Happy New Year, Thursday Thirteen!
Today I am looking forward. Here are 13 things I am looking forward to:
1. Getting the 2017 taxes completed and off to the tax accountant.
2. Reading more fantasy.
3. Making an intense study of the Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching. I am using a version by Ursula K. Le Guin.
4. Getting back into the habit of using a paper Day Planner.
5. Writing more Thursday Thirteens, as well as doing my Saturday 9 and Sunday Stealing memes. (Feel free to join in if you don't do those last two. They're fun.)
6. Completing a crochet project I began last year. It's supposed to be a cover for my KitchenAid mixer, if I can ever sort it out. I'm kind of winging it and not using a pattern. I didn't like the ones I found online, which were mostly knitted and involved a lot of stretching over the appliance.
7. Learning how to use a new camera.
8. Taking a vacation to . . . somewhere. We haven't decided yet.
9. Spending time with my friends.
10. Maybe . . . maybe . . . picking up some more freelance manuscript editing, or some other paid online work, if my health continues its minute improvements.
11. Coloring in my coloring books.
12. Taking some kind of online class.
13. My book club meetings.
What are you looking forward to in 2018?
_______
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 533rd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.
Thursday, January 04, 2018
Tuesday, January 02, 2018
A Grandmother's Quilt
One of the items we received for Christmas this year was one of the quilts pieced together by James' grandmother on his mother's side.
She was a great quilter and my mother-in-law was able to give a quilt this year to us, my husband's sister, and each of her two children.
She was a great quilter and my mother-in-law was able to give a quilt this year to us, my husband's sister, and each of her two children.
I thought the pink squares were an interesting color to throw in there. It increases the visual interest in the piece.
Quilting has an interesting history, especially as it pertains to women. I don't know much about it because I haven't studied it, but I understand that women have been known to leave messages, advice, and other hidden notes in quilts and other types of needlecraft.
This is a great family keepsake.
Monday, January 01, 2018
Sunday, December 31, 2017
Sunday Stealing: Hodgepodge
Sunday Stealing: Hodgepodge
1. Where have you found unexpected magic or delight this holiday season?
A. My brother's gift to me was tremendous and unexpected. He gave me a set of figurines of three of the Greek goddesses: Artemis, Athena, and Demeter. He got the idea from an answer to one of these memes, actually. They are lovely little statues and it was a very thoughtful gift.
2. What's your favorite type of holiday gathering? Will you/have you gathered in your favorite way this month?
A. I like to just meet with folks one on more, mostly. Big gatherings are draining. I have met with some of my friends and still have a few to see.
3. Time has named 'The Silence Breakers' (women who came forward with stories of harassment) 'person of the year' for 2017. Would you agree? If not, who do you think deserves the title?
A. I think the recipients of the title was an appropriate one given the current climate and the changes we are seeing.
4. How did you spend your time this year? Are you happy about that? Elaborate.
A. I spent my time doing physical therapy, housework (how do two people go through so many clothes?), some writing, blogging, and reading. I would have preferred more paying work but I did not seek it out because of my health, so I am happy with what I had. Maybe in 2018 I will feel more like working.
5. Bid farewell to 2017 in ten words or less.
A. Goodbye to a year that lacked imagination and character.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
A. To all of my readers, near, far, wherever you are - thank you for taking a break with me and seeing how life goes for one solitary woman in this vast world. I appreciate each of you, even the many I do not know, and I am grateful for your patronage. May 2018 bring you good health, much happiness, and a free spirit. Good tidings to you all.
Note to Bev: I couldn't get my comment to post on your blog.
__________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
1. Where have you found unexpected magic or delight this holiday season?
A. My brother's gift to me was tremendous and unexpected. He gave me a set of figurines of three of the Greek goddesses: Artemis, Athena, and Demeter. He got the idea from an answer to one of these memes, actually. They are lovely little statues and it was a very thoughtful gift.
2. What's your favorite type of holiday gathering? Will you/have you gathered in your favorite way this month?
A. I like to just meet with folks one on more, mostly. Big gatherings are draining. I have met with some of my friends and still have a few to see.
3. Time has named 'The Silence Breakers' (women who came forward with stories of harassment) 'person of the year' for 2017. Would you agree? If not, who do you think deserves the title?
A. I think the recipients of the title was an appropriate one given the current climate and the changes we are seeing.
4. How did you spend your time this year? Are you happy about that? Elaborate.
A. I spent my time doing physical therapy, housework (how do two people go through so many clothes?), some writing, blogging, and reading. I would have preferred more paying work but I did not seek it out because of my health, so I am happy with what I had. Maybe in 2018 I will feel more like working.
