that I never would have found, and even then, Scout got fed up with me stopping every 10 minutes to shoot this or that, so I had to pass up some stuff. I am already planning another Highway 2 trip, to pick up the stuff I missed.
I think this was taken just outside of Reardan (sp?)
I am not sure why I ended up liking this one, because none of the elements are all that compelling, but hey, it's what it is.
Not sure what I will do with it yet.
This kitchy sign I found just outside of Coulee City.
BIZARRE SIGHTINGS:
I wish I had been more observant when it started to happen but, I wasn't: There seems to be a strange fetish in Eastern Washington Small Towns. The front yards of private individuals often sport lifesize (if not life like) replica's of animals and people. Giant deer and horses, and manequins even. By the time Scout and I realised there was "something to this" it was too late and we were passing out of the Eastern side of the State and into the High Cascades. And this bizarre phenomenon seemed to halt before the foothills. Ah well, I will have to shoot these things next time around.
Note To Ry:
Remember we were talking about wheat, more wheat, and almost Endless Blue Skies on the Horizon? I have SO MANY of these! It was at this point I drove Scout crazy.
She was all, "Mom! Enough with the wheat already!"
Lots of fodder for abstracts here!
RAMADA DRILL:
Had a great time at the Ramada Inn!
6:45am, and I am awakened by a hideous piercing beeeeeeeep!
Now, if I were at HOME, I would think the fire alarm was going off.
It usually does when we make toast or boil water.
(Stupid thing!)
So I sit bolt upright, from a sound sleep, with my hands clamped over my ears, looking stupidly around the room thinking,
"Stop! I'm not boiling any water!" and looking for something to fan the air away from the ceiling alarm with.
(And yes I realise I just ended that last sentence with a presposition. Get over it.)
It suddenly dawns on me that I am not at home and this may actually be a fire drill.
All of the guests were already out in the parking lot by the time I figured this out.
Good thing there was no actual fire.
EARLY DEPARTURES:
I got a call from Stu who was called to work another gig Sunday, meaning I had to get home Saturday night so as not to leave MacKenzie all alone, so my trip ended up being cut short with my loosing a day at the Music festival. :o( Still, it was a good trip. And I am glad to be home. I can't wait to unpack my picture card reader, though I have no clue as to where I threw it in the car after I used it at the Ramada. Talking with Pete was great. His view of Celtic culture and Christianity is really unique and one I've never heard before, but it was one of those "duh!" moments when you hear something that you should have recognized long ago, but didn't, and now suddenly ideas come into much sharper focus and suddenly fit together and make greater/deeper sense.
Pete is so cool!
What a knucklehead!
Anyway, time to do laundry.
Time to sort clean junk up.
Yay.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
The only news is Scottish
I read today how the British police apparently shot the innocent Brazilian man 8 times.
Ugh!
Can't even go there.
And today in History:
Famous playwright George Bernard Shaw was born on this day in 1856 in Dublin, Ireland. The Shaws of Dublin are said to be descended from the Highland Shaws of Aberdeenshire, a family attached to Clan MacIntosh and Clan MacPherson. To be find out more about Scotland's clans and tartans go to heritage.scotsman.com
Ugh!
Can't even go there.
And today in History:
Famous playwright George Bernard Shaw was born on this day in 1856 in Dublin, Ireland. The Shaws of Dublin are said to be descended from the Highland Shaws of Aberdeenshire, a family attached to Clan MacIntosh and Clan MacPherson. To be find out more about Scotland's clans and tartans go to heritage.scotsman.com
Monday, July 25, 2005
First Mysterium Pics so far
Well the first Mysterium '05 photo's I have seen are Ran's, which are posted here:
http://www2.mystmakers.org:808/Mysterium2005
If you find more, maybe you could post the link in the comments section for me?
10-Q!
On this day in Scotlands history:
According to some sources, on this day in 1394 King James I was born.
When he was 12 he was sent to France, but was kidnapped on the way and handed over to Henry IV of England, who demanded a ransom for his release. After 18 years of being held in England, the ransom was finally paid and James returned to Scotland to begin his reign. Read more about it at The Scotsman Journal Mirror
http://www2.mystmakers.org:808/Mysterium2005
If you find more, maybe you could post the link in the comments section for me?
10-Q!
On this day in Scotlands history:
According to some sources, on this day in 1394 King James I was born.
When he was 12 he was sent to France, but was kidnapped on the way and handed over to Henry IV of England, who demanded a ransom for his release. After 18 years of being held in England, the ransom was finally paid and James returned to Scotland to begin his reign. Read more about it at The Scotsman Journal Mirror
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Well it looks like Scout and I will get our road trip to Hammered Dulcimer Festival In Leavenworth WA after all. I have been postponing a project,while Stu has been onthe road, but now I have to buckle down as the summer gallops away. So Scout and I wil have an extended road trip,
YAY!
Its funny, I was going to take a tent, so that we could camp, since we aren't taking the truck on this one. She goes, "Oh No Mom! Let's just sleep in the car!"
I'm thinking, "you are CRAZY!" and yet, if it was just me on the trip that is precisely what I would do. So wit the exception of one night's lodging, that is what we are doing.
Neither one of us can wait to hit the road!
We are both really good at packing light.
The big stuff will be the instruments and the tech crap.
Should be fun!
4 days left until departure!
**ooo I should tell Aquila I will be out of commission for a week!***
There!
Aquila, consider yourself alerted!
;o)
AND TODAY ACCORDING TO SCOTLAND:
On this day in 1745, Charles Edward Stuart landed on the Hebridean island of Eriskay, from France. From there he went to the mainland to set out on his mission to restore a Catholic ot tht throne. Read More about Bonnie Prince Charlie by becoming a member of The Scotsman Journal or visit The Scotsman Journal Mirror.
YAY!
Its funny, I was going to take a tent, so that we could camp, since we aren't taking the truck on this one. She goes, "Oh No Mom! Let's just sleep in the car!"
I'm thinking, "you are CRAZY!" and yet, if it was just me on the trip that is precisely what I would do. So wit the exception of one night's lodging, that is what we are doing.
Neither one of us can wait to hit the road!
We are both really good at packing light.
The big stuff will be the instruments and the tech crap.
Should be fun!
4 days left until departure!
**ooo I should tell Aquila I will be out of commission for a week!***
There!
Aquila, consider yourself alerted!
;o)
AND TODAY ACCORDING TO SCOTLAND:
On this day in 1745, Charles Edward Stuart landed on the Hebridean island of Eriskay, from France. From there he went to the mainland to set out on his mission to restore a Catholic ot tht throne. Read More about Bonnie Prince Charlie by becoming a member of The Scotsman Journal or visit The Scotsman Journal Mirror.
Friday, July 22, 2005
So some one said a bunch of people from Sisters Community Church wanted a quick, down-and-dirty copy of the stuff I've been playing for communion/prayer and reflection times. I told her I hadn't been playing anything. Just noodles. So she said, "give me the noodles. So I think I am about 4 noodles away from completing that thing this week. With Stu on the road that will give me more time to get it done in relative peace and quiet. Wish I had a better mic. A real mic. Instead of this crappy cheapo one, but down-and-dirty is ok by them. I guess. Not sure that I like that idea though.
Anyway, enough 'o' dat.
BEWARE: LONG GENEALOGICAL MUSING OF NO PARTICULAR INTEREST TO ANYONE EXCEPT MY FAMILY MEMBERS READING.
So I talked to my brother. He said that while there are only three Poutré's he's been able to trace through the Veterans Admin in the US, and with the 2 existing we already know outside of that, that makes 5. However, he said that when he went down to New Olreans there was ALOT of them. He also seems to remember somebody on that side of the family had Nova Scotian roots way way back, but as far as I ever knew it was the Contois side of the family that was from Acadie.
So, the mud gets thicker. Who ever knows. The other interesting thing that we both remember, along with my dad, is that Grandmé always kept a picture of the Queen in her bedroom. I think that when Grandmé died, Memé threw it in the garbage. I am thinking that the Nova Scotians may have crossed out of NS and migrated to Quebec possibly late 1700's - early 1800's, since there are 2 women who came into the family about that time and who knows where from except that Grandmé remembers her Great Grandmé used to "talk about "Acadie," and Grandme used to tell dad about "The Land of Evangeline." Other than that I have no other hard data because the church where taht really old paperwork was housed in the Church Trois Rivieres burned to the ground. (Possible church name or town name?: St Gabriel De Brandon?)
END OF BORING GENEALOGICAL RAMBLE
and...
...on this day in Scottish history
Today is the anniversary of the battle of Falkirk where, in 1298, 80,000 of Edward I's troops faced 30,000 Scots volunteers under William Wallace. The Scots were betrayed by John Comyn, whose cavalry fled the field of battle, handing Edward victory. Wallace resigned as Guardian of Scotland, having escaped to the Continent. Read more about it by becoming a member of the Scotsman Journal or if you aren't ready to join, go to the Scotsman Journal Mirror and read about it.
Anyway, enough 'o' dat.
BEWARE: LONG GENEALOGICAL MUSING OF NO PARTICULAR INTEREST TO ANYONE EXCEPT MY FAMILY MEMBERS READING.
So I talked to my brother. He said that while there are only three Poutré's he's been able to trace through the Veterans Admin in the US, and with the 2 existing we already know outside of that, that makes 5. However, he said that when he went down to New Olreans there was ALOT of them. He also seems to remember somebody on that side of the family had Nova Scotian roots way way back, but as far as I ever knew it was the Contois side of the family that was from Acadie.
So, the mud gets thicker. Who ever knows. The other interesting thing that we both remember, along with my dad, is that Grandmé always kept a picture of the Queen in her bedroom. I think that when Grandmé died, Memé threw it in the garbage. I am thinking that the Nova Scotians may have crossed out of NS and migrated to Quebec possibly late 1700's - early 1800's, since there are 2 women who came into the family about that time and who knows where from except that Grandmé remembers her Great Grandmé used to "talk about "Acadie," and Grandme used to tell dad about "The Land of Evangeline." Other than that I have no other hard data because the church where taht really old paperwork was housed in the Church Trois Rivieres burned to the ground. (Possible church name or town name?: St Gabriel De Brandon?)
END OF BORING GENEALOGICAL RAMBLE
and...
...on this day in Scottish history
Today is the anniversary of the battle of Falkirk where, in 1298, 80,000 of Edward I's troops faced 30,000 Scots volunteers under William Wallace. The Scots were betrayed by John Comyn, whose cavalry fled the field of battle, handing Edward victory. Wallace resigned as Guardian of Scotland, having escaped to the Continent. Read more about it by becoming a member of the Scotsman Journal or if you aren't ready to join, go to the Scotsman Journal Mirror and read about it.
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Today according to Scotland:
Today is the anniversary of the death in 1796 of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, at the age of 37. Read more.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Seeing Mysterium From Afar
Well in retrospect, it has been an interesting year.
This is the first event since I quit planning Mysterium, and is set to go off in a little more than a week and a half, and I have to say it’s been tough.
I see the kids going and I worry about who is going to over see them and make sure they don’t get lost or left behind.
"What about “so-and-so” you know this is the first time they’ve traveled on their own? "
"And with everybody so spread out a different hotels right now, who will make sure they stay all communicated together? "
Scraper is great for having eyes in the back of her head and yet she is only one person.
And Leh is pretty great in a pinch too for that kind of thing. (You guys just make sure she doesn't have to post bail for anybody and their shenanigans!) ;o)
Even so, as pissed off as I get at the Community and their lack of vision sometimes, my heart is still stuck in the Mysterium loop,
(*Points at SR388, Alahm and Chan:* you know what I'm talking 'bout!) ;o)
and I want them to all get the best of the event as it was originally designed.
It is the heart of Mysterium that counts.
It’s like letting go of a child.
Yet you are still always thinking of them, hoping that things are going perfect (not just 'good') for them because they are special.
The Mysterium Website has never been so beautiful, and many thanks for this years new design and all the updates go to Blue Max for taking on the entirety of that task, lock, stock and barrel upon himself, as well as seeing to the presenter technical needs and what not.
I am bummed that I won’t be there this year.
As fed up as I felt I was, I didn’t think I would care when the time came, and yet, this is the first year in the next 5 year cycle. (1999-2004 First Cycle).
