My blog is equal parts therapy and memoir. I have no offspring to keep my memory around and they say the Internet is forever. Well, this is my little mark on the wall of time to let future generations know I was here. This is my life story! First and foremost, I write it for myself.
My winter has arrived, but I see myself as an eternal spring. That child in me is thriving and out for revenge. So if you knew me back when, look out! I will be as kind to you as you were to me.
In the near future, I intend to blog more about my books as well. I've got a new one co-authored with April Sampson that I hope will be out soon. It's a budget beauty, healthy lifestyle, self-improvement book for women who do not have a lot of disposable income. -- A subject I know well! And April is the most versatile person I know. Besides being a talented illustrator and savvy business woman, she's also highly skilled in the kitchen. Plus she taught a course in nutrition to economically disadvantaged women. She was the perfect person to partner with me on this book.
My end will focus on fashion and beauty by using creativity rather than money. I don't just wear clothes and accessories, I have fun with them! I enjoy experimenting with many different styles. I encourage women to be vain and take pride in their appearance. More on this later!
Also I will continue to blog on a variety of subjects as well. Many times I enjoy just being silly!
As you've probably noticed, I now have a theme song, MY THING IS MY OWN. The first time I heard it, my jaw dropped! I emailed all my friends to tell them, "This is MY song!"
The typical reaction was, "Yeah sure, Dianne." Then I made them listen to it. Afterward, it was, "Wow, that really is YOUR song!"
Surely MY THING IS MY OWN was written centuries ago just for me! In an earlier blog, I stated that my life didn't need a sound track. But I never heard this song until after I entered into my 60's.
My life-long favorite is GREENSLEEVES. According to legend, it was composed by Henry VIII for Anne Boleyn. It has, in my opinion, the most beautiful melody ever written. Whenever I hear it, it's as if my spirit is lilting with the music straight into Heaven. But it's Anne Boleyn's song, not mine.
EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE A THEME SONG!!!
George Armstrong Custer of 7th Cavalry fame took the rousing Irish tune GARRY OWEN as his. I love it as well! I used to get up and perform an uncoordinated jig every time I heard it. -- Do you know the highlight of fashion at Custer's Last Stand? Answer: Arrow shirts! (Sorry, I couldn't resist.)
MY THING IS MY OWN is a feisty tune, not some sappy love song! Just listen to the words! Some readers complain they can't get the tune out of their heads. And they want to, BADLY!
Be warned, I won't censor my opinions because they are unpopular! (Does everyone you know agree with you one hundred percent!!!) Also I'm trying to be honest about my own short-comings and failings. There's a lot of warts on my psyche among the scars. I refuse to hide them.
Still I am proud of who I am! I'm not just an old maid. I am THE old maid!!! -- AND DON'T YOU FORGET IT! It's my identity I love and embrace it.
THANK YOU to all my LinkedIn connections who have endorsed me!!! To everyone out there: if you enjoy my blog, or if you read it just to ridicule me, please become a follower.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
RE-GIFTING SLIGHT OF HAND
Re-gifting is a wonderful way to recycle! It's smart and thrifty. I do it myself. However when it's obvious, that's just plain tacky! Discretion is required, this is where many people fall short.
I'll never forget the book I received for Christmas as a teenager. Inside, in the upper left corner it read: To my cousin Jill, from Susan. This writing could have been easily concealed by pretty floral stickers. And underneath could have been written: To my friend, Dianne.
My birthday always falls 2 weeks to the day after Christmas. When I turned 40, I held a big party. -- About a third of my presents were recycled Christmas gifts!!! It was quite obvious.
One was an expensive alligator purse set. The fact that half the items were still in the original plastic wrapping was a dead give-away! Plus they were all thrown together loose in a gift bag. In this case, I would suggest removing all the plastic, then buying a gift box (They can be found in most Dollar Stores!) and wrapping it! This would have made a far better impression!
Gift bags are just plain lazy! Plus they take away half the fun of receiving presents! Unless you are donating a door prize where the crowd needs to see the gift, wrap it up for crying out loud!
There's a certain thrill to unwrapping a gift that you just can't get with a bag! And I am not the type who carefully unwraps. I rip thru paper like a wild beast tears into a gazelle carcass!
While handing me a gift, a friend told me she couldn't stand to see any tearing, because of all the effort she put into wrapping. Out of respect for her, I refrained. But good grief, the paper is just going to get thrown out anyway! -- Bows however, are almost always recycled.
Also a recycled gift should be appropriate to the recipient. At age 9, I received a giant floodlight with a handle. Even my parents thought it was goofy gift for a 9 year old girl. It was better suited for my father! He ended up with the thing, anyway. Had this person bought me a $1. box of candy, it would have been better received. -- At least that would have been something I could have enjoyed.
Another disappointing gift was a box that read: Chocolate Butter Cremes. My mouth watered with anticipation. -- I was crestfallen when I opened it. Inside was a nightgown! I wanted to scream, "Keep the damn nightie! Give me those chocolates!" It was a cruel tease. -- Always cover boxes like that with brown tape, or stickers. Or at least put a giant X across it with a magic marker!
A former Vero Beach neighbor took tacky to new lows. Before handing me her gift bag, she told me it was a decorative candle. "The wick is burned," she said. "I lit it to see if it had a fragrance." From the look of the wick and the candle, I'd say it burned for an hour or more. -- Talk about a used gift! Geez!
This same neighbor returned my Christmas present to her. -- A month later! It was a box of multi-flavored teas. She claimed she didn't remember who had given it to her. And no one in her family liked flavored tea. " So do you want it?" she asked. -- I took back my tea and I enjoyed it too.
These days I don't give many gifts. But when I do, I make the effort to put serious thought into them.
To my dear friend Rose, your Christmas present will NOT be a recycled one. -- At least not this year, anyway!
I'll never forget the book I received for Christmas as a teenager. Inside, in the upper left corner it read: To my cousin Jill, from Susan. This writing could have been easily concealed by pretty floral stickers. And underneath could have been written: To my friend, Dianne.
My birthday always falls 2 weeks to the day after Christmas. When I turned 40, I held a big party. -- About a third of my presents were recycled Christmas gifts!!! It was quite obvious.
One was an expensive alligator purse set. The fact that half the items were still in the original plastic wrapping was a dead give-away! Plus they were all thrown together loose in a gift bag. In this case, I would suggest removing all the plastic, then buying a gift box (They can be found in most Dollar Stores!) and wrapping it! This would have made a far better impression!
Gift bags are just plain lazy! Plus they take away half the fun of receiving presents! Unless you are donating a door prize where the crowd needs to see the gift, wrap it up for crying out loud!
There's a certain thrill to unwrapping a gift that you just can't get with a bag! And I am not the type who carefully unwraps. I rip thru paper like a wild beast tears into a gazelle carcass!
While handing me a gift, a friend told me she couldn't stand to see any tearing, because of all the effort she put into wrapping. Out of respect for her, I refrained. But good grief, the paper is just going to get thrown out anyway! -- Bows however, are almost always recycled.
Also a recycled gift should be appropriate to the recipient. At age 9, I received a giant floodlight with a handle. Even my parents thought it was goofy gift for a 9 year old girl. It was better suited for my father! He ended up with the thing, anyway. Had this person bought me a $1. box of candy, it would have been better received. -- At least that would have been something I could have enjoyed.
Another disappointing gift was a box that read: Chocolate Butter Cremes. My mouth watered with anticipation. -- I was crestfallen when I opened it. Inside was a nightgown! I wanted to scream, "Keep the damn nightie! Give me those chocolates!" It was a cruel tease. -- Always cover boxes like that with brown tape, or stickers. Or at least put a giant X across it with a magic marker!
A former Vero Beach neighbor took tacky to new lows. Before handing me her gift bag, she told me it was a decorative candle. "The wick is burned," she said. "I lit it to see if it had a fragrance." From the look of the wick and the candle, I'd say it burned for an hour or more. -- Talk about a used gift! Geez!
This same neighbor returned my Christmas present to her. -- A month later! It was a box of multi-flavored teas. She claimed she didn't remember who had given it to her. And no one in her family liked flavored tea. " So do you want it?" she asked. -- I took back my tea and I enjoyed it too.
These days I don't give many gifts. But when I do, I make the effort to put serious thought into them.
To my dear friend Rose, your Christmas present will NOT be a recycled one. -- At least not this year, anyway!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
CONFESSIONS OF A LINKEDIN LOOSE WOMAN
If you read my blog, you know that when it comes to technology I'm in the same category as an Amish woman. -- I take that back! There are probably Amish women who are quite tech savvy. (Remember Rumspringa!) However, I'm learning as I go along.
Several years back, I didn't know how to get on LinkedIn! A nice lady from the business networking luncheons put me on so we could connect.
For the first couple of years, I had about 8 connections. Everyone else seemed to have around 200. So I was kind of embarrassed. But at least I knew all 8 people.
Then I received an invitation from an unfamiliar name. I thought it might be someone from one of the networking luncheons. I meet so many people, I can't remember all their names. So I connected! Then I looked at the profile. Whoa, I thought, this is a total stranger! A few weeks later, a similar thing happened. And I didn't hesitate to connect. Yippeee!!! I had 10 connections, now!
I decided to experiment. I sent off volumes of invitations to strangers. Some received invites just because I liked their hair! I really didn't expect any of them to actually connect.
The next time I checked my Inbox, I couldn't believe it! Almost all of them did!
So I continued sending out invitations. My goal was to reach 100 connections before the weekend was over. Success, I did it!!!
I felt rather hypocritical. -- I had been reluctant to get on Facebook because I didn't want strange people trying to friend me!
Of course some did reject me. A few even contacted me just to tell me so! I got the vibe they were trying to feel superior by putting me in my place. Good grief, they had the option of ignoring my invitation. So this was unnecessary!
The most arrogant was a woman with a pageboy and thick glasses. -- I don't know why I sent her an invitation in the 1st place. She looked like a real pill just from her photo!
Early the following week, I met my friend Rose for lunch. "What have you been up to?" she asked.
I told her I had become a LinkedIn whore! I spent the entire weekend connecting with total strangers. It was a 2-day orgy!!!
"Then I'm a phone whore!" Rose declared. "I'm constantly changing my phone plan to get a better deal."
We laughed loudly that we were a pair of whores! The couple seated beside us on the other side of the partition got up and changed their seat!
I've had more than a few men try to hit on me thru LinkedIn. Perhaps it has to do with the fact I'm one of the rare women on there displaying cleavage.
One fellow was discombobulated when I told him I was over 60. -- Yes, my profile photo is recent, no touch-ups or photo-shopping involved. (I look young for my age in person, too!) However, I understood why he wanted nothing more to do with me. I totally get it! I'm shallow, too! What made me really angry was that he disconnected with me on LinkedIn. It's NOT a dating site!
Anyway, I've got well over 500 connections, now! Plus my profile was one of the 10 most viewed of 2012! NOW, YOU KNOW WHY! Seems every few days I receive an invitation from someone I've never met.
Lately, I've ignored a couple because I had an wary feeling. But it's rare for me to turn anyone away. So if you're reading my blog and want to connect, send me an invitation. I'm easy!
Several years back, I didn't know how to get on LinkedIn! A nice lady from the business networking luncheons put me on so we could connect.
For the first couple of years, I had about 8 connections. Everyone else seemed to have around 200. So I was kind of embarrassed. But at least I knew all 8 people.
Then I received an invitation from an unfamiliar name. I thought it might be someone from one of the networking luncheons. I meet so many people, I can't remember all their names. So I connected! Then I looked at the profile. Whoa, I thought, this is a total stranger! A few weeks later, a similar thing happened. And I didn't hesitate to connect. Yippeee!!! I had 10 connections, now!
I decided to experiment. I sent off volumes of invitations to strangers. Some received invites just because I liked their hair! I really didn't expect any of them to actually connect.
The next time I checked my Inbox, I couldn't believe it! Almost all of them did!
So I continued sending out invitations. My goal was to reach 100 connections before the weekend was over. Success, I did it!!!
I felt rather hypocritical. -- I had been reluctant to get on Facebook because I didn't want strange people trying to friend me!
Of course some did reject me. A few even contacted me just to tell me so! I got the vibe they were trying to feel superior by putting me in my place. Good grief, they had the option of ignoring my invitation. So this was unnecessary!
The most arrogant was a woman with a pageboy and thick glasses. -- I don't know why I sent her an invitation in the 1st place. She looked like a real pill just from her photo!
Early the following week, I met my friend Rose for lunch. "What have you been up to?" she asked.
I told her I had become a LinkedIn whore! I spent the entire weekend connecting with total strangers. It was a 2-day orgy!!!
"Then I'm a phone whore!" Rose declared. "I'm constantly changing my phone plan to get a better deal."
We laughed loudly that we were a pair of whores! The couple seated beside us on the other side of the partition got up and changed their seat!
I've had more than a few men try to hit on me thru LinkedIn. Perhaps it has to do with the fact I'm one of the rare women on there displaying cleavage.
One fellow was discombobulated when I told him I was over 60. -- Yes, my profile photo is recent, no touch-ups or photo-shopping involved. (I look young for my age in person, too!) However, I understood why he wanted nothing more to do with me. I totally get it! I'm shallow, too! What made me really angry was that he disconnected with me on LinkedIn. It's NOT a dating site!
Anyway, I've got well over 500 connections, now! Plus my profile was one of the 10 most viewed of 2012! NOW, YOU KNOW WHY! Seems every few days I receive an invitation from someone I've never met.
Lately, I've ignored a couple because I had an wary feeling. But it's rare for me to turn anyone away. So if you're reading my blog and want to connect, send me an invitation. I'm easy!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
NAME BLAME & SHAME
The most popular names of 2012 were Jacob and Sophia. Both are perfectly fine names! But personally, I wouldn't name a new baby either one. -- At least not for another few decades!
I was named after my father's favorite song, MY DIANE. By the time I reached High School there were 4 other girls in the same grade with my name! Sometimes, we all ended up in the same class. Dad swore he never knew another!
However, when you name your child after a popular song, or movie, or TV character; you should expect imitation. Thousands, perhaps millions are going to have the same idea and think they are the only one. This should be a no-brainer!
Of course any name can have a variety of spellings. I added an extra N when I started Junior High because I thought my name looked incomplete without it. This had always bugged me!
All considered, I'm happy with my name. I could have been stuck with far worse! For example, I could have been named after my maternal grandmother. Her given name was Floy! -- That may have been why she was such an old pus rag! A family surname is usually a good choice for a given name. But not in that case.
To me, a given name has far more to do with your identity than your surname. It's too darn bad we're not given more freedom to name ourselves. I propose, say at age 18 everyone be allowed to change the first name to one of their choosing. Then the old parent-given name would become the middle one.
