Rant - number 364

Outsource politicians? Oh why not? What a great idea! The thought of sending some of Washington's finest to Siberia... gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. Ah, let's not be greedy and send a few to Darfur... gives new meaning to, 'made in China'.

And maybe, just maybe, we'll insource some politcians from other countries for ourselves... but who? Whom? (Never could get those two right.) I for one would accept Prince Harry in a heartbeat! No he's not a politician, but he makes me smile. That's more than Washington's affect on me.


Speaking of outsourcing... USA Olympic uniforms were made in China? Outragious! To those 406 atheletes, I say, put on something from your own closet that says, 'made in USA' and wear it!!!! We are a diverse nation, so our clothing does not have to match. Better yet, send Ralph Lauren's outfits to Washington's politicians. At least they'll look nice when they arrive overseas.

Ralph Lauren promises 2014 Olympic Opening Ceremony outfits will be American-made.

wrong bridge ~ wrong garden

A problem had perplexed me ~
and wouldn't let me go.


The reason it upset me ~
was a reason I didn't know.


It came upon a showy day ~
with a bridge I sought to cross.


But when my feet touched earth again ~
I felt tremendous loss.


I turned and crossed the bridge again ~
not knowing why, yet feeling lead.


Whatever reason perplexed my soul ~
had left my weary head.

Isn't she lovely? A real wonder, but not Stevie!

Yes, everyone knows how much I've wanted to get back to the garden. The smell of wisteria and redbud carry me away. And this little beauty, in the photo above, needed more sun. Poor little plant with lovely tiny blossoms, begging for the sun. I was all too happy to make a wish come true!

By the way did any of you know that certain varieties of  Poison Ivy have flowers? I didn't know, but I do now. Yes, and an ever so light scent; ask my nose, cheeks and chin. Such lovely silky leaves; ask my hands, wrists, and fingers. 

With all the spots of liquid medication, I look like a polka-dotted human. So, maybe I should wait for winter before I go out again?!  :) Hmm?

Getting ready for the show!

It's almost time and I want to introduce our blog Olympic Avatar. She will do summaries and special interests stories, while her partner, Alistair Cookie mans the actual sporting events.

Good heavens... it's me! Twenty days and counting!!!

"Hello!! I'm Alistair Cookie. Normally I narrate great things about the great outdoors. I am so excited to be on board the 'dcrelief' Olympic team. I expect lots of choco-chip cookies as payment. In short I expect to be rolling in the dough(sorry Adele, no pun intended).

More will be revealed! Get ready for the show!

A mind is a terrible thing... to have

Yes, the appropriate quote states: "A mind is a terrible thing to waste." But I think there might be something even worse than wasting it. Do you have any idea how many thoughts go through the human mind every second of every day? Neither do I but I'm guessing it's more than I want to know.(smile)

Oh there was a time when my mind was strong and fearless... or so I thought. Looking over the past has made me realize that maybe my life and all those thoughts were fractured. All the ups and down, like a carnival ride, oops, wrong story. Let me tell you about the "Witch and the Frog."

As a child I loved Saturday morning cartoons, specifically, "Fractured Fairy Tales". Those marvelous stories that always ended quite opposite of the 'expected' ending. So in this make-believe village there are too many witches and not enough people to cast spells on. So one witch sees a frog and turns him into a handsome prince. The frog-prince is miserable but cannot find the witch to turn him back into a frog. Meanwhile a lovely princess comes along, falls in love and they marry. Along comes another witch, thinking he's a handsome prince and changes him into, (wait for it), a frog! Of course there is no special kiss to change him, so his wife becomes a frog too. Blah-blah-blah and the rest is on YouTube.

Anyway I said all of that to say something I no longer remember... which proves my post... a mind is a terrible thing... to have.

Oh ~ The End ~

Speak

Fair one, your tears are all bottled and saved ~
the highest in heaven has opened your grave.
You shine as the brightness of daytime full sun ~
but tarry no longer, the leaving's begun.

Small butterfly so sweet and so blue ~
just one more chance to take in the view.
A look all around at the place where I leave
my tears are all bottled and no more to grieve.

