Okay ya'll. Maybe I'm dense and all but it seems to me that abstaining from sex, while a very worthy and pure way to be, is not realistic for most teenagers. I was eighteen before I lost my virginity, but it was nothing but the grace of God that saved me a few times before that. It will happen, whether it's at home or in a '55 chevy convertible or at church camp. Surprised? Oh, please spare me naivete just because I've put in a long day at the sawmill. This fight has been brewing since the dawn of man(and woman)kind and it only makes sense to me to make affordable birth control options available to those who wish to get off of the government payroll where they get paid to pop 'em out. Some might say that is a racist remark, but I know those people of every race and nationality. They're the ones who sit back and take while the rest of us bust our asses.
That being said, I think it is the ultimate in arrogance for a bunch of highly paid politicians to make decisions regarding womens' rights without some (more than random or forced) input from the women whose bodies' are being regulated. These idiots think if they don't pitch a fit about the birth control everybody at the church is gonna talk about them. Kiss my ass guys. Before abortion was legal, I knew several who traveled to other countries for that procedure. Many were done unsafely and resulted in a lot of pain and suffering. All of that was because it was against the law. And now we want to go backwards with that? Somebody just shoot me now. I never in my life thought I'd see the day. I have given tribute to Planned Parenthood before because they kept my sexually active college student self to NOT get pregnant before graduation and the big breakup with the love of my life. I paid for it, but it wasn't much. Affordable, that's all people need. If it's a priority, they'll get it. If not, cut 'em loose.
Our federal coffers are drained from decades of racketeering and war and it's time for somebody to start simple and try to break the cycle that is hatred and violence, most especially based on gender, race or sex. I have two beautiful friends who are quite mystical and their place in my life has become helping me to see that even though I missed some chances at different things earlier...put off moving or traveling, positive change can still happen if you want it bad enough. When your soul is screaming and crying out for a voice and nobody is listening, just remember what my daddy says.
"Janie, it has always been thus and so."
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
ladybugs and high winds
At least once a year, the ladybugs take over our house and scatter their red speckled bodies all over the place. Wasps live in the sills and windows, waiting to hatch and get their asses kicked with my handy dandy swatter. We also already have flies and 'skeeters. There's a big storm system about to move through, with the greatest risk of severe forecast for middle TN. You never know around here though. The Mighty Mississippi has some kind of devil juice that a cloud can pick up on its' way over and turn into the a monster tornado. I have witnessed the aftermath of several and it ain't pretty.
Sitting on my front porch in the rocker, I pondered about the beauty that is at my feet every time they hit the floor and I look outside. Right now there are flowers everywhere...splotches of color against an already green background. The coolest thing of all to me is to watch the shadows of clouds moving over the fields. That sort of thing has become a ritual for me now, a chance to be quiet and reflect....enjoy time, rather than just passing it like my poor daddy does. He came on his gator to see the puppies yesterday, nodded his head at them, held one and took off for home. Gotta stay on schedule! I could hear him as he walked across the yard reciting to himself every single thing he'll do before bedtime. Very sad. Mom got her hair did and I had the chance to visit with the girls there at Angel's for a few minutes. They always decorate seasonally and the salon is now decked out in purple, yellow and green for Easter. Think Steel Magnolias and you've got the picture.
Since Faith refused to give birth on the floor or even close to the box, we've had to get rid of the couch that was her birthing bed. Tried flipping it, but no can do. Yuck and yuck. BG's entire room has been given to she and her babies. They're only four days old, but beginning to sleep and crawl a little more and eat less. She's a good little mommy but very tired. Girl, I sure do know the feeling! The older I get, the less I can do without trying really hard physically and I'm in pretty good shape. Just a few extra pounds, which will come back off once I'm busy outside. It's high allergy season for me so I laid down my driver's license and stocked up on real sudafed. I get pissed at meth heads every time I have to do that extra step. Idiots.
I'm excited about gardening this spring and summer because I am much more aware of the dangers of preservatives and whatnot that food producers use. I was raised an "every meal must have at least one fried thing" southern girl and tried to cook like that for years. Now it's whatever is easy and halfway good for you, like cheese. And LOTS of water. I was a witness to a tense little event at the grocery store yesterday that I thought was gonna turn into a smackdown. This very large greasy haired lady in a motorized chair and an "assistant" pushing a second buggy decided they would barge on through where a guy was stocking the freezer. Rather than go around, she made a big deal about making him move and then acted like a smartass after he let her through. As I left I saw the two of them loading up 500 bucks worth of groceries as she sat on the chair with a cig hanging out of her mouth. Some people's kids.