5. Bid farewell to 2017 in ten words or less.
A. Goodbye to a year that lacked imagination and character.
6. Insert your own random thought here.
A. To all of my readers, near, far, wherever you are - thank you for taking a break with me and seeing how life goes for one solitary woman in this vast world. I appreciate each of you, even the many I do not know, and I am grateful for your patronage. May 2018 bring you good health, much happiness, and a free spirit. Good tidings to you all.
Note to Bev: I couldn't get my comment to post on your blog.
__________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
Saturday, December 30, 2017
Saturday 9: Another New Year's Eve
Saturday 9: It's Just Another New Year's Eve (1977)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Welcome to the last Saturday 9 of 2017! Thanks for a great year, everyone.
1) In this song, Barry Manilow declares New Year's Eve is "just another night." How do you feel about 12/31? Is it a special occasion or just another night?
A. We go to bed at our normal time and sleep the new year in, usually. I feel sure we will this year because it is going to be like 0 degrees outside. However, I want to tell you about the bell-ringing in Fincastle, a tradition that is about 150 years old. At midnight, the town rings all of its bells, the ones in the churches and the ones in the courthouse. It has an order; the courthouse bell rings first, then each church follows, until they are all ringing all throughout the community. It is a lovely tradition and usually 50-100 people gather in the courthouse square. I've been a few times but I doubt I brave that kind of cold this year. You can read more about the event here if you like (scroll down).
2) Barry sings that in the past year, "we've made mistakes." What in 2017 do you wish you could do over?
A. I'd like to go back to about February and not put on the weight I have gained this year. I was doing ok and then "poof." Giant marshmallow.
3) He also sings of happy nights with friends. Tell us about a really good time you had in the past year.
A. I enjoyed going to the theater to see Wonder Woman.
4) The song references growing wiser, as well as older. What's something you learned or discovered in 2017?
A. I discovered that I am a fool because I take people at their word.
5) What do you wish you had spent more time doing during 2017?
A. Writing. And reading. Both of those things. And keeping up with the tax accounting so that it isn't the big overwhelming pile of figures that it is now.
6) What was the smartest thing you did all this past year?
A. I cleaned up my office, which made me feel better not only physically, because it no longer smells like old newspapers, but mentally, because it is nicer.
7) As this year comes to a close, what are you most grateful for?
A. Having a loving husband, a thoughtful brother, and good friends.
8) When this week's featured artist, Barry Manilow, was a jingle writer, he wrote the famous "You deserve a break today at McDonald's" song. When's the last time you visited the Golden Arches?
A. I can't remember. I seldom eat there. It has been years, I think.
9) Random question: In high school, were you more popular with the boys or the girls?
A. I wasn't popular at all. I was a nerd. The teachers liked me, though.
_____________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
Welcome to the last Saturday 9 of 2017! Thanks for a great year, everyone.
1) In this song, Barry Manilow declares New Year's Eve is "just another night." How do you feel about 12/31? Is it a special occasion or just another night?
A. We go to bed at our normal time and sleep the new year in, usually. I feel sure we will this year because it is going to be like 0 degrees outside. However, I want to tell you about the bell-ringing in Fincastle, a tradition that is about 150 years old. At midnight, the town rings all of its bells, the ones in the churches and the ones in the courthouse. It has an order; the courthouse bell rings first, then each church follows, until they are all ringing all throughout the community. It is a lovely tradition and usually 50-100 people gather in the courthouse square. I've been a few times but I doubt I brave that kind of cold this year. You can read more about the event here if you like (scroll down).
2) Barry sings that in the past year, "we've made mistakes." What in 2017 do you wish you could do over?
A. I'd like to go back to about February and not put on the weight I have gained this year. I was doing ok and then "poof." Giant marshmallow.
3) He also sings of happy nights with friends. Tell us about a really good time you had in the past year.
A. I enjoyed going to the theater to see Wonder Woman.
4) The song references growing wiser, as well as older. What's something you learned or discovered in 2017?
A. I discovered that I am a fool because I take people at their word.
5) What do you wish you had spent more time doing during 2017?
A. Writing. And reading. Both of those things. And keeping up with the tax accounting so that it isn't the big overwhelming pile of figures that it is now.
6) What was the smartest thing you did all this past year?
A. I cleaned up my office, which made me feel better not only physically, because it no longer smells like old newspapers, but mentally, because it is nicer.