I've always liked the name Lyllah. My name would then be Lyllah Dianne Lininger! However, Lyllah Lininger sounds a bit goofy. Remembering myself at age 18 I'd probably end up a moniker such as Azedna, Selithia, or Tayeda.
A first and last name together need a mellifluous rhythm to the ear. I prefer unusual or ethnic names to common ones. But they must have a certain personal style and finesse. This is something most celebrities believe they have, but sorely lack.
Celebrities tend to give their children dog & cat names. Guess they want their kids names to stand out. And they do, but for all the wrong reasons! These should be just pet names for inside the family. Because they sound lame! A few of my least favorite are: Apple, Sage Moonblood, Fifi Trixibelle, & Pilot Inspektok. These kids could play with my little fantasy daughter Polly Ester.
Back in the 1970's when I was in the florist business, all our delivery trucks were out. It was late in the day. So a designer pal and I took a wreath to the cemetery before heading off to the movies. I pointed to a grave that read Donald Duck. I thought it was hilarious and started giggling! "The only thing funnier would be a grave beside it with the name Tom Turkey." I laughed.
My friend's demeanor turned grim. "There is nothing funny about it!" she stated matter-of factly. This was the grave of a young boy who commit suicide due to that name. "Parents need to exercise good judgement when naming a child, " she said.
Duh!!!
Young Mr. Duck should have hung in there. Later, he could have legally changed his name, then divorced his parents!
I was named after my father's favorite song, MY DIANE. By the time I reached High School there were 4 other girls in the same grade with my name! Sometimes, we all ended up in the same class. Dad swore he never knew another!
However, when you name your child after a popular song, or movie, or TV character; you should expect imitation. Thousands, perhaps millions are going to have the same idea and think they are the only one. This should be a no-brainer!
Of course any name can have a variety of spellings. I added an extra N when I started Junior High because I thought my name looked incomplete without it. This had always bugged me!
All considered, I'm happy with my name. I could have been stuck with far worse! For example, I could have been named after my maternal grandmother. Her given name was Floy! -- That may have been why she was such an old pus rag! A family surname is usually a good choice for a given name. But not in that case.
To me, a given name has far more to do with your identity than your surname. It's too darn bad we're not given more freedom to name ourselves. I propose, say at age 18 everyone be allowed to change the first name to one of their choosing. Then the old parent-given name would become the middle one.
I've always liked the name Lyllah. My name would then be Lyllah Dianne Lininger! However, Lyllah Lininger sounds a bit goofy. Remembering myself at age 18 I'd probably end up a moniker such as Azedna, Selithia, or Tayeda.
A first and last name together need a mellifluous rhythm to the ear. I prefer unusual or ethnic names to common ones. But they must have a certain personal style and finesse. This is something most celebrities believe they have, but sorely lack.
Celebrities tend to give their children dog & cat names. Guess they want their kids names to stand out. And they do, but for all the wrong reasons! These should be just pet names for inside the family. Because they sound lame! A few of my least favorite are: Apple, Sage Moonblood, Fifi Trixibelle, & Pilot Inspektok. These kids could play with my little fantasy daughter Polly Ester.
Back in the 1970's when I was in the florist business, all our delivery trucks were out. It was late in the day. So a designer pal and I took a wreath to the cemetery before heading off to the movies. I pointed to a grave that read Donald Duck. I thought it was hilarious and started giggling! "The only thing funnier would be a grave beside it with the name Tom Turkey." I laughed.
My friend's demeanor turned grim. "There is nothing funny about it!" she stated matter-of factly. This was the grave of a young boy who commit suicide due to that name. "Parents need to exercise good judgement when naming a child, " she said.
Duh!!!
Young Mr. Duck should have hung in there. Later, he could have legally changed his name, then divorced his parents!
Saturday, November 16, 2013
THE FABRIC OF DREAMS
If I ever had a daughter I'd name her Polly Ester. Yes, I hate kids! But I love the material. The only thing I miss about the 1960's is all those spiffy polyester clothes. Back then, the majority cared about their appearance and were still making an effort to look put together.
As the popularity of natural fabrics rose, people began to appear more sloppy. It's been a steady decline ever since. Which is strange, because the natural materials were more pricey. In the 1980's many would not be caught dead wearing polyester.
For one thing, the big name designers couldn't make money off it, so polyester was suddenly deemed low class. The masses bought into their propaganda. Of course those who could afford their over-priced duds probably never did their own ironing.
The wonder fabric was unjustly maligned. Polyester is a dream come true! Just toss into the cold water wash, then the dryer. Expect far less shrinking and fading than natural materials. Plus it's resistant to mold and mildew as well as stains. The most resilient fabric ever! I sing its praises! There are many attractive polyester blends, too.
Living on a limited income, I do lots of shopping at Thrift and Consignment stores. Once upon a time, the thrift places did not charge extra for designer rags. Nowadays most do, so usually I avoid pricey racks. And I dress really nice! I receive complements on my attire all the time, from all age groups.
A few years back, I was standing in a large group waiting for the Library to open. A disheveled man appeared and elbowed his way thru the crowd. He came to straight to me. "I'm in a bind." he said. "Can you give me a few dollars?" Reluctantly, I did. But I was annoyed that I was the one he chose to target. I brought this up in my therapy group.
"You look like you've got money," I was told. I've heard this often!
Dressing well has nothing to do with how much money you spend. It's all about how you put clothes together. There's plenty of room for creativity when you accessorize. This is a talent of mine.
I recall when a high-end shopping plaza opened near Swell's Pointe (wealthy area) in Stuart. The local paper interviewed one of the shop owners. "Sometimes the polyester crowd wanders over here," he said with disdain. -- I thought the caste system died after high school. I was wrong! I was part of that crowd to which he was referring.
One day my neighbor, Gertrude, was leaving to check out the place. I was standing outside in my faded walking shorts, T-shirt, and flip-flops. She invited me along. I had no time to change clothes or put on make-up. I just jumped in the passenger seat. I wasn't even sure where we were going.
At the plaza, we briefly separated. I walked into a shop to admire an ornate handbag. One I would have needed to win the lottery to afford. But I stood there lusting. I felt two lasers boring into my back. I turned. The clerk was glowering fixedly upon me. His jaw was set. He was letting me know non-verbally I was unwelcome there.
I probably should have returned the next day dressed to perfection and had some fun with the snooty jerk! I'd pretend to buy, similar to that scene in the movie Pretty Woman. Then I'd tell him his merchandise wasn't quite up to my standards.
Gertrude preferred plain & simple attire. Unless you saw her stepping out of her brand-new Lincoln Continental, you would never guess she was worth millions! It's foolish to judge on appearance. My clothes may be cheap, but I'm not!
Honestly, I've never understood the appeal of denim. It's certainly not a Florida friendly material. I wear it only during the cooler months. Denim jeans feel like heavy drapes wrapped around my legs. I see construction workers wearing them in the heat of summer and I can't comprehend how they do it. If I was in their place, I'd be doing a Miley Cyrus and shucking my slacks in front of everyone to keep from passing out from heat stroke. My shirt would be clinging to my body with sweat. And my tongue would be down to my knees! I would be writhing on the ground.
I've always found dresses to be far more comfortable. Florida is a sweltering , sticky hot, humid state! Denim blends aren't quite as bad. Acid washed can be pretty and is fun to accessorize. As for ripped jeans, they are a joke! It is laughable to see what designers can get people to put on their bodies.
I'm not a fan of cotton, either. I'll stick with polyester. Unfortunately, it's derived from petroleum. However, cotton is the most pesticide dependant crop on the planet. Neither is environmentally friendly! At least I'm helping the environment by wearing recycled clothes!
I've read that polyester is flame-retardant. But once it ignites, it goes up fast! And unlike natural materials it melts into your flesh. However, cotton is actually more combustible! The most hazardous combination is a polyester-cotton blend. However, if the item is super pretty and flattering, it's well worth the risk.
Inside my home, I slop around, or go naked. But when out in public, I try to always dress nice!
As the popularity of natural fabrics rose, people began to appear more sloppy. It's been a steady decline ever since. Which is strange, because the natural materials were more pricey. In the 1980's many would not be caught dead wearing polyester.
For one thing, the big name designers couldn't make money off it, so polyester was suddenly deemed low class. The masses bought into their propaganda. Of course those who could afford their over-priced duds probably never did their own ironing.
The wonder fabric was unjustly maligned. Polyester is a dream come true! Just toss into the cold water wash, then the dryer. Expect far less shrinking and fading than natural materials. Plus it's resistant to mold and mildew as well as stains. The most resilient fabric ever! I sing its praises! There are many attractive polyester blends, too.
Living on a limited income, I do lots of shopping at Thrift and Consignment stores. Once upon a time, the thrift places did not charge extra for designer rags. Nowadays most do, so usually I avoid pricey racks. And I dress really nice! I receive complements on my attire all the time, from all age groups.
A few years back, I was standing in a large group waiting for the Library to open. A disheveled man appeared and elbowed his way thru the crowd. He came to straight to me. "I'm in a bind." he said. "Can you give me a few dollars?" Reluctantly, I did. But I was annoyed that I was the one he chose to target. I brought this up in my therapy group.
"You look like you've got money," I was told. I've heard this often!
Dressing well has nothing to do with how much money you spend. It's all about how you put clothes together. There's plenty of room for creativity when you accessorize. This is a talent of mine.
I recall when a high-end shopping plaza opened near Swell's Pointe (wealthy area) in Stuart. The local paper interviewed one of the shop owners. "Sometimes the polyester crowd wanders over here," he said with disdain. -- I thought the caste system died after high school. I was wrong! I was part of that crowd to which he was referring.
One day my neighbor, Gertrude, was leaving to check out the place. I was standing outside in my faded walking shorts, T-shirt, and flip-flops. She invited me along. I had no time to change clothes or put on make-up. I just jumped in the passenger seat. I wasn't even sure where we were going.
At the plaza, we briefly separated. I walked into a shop to admire an ornate handbag. One I would have needed to win the lottery to afford. But I stood there lusting. I felt two lasers boring into my back. I turned. The clerk was glowering fixedly upon me. His jaw was set. He was letting me know non-verbally I was unwelcome there.
I probably should have returned the next day dressed to perfection and had some fun with the snooty jerk! I'd pretend to buy, similar to that scene in the movie Pretty Woman. Then I'd tell him his merchandise wasn't quite up to my standards.
Gertrude preferred plain & simple attire. Unless you saw her stepping out of her brand-new Lincoln Continental, you would never guess she was worth millions! It's foolish to judge on appearance. My clothes may be cheap, but I'm not!
Honestly, I've never understood the appeal of denim. It's certainly not a Florida friendly material. I wear it only during the cooler months. Denim jeans feel like heavy drapes wrapped around my legs. I see construction workers wearing them in the heat of summer and I can't comprehend how they do it. If I was in their place, I'd be doing a Miley Cyrus and shucking my slacks in front of everyone to keep from passing out from heat stroke. My shirt would be clinging to my body with sweat. And my tongue would be down to my knees! I would be writhing on the ground.
I've always found dresses to be far more comfortable. Florida is a sweltering , sticky hot, humid state! Denim blends aren't quite as bad. Acid washed can be pretty and is fun to accessorize. As for ripped jeans, they are a joke! It is laughable to see what designers can get people to put on their bodies.
I'm not a fan of cotton, either. I'll stick with polyester. Unfortunately, it's derived from petroleum. However, cotton is the most pesticide dependant crop on the planet. Neither is environmentally friendly! At least I'm helping the environment by wearing recycled clothes!
I've read that polyester is flame-retardant. But once it ignites, it goes up fast! And unlike natural materials it melts into your flesh. However, cotton is actually more combustible! The most hazardous combination is a polyester-cotton blend. However, if the item is super pretty and flattering, it's well worth the risk.
Inside my home, I slop around, or go naked. But when out in public, I try to always dress nice!
Saturday, November 9, 2013
TV DINNERS IN 3-D
I have often joked that the reason I look so young for my age is because I've eaten TV dinners most of my life and they're full of preservatives.
My father was cursed with a delicate stomach. Anything with even a hint of flavor gave him tummy pains. All our meals were prepared for his digestive system. In other words, every thing we ate was bland!
I lusted for flavor! Even today, when I buy tea, potato chips, sauces, whatever. I must try every flavor out there! At the same time I'm a finicky eater. If I find eyes or lumps in mashed potatoes, I gag! And that white thing attached to egg yolks repulses me big time. As for vegetables, most just taste nasty!
Not long ago, a grandmother's words of wisdom were all over the Internet. The one I remember most was to throw finicky eaters down a laundry shoot and force feed them vegetables. -- I'd love to shove HER down a shoot. Then force feed her a live rattlesnake!
During my teens our family unit began to break apart. My mother was experiencing more serious mental issues. She chose to eat separately. I didn't want her preparing my food in her mental state so I started eating TV dinners. I had my own meal time just as my mother.
It was wonderful! I had choices and enjoyed lots of variety. TV dinners were not only tasty, but quick and easy with minimal clean-up. Later, they were perfect after a busy day at work. I set myself free with Stouffers long ago!
From time-to-time my brother returned home for extended periods. He too, ate nothing but TV dinners. My entire family dined in shifts, now.
Our next door neighbor, Gertrude, a single woman also subsisted on them. A snowbird, she would always give me the ones remaining in her freezer before returning north.
Gertrude was a wealthy woman. She spent around $25,000. on a state-of-the-art kitchen. (This was at 1990's prices!) I told her with a kitchen like that, she should learn to cook.
"Oh I don't want to get it dirty," she replied. -- I thought she was joking. She wasn't! My father used to call it her trophy kitchen.
Actually, she used her oven, but only for TV dinners. I pointed out that most had microwave instructions! Her meal could be ready in 6 minutes! Why wait a half hour!
"I can be doing other things while they cook," she stated.
"You still do all those things!" I said. I make coffee or tea while I wait my 6 minutes. -- She refused to consider it. Her microwave was only for warming cookies.
The only one I slow-cook is frozen pizza. (The crust taste yucky when microwaved!) Plus I add lots of extra toppings and spices. Sprinkles of blue cheese taste heavenly on a thin crust. In my opinion, Dr. Oetker Ristorante makes the best! I often add veggie-meat crumbles or onions. Sometimes I top with expensive gourmet cheeses, but only for extra special occasions like holidays, my birthday, and free HBO weekends.
My friend Margaret, a single woman of 30 plus years, became a TV dinner aficionado after her final divorce. Whenever she came to visit, the first thing we did was head for the grocery store so she could pick out a few. After our day-long outings enjoying Vero Beach, we'd come home to eat our TV dinners.
After the loss of her husband, my other friend Pat turned to them as well. We would report new ones just on the market, plus give our personal reviews during our long-distance phone conversations.