Fair one, the stairway is closing so fast ~
too much time talking about this world's past.
We must make the light and climb to the top ~
then lightly touch down where earth is no thought.

Small butterfly so sweet and so blue ~
I hear what you're saying but can this be true?
That light from the top is actually a flame ~
and here, on this list, I don't see MY name.

Oops, I forgot to mention the 'speak' ~
how those would inherit the earth if they're meek.
The tares would be gathered and thrown in the fire ~
good thing we stopped and made it no higher.

Small butterfly so sweet and so blue ~
will this 'speak' to me as it speaks to you?
Alas I am feeling drawn to know more ~
and see that the 'speak' has opened a door.

Fair one, mistakes are easily wrought  ~
I almost condemned us to life without thought.
Small butterfly the 'speak' gave us grace ~
and now we will dwell with 'speak' in this place.

a positive thought ~

I'll be off of here for a day or two. Exterior doors need my attention... sanding, prime, and paint!

Britain's Got Trains

The most fascinating thing to me is the new transportation.

"Introduction of a new "Javelin" high-speed rail service, using  the Hitachi Corporation's "bullet" trains.  The platforms at Stratford International station (which are at a height designed for Eurostar trains) will be temporarily raised to accommodate the Javelin trains.  According to network rail an additional 4,000 train services will run during the Games, with train operators putting on longer trains during the day."  (UK Olympic web site)

Quite impressive, and if one of you gets the chance to ride one, let me know how it goes; other than very fast!!(smile)


Olympic Games 27 July - 12 August  ~  LONDON

Getting what I want by getting what I need

With illness or injury I always find myself wanting things to change faster than they do. Please help me feel better and right away. Can you relate? Patience in the face of adversity is often a tough accomplishment. ~And the rest is history for those of you reading my blog lately, concerning the injury to my shoulder and arm. I wanted healing. I needed healing. What to do?

On the verge of giving in to a lackluster continuation of the same daily thing, it was appointment time with my surgeon. He has let me remove the sling three weeks early, saying he's amazed because I'm two months ahead of his other patients. (I can also drive now, though I don't often anyway.) He stated that he didn't understand yet the bone was completely healed.

Most of you know me by now, I suppose. When you tell a doctor that prayers were effectual, sometimes that don't respond. That's okay by me. Only the Creator knows other people's hearts and what they believe... and if they even believe in a creator. My goal throughout all of this has been to get the use of my arm back. So my focus was on what the Creator thought I needed. So even though the surgeon is sending me to therapy involving the use of machinery, the Creator provided a cookout and pool party this past Sunday. It was great.

"Britain's Got Talent"

According to my photographer who hasn't been seen for days ~ Britain's got talent. Hm, and where could he be? Occasionally I'll get a text message: "Traveling incognito; will send more photos as soon as I find my camera; ta-ta's."

This photo has a time date stamp of May 24, 2012. I suppose you can imagine my frantic search? After all we're now about 35 days away from opening ceremonies. It might help if I knew where this photo was taken. I'd call and say: I'm looking for a man lying on the ground, possibly drooling himself silly. Would you please see if there's anyone who fits that description and call me back?

Please, and thank you!

God looks different to me ~

I've gazed into the skies and tried thinking like an atheist.
Swirling masses of dust are formed into things of beauty;
Leaving me wondering why science touts with clenched fist ~
That God must bow down to rules of their duty.

Yet~ God looks different to me.
I see the stars He formed and recognize a childhood treasure.

Yes~ God looks different to me.
I see in Him the things that always give me pleasure.

I've gazed into the eyes of a precious newborn child.
Toes and fingers are counted, and yes, there are two ears!
The petrie dish is given credit, notes are made, reports are filed.
Yet I still see His spirit as the child grows through the years.

*For those who have children ~ Happy Fathers Day!

HRH ~ Queen Elizabeth ll

It's difficult to say 'why' this woman fascinates me. Sure, I could go and on about the accomplishments of the United Kingdom, with HRH as the Royal Monarch. But it's not just about her. It's about the combination of many lands, the people thereof, and their combined efforts to maintain a better life. Have they had success?  From where I sit, across the pond, it looks awesome.