Horizon, you will have a great time meeting the people you have chatted with in CC and corresponded with via the forums and the lysts. I wish I could see you there and share it with you. I wish also, that I could be there to share with you the histories and the wonderfulness of the people that I have come to know and love, and that you could see them through my eyes too. Sometimes their actions and behaviours are beneath them, because they are really great when you get to know them.
Sometimes it takes years to get to know how wonderful people can be.
(Conversely it takes the same amount of time to figure out they are total butt-heads too, but we need not go there now because I am busy waxing nostalgic!)
;o)
Planning the event all those years was absolute hell from tme to time.
And yet, when the event comes down and all is said and done, it’s the people, and the time you’ve spent with them face to face, that make the lasting difference.
And even people that you don’t see eye-to-eye with in CC, or the forums or whatever.
Its funny,
when you finally meet them at a Mysterium event,
and you get all the extra nuances
of communication when you see them,
anything misunderstood seems to slide away.
Finding out you may have been wrong, and finding another friend isanother important part of Mysterium.
Meeting people and seeing them as they are,
not as I perceived them to be
through some text based conversation.
I KNOW there are a lot of frustrations right now,
with the Community and with the event.
But it is all going to be great, just like always.
It certainly can’t get any worse than Carlsbad! ;o)
It is all what you (or I) as an atendee bring to it.
If we bring "good things" a happy heart, a gentle spirit, then we will find god things.
If we bring criticism and back biting then that is what we wil end up taking away.
And planning is not some “look-at-me-glory-job” either.
It is a sacrifice of time and energy and often resources.
Funny that the event itself,
usually erases any memory of that previous trevail.
I guess its kinda like childbirth.
You fret about it until it happens.
It is painful getting to the end result,
but when it is accomplished it is wonderfully joyous.
24-hour post addendum:
Well dopey me!
It has been about 2 months since I have looked at the Mysterium website, and now I see there isn't even an itinerary posted at the website. And the event is only a week away. Hmmm. that is a bit unnerving. I wonder what happened?
This is the first event since I quit planning Mysterium, and is set to go off in a little more than a week and a half, and I have to say it’s been tough.
I see the kids going and I worry about who is going to over see them and make sure they don’t get lost or left behind.
"What about “so-and-so” you know this is the first time they’ve traveled on their own? "
"And with everybody so spread out a different hotels right now, who will make sure they stay all communicated together? "
Scraper is great for having eyes in the back of her head and yet she is only one person.
And Leh is pretty great in a pinch too for that kind of thing. (You guys just make sure she doesn't have to post bail for anybody and their shenanigans!) ;o)
Even so, as pissed off as I get at the Community and their lack of vision sometimes, my heart is still stuck in the Mysterium loop,
(*Points at SR388, Alahm and Chan:* you know what I'm talking 'bout!) ;o)
and I want them to all get the best of the event as it was originally designed.
It is the heart of Mysterium that counts.
It’s like letting go of a child.
Yet you are still always thinking of them, hoping that things are going perfect (not just 'good') for them because they are special.
The Mysterium Website has never been so beautiful, and many thanks for this years new design and all the updates go to Blue Max for taking on the entirety of that task, lock, stock and barrel upon himself, as well as seeing to the presenter technical needs and what not.
I am bummed that I won’t be there this year.
As fed up as I felt I was, I didn’t think I would care when the time came, and yet, this is the first year in the next 5 year cycle. (1999-2004 First Cycle).
Horizon, you will have a great time meeting the people you have chatted with in CC and corresponded with via the forums and the lysts. I wish I could see you there and share it with you. I wish also, that I could be there to share with you the histories and the wonderfulness of the people that I have come to know and love, and that you could see them through my eyes too. Sometimes their actions and behaviours are beneath them, because they are really great when you get to know them.
Sometimes it takes years to get to know how wonderful people can be.
(Conversely it takes the same amount of time to figure out they are total butt-heads too, but we need not go there now because I am busy waxing nostalgic!)
;o)
Planning the event all those years was absolute hell from tme to time.
And yet, when the event comes down and all is said and done, it’s the people, and the time you’ve spent with them face to face, that make the lasting difference.
And even people that you don’t see eye-to-eye with in CC, or the forums or whatever.
Its funny,
when you finally meet them at a Mysterium event,
and you get all the extra nuances
of communication when you see them,
anything misunderstood seems to slide away.
Finding out you may have been wrong, and finding another friend isanother important part of Mysterium.
Meeting people and seeing them as they are,
not as I perceived them to be
through some text based conversation.
I KNOW there are a lot of frustrations right now,
with the Community and with the event.
But it is all going to be great, just like always.
It certainly can’t get any worse than Carlsbad! ;o)
It is all what you (or I) as an atendee bring to it.
If we bring "good things" a happy heart, a gentle spirit, then we will find god things.
If we bring criticism and back biting then that is what we wil end up taking away.
And planning is not some “look-at-me-glory-job” either.
It is a sacrifice of time and energy and often resources.
Funny that the event itself,
usually erases any memory of that previous trevail.
I guess its kinda like childbirth.
You fret about it until it happens.
It is painful getting to the end result,
but when it is accomplished it is wonderfully joyous.
24-hour post addendum:
Well dopey me!
It has been about 2 months since I have looked at the Mysterium website, and now I see there isn't even an itinerary posted at the website. And the event is only a week away. Hmmm. that is a bit unnerving. I wonder what happened?
stuff this monday
Devo was way ahead of their time.
(Obviously this we knew.)
And as much of a "Creatively Designed Evolutionist" as I may be, I can't help but see some light in a new way:
Devolution becomes more defined as we age.
Case in point: Someone I Live with!
Although I have yet to decipher whether it is an Ape I am living with or a Neanderthal.
(And is this really a point worth debating?)
Some mornings are just like this.
(Obviously this we knew.)
And as much of a "Creatively Designed Evolutionist" as I may be, I can't help but see some light in a new way:
Devolution becomes more defined as we age.
Case in point: Someone I Live with!
Although I have yet to decipher whether it is an Ape I am living with or a Neanderthal.
(And is this really a point worth debating?)
Some mornings are just like this.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Of Crime and Progress
A family I know has been in this town for about 3 generations.
They have farmed and been a great part of our community.
Because they farmed, they owned much land. As the years passed, the land became too expensive to keep so they put up a portion of it for sale. Great location. It was on the market for 4 years and nobody around here seemed interested in buying it.
Finally McDonalds (Yes. Big Macs) insisted that tey wanted the property. The family did not want to sell to them because they were a uge corporation etc and we are a small, family business oriented town. But the family was REALLY needing to unload this property. SO...they bargained. The family would develope the property, building the space for McD's and a small convenience store and gas station. They would rent the space to McD's. This would allow the family to insure that the spirit of the town (small western building facades/false fronts) was upheld.
Well, the idea of a McD's coming to town did not sit well with the community. There were MANY town meeting and alot of hot debates occuring in the editorial section of our small newspaper THE NUGGET NEWS. People try to pass ordinances limiting or banning franchises from opening in the town.
But the building is now ready for use and the "We're Hiring" signs have been up for 2 months now. They can't get anybody to work there.
But the big thing came this weekend, when our population soars from 10,000 to 45,000 because of the Sisters outdoor Quilt Show festival:
SETTING IT UP :
The town is filled for one weekend with 40,000 little old ladies who save up all year to come spend their money in our town. The surrounding towns within 100 miles have full hotels and b&b's because of this event.
It is also the height of Fire Season.
At 4:30 in the morning on Sunday, with a packed out town all asleep, some imbecile set fire to the new McDonalds and burned it down.
The sad thing is that McDonalds doesn't own the building, it belongs to the family.
Yes there is insurance but only after a hefty deductable.
Any perceived evils to come into town via the presence of a McDonalds are eclipsed in my mind now because of the crime that was perpetrated on one of our own families by some one in the same community.
The ends DO NOT ever justify the means.
It ticks me off, because when the news hit town on Sunday, most people's first reaction was to laugh.
How callous.
How short sighted.
Our town is supposed to be friendly and kind.
Gracious and helpful.
I don't see it right now.
I see a family who has been hurt, and a town that doesn't care about its own because it is too obsessed with its own image.
Stupid.
They are lucky the whole town didn't go up in smoke taking innocent lives with it.
They have farmed and been a great part of our community.
Because they farmed, they owned much land. As the years passed, the land became too expensive to keep so they put up a portion of it for sale. Great location. It was on the market for 4 years and nobody around here seemed interested in buying it.
Finally McDonalds (Yes. Big Macs) insisted that tey wanted the property. The family did not want to sell to them because they were a uge corporation etc and we are a small, family business oriented town. But the family was REALLY needing to unload this property. SO...they bargained. The family would develope the property, building the space for McD's and a small convenience store and gas station. They would rent the space to McD's. This would allow the family to insure that the spirit of the town (small western building facades/false fronts) was upheld.
Well, the idea of a McD's coming to town did not sit well with the community. There were MANY town meeting and alot of hot debates occuring in the editorial section of our small newspaper THE NUGGET NEWS. People try to pass ordinances limiting or banning franchises from opening in the town.
But the building is now ready for use and the "We're Hiring" signs have been up for 2 months now. They can't get anybody to work there.
But the big thing came this weekend, when our population soars from 10,000 to 45,000 because of the Sisters outdoor Quilt Show festival:
SETTING IT UP :
The town is filled for one weekend with 40,000 little old ladies who save up all year to come spend their money in our town. The surrounding towns within 100 miles have full hotels and b&b's because of this event.
It is also the height of Fire Season.
At 4:30 in the morning on Sunday, with a packed out town all asleep, some imbecile set fire to the new McDonalds and burned it down.
The sad thing is that McDonalds doesn't own the building, it belongs to the family.
Yes there is insurance but only after a hefty deductable.
Any perceived evils to come into town via the presence of a McDonalds are eclipsed in my mind now because of the crime that was perpetrated on one of our own families by some one in the same community.
The ends DO NOT ever justify the means.
It ticks me off, because when the news hit town on Sunday, most people's first reaction was to laugh.
How callous.
How short sighted.
Our town is supposed to be friendly and kind.
Gracious and helpful.
I don't see it right now.
I see a family who has been hurt, and a town that doesn't care about its own because it is too obsessed with its own image.
Stupid.
They are lucky the whole town didn't go up in smoke taking innocent lives with it.
Saturday, July 9, 2005
Ramble-Shmamble!
In a very bad French Accent:
"I ramble in your general direction!"
"Now go away or shall ramble at you a second time!"
Is This What Happens When Old People Retire?
So I quit my FT job to be more of a mom.
So that I could save that mental and emotional energy and give it to my kids when they are having their "moments" with the rest of the world.
So that I could focus more on what I am supposed to be doing - painting, music and related stuff.
And what has really happened?
Surely I am experiencing a fore-taste of what retirement is supposed to be like: Stu runs the media co out of our home office. This means that when he is not out on the road he is home.
Distracting me, bugging me when I am trying to concentrate.
I dunno but man! Art and creativity require space and time. At least for me they do.
When my kids are asleep or off doing something, that is my hallowed time to hunker down in "my space" and focus. I don't need some man coming in the middle of it, every two-bloody seconds to make small-talk.
I am going crazy! (-er?)
He doesn't grok the idea of personal space or boundaries.
How does a person say," No offense, but I need to be alone," without offending the, er...offending party?
So I have taken to getting up in the middle of the night to complete some of the work in the quiet stillness of the sleeping household. But at 2:30am I really am not always at my creative best.
He is shooting a gig for Camp Concepts in Canby next week. He wants us all to go, and I think it would be good for the girls because they would have things to do and could swim in the pool etc.
But I would really like to stay home and send him on the road so that I could get some work done while he is away.
heheh!
oh I dunno.
It's crazy.
The Art Fest
The show went well.
I put up the more eclectic images, and the people that really liked them were people that I really admired so that is happy. Of course where my booth was, there were a bunch of trad pieces like landscapes and some textile art and quilt stuf, so the people that often ended up on that side of the building were the kind who didn't "get" it.
But its all good.
Gardner was REALLY encouraging, and his work is really first rate so his praise really helped me get through the rest of the project.