Frozen dinners are ideal for a single. And they're more economical! You're not stuck buying a whole lot of perishable ingredients that take up room.
Of course some of my favorites disappeared without warning. During the early 1990's Stouffer carried a line of mucho delicioso Mexican dinners. Unfortunately, they were not around long. Howard Johnson's made the best frozen macaroni & cheese ever! I enjoyed it for decades. All of a sudden, it vanished from the freezer shelves, sadly never to return.
Nowadays, I try to avoid anything high in trans fat, salt, fructose, etc.; or at least eat them far less often. -- Half the time I cook pasta. It's as simple as just boiling water. Plus I can top it with just about anything in my refrigerator or pantry! Sophia Loren once said, "Everything I am, I owe to pasta!" -- I can't imagine a better endorsement.
However when it comes to frozen food, new and delicious varieties are turning up all the time. My all time favorite is lasagna. Stouffer's makes a great one! But so does Michael Angelos, Cedar Lane, and Amy's. TV dinners just continue to get better!
My father was cursed with a delicate stomach. Anything with even a hint of flavor gave him tummy pains. All our meals were prepared for his digestive system. In other words, every thing we ate was bland!
I lusted for flavor! Even today, when I buy tea, potato chips, sauces, whatever. I must try every flavor out there! At the same time I'm a finicky eater. If I find eyes or lumps in mashed potatoes, I gag! And that white thing attached to egg yolks repulses me big time. As for vegetables, most just taste nasty!
Not long ago, a grandmother's words of wisdom were all over the Internet. The one I remember most was to throw finicky eaters down a laundry shoot and force feed them vegetables. -- I'd love to shove HER down a shoot. Then force feed her a live rattlesnake!
During my teens our family unit began to break apart. My mother was experiencing more serious mental issues. She chose to eat separately. I didn't want her preparing my food in her mental state so I started eating TV dinners. I had my own meal time just as my mother.
It was wonderful! I had choices and enjoyed lots of variety. TV dinners were not only tasty, but quick and easy with minimal clean-up. Later, they were perfect after a busy day at work. I set myself free with Stouffers long ago!
From time-to-time my brother returned home for extended periods. He too, ate nothing but TV dinners. My entire family dined in shifts, now.
Our next door neighbor, Gertrude, a single woman also subsisted on them. A snowbird, she would always give me the ones remaining in her freezer before returning north.
Gertrude was a wealthy woman. She spent around $25,000. on a state-of-the-art kitchen. (This was at 1990's prices!) I told her with a kitchen like that, she should learn to cook.
"Oh I don't want to get it dirty," she replied. -- I thought she was joking. She wasn't! My father used to call it her trophy kitchen.
Actually, she used her oven, but only for TV dinners. I pointed out that most had microwave instructions! Her meal could be ready in 6 minutes! Why wait a half hour!
"I can be doing other things while they cook," she stated.
"You still do all those things!" I said. I make coffee or tea while I wait my 6 minutes. -- She refused to consider it. Her microwave was only for warming cookies.
The only one I slow-cook is frozen pizza. (The crust taste yucky when microwaved!) Plus I add lots of extra toppings and spices. Sprinkles of blue cheese taste heavenly on a thin crust. In my opinion, Dr. Oetker Ristorante makes the best! I often add veggie-meat crumbles or onions. Sometimes I top with expensive gourmet cheeses, but only for extra special occasions like holidays, my birthday, and free HBO weekends.
My friend Margaret, a single woman of 30 plus years, became a TV dinner aficionado after her final divorce. Whenever she came to visit, the first thing we did was head for the grocery store so she could pick out a few. After our day-long outings enjoying Vero Beach, we'd come home to eat our TV dinners.
After the loss of her husband, my other friend Pat turned to them as well. We would report new ones just on the market, plus give our personal reviews during our long-distance phone conversations.
Frozen dinners are ideal for a single. And they're more economical! You're not stuck buying a whole lot of perishable ingredients that take up room.
Of course some of my favorites disappeared without warning. During the early 1990's Stouffer carried a line of mucho delicioso Mexican dinners. Unfortunately, they were not around long. Howard Johnson's made the best frozen macaroni & cheese ever! I enjoyed it for decades. All of a sudden, it vanished from the freezer shelves, sadly never to return.
Nowadays, I try to avoid anything high in trans fat, salt, fructose, etc.; or at least eat them far less often. -- Half the time I cook pasta. It's as simple as just boiling water. Plus I can top it with just about anything in my refrigerator or pantry! Sophia Loren once said, "Everything I am, I owe to pasta!" -- I can't imagine a better endorsement.
However when it comes to frozen food, new and delicious varieties are turning up all the time. My all time favorite is lasagna. Stouffer's makes a great one! But so does Michael Angelos, Cedar Lane, and Amy's. TV dinners just continue to get better!
Saturday, November 2, 2013
HACKER CANDY
I remain quite the popular gal with the hacker crowd. I am candy to these cockroaches. They've come up with several new interesting tactics of late.
The FBI in Washington D.C. emailed to inform me that I am under investigation. It all has to do with 10 million dollars in my name sitting in an African bank. This may be drug money used to support international terrorism. It was crucial I clear my name!
Forwarding this email was illegal, I was warned. Of course I forwarded it to several friends along with my Tech man, Jake. I thought they should know they were fraternizing with an international terrorist! We all had a good laugh, I'm sure. I knew that email wasn't from the FBI any more than I'm Ivanka Trump!
Also I have been nominated for entry into an esteemed business registry for exceeding goals and representing the best in my field. -- I have no delusions about my writing skills. Off the top of my head I can think of 20 writers here in Vero Beach with more talent who are definitely more success full! -- These cons must think I am not very bright. But I do know this, if you combine SPAM and HAM you get SCAM!
Plus there's all those generous people who offer to sell me a brand new car for 75 per cent off.
Others inform me that I'm breaking the law because I don't have health insurance yet, insisting it is urgent that I contact them. -- They must think I don't follow the news!
For a long while, I was receiving emails threatening to ruin my reputation. Headings were titled, BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST and JUST DISGRACEFUL WHAT YOU DID! These same cockroaches offered to make it all go away if I would just click on their link. Had I done so, either they would have gained access into my account or my computer would have been infected with a virus. -- Probably both!
I Googled myself, I was horrified to see the first heading on my list, TRUTH, SEE DIANNE LININGER'S ARRESTS! It read arrest(S) plural. I was only arrested once!!! It happened 20 years ago during an emotional breakdown. And it was a crime of passion and not moral turpitude!
This has since disappeared and I hope it stays gone.
I have learned that these same creeps also target people with NO arrest record. They charge $35. to view their material. Underneath, they state the validity may not be accurate. -- A lucrative racket, I'll bet.
Those emails PRETENDING to be from friends, acquaintances, and others continue! Many claim to be from AT&T. -- All are reported! These are now old tricks and I've caught on.
My Tech man, Jake was here, recently. Jake has armed me with additional ammo to fight these cockroaches who continue to infest my computer.
I need to start thinking of these emails the same as I do unsolicited phone calls. As you probably know, there are plenty of shady people on the other side of the receiver among the pests.
Directly after my father's passing, a man phoned to inform me he was my new financial advisor. Dad had hired him prior to his death, I was told. -- The last 2 years of my father's life, I handled ALL his affairs. Dad was feeble and mostly deaf. I knew the guy was lying thru his teeth!
Later, a woman called. "According to our records," she chirped. "You qualify for a lower mortgage rate."
"What records?" I inquired. "I've never had a mortgage on my home!" -- My father bought our house outright.
"Uh, it appears we've made a mistake, then," she replied.
Yeah, big one, lady!
I screen all calls, now. Also it doesn't matter if a questionable email makes it into my Inbox. That hacker stench is a dead give away! There's a plenitude of vermin out there. These parasites do damage. My guard is always up.
Plus my hex is still out there. It just takes a little time.
The FBI in Washington D.C. emailed to inform me that I am under investigation. It all has to do with 10 million dollars in my name sitting in an African bank. This may be drug money used to support international terrorism. It was crucial I clear my name!
Forwarding this email was illegal, I was warned. Of course I forwarded it to several friends along with my Tech man, Jake. I thought they should know they were fraternizing with an international terrorist! We all had a good laugh, I'm sure. I knew that email wasn't from the FBI any more than I'm Ivanka Trump!
Also I have been nominated for entry into an esteemed business registry for exceeding goals and representing the best in my field. -- I have no delusions about my writing skills. Off the top of my head I can think of 20 writers here in Vero Beach with more talent who are definitely more success full! -- These cons must think I am not very bright. But I do know this, if you combine SPAM and HAM you get SCAM!
Plus there's all those generous people who offer to sell me a brand new car for 75 per cent off.
Others inform me that I'm breaking the law because I don't have health insurance yet, insisting it is urgent that I contact them. -- They must think I don't follow the news!
For a long while, I was receiving emails threatening to ruin my reputation. Headings were titled, BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST and JUST DISGRACEFUL WHAT YOU DID! These same cockroaches offered to make it all go away if I would just click on their link. Had I done so, either they would have gained access into my account or my computer would have been infected with a virus. -- Probably both!
I Googled myself, I was horrified to see the first heading on my list, TRUTH, SEE DIANNE LININGER'S ARRESTS! It read arrest(S) plural. I was only arrested once!!! It happened 20 years ago during an emotional breakdown. And it was a crime of passion and not moral turpitude!
This has since disappeared and I hope it stays gone.
I have learned that these same creeps also target people with NO arrest record. They charge $35. to view their material. Underneath, they state the validity may not be accurate. -- A lucrative racket, I'll bet.
Those emails PRETENDING to be from friends, acquaintances, and others continue! Many claim to be from AT&T. -- All are reported! These are now old tricks and I've caught on.
My Tech man, Jake was here, recently. Jake has armed me with additional ammo to fight these cockroaches who continue to infest my computer.
I need to start thinking of these emails the same as I do unsolicited phone calls. As you probably know, there are plenty of shady people on the other side of the receiver among the pests.
Directly after my father's passing, a man phoned to inform me he was my new financial advisor. Dad had hired him prior to his death, I was told. -- The last 2 years of my father's life, I handled ALL his affairs. Dad was feeble and mostly deaf. I knew the guy was lying thru his teeth!
Later, a woman called. "According to our records," she chirped. "You qualify for a lower mortgage rate."
"What records?" I inquired. "I've never had a mortgage on my home!" -- My father bought our house outright.
"Uh, it appears we've made a mistake, then," she replied.
Yeah, big one, lady!
I screen all calls, now. Also it doesn't matter if a questionable email makes it into my Inbox. That hacker stench is a dead give away! There's a plenitude of vermin out there. These parasites do damage. My guard is always up.
Plus my hex is still out there. It just takes a little time.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
THE LAST REAL HALLOWEEN
The only holiday equally special and exciting as Christmas was Halloween! It was a big, honking deal to me and all of my friends.
I began trick-or-treating at age 4. I remember it vividly to this day! On Halloween night a big jamboree was to be held on the school football field. I would go trick-or-treating afterward, escorted by my grandfather. I was overflowing with excitement. I couldn't wait to see the costume selected for me.
What a disappointment!!! It was a little Bride's outfit, not a REAL costume! -- A DEAD Bride, now that would have been a costume I'd have worn with pride. To my surprise, I saw 3 other pre-school girls at the Halloween jamboree wearing the same lame outfit. Fortunately, I had outgrown it by the following year.
After that, I was a perpetual Gypsy. It was the easiest costume to create at home. Around age 10, I acquired a wig with long black curls for under my bandanna. At age 11, I really tarted things up with more make-up and jewelry. Classmates didn't recognize me when we passed on the sidewalks.
"This is your final year as a trick-or-treater," my mother declared. "Halloween is a little kid's holiday." I had been wearing a bra for a year, she reminded. "Next fall you'll be in Junior High, you'll just embarrass yourself!"
I was saddened. It would end an activity I loved! I knew I'd miss it, big time.
My first year in Junior High was spent down in West Palm Beach . My mother and I rented an apartment there so I could attend the "special" school. On weekends we came home to Stuart.
Around the corner, lived 2 girls my age. They attended regular Junior High. Come Halloween, they invited me to go trick-or-treating with them. My mother relented, since I would not be there the following year. Woohoo!!! I was getting an extra year!
My trick-or-treating began in a store-bought costume, it would end in one. This was to be a costume of my choosing. I was determined to go out with flair and flourish!
The movie CLEOPATRA started filming when I was in the 5th grade. I was now in the 7th and it was finally being released. Publicity for this film, plus the scandalous antics of Liz & Dick dominated the airwaves and print media, still.
Instantly, I was drawn to the Cleopatra costume. The deep royal purple with gold braiding and sequins was both showy and beautiful. Plus the material had a sheen. It fit tight, clingy in all the right places. -- I looked as if I'd hit puberty 2 years before I actually did. Quite a sophisticated costume for a 12 year old. Also it came with a with a golden falcon head-dress along with a mask that appeared to be molded from Liz Taylor's own face.
One of my friends was outfitted as a Ghost. The other was a Parisian Streetwalker. She called it a French Lady outfit! However it consisted of a tight split skirt, fish net stockings, beret, and long cancer stick holder with a candy cigarette at the end. Trust me, it was a streetwalker outfit! -- But she looked really good!
Despite the hooker costume, it was my gaudy outfit that got all the attention. As soon as doors opened, exclamations of, "Look! It's Liz Taylor!" were heard repeatedly!
Frenchy and I laughed and joked about it. But the Ghost was jealous. It was obvious that she was sorry I had been invited along.
To my delight, I encountered no one else wearing a similar outfit. My last REAL Halloween I wore the best costume of all!
Nowadays, Halloween is a lot less fun on this side of the candy. I still dress up in a costume just to get into the spirit of things. One year I attired myself as Marilyn Monroe, another a pirate, last Halloween I went Victorian. But to be honest, it feels like more of a bother. Guess I've just turned into a sour apple Scrooge. Or perhaps I miss the excitement of going door-to-door.
Halloween may have been a little kids holiday once, but not anymore. Half of those who come to my door tower over me! Many look like High Schoolers. Some of the costumes cover so much, for all I know, there could be someone 40 years old or older under there! -- Hmmm, that gives me an idea!
I began trick-or-treating at age 4. I remember it vividly to this day! On Halloween night a big jamboree was to be held on the school football field. I would go trick-or-treating afterward, escorted by my grandfather. I was overflowing with excitement. I couldn't wait to see the costume selected for me.
What a disappointment!!! It was a little Bride's outfit, not a REAL costume! -- A DEAD Bride, now that would have been a costume I'd have worn with pride. To my surprise, I saw 3 other pre-school girls at the Halloween jamboree wearing the same lame outfit. Fortunately, I had outgrown it by the following year.