7) As this year comes to a close, what are you most grateful for?
A. Having a loving husband, a thoughtful brother, and good friends.
8) When this week's featured artist, Barry Manilow, was a jingle writer, he wrote the famous "You deserve a break today at McDonald's" song. When's the last time you visited the Golden Arches?
A. I can't remember. I seldom eat there. It has been years, I think.
9) Random question: In high school, were you more popular with the boys or the girls?
A. I wasn't popular at all. I was a nerd. The teachers liked me, though.
_____________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
Thursday Thirteen (Blog Post 3,600)
A look back at stuff I did in 2017:
1. I edited a manuscript.
2. Wrote a few poems. Here's one from October about the political/world events. This one is probably my favorite I wrote this year.
3. Knitted a couple of scarves.
4. Learned to crochet (still haven't finished that project).
5. Played a key role (though unheralded and unpaid) in helping a candidate win election.
6. Read 20 books (or at least, that is what I logged). This is far short of my reading goal and also far short of what I normally read in a year. (Note to self: do better in 2018.)
7. Wrote 26,500 words in my private journal on the computer.
8. This particular blog entry marks my 3,600th published blog post since I began this blog and my 532nd Thursday 13.
9. I took a vacation to Virginia Beach.
10. I started using a Fitbit and went from a puny 2,600 steps a day to occasionally hitting 10,000 and hitting over 5,000 nearly every day, unless I am sick with strep throat or something.
11. I finished up my physical therapy for the year (maybe for a good long while), after being in it off and on for years due to a stupid doctor who didn't know how to properly remove a gallbladder.
12. Cleaned up my office after letting it fester and pile up for about five years.
13. Prepared all the stuff for the 2016 taxes, which I now get to do again for 2017.
_______
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 532nd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.
1. I edited a manuscript.
2. Wrote a few poems. Here's one from October about the political/world events. This one is probably my favorite I wrote this year.
3. Knitted a couple of scarves.
 |
| This scarf went to England for a friend. |
4. Learned to crochet (still haven't finished that project).
5. Played a key role (though unheralded and unpaid) in helping a candidate win election.
6. Read 20 books (or at least, that is what I logged). This is far short of my reading goal and also far short of what I normally read in a year. (Note to self: do better in 2018.)
7. Wrote 26,500 words in my private journal on the computer.
8. This particular blog entry marks my 3,600th published blog post since I began this blog and my 532nd Thursday 13.
9. I took a vacation to Virginia Beach.
10. I started using a Fitbit and went from a puny 2,600 steps a day to occasionally hitting 10,000 and hitting over 5,000 nearly every day, unless I am sick with strep throat or something.
11. I finished up my physical therapy for the year (maybe for a good long while), after being in it off and on for years due to a stupid doctor who didn't know how to properly remove a gallbladder.
12. Cleaned up my office after letting it fester and pile up for about five years.
 |
| Junked up corner |
 |
| Cleaned up corner |
13. Prepared all the stuff for the 2016 taxes, which I now get to do again for 2017.
_______
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 532nd time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.
Wednesday, December 27, 2017
Athena, Artemis, and Demeter
My brother surprised me this Christmas with small statues (about 7 inches high) made of alabaster stone that a craftsman in Greece created to represent my three favorite Greek goddesses: Athena, Artemis, and Demeter.
He got the idea from something I'd written about having a statue with the three goddesses on it as a response to a question in one of the memes I do. Plus at the time I was pretty consumed with Wonder Woman and the whole idea of female empowerment. Well, I am always consumed by that idea but it was especially prominent after I saw the Wonder Woman movie.
The craftsman's name is Malamatenia Skoylikari (I think) and he sells items on ebay under greekartshop. He has a set of three Greek gods, and a larger statue of Athena, as well as a set of the 12 Greek gods/goddesses which are similar to what I have. The works are made with molds, according to the ebay site.
I have no idea how exactly my brother found this man, but he contracted with him to make these for me.
Here are pictures, which I took with my cellphone:
In the classical period of Greek mythology, Artemis was often described as the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister of Apollo. She was the Hellenic goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, virginity and protector of young girls, bringing and relieving disease in women; she often was depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrows. The deer and the cypress were sacred to her. She is often called the goddess of the hunt.