Another really good thing about this set up is that I didn't have to sit in my booth. Wendy did it for me. I don't think I could have gotten through the show if I would have had to sit and watch people look at my stuff. I would have been second guessing all of their facial expressions and would have totally freaked myself out.
So, basically it was good. I see now that I must get a better camera.
There is nothing for it.
I just have to suck it up and find a way.
I started two larger abstracts last week as well, and I already know how I will finish and frame them. That is the hardest part usually. Its nice to have it all dialed-in in advance for a change. ;O)
I had a great time talking to Michael the other day.
He is one of those artists that when you look at his work your first thought is, "Wow! I am standing in the presence of greatness."
Well at least that was one of my first thoughts.
And his style has really morphed since he returned from the UK.
It is fascinating to watch.
And speaking of the UK:
Where are all of my friends?
We are waiting patiently for them all to check in with an "I am ok" update.
But with each passing day I am wondering more and more...
Soldiers Away
I keep thinking of Brianna.
Bri is a gunner in a tank in Iraq.
Many of the other soldiers she is with are from the UK.
When her mom shipped her fiddle to her, they all were so happy.
She played a couple of trad celtic/bar tunes, and drew a huge crowd of fellow soldiers, all from the UK.
I am thinking of them, far away in Iraq, while they may be worrying about friends and family back home.
How horrible it must be for them.
But Bri is on leave and back here at home in Seattle at least for a few weeks.
Maybe she will come to HD fest in Eastern Washington at the end of the month?
Maybe she will play her dad's dijeridoo again. (sp?)
Peace, Love and Gunz
Her mom is one of the sweetest, peace loving hippie's I ever knew.
She is the ultimate pacifist and threatened to kidnap her son and haul him to Canada when he enlisted. Funny that. Because now all of her kids have chosen to go to Iraq.
She said, "what did I do? Where did I go wrong?"
I had to laff.
how many parents would give their eye-teeth to be able to say that they raised their kids to be able to have, recognise and act on a firm conviction -whether the parents agreed with it or not.
So here is poor KiKi Pacifist with a passel of soldier kids.
I say that "she done good!"
They are putting shoe leather to what they think is important.
Friday, July 8, 2005
ack
Wow! I am elated!
My friend went in for emergency cancer surgery and seems to have come through it with flying colours. She is home tonight and resting well. YAY!
It has been a crazy week, helping her with some of her jobs and getting her appts set up and transpo etc, to and from the docs, but it all seems to be working out great! YAY!
I also had an impromptu call to enter some artsy-fartsy photos in a local show, so that was crazy, getting them all printed/processed and matted and framed and what not.
Crazy.
I am SO uncomfortable with people who are not Cyber-people, looking at some of my stuff.
That is weird and dumb of me, I dunno what is up with that, but that is how it is.
Anyway, two kids have been gone all week. I get to retrieve them tomorrow.
YAY!
I had a REALLY good time trading mild quips with Chucker today.
It has been a long time since there was any healthy communication and tom-foolery between my lyster friends and I. It is a soothing balm to the heart.
Dumb stuff is good.
So, it was a crazy week.
I was stretched artistically.
I was stretched physically and spiritually.
It was good.
I am SO glad that Scraper decided to re-paste up the old Mysterium page with the donation info.
I was afraid she was going to get stuck paying for a meeting room yet again.
I hope it goes well this year.
Some people seem disgruntled.
But still, in the end, it is people that make the event.
Kinda like UU, it is people who keep the city alive.
My friend went in for emergency cancer surgery and seems to have come through it with flying colours. She is home tonight and resting well. YAY!
It has been a crazy week, helping her with some of her jobs and getting her appts set up and transpo etc, to and from the docs, but it all seems to be working out great! YAY!
I also had an impromptu call to enter some artsy-fartsy photos in a local show, so that was crazy, getting them all printed/processed and matted and framed and what not.
Crazy.
I am SO uncomfortable with people who are not Cyber-people, looking at some of my stuff.
That is weird and dumb of me, I dunno what is up with that, but that is how it is.
Anyway, two kids have been gone all week. I get to retrieve them tomorrow.
YAY!
I had a REALLY good time trading mild quips with Chucker today.
It has been a long time since there was any healthy communication and tom-foolery between my lyster friends and I. It is a soothing balm to the heart.
Dumb stuff is good.
So, it was a crazy week.
I was stretched artistically.
I was stretched physically and spiritually.
It was good.
I am SO glad that Scraper decided to re-paste up the old Mysterium page with the donation info.
I was afraid she was going to get stuck paying for a meeting room yet again.
I hope it goes well this year.
Some people seem disgruntled.
But still, in the end, it is people that make the event.
Kinda like UU, it is people who keep the city alive.
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Welcome to Stupidity Korner:
Todays guest is me.
I was recording some tunes for some friends to learn, (we are stuck in "play it by ear" mode and frankly, we like it that way), and I kept getting this annoying white noise in the back ground.
I am looking all over the house. I am monitoring my levels and stuff, but this keeps happening and I couldn't figure it out cuz it hasn't been a problem in the past.
Well DUH!
Where did I oh-so-casually leave the mic laying?
Right next to my computer, who's fan is going!
In fact, the fan is blowing right across the top of it!
*Slaps own forehead!*
Doh!
That is todays episode of Stupidity Korner!
I was recording some tunes for some friends to learn, (we are stuck in "play it by ear" mode and frankly, we like it that way), and I kept getting this annoying white noise in the back ground.
I am looking all over the house. I am monitoring my levels and stuff, but this keeps happening and I couldn't figure it out cuz it hasn't been a problem in the past.
Well DUH!
Where did I oh-so-casually leave the mic laying?
Right next to my computer, who's fan is going!
In fact, the fan is blowing right across the top of it!
*Slaps own forehead!*
Doh!
That is todays episode of Stupidity Korner!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Oh! New Cyberness occurs!
I am having great fun visiting a new and g-rated chat room which I have recently stumbled upon.
They actually talk about things sometimes and yet, lurkers are not shunned .
I often think of Jim Steph when I am there, wondering if he is lurking about somewhere unbeknownst to me. And so would I appear as an unknown to him.
It was great!
I greated a kid in Gaelic who entered the room and while no one else knew that his name meant "music," I was able to recognise it and greet him appropriately.
This reminds me of the old days in RG.
There is a wide range of ages and talents and interests, and yet every one seems to get along and respect each other
It is a cool thing and a balm to the heart.
They actually talk about things sometimes and yet, lurkers are not shunned .
I often think of Jim Steph when I am there, wondering if he is lurking about somewhere unbeknownst to me. And so would I appear as an unknown to him.
It was great!
I greated a kid in Gaelic who entered the room and while no one else knew that his name meant "music," I was able to recognise it and greet him appropriately.
This reminds me of the old days in RG.
There is a wide range of ages and talents and interests, and yet every one seems to get along and respect each other
It is a cool thing and a balm to the heart.
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Theme Song for Sale
But since Mr. MacMax has been slinging the Scotish-isms in his goodnatured, haggis-fisted manner, I thought I would sling this new lovely right back.
It will eventually grace the Scotsman's Journal Mirror permanently.
Now here is the challenge;
Name that reel.
Oh sure.
Sure you can.
It will eventually grace the Scotsman's Journal Mirror permanently.
Now here is the challenge;
Name that reel.
Oh sure.
Sure you can.
Two Things That make for a VERY good Morning:
My kid being home for the first time in 10 days from his crew job at Camp Corbett, and...
SCORED a cheapo Espresso machine at the thrift store.YAY!
It is way different from the one at the shop. (duh!)
But I am getting the hang of working this little one, finally getting a decent Crema.
So it was really fun to set up my space with my Sugar Free Torani's and Cocoa, they way I keep them at the Bad Ass, and Blake came home yesterday, walked around the side of the kitchen and goes, "WHOA!"
I go, "Dude! I can make you a latte in the morning tomorrow."
He's all, "RIGHT on!"
Saturday, June 25, 2005
Well that's better
Now, I hope to put the afore mentioned blog-weirdnes away and move right along.
I got home from Portland to check subscriptions and lo and behold a tidal wave - ok fine - 11 total - subscription requests for something called "RoundTable" came flooding in. First I was looking fro Free Pizza Coupons until I realised what I was looking at.
Coolness.
Nice job Aquila!
I got home from Portland to check subscriptions and lo and behold a tidal wave - ok fine - 11 total - subscription requests for something called "RoundTable" came flooding in. First I was looking fro Free Pizza Coupons until I realised what I was looking at.
Coolness.
Nice job Aquila!
Thursday, June 23, 2005
ok, so this blog is being mentarily weird...
It is late at night and my back is killing me, and I can hardly breathe because of stupid muscle spasms so I am goin gto go have a nice lie down and see if I can figure this stupid blog weirdness out tomorrow night er something.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Blue Max Shares Heartfelt Creedo
What fun!
Thank you Max for finding and sharing the audio-sentiment which lies at the heart of the Scotsman Journal Mirror.
I think you should be awarded something.
*thinks...*
Haggis is supposed to be important.
How 'bout some 'o' that?
Oh wait, no...I know...it's Scotch, isn't it?!
That would be the awarded prize!
;o)
Thank you Max for finding and sharing the audio-sentiment which lies at the heart of the Scotsman Journal Mirror.
I think you should be awarded something.
*thinks...*
Haggis is supposed to be important.
How 'bout some 'o' that?
Oh wait, no...I know...it's Scotch, isn't it?!
That would be the awarded prize!
;o)
What can people be thinking?
I don't know what has possessed me.
I don't know why I did it.
I managed to register at the Uru Obsession Forums.
I DON'T do forums.
On a wacky spree I decided to go register, thinking it would be no big deal and besides, alot of my good friends are there.
One of the first threads I find is of course, one about Mysterium.
"Oh good!" says I to myself, "I wonder who is going? (lucky dogs!)"
Let's go find out.
I see a couple of friends and it is cool, then I find the ugly head of weirdness raise itself up again.
Quoting one writer in the forums:
"...some people aren't going to Mysterium because they don't like what it has become..."
Well and what the Heek would THAT be? Hmm....?
THE DEFINITIVE, QUOTABLE ANSWER TO ALL THINGS MYSTERIUM:
Ultimately, it is the attendees that determine the spirit of Mysterium.
If you attend with a feeling of joy and a spirit of community, then Mysterium will be an awesome event. If you attend with a negative attitude and the idea that you will walk away dissatisfied, then you are likely to meet your own expectations. If you choose not to attend at all, then you forfeit your right to affect the outcome of Mysterium for yourself or anyone else. The planners simply arrange dates, negotiate with the hotels, suggest activities, and organize details. Nobody is required to stay at the hotels chosen, and no activity on the itinerary is considered mandatory. Mysterium is very loosely structured in order to give people the flexibility to engage in alternate activities should they so choose. What you do, who you associate with, where you go, and what attitude you carry are all up to you.
What Mysterium turns into is up to you.
But only if you attend.
So really, if there is anybody to blame, it's the people who vote.
The planners do not control things.
It has always been the Community who - oh WAIT!
I see it now!
Now I know what the writer of that quote meant!
He doesn't like the voting Community making the decisions that drive the event, making it what (ever) it's become.
NOW I see what he is getting at.
In this case, I think the writer of the above quote and I have something in common, because I have been coming to the same conclusion for the last couple of years.
Well, if I got nothing else from that ill conceived idea to join UO Forums, I at least got an education.
Well, its 2:21am. Time for normal people to be "in bed."
*eyes Leh and Scraper and The Good Doctor.*
;o)
Mih-
Community = Frobozz Electric? (We ARE the Boss Of You!)
I suppose that would explain how so many are ending up totemized.
I don't know why I did it.
I managed to register at the Uru Obsession Forums.
I DON'T do forums.
On a wacky spree I decided to go register, thinking it would be no big deal and besides, alot of my good friends are there.
One of the first threads I find is of course, one about Mysterium.
"Oh good!" says I to myself, "I wonder who is going? (lucky dogs!)"
Let's go find out.
I see a couple of friends and it is cool, then I find the ugly head of weirdness raise itself up again.
Quoting one writer in the forums:
"...some people aren't going to Mysterium because they don't like what it has become..."