After that, I was a perpetual Gypsy. It was the easiest costume to create at home. Around age 10, I acquired a wig with long black curls for under my bandanna. At age 11, I really tarted things up with more make-up and jewelry. Classmates didn't recognize me when we passed on the sidewalks.
"This is your final year as a trick-or-treater," my mother declared. "Halloween is a little kid's holiday." I had been wearing a bra for a year, she reminded. "Next fall you'll be in Junior High, you'll just embarrass yourself!"
I was saddened. It would end an activity I loved! I knew I'd miss it, big time.
My first year in Junior High was spent down in West Palm Beach . My mother and I rented an apartment there so I could attend the "special" school. On weekends we came home to Stuart.
Around the corner, lived 2 girls my age. They attended regular Junior High. Come Halloween, they invited me to go trick-or-treating with them. My mother relented, since I would not be there the following year. Woohoo!!! I was getting an extra year!
My trick-or-treating began in a store-bought costume, it would end in one. This was to be a costume of my choosing. I was determined to go out with flair and flourish!
The movie CLEOPATRA started filming when I was in the 5th grade. I was now in the 7th and it was finally being released. Publicity for this film, plus the scandalous antics of Liz & Dick dominated the airwaves and print media, still.
Instantly, I was drawn to the Cleopatra costume. The deep royal purple with gold braiding and sequins was both showy and beautiful. Plus the material had a sheen. It fit tight, clingy in all the right places. -- I looked as if I'd hit puberty 2 years before I actually did. Quite a sophisticated costume for a 12 year old. Also it came with a with a golden falcon head-dress along with a mask that appeared to be molded from Liz Taylor's own face.
One of my friends was outfitted as a Ghost. The other was a Parisian Streetwalker. She called it a French Lady outfit! However it consisted of a tight split skirt, fish net stockings, beret, and long cancer stick holder with a candy cigarette at the end. Trust me, it was a streetwalker outfit! -- But she looked really good!
Despite the hooker costume, it was my gaudy outfit that got all the attention. As soon as doors opened, exclamations of, "Look! It's Liz Taylor!" were heard repeatedly!
Frenchy and I laughed and joked about it. But the Ghost was jealous. It was obvious that she was sorry I had been invited along.
To my delight, I encountered no one else wearing a similar outfit. My last REAL Halloween I wore the best costume of all!
Nowadays, Halloween is a lot less fun on this side of the candy. I still dress up in a costume just to get into the spirit of things. One year I attired myself as Marilyn Monroe, another a pirate, last Halloween I went Victorian. But to be honest, it feels like more of a bother. Guess I've just turned into a sour apple Scrooge. Or perhaps I miss the excitement of going door-to-door.
Halloween may have been a little kids holiday once, but not anymore. Half of those who come to my door tower over me! Many look like High Schoolers. Some of the costumes cover so much, for all I know, there could be someone 40 years old or older under there! -- Hmmm, that gives me an idea!
Thursday, October 17, 2013
OH NO, A UFO!
Twice in my life I have witnessed a UFO.
The 1st, was at my former home in Stuart. The time was just after 11:00 PM. I was leaving the main house and walking thru the carport. I was headed over to my apartment and to bed. As I looked across the river, I noticed a string of amber lights in the sky. They were attached to something that was football fields long, judging from the buildings below. It stood stationary in the sky. (It was never there before or ever again!) I thought surely there would be some mention of this in the newspaper the next morning. There wasn't!
The 2nd, was in THIS house and not long ago! I watched it thru my high picture window. (I have a 30 ft. cathedral ceiling.) It was an enormous bright light with 6 smaller lights dancing behind it like butterflies. At first, I thought it was a comet!
I've seen comets a number of times during the past 15 years. What disturbs me is that all of them were traveling east. I wonder if they are pieces of something much greater headed our way!
As I watched the bright light with the dancing tail I waited for it to dim and burn out. It didn't! I watched until it was out of sight. It too was traveling east! However it was NO comet! I searched the newspaper and Internet the next day. Nothing!
Now I'm not saying these were transporting little green aliens with glowing eyes, antennae, and pincers. I don't know what they were!!! They could have been from NASA, or they could have originated from China or Russia. Or they could even be experimental government aircraft straight from Area 51! Who knows?
This has been a topic of fascination and study for me. So much has been hidden from the public. There have been plenty of startling deathbed revelations concerning the Roswell incident.
With the infinite number of galaxies in our universe it's far-fetched to believe we are alone.
Stephen Hawking has said we should not attract the attention of extraterrestrials because they may be out to exploit us. -- Perhaps they may even find us tasty! I admire Stephen Hawking. (We have the same birthday.) And I agree with him! But I also believe extraterrestrials are already aware of our existence. In fact they have been arriving and making contact for eons.
They are the missing link. Just take a Barbie doll, rip out all the hair, then black out the eyes. You will see the likeness of a Roswell alien. Yes, we were created. Our species was created by space aliens!!! This does not mean our souls are any less immortal than theirs. We all stem from the same cosmic consciousness.
Many of our religious beliefs were derived from extraterrestrials. Their superior technology is advanced to the point of seeming magical, even god-like! Some came to set us on the right path. Others had a more selfish agenda. -- If they would manipulate our DNA, they would certainly do it with our minds!
I am not stating this as fact. It just makes sense to me based on the info I have, unlike the religious folk who claim to know all the answers. Never mind their explanations have holes so big you could fly the Starship Enterprise straight thru them.
Those who have been abducted and subjected to alien experiments have kept quiet until recently out of fear of being mocked or labeled insane. For the most part, these are normal rational individuals. The physical evidence cannot be ignored!
It appears the aliens are busy creating extraterrestrial-human hybrids. For what purpose, I wonder??? I can only surmise. Perhaps as a replacement after we are all destroyed? More likely, we will destroy ourselves. Our weaponry like the rest of our technology is evolving, we are not! And worse, we are fouling our own living space. Humans, truly are the cancer of this planet. Perhaps the earth will prevail and destroy us first!
Geez, I hope I am never abducted by aliens. I certainly would not want to be impregnated with one of their ugly ant-faced babies! Fortunately, my eggs dried up last century. However, with their superior technology it might not be a problem.
I realize this is making light of a serious subject. But at least I would try to get something in return, such as total rejuvenation to the age of 20 or 25. But I wouldn't stop there! I'd make them super-charge my brain so I could just touch a computer screen to absorb all the knowledge. Also I'd want the power of telekinesis and remote viewing. You could call me A.A.E.W. (ALIEN ALTERED and ENHANCED WOMAN).
It would be worth a try! -- Hey, I can at least fantasize!
The 1st, was at my former home in Stuart. The time was just after 11:00 PM. I was leaving the main house and walking thru the carport. I was headed over to my apartment and to bed. As I looked across the river, I noticed a string of amber lights in the sky. They were attached to something that was football fields long, judging from the buildings below. It stood stationary in the sky. (It was never there before or ever again!) I thought surely there would be some mention of this in the newspaper the next morning. There wasn't!
The 2nd, was in THIS house and not long ago! I watched it thru my high picture window. (I have a 30 ft. cathedral ceiling.) It was an enormous bright light with 6 smaller lights dancing behind it like butterflies. At first, I thought it was a comet!
I've seen comets a number of times during the past 15 years. What disturbs me is that all of them were traveling east. I wonder if they are pieces of something much greater headed our way!
As I watched the bright light with the dancing tail I waited for it to dim and burn out. It didn't! I watched until it was out of sight. It too was traveling east! However it was NO comet! I searched the newspaper and Internet the next day. Nothing!
Now I'm not saying these were transporting little green aliens with glowing eyes, antennae, and pincers. I don't know what they were!!! They could have been from NASA, or they could have originated from China or Russia. Or they could even be experimental government aircraft straight from Area 51! Who knows?
This has been a topic of fascination and study for me. So much has been hidden from the public. There have been plenty of startling deathbed revelations concerning the Roswell incident.
With the infinite number of galaxies in our universe it's far-fetched to believe we are alone.
Stephen Hawking has said we should not attract the attention of extraterrestrials because they may be out to exploit us. -- Perhaps they may even find us tasty! I admire Stephen Hawking. (We have the same birthday.) And I agree with him! But I also believe extraterrestrials are already aware of our existence. In fact they have been arriving and making contact for eons.
They are the missing link. Just take a Barbie doll, rip out all the hair, then black out the eyes. You will see the likeness of a Roswell alien. Yes, we were created. Our species was created by space aliens!!! This does not mean our souls are any less immortal than theirs. We all stem from the same cosmic consciousness.
Many of our religious beliefs were derived from extraterrestrials. Their superior technology is advanced to the point of seeming magical, even god-like! Some came to set us on the right path. Others had a more selfish agenda. -- If they would manipulate our DNA, they would certainly do it with our minds!
I am not stating this as fact. It just makes sense to me based on the info I have, unlike the religious folk who claim to know all the answers. Never mind their explanations have holes so big you could fly the Starship Enterprise straight thru them.
Those who have been abducted and subjected to alien experiments have kept quiet until recently out of fear of being mocked or labeled insane. For the most part, these are normal rational individuals. The physical evidence cannot be ignored!
It appears the aliens are busy creating extraterrestrial-human hybrids. For what purpose, I wonder??? I can only surmise. Perhaps as a replacement after we are all destroyed? More likely, we will destroy ourselves. Our weaponry like the rest of our technology is evolving, we are not! And worse, we are fouling our own living space. Humans, truly are the cancer of this planet. Perhaps the earth will prevail and destroy us first!
Geez, I hope I am never abducted by aliens. I certainly would not want to be impregnated with one of their ugly ant-faced babies! Fortunately, my eggs dried up last century. However, with their superior technology it might not be a problem.
I realize this is making light of a serious subject. But at least I would try to get something in return, such as total rejuvenation to the age of 20 or 25. But I wouldn't stop there! I'd make them super-charge my brain so I could just touch a computer screen to absorb all the knowledge. Also I'd want the power of telekinesis and remote viewing. You could call me A.A.E.W. (ALIEN ALTERED and ENHANCED WOMAN).
It would be worth a try! -- Hey, I can at least fantasize!
Thursday, October 10, 2013
WILD, WET, WICKED WILMA
My Halloween decorations had been up for several weeks. Bags of candy were piled high on the kitchen counter. The year was 2005 and Hurricane Wilma was headed this way! The year before was the notorious one that made history. Two hurricanes, Frances & Jeanne hit the Treasure Coast just 3 weeks apart to the day. The last thing anyone needed was another hurricane strike!
My father used to say that when the calendar reached October we could cease worrying about hurricanes. -- That was another thing he was wrong about!!! Our first October in this house we were hit! It was a back door storm called Irene in 1999.
Like many others on the Treasure Coast, I was in denial. Irene had struck early in October. This was the week before Halloween. Plus Wilma was way over in the Gulf headed toward Mexico. Still, weather forecasters predicted we would be next. She was on a Florida path and would strike us from behind.
I have been to the Yucatan peninsula. I took a small plane deep into the jungle to view its ruins. (The 1970's were my years of world exploration.) Surely, I thought the mountains and dense jungle would rip the storm's fetter bands apart! Also a cold front was predicted around the same time. Hurricanes require warm air. So I wasn't worried. -- Big mistake!
The Yucatan failed to disperse Wilma. In fact she picked up strength as she crossed the Gulf toward Florida. The reality finally sunk in.
I phoned the carpenter who boarded my home the previous year. The one I thought was a saint for doing it for $40. almost at the last minute. -- What a difference a year makes!!! I was informed that he could not be bothered with me. He was too busy boarding houses on the beach. -- I reminded him that I had asked to be put on his list because I didn't have anyone else to do the job! Obviously he had forgotten this. He curtly told me he was sorry, he was too busy.
"Just board-up the 2 double picture windows and nothing else!" I pleaded.
"You want me to board-up the whole one side of your house!" he snapped.
"No!" I snapped back. "Just the TWO windows!" He refused. "Just board the top window, then," I urged. "It's the most vulnerable. You can forget the bottom one!"
Reluctantly, he agreed. He would be here between 5:00 & 7:00 PM, he said. -- By 9:00 PM, I gave up all hope of seeing him. I told myself that Wilma may turn out to be nothing more than a category 1.
Irene had been a category 1. It was serious enough to take down several trees, but the house was unboarded and sustained only minimal damage.
Before going to bed, I turned to the weather station. Wilma would be striking as a category 2!!! I screamed so loud I'm surprised my neighbors didn't phone the police! I cursed that carpenter and cried myself to sleep.
The next day Wilma struck with a ferocity! The electricity went first. Back door hurricanes are wet as they are windy. Water came streaming thru the (closed) windows of my house! I used every towel (paper & cloth) to save my carpet! My supply ran out! The floor was flooding under my front door! Frantically, I put newspapers down to keep it from reaching the carpet.
Fortunately, unlike Jeanne & Francis, Wilma struck during daylight. I could see well enough to do damage control. My front door appeared ready to blow in bringing the storm inside my house. Sobbing and screaming, I alternately prayed and cursed. I watched a tree snap in half outside! Any second I expected a tree branch, or an entire tree, or even a tire to come crashing thru one of my windows! The winds roared as they ferociously whipped around my house.
To my disbelief, I heard the phone ringing. I was dismayed there was still service! I had no phone for several days with the previous hurricanes. My brother was on the other end of the line reversing charges as usual.
"I can't talk now!" I hollered into the receiver. "I'm in the middle of a hurricane!"
"Oh, there's a hurricane," he replied with surprise.
"Yes!" I shrieked. "My windows are all unboarded. I'm having a nervous breakdown here!"
"Don't you have neighbors?" he asked. "Didn't they help you?"
"You would certainly think so!" I bristled.
When I was child, our nearest neighbor, a widow and her daughter lived several miles up the highway. Had a hurricane been approaching, my dad and grandfather would have been over there boarding up her place the minute they finished ours. Today, I'm in a subdivision surrounded by neighbors. For all they care, I could blow away!
The day after Wilma, the temperature plummeted down into the 40's which is about as cold as it gets here in South Florida. The electricity would not be restored for several days which meant no warm cup of coffee. I shivered as I washed in a frigid bathroom. Happily, there was no sleeping on any bathroom floors due to heat this time.
Also because my windows were unboarded, I could open them to dry my carpet. Mold was avoided this way. My roof had been replaced the previous year. The new one was up to code. This time around, there were no shingles in my yard among the debris.
In my life and times, I have endured 6 hurricanes, 3 alone. Wilma was utterly the most terrifying!
My father used to say that when the calendar reached October we could cease worrying about hurricanes. -- That was another thing he was wrong about!!! Our first October in this house we were hit! It was a back door storm called Irene in 1999.