The goddess Athena represented the disciplined, strategic side of war, in contrast to her brother Ares, the patron of violence, bloodlust, and slaughter—the raw force of war. Athena was believed to only support those fighting for a just cause and was thought to view war primarily as a means to resolve conflict. In her aspect as a warrior maiden, Athena was also known as Parthenos, which means "virgin", because she was believed to have never married or taken a lover. As the patroness of heroes and warriors, Athena was believed to favor those who used cunning and intelligence rather than brute strength. She is known as the goddess of wisdom.
Demeter is often described simply as the goddess of the harvest; however, she presided also over the sacred law, and the cycle of life and death. She is one of the earliest known goddesses and her story of her search for her daughter Persephone explains the change of seasons.
This was a great present. Way to go, brother!
He got the idea from something I'd written about having a statue with the three goddesses on it as a response to a question in one of the memes I do. Plus at the time I was pretty consumed with Wonder Woman and the whole idea of female empowerment. Well, I am always consumed by that idea but it was especially prominent after I saw the Wonder Woman movie.
The craftsman's name is Malamatenia Skoylikari (I think) and he sells items on ebay under greekartshop. He has a set of three Greek gods, and a larger statue of Athena, as well as a set of the 12 Greek gods/goddesses which are similar to what I have. The works are made with molds, according to the ebay site.
I have no idea how exactly my brother found this man, but he contracted with him to make these for me.
Here are pictures, which I took with my cellphone:
In the classical period of Greek mythology, Artemis was often described as the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister of Apollo. She was the Hellenic goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, virginity and protector of young girls, bringing and relieving disease in women; she often was depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrows. The deer and the cypress were sacred to her. She is often called the goddess of the hunt.
The goddess Athena represented the disciplined, strategic side of war, in contrast to her brother Ares, the patron of violence, bloodlust, and slaughter—the raw force of war. Athena was believed to only support those fighting for a just cause and was thought to view war primarily as a means to resolve conflict. In her aspect as a warrior maiden, Athena was also known as Parthenos, which means "virgin", because she was believed to have never married or taken a lover. As the patroness of heroes and warriors, Athena was believed to favor those who used cunning and intelligence rather than brute strength. She is known as the goddess of wisdom.
Demeter is often described simply as the goddess of the harvest; however, she presided also over the sacred law, and the cycle of life and death. She is one of the earliest known goddesses and her story of her search for her daughter Persephone explains the change of seasons.
This was a great present. Way to go, brother!
Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Locked Doors
Yesterday as Christmas Day progressed, I opened the door to check the doorbell because the power had blinked and sometimes that makes the doorbell stop working.
I was overcome with a memory of opening the door to the my grandmother's house on Christmas Day. The thing that struck me was how it always happened - my mother simply opened the door and walked in, and there was Grandma.
The door was always unlocked. We always simply turned the knob and walked inside.
My door is always locked.
This made me sad, and I unlocked my door because for one thing I knew my nephews were on their way over, and for another, what has happened to me that I have to have the door locked all the time?
It is, of course, a sign of our trying and frequently tragic times, plus the fact that my grandmother was seldom alone. She may have been the only adult in the house, but she wasn't alone - there were always kids around. I suppose on Christmas she would have been expecting us, so of course the door would be unlocked, but I don't remember ever having to stop and knock on my grandmother's door to enter. I may have done so out of courtesy as I grew older, but I also know I could have simply walked in.
I'm not sure what this memory means, though I can see where the day and my checking the doorbell, the sound of the door opening, the cold air, etc., would have reminded me of such a specific time and moment.
May we all have fewer locked doors in 2018. I think that would be a good world to go back to, one where knocking is an option, and you know you're always welcome, wherever it is you go.
I was overcome with a memory of opening the door to the my grandmother's house on Christmas Day. The thing that struck me was how it always happened - my mother simply opened the door and walked in, and there was Grandma.
The door was always unlocked. We always simply turned the knob and walked inside.
My door is always locked.
This made me sad, and I unlocked my door because for one thing I knew my nephews were on their way over, and for another, what has happened to me that I have to have the door locked all the time?
It is, of course, a sign of our trying and frequently tragic times, plus the fact that my grandmother was seldom alone. She may have been the only adult in the house, but she wasn't alone - there were always kids around. I suppose on Christmas she would have been expecting us, so of course the door would be unlocked, but I don't remember ever having to stop and knock on my grandmother's door to enter. I may have done so out of courtesy as I grew older, but I also know I could have simply walked in.
I'm not sure what this memory means, though I can see where the day and my checking the doorbell, the sound of the door opening, the cold air, etc., would have reminded me of such a specific time and moment.
May we all have fewer locked doors in 2018. I think that would be a good world to go back to, one where knocking is an option, and you know you're always welcome, wherever it is you go.