Well and what the Heek would THAT be? Hmm....?
THE DEFINITIVE, QUOTABLE ANSWER TO ALL THINGS MYSTERIUM:
Ultimately, it is the attendees that determine the spirit of Mysterium.
If you attend with a feeling of joy and a spirit of community, then Mysterium will be an awesome event. If you attend with a negative attitude and the idea that you will walk away dissatisfied, then you are likely to meet your own expectations. If you choose not to attend at all, then you forfeit your right to affect the outcome of Mysterium for yourself or anyone else. The planners simply arrange dates, negotiate with the hotels, suggest activities, and organize details. Nobody is required to stay at the hotels chosen, and no activity on the itinerary is considered mandatory. Mysterium is very loosely structured in order to give people the flexibility to engage in alternate activities should they so choose. What you do, who you associate with, where you go, and what attitude you carry are all up to you.
What Mysterium turns into is up to you.
But only if you attend.
So really, if there is anybody to blame, it's the people who vote.
The planners do not control things.
It has always been the Community who - oh WAIT!
I see it now!
Now I know what the writer of that quote meant!
He doesn't like the voting Community making the decisions that drive the event, making it what (ever) it's become.
NOW I see what he is getting at.
In this case, I think the writer of the above quote and I have something in common, because I have been coming to the same conclusion for the last couple of years.
Well, if I got nothing else from that ill conceived idea to join UO Forums, I at least got an education.
Well, its 2:21am. Time for normal people to be "in bed."
*eyes Leh and Scraper and The Good Doctor.*
;o)
Mih-
Community = Frobozz Electric? (We ARE the Boss Of You!)
I suppose that would explain how so many are ending up totemized.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Busy times
I was talking to my friend Amber today, who quit her day job today in order to pursue art. We were talking about how, when people hear that you've "quit your day job" they suddenly think you "arent working." So they call you and want you to do all this stuff, like this errand or that one. Baby sit their kids because "well, you're not working now, so..." which could not be further from the truth.
What is it about art that people don't get? If it can't be Quantified or Mass Produced then it isn't 'real,' 'viable,' or 'valuable?"
That's just stupid.
Yes person, I quit my office job in order to "work from home."
I am busy.
VERY busy.
Processing via creation and vice-versa.
It's work.
I am focusing on 'being a mom' now.
That doesn't mean I am sitting at home watching soaps and eating bon-bons.
I heard something interesting the other day at church.
Tim was reading through something that Jesus said.
It was about our perspective on our work and our possessions.
Jesus was talking giving an example of how not to be.
He was talking about this guy who's land had produced more than he needed to merely exist.
The guys dialogue was really bizarre.
He kept using the words, "I", "me", "my", and "mine" in almost every sentence in the paragraph.
He kept referring to "his grain" and how he "thought to himself" (oh now THERE'S wise council!)
he thought to himself that he should build bigger barns to hold all of his grains and his bounteous posessions and stuff. He was telling himself that he finally had earned enough now, that he could relax, and eat, drink and be merry.
God called him a nit-whit. (Fool)
The guys whole lifes goal was to gain enough resources (money?) so that he could kick back and relax and not worry, but just cruise along.
It really struck me as interesting because in America most of us have that as our end goal.
And here God calls us fools for having that as our goal.
Ineteresting.
So it made me think very differently about money/resources.
It's not my money - it's Gods. He is letting me earn it.
It's not my house - it's Gods. He is letting me pay for it, using the money He gave me.
These are not my kids - god just let me try to raise them.
Nothing I "own" is really mine.
So if working for a living to create a lifestyle which allows me to "kick back and feel secure" is wrong as an end goal, then what should be my goals for earning money?
It made me think that, while earning a living to support your daily needs and those of your families is not wrong in and of itself, it IS wrong if that is your end goal.
So maybe I should look beyond and think, perhaps I should be earning money to share with those who don't have it?
Maybe our perspective should not be merely for our own comfort, but with a greater goal to serve the needs of God, humanity and ultimately, eternity.
What is the main reason you get up and go to work?
I know mine has been to "earn more" so that I could kick back someday.
Guess I am an idiot.
The very idea has expanded my mind.
My prayer is that God will make it internalize so that it can go beyond mental, to practical living.
What is it about art that people don't get? If it can't be Quantified or Mass Produced then it isn't 'real,' 'viable,' or 'valuable?"
That's just stupid.
Yes person, I quit my office job in order to "work from home."
I am busy.
VERY busy.
Processing via creation and vice-versa.
It's work.
I am focusing on 'being a mom' now.
That doesn't mean I am sitting at home watching soaps and eating bon-bons.
I heard something interesting the other day at church.
Tim was reading through something that Jesus said.
It was about our perspective on our work and our possessions.
Jesus was talking giving an example of how not to be.
He was talking about this guy who's land had produced more than he needed to merely exist.
The guys dialogue was really bizarre.
He kept using the words, "I", "me", "my", and "mine" in almost every sentence in the paragraph.
He kept referring to "his grain" and how he "thought to himself" (oh now THERE'S wise council!)
he thought to himself that he should build bigger barns to hold all of his grains and his bounteous posessions and stuff. He was telling himself that he finally had earned enough now, that he could relax, and eat, drink and be merry.
God called him a nit-whit. (Fool)
The guys whole lifes goal was to gain enough resources (money?) so that he could kick back and relax and not worry, but just cruise along.
It really struck me as interesting because in America most of us have that as our end goal.
And here God calls us fools for having that as our goal.
Ineteresting.
So it made me think very differently about money/resources.
It's not my money - it's Gods. He is letting me earn it.
It's not my house - it's Gods. He is letting me pay for it, using the money He gave me.
These are not my kids - god just let me try to raise them.
Nothing I "own" is really mine.
So if working for a living to create a lifestyle which allows me to "kick back and feel secure" is wrong as an end goal, then what should be my goals for earning money?
It made me think that, while earning a living to support your daily needs and those of your families is not wrong in and of itself, it IS wrong if that is your end goal.
So maybe I should look beyond and think, perhaps I should be earning money to share with those who don't have it?
Maybe our perspective should not be merely for our own comfort, but with a greater goal to serve the needs of God, humanity and ultimately, eternity.
What is the main reason you get up and go to work?
I know mine has been to "earn more" so that I could kick back someday.
Guess I am an idiot.
The very idea has expanded my mind.
My prayer is that God will make it internalize so that it can go beyond mental, to practical living.
Friday, June 17, 2005
I miss my latte machine
Many years ago, I sold my espresso maker because it was not getting sufficient use.
(What was WROnG with me I have no clue)
But after working this week at the Hawaiian Coffee shop known as The Bad Ass coffee company, I have regained my love of being able to concoct a latte at will, in the privacy of my own home.
I will begin to watch the shelves at the Goodwill Thriftstores for suitable replacement.
I updated the Scotsman Mirror today. The Journal has added some new content and Culture and History is one of the sections. They provide at the bottom of each day's update an "On This Day In History" item revolving around some important event or person in/from Scotland.
Man!
There are ALOT!
Here is an tiny excerpt:
"Scots father of the stealth fighter
SHHHH! Keep it to yourself, but the scientist whose discoveries led to the development of the US's stealth fighter was actually a Scot: James Clerk Maxwell."
I had no idea how many pivotal events, people, inventions etc came to grace our world and culture via the Scots! So many things that I had been taught were invented/developed by other people were actually done by the Scots first!
Did you know that?
I mean, The Scots have thought of everything, done everything and been everywhere before everyone else, and then the rest of the world stole their ideas.
I wonder what the Scots would think of Texas?
Texas makes the same bold claims.
;o)
(What was WROnG with me I have no clue)
But after working this week at the Hawaiian Coffee shop known as The Bad Ass coffee company, I have regained my love of being able to concoct a latte at will, in the privacy of my own home.
I will begin to watch the shelves at the Goodwill Thriftstores for suitable replacement.
I updated the Scotsman Mirror today. The Journal has added some new content and Culture and History is one of the sections. They provide at the bottom of each day's update an "On This Day In History" item revolving around some important event or person in/from Scotland.
Man!
There are ALOT!
Here is an tiny excerpt:
"Scots father of the stealth fighter
SHHHH! Keep it to yourself, but the scientist whose discoveries led to the development of the US's stealth fighter was actually a Scot: James Clerk Maxwell."
I had no idea how many pivotal events, people, inventions etc came to grace our world and culture via the Scots! So many things that I had been taught were invented/developed by other people were actually done by the Scots first!
Did you know that?
I mean, The Scots have thought of everything, done everything and been everywhere before everyone else, and then the rest of the world stole their ideas.
I wonder what the Scots would think of Texas?
Texas makes the same bold claims.
;o)
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
What I've been up to...
Man! I just realised that I haven't posted in at least a week or more.
Kid went to work in Portland, comes home on weekends - meaning I drive to Portland twice a week to get him and take him back again. Actually, this is ok , because I love to drive!
Quit the FT job, but still went in to train the chickie who took my place. I will still have to go back at the end of the month to teach her how to do the billings etc.
Today I worked on processing this, Mackenzie as her literary character dress up day, this , this and this mess 'o' fun.
One thing that was bothersome was the fact that the only time I could schedule to shoot with one of the girls was right in bloody stinkin' mid-day = crappy light. And then, when we finally go out on location, her energy went out after the first 10 minutes.
I am thinking, "Girl, you say you want to act, and you can't even sit around in wardrobe waiting for your turn at the camera and then get into character at the proper time. The 'hurry up and wait' is a thing you are gonna have to overcome sister.'"
Oh well. I didn't actually say that.
I still got plenty of photos to mess with, and plans to re-shoot some of them, but at the proper time of day.
I am tired, and I need to make another trip to Portland tomorrow.
I hope to hit up the art supply store downtown. Barb was telling me abotu soem funky new paint I should try out. Depends upon how much it costs. Maybe I will pick up some cheap canvases, or something. I dunno how. I have no $$.
What AM I thinking?
I'm not.
Actually I dunno what is going on.
I would like to have control of my brain again.
I had a major dizzy spell while driving the Suburban today...
(...brings new meaning to the words "deadly weapon." )
And my heart seems to race and pound at almost the same time every day.
That and I am fogetting many things, like conversations I have had with my daughter, apparently multiple times, and forgetting simple words - I referred to her kilt as a "kiln" twice yesterday.
She thinks I am just stupid.
As hard as it is to believe, my typos are increasing. ;o)
(As if I could have amymore than I already do. I swear, I think I will one day just leave an entire email or blogpost entirely unedited just as proof!) ;o)
I do not know what to think.
I might just be over tired for too many years.
When I mention my concerns to Stu, he says, "oh its probably just this or that," or that I am "probably fighting some bug/virus."
Maybe it's is true.
Maybe it's not.
Hmm, something to think about.
But apparently not mention aloud.
Well that was DREARY!
Hey, have a look at the fun photos - or better yet, go look at Blue Max's new kitten "Pixel."
There are few things more charming than kittens.
Kid went to work in Portland, comes home on weekends - meaning I drive to Portland twice a week to get him and take him back again. Actually, this is ok , because I love to drive!
Quit the FT job, but still went in to train the chickie who took my place. I will still have to go back at the end of the month to teach her how to do the billings etc.
Today I worked on processing this, Mackenzie as her literary character dress up day, this , this and this mess 'o' fun.
One thing that was bothersome was the fact that the only time I could schedule to shoot with one of the girls was right in bloody stinkin' mid-day = crappy light. And then, when we finally go out on location, her energy went out after the first 10 minutes.
I am thinking, "Girl, you say you want to act, and you can't even sit around in wardrobe waiting for your turn at the camera and then get into character at the proper time. The 'hurry up and wait' is a thing you are gonna have to overcome sister.'"
Oh well. I didn't actually say that.
I still got plenty of photos to mess with, and plans to re-shoot some of them, but at the proper time of day.
I am tired, and I need to make another trip to Portland tomorrow.
I hope to hit up the art supply store downtown. Barb was telling me abotu soem funky new paint I should try out. Depends upon how much it costs. Maybe I will pick up some cheap canvases, or something. I dunno how. I have no $$.
What AM I thinking?
I'm not.