Like many others on the Treasure Coast, I was in denial. Irene had struck early in October. This was the week before Halloween. Plus Wilma was way over in the Gulf headed toward Mexico. Still, weather forecasters predicted we would be next. She was on a Florida path and would strike us from behind.
I have been to the Yucatan peninsula. I took a small plane deep into the jungle to view its ruins. (The 1970's were my years of world exploration.) Surely, I thought the mountains and dense jungle would rip the storm's fetter bands apart! Also a cold front was predicted around the same time. Hurricanes require warm air. So I wasn't worried. -- Big mistake!
The Yucatan failed to disperse Wilma. In fact she picked up strength as she crossed the Gulf toward Florida. The reality finally sunk in.
I phoned the carpenter who boarded my home the previous year. The one I thought was a saint for doing it for $40. almost at the last minute. -- What a difference a year makes!!! I was informed that he could not be bothered with me. He was too busy boarding houses on the beach. -- I reminded him that I had asked to be put on his list because I didn't have anyone else to do the job! Obviously he had forgotten this. He curtly told me he was sorry, he was too busy.
"Just board-up the 2 double picture windows and nothing else!" I pleaded.
"You want me to board-up the whole one side of your house!" he snapped.
"No!" I snapped back. "Just the TWO windows!" He refused. "Just board the top window, then," I urged. "It's the most vulnerable. You can forget the bottom one!"
Reluctantly, he agreed. He would be here between 5:00 & 7:00 PM, he said. -- By 9:00 PM, I gave up all hope of seeing him. I told myself that Wilma may turn out to be nothing more than a category 1.
Irene had been a category 1. It was serious enough to take down several trees, but the house was unboarded and sustained only minimal damage.
Before going to bed, I turned to the weather station. Wilma would be striking as a category 2!!! I screamed so loud I'm surprised my neighbors didn't phone the police! I cursed that carpenter and cried myself to sleep.
The next day Wilma struck with a ferocity! The electricity went first. Back door hurricanes are wet as they are windy. Water came streaming thru the (closed) windows of my house! I used every towel (paper & cloth) to save my carpet! My supply ran out! The floor was flooding under my front door! Frantically, I put newspapers down to keep it from reaching the carpet.
Fortunately, unlike Jeanne & Francis, Wilma struck during daylight. I could see well enough to do damage control. My front door appeared ready to blow in bringing the storm inside my house. Sobbing and screaming, I alternately prayed and cursed. I watched a tree snap in half outside! Any second I expected a tree branch, or an entire tree, or even a tire to come crashing thru one of my windows! The winds roared as they ferociously whipped around my house.
To my disbelief, I heard the phone ringing. I was dismayed there was still service! I had no phone for several days with the previous hurricanes. My brother was on the other end of the line reversing charges as usual.
"I can't talk now!" I hollered into the receiver. "I'm in the middle of a hurricane!"
"Oh, there's a hurricane," he replied with surprise.
"Yes!" I shrieked. "My windows are all unboarded. I'm having a nervous breakdown here!"
"Don't you have neighbors?" he asked. "Didn't they help you?"
"You would certainly think so!" I bristled.
When I was child, our nearest neighbor, a widow and her daughter lived several miles up the highway. Had a hurricane been approaching, my dad and grandfather would have been over there boarding up her place the minute they finished ours. Today, I'm in a subdivision surrounded by neighbors. For all they care, I could blow away!
The day after Wilma, the temperature plummeted down into the 40's which is about as cold as it gets here in South Florida. The electricity would not be restored for several days which meant no warm cup of coffee. I shivered as I washed in a frigid bathroom. Happily, there was no sleeping on any bathroom floors due to heat this time.
Also because my windows were unboarded, I could open them to dry my carpet. Mold was avoided this way. My roof had been replaced the previous year. The new one was up to code. This time around, there were no shingles in my yard among the debris.
In my life and times, I have endured 6 hurricanes, 3 alone. Wilma was utterly the most terrifying!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
BITING THE COSMIC DUST
Recently, I updated my Will. This was long over due. Several dead people needed to be removed. Also I'm co-authoring a book with my friend and illustrator, April Sampson. Had I not done this, it would have created problems for her down the road.
As for burial arrangements, my great friend Rose will be handling this. I chose cremation. It's fast, easy, and cheap! Three words I'm proud to say, never applied to me in life. Also I don't believe in wasting valuable real estate on the dead. With the exploding world population I can foresee a time when cemeteries will be dug up to plant crops. Cremation is the way of the future, or it should be.
There is one stipulation. I must be 100 per cent dead first! In the past, people have been buried alive. Bells were placed over graves tied to the cadaver's wrist below. -- There are no bells inside a cremation oven. And if there were, by the time anyone heard, I wouldn't be a dead ringer, but a charred one, extra crispy.
Around 20 years ago, I saw a news report about a mortician who had sex with a woman's cadaver and she came back to life!!! Comedian Joan Rivers said she should have married him. I say, he should have been castrated!
Rose's spouse is in law enforcement. Perhaps he will be kind enough to take his revolver and fire several shots into my body as a precaution.
Rose thinks it's creepy talking about these things. I don't! None us are getting out of here alive. Our bodies wear out, but we don't! We have all existed in one form or another since the beginning of time. This life is but a nuance of color on an iridescent thread that stretches into eternity. I've had personal contact with ghosts.
I want my ashes to be scattered in an exotic foreign land. -- No beaches! Growing up on Florida's Treasure Coast they are too common place. It has to be somewhere I've never been.
Rose immediately thought of Romania! It's more in character with my personality, she feels. I've read that Romania is dramatically beautiful in every season. Romania it will be! The perfect send off into my after life. -- I may even stick around long enough to learn the language before moving on to explore other dimensions.
I know Rose will pick an extraordinary spot for the scattering. Perhaps over a lake surrounded by forest with a looming mountain high above, topped by a castle.
As my ashes are scattered, I expect Rose and her husband to sing, MY THING IS MY OWN which I've taken as my theme song. -- It's that tune which automatically plays and probably annoys you while you're trying to read my blog.
I insist they use the trip as a second honeymoon as well. It 'll be a win-win for every body. I want them to go to festivals, live shows, see all the sites, etc. I will be there enjoying it too, literally in spirit. Of course I won't be returning with them.
There's a line of cremation jewelry. (Some really cute!) Lockets for ashes the living wear to carry a part of the deceased around. Perhaps Rose will buy one to keep my memory alive.
As for burial arrangements, my great friend Rose will be handling this. I chose cremation. It's fast, easy, and cheap! Three words I'm proud to say, never applied to me in life. Also I don't believe in wasting valuable real estate on the dead. With the exploding world population I can foresee a time when cemeteries will be dug up to plant crops. Cremation is the way of the future, or it should be.
There is one stipulation. I must be 100 per cent dead first! In the past, people have been buried alive. Bells were placed over graves tied to the cadaver's wrist below. -- There are no bells inside a cremation oven. And if there were, by the time anyone heard, I wouldn't be a dead ringer, but a charred one, extra crispy.
Around 20 years ago, I saw a news report about a mortician who had sex with a woman's cadaver and she came back to life!!! Comedian Joan Rivers said she should have married him. I say, he should have been castrated!
Rose's spouse is in law enforcement. Perhaps he will be kind enough to take his revolver and fire several shots into my body as a precaution.
Rose thinks it's creepy talking about these things. I don't! None us are getting out of here alive. Our bodies wear out, but we don't! We have all existed in one form or another since the beginning of time. This life is but a nuance of color on an iridescent thread that stretches into eternity. I've had personal contact with ghosts.
I want my ashes to be scattered in an exotic foreign land. -- No beaches! Growing up on Florida's Treasure Coast they are too common place. It has to be somewhere I've never been.
Rose immediately thought of Romania! It's more in character with my personality, she feels. I've read that Romania is dramatically beautiful in every season. Romania it will be! The perfect send off into my after life. -- I may even stick around long enough to learn the language before moving on to explore other dimensions.
I know Rose will pick an extraordinary spot for the scattering. Perhaps over a lake surrounded by forest with a looming mountain high above, topped by a castle.
As my ashes are scattered, I expect Rose and her husband to sing, MY THING IS MY OWN which I've taken as my theme song. -- It's that tune which automatically plays and probably annoys you while you're trying to read my blog.
I insist they use the trip as a second honeymoon as well. It 'll be a win-win for every body. I want them to go to festivals, live shows, see all the sites, etc. I will be there enjoying it too, literally in spirit. Of course I won't be returning with them.
There's a line of cremation jewelry. (Some really cute!) Lockets for ashes the living wear to carry a part of the deceased around. Perhaps Rose will buy one to keep my memory alive.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
THE DOOR ON MY FLOOR
After returning from lunch with a friend, I was surprised to see a group of kids perched in the branches of my giant oak tree. All were from the neighborhood. "We thought no one lived here," they told me. -- This has been my residence since 1999!!!
I came to the realization that my house had started to take on an abandoned look. So, I've been digging deep into my savings for long needed repairs and replacements.
We are now well into hurricane season. One replacement needed to be completed quickly!
Urgently, I was determined to get a hurricane resistant front door. My old one had too much glass that could easily shatter. Also it opened in, rather than out. During the last storm water came flooding thru from underneath as I watched my door being sucked in & out with the wind. I feared it would blow in at any minute bringing the hurricane inside. My heart was pounding as I held my breath. I will never forget it!
I called a store a few streets over for an estimate. The most INEXPENSIVE door was $4020., plus a $90. permit fee. And that did NOT include painting the door! -- Recently I had just paid a ridiculously high price for badly needed new blinds. It seems everything in Vero Beach is priced for people who have unlimited disposable income!
My friend Rose agreed the cost was outrageous. She gave me the name of a reliable handyman. He helped me choose a sturdy door from HOME DEPOT. Also he installed and painted it for a lot less. This was a godsend!
I looked into repairing my driveway as well. It is badly cracked, ugly, and embarrassing to me. I was told a stamped driveway was the way to go. Supposedly it would be reasonably priced. Well, I discovered to my horror there is no inexpensive way to repair it.
One man became particularly obnoxious. He stated that I should have known better! Because concrete costs $$$$, paint cost $$$$, labor costs $$$$! -- My PURPOSE in getting estimates was to LEARN THE COST! Instead, I got someone trying to make me feel stupid!
"You are failing to maintain your home!" he declared with indignation. (Actually I heard this once before from another obnoxious business owner.) I told him I am a single woman on a fixed income. I'm maintaining my house to the best of my ability!
"Well you paid a pretty penny for this house," he replied, "and I'll bet your taxes and insurance aren't cheap!"
I informed him that I had inherited the house. And if I didn't have to pay taxes and insurance, I could afford a new driveway! The last thing I said to him was, "If I ever win the lottery, I'll call you!" -- Actually I never want to see him again!!!
He waved me off as if to say, "The hell with you!" I noticed he didn't leave me a business card.
Looks as if I'm going to be living with the cracks. Besides, I've got more serious concerns.
Hopefully next summer I'll be able to afford new garage doors. My current ones are old and flimsy. I doubt they will stand up to anything beyond a category 2 hurricane. -- I'm hoping this won't be the year we're hit by a stronger one!
My new front door has another big advantage. Without all that glass, it's more private! Jehovah's witnesses can no longer sneak up on me during my Saturday afternoon movie. And with the new blinds, neighbors will never again be startled by the naked Dianne song and dance! My own unique version of twerking!
I came to the realization that my house had started to take on an abandoned look. So, I've been digging deep into my savings for long needed repairs and replacements.
We are now well into hurricane season. One replacement needed to be completed quickly!
Urgently, I was determined to get a hurricane resistant front door. My old one had too much glass that could easily shatter. Also it opened in, rather than out. During the last storm water came flooding thru from underneath as I watched my door being sucked in & out with the wind. I feared it would blow in at any minute bringing the hurricane inside. My heart was pounding as I held my breath. I will never forget it!
I called a store a few streets over for an estimate. The most INEXPENSIVE door was $4020., plus a $90. permit fee. And that did NOT include painting the door! -- Recently I had just paid a ridiculously high price for badly needed new blinds. It seems everything in Vero Beach is priced for people who have unlimited disposable income!
My friend Rose agreed the cost was outrageous. She gave me the name of a reliable handyman. He helped me choose a sturdy door from HOME DEPOT. Also he installed and painted it for a lot less. This was a godsend!
I looked into repairing my driveway as well. It is badly cracked, ugly, and embarrassing to me. I was told a stamped driveway was the way to go. Supposedly it would be reasonably priced. Well, I discovered to my horror there is no inexpensive way to repair it.
One man became particularly obnoxious. He stated that I should have known better! Because concrete costs $$$$, paint cost $$$$, labor costs $$$$! -- My PURPOSE in getting estimates was to LEARN THE COST! Instead, I got someone trying to make me feel stupid!
"You are failing to maintain your home!" he declared with indignation. (Actually I heard this once before from another obnoxious business owner.) I told him I am a single woman on a fixed income. I'm maintaining my house to the best of my ability!
"Well you paid a pretty penny for this house," he replied, "and I'll bet your taxes and insurance aren't cheap!"
I informed him that I had inherited the house. And if I didn't have to pay taxes and insurance, I could afford a new driveway! The last thing I said to him was, "If I ever win the lottery, I'll call you!" -- Actually I never want to see him again!!!
He waved me off as if to say, "The hell with you!" I noticed he didn't leave me a business card.
Looks as if I'm going to be living with the cracks. Besides, I've got more serious concerns.
Hopefully next summer I'll be able to afford new garage doors. My current ones are old and flimsy. I doubt they will stand up to anything beyond a category 2 hurricane. -- I'm hoping this won't be the year we're hit by a stronger one!
My new front door has another big advantage. Without all that glass, it's more private! Jehovah's witnesses can no longer sneak up on me during my Saturday afternoon movie. And with the new blinds, neighbors will never again be startled by the naked Dianne song and dance! My own unique version of twerking!
Friday, September 20, 2013
ACID REFLUX SUCKS
I felt like the Dragon Lady! Every time I opened my mouth I expected blazing flames to shoot forth. The head of anyone facing me would be incinerated, a fiery cinder atop charred vertebrae. At times, I was actually disappointed this didn't happen. Some folks just get on your last raw nerve.
Perhaps it's old age kicking me in the gut. The change of life has already smacked me with several unpleasant surprises. This one started with a sharp pain in my upper abdomen like a knife. Later, a similar one in my lower stomach. Food began to taste nasty. I wondered why everything in my fridge and pantry suddenly went rancid. The internal inferno soon followed. I worried that I had stomach cancer.
I made an appointment at a medical clinic on 37th Street. The doctor pressed down on my abdomen. "With cancer the pain is usually stationary, " she said. "It sounds to me like GERD, or Acid Reflux Disease."
My frequent migraines finally were attenuating and now this!