Monday, December 25, 2017
Merry Christmas 2017
On this the day of Christmas, I offer you, my dear readers, a final present: a wish for good health, much love, peace, and joy in all of 2018.
May your hearts be full of magic, your imaginations free and fun, and your thoughts happy and harmonious.
May you keep your wits about you in times of stress, and may you remember that life is precious, as well as short, and the things we do affect someone else, sometimes people we don't even know.
Be kind to everyone you meet, and may every good deed and thought return to you threefold.
Peace out.
May your hearts be full of magic, your imaginations free and fun, and your thoughts happy and harmonious.
May you keep your wits about you in times of stress, and may you remember that life is precious, as well as short, and the things we do affect someone else, sometimes people we don't even know.
Be kind to everyone you meet, and may every good deed and thought return to you threefold.
Peace out.
Sunday, December 24, 2017
Christmas Eve 2017
Well, my normal meme for Sunday is not doing its Q&A today, so I suppose I shall have to write something.
Christmas Eve has always meant a bit more to me than Christmas Day, to be honest, because that has generally been when my family gathers. It was also a day of great anticipation as a child, and to keep us calm my parents would allow my brother and me to open our presents from one another.
That's a tradition we still do. My brother and I seldom miss a Christmas Eve together.
A new tradition that I enjoy is watching the Norad Santa Tracker in this new age of technology. Right now as I write this, he's supposedly in Russia, dropping off gifts by the millions. He's a fast dude, Ol' St. Nick. He hits the US about midnight.
Anyway, that's about all I have to say. I hope everyone has a lovely day.
Christmas Eve has always meant a bit more to me than Christmas Day, to be honest, because that has generally been when my family gathers. It was also a day of great anticipation as a child, and to keep us calm my parents would allow my brother and me to open our presents from one another.
That's a tradition we still do. My brother and I seldom miss a Christmas Eve together.
A new tradition that I enjoy is watching the Norad Santa Tracker in this new age of technology. Right now as I write this, he's supposedly in Russia, dropping off gifts by the millions. He's a fast dude, Ol' St. Nick. He hits the US about midnight.
Anyway, that's about all I have to say. I hope everyone has a lovely day.
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 23, 2017
Saturday 9: Happy Holidays
Saturday 9: Happy Holidays! (from the archives)
1. Sam [meme author] loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?
A. I think I cried when I was small but I got over it.
2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?
A. I am on the so-messed-up-who-the-hell-knows list.
3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?
A. I suppose my presents to Texas traveled furthest. Well, actually my present to England did, but Amazon sent it so I am not sure that counts.
4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?
A. I bought a robe on Black Friday but it fell apart in the laundry.
5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie? Have you seen it yet this year?
A. At the moment it would be some form of A Christmas Carol and no, I haven't seen any versions of it.
6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?
A. No. I'm not even sure they are open around here.
7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party?
A. No.
8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?
A. Hot chocolate. (Bet that surprises absolutely no one.)
9. Share a memory from last Christmas.
A. Somebody placed a cup with ice still in it on my curio cabinet top and I missed the cup when I was cleaning up (it's higher than I), and it left an ugly white ring. I've tried several times to repair it using various pieces of advice from online but while the white ring is not as bright as it was, it is still there. Nothing like having a $$$$ piece of furniture ruined over the holidays.
_____________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
1. Sam [meme author] loved giving her annual wish list to Santa. Yet some children are reluctant to climb into Jolly Old St. Nick's lap. Did you enjoy the tradition or were you shy? Or did you by pass it altogether -- either because you wrote him a letter or because your family didn't celebrate Christmas?
A. I think I cried when I was small but I got over it.
2. Are you currently on the Naughty or Nice list? How did you get there?
A. I am on the so-messed-up-who-the-hell-knows list.
3. Did you ship any gifts to friends and family this year? If so, which one traveled the farthest?
A. I suppose my presents to Texas traveled furthest. Well, actually my present to England did, but Amazon sent it so I am not sure that counts.
