Kaboom

Allergies + Cold = Wow. I feel terrible!

Please enjoy this article I came across today on Wired: Very Short Stories. Also, feel free to write your own and post them in the comments. I could use some entertainment while my head decides whether it's going to explode or not.

My Favorites:

We kissed. She melted. Mop please!
- James Patrick Kelly

It’s behind you! Hurry before it
- Rockne S. O’Bannon

Spam! Vol. 7

The spammers are getting more creative with their emails of late. Instead of just confusing me into opening such titles as "Vxoqlt!" or trying to tempt with titles like "Mr. Big" they're trying to make me desperately want to open them. How are they doing this? By not.finishing.their.stories.

The first is from Rosaline Q. Fontenote (cute name)

"The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base one quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or o "

...other area? office? overpass? TELL ME! I might need to place a ladder properly someday.

And this one, from a mystery person simply named "XL"

"And though they never have sex together, there is an intimacy between the two that goes beyond the sexual, and ventures into the "

past? bakery? Oh! I know....Twilight Zone. Perfect!

A Little Bookish

The Guardian recently published the Top 100 Books You Can't Live Without. So, in honor of the list I give you, my top ten books I can't live without.

1) The Time Traveler's Wife-Audrey Niffenegger
2) Dandelion Wine-Ray Bradbury
3) A Farewell To Arms-Ernest Hemingway
4) Time Windows-Kathryn Reiss (childhood staple)
5) The Brain Box-(ditto!)
6) Matilda-Roald Dahl
7) Gone With the Wind-Margaret Mitchell
8) To Kill A Mockingbird-Harper Lee
9) Carrie Pilby-Caren Lissner
10) Frankenstein-Mary Shelley

So, what would your top 10 books be? While you're thinking about your favorites, why don't you pick a few-or any books for that matter, and come on over to The Review, a new publicly postable review site, (more accurately, a branch of Brandon's website) and tell us why you love your favorites. Just pick a username and post a review. Very simple!

So Mandy, Tessa, and anyone else who likes to read, come visit The Review!

March 18th

Some years ago today, my Aunt Frances was born. As my Grandmother looked down at what would turn out to be her last child, I wonder if she knew what a special person she and my Grandfather had just brought into the world. From the stories I hear passed amongst my family, she has been a wonder all her life, these days topping her own personal best with each new year.

When she wanted to play guitar, she got a teacher. Now she writes songs and has even been to the recording studio a couple of times, allowing professional singers mix their voices with her words to make a satisfying combination.

When she wanted to change her life, shake things up a little, she set her mind to it and is now happier and more content with things than I think she had been for some time beforehand.

One of my most important memories is of my Aunt. I was 4 and she was preparing to get married and leave for Florida, where she would live for the next 8 years. She danced with me in the middle of the living room, singing "Tea For Two". Now, when I hear that song it always puts a smile on my face, and frankly, it doesn't happen often enough.

Years later, when I was in sixth grade, she came to visit and in a matter of hours had charmed my hellkitten, Kansas. Something I had tried for months to do, she managed in a day. I stared in amazement as Kansas curled right up and slept that night with her. To me, that was magical. She had 'the touch'.

My aunt has always been there for me even in my most idiotic, unglamorous moments. She offers support when I need it, and guidance when I am lost. She is the kind of family you want to have, and the kind of family you hope you are or wish you could be. She is one of my biggest fans and cheerleaders, and I hope she knows that I am one of hers too. I am proud of the person she grew up to be, and I feel it a privilege to know her.

The birthday card I bought her this year pretty much sums it up:

"You don't get to pick your relatives, but I just wanted you to know, If a vote ever comes up, I'm keeping you"

Happy Birthday Sissy.

Whew!

Radio Update: All done! My oh my, was that scary. But I did it!



Also it's HB's Birthday!! I couldn't think of a better day to be embarrassed publicly.

Soooo...Yeah!

So, if anyone is going to be awake around, say 7:06 am on Friday March 16th I'm going to be interviewed on the radio. It's a nationally syndicated morning show hosted by two stand up comedians, but it isn't available in our area. However, if you would happen to be online at that time, you can listen to if on their section of the Greenstone Media* website.

It's all because of the 'column' I mentioned that I'm writing now. We will be discussing planning a Saint Patrick's Day party, so boys, sorry in advance....you're going to be bored. Maybe I can charm you with my accent. I must warn you though, I'll be picturing all of you in your underwear.

I'm not ready to give the link up to my articles yet, I'm still not sure I don't suck. : ) But if you hear it mentioned, feel free to take a peek.




*the one Gloria Steinem and Jane Fonda helped found!!

Home

A great lady died this week.

My Aunt Ruth played a big part in my life, growing up. When my mom started working for the company she eventually retired from, I'd hop off the school bus at my aunt's house and stay with her until I fell asleep, waking up in my own bed the next morning, mysteriously. She always had a warm smile and a lot of hugs to give. She taught me to play the piano.... badly, but that last part isn't her fault. She taught me to sew. She loved me in the most important of ways: Without holding back.

So I correct myself:

The greatest lady died this week.

And I am going to miss her.


Regular posting to resume this week.

It's All Heads Up Pennies

I can now add the words "Journalist/Columnist/Writer" (not at the same time, mind you) to my resume. After my 30 day trial period has ended, if I don't suck, I'll be writing for one of the top women's websites on a specific subject: One that I'm particularly good at. After the trial period is over, and I have in fact proven that I do not suck, I'll post the link, but for now in case of major suckdom, I'm being coy. Also, depending on several factors, I'll either be getting free stuff or cash. I can handle that.

March 1st definitely doesn't suck.

I hope I don't suck.