I went on the Prilosec 14 day plan. It worked, I thought I was cured! Two months later, the fire in my chest and throat returned with a vengeance! Again, with the Prilosec. This time it was useless. Then I tried Zantac, Maalox, Tums, and everything else. There was no relief!
Again, I thought of cancer, which runs in my family. I decided to have a Cat Scan. The evening before and twice on the day of, I had to drink a huge glass of a milky substance. It tasted like a fruit smoothie made of rotten fruit.
Before the scan, I had to sign a paper acknowledging that I may die from the procedure. I told the physician had I known, I would have updated my Will. He guffawed and said it was only there as a precaution. I was in no real danger.
No cancer, but the bill was astronomical!!! I cannot afford Health Insurance. Plus the internal inferno still blazed, burning me alive from the inside out!
Around the corner was an Herbalist. She put together a number of items including herb tea along with instructions. I love tea, but I hate the herbal variety. Anyway, I got sick from all that stuff! I was throwing it up! I got a refund.
I tried a different clinic and was given a prescription. Ten minutes after I took it, I felt as if a flame-thrower had been shot into my chest. As if I was literally on fire! In the throes of agony, immediately I phoned the clinic. I spoke with the doctor. She told me not to take any more. -- Duh!!! I was left to suffer. The prescription was expensive, but I was refunded.
Shortly after, a book signing with other authors was scheduled. The night before, the internal inferno made me unable to sleep. In desperation I swallowed mouthfuls of toothpaste to cool the fire. -- I got relief! I put on my glasses to read the ingredients. CALL POISON CONTROL IMMEDIATELY IF SWALLOWED instantly caught my eye! The time was around 2:00 AM.. I feared I would end up in a hospital emergency room!
"But I ate toothpaste as a child," I told the lady at the other end of the line.
"We all did," she replied. I was instructed to drink a tall glass of milk and return to bed.
Later I searched the Internet for Acid Reflux cures. Plenty claimed to be sure fire ones! All from people who were hawking books. I kept searching. Several home remedies included apple cider vinegar and yellow mustard. (Both felt as if I'd tossed a grenade on a bonfire!) Apple, papaya, and aloe were suggested as well. These were pleasant, but ineffective.
I take a number of vitamins. Usually, I get them via the mail. One day in town, I went inside a Health Food store for Wheat Germ capsules. As I chatted with the saleslady, I related my ordeal with Acid Reflux.
She suggested Multi-Enzyme tablets and Bromelain. "Take 2 tablets of the former after each meal and 1 of the later before bedtime," she said.
Relief came almost immediately! This worked better than anything I had tried! I enjoyed several pain-free years. Again, I thought I was cured!
Excitedly I embarked on a 2 day trip to EPCOT without them. -- No problems. Upon my return, the infernal inferno resumed, excruciatingly painful as ever! My old reliables failed to rescue me this time. Famotidine worked for awhile.
Nowadays, I alternate treatments. (All of the above!) It's an ongoing war keeping the internal inferno down to a flicker.
Perhaps it's old age kicking me in the gut. The change of life has already smacked me with several unpleasant surprises. This one started with a sharp pain in my upper abdomen like a knife. Later, a similar one in my lower stomach. Food began to taste nasty. I wondered why everything in my fridge and pantry suddenly went rancid. The internal inferno soon followed. I worried that I had stomach cancer.
I made an appointment at a medical clinic on 37th Street. The doctor pressed down on my abdomen. "With cancer the pain is usually stationary, " she said. "It sounds to me like GERD, or Acid Reflux Disease."
My frequent migraines finally were attenuating and now this!
I went on the Prilosec 14 day plan. It worked, I thought I was cured! Two months later, the fire in my chest and throat returned with a vengeance! Again, with the Prilosec. This time it was useless. Then I tried Zantac, Maalox, Tums, and everything else. There was no relief!
Again, I thought of cancer, which runs in my family. I decided to have a Cat Scan. The evening before and twice on the day of, I had to drink a huge glass of a milky substance. It tasted like a fruit smoothie made of rotten fruit.
Before the scan, I had to sign a paper acknowledging that I may die from the procedure. I told the physician had I known, I would have updated my Will. He guffawed and said it was only there as a precaution. I was in no real danger.
No cancer, but the bill was astronomical!!! I cannot afford Health Insurance. Plus the internal inferno still blazed, burning me alive from the inside out!
Around the corner was an Herbalist. She put together a number of items including herb tea along with instructions. I love tea, but I hate the herbal variety. Anyway, I got sick from all that stuff! I was throwing it up! I got a refund.
I tried a different clinic and was given a prescription. Ten minutes after I took it, I felt as if a flame-thrower had been shot into my chest. As if I was literally on fire! In the throes of agony, immediately I phoned the clinic. I spoke with the doctor. She told me not to take any more. -- Duh!!! I was left to suffer. The prescription was expensive, but I was refunded.
Shortly after, a book signing with other authors was scheduled. The night before, the internal inferno made me unable to sleep. In desperation I swallowed mouthfuls of toothpaste to cool the fire. -- I got relief! I put on my glasses to read the ingredients. CALL POISON CONTROL IMMEDIATELY IF SWALLOWED instantly caught my eye! The time was around 2:00 AM.. I feared I would end up in a hospital emergency room!
"But I ate toothpaste as a child," I told the lady at the other end of the line.
"We all did," she replied. I was instructed to drink a tall glass of milk and return to bed.
Later I searched the Internet for Acid Reflux cures. Plenty claimed to be sure fire ones! All from people who were hawking books. I kept searching. Several home remedies included apple cider vinegar and yellow mustard. (Both felt as if I'd tossed a grenade on a bonfire!) Apple, papaya, and aloe were suggested as well. These were pleasant, but ineffective.
I take a number of vitamins. Usually, I get them via the mail. One day in town, I went inside a Health Food store for Wheat Germ capsules. As I chatted with the saleslady, I related my ordeal with Acid Reflux.
She suggested Multi-Enzyme tablets and Bromelain. "Take 2 tablets of the former after each meal and 1 of the later before bedtime," she said.
Relief came almost immediately! This worked better than anything I had tried! I enjoyed several pain-free years. Again, I thought I was cured!
Excitedly I embarked on a 2 day trip to EPCOT without them. -- No problems. Upon my return, the infernal inferno resumed, excruciatingly painful as ever! My old reliables failed to rescue me this time. Famotidine worked for awhile.
Nowadays, I alternate treatments. (All of the above!) It's an ongoing war keeping the internal inferno down to a flicker.
Thursday, September 12, 2013
DIE HACKERS DIE
I am attracting hackers like vultures to carrion.
A free local newspaper has a column written by a computer expert. He states it's a myth that hackers are interested in the average person. They are only after corporate databases, the BIG targets, he says. -- This publication shows up on my lawn like dog poop every Thursday. That's about what this advice is worth.
Hackers are VERY interested in me!!! Sometimes I receive emails from 3 a day! Over half go to spam, but many still get through. I'm getting good at spotting them. (Some have a foul stench I can smell right thru the computer.) But the hackers are getting more sneaky all the time. This is why I refuse to have important documents emailed or bank online. I am not rich, but an older woman on a fixed income who is forced to live frugally.
I am constantly reporting these roaches to the SCAM/ABUSE Dept. of AT&T, but the problem only seems to be worsening. -- I've read they're hard to catch, much less prosecute. But I wonder if AT&T is even trying!!!
Also I wonder if I put a target on my own head by writing in my blog that I'm a computer novice.
However, it started when I missed an episode of one of my favorite TV programs. I tried to watch it on my computer by going to the network's website. Unsuccessful, I went to other websites. One promised to let me view it along with other shows. They not only lied, but my homepage vanished! Another was in its place. It demanded my personal info before I could gain access to my email and facebook account. -- Something stank!
I googled the AT&T U-verse Official Site and got everything back by going that route. It was a nuisance to do every single time I went online! One day, I found myself prevented from google, too. I got on the phone and called AT&T. They removed the offending page and restored my email. But I needed my Tech man Jake to restore my homepage and facebook account.
Since then, I've been getting numerous emails from cockroaches pretending to be AT&T. I am informed that I've exceeded my email limit and need to verify my account or it will be closed. These are titled YOUR FINAL WARNING! (They go ignored.) The only way AT&T would ever close my account is if I failed to pay them. If they closed it for any other reason, I'd take my business elsewhere.
Recently, I received an email from a company unknown to me, stating a $200. order had been shipped. CLICK HERE, it said to view the order. Instead, I googled the company. They were legit. When I went to reply, I discovered the email was NOT sent by that company.
Of course I've been contacted by the notorious Nigerian widow along with several of her relatives. These go straight to TRASH!
Plus it's not unusual to receive emails from strangers pretending to be facebook friends trying to sucker me into buying a product. It started when I was bombarded with emails claiming to be from a male facebook acquaintance. -- A man whom I'd never met. He kept urging me to try this weight loss product. (If I gained 10 lbs, I'd still be trim!) I was getting annoyed! Finally I hit reply! I wanted to tell him to put on his glasses, take another look at my picture or else get a seeing eye dog. Then, I noticed the name on the address was NOT HIS!!!
More and more of these began showing up in my Inbox pretending to be from facebook friends. Usually the friend's name is in the heading written in all capitals to mislead you.
With one simple maneuver, often you can view the source of the phony along with their email address. Sometimes, I have actually seen the hackers full name in the address. -- I don't understand why it's so difficult to trap these cockroaches! I could google them and learn as much about them as they know about me. I'm recording all their names and email addresses in a notebook.
Lately, hackers have come up with a new strategy. I am being alerted there is compromising information posted about me online. A damaging report that has placed my reputation in jeopardy. I'm advised to click the link below to view it. Then click another to remove it before it's too late. One warned: BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST!
I forwarded one to Jake, my Tech guy. I wondered if there was a safe way to view it. "Leave it alone," was his reply.
If someone has posted anything damaging about me online, they will be slapped with a lawsuit! -- Besides being the target of thievery, I'm clearly being harassed as well.
As determined as these roaches are to get into my account, I'm equally determined to keep them out! I'm learning everything I can about hackers to better thwart them. It has become my new hobby.
Too bad there isn't an instant and effective way to be rid of them! These are thieves entering my personal space and should be treated as such.
Wasp Spray works better than pepper spray. It shoots 20 to 30 feet and is more accurate. Any intruder will be temporarily blinded requiring a hospital stay for an antidote. It is also lethal to mice, snakes, and other vermin. I already have a gun, baseball bat, and a knife hidden in various places around my bedroom. I bought a can to add to my arsenal.
It would be wonderful if with just one click I could spray hackers with the stuff, too! Personally, I find the Wasp Spray too mild. I'd prefer to give them an electric shock thru their computer that would fry their hair and boil their eyeballs!
Since I can't do that, I've put a curse on them!!! I own a book of spells that I purchased at a psychic fair. According to at least one psychic, I've got some powerful connections on the other side. I think it's time to evoke them.
I want to smite these vermin and leave them a twitching pile of ooze like the cockroaches they really are!
A free local newspaper has a column written by a computer expert. He states it's a myth that hackers are interested in the average person. They are only after corporate databases, the BIG targets, he says. -- This publication shows up on my lawn like dog poop every Thursday. That's about what this advice is worth.
Hackers are VERY interested in me!!! Sometimes I receive emails from 3 a day! Over half go to spam, but many still get through. I'm getting good at spotting them. (Some have a foul stench I can smell right thru the computer.) But the hackers are getting more sneaky all the time. This is why I refuse to have important documents emailed or bank online. I am not rich, but an older woman on a fixed income who is forced to live frugally.
I am constantly reporting these roaches to the SCAM/ABUSE Dept. of AT&T, but the problem only seems to be worsening. -- I've read they're hard to catch, much less prosecute. But I wonder if AT&T is even trying!!!
Also I wonder if I put a target on my own head by writing in my blog that I'm a computer novice.
However, it started when I missed an episode of one of my favorite TV programs. I tried to watch it on my computer by going to the network's website. Unsuccessful, I went to other websites. One promised to let me view it along with other shows. They not only lied, but my homepage vanished! Another was in its place. It demanded my personal info before I could gain access to my email and facebook account. -- Something stank!
I googled the AT&T U-verse Official Site and got everything back by going that route. It was a nuisance to do every single time I went online! One day, I found myself prevented from google, too. I got on the phone and called AT&T. They removed the offending page and restored my email. But I needed my Tech man Jake to restore my homepage and facebook account.
Since then, I've been getting numerous emails from cockroaches pretending to be AT&T. I am informed that I've exceeded my email limit and need to verify my account or it will be closed. These are titled YOUR FINAL WARNING! (They go ignored.) The only way AT&T would ever close my account is if I failed to pay them. If they closed it for any other reason, I'd take my business elsewhere.
Recently, I received an email from a company unknown to me, stating a $200. order had been shipped. CLICK HERE, it said to view the order. Instead, I googled the company. They were legit. When I went to reply, I discovered the email was NOT sent by that company.
Of course I've been contacted by the notorious Nigerian widow along with several of her relatives. These go straight to TRASH!
Plus it's not unusual to receive emails from strangers pretending to be facebook friends trying to sucker me into buying a product. It started when I was bombarded with emails claiming to be from a male facebook acquaintance. -- A man whom I'd never met. He kept urging me to try this weight loss product. (If I gained 10 lbs, I'd still be trim!) I was getting annoyed! Finally I hit reply! I wanted to tell him to put on his glasses, take another look at my picture or else get a seeing eye dog. Then, I noticed the name on the address was NOT HIS!!!
More and more of these began showing up in my Inbox pretending to be from facebook friends. Usually the friend's name is in the heading written in all capitals to mislead you.
With one simple maneuver, often you can view the source of the phony along with their email address. Sometimes, I have actually seen the hackers full name in the address. -- I don't understand why it's so difficult to trap these cockroaches! I could google them and learn as much about them as they know about me. I'm recording all their names and email addresses in a notebook.
Lately, hackers have come up with a new strategy. I am being alerted there is compromising information posted about me online. A damaging report that has placed my reputation in jeopardy. I'm advised to click the link below to view it. Then click another to remove it before it's too late. One warned: BE PREPARED FOR THE WORST!
I forwarded one to Jake, my Tech guy. I wondered if there was a safe way to view it. "Leave it alone," was his reply.
If someone has posted anything damaging about me online, they will be slapped with a lawsuit! -- Besides being the target of thievery, I'm clearly being harassed as well.
As determined as these roaches are to get into my account, I'm equally determined to keep them out! I'm learning everything I can about hackers to better thwart them. It has become my new hobby.
Too bad there isn't an instant and effective way to be rid of them! These are thieves entering my personal space and should be treated as such.