Actually I dunno what is going on.
I would like to have control of my brain again.
I had a major dizzy spell while driving the Suburban today...
(...brings new meaning to the words "deadly weapon." )
And my heart seems to race and pound at almost the same time every day.
That and I am fogetting many things, like conversations I have had with my daughter, apparently multiple times, and forgetting simple words - I referred to her kilt as a "kiln" twice yesterday.
She thinks I am just stupid.
As hard as it is to believe, my typos are increasing. ;o)
(As if I could have amymore than I already do. I swear, I think I will one day just leave an entire email or blogpost entirely unedited just as proof!) ;o)
I do not know what to think.
I might just be over tired for too many years.
When I mention my concerns to Stu, he says, "oh its probably just this or that," or that I am "probably fighting some bug/virus."
Maybe it's is true.
Maybe it's not.
Hmm, something to think about.
But apparently not mention aloud.
Well that was DREARY!
Hey, have a look at the fun photos - or better yet, go look at Blue Max's new kitten "Pixel."
There are few things more charming than kittens.
Thursday, June 2, 2005
Another Song
So yesterday, I really felt that God had sent me a song in my head that I should pray with a mind toward David's mom.
Funny, at the same time of the morning today, I heard another song in my head out of the blue.
It was an old Celtic Standard, and this time I felt that the song was for me, as a gift from God to help me process David's passing.
The song is "The Parting Glass."
The particular arrangement is by Shaun Davies as he did it for the movie "Waking Ned Devine."
NEW SOUNDS UPDATE --------------------------->
link in the sidebar on the right:
Today, in honour of David, it is a snippet from Mr. Davies arrangement for Male Vocalist and Choir, which can be found by doing a search for Shaun Davies.
The song can be sung alone, or as a response by switching the pronouns in the refrain.
"Of all the friends that e'er I had,
they're sorry for my going away,
and all the sweethearts that e'er I had, they'd bid me one more day to stay.
But since it fell unto my lot,
That I should Rise, and you should not,
I gently rise and softly call;
'goodnight and joy be to you all.' "
Blackthorne has a really nice arrangement for it that include the repeated refrain of:
"Fill to me the parting glass, and drink a health what e're befalls,
Gently rise and softly call, goognight and joy be to you all."
Slainte David.
Funny, at the same time of the morning today, I heard another song in my head out of the blue.
It was an old Celtic Standard, and this time I felt that the song was for me, as a gift from God to help me process David's passing.
The song is "The Parting Glass."
The particular arrangement is by Shaun Davies as he did it for the movie "Waking Ned Devine."
NEW SOUNDS UPDATE --------------------------->
link in the sidebar on the right:
Today, in honour of David, it is a snippet from Mr. Davies arrangement for Male Vocalist and Choir, which can be found by doing a search for Shaun Davies.
The song can be sung alone, or as a response by switching the pronouns in the refrain.
"Of all the friends that e'er I had,
they're sorry for my going away,
and all the sweethearts that e'er I had, they'd bid me one more day to stay.
But since it fell unto my lot,
That I should Rise, and you should not,
I gently rise and softly call;
'goodnight and joy be to you all.' "
Blackthorne has a really nice arrangement for it that include the repeated refrain of:
"Fill to me the parting glass, and drink a health what e're befalls,
Gently rise and softly call, goognight and joy be to you all."
Slainte David.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Stunned Numb with Disbelief, and added Post Script
David is a great kid.
His little brother has been one of my son’s closest friends since 5th grade.
At Christmas break, David came home from college, and one of the things he did was spend mega-amounts of time with the boys as they re-produced and re-shot a film from the previous year’s film festival at their school.
David is a broadcast journalism student.
David is a great kid who loves God.
You don’t have to be around him for very long, before you realize this.
David is a talented actor – if he combined his journalism skills with his stage presence he would make a great weatherman. The camera loves him.
David gets along great with parents, and he gets along great with kids.
And he is genuine.
It was interesting, observing him as he worked with the boys re-shooting their crime drama. He took direction from the teen Director, but he very subtly guided as well…fostering a group participation attitude, and inspired the boys with his enthusiasm.
David spent Memorial Day weekend at Lake Shasta – a well known party place.
House boats are usually rented by huge groups. It is not uncommon to see multiple house boats tied together, and friends jump from boat to boat and spend the weekend swimming and generally having a great time.
Lake Shasta also has a dark reputation.
It is known for claiming the lives of the youthful who party or who, while basking in the joys of the summer’s first warming sun, forget they are mortal, loosing any good judgement they have.
David simply hopped a boat, and he missed.
He hit his head on the side.
David is gone.
In the blink of an eye.
In the span of a moment’s time, a happy guy with star potential, lost contact with the earthly tent he dwelled in, and is now at home with the Heavenly Father he loves.
Such a bright light is gone from us for a time.
How much brighter shines heaven today.
So David,
You are such a knucklehead!
And dang! You are missed boy!
May God be with your family and friends, who know beyond doubt where you are tonight, but who are flailing in the huge gap that your departure has left.
David
March 15 1984 - May 29 2005
JUNE 1st ADDITION:
I was driving in to work this morning, and a song struck me in the head.
It was one from church and I got to thinking, after it swirled around namelessly and wordlessly in my head for about 10 minutes, that there were words in this song that had significance to what David's family and what the rest of us are processing.
The song talks about rendering thankfulness to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.
"...blessed be Your Name,
On the road filled with suffering,
Though there's pain in the offering,
Blessed be Your Name!"
It is not an act of happiness all the time to give thanks to God, but we are commanded to do it (especially when we don't feel like it) and it often yields a very strange result:
One is often encouraged by verbalizing thankfulness to God when one is in the darkest of places.
It is like lighting a candle and warmth slowly comes afterward.
His little brother has been one of my son’s closest friends since 5th grade.
At Christmas break, David came home from college, and one of the things he did was spend mega-amounts of time with the boys as they re-produced and re-shot a film from the previous year’s film festival at their school.
David is a broadcast journalism student.
David is a great kid who loves God.
You don’t have to be around him for very long, before you realize this.
David is a talented actor – if he combined his journalism skills with his stage presence he would make a great weatherman. The camera loves him.
David gets along great with parents, and he gets along great with kids.
And he is genuine.
It was interesting, observing him as he worked with the boys re-shooting their crime drama. He took direction from the teen Director, but he very subtly guided as well…fostering a group participation attitude, and inspired the boys with his enthusiasm.
David spent Memorial Day weekend at Lake Shasta – a well known party place.
House boats are usually rented by huge groups. It is not uncommon to see multiple house boats tied together, and friends jump from boat to boat and spend the weekend swimming and generally having a great time.
Lake Shasta also has a dark reputation.
It is known for claiming the lives of the youthful who party or who, while basking in the joys of the summer’s first warming sun, forget they are mortal, loosing any good judgement they have.
David simply hopped a boat, and he missed.
He hit his head on the side.
David is gone.
In the blink of an eye.
In the span of a moment’s time, a happy guy with star potential, lost contact with the earthly tent he dwelled in, and is now at home with the Heavenly Father he loves.
Such a bright light is gone from us for a time.
How much brighter shines heaven today.
So David,
You are such a knucklehead!
And dang! You are missed boy!
May God be with your family and friends, who know beyond doubt where you are tonight, but who are flailing in the huge gap that your departure has left.
David
March 15 1984 - May 29 2005
JUNE 1st ADDITION:
I was driving in to work this morning, and a song struck me in the head.
It was one from church and I got to thinking, after it swirled around namelessly and wordlessly in my head for about 10 minutes, that there were words in this song that had significance to what David's family and what the rest of us are processing.
The song talks about rendering thankfulness to God no matter what circumstances you find yourself in.
"...blessed be Your Name,
On the road filled with suffering,
Though there's pain in the offering,
Blessed be Your Name!"
It is not an act of happiness all the time to give thanks to God, but we are commanded to do it (especially when we don't feel like it) and it often yields a very strange result:
One is often encouraged by verbalizing thankfulness to God when one is in the darkest of places.
It is like lighting a candle and warmth slowly comes afterward.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Standing Before the Furnace
The following post is in relation to one made previously entitled "Won't You Come In?"
Funny
After choosing to make the Journey to The Furnace, I expected all-hell-to-be-breaking-loose with regard to my mental and emotional state the closer I got...
...even though I knew the One who asked me to go, would also be waiting for me there at the end...
The friend who I thought I saw providing a way out for me, is not here. I am glad of it, and I see now that even if she was here, there is no need to escape from the path.
It's funny, because the blast I was expecting as I got closer to the mouth of the furnace is not now as hot as I once imagined.
The glaring blaze I witnessed from much farther back, while still bright, appears now as a diffused glow.
The burning, melting flames that seared me at that greater distance are no longer present as I stand here before the threshold.
The area in front of the furnace is a cool and green-growing space.
It is almost garden-like.
You know me.
You know I am a "visual/verbal" processor.
I "see" things.
In my head.
I know, I sound crazy.
But the scenario of the Furnace, while spiritualized, is almost tangible to me.
The cool green before the threshold is just as real.
I am reminded of stories of the Celtic Otherworld and the Thin Places of the world.
Side by Side.
I am reminded of Paul The Apostle saying,
"Now we see as through a glass darkly, but when we stand before the Throne we will see Him as He is. Right now we see in part, but then we will see fully."
In my mind's eye I see where I am, and where I am not.
Something within me questions:
Am I already in the furnace? Or am I still on the outside?
I may no longer be able to tell the difference.
But it does not concern me, nor does fear pierce me as it once did when I started this Journey.
It is a "thin place."
And this particular "thin place" is where ever I walk.
I take my "Thin Place" with me.
Funny
After choosing to make the Journey to The Furnace, I expected all-hell-to-be-breaking-loose with regard to my mental and emotional state the closer I got...
...even though I knew the One who asked me to go, would also be waiting for me there at the end...
The friend who I thought I saw providing a way out for me, is not here. I am glad of it, and I see now that even if she was here, there is no need to escape from the path.
It's funny, because the blast I was expecting as I got closer to the mouth of the furnace is not now as hot as I once imagined.
The glaring blaze I witnessed from much farther back, while still bright, appears now as a diffused glow.
The burning, melting flames that seared me at that greater distance are no longer present as I stand here before the threshold.
The area in front of the furnace is a cool and green-growing space.
It is almost garden-like.
You know me.
You know I am a "visual/verbal" processor.
I "see" things.
In my head.
I know, I sound crazy.
But the scenario of the Furnace, while spiritualized, is almost tangible to me.
The cool green before the threshold is just as real.
I am reminded of stories of the Celtic Otherworld and the Thin Places of the world.
Side by Side.
I am reminded of Paul The Apostle saying,
"Now we see as through a glass darkly, but when we stand before the Throne we will see Him as He is. Right now we see in part, but then we will see fully."
In my mind's eye I see where I am, and where I am not.
Something within me questions:
Am I already in the furnace? Or am I still on the outside?
I may no longer be able to tell the difference.
But it does not concern me, nor does fear pierce me as it once did when I started this Journey.
It is a "thin place."
And this particular "thin place" is where ever I walk.
I take my "Thin Place" with me.
Monday, May 23, 2005
A Post about absoltively NOTHING AT ALL.
COUNTING DOWN:
ahh, it's at times like these that I do so love math:
-6 more days in the office. Count them-6. I love doing the math.
-2 more days till we have the surgery for which we have waited 7 years to have done.
Sometimes, numbers are your friends.
FREELANCE-O-RAMA
I completed another freelance project today, and will get to continue for doing so, from home in the future. Wee-ha! I love working at home.
After June 3rd, I will arrange to pick up a new freelance client. I will train as a barrista down at the "Bad Ass Coffee Shop."
I kid you NOT, that is what it's called.
It is a CHAIN of specialty Kona Coffee/gift stores, and they are based in Hawaii.
Anyway, they are going to train me and then I can sub for them when their people get sick or need a vacation,
BUT
...the beauty is...with the newly acquired barrista skills, I can also sub myself out to all of the other coffee places in town! With a population of 14,000, there are 6 coffee houses/kiosks. The distance from one end of town to the other is less than a half mile. With nary a stop light to be found. (I think people here are such coffee addicts, that the caffeine induced sense of "hurry-up" would only be heightened if a stop light were added into the mix.)
