Daylight Savings Time, and the lack thereof ALWAYS tinkers with my internal clock. For example, yesterday I woke up (as in wide awake) before my alarm clock. As I was bright eyed and bushy tailed I decided to get up. I easily performed my morning ablutions and exercises, and even arrived at work early – to which I’m philosophically opposed. All afternoon and early evening I was perky and energetic. However, about 8:30 (or 9:30 so thought my body) I started to hit the drowsy wall, and so did my cat. An hour later the cat was sound asleep on my lap, and I kept experiencing backward head jerks – you know when you try and fight sleep, but are only partially successful, so that everytime you start to nod off (literally) you catch yourself and snap your lolling head back to a normal position? I image the cat and I made a pretty amusing picture last night at 9:30…
Daylight Savings Time (the end of) November 3, 2009
Diminutive, Dynamic, Daring Dames October 29, 2009
I have been very fortunate this fall to hear two tiny in stature (but not in presence or personality) female authors speak. Both of whom I would venture to describe as feminists and probably humanists too. One was decidedly an animal advocate as well.
Last night I had the pleasure of hearing my mom’s “favorite living author” speak informally prior to a book signing. This woman was enormously entertaining and sharp as a tack. She spoke in a free-form almost stream of consciousness sort of way invoking humorous stories from her past – this made sense because she was promoting an autobiography. She was also unabashedly political at times, but in such a way as to make the audience howl with laughter at her clever analogies. Overall we had a fantastic time! My mom and I really enjoyed the the book talk, mom got a book autographed, a photo of her idol, and a delicious pumpkin-shaped sugar cookie. Of course she also got her ear talked off by the person in line behind her while I wandered off to find said cookies, and check in on the World Series score, but I dare say I don’t think that marred my mom’s euphoria one bit…
The other author I saw speak (and again my mom was with me, as was my friend Amy) was a social commentator from way back. I remember reading her works in my women’s studies’ classes in college. I also selected one of her books as my book group choice a few years ago. Again, this woman was a great speaker. In this case, her speech was thoughtful and articulate in a very logical and laid-out manner. However, once again her wit and opinions easily shone through.
Both were excellent experiences, which help to open the mind – never a bad thing!
Peak Color October 28, 2009
Well ladies and germs the state has finally caught up with me, and is ready to indulge me in one of my favorite times of the year – peak fall leaf color. I love either being outside, or looking out the window and seeing the world ablaze in vivid, rich, warm colors – red, orange, yellow, scarlet, salmon, gold, crimson, apricot, amber, and saffron…
I’m starting to get into the Halloween mood. I’ve been listening to audiobooks with short stories including abbreviated versions of Dracula, and Dr. Jeckell and Mr. Hyde, as well as urban legends and ghost stories. While I’m sitting at my desk and using my computer at work I’ve been listening to the AOL radio station for Halloween music. If you want a nice variety of Halloween music, you should check it out. I’ve heard short stories, old Disney songs, various horror film theme songs and some rock and alternative rock songs by the likes of Siouxsie and the Banshees, Rob Zombie, the Doors, etc.
I haven’t made it to a haunted house yet this year, and it doesn’t look like I will. I’m a little bummed about it, but it’s been rainy and/or windy and/or colder than a witch’s tit every Friday in October, which discourages standing outside in line for a Halloween thrill.
On the other hand, I do have Kevini’s party to look forward to on Saturday night…
Funny phrases October 27, 2009
Here are some choice phrases to introduce into one’s vocabulary:
1. “great Scott!”
2. “A bad hat” – for example, between you and me, I think grandfather’s a bit of a bad hat
3. “blow the butt bugle”
4. “quit chapping my choice parts”
Lunch with Long Time Friend October 26, 2009
As Thomas Wolfe wrote “you can’t go home again,” to which I agree. One can never return to one’s childhood, or any moment in time really, and feel exactly as it felt like the first time. Now that the cryptic is over, let me explain.
I had lunch with the friend I’ve known the longest in my life (and still stay in touch with albeit very loosely). I met this person in kindergarten, and we went all through school together although always remaining friends by high school graduation we were members of different social groups. However, for many years we were best friends and intimates in a time of life when boys were becoming very interesting, the universe was expanding, and life was for pushing boundaries and elders.
So it was with equal parts enthusiasm and trepidation that I met up with my friend, her high school sweetheart, and two of their children for lunch. It was a surreal moment of slipping easily into a relationship, which was a little unsettling because we hadn’t met in person in over ten years. It was also a tad weird when we spoke on the phone because we both felt the others voice sounded a little different. Then when we met in person we immediately noted the differences in each others’ appearance and lives, since we last met, and I was surprised to have an accurate account of my changes being quickly summed up by another.
Well, I don’t know what else to say other than I enjoyed the lunch, but it gave me pause. I’ll admit to wondering along the lines of “what would life be like if I were married with children,” and “did I make the right decisions in not having a family yet,” and the like. Don’t get me wrong, normally I am solid in my decisions and the path I’ve chosen in life, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that the lunch got me thinking…I know, I know, everyone duck for cover!