Wasp Spray works better than pepper spray. It shoots 20 to 30 feet and is more accurate. Any intruder will be temporarily blinded requiring a hospital stay for an antidote. It is also lethal to mice, snakes, and other vermin. I already have a gun, baseball bat, and a knife hidden in various places around my bedroom. I bought a can to add to my arsenal.
It would be wonderful if with just one click I could spray hackers with the stuff, too! Personally, I find the Wasp Spray too mild. I'd prefer to give them an electric shock thru their computer that would fry their hair and boil their eyeballs!
Since I can't do that, I've put a curse on them!!! I own a book of spells that I purchased at a psychic fair. According to at least one psychic, I've got some powerful connections on the other side. I think it's time to evoke them.
I want to smite these vermin and leave them a twitching pile of ooze like the cockroaches they really are!
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
STAR TREKKED, MY SPACESHIP WRECKED
I will venture a guess that you thought Gene Roddenberry was the 1st person to come up with the concept behind STAR TREK. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! -- It was actually ME!!! At long last I am here to set the record straight.
As a pre-teen, I led an alternate life in fantasy. In it, my family and I had been reincarnated several hundred years in the future. (I've always felt that I was born in the wrong era!) Our ancestors were Earth people, we were not. We came from a planet unknown to previous generations called Vulcan! (That's right, Vulcan! The 1st claim was mine. Got that!!!) We didn't look like our Earth ancestors. Our ears weren't long, pointy and silly looking like Mr. Spock. But our eyes were slanted and cat-like just as the females in THE CAT WOMEN ON THE MOON film. -- They were sooo exotically beautiful!
Of course in my fantasy I looked like a teen version of actress Chelo Alonso, except with blonde hair. -- I was born a blonde.
My family and I lived on a spaceship and traveled to distant universes. You might say were space gypsies! And like any good fantasy, we could enter other dimensions and travel back and forth thru time. In fact, that's how we lost my mother!
Attila the Hun captured and boiled her in soup. Her body was skinned and put on a pole like a scarecrow. His warriors used it for target practice with their spears. The boiled carcass was chopped up and fed to captive Roman soldiers who were sent to assassinate Attila.
We thought about going back in history to rescue her, but decided against it. Because that would have upset the natural flow of time and space. -- We could have ceased to exist!!! Or the universe might end up under control of the Cyborg Crabs.
However, my mother messed up the natural order by getting captured! This allowed a particularly evil race called the XOXOS from beyond Cassiopeia to enter ancient Earth history. Once there, they scooped up large numbers of Huns and other primitive tribes, taking them back to their native planet.
There, they were breed and raised like pit bulls to fight each other for the entertainment of the scaly XOXOS. Eventually, an uprising occurred! The Barbarians killed all of the XOXOS, but not before learning the technology and mastering their extensive array of advanced weaponry! A NEW AND WORSE SCOURGE EMERGED! -- They bore an almost EXACT likeness to the Klingons!!! We just called them the Barbarians.
As a result of their savagery, our home planet of Vulcan was destroyed and left a fiery wasteland. Fortunately, there was no need to return. Our spaceship was our true home. We lived unfettered, our lives filled with adventures!
When I got older, I planned to write them all down. I thought it would be a terrific book or a TV series!
Only months before my 16th birthday, STAR TREK premiered. $#iX*! Noooooo! I was totally freaked by what I was seeing and hearing on my TV screen!!! I could not believe it!!! The similitude was uncanny. It was as if my thoughts had been stolen!!! It was too eerie a coincidence.
At the time, my mother was going thru her breakdown and experiencing full-blown paranoid schizophrenic delusions. She believed the Red Chinese had marked us from birth. Soon, they would come in the night and take us all back to mainland China for vivisection. She stayed up nights watching the river behind our house. She began memorizing the Bible just like the main character in THE BOOK OF ELI. Mom heroically planned to foil the anti-Christ, herself! Also she was convinced the government was experimenting on us by reading our thoughts.
Hmmm, I began wondering if that particular one had some basis in fact. Obviously the government had a Hollywood connection. That would explain a lot! -- Rumors were circulating about a shadowy government agency murdering Marilyn Monroe to keep her quiet. Makes a person wonder about other things! Stranger things have happened. I'm just saying!
As a pre-teen, I led an alternate life in fantasy. In it, my family and I had been reincarnated several hundred years in the future. (I've always felt that I was born in the wrong era!) Our ancestors were Earth people, we were not. We came from a planet unknown to previous generations called Vulcan! (That's right, Vulcan! The 1st claim was mine. Got that!!!) We didn't look like our Earth ancestors. Our ears weren't long, pointy and silly looking like Mr. Spock. But our eyes were slanted and cat-like just as the females in THE CAT WOMEN ON THE MOON film. -- They were sooo exotically beautiful!
Of course in my fantasy I looked like a teen version of actress Chelo Alonso, except with blonde hair. -- I was born a blonde.
My family and I lived on a spaceship and traveled to distant universes. You might say were space gypsies! And like any good fantasy, we could enter other dimensions and travel back and forth thru time. In fact, that's how we lost my mother!
Attila the Hun captured and boiled her in soup. Her body was skinned and put on a pole like a scarecrow. His warriors used it for target practice with their spears. The boiled carcass was chopped up and fed to captive Roman soldiers who were sent to assassinate Attila.
We thought about going back in history to rescue her, but decided against it. Because that would have upset the natural flow of time and space. -- We could have ceased to exist!!! Or the universe might end up under control of the Cyborg Crabs.
However, my mother messed up the natural order by getting captured! This allowed a particularly evil race called the XOXOS from beyond Cassiopeia to enter ancient Earth history. Once there, they scooped up large numbers of Huns and other primitive tribes, taking them back to their native planet.
There, they were breed and raised like pit bulls to fight each other for the entertainment of the scaly XOXOS. Eventually, an uprising occurred! The Barbarians killed all of the XOXOS, but not before learning the technology and mastering their extensive array of advanced weaponry! A NEW AND WORSE SCOURGE EMERGED! -- They bore an almost EXACT likeness to the Klingons!!! We just called them the Barbarians.
As a result of their savagery, our home planet of Vulcan was destroyed and left a fiery wasteland. Fortunately, there was no need to return. Our spaceship was our true home. We lived unfettered, our lives filled with adventures!
When I got older, I planned to write them all down. I thought it would be a terrific book or a TV series!
Only months before my 16th birthday, STAR TREK premiered. $#iX*! Noooooo! I was totally freaked by what I was seeing and hearing on my TV screen!!! I could not believe it!!! The similitude was uncanny. It was as if my thoughts had been stolen!!! It was too eerie a coincidence.
At the time, my mother was going thru her breakdown and experiencing full-blown paranoid schizophrenic delusions. She believed the Red Chinese had marked us from birth. Soon, they would come in the night and take us all back to mainland China for vivisection. She stayed up nights watching the river behind our house. She began memorizing the Bible just like the main character in THE BOOK OF ELI. Mom heroically planned to foil the anti-Christ, herself! Also she was convinced the government was experimenting on us by reading our thoughts.
Hmmm, I began wondering if that particular one had some basis in fact. Obviously the government had a Hollywood connection. That would explain a lot! -- Rumors were circulating about a shadowy government agency murdering Marilyn Monroe to keep her quiet. Makes a person wonder about other things! Stranger things have happened. I'm just saying!
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
TASTING GREAT LITERATURE
I used to read more books just for pleasure. These days between researching and writing my own books, my blog, and that huge time-suck called Facebook, hours seem to zoom by at warp speed.
Magazines (even dated second hand ones) are fun and interesting. Plus I enjoy a good old-fashioned newspaper. I still read mine sprawled out on the floor as I did when I was a kid. Also there's so many interesting articles online, too.
A Facebook friend chided me for not making time to read more books. "You could fit in at least 10 pages a day!" she declared. -- I absolutely love it when someone dictates how to spend MY free time!
"I read 3 books a week!" another poster added with pride. -- Well give you a fuzzy lollipop, lady, and a hairy jelly bean, too!
Had my father been alive, he would have criticised her for not doing something more productive with her time. I used to delight in curling-up with a READER'S DIGEST. Whenever my dad caught me, he'd berate me for not doing something useful. He thought my writing was a waste of time, too. -- That's what kept me sane!!!
The books I love the most, are usually the ones most people seldom read.
Guess I should be ashamed, because I've never read GONE WITH THE WIND. But the movie was awful enough, thank you! I was gagging on ham and corn all through it. Geez, I hope the book is a lot better. In nearly every scene, Scarlett O'Hara carried on like a spoiled 5 year old. (Or perhaps that was Vivian Lee's fault.) How can anyone describe this character as a strong woman, or a role model? Scarlett O'Hara navigated life by using others. Isn't this the trait of a weak person.
O'Hara is best remembered for her quote, "If I have to lie, steal, cheat, or kill! As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again!" For a decent human being, lying, cheating, stealing, and killing would be a desperate act of last resort.
Guess Scarlett wasn't clever enough to figure out how to make a fishing pole. Georgia is abundant with lakes and streams! All that land around the plantation must have supported wild game. (There weren't many vegetarians back then.) Geez, I thought most Southern women knew how to shoot! Or she could trap! If I remember correctly, she had at least 2 servants remaining. Doubt she'd be doing any skinning or gutting, herself! And wasn't her main goal in life to break-up her sister-in-law's happy marriage! -- Rhett Butler finally wised up in the end.
Never would I waste my money on 50 SHADES OF CRAP, or whatever its called. It amazes me that so many women who make meals of salad to eschew putting garbage in their bodies have no problem putting it into their heads!
Besides, when it comes to fiction, I'd much rather see a movie. I prefer history books. Also I love a good paranormal publication, too, if it has some basis in fact, or a plausible theory behind it. If you are one of the few people who read my blog, you know I am a firm believer in ghosts. Biographies and autobiographies, I find interesting if they are NOT about pop celebrities.
I will never forget I WILL SURVIVE by Sala Pawlowicz, a riveting autobiography I read in High School. As a young Polish teenager, Sala was dispatched to several concentration camps. I couldn't say in an oral book report the humiliating degradations to which she was subjected. And because she was pretty, Sala was targeted for special abuse by the female guards. One vowed to see her die! To save herself, Sala took a dangerous risk that could easily have cost her life. Sala Pawlowicz was a strong heroine in reality!
The new novel LET IT BE by Vero Beach author Rush Roberts is an autobiography fictionalized to protect the innocent. Rush came from a family far more dysfunctional than mine. Yet, unlike me, he managed to earn a college degree and become a highly useful member of society.
I've heard on excellent authority this is a gripping read. It also has plenty of humor. This would make an amazing movie on the big screen! Remember, everything in this book actually happened! Rush is a a regular person brimming with talent, courage and a strong, indomitable core.
Despite all the dysfunction, Rush Roberts had one huge advantage in life. He is blessed with an outstanding mother. Donna Roberts Mitchell is a successful businesswoman and dynamic radio personality. Often I've enjoyed her acting and powerful singing voice in many Vero Beach Theatre Guild productions. She's a mover and shaker here in Vero Beach! I'm proud to know her.
Clearly, she is a mother who adores her son. I believe she made all the difference in his life. He inherited those extraordinary genes. Rush Roberts will be OK no matter what. Because of his book, he might even become a celebrity.
Magazines (even dated second hand ones) are fun and interesting. Plus I enjoy a good old-fashioned newspaper. I still read mine sprawled out on the floor as I did when I was a kid. Also there's so many interesting articles online, too.
A Facebook friend chided me for not making time to read more books. "You could fit in at least 10 pages a day!" she declared. -- I absolutely love it when someone dictates how to spend MY free time!
"I read 3 books a week!" another poster added with pride. -- Well give you a fuzzy lollipop, lady, and a hairy jelly bean, too!
Had my father been alive, he would have criticised her for not doing something more productive with her time. I used to delight in curling-up with a READER'S DIGEST. Whenever my dad caught me, he'd berate me for not doing something useful. He thought my writing was a waste of time, too. -- That's what kept me sane!!!
The books I love the most, are usually the ones most people seldom read.
Guess I should be ashamed, because I've never read GONE WITH THE WIND. But the movie was awful enough, thank you! I was gagging on ham and corn all through it. Geez, I hope the book is a lot better. In nearly every scene, Scarlett O'Hara carried on like a spoiled 5 year old. (Or perhaps that was Vivian Lee's fault.) How can anyone describe this character as a strong woman, or a role model? Scarlett O'Hara navigated life by using others. Isn't this the trait of a weak person.
O'Hara is best remembered for her quote, "If I have to lie, steal, cheat, or kill! As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again!" For a decent human being, lying, cheating, stealing, and killing would be a desperate act of last resort.
Guess Scarlett wasn't clever enough to figure out how to make a fishing pole. Georgia is abundant with lakes and streams! All that land around the plantation must have supported wild game. (There weren't many vegetarians back then.) Geez, I thought most Southern women knew how to shoot! Or she could trap! If I remember correctly, she had at least 2 servants remaining. Doubt she'd be doing any skinning or gutting, herself! And wasn't her main goal in life to break-up her sister-in-law's happy marriage! -- Rhett Butler finally wised up in the end.
Never would I waste my money on 50 SHADES OF CRAP, or whatever its called. It amazes me that so many women who make meals of salad to eschew putting garbage in their bodies have no problem putting it into their heads!
Besides, when it comes to fiction, I'd much rather see a movie. I prefer history books. Also I love a good paranormal publication, too, if it has some basis in fact, or a plausible theory behind it. If you are one of the few people who read my blog, you know I am a firm believer in ghosts. Biographies and autobiographies, I find interesting if they are NOT about pop celebrities.
I will never forget I WILL SURVIVE by Sala Pawlowicz, a riveting autobiography I read in High School. As a young Polish teenager, Sala was dispatched to several concentration camps. I couldn't say in an oral book report the humiliating degradations to which she was subjected. And because she was pretty, Sala was targeted for special abuse by the female guards. One vowed to see her die! To save herself, Sala took a dangerous risk that could easily have cost her life. Sala Pawlowicz was a strong heroine in reality!
The new novel LET IT BE by Vero Beach author Rush Roberts is an autobiography fictionalized to protect the innocent. Rush came from a family far more dysfunctional than mine. Yet, unlike me, he managed to earn a college degree and become a highly useful member of society.
I've heard on excellent authority this is a gripping read. It also has plenty of humor. This would make an amazing movie on the big screen! Remember, everything in this book actually happened! Rush is a a regular person brimming with talent, courage and a strong, indomitable core.
Despite all the dysfunction, Rush Roberts had one huge advantage in life. He is blessed with an outstanding mother. Donna Roberts Mitchell is a successful businesswoman and dynamic radio personality. Often I've enjoyed her acting and powerful singing voice in many Vero Beach Theatre Guild productions. She's a mover and shaker here in Vero Beach! I'm proud to know her.