Ya'll stay safe out there and take to the storm cellar if need be^j^
Sitting on my front porch in the rocker, I pondered about the beauty that is at my feet every time they hit the floor and I look outside. Right now there are flowers everywhere...splotches of color against an already green background. The coolest thing of all to me is to watch the shadows of clouds moving over the fields. That sort of thing has become a ritual for me now, a chance to be quiet and reflect....enjoy time, rather than just passing it like my poor daddy does. He came on his gator to see the puppies yesterday, nodded his head at them, held one and took off for home. Gotta stay on schedule! I could hear him as he walked across the yard reciting to himself every single thing he'll do before bedtime. Very sad. Mom got her hair did and I had the chance to visit with the girls there at Angel's for a few minutes. They always decorate seasonally and the salon is now decked out in purple, yellow and green for Easter. Think Steel Magnolias and you've got the picture.
Since Faith refused to give birth on the floor or even close to the box, we've had to get rid of the couch that was her birthing bed. Tried flipping it, but no can do. Yuck and yuck. BG's entire room has been given to she and her babies. They're only four days old, but beginning to sleep and crawl a little more and eat less. She's a good little mommy but very tired. Girl, I sure do know the feeling! The older I get, the less I can do without trying really hard physically and I'm in pretty good shape. Just a few extra pounds, which will come back off once I'm busy outside. It's high allergy season for me so I laid down my driver's license and stocked up on real sudafed. I get pissed at meth heads every time I have to do that extra step. Idiots.
I'm excited about gardening this spring and summer because I am much more aware of the dangers of preservatives and whatnot that food producers use. I was raised an "every meal must have at least one fried thing" southern girl and tried to cook like that for years. Now it's whatever is easy and halfway good for you, like cheese. And LOTS of water. I was a witness to a tense little event at the grocery store yesterday that I thought was gonna turn into a smackdown. This very large greasy haired lady in a motorized chair and an "assistant" pushing a second buggy decided they would barge on through where a guy was stocking the freezer. Rather than go around, she made a big deal about making him move and then acted like a smartass after he let her through. As I left I saw the two of them loading up 500 bucks worth of groceries as she sat on the chair with a cig hanging out of her mouth. Some people's kids.
Ya'll stay safe out there and take to the storm cellar if need be^j^
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
calm after the storm
We got lucky here in West TN today as the storm that killed many in the Midwest weakened and passed with mostly rain. The sun is out again now, with record temps forecast for tomorrow as well. Then on Friday...watch out! A twenty degree drop in this soupy mess is bound to stir up some trouble. Stay tuned for round two.
All has been going well with Faith and her four babies, well...actually TOO well considering the way our luck runs. BG called me with a sleepy voice this morning to report that 48 hours after she began labor on Monday, a seventh baby was born dead. More blood. Bless her little old heart ya'll. I have to respect the vet's office for not making easy money off of a section when we were clearly alarmed. We almost lost the runt too, but a lot of extra rubbing got him going and ready to feed. His name, since he made it, is Chance.
Per my usual life, the tire I've been airing up for six months every other day decided to give up the ghost between showers and my friend at work changed it for me. So far I owe him about a gallon of scotch for all the car work he's done for me on the spot. Dude knows his car stuff! As CEOs do, ours is leaving after a very successful tenure as our leader. I must say that I respect the man and his goals and he is one of my favorites ever. Good luck RP and family! Next month marks the 35th anniversary of my employment there and our interim is a guy who wasn't even born yet when I started. Do I feel old? Nah.
Here's a big shoutout to my friend Marfy who's going to be a Fanilow in St. Louis this weekend. She is a rabid fan and listens to him every night to go to sleep. The sound on my 'puter is jacked up for some reason where I can play CDs and whatnot but the audio channels like YouTube have no sound. Bummer.
Salsa sister sailed through the chest pain thing with no damage so she's good to go as soon as she's rested. FG and I were talking this morning about how vulnerable and uneasy she feels, and I totally understand. Being a part of management in a corporate world is always stressful and I wouldn't have the job. Just let me clock in and out like a peon so I can go home to my dogs. They are delighted to see me every time I drive up the gravel. Often, if they're out playing they'll meet me down the lane and escort me in.