Indian Summer, How I do Love You!! October 21, 2009
Well as promised, Indian Summer has arrived. Two days full of sunshine, warm weather and gentle breezes. *Sigh* The last lingering reminders of long, hot days…It makes me think of fishing, grilling, lightning bugs, eating outdoors, and working in my garden.
According to the Farmer’s Almanac it’s going to be a cold fall and winter with above average precipitation, so I remind you of the words of Mr. Robert Herrick, in his poem To the Virgins to make much of Time “gather ye rosebuds while ye may.”
Weekend in Review October 19, 2009
My weekend went off as planned. It began with a bang Friday night with my mom coming over to have dinner and watch Scooby Doo Halloween themed episodes. This was followed by quite possibly best tasting pumpkin ice cream ever, and ended with a little dog sitting. Ahem, let me just say for the record what a bad idea it is to watch the “chiller” channel late at night at someone else’s home, when you have to let a dog out to pee in the pitch black later…I’m just saying, learn from me kiddies…
Saturday was marvelous. I met up with my friend Julie for an alternative craft fair – think Betty Page or Suicide Girls wanna be’s hawking ugli dolls and rockin’ jewelery and you get the picture. But let me back up a minute. When I got to Julie’s house she surprised me with an exquisite scarf (see photo) she knitted from some yarn I gave her. I was completely surprised, and am completely in love with this scarf! Okay, now back to the craft show. Julie and I both got necklaces (see photo) from the same place, shopped around, shared a delicious pumpkin walnut muffin, and caught up with an old friend of mine, who was also a vendor. It was great time topped off by eating (and introducing Julie to) my favorite organic, local food restaurant.
The second part of Saturday was just as great. Amy came to my neck of the woods for a walking ghost tour. It began with a talk by an a paranormal investigator – who ya gonna call? Ahem, anyway, the ghostbuster was amusing and practical, and really warmed up the crowd – and believe me we needed it because it was fucking cold! I wore long johns, pants, thick socks, two layors of shirts, my winter coat, scarf, hat and mittens. But, I digress…the tour was fun and educational. Amy researched a number of facts mentioned along the way, and so we can say with good authority, that the facts were accurate. We toured an old jail (including solitary confinement) and ended at the local movie theatre with a presentation of the original Amityville Horror. Amy and I enjoyed the whole event from Ghostbuster to Junior Mints.
Sunday was Jillian’s birthday celebration as well the celebration of her second marathan. I was happy to among the cheerful celebrants of the birth of Jillian. It’s always a pleasure to hang out with Jillian, Scott, Annie, and Emily!
What I’ll be doing this weekend October 16, 2009
First, you all know I LOVE the weekends. I am transformed into a blissfully serene (or gregarious and effusive) person. This weekend I plan to enjoy the company of good friends – my mom Friday night for dinner and Halloween movies; Julie (and possibly Emily) Saturday morning/afternoon at an alternative craft fair; Amy Saturday night on a haunted walking tour; and Jillian et. al for Jillian’s birthday Day of Excellence.
When not hanging with my homies I will be enjoying my virtual book group book The Story of Edward Sawtelle. I will also be finishing my easy knitted footies in a gorgeous shade of pumpkin orange. I also plan to fill the times gaps with myraid Halloween and seasonal films borrowed from my mom, watch a little post season baseball (I hope the Dodgers win and the Yankees go down in flames), and lounging about with my familiar. Let the good times roll…
Autumn chores October 15, 2009
I love the fall – generally September a tad more than October, and this year in particular September a LOT more than October. I adore the Octobers where the air is crisp and cool, the sky is bright, yet overcast, and the smell of wood smoke is in the air. Disappointly, this year’s October has been really cold – to the tune of 20 degrees below normal – and pretty damn wet and windy. Harumph!
Ah, but I digress…Anyway, I finished my outside fall clean up and have the photos to prove it. It was hard pulling out perfectly healthy annuals a few weeks ago, but now I’m really glad I did because I wouldn’t have liked doing that in the slop weather we’ve been having.
The up side is we havn’t yet had “Indian Summer” so I think that we’re due for a little hot and sunny weather really soon.
Ups and Downs (but not what you think) October 13, 2009
These past few weeks have been full of ups and downs for me. After nearly three quarters of a year I finally got (awesome titanium) drill bits for my awesome Black and Decker 7.0 Amp drill. Consequently I did a few household projects, including putting up two shelves in my hallway, a towel rack in the mistress bathroom, and a wrought iron hook for a bird feeder.
The downs have been taking down my vegetable garden and rock garden for the fall. I also took down my AC unit (as in wrapped it up snug for the winter) and summer patio furniture configuration. I made with the meloncoly, but am happy to have it done and look forward to spring plants.