Clearly, she is a mother who adores her son. I believe she made all the difference in his life. He inherited those extraordinary genes. Rush Roberts will be OK no matter what. Because of his book, he might even become a celebrity.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
THE ULTIMATE MOVIE SPECTACULAR VIXEN
Chelo Alonso was the woman for whom twelve and a half year old me would have gladly gone gay! No actress since has oozed with such primitive animal magnificence and power. Her dark eyes smoldered with a seductive slant that was both exotic and erotic. However, unlike most actresses today, there was nothing vulgar about Chelo.
The summer of 1963 was a usual hot, sticky, often stormy one. My then best friend Dayle and I spent much time in a cool, darkened theatre. Wednesday nights we went to see the latest movies out of Hollywood. But we especially loved Saturday matinees.
These were the European (usually Italian) movie spectacles with a cast of thousands. Dubbed in English, sometimes lips moved after a character had finished talking. Or an actor spoke via a closed mouth. I recall a pirate movie in which an outdoor scene was obviously filmed on a stage setting. One did not need 20 20 vision to notice the stars were really lights strung together by wires. A big artificial-yellow moon hung in one corner. My father called them cheesy. But that was part of the fun!
The first time I saw Chelo Alonso up on the screen I was transfixed. Her perfect figure was tightly clad in peekaboo leather as she strutted about in boots, whip in hand. Long before Xena Warrior Princess was Tonja Queen of the Tartars! There was a mystique to her. Sandra Dee never interested me. I wanted to be Chelo Alonso!
I assumed she was either an Italian actress, or a Spaniard with perhaps Moroccan blood. Only recently did I learn she was actually Cuban and Mexican. Hailed as the Cuban H-Bomb, Chelo had been an exotic dancer at the Folies Bergere in Paris. You had better believe she was noticed! In one film she upstaged the star, statuesque Swedish beauty Anita Ekberg of La Dolce Vita fame.
Chelo Alonso was far grander than her films. Hollywood should have been paying attention. Gorgeous and talented, she deserved super stardom!!! Chelo Alonso even replaced Debra Paget as my favorite actress. Whom up until then I thought was the most beautiful woman ever to grace the planet.
Dayle was impressed by her, too, but not to my extent. Chelo always played a woman in control, at least in the movies I saw. This was an entire decade before the woman's liberation movement. In 1963 most women still aspired to be a secretary who would marry the boss. Chelo was the antithesis of that! Whether heroine or villain, (She played both with equal elan.) her characters wielded power. To a backward pre-teen with none, this was highly appealing.
My friendship with Dayle did not survive the summer. (Mainly due to conflict between our parents.) It ended around the latter part of July. But my girl-crush on Chelo endured. Alone, I continued attending Saturday matinees to enjoy her movies.
Unfortunately, summer drew to a close. In September I began school in a different city. Soon everything would change dramatically. Out-of-the-blue life took a drastic turn. It would be the first of many times the ground would drop from under me. An unpleasant new reality ensued, a long dark period that would stretch on for decades. My Saturday movie habit ended. It would not resume until my fifties.
For awhile, Chelo Alonso movies started turning up on TV. Sadly though, I haven't seen one in decades, not even on the retro stations. Chelo Alonso deserves her own film festival! She is someone never to be forgotten!
Her influence remains an integral part of me. Late in my fifties I purchased a pair of black high-heeled gladiator boots. And I thought of Chelo Alonso. Thumbs up to you, Chelo, where ever you are!
The summer of 1963 was a usual hot, sticky, often stormy one. My then best friend Dayle and I spent much time in a cool, darkened theatre. Wednesday nights we went to see the latest movies out of Hollywood. But we especially loved Saturday matinees.
These were the European (usually Italian) movie spectacles with a cast of thousands. Dubbed in English, sometimes lips moved after a character had finished talking. Or an actor spoke via a closed mouth. I recall a pirate movie in which an outdoor scene was obviously filmed on a stage setting. One did not need 20 20 vision to notice the stars were really lights strung together by wires. A big artificial-yellow moon hung in one corner. My father called them cheesy. But that was part of the fun!
The first time I saw Chelo Alonso up on the screen I was transfixed. Her perfect figure was tightly clad in peekaboo leather as she strutted about in boots, whip in hand. Long before Xena Warrior Princess was Tonja Queen of the Tartars! There was a mystique to her. Sandra Dee never interested me. I wanted to be Chelo Alonso!
I assumed she was either an Italian actress, or a Spaniard with perhaps Moroccan blood. Only recently did I learn she was actually Cuban and Mexican. Hailed as the Cuban H-Bomb, Chelo had been an exotic dancer at the Folies Bergere in Paris. You had better believe she was noticed! In one film she upstaged the star, statuesque Swedish beauty Anita Ekberg of La Dolce Vita fame.
Chelo Alonso was far grander than her films. Hollywood should have been paying attention. Gorgeous and talented, she deserved super stardom!!! Chelo Alonso even replaced Debra Paget as my favorite actress. Whom up until then I thought was the most beautiful woman ever to grace the planet.
Dayle was impressed by her, too, but not to my extent. Chelo always played a woman in control, at least in the movies I saw. This was an entire decade before the woman's liberation movement. In 1963 most women still aspired to be a secretary who would marry the boss. Chelo was the antithesis of that! Whether heroine or villain, (She played both with equal elan.) her characters wielded power. To a backward pre-teen with none, this was highly appealing.
My friendship with Dayle did not survive the summer. (Mainly due to conflict between our parents.) It ended around the latter part of July. But my girl-crush on Chelo endured. Alone, I continued attending Saturday matinees to enjoy her movies.
Unfortunately, summer drew to a close. In September I began school in a different city. Soon everything would change dramatically. Out-of-the-blue life took a drastic turn. It would be the first of many times the ground would drop from under me. An unpleasant new reality ensued, a long dark period that would stretch on for decades. My Saturday movie habit ended. It would not resume until my fifties.
For awhile, Chelo Alonso movies started turning up on TV. Sadly though, I haven't seen one in decades, not even on the retro stations. Chelo Alonso deserves her own film festival! She is someone never to be forgotten!
Her influence remains an integral part of me. Late in my fifties I purchased a pair of black high-heeled gladiator boots. And I thought of Chelo Alonso. Thumbs up to you, Chelo, where ever you are!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
THE MOVIE THIEF
A meal OR a movie, period! That was the choice given with every man I dated after moving to Vero Beach. (None of these guys were poor.) I figured the heck with men! I'd designate my own date-day and treat myself to both! No one can make me happier than myself.
Ahhh, I was free to select the movie I wanted and eat where I pleased. Plus never was I required to politely pretend interest in every utterance out of a man's mouth. It was a wonderfully happy, carefree time. But it was brief.
First, came the double hurricane strike of 04 and its expensive damage to my house. My Insurance Co. didn't exactly come riding in on a white horse with a big check. I was forced to pay the lions share myself! Second, I was hit by a staggering financial loss in my investments that was life altering. Suddenly, most of my disposable income was gone. I was forced into major changes.
Crap! Now it was back to the choice of either a movie OR a meal! Since a movie was the least expensive, I chose that. I'd prepare myself a favorite meal with a rich dessert after returning home.
Exiting a movie early one afternoon, I noticed a line of people entering another I had planned to see. No ushers were in sight. Quickly and quietly, I slipped into that line. I copped a freebie!!!
It's true what they say about the slippery slope. This became my new hobby! Every Friday morning, the 1st thing I did, even before coffee was to scope the movie openings in the newspaper. I'd note the ending time, then figure out what I could sneak into afterward. -- My buy one, steal one free deal.
Always I started early because I wanted to be home before dark. I refuse to drive at night.
I had two other rules! ONE: I'd pay for the movie I wanted to see most. TWO: If I couldn't get a freebie, I'd stay home. However, with multiple screens this was rare, often I saw TWO FOR FREE! Usually, I went Saturdays as well. On the weekend, I lived at the movies! The only drawback was that my backside got sore from sitting so long.
However, I never ate theatre fare. It's just OVER-PRICED junk food! Usually with multiple movies, I'd just come home to my favorite Stouffer's 5 Cheese Lasagna or French Bread Pizza followed by a rich bakery dessert or premium ice-cream. I was too tuckered out from watching all those movies to cook.
Now I consider myself an honest person. I felt a tinge of guilt. Yet, a part of me was proud of how much money I was saving! Plus it was fun!
At the time, I was still in group therapy. We found ourselves discussing things we did that made us ashamed. Red-faced, I confessed to being a movie thief! Loud uproarious laughter surrounded me.
"We all do that, Dianne!" stated a woman sitting kitty-corner from me. "Most of us here are seniors on fixed incomes. We're forced to make our money stretch."
"My husband and I always get at least 4 movies per visit," said another. "And we always smile and nod at the others who follow us from movie-to movie. We plan to resume after my husband recovers from his operation and is out of his wheelchair."
TALK ABOUT YOUR SENIOR DISCOUNT! HEY! HEY!
In time, I stopped worrying about getting caught. BIG MISTAKE! Early one Friday before noon, I waited in the lobby for my freebie. Ushers were still inside the screen room. The theatre was nearly empty for a Friday. This was unusual. I knew it was easier to get lost in a crowd and harder for the employees to watch me. I should have tried to slip in upstairs where they couldn't see me from the service desk. Also that day, the service desk was manned by an adult. Teens are more likely to look the other way. But I had become cocky and lazy.
Without looking around, I entered and seated myself. A few minutes later, an usher entered. I tried to appear nonchalant. But my heart began to speed-up as she turned into my row and marched straight over to me. She demanded to see my ticket. Hoping she wouldn't be able to read in the dark, I pulled out my ticket for the previous movie.
I was informed that I had to purchase another ticket or leave. They were cracking down on movie-hopping!!! -- Guess that explains why the theatre was almost empty!
I tried to feign innocence. "I thought this was like Disneyland the Magic Kingdom," I told her, "and I could go on as many rides as I wanted on just one ticket."
Well no more! I was forced to do the walk-of-shame! Fortunately, only ushers were there to watch.
I asked myself why I needed to be there at all. Recently, I had signed up for the AT&T bundle. Now I was receiving movie channels for the 1st time in my life! I don't get HBO, but I do get all the STARZ, SHOWTIME channels and many others. Plus I already had 80 movies recorded on my DVR!
I decided from then on to stay home and enjoy DVR Saturday. I wouldn't have to get dressed or use up any expensive gasoline. -- This has become an event to which I look forward with much sublime anticipation. A day to be relished!
On occasion, I still turn up at the theatre for a promising 3-D flick. Sometimes I even manage to sneak in a freebie, just for old times sake.
Ahhh, I was free to select the movie I wanted and eat where I pleased. Plus never was I required to politely pretend interest in every utterance out of a man's mouth. It was a wonderfully happy, carefree time. But it was brief.
First, came the double hurricane strike of 04 and its expensive damage to my house. My Insurance Co. didn't exactly come riding in on a white horse with a big check. I was forced to pay the lions share myself! Second, I was hit by a staggering financial loss in my investments that was life altering. Suddenly, most of my disposable income was gone. I was forced into major changes.
Crap! Now it was back to the choice of either a movie OR a meal! Since a movie was the least expensive, I chose that. I'd prepare myself a favorite meal with a rich dessert after returning home.
Exiting a movie early one afternoon, I noticed a line of people entering another I had planned to see. No ushers were in sight. Quickly and quietly, I slipped into that line. I copped a freebie!!!
It's true what they say about the slippery slope. This became my new hobby! Every Friday morning, the 1st thing I did, even before coffee was to scope the movie openings in the newspaper. I'd note the ending time, then figure out what I could sneak into afterward. -- My buy one, steal one free deal.
Always I started early because I wanted to be home before dark. I refuse to drive at night.
I had two other rules! ONE: I'd pay for the movie I wanted to see most. TWO: If I couldn't get a freebie, I'd stay home. However, with multiple screens this was rare, often I saw TWO FOR FREE! Usually, I went Saturdays as well. On the weekend, I lived at the movies! The only drawback was that my backside got sore from sitting so long.
However, I never ate theatre fare. It's just OVER-PRICED junk food! Usually with multiple movies, I'd just come home to my favorite Stouffer's 5 Cheese Lasagna or French Bread Pizza followed by a rich bakery dessert or premium ice-cream. I was too tuckered out from watching all those movies to cook.
Now I consider myself an honest person. I felt a tinge of guilt. Yet, a part of me was proud of how much money I was saving! Plus it was fun!
At the time, I was still in group therapy. We found ourselves discussing things we did that made us ashamed. Red-faced, I confessed to being a movie thief! Loud uproarious laughter surrounded me.
"We all do that, Dianne!" stated a woman sitting kitty-corner from me. "Most of us here are seniors on fixed incomes. We're forced to make our money stretch."
"My husband and I always get at least 4 movies per visit," said another. "And we always smile and nod at the others who follow us from movie-to movie. We plan to resume after my husband recovers from his operation and is out of his wheelchair."
TALK ABOUT YOUR SENIOR DISCOUNT! HEY! HEY!
In time, I stopped worrying about getting caught. BIG MISTAKE! Early one Friday before noon, I waited in the lobby for my freebie. Ushers were still inside the screen room. The theatre was nearly empty for a Friday. This was unusual. I knew it was easier to get lost in a crowd and harder for the employees to watch me. I should have tried to slip in upstairs where they couldn't see me from the service desk. Also that day, the service desk was manned by an adult. Teens are more likely to look the other way. But I had become cocky and lazy.
Without looking around, I entered and seated myself. A few minutes later, an usher entered. I tried to appear nonchalant. But my heart began to speed-up as she turned into my row and marched straight over to me. She demanded to see my ticket. Hoping she wouldn't be able to read in the dark, I pulled out my ticket for the previous movie.
I was informed that I had to purchase another ticket or leave. They were cracking down on movie-hopping!!! -- Guess that explains why the theatre was almost empty!
I tried to feign innocence. "I thought this was like Disneyland the Magic Kingdom," I told her, "and I could go on as many rides as I wanted on just one ticket."
Well no more! I was forced to do the walk-of-shame! Fortunately, only ushers were there to watch.
I asked myself why I needed to be there at all. Recently, I had signed up for the AT&T bundle. Now I was receiving movie channels for the 1st time in my life! I don't get HBO, but I do get all the STARZ, SHOWTIME channels and many others. Plus I already had 80 movies recorded on my DVR!
I decided from then on to stay home and enjoy DVR Saturday. I wouldn't have to get dressed or use up any expensive gasoline. -- This has become an event to which I look forward with much sublime anticipation. A day to be relished!
On occasion, I still turn up at the theatre for a promising 3-D flick. Sometimes I even manage to sneak in a freebie, just for old times sake.
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