4. Did you buy yourself a gift this year?
A. I bought a robe on Black Friday but it fell apart in the laundry.
5. What's your favorite holiday-themed movie? Have you seen it yet this year?
A. At the moment it would be some form of A Christmas Carol and no, I haven't seen any versions of it.
6. Thinking of movies, Christmas is lucrative for Hollywood. Have you ever gone to a movie theater on Christmas Day?
A. No. I'm not even sure they are open around here.
7. Have you ever suffered an embarrassing moment at the company Christmas party?
A. No.
8. What's your favorite beverage in cold weather?
A. Hot chocolate. (Bet that surprises absolutely no one.)
9. Share a memory from last Christmas.
A. Somebody placed a cup with ice still in it on my curio cabinet top and I missed the cup when I was cleaning up (it's higher than I), and it left an ugly white ring. I've tried several times to repair it using various pieces of advice from online but while the white ring is not as bright as it was, it is still there. Nothing like having a $$$$ piece of furniture ruined over the holidays.
_____________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Saturday 9 posts and leave a comment. Because there are no rules, it is your choice. Saturday 9 players hate rules. We love memes, however.
Thursday, December 21, 2017
Thursday Thirteen
Happy Winter Solstice!
Non-Christmas songs that have passed through my head this week:
1. It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To
2. Falling
3. Me and Little Andy (technically a sloppy sentimental maybe kinda Christmas song)
4. Hotel California
5. Sail Away (by Enya)
6. Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay
7. It's Only Rock and Roll
8. Flirtin' With Disaster
9. Joy to the World (Jerimiah Was a Bullfrog)
10. Mustang Sally
11. Dream On (Aerosmith)
12. Dancing Queen
13. Stairway to Heaven
Happy Holidays to my friends who play Thursday Thirteen, and to all of my readers. Thanks for spending part of your life with me here on this blog. I am grateful for each and every one of you.
_______
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 531st time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.
Non-Christmas songs that have passed through my head this week:
1. It's My Party and I'll Cry If I Want To
2. Falling
3. Me and Little Andy (technically a sloppy sentimental maybe kinda Christmas song)
4. Hotel California
5. Sail Away (by Enya)
6. Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay
7. It's Only Rock and Roll
8. Flirtin' With Disaster
9. Joy to the World (Jerimiah Was a Bullfrog)
10. Mustang Sally
11. Dream On (Aerosmith)
12. Dancing Queen
13. Stairway to Heaven
Happy Holidays to my friends who play Thursday Thirteen, and to all of my readers. Thanks for spending part of your life with me here on this blog. I am grateful for each and every one of you.
_______
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here if you want to read other Thursday Thirteens and/or play along. I've been playing for a while and this is my 531st time to do a list of 13 on a Thursday.
Tuesday, December 19, 2017
The Language We Use
I have been thinking a lot about language lately.
My mother hated to be called "lady." As in, "Hey lady, you forgot your grocery bag!" or something. She said that lady was the name of a dog.
I rather like being called lady. For one thing, it doesn't have "man" in it - as in "wo-man." My Shorter Oxford says "woman" is now frequently used pejoratively, as in, "Woman, bring me some more bacon." It is an old word, dating back to Old English and beyond, and mostly refers to "wife."
I think "lady" denotes a better since of personhood, a human being of the feminine (I also like "feminine" better than "fe-male" for similar reasons). It is also an ancient word, but of higher status than "woman."
Okay, so I am being picky. But language is important, in spite of those who are now eschewing education and other forms of higher learning.
For example, our illustrious curse-word-user-in-chief called a bunch of football players sons-of-bitches.
That particular bad language is a throwback on women. Because bitches are female dogs. And bitch is the word most often used with women. Misogynists like to talk like that.
I mean, he could have called them dickheads. Or penis brains. Or assholes. Everybody has one of those; sex is irrelevant there.
There is also that nice word "bastard," which again is a throw-back to the mother. This is Old French, and it refers to someone born out of wedlock, an "illegitimate" child. Which in an of itself is a freaky thing to think, that a person is "illegitimate" for any reason.
Other words like fuck or screw, also refer to violation of a woman.
Think about it. Can you name a curse word that doesn't refer back to the female? I can't, except for maybe "damn." I suppose the curse-word-user-in-chief could have called them dickheads. Or penis brains. Or assholes. Everybody has one of those; sex is irrelevant there.
Our words matter. Language matters. It is being dumbed down every day and we have limited our sentences to 140 characters (that is now 280 as of November 2017 - somebody at twitter decided we needed to be able to complete a sentence, perhaps. Or maybe they hoped it would help the twitter-in-chief write more legibly.).
I am a writer, and when I misuse the language, 999 times out of 1000, it is intentional. I'm doing it to achieve a specific goal. But many people misuse language without thinking about it. Sometimes it turns out ok.
But then other times, you're calling the mothers of football players doggies, and that's just not the thing to do.
My mother hated to be called "lady." As in, "Hey lady, you forgot your grocery bag!" or something. She said that lady was the name of a dog.