Anyway I train for free, for one client, and get to market myself to 5 others.
Yay for 'mom-n-pop' businesses in the tourist town.
It is fun because some one will come into a store and interact with me one day, and then the next week I will be at a totally different store, or office, and they get confuzzled.
I enjoy that.
So 6 more days and I will be unencumbered by the 8-5 job.
PORTLAND OREGON BLUES
2 more days and I will play Nurse Ratchett to my beloved daughter. Then I will take my first born son to camp 200 miles away, and only get to go and fetch him back on weekends.
Needless to say, I will be driving to Portland alot this summer.
MY PLACE IN THE SUN
Stu is looking up a gig he found on the internet.
It will mean he has to commute to Portland, LA and all over the globe possibly.
Yay.
(oops. Did I say that out loud?) ;o)
(Maybe I don't care.)
Maybe I do.
I dunno sometimes.
Its a good thing that God is Bigger.
ahh, it's at times like these that I do so love math:
-6 more days in the office. Count them-6. I love doing the math.
-2 more days till we have the surgery for which we have waited 7 years to have done.
Sometimes, numbers are your friends.
FREELANCE-O-RAMA
I completed another freelance project today, and will get to continue for doing so, from home in the future. Wee-ha! I love working at home.
After June 3rd, I will arrange to pick up a new freelance client. I will train as a barrista down at the "Bad Ass Coffee Shop."
I kid you NOT, that is what it's called.
It is a CHAIN of specialty Kona Coffee/gift stores, and they are based in Hawaii.
Anyway, they are going to train me and then I can sub for them when their people get sick or need a vacation,
BUT
...the beauty is...with the newly acquired barrista skills, I can also sub myself out to all of the other coffee places in town! With a population of 14,000, there are 6 coffee houses/kiosks. The distance from one end of town to the other is less than a half mile. With nary a stop light to be found. (I think people here are such coffee addicts, that the caffeine induced sense of "hurry-up" would only be heightened if a stop light were added into the mix.)
Anyway I train for free, for one client, and get to market myself to 5 others.
Yay for 'mom-n-pop' businesses in the tourist town.
It is fun because some one will come into a store and interact with me one day, and then the next week I will be at a totally different store, or office, and they get confuzzled.
I enjoy that.
So 6 more days and I will be unencumbered by the 8-5 job.
PORTLAND OREGON BLUES
2 more days and I will play Nurse Ratchett to my beloved daughter. Then I will take my first born son to camp 200 miles away, and only get to go and fetch him back on weekends.
Needless to say, I will be driving to Portland alot this summer.
MY PLACE IN THE SUN
Stu is looking up a gig he found on the internet.
It will mean he has to commute to Portland, LA and all over the globe possibly.
Yay.
(oops. Did I say that out loud?) ;o)
(Maybe I don't care.)
Maybe I do.
I dunno sometimes.
Its a good thing that God is Bigger.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
Playing Uru
Am I the only psycho that deals with this?
I did not play the Uru game(s) until they were released as Complete Chronic les.
After having gallivanted (sp?) all over the place, I know that I should play the ages out in the order they are given: 1st The Journeys, 2nd To D'ni, 3rd The Shell Path's.
But I find myself drawn to the Shell Paths ahead of the others.
Am I uniquely weird?
I find that these ages some how are more "user friendly" - at least to me they are. And perhaps that all comes down to individual preference.
(I know. I am SO ramblng.)
...but my computer is working again, and after a months absence I find that I can play Uru:Complete Chronicles again.
Did everyone dutifully play Complete Chronicles in the logical order, or di d you play the ages randomly as they appealed to you?
This is SUCH a weird email...I know...and yet, I am listening to the sound t rack and thinking, "wow this is all so stinkin' cool" and as usual, I am STUCK in some AGE!!
I just wondered if you all played through in the correct order or if you scampered all about?
(as I am doing)
mih-
I did not play the Uru game(s) until they were released as Complete Chronic les.
After having gallivanted (sp?) all over the place, I know that I should play the ages out in the order they are given: 1st The Journeys, 2nd To D'ni, 3rd The Shell Path's.
But I find myself drawn to the Shell Paths ahead of the others.
Am I uniquely weird?
I find that these ages some how are more "user friendly" - at least to me they are. And perhaps that all comes down to individual preference.
(I know. I am SO ramblng.)
...but my computer is working again, and after a months absence I find that I can play Uru:Complete Chronicles again.
Did everyone dutifully play Complete Chronicles in the logical order, or di d you play the ages randomly as they appealed to you?
This is SUCH a weird email...I know...and yet, I am listening to the sound t rack and thinking, "wow this is all so stinkin' cool" and as usual, I am STUCK in some AGE!!
I just wondered if you all played through in the correct order or if you scampered all about?
(as I am doing)
mih-
Thursday, May 19, 2005
In Todays News of the Bogus:
Myst Fans, apparently from the Age of Florida, are requesting a re-vote to elect a new city for Mysterium 2005.
This reporter was unaware that an Age of Florida was ever written.
And I would question the skill of such a writer, seeing that he,
(in what I can only assume was an inadvertant error)
managed to include a sense of indignation in the psyche's of the inhabitants, that mirrors that of the Hanging Chad episode.
I am sure the writer of such an Age would have had both hands lopped off and would have been sent directly to a Prison Age for life.
Time to apply the Chastening Agent
This reporter was unaware that an Age of Florida was ever written.
And I would question the skill of such a writer, seeing that he,
(in what I can only assume was an inadvertant error)
managed to include a sense of indignation in the psyche's of the inhabitants, that mirrors that of the Hanging Chad episode.
I am sure the writer of such an Age would have had both hands lopped off and would have been sent directly to a Prison Age for life.
Time to apply the Chastening Agent
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Black Watch Kiln and Art Imitates Book?
THE BLACK WATCH KILN PROJECT:
In other news, we only need one more person to contribute to the Kiln and we will have enough to buy it, supply it and maintain it.
It will be great if Barb can keep it at her place with the glass blowing stuff.
We should have a "Christening." Like the launching of a ship or something.
Maybe smash a MacTarnahans or Black Watch against the rim and have Trevor do an impression of the Queen: "I christen thee, the USS Black Watch Kiln."
Or not.
We all get up to some goofy stuff when we get together.
MEGA-PROJECT ADVANCES SLOWLY:
So I changed the panels seperating my studio from the living room, and in the process managed to improve on some of the Atenue languages for Mega Project.
I can already hear Barb going, "Great. More backstory."
Sorry Babz. I gotta make a nest before I start laying eggs.
(uh...never mind).
Was reading Steve O's blog today and was reminded that creativity floods or droughts are common. Rather than be all anal and force it, I just need to go with the flow and use the burst of creativity when it shows up.
I wonder if that would make me appear some what manic?
Hmmm...
Do I care about such an appearance?
enh.....
In other news, we only need one more person to contribute to the Kiln and we will have enough to buy it, supply it and maintain it.
It will be great if Barb can keep it at her place with the glass blowing stuff.
We should have a "Christening." Like the launching of a ship or something.
Maybe smash a MacTarnahans or Black Watch against the rim and have Trevor do an impression of the Queen: "I christen thee, the USS Black Watch Kiln."
Or not.
We all get up to some goofy stuff when we get together.
MEGA-PROJECT ADVANCES SLOWLY:
So I changed the panels seperating my studio from the living room, and in the process managed to improve on some of the Atenue languages for Mega Project.
I can already hear Barb going, "Great. More backstory."
Sorry Babz. I gotta make a nest before I start laying eggs.
(uh...never mind).
Was reading Steve O's blog today and was reminded that creativity floods or droughts are common. Rather than be all anal and force it, I just need to go with the flow and use the burst of creativity when it shows up.
I wonder if that would make me appear some what manic?
Hmmm...
Do I care about such an appearance?
enh.....
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
You Go Girl!
Good heavens Lehsa!
You have always been good,
when the poop hits the fan especially!
Gotta love it!
Especially last year in Toronto, I dunno if I told you...but that day after most people left, when you and I just hung out together - we walked all over the place and had dinner with Eri? That day will live FOREVER in my mind.
What a sweet and peaceful time.
If I never said it before, then I am saying it now:
to my way of thinking,
you are a unique blend of creativity and flame,
of sensitivity and cut-the-crap-common-horse-sense
that feeds my spirit.
Dang yer good!
You have always been good,
when the poop hits the fan especially!
Gotta love it!
Especially last year in Toronto, I dunno if I told you...but that day after most people left, when you and I just hung out together - we walked all over the place and had dinner with Eri? That day will live FOREVER in my mind.
What a sweet and peaceful time.
If I never said it before, then I am saying it now:
to my way of thinking,
you are a unique blend of creativity and flame,
of sensitivity and cut-the-crap-common-horse-sense
that feeds my spirit.
Dang yer good!
A view through the Golden Spy Glass
"All things are seen and unseen."
Disappearing ink has been provided courtesy of the Golden Spy Glass.
Disappearing ink has been provided courtesy of the Golden Spy Glass.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Its a new week and SOUNDS update
...and I have a training today on the new e-copier, and I need to finish up
this project for NWHDS, and I think I will update the SOUNDS link over in the side bar.
:o)
Today is a hug day.
yuk.
But tomorrow is a new day, and I only have 14 days left of actual office time.
:o)
Yay!
I can't wait to start assembling some of the images for RIMH.
But that will have to wait until summer.
Started culling through the numerous originals, in order to get some stuff ready for sale.
Where I have no clue.
I am just doing what I'm told. (Isn't THAT a change?!)
It irritates me that some of them are really small, so I guess, in order to keep the main project on track I need to do it in right order:
matte
frame
hang
price.
At some point though I am going to have to reproduce the originals and make them the appropriate size, that being at lease 23x35 or greater. Preferably twice that size.
But thats just me.
I need them to be big.
Big enough to remind me of food.
Big enough to be edible.
Big enough to grok.
henh.
this project for NWHDS, and I think I will update the SOUNDS link over in the side bar.
:o)
Today is a hug day.
yuk.
But tomorrow is a new day, and I only have 14 days left of actual office time.
:o)
Yay!
I can't wait to start assembling some of the images for RIMH.
But that will have to wait until summer.
Started culling through the numerous originals, in order to get some stuff ready for sale.
Where I have no clue.
I am just doing what I'm told. (Isn't THAT a change?!)
It irritates me that some of them are really small, so I guess, in order to keep the main project on track I need to do it in right order:
matte
frame
hang
price.
At some point though I am going to have to reproduce the originals and make them the appropriate size, that being at lease 23x35 or greater. Preferably twice that size.
But thats just me.
I need them to be big.
Big enough to remind me of food.
Big enough to be edible.
Big enough to grok.
henh.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
And now onward to other bizarre things that annoy me:
Such as the following brand of Christianity:
I cannot believe I actually know people who DO this:
I found out through the grape vine (my kids) that a local family refuses to purchase
a Western U.S. brand of Cola because on the label there are many stars, and SOME of them are upside down.
(???!!!)
But wait...there's more...
They will not purchase A POPULAR HOT COCOA MIX BRAND, because on the package, the marshmallows depicted in the mug have melted into the Yin/Yan shape.
(????!!!!)
Wha...??
Wha Happen?
What happened to sense here?
I was pondering this, and thinking, ok so now, these same people proclaim that Christ died to take away the penalty for what we earn via our own poor/angry/self-centered choices. They proclaim that this forgiveness cannot be earned, but rather, is a free gift to anyone who chooses to accept this forgiveness, and a gift from God Himself. Not because one has done enough "good deeds. "
(In reality, God Himself says, all of our GOOD deeds are equal to sh _t as far as He is concerned, so don't even bother trying to earn brownie points.)
Ok, now so look at this particular family, knowing that they profess that the above is true.
(Which it is.)
What are they doing to make themselves "Holy?"
Do? As in Deeds? As in Earn?
They shun packaging because of what it looks like on the outside?
Have they not reduced portions of their faith to "salvation based on works?"
"oooo if I drink that Soda with the upside down stars on the label, I will surely be bound for hell!"
Welcome to legalism at its most ridiculous!