Two different governing bodies have been established and though no one has 'voted out' the Queen from her position, the people have an avenue to choose who represents them from the other body of government. I don't pretend to know their feelings on this subject. There are lots of rumors of 'this and that,' but I chalk it up as something I've read. It doesn't make it so.


My experience, meeting people from the UK via blog sites, has been heart-warming; a treasure trove of information and great 'humour'. (Spell check is prompting me to make a change to the word, humor.)


When I saw this photo of HRH, I saw the face of my Dad's Mom. Her bright blue eyes, soft porcelain skin, and 'contemplative' facial expression... well... memories run deep. I wonder what she was thinking as this photo was taken? (Look at that crazy fellow passing on the starboard... he can't do that... I'm the Queen!) (smile)


I hope that the UK is happy with HRH. Sixty years and and a lifetime ago, she could have said no. There might be some who wished she had. If the crowds at the various Jubilee events is an indicator of sincere support, then the UK is a place I'd love to visit. If the crowds were merely for show, for the historical significance, I would not fault them. This Jubilee is one of the most rare events of it's kind.


~And my fascination for the Queen?  I'm not sure, but should she invite me for tea and a chat ~ I'll have more to write about.

Is someone in trouble? Did anyone get the background on this photo? Just curious. :)

Letter from cousin K (#131)

Dear Cuz,

Just couldn't wait to return home – had to forward pics of China's Yellow Mountains. It's height and and beauty are astounding. Let's begin with the taxing, yet spectacular climb up Heaven's Gate.

I know!! Such an exhilarating climb. J was hanging onto the rail the last half mile. Look closely on the left and there's our boy, head down, struggling, water bottle in hand, favorite vest, followed closely by our personal guide, Chewbokah. Climb J climb!

At the top we rested; a gorgeous temple with restaurant inside. J complained of starving until he saw the huge platter of Hoong-wey-shooe, I ordered. Delicious, crispy earthworms are served on a bed of saffron rice, with a delicate side order of monkey brains. I was almost done with lunch when he finally returned from the bathroom. 

We continued on, our personal guide leaving us in the competent hands of a local resident, Hooasshue. A lovely creature who spoke 37,000 languages... with incredible agility to climb!

 

Hooasshue brought us to a natural bridge, made of round stones. Like giant doughnuts, they had formed a natural tunnel as well. He explained that over 6,000 years ago, “The Immortals” of the Yellow Mountains had tunneled through all of the mountains; a continuous maze of excitement. The was the only natural one in existence. Smilingly, I glanced over at J, who was now hanging his head over the wall. Poor sick baby; I saw him later when the med-helicopter deposited him at the base of the mountain.

We approached an area known as, “The Fairy Bridge”; Hooassshue told a marvelous tale of fairies chasing men to their deaths. Unfortunately they lived to come back up the mountain and kick the fairies off. I had tears in my eyes when the tale was finished.

Finally, from a distance, I glimpsed the treasure of the tour: “The Bridge of the Immortals.” My heart began to pound as I anticipated crossing that rare and spectacular creation. No mere human could have built it (you think?), but tales of the Immortals describe their every gift to the Yellow Mountains. I was not going to pass this up; I had to cross.

Cuz, it was a delight, and I hope one day you'll visit. You're welcome to join me when I return in three years for the ancient “Festival of the Earthworm.” Did you know there are 37,000 ways to serve earthworms? I'll call when I get stateside; J is still in Howcomesic Hospital.

Ta-ta, with love, Cousin K

The Councillor is in... shut-in

Ah, the happy days of being a shut-in; a person convalescing from an injury, surgery, or illness... home bound to my heart's content. (Oh, Dixie, please go on; we await your elaboration on this most interesting subject.) Yes, stay at home and every survey, presidential candidate, local politician, friends and even family call. They present questions, questions, and might even ask my advice... or what vice I prefer. I especially enjoy being the 'sounding board'... listening to their every problem. Hearing a voice drone on and on about something I can do nothing about... only listen.

