Week Number 129

Week Number 129 from

Curious as a Cat

1) What one thing in your life best represents freedom to you? "purple mountain majesty" - nature

2) What musical piece makes you feel contemplative? "Appalachain spring" by Aaron Copland (the link is a you tube - the winds are lovely in this one)

3) What is your biggest pet peeve? I am working with two teens and a 12 yo... so I guess I would have to say "thoughtlessness" - mine and theirs :)

4) Would the world be better off if it was run by a global government?

"Not just No! Hell No!"

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Photo © CG 2007

something about steroids
something about hard work
something about chemical rage
something about an over compensating jerk!

how to say it

been coming for a while...
there's that bursting feeling
so it's called, nothing technical
something tummy up to throat level

of course I scratch my head not throat
act like it's nothing - bury it - hide it
there's no changes on these days
all I'll ever win, what's lost outweighs

and that's when I know, things are okay
to be sad is not to be bad
there are times the world is sad too
let it burst - let it flush out and on through

Friday Fill-Ins #83

"Those of you with multiple blogs or private blogs...if you could add your link to the Fill-Ins, that would be GREAT! Questions 1 and 2 this week are courtesy of Sherry, thanks!" ~ The author


1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to winter solstice at Newgrange around 2500BC.

2. Give me Three Steps (OH!) give me Three steps Mister! Skynyrd

3. I am listening to NPR on my drive in to work (lately).

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking the answer.

5. I'll always be a romantic at heart.

6. My idea of a good time includes live folk music.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to seeing Batman, tomorrow my plans include moving a kid to her college apt and Sunday, I want to enjoy a picnic!

Mother Night by Harrison

by Jim Harrison from Saving Daylight.
© Copper Canyon Press, 2007.

Mother Night

When you wake at three AM you don't think
of your age or sex and rarely your name
or the plot of your life which has never
broken itself down into logical pieces.
At three AM you have the gift of incomprehension
wherein the galaxies make more sense
than your job or the government. Jesus at the well
with Mary Magdalene is much more vivid
than your car. You can clearly see the bear
climb to heaven on a golden rope in the children's
story no one ever wrote. Your childhood horse
named June still stomps the ground for an apple.
What is morning and what if it doesn't arrive?
One morning Mother dropped an egg and asked
me if God was the same species as we are?
Smear of light at five AM. Sound of Webber's
sheep flock and sandhill cranes across the road,
burble of irrigation ditch beneath my window.
She said, "Only lunatics save newspapers
and magazines," fried me two eggs, then said,
"If you want to understand mortality look at birds."
Blue moon, two full moons this month,
which I conclude are two full moons. In what
direction do the dead fly off the earth? Rising sun.
A thousand blackbirds pronounce day.

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen Quotes from Cervantes words of Don Quixote, Man of LaMancha, the knight of the rueful countenance.

1. "From this spot I rise not, valiant knight, until your courtesy grants me the boon I seek, one that will redound to your praise and the benefit of the human race."
   

2. "Thou mayest well believe that," answered Don Quixote, "because, either I know little, or this castle is enchanted, for thou must know- but this that I am now about to tell thee thou must swear to keep secret until after my death."
   

3. "Be not distressed, friend," said Don Quixote, "for I will now make the precious balsam with which we shall cure ourselves in the twinkling of an eye."
   

4. "Defend thyself, miserable being, or yield me of thine own accord that which is so reasonably my due."
   

5. "Well!" said Don Quixote, "and doth she not of a truth accompany and adorn this greatness with a thousand million charms of mind!”
   

6. “Answer without hesitation; tell these gentlemen what took place, that they may see that it is as great an advantage as I say to have knights-errant abroad."
   

7. “For myself I can say that since I have been a knight-errant I have become valiant, polite, generous, well-bred, magnanimous, courteous, dauntless, gentle, patient, and have learned to bear hardships, imprisonments, and enchantments;”
   

8. "that at once, this very instant, ye release that fair lady whose tears and sad aspect show plainly that ye are carrying her off against her will"
   

9. "I conjure thee, phantom, or whatever thou art, tell me what thou art and what thou wouldst with me. If thou art a soul in torment, say so, and all that my powers can do I will do for thee; for I am a Catholic Christian and love to do good to all the world, and to this end I have embraced the order of knight-errantry to which I belong, the province of
   which extends to doing good even to souls in purgatory."
   