Lily the *bitchcat* has improved her mood since I threw her ass out the back door for peeing on towels. After 24 hours, she was ready to play nice. If mama ain't happy, well. Ya'll know how that one goes.
Peace out ^j^
All has been going well with Faith and her four babies, well...actually TOO well considering the way our luck runs. BG called me with a sleepy voice this morning to report that 48 hours after she began labor on Monday, a seventh baby was born dead. More blood. Bless her little old heart ya'll. I have to respect the vet's office for not making easy money off of a section when we were clearly alarmed. We almost lost the runt too, but a lot of extra rubbing got him going and ready to feed. His name, since he made it, is Chance.
Per my usual life, the tire I've been airing up for six months every other day decided to give up the ghost between showers and my friend at work changed it for me. So far I owe him about a gallon of scotch for all the car work he's done for me on the spot. Dude knows his car stuff! As CEOs do, ours is leaving after a very successful tenure as our leader. I must say that I respect the man and his goals and he is one of my favorites ever. Good luck RP and family! Next month marks the 35th anniversary of my employment there and our interim is a guy who wasn't even born yet when I started. Do I feel old? Nah.
Here's a big shoutout to my friend Marfy who's going to be a Fanilow in St. Louis this weekend. She is a rabid fan and listens to him every night to go to sleep. The sound on my 'puter is jacked up for some reason where I can play CDs and whatnot but the audio channels like YouTube have no sound. Bummer.
Salsa sister sailed through the chest pain thing with no damage so she's good to go as soon as she's rested. FG and I were talking this morning about how vulnerable and uneasy she feels, and I totally understand. Being a part of management in a corporate world is always stressful and I wouldn't have the job. Just let me clock in and out like a peon so I can go home to my dogs. They are delighted to see me every time I drive up the gravel. Often, if they're out playing they'll meet me down the lane and escort me in.
Lily the *bitchcat* has improved her mood since I threw her ass out the back door for peeing on towels. After 24 hours, she was ready to play nice. If mama ain't happy, well. Ya'll know how that one goes.
Peace out ^j^
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
meanwhile, back on the lane
Faith's labor yesterday went well with BG in attendance as midwife. There were six pups of which four survived and they are tearing that s**t up with the milk. In my wildest dreams, I can't imagine being 63 in dog years and giving birth for the first time. That girl is one tired bitch! In true redneck fashion, I pushed the couch out the back door quickly where it still lies, waiting for the thunderstorms to soak it real good so that it won't burn until summer. Such is my life. At least the freezer is off the back porch.
I am really uneasy with this whole Israel v. Iran thing. These two countries could push a few buttons that would toast the earth and they are filled with hatred from the ancient biblical perspective. As for me and mine, I would prefer to be a peaceful soul who tries to do the right thing based on conscience rather than holy law. Never was much of a follower, as with most people who were teens in the Woodstock era. Every time I see a peace sign on some kid's shirt, I silently give 'em a high five.
The grands are fine, in their own little world at the homestead. God bless Ms Faye for hanging with them and making life a little easier for all of us. I called Mama to tell her about the puppies and told her we thought Daddy might want one. Not a wild eyed border collie like he's always had, but a nice little furry black pup to give him something to add to his schedule besides NCIS reruns. He used to love the sound of birds singing and watching things grow. Now it's all about the news.
I finally busted out and bought some allergy meds because, well. 'Tis the season and I'm weak. Talk about irony, though. As I was standing at the counter waiting for my license to be run (thankyouverymuch meth heads) a couple of lawncare guys went nuts with the weed killer out front at the strip mall and it was rather toxic for everyone involved. Probably agent green or something. I can still taste it!
There's got to be a better way, dont'cha think?
^j^
I am really uneasy with this whole Israel v. Iran thing. These two countries could push a few buttons that would toast the earth and they are filled with hatred from the ancient biblical perspective. As for me and mine, I would prefer to be a peaceful soul who tries to do the right thing based on conscience rather than holy law. Never was much of a follower, as with most people who were teens in the Woodstock era. Every time I see a peace sign on some kid's shirt, I silently give 'em a high five.
The grands are fine, in their own little world at the homestead. God bless Ms Faye for hanging with them and making life a little easier for all of us. I called Mama to tell her about the puppies and told her we thought Daddy might want one. Not a wild eyed border collie like he's always had, but a nice little furry black pup to give him something to add to his schedule besides NCIS reruns. He used to love the sound of birds singing and watching things grow. Now it's all about the news.