I rather like being called lady. For one thing, it doesn't have "man" in it - as in "wo-man." My Shorter Oxford says "woman" is now frequently used pejoratively, as in, "Woman, bring me some more bacon." It is an old word, dating back to Old English and beyond, and mostly refers to "wife."
I think "lady" denotes a better since of personhood, a human being of the feminine (I also like "feminine" better than "fe-male" for similar reasons). It is also an ancient word, but of higher status than "woman."
Okay, so I am being picky. But language is important, in spite of those who are now eschewing education and other forms of higher learning.
For example, our illustrious curse-word-user-in-chief called a bunch of football players sons-of-bitches.
That particular bad language is a throwback on women. Because bitches are female dogs. And bitch is the word most often used with women. Misogynists like to talk like that.
I mean, he could have called them dickheads. Or penis brains. Or assholes. Everybody has one of those; sex is irrelevant there.
There is also that nice word "bastard," which again is a throw-back to the mother. This is Old French, and it refers to someone born out of wedlock, an "illegitimate" child. Which in an of itself is a freaky thing to think, that a person is "illegitimate" for any reason.
Other words like fuck or screw, also refer to violation of a woman.
Think about it. Can you name a curse word that doesn't refer back to the female? I can't, except for maybe "damn." I suppose the curse-word-user-in-chief could have called them dickheads. Or penis brains. Or assholes. Everybody has one of those; sex is irrelevant there.
Our words matter. Language matters. It is being dumbed down every day and we have limited our sentences to 140 characters (that is now 280 as of November 2017 - somebody at twitter decided we needed to be able to complete a sentence, perhaps. Or maybe they hoped it would help the twitter-in-chief write more legibly.).
I am a writer, and when I misuse the language, 999 times out of 1000, it is intentional. I'm doing it to achieve a specific goal. But many people misuse language without thinking about it. Sometimes it turns out ok.
But then other times, you're calling the mothers of football players doggies, and that's just not the thing to do.
Sunday, December 17, 2017
Sunday Stealing: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like . . .
Sunday Stealing
Last week we talked about thing that bug us. This week (and maybe next), how about things that we like about the holidays.
Apologies if you do not celebrate Christmas, but perhaps you can change the some questions to match the winter holiday you do celebrate. I would love to hear from people who celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Winter Solstice!
1. What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?
A. The day after they are over. Yes, I am a bit of holiday Ebenezer, having found the days to be over-burdensome and emotionally draining. If I have to pick a second favorite thing, it would be the lights. I do enjoy a good holiday display.
2. Do you send out Christmas cards and if so how many do you send?
A. I send out cards and this year I mailed out 60. The number dwindles the older I grow, as folks pass on. At one time, I sent out double that number.
3. Be honest: holiday newsletters. Love ‘em or dislike ‘em?
A. I read them if they are one page. Two pages, not so much. I don't do one myself.
4. Be honest: photo cards. Love ‘em or dislike 'em?
A. I am not fond of them, but on the other hand, I wouldn't know what some of the cousins' kids look like without them.
5. How soon do you start shopping?
A. Usually September or so.
6. Real or fake tree?
A. We have a fake tree.
7. When do you put up your tree?
A. We usually put it up after Thanksgiving, either that weekend or the following weekend, depending on my husband's work schedule.
8. When do you take down your tree?
A. As soon as I can. There is a theory that one of my friends tosses out that it is bad luck to take down the tree before New Year's, but I have done that. Again, it depends on whether or not I have my husband's assistance.
9. Describe your typical tree (size, decorations, type).
A. Our tree always has multi-colored lights, shiny tinsel, and ornaments that are fire department related or Christmas mouse related. We also use pretty balls and garland.
10. What do you top your tree with?
A. Ours has an angel on it this year. Some years we have used a star.
11. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house?
A. Not anymore.
12. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?
A. There was, but the wind blew it off so it is back in the garage.
13. Do you hang up stockings?
A. Yes. My husband and I fill stockings for one another, usually with things like a favorite magazine, Chapstick, a candy bar, or some such.
14. Your favorite Christmas Movie(s).
A. I don't really have one. I usually try to watch It's a Wonderful Life once but frankly I'd just as soon watch the Lord of the Rings.
15. Be honest: A Christmas movie you dislike.
A. I can't think of one, although I think the one with Will Ferrell (?) in it may not be something I watch.
16. Favorite Christmas Song(s).
A. My favorite is Do You Hear What I Hear? I also like Joy to the World and Angels We Have Heard On High just because they both have really neat guitar chord changes in them.