10. "But I'll take you, Don Clown stuffed with garlic," said Don Quixote, "and tie you to a tree as naked as when your mother brought you forth, and give you, not to say three thousand three hundred, but six thousand six hundred lashes, and so well laid on that they won't be got rid of if you try three thousand three hundred times; don't answer me a word or I'll tear your soul out."
    

11. “Relief in distress, help in need, protection for damsels, consolation for widows, are to be found in no sort of persons better than in knights-errant;”
    

12. “But what am I saying, miserable being that I am? Am I not he that has been conquered? Am I not he that has been overthrown? Am I not he who must not take up arms for a year?”
    

13. “My reason is now free and clear, rid of the dark shadows of ignorance that my unhappy constant study of those detestable books of chivalry cast over it.”

Inspired by Lori, she does Thursday 13 about every week. See hers this week.

Wordless Wednesday

honey sweet

Made with My Cool Signs.Net

when fullness approaches relax enjoy
receive enrichment brought
life's cup, fullness a swelling wave
washes over pain distraught

when fullness brings light, give mind/heart
illumination yields joy overflowing
guided sources outside control
gentle peace kindness showing

when fullness completes new circle
taste flavor of life, honey sweetness
laughing to empty and back
restore renew revive completeness

great view

It just looked inspiring
a sunset in the rearview
so i snapped it,
traveling down the highway
all the cool colors behind
the blurry up ahead
i guess that's why hindsight
is 20-20 and decisions
have to be made
and choices are best
we can do with info we have at the time.

six quirks meme

Lori tagged me with the "six quirky things" meme!
Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged me.
2) Mention the rules.
3) Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about myself.
4) Tag six other blogger´s by linking to them.
5) Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that lets them know they’ve been tagged.

"One of my kids just told me I could just name any trait I have and it'd be quirky. Gee, thanks." ~Lori (one of my kids could of said it though - LarryG)

1. I love music stores. Especially ones that repair band instruments, the smell of machine oil and cork grease is really cool.

2. I am a person pleaser and can't stand to be out of sorts with anyone. My kids use this on me all the time, but I don't think they realize it. (They are 11 (m), 16 (f), and 19(f).)

3. I really only want to earn enough to pay my bills and live week to week, paycheck to paycheck. Although long term goals are nice, I just don't have any.

4. I feel insecure with less than $20 cash in my wallet. I prefer to have around 10 or 12 twenties in hand at all times.

5. I heard an interview with Mo Willems on NPR not long ago. I have been collecting Elephant and Piggie books since. They are great to read like a play. Great illustrations fun stories.

6. I am reading Don Quixote. I started in April and have whittled it down to about 390 pages to go. The translation I have is 1000 plus pages. I have read a half dozen other books in the mean time.

I tag;

1. Shiny Things
2. Mercedes
3. Mama Zen
4. ANYBETH
5. Shannon
6. Rox (Got this fixed the name is Rox :)
and YOU!

Leave a comment and let me know if you've fulfilled your tagging duties, so I can come see how quirky you are!

entwined

how entwined the dew the grass

how engulfing sky sleek hawk

how complete dinner side by side sharing

how together hands holding closely to one another

how intently revealing souls gazing bares

how the third shows up, shows out - love

Slushies

Wordless Wednesday

Hump Day Humor

Hump Day Humor from Mercedes

The on-ship phone attendant for the cruise line swore it was true…

Attendant answering phone: Yes, how may I help you.

Cruiser: I am locked in my cabin, I need help.

Attendant: Just unlock your door and go out of your room.

Cruiser: I can’t.

Attendant: Why can’t you?

Cruiser: There are only two doors.

Attendant: Yes, that is correct but what is the problem.

Cruiser: The problem is this, one door leads to the bathroom, the other has a “Do Not Disturb” sign hanging on the knob.

Avoid the crowds – take a cruise.

demure veil

the colours of the heart have scope
could spectrum be revealed
the harmony of sad or glad
often deftly concealed

could pine make the heart cry
its cone, green needle consent
or river give the soul an artful lift
whether gentle flow or torrent

or the calm assurance of a sunset
bring peace a demure veil
gift of the heart stretching
bursts forth from fallow shell

------------
Photo from Jack over at "Slightly Off-Center"

The Pretty Young Girl

This pretty young maid I seek far and wide
My heartache each morn with her I don't meet
When I go to the bar, the dance hall or fete
But I'd follow her trail in the dead of the night

Have her youthful and fair with no worry or care
Patient and wise in affairs of all kind
Modest and mild, without too much pride
That is my love if she hadn't a dime

Let no blemish or shame be attached to her name
Honest in heart and gentle in mien
No hatred or vice to be heard in her voice
But cheerful and smiling from morning 'til night