I finally busted out and bought some allergy meds because, well. 'Tis the season and I'm weak. Talk about irony, though. As I was standing at the counter waiting for my license to be run (thankyouverymuch meth heads) a couple of lawncare guys went nuts with the weed killer out front at the strip mall and it was rather toxic for everyone involved. Probably agent green or something. I can still taste it!
There's got to be a better way, dont'cha think?
^j^
Saturday, February 25, 2012
charity begins in the heart
Yesterday was my last day in a long string so I was really in a pissy mood, if you know what I mean. Like " I'm gonna go out and eat a worm". Faith's labor turned out to be early so we're still on puppy watch trying our best to make sure the floor is her option. We gave up on the box thing and it's covered with clothes. I try to get home soon enough to kiss BG on the cheek or watch her curl that hair getting ready to pimp those brews and lottery! Anyway, I managed to catch the mail before I came into the house to find her in process. And there it was again. At first, I thought it was a paycheck from a little side job, but I opened it to find a card with sparkles on it and some very kind words from somebody who obviously knows me well. And more money. Propane guy....here it comes!!!
The first time it happened, I was in total shock. BG was unemployed for a long stretch and the roommate left so I was pretty strapped. I would see people that I owe in the grocery store and look away, telling myself "you gotta eat." Slowly but surely, with that one act of kindness my financial situation began to turn around. I have learned this past year that living on what you have is not only possible but a gift you give yourself. Not having the worry over losing electricity or TV is a luxury that many people don't enjoy. At least I have a good paying job that allows me to have a chance at that.
My salsa sister has been in the hospital for several days with chest pain and received a clean bill of health yesterday. Thanks Big Ernie! It's still cold and windy here but the sun is out and there are flowers blooming every freakin' where. I even saw the first snake of the year coiled around a bush outside my bedroom window. I'm trying real hard not to remember that at night. Pride is still free range and loving it. The warmer weather has given the golfers a chance to be his buddies again and that's cool.
I don't know how to begin to say thank you to someone who cares enough to lift my spirits anonymously. All I can do is pay it forward, and my dear friend....you can be sure that will happen.
Keep the faith ^j^
The first time it happened, I was in total shock. BG was unemployed for a long stretch and the roommate left so I was pretty strapped. I would see people that I owe in the grocery store and look away, telling myself "you gotta eat." Slowly but surely, with that one act of kindness my financial situation began to turn around. I have learned this past year that living on what you have is not only possible but a gift you give yourself. Not having the worry over losing electricity or TV is a luxury that many people don't enjoy. At least I have a good paying job that allows me to have a chance at that.
My salsa sister has been in the hospital for several days with chest pain and received a clean bill of health yesterday. Thanks Big Ernie! It's still cold and windy here but the sun is out and there are flowers blooming every freakin' where. I even saw the first snake of the year coiled around a bush outside my bedroom window. I'm trying real hard not to remember that at night. Pride is still free range and loving it. The warmer weather has given the golfers a chance to be his buddies again and that's cool.
I don't know how to begin to say thank you to someone who cares enough to lift my spirits anonymously. All I can do is pay it forward, and my dear friend....you can be sure that will happen.
Keep the faith ^j^
Thursday, February 23, 2012
hard labor
Any woman who has ever given birth to a child or two will tell you it's something that is just totally an instinct with us females. Faith is in the throes of delivery panting and hee-heeing to beat the band. On Granny/Mo's couch, no less. And of course KY cousin is nowhere to be found. If I was a betting gal I'd say she's at the farmer's market. Planting time ya'll.
Pride is still roaming and loving every minute of this free range grass fest that is early spring '12. I haven't looked to see if I'm working on Easter when it may or may not snow but the birds always sing at sunrise on the corner of Main and McGaughey. There's a cross there too, and I spotted it today on my way home, draped with purple in anticipation of things to come. The playground is dedicated to the memory of my co-worker and friend Sonia. She and her hubs were living here with their two young children when the whole thing happened and she died instantly on highway 78. I think of her spirit every time I see those crepe myrtles bloom.
Her funeral was a spiritual marriage of ancient Egypt and modern day America, smoke included. Thank you to Cecil Kirk and Big Ernie for that.