17. Be honest: If I hear this/these Christmas songs again I will throw up.
A. I can't think of anything. I don't listen to them enough to grow bored with them.
18. Give or Receive?
A. Give (and receiving is nice, too, but not mandatory. And for those of you who are always telling me, "don't buy me any present this year," the appropriate thing to do is take the gift, open it, and say, "thank you." That's it. Easy peasy. Leave me alone to buy you something if I want to and accept it with grace. That is all that is required of you. Toss it in the trash when you get home if you want to. But don't give me grief for trying to be a nice person and showing you that I care about you.).
19. Eggnog or Mulled Cider?
A. Just plain cider for me, and boiled custard for the husband.
20. Ham or Turkey?
A. Ham. Although really I prefer the sides, like deviled eggs, green beans, biscuits and gravy.
__________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
Last week we talked about thing that bug us. This week (and maybe next), how about things that we like about the holidays.
Apologies if you do not celebrate Christmas, but perhaps you can change the some questions to match the winter holiday you do celebrate. I would love to hear from people who celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanza, or Winter Solstice!
1. What’s your favorite thing about the holidays?
A. The day after they are over. Yes, I am a bit of holiday Ebenezer, having found the days to be over-burdensome and emotionally draining. If I have to pick a second favorite thing, it would be the lights. I do enjoy a good holiday display.
2. Do you send out Christmas cards and if so how many do you send?
A. I send out cards and this year I mailed out 60. The number dwindles the older I grow, as folks pass on. At one time, I sent out double that number.
3. Be honest: holiday newsletters. Love ‘em or dislike ‘em?
A. I read them if they are one page. Two pages, not so much. I don't do one myself.
4. Be honest: photo cards. Love ‘em or dislike 'em?
A. I am not fond of them, but on the other hand, I wouldn't know what some of the cousins' kids look like without them.
5. How soon do you start shopping?
 |
| Our tree in 2015. Look how crooked that thing is. |
A. Usually September or so.
6. Real or fake tree?
A. We have a fake tree.
7. When do you put up your tree?
A. We usually put it up after Thanksgiving, either that weekend or the following weekend, depending on my husband's work schedule.
8. When do you take down your tree?
A. As soon as I can. There is a theory that one of my friends tosses out that it is bad luck to take down the tree before New Year's, but I have done that. Again, it depends on whether or not I have my husband's assistance.
9. Describe your typical tree (size, decorations, type).
A. Our tree always has multi-colored lights, shiny tinsel, and ornaments that are fire department related or Christmas mouse related. We also use pretty balls and garland.
10. What do you top your tree with?
A. Ours has an angel on it this year. Some years we have used a star.
11. Do you put Christmas lights outside your house?
A. Not anymore.
12. Is there a wreath hanging on your door?
A. There was, but the wind blew it off so it is back in the garage.
13. Do you hang up stockings?
A. Yes. My husband and I fill stockings for one another, usually with things like a favorite magazine, Chapstick, a candy bar, or some such.
14. Your favorite Christmas Movie(s).
A. I don't really have one. I usually try to watch It's a Wonderful Life once but frankly I'd just as soon watch the Lord of the Rings.
15. Be honest: A Christmas movie you dislike.
A. I can't think of one, although I think the one with Will Ferrell (?) in it may not be something I watch.
16. Favorite Christmas Song(s).
A. My favorite is Do You Hear What I Hear? I also like Joy to the World and Angels We Have Heard On High just because they both have really neat guitar chord changes in them.
17. Be honest: If I hear this/these Christmas songs again I will throw up.
A. I can't think of anything. I don't listen to them enough to grow bored with them.
18. Give or Receive?
A. Give (and receiving is nice, too, but not mandatory. And for those of you who are always telling me, "don't buy me any present this year," the appropriate thing to do is take the gift, open it, and say, "thank you." That's it. Easy peasy. Leave me alone to buy you something if I want to and accept it with grace. That is all that is required of you. Toss it in the trash when you get home if you want to. But don't give me grief for trying to be a nice person and showing you that I care about you.).
19. Eggnog or Mulled Cider?
A. Just plain cider for me, and boiled custard for the husband.
20. Ham or Turkey?
A. Ham. Although really I prefer the sides, like deviled eggs, green beans, biscuits and gravy.
__________
I encourage you to visit other participants in Sunday Stealing posts and leave a comment. Cheers to all us thieves who love memes, however we come by them.
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