I've made the selfish decision to not answer the phone unless I have the energy to listen. It appears to be working well for me, though I am assured by those, of the telephone world, that they simply must have my attention. Take, for instance, political calls; those lively, 'surely you have time and nothing to do,' advertisements requesting my support. "Vote for me and I'll set you free!" At the end of the call, you press #1 if you would vote for this person; press #2 if you would not. I can also press #3 to add a comment. That was fun for awhile, but it also put me on a continuous loop of getting return calls on other issues.

Here's the hardest part... those who call and want me to take responsibility for their feelings. As if somehow I were even able to do that, why would I? Encouraging/expecting me to 'choose a side' in a family disagreement. The shut-in councillor advises them to talk to each other and leave me out of it. It's been my policy to let family members take care of their own personal business, and I'd handle mine. But get 'laid up' for eight weeks and suddenly they think my policy has somehow changed?!  What to do, what to do?

After getting physically and emotionally sick when hearing one particular issue, I took a step back to re-evaluate my needs. The Creator who supplies my needs is foremost in my life. It's taken a journey to get to this point but I finally 'get it'. (Dixie has had to find her voice and express her boundaries with many; this is no time to stop and leave the path I journey on.)

I could feel flattered and have an ego the size of a house, but that's simply not me. For me, true happiness and peace have nothing to do with ego. (E.G.O. meaning, 'easing God out.') My lifestyle has afforded a great many blessings. Remaining positive and maintaining real faith gives me joy. But I'm not a councillor.  I'm not a teacher. I'm a person who loves freedom to believe the way I choose. I have no judgments for those who choose differently; each has their own calling.

Making myself a 'sounding board' for others is not too hard, yet at the moment I have issues I must focus on.  And isn't that life; sometimes we have time and sometimes we don't? And isn't it okay to say, 'not now - I'm working on healing'? And yes, I'm a convalescing shut-in, not a councillor.

Thank you for reading.

Friday funny

Hahahaha!!

humerus, not humorus

A humerus fracture is an injury to the bone of the upper arm. The upper arm bone, the humerus, connects the shoulder to the elbow. Humerus fractures are generally divided into three types of injuries... but this is the one I have... lucky me!

Proximal Humerus Fractures

Proximal humerus fractures occur near the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint, with the ball being the top of the humerus bone. Fractures of this ball are considered proximal humerus fractures. These fractures may involve the insertion of the important rotator cuff tendons. Because these tendons are important to shoulder motion, treatment may depend on the position of these tendon insertions. In a word: ouch!

For the sake of maintaing a positive attitude towards healing, I present to you a poem.

A fractured humerus is not humorus ~
thus between the two of us ~
I'm really fighting pain.


The right shoulder feels abandoned ~
with the left as new companion ~
It's great to feel insane.

Must go now; time for therapy.
Relax. Breathe deep. Be the jelly fish. Beeee the jelly fish. Beeee...

oops...

Robin Gibb

I may not see Europe

My painting has landed in Germany! It will be there for at least two years, and then who knows where it will land next.

I have a nephew in the US Air Force. This painting was a gift to him and his wife.  They soon gave birth to a son. I was thrilled when they choose a 'nautical' theme for his bedroom. All sorts of ships sail along the walls, including mine!

The 'Tall' ships have always been my favorites. However the multi-sails and rigging require study to accurately portray in a painting. It's hard to 'fudge' (cheat). Still, watching current versions glide along the water gives me goose bumps. Maybe one day I'll take the plunge! Or the plank?

Well, I may never see Europe, but part of me is being seen over there. It's quite exciting. Now, where's my pirate hat?

Thanks for reading ~

"Abandoned Boat" by Dixie

Baobob tree sculpture

Mike De Butts adds the finishing touches to a giant Baobab Tree sculpture entitled 'Under the Baobab', outside the Southbank Centre on May 24, 2012 in London, England.

The Pirate Technics' installation is made from a selection of brightly colored fabrics from  around the world.

It is part of the Southbank Centre's 'Festival of the World' exhibition, which includes a series of large scale pieces of art that will be in place around the Southbank centre over the Summer.

(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)