Yes, it is also true that faith without works is dead. God even says it in the Bible, but it is the joy and love of God that comes first via the faith and forgiveness. The translation from inner heart condition to daily behaviours first comes from the restored relationship and the understanding of that intimate relationship that He desires, which finds it's natural out working in our deeds.
To try to earn Gods favour with out accepting the relationship is to put the cart before the horse.
To take portions of the the Bible and to disregard other parts is foolishness.
God Himself also defines acceptable from unacceptable behaviours in the Bible, and when HE does, we are commanded (not asked) to suck it up and just do it, (or refrain from doing it) and there is no room for argument.
Some things truly are black and white from His perspective, and His perspective is way more valid than mine, or yours, or this family's. After all, if I am going to say that I believe in God, then it is to say that He is smarter than me. (or You or this family)
And who is going acknowledge a smarter being and then choose not to heed what they say?
Who would choose to be stupid when there is a chance to follow along and learn something for a change?
Every body screws up.
It doesn't matter if you know God or not.
Nobody is perfect (anymore).
It's part of being trapped in this flesh tent for the time being.
Imperfection and lack of full knowledge just go with the territory here.
Someday, in HIS OWN good time, He will release us from this tent, and we will then see things as they really are.
I can't believe I know people like this family.
I thought it was impossible:
To be so legalistic about things that are not put forth in the bible, but to also take extreme liberties with other portions of the bible that they don't want to obey.
God is lock-stock-and-barrel.
You can't pick a little bit and leave the rest.
You have to take it all, or none at all.
If they really new the bible they profess to live by, then they would know this.
EXAMPLE OF BLACK AND WHITE:
Jesus Himself gave only two choices.
He proclaimed that He Himself was God incarnate.
He didn't claim to be a prophet or wise teacher.
Therefore He only gave us a black and white choice:
Either you believe what He says, or you don't.
There is no middle ground.
I could go on FOR DAYS about this, but I will stop now.
EXAMPLE OF GREY:
As I rethink this, in all fairness I have to give way and say that some people have sensitivites of concience where other's don't.
Perhaps this Cola/Cocoa label is one (freaky) example of such sensitivities.
After all, God Himself tells us we are accountable to be "True To The Light We Are Given."
As for me, and for today,
I am buying the cheap Western Family Brand of Cola,
and I have no qualms what so ever about drinking Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix.
And so say all of us!
I cannot believe I actually know people who DO this:
I found out through the grape vine (my kids) that a local family refuses to purchase
a Western U.S. brand of Cola because on the label there are many stars, and SOME of them are upside down.
(???!!!)
But wait...there's more...
They will not purchase A POPULAR HOT COCOA MIX BRAND, because on the package, the marshmallows depicted in the mug have melted into the Yin/Yan shape.
(????!!!!)
Wha...??
Wha Happen?
What happened to sense here?
I was pondering this, and thinking, ok so now, these same people proclaim that Christ died to take away the penalty for what we earn via our own poor/angry/self-centered choices. They proclaim that this forgiveness cannot be earned, but rather, is a free gift to anyone who chooses to accept this forgiveness, and a gift from God Himself. Not because one has done enough "good deeds. "
(In reality, God Himself says, all of our GOOD deeds are equal to sh _t as far as He is concerned, so don't even bother trying to earn brownie points.)
Ok, now so look at this particular family, knowing that they profess that the above is true.
(Which it is.)
What are they doing to make themselves "Holy?"
Do? As in Deeds? As in Earn?
They shun packaging because of what it looks like on the outside?
Have they not reduced portions of their faith to "salvation based on works?"
"oooo if I drink that Soda with the upside down stars on the label, I will surely be bound for hell!"
Welcome to legalism at its most ridiculous!
Yes, it is also true that faith without works is dead. God even says it in the Bible, but it is the joy and love of God that comes first via the faith and forgiveness. The translation from inner heart condition to daily behaviours first comes from the restored relationship and the understanding of that intimate relationship that He desires, which finds it's natural out working in our deeds.
To try to earn Gods favour with out accepting the relationship is to put the cart before the horse.
To take portions of the the Bible and to disregard other parts is foolishness.
God Himself also defines acceptable from unacceptable behaviours in the Bible, and when HE does, we are commanded (not asked) to suck it up and just do it, (or refrain from doing it) and there is no room for argument.
Some things truly are black and white from His perspective, and His perspective is way more valid than mine, or yours, or this family's. After all, if I am going to say that I believe in God, then it is to say that He is smarter than me. (or You or this family)
And who is going acknowledge a smarter being and then choose not to heed what they say?
Who would choose to be stupid when there is a chance to follow along and learn something for a change?
Every body screws up.
It doesn't matter if you know God or not.
Nobody is perfect (anymore).
It's part of being trapped in this flesh tent for the time being.
Imperfection and lack of full knowledge just go with the territory here.
Someday, in HIS OWN good time, He will release us from this tent, and we will then see things as they really are.
I can't believe I know people like this family.
I thought it was impossible:
To be so legalistic about things that are not put forth in the bible, but to also take extreme liberties with other portions of the bible that they don't want to obey.
God is lock-stock-and-barrel.
You can't pick a little bit and leave the rest.
You have to take it all, or none at all.
If they really new the bible they profess to live by, then they would know this.
EXAMPLE OF BLACK AND WHITE:
Jesus Himself gave only two choices.
He proclaimed that He Himself was God incarnate.
He didn't claim to be a prophet or wise teacher.
Therefore He only gave us a black and white choice:
Either you believe what He says, or you don't.
There is no middle ground.
I could go on FOR DAYS about this, but I will stop now.
EXAMPLE OF GREY:
As I rethink this, in all fairness I have to give way and say that some people have sensitivites of concience where other's don't.
Perhaps this Cola/Cocoa label is one (freaky) example of such sensitivities.
After all, God Himself tells us we are accountable to be "True To The Light We Are Given."
As for me, and for today,
I am buying the cheap Western Family Brand of Cola,
and I have no qualms what so ever about drinking Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix.
And so say all of us!
Yet another award...
...for which I have no prizes.
But hey, you can console yourselves with the knowledge that there is
no such thing as "Bad Publicity."
So without further ado I would like to name todays winners of the randomly anual
Brain Guy and Brain Girl Awards.
Brain Girl Award:
Minella for her steadfast encouragement and wiley technical know-how and ability to communicate such things successfully to cyber-dullards (me).
Brain Guy Award:
Zadok for his Courageous Hand-Holding-of-Wimps-in-Need (me), and his willingness to share nuggets of tech wisdom.
Why would anyone call India first, when they can log into CC and pick the brains of many "experts."
But hey, you can console yourselves with the knowledge that there is
no such thing as "Bad Publicity."
So without further ado I would like to name todays winners of the randomly anual
Brain Guy and Brain Girl Awards.
Brain Girl Award:
Minella for her steadfast encouragement and wiley technical know-how and ability to communicate such things successfully to cyber-dullards (me).
Brain Guy Award:
Zadok for his Courageous Hand-Holding-of-Wimps-in-Need (me), and his willingness to share nuggets of tech wisdom.
Why would anyone call India first, when they can log into CC and pick the brains of many "experts."
Monday, May 9, 2005
Oh moan and whine, You guys gotta help me!
Windows XP Service Pack 2
(Need I go ANY further?!)
(rampant expletives ensue!!!!!!)
Any way,
New e-copier:
The drivers won't install properly with Service Pack 2.
This I know from past experience, service pack 2 doesn't like alot of office programs.
Our entire building avoids DLing that update for this reason.
So...because I also use my own personal laptop (you saw this coming didn't you?) for many projects at the office, I also keep Service Pack 2 out of my laptop.
Well, while installing the drivers for the new e-copier, I noticed that there was a prob.
Lo and behold, some how Service Pack 2 managed to sneak its fat butt into my computer without my noticing. I have no idea how long it has been in there. Typically, when it gets in I go straight away and remove it pronto. Which I did Saturday morning.
Serious crash.
My display is at 4-bit and who the heck knows what else is not working!
It tells me that it had to revert to VGA?
My desktop is small enough for me to cover up with one hand!
I can get my pop3 email and what not, but was too sick at heart to explore further, to see what all else had been ruined.
*In my minds eye, I saw myself, dutifully cleaning out the offending Service Pack 2, while over my shoulder a villainous spectre lurked. His visage was as that of Bill Gates. At the end of his long arm there stretched appendages like those of Edward Scissorhands. Learing with a silent, twisted and enraged glee, he watched like a nun waiting with her ruler to strike. Upon completion of the task he leaned forward with terrifying intent and plunged his razor sharp digits into the keyboard, and brought forth the tender entrails from my beloved HP laptop. He tied them around his neck in a bow and leaned over toward me, suddenly showoing his true form and gazed at me with one enormous eye. He cackled his hideous laughter and was gone,
taking who-knows-what vital organs from my beloved electronic friend, who now pleads with me to restore it to it's original state of health and vitality.*
Alas, I do not know how.
(Need I go ANY further?!)
(rampant expletives ensue!!!!!!)
Any way,
New e-copier:
The drivers won't install properly with Service Pack 2.
This I know from past experience, service pack 2 doesn't like alot of office programs.
Our entire building avoids DLing that update for this reason.
So...because I also use my own personal laptop (you saw this coming didn't you?) for many projects at the office, I also keep Service Pack 2 out of my laptop.
Well, while installing the drivers for the new e-copier, I noticed that there was a prob.
Lo and behold, some how Service Pack 2 managed to sneak its fat butt into my computer without my noticing. I have no idea how long it has been in there. Typically, when it gets in I go straight away and remove it pronto. Which I did Saturday morning.
Serious crash.
My display is at 4-bit and who the heck knows what else is not working!
It tells me that it had to revert to VGA?
My desktop is small enough for me to cover up with one hand!
I can get my pop3 email and what not, but was too sick at heart to explore further, to see what all else had been ruined.
*In my minds eye, I saw myself, dutifully cleaning out the offending Service Pack 2, while over my shoulder a villainous spectre lurked. His visage was as that of Bill Gates. At the end of his long arm there stretched appendages like those of Edward Scissorhands. Learing with a silent, twisted and enraged glee, he watched like a nun waiting with her ruler to strike. Upon completion of the task he leaned forward with terrifying intent and plunged his razor sharp digits into the keyboard, and brought forth the tender entrails from my beloved HP laptop. He tied them around his neck in a bow and leaned over toward me, suddenly showoing his true form and gazed at me with one enormous eye. He cackled his hideous laughter and was gone,
taking who-knows-what vital organs from my beloved electronic friend, who now pleads with me to restore it to it's original state of health and vitality.*
Alas, I do not know how.
Wednesday, May 4, 2005
New Artist and Golden Spy Glass Award
Cactus Art:
Check out the newest link which will go into the sidebar permanently.
Local artist, Kristine Kellogg and her family have begun to make their unique succulent garden sculpture bowls available to the public.
Each bowl has a story.
Each bowl is comprised of elements and artifacts which have been harvested from the Kelloggs own yard, or from various locations they have travelled to.
Being the environmentally friendly sort, they only choose to utilize wind-fall items...basically...they don't go hacking off bits of plants and rocks and sea creatures, from their natural environments, but opt to choose things that mother nature has discarded through it's own natural growth and shedding processes.
The Golden Spy Glass Award:
The first ever recipient of the Golden Spy Glass Award is Peter Street,
aka H.R.H Peter, until another recipient is crowned in his stead,
(sorry Your Majesty but fame is fickle)
or until he dies (May he live forever) .
The Golden Spy Glass is awarded to those who manage to see those things that are unseen or overlooked by others.
His Royal Highness has managed to comment on a blog post which no longer exists.
Congratulations for today.
Check out the newest link which will go into the sidebar permanently.
Local artist, Kristine Kellogg and her family have begun to make their unique succulent garden sculpture bowls available to the public.
Each bowl has a story.
Each bowl is comprised of elements and artifacts which have been harvested from the Kelloggs own yard, or from various locations they have travelled to.
Being the environmentally friendly sort, they only choose to utilize wind-fall items...basically...they don't go hacking off bits of plants and rocks and sea creatures, from their natural environments, but opt to choose things that mother nature has discarded through it's own natural growth and shedding processes.