Now you're the young man that travels afar
Find me a gem I can have as my wife
Never yearn or pine for flocks or for kine
And I'll conjure plan that will charm her life

And I'll charm her life

(Traditional… on a cd by Altan titled ‘The Blue Idol’)

Week Number 127

http://curiousasacat.blogspot.com/2008/07/week-number-127.html

1) What is the most disgusting thing you've ever had in your mouth? chewing tobacco

2) What is the boldest thing you've ever done? challenged some guys to stop talking trashy about the women in their lives

3) If you could pick one person you know well to be more religious (or spiritual), who would it be? it's for the one who knows they need it the most and the one who thinks they need it the least

4) What is partner's best feature? easy going personality

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

"wow! that was close" Jojo thought.

"I didn't realize the roller coaster came back around so quickly, I only wanted to retrieve my souvenir cap, I paid $25 for it this morning. When I rode the ride I saw where I lost my cap, I knew where it landed and that I could get it."
"It was definitely worth climbing both of those barriers to get it. The signs said "DANGER! KEEP OUT!" But I knew, I mean I'm captain of the swim team and a star on the football team, I could make it OK. Now I have my hat and everything is alright."

Jojo set off to get back with his group, wondering why the crowd was screaming, wondering why the ride was closing, wondering why he had no head to put his hat upon...

-----------------------------------------

the real story

tilt, swirl, cast

tilt a bit over within, again -
your heart knows the way, back in -
asking or telling or hearing, begin -
scents swirling around in the air, let in' -
can't believe leaning out does this, back bent -
but casting all aside for one, wise spent

A Knock at the Door

the wee peeps are about these days...
and it's time for a family reunion :)

sub-verbal

internally shifting, moving around
insides quaking, yet making no sound
it isn’t difficult or horrible
it is something sub-verbal

feelings instinctive, primally gained
from deep in progeny, animal pained
instructive and still undefinable
and definitely something sub-verbal

inside the species - from the beyond
moon, stars, planet, the mask we have on
persistently hidden, humanity jumble
though memorable still sub-verbal

35. The world could do without: Starbucks

40 question meme

Filed under: Memes — Heather @ 10:39 pm

1. My uncle once: was a cook in the army.

2. Never in my life: have I given up on solving a problem, put it on hold maybe…

3. When I was five: I lived in a magical world of my own creation.

4. High School was: good times for sure.

5. I will never forget: my parents love.

6. I once met: (sounds like the start of a limerick).

7. There’s this girl I know who: wants to meet up at the library.

8. Once, at a bar: I sang for the group.

9. By noon, I’m usually: halfway through the workday.

10. Last night: I was at a party with friends.

11. If only I had: a couple of million dollars J.

12. Next time I go to church: Will be in August.

13. Terry Schiavo: the name will live in infamy (how old is this meme?).

14. What worries me most: rushing through without smelling the roses.

15. When I turn my head left, I see: a photo of “the cabin”.

16. When I turn my head right, I see: An apollo sign

17. You know I’m lying when: I can’t look you in the eye.

18. What I miss most about the eighties: gosh that’s a far away dream, we can never go back.

19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I’d be: dead and gone long ago :)

20. By this time next year: I could be married

21. A better name for me would be: best friend.

22. I have a hard time understanding: arrogance in those around me.

23. If I ever go back to school, I’ll: probably get a Thd in Divinity.

24. You know I like you if: we can talk.

25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be: those that made it possible.

26. Darwin, Mozart, Slim Pickens & Geraldine Ferraro: Origin of the Species, Concertos, Country music (old timey), politics

27. Take my advice, never: judge lest you be judged.

28. My ideal breakfast is: country ham, grits, toast and two eggs over medium

29. A song I love, but do not own is: You Belong to Me

30. If you visit my hometown, I suggest: Pork BBQ at Gibson’s

31. Tulips, character flaws, microchips, & track stars: Flower, me, technology, Olympics

32. Why won’t people: slow down.

33. If you spend the night at my house: we can watch a John Wayne movie

34. I’d stop my wedding for: a serious problem within the family or close friend.

35. The world could do without: Starbucks (or maybe not)

36. I’d rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: the belly of a shark.

37. My favorite blonde is: HER.

38. Paper clips are more useful than: dog earring pages

39. If I do anything well, it’s: because I set my mind to it

40. And by the way: “Come what may, hold something lovely in your heart” (it works.)

The Elephant and Piggie Dance Game

If you know about Elephant and Piggie you'll love this game on the web.