I haven't given anything up for Lent yet and it's already one day ahead of me. Considering the looks of my dance card I'm gonna go with no men until the whole white shoes after Easter thing..except as "friends" of course. Sometimes, you just need somebody to listen to your story. A sponsor, if you will. There is a great burden of trust that goes along with a relationship like that. It means "I've got your back at all costs and sometimes you may be mad as hell at me!" I refuse to settle, and that's the lay of the land.
^j^
Pride is still roaming and loving every minute of this free range grass fest that is early spring '12. I haven't looked to see if I'm working on Easter when it may or may not snow but the birds always sing at sunrise on the corner of Main and McGaughey. There's a cross there too, and I spotted it today on my way home, draped with purple in anticipation of things to come. The playground is dedicated to the memory of my co-worker and friend Sonia. She and her hubs were living here with their two young children when the whole thing happened and she died instantly on highway 78. I think of her spirit every time I see those crepe myrtles bloom.
Her funeral was a spiritual marriage of ancient Egypt and modern day America, smoke included. Thank you to Cecil Kirk and Big Ernie for that.
I haven't given anything up for Lent yet and it's already one day ahead of me. Considering the looks of my dance card I'm gonna go with no men until the whole white shoes after Easter thing..except as "friends" of course. Sometimes, you just need somebody to listen to your story. A sponsor, if you will. There is a great burden of trust that goes along with a relationship like that. It means "I've got your back at all costs and sometimes you may be mad as hell at me!" I refuse to settle, and that's the lay of the land.
^j^
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
listen to the wind
A row of pine trees stands tall on the northwest edge of my yard, blocking the worst of the wintry blasts that come up over toward this old house. The window frames facing that direction are rotted from years of abusive weather, and the glass is dingy from years of not being opened and cleaned. They go up and down on pullies with ropes, I kid you not. The ten thousand dollar floors are mostly clean if not spotless, and the laundry is caught up. Junior came for a visit with BG today and he's a walking tornado but all in all, it's not too bad. Trust me, I've seen MUCH worse.
That leaves me with more time to sit and listen to the end of winter blowing through those pines, bringing spring and new life. I can hear frogs most anytime of the day now and that is another reassurance that this winter-to-be-thankful-for is almost over. Sure, there may be snow on Easter, but it'll be gone by noon. As a child, I always got a new dress to wear to church and sometimes hats and purses to match. Ya'll would just die to see the outfits we dressed up in for our unhappy sibling portraits. We were loved, and cute and didn't have a care in the world.
I had a brainstorm for a product the other day and have enlisted a friend to help with the woodworking part of the deal. I would more than likely shoot my eye out with a power saw plus use a few fingers. Mechanical, I am not. I think I'm a tough enough woman just because I can boost off a car and put air in a tire, umkay? My poor ex used to say I was the roughest bitch on a lawnmower he had ever seen! And of course everybody knows...it's a sorry man that won't keep his wife in a good one.
The days are longer which makes a big difference in mood, particularly when the sun is out. Vitamin D babayy! We're still on maternity watch with Faith and she's pantin' a whole lot so bless her heart, and ours too. I think it's kinda cool that we will be her midwives together after adopting her all those years ago straight out of a ditch at Miss Rhonda's. That was before her ex had Big Mama picked up and killed, but that's a whole 'nother story.
^j^
That leaves me with more time to sit and listen to the end of winter blowing through those pines, bringing spring and new life. I can hear frogs most anytime of the day now and that is another reassurance that this winter-to-be-thankful-for is almost over. Sure, there may be snow on Easter, but it'll be gone by noon. As a child, I always got a new dress to wear to church and sometimes hats and purses to match. Ya'll would just die to see the outfits we dressed up in for our unhappy sibling portraits. We were loved, and cute and didn't have a care in the world.
I had a brainstorm for a product the other day and have enlisted a friend to help with the woodworking part of the deal. I would more than likely shoot my eye out with a power saw plus use a few fingers. Mechanical, I am not. I think I'm a tough enough woman just because I can boost off a car and put air in a tire, umkay? My poor ex used to say I was the roughest bitch on a lawnmower he had ever seen! And of course everybody knows...it's a sorry man that won't keep his wife in a good one.
The days are longer which makes a big difference in mood, particularly when the sun is out. Vitamin D babayy! We're still on maternity watch with Faith and she's pantin' a whole lot so bless her heart, and ours too. I think it's kinda cool that we will be her midwives together after adopting her all those years ago straight out of a ditch at Miss Rhonda's. That was before her ex had Big Mama picked up and killed, but that's a whole 'nother story.
^j^
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)