The Golden Spy Glass Award:
The first ever recipient of the Golden Spy Glass Award is Peter Street,
aka H.R.H Peter, until another recipient is crowned in his stead,
(sorry Your Majesty but fame is fickle)
or until he dies (May he live forever) .
The Golden Spy Glass is awarded to those who manage to see those things that are unseen or overlooked by others.
His Royal Highness has managed to comment on a blog post which no longer exists.
Congratulations for today.
Monday, May 2, 2005
Sunday Sermon...
... it was interesting.
It was about money, but not the typical kind.
It was about using your resources, (finances, energies, personal strengths and giftings, etc) to their greatest advantage and being shrewd with them.
At the end, there was a time of silence as people had a chance to pray and prepare for Communion.
I was sitting there, and its funny, but I wouldn't guess that God would be able to deliver such a packed exclamation point during so brief a time as that which is between the end of the sermon and the beginning of Communion.
Ok, so...I am talking plainly (in my head) to God and this is how it went:
ME: Ok God, I am sluggardly in being what I believe you have designed me to be, as far as my purpose is concerned.
ME: Ok God, here is what I do, I paint and play music. How do you want me to make this lucrative or... whatever?
ME: What do you want me to do?
GOD: Matte, Frame, Hang, Price.
ME: Wow, really? Ok God, You know how I am after I walk out of this building, I mean... how am I supposed to remember all that?
GOD: M.F.H.P
ME: huh?
GOD: Look deeper
GOD: M-michelle
GOD: F-fears
GOD: H-her
GOD: P-purpose
ME: oh.
GOD: It's easy. Just do it.
GOD: PS: I love you.
So, all in the space of what...like less than 5 minutes?
God took care of the conviction and directed it with a post scripted love note.
That's what I'm talking about.
It was about money, but not the typical kind.
It was about using your resources, (finances, energies, personal strengths and giftings, etc) to their greatest advantage and being shrewd with them.
At the end, there was a time of silence as people had a chance to pray and prepare for Communion.
I was sitting there, and its funny, but I wouldn't guess that God would be able to deliver such a packed exclamation point during so brief a time as that which is between the end of the sermon and the beginning of Communion.
Ok, so...I am talking plainly (in my head) to God and this is how it went:
ME: Ok God, I am sluggardly in being what I believe you have designed me to be, as far as my purpose is concerned.
ME: Ok God, here is what I do, I paint and play music. How do you want me to make this lucrative or... whatever?
ME: What do you want me to do?
GOD: Matte, Frame, Hang, Price.
ME: Wow, really? Ok God, You know how I am after I walk out of this building, I mean... how am I supposed to remember all that?
GOD: M.F.H.P
ME: huh?
GOD: Look deeper
GOD: M-michelle
GOD: F-fears
GOD: H-her
GOD: P-purpose
ME: oh.
GOD: It's easy. Just do it.
GOD: PS: I love you.
So, all in the space of what...like less than 5 minutes?
God took care of the conviction and directed it with a post scripted love note.
That's what I'm talking about.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
New Sound Today
Over in the side bar the SOUND file has been updated.
This weeks selection is (once again) from our good friend Brak,
singing his favorite song about his favorite food!
This weeks selection is (once again) from our good friend Brak,
singing his favorite song about his favorite food!
I.T. Tech For A Day.
Well, not really.
I just was treated like a really bad one.
Cause I am not one.
The whole building was down due to the Electric Company shutting off power to our area so they could work on transformers last night.
I kept trying to reboot the stupid Cisco, and the D-Link and all that stuff.
What do I know about this stuff?
People got mad and went home.
"Yeah hey! Well don't let the doorknob hit ya, huh?!!"
I was tempted to call Blue.
But his contact information is stored - guess where?
On the ...INTERNET!!!!!
So could I access it on the... INTERNET?????
No.
So in the end they rolled the cable truck over here from Bend Broadband, and the only thing wrong was that, when the power went off, the batteries kicked in and then they died out, so the amp couldn't come back on later.
All I had to do was flip a flippin' switch.
Well.
Ok.
So I know now.
It's always something.
(Pass the krautjuice, will ya?)
;o)
I just was treated like a really bad one.
Cause I am not one.
The whole building was down due to the Electric Company shutting off power to our area so they could work on transformers last night.
I kept trying to reboot the stupid Cisco, and the D-Link and all that stuff.
What do I know about this stuff?
People got mad and went home.
"Yeah hey! Well don't let the doorknob hit ya, huh?!!"
I was tempted to call Blue.
But his contact information is stored - guess where?
On the ...INTERNET!!!!!
So could I access it on the... INTERNET?????
No.
So in the end they rolled the cable truck over here from Bend Broadband, and the only thing wrong was that, when the power went off, the batteries kicked in and then they died out, so the amp couldn't come back on later.
All I had to do was flip a flippin' switch.
Well.
Ok.
So I know now.
It's always something.
(Pass the krautjuice, will ya?)
;o)
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
What a GLORIOUS Day this will Be!
I came into my office this morning to discover (JOY OF JOYZ!!!) a sack on my desk with three chocolate-creme filled Dunkin Donuts!
What is the deal? You may ask.
Well, first off, in the state of Oregon (maybe the whole pacific northwest) there are no longer any more Dunkin Donuts stores except this one in Salem OR.
(I think I hear a cry going up fromRhode Island? "What??! NO Dunkin Donuts?)
I know.
Unthinkable, isn't it. But sadly, tis true.
You can keep your Krispy Kremes. They are a totally different animal than the Dunkin-style Donut. Niether one is better than the other - they are just different.
I think America needs to get over it's Donut-Store Racism and make room for both Dunkin Donuts AND Krispy Kremes. (Maybe we should plan a demonstration?)
We could be like MacDonalds and Burger King - setting up stores within a block of each other where ever one is found, so there is the other within walking distance.
C'mon all you Donut-eaters Of America (DOA), can't we all just get along?
imho: There is no beauty on the earth like that of the
CHOCOLATE-CREME FILLED DUNKIN DONUT.
It has been 8 years - (8 looooong years!) since I have had a Chocolate-creme filled Dunkin Donut. There were 3 in the bag when I arrived at 8am, it is now 8:37 am and they are all gone.
But fear not, I have downed all 3 of them with a glass of milk, whereby I might keep the bodily humours in balance with a reasonable sugar - protein ratio.
(yeah. sure. )
I will go and do some filing now and wait until I blow my pancreas out of my back.
What is the deal? You may ask.
Well, first off, in the state of Oregon (maybe the whole pacific northwest) there are no longer any more Dunkin Donuts stores except this one in Salem OR.
(I think I hear a cry going up fromRhode Island? "What??! NO Dunkin Donuts?)
I know.
Unthinkable, isn't it. But sadly, tis true.
You can keep your Krispy Kremes. They are a totally different animal than the Dunkin-style Donut. Niether one is better than the other - they are just different.
I think America needs to get over it's Donut-Store Racism and make room for both Dunkin Donuts AND Krispy Kremes. (Maybe we should plan a demonstration?)
We could be like MacDonalds and Burger King - setting up stores within a block of each other where ever one is found, so there is the other within walking distance.
C'mon all you Donut-eaters Of America (DOA), can't we all just get along?
imho: There is no beauty on the earth like that of the
CHOCOLATE-CREME FILLED DUNKIN DONUT.
It has been 8 years - (8 looooong years!) since I have had a Chocolate-creme filled Dunkin Donut. There were 3 in the bag when I arrived at 8am, it is now 8:37 am and they are all gone.
But fear not, I have downed all 3 of them with a glass of milk, whereby I might keep the bodily humours in balance with a reasonable sugar - protein ratio.
(yeah. sure. )
I will go and do some filing now and wait until I blow my pancreas out of my back.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Holiday Preparedness
Wednesday is a Holiday.
Be prepared.
It's "Secretaries Day" ( AKA Administrative Proffessionals Day)
Don't let yourself be caught unprepared for this spectacular opportunity to
lavish praise and appreciation on your Administrative Professional.
If you haven't got an Administrative Professional, I will be happy to serve as a stand in on that day.
Be prepared.
It's "Secretaries Day" ( AKA Administrative Proffessionals Day)
Don't let yourself be caught unprepared for this spectacular opportunity to
lavish praise and appreciation on your Administrative Professional.
If you haven't got an Administrative Professional, I will be happy to serve as a stand in on that day.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
NWHDS Spring Festival
To Pete:
I did not keep my vow regarding “don’t THINK and drive.”
After such a weekend, and with such a long drive, it's inevitable.
;o)
In everyday life,
The people around me act as though they expect me to be tuff and hard and efficient,
like a sledge hammer or a drill.
But I am only a banana.
People treat bananas differently than they do a sledge hammer.
They take care not to slam the bananas around carelessly.
If you set it on the counter wrong or too roughly, the banana gets a bruise.
Sometimes you don’t even know it’s bruised until the peel starts to come away.
Then you get a good look and go, “eeew, that yucky part needs to be cut out.”
A banana is not very strong.
And it’s fairly small.
It fares a whole lot better when it is attached to the “bunch.”
I am profoundly grateful for the friends I have found in the NWHDS over the past several years.
You guys feed me, spiritually and intellectually.
You don’t treat a banana as though it were a sledge hammer.
You just let it be what it is: a banana.
You guys build me up, while still permitting me to be small.
That is the best thing of all.
I did not keep my vow regarding “don’t THINK and drive.”
After such a weekend, and with such a long drive, it's inevitable.
;o)
In everyday life,
The people around me act as though they expect me to be tuff and hard and efficient,
like a sledge hammer or a drill.
But I am only a banana.
People treat bananas differently than they do a sledge hammer.
They take care not to slam the bananas around carelessly.
If you set it on the counter wrong or too roughly, the banana gets a bruise.
Sometimes you don’t even know it’s bruised until the peel starts to come away.
Then you get a good look and go, “eeew, that yucky part needs to be cut out.”
A banana is not very strong.
And it’s fairly small.
It fares a whole lot better when it is attached to the “bunch.”
I am profoundly grateful for the friends I have found in the NWHDS over the past several years.
You guys feed me, spiritually and intellectually.
You don’t treat a banana as though it were a sledge hammer.
You just let it be what it is: a banana.
You guys build me up, while still permitting me to be small.
That is the best thing of all.
Friday, April 22, 2005
In all my days here...
at Cascade Station, I have never had a truly boring day.
Until now.
Good Gravy!
Scout and I are the only people on the entire second floor today.
Steve and Donna are theonly 2 people on the first floor.
The phone is not ringing,
and it is silent as a tomb.
I love it.
I think I am going to indulge myself and fire up URU!
LOL!
What a Friday!
(Watch now...the minute I get it loaded, the phone will start ringing and people will start wanting me to do stuff. I 'll just betcha!)
Until now.
Good Gravy!
Scout and I are the only people on the entire second floor today.
Steve and Donna are theonly 2 people on the first floor.
The phone is not ringing,
and it is silent as a tomb.
I love it.
I think I am going to indulge myself and fire up URU!
LOL!
What a Friday!
(Watch now...the minute I get it loaded, the phone will start ringing and people will start wanting me to do stuff. I 'll just betcha!)
Thursday, April 21, 2005
New SOUND update
The SOUNDS link in the sidebar is sporting a new tune today.
Another selection from the PBS Series Globe Trekker, the opening theme entitled:
Windpower, by Ian Ritchie
Lessee what else is new?
I have been running another anti-spy program alongside my Ad-Aware and Spybot, and it seems to be picking up alot of stuff that they are missing. And it's nice because I have it set to alert me when ever it encounters adware, so I can see which sites are sending me what.
It's available for Download right now.
It's Microsoft Anti-Spy Beta and it seems to catch everything so far.
I'm loving it.
Another selection from the PBS Series Globe Trekker, the opening theme entitled:
Windpower, by Ian Ritchie
Lessee what else is new?
I have been running another anti-spy program alongside my Ad-Aware and Spybot, and it seems to be picking up alot of stuff that they are missing. And it's nice because I have it set to alert me when ever it encounters adware, so I can see which sites are sending me what.
It's available for Download right now.
It's Microsoft Anti-Spy Beta and it seems to catch everything so far.
I'm loving it.
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