12/8/17

Christmas Down South

CHRISTMAS DOWN SOUTH.
It's Christmastime in the south. I pulled my Christmas box of decorations out this morning, then sat on the floor next to the box, and fell into a trance. I dreamed of Christmas in the past, present, and future, but I'm no Scrooge.
I planned on putting my Christmas decorations out today, but it doesn’t feel like Christmas time in Louisiana. The weather outside feels like spring, not winter, which is great, but the state of Louisiana is confused, meaning, it thinks it's spring, it’s behind the rest of the states in America on everything from fashion to politics, so I’m not surprised.
Hopefully, the wintery scent of our crispy pines will sail down the muddy Mississippi soon.
Every year, I drag my decorated old lady tree out of the box a few days after Thanksgiving, although this year it felt heavier. I would have never dreamed I would have a fake tree already decorated. I used to laugh at my grandmother's packaged tree, and now I have one.
I call it the "empty nest" tree, the one that you put up every Christmas in case your children stop by, or anyone else for that matter.

11/12/17

Never Interrupt A Daddy Ducks Breakfast.


Several lakes surrounded the University campus where I went to school years ago; and the ducks owned the lakes, so they politely flapped, waddled, and quacked behind whoever had a class near their pond.

The ducks considered the students who tried to sneak across campus near their home, because they were late for class, as trespassing upon their private property, -and as we all know there are consciences for rude behavior in the duck world, much like breaking the law in all societies.  Anyway, I'm sure you know what legal tender is in a ducks world- Food-     

We could hear duck wings flapping, and a chorus of quaking, before we opened our eyes each morning, including week-ends. Maybe Roosters were born to wake up farmers, and Ducks were born to wake up students- Who knows? 

Anyway, most of the ducks I knew were polite, and easy to deal with, but this educated group of ducks were different; they were were loud and aggressive, especially if you didn't pay your right of passage.  So, the best thing to do was leave the house prepared to feed them, and never, ever interrupt their breakfast. (The most important meal of the day.)

Some students believed that the ducks knew which students were going to feed them, much like a waiter knows a good tipper, so they would immediately start attacking the students who didn't have food, and peacefully surrounded the ones with a bread bag. Incidentally, most students left their house each day with their books, and a bag of bread for the ducks.

But, sometimes it was hard to remember duck rules early every morning, therefore, on occasion a student would forget to bring the ducks food. Thus, it just so happened that one students memory lapse, provided a Daddy Duck with the opportunity to teach the rest of us a valuable lesson.

Several lakes surrounded the University campus where I went to school years ago; and the ducks owned the lakes, so they politely flapped, waddled, and quacked behind whoever had a class near their pond. -It was just one of those things in life you have to learn the hard way-

You see, the ducks considered the students who tried to sneak across campus near their home, because they were late for class, as trespassing upon their private property, -and as we all know there are consciences for rude behavior in the duck world, much like breaking the law in all societies.  Anyway, I'm sure you know what legal tender is in a ducks world- Food-     

We could hear duck wings flapping, and a chorus of quaking, before we opened our eyes each morning, including week-ends. Maybe Roosters were born to wake up farmers, and Ducks were born to wake up students- Who knows? 

Anyway, most of the ducks I knew were polite, and easy to deal with, but this educated group of ducks were different; they were were loud and aggressive, especially if you didn't pay your right of passage.  So, the best thing to do was leave the house prepared to feed them, and never, ever interrupt their breakfast. (The most important meal of the day.)

Some students believed that the ducks knew which students were going to feed them, much like a waiter knows a good tipper, so they would immediately start attacking the students who didn't have food, and peacefully surrounded the ones with a bread bag. Incidentally, most students left their house each day with their books, and a bag of bread for the ducks.

But, sometimes it was hard to remember duck rules early every morning, therefore, on occasion a student would forget to bring the ducks food. Thus, it just so happened that one students memory lapse, provided a Daddy Duck with the opportunity to teach the rest of us a valuable lesson.


10/16/17

A Book Review: The Boogeyman From Planet Lackawanna


The Boogeyman From Planet Lackawanna, written by, G. K. Zufall , Gretchen Zufall (Author), and illustrated by Mike Paar .

When I read the first line of the book, The Boogeyman From Planet Lackawanna, my pulse quickened, it read:       

 “As I sped through the dark forest, my heavy sword grew weightless. The sound of footsteps came up behind me and my sword swung into action, but nothing was there. “  

After reading this line you are drawn into the nebulous world of an eleven year old child, who is on the verge of entering an unknown world. - The world of thirteen year old teenagers. –

Chapter one invites you into an exciting, mysterious, enticing atmosphere charged with emotional undertones; you are lead into a place remembered, a time in which adults and pre-teens, for which the story is written, can certainly relate.    

9/27/17

Wordless Wednesday!

Wordless Wednesday is a visual phenomenon. WW is a simple blog post featuring a photo which conveys a message that speaks for itself without using words. -Sandee of Comedy Plus- 

I've always loved this meme. It just goes to show that less is always more. Thanks to the creators of Wordless Wednesday and to Sandee of Comedy Plus for sharing it with us. If you would like to join in the fun, here is the link to the code on Comedy Plus.  

Just add the link to your post on Sandee's post, and you're done.


9/22/17

Happy Feline Friday! - Fine, I'll get my own Tuna Fish!



                        Fine. I'll get my own Tuna Fish! 



Happy Feline Friday! My buddy, Sandee of Comedy Plus along with Sandee's buddy, Steve, of Burnt Food Dude, (who created Feline Friday) have keep this meme running for a long time and I never get tired of it.  

"Feline Friday is simple to join. All you have to do is:

Post a picture, drawing, cartoon or video of a cat (They may be silly or cute)" 


8/5/17

Words...

Hello? Is anyone here? I'm kidding, I know those of you who are and I love ya. I am so sorry for my absence, especially to those of you who have been so loyal to ANPITS. Yes, I have my troubles like everyone else, and so what if I cannot write posts as often, I can still write words. I have to have surgery soon, but after that I plan on posting regularly again.

I just didn't want any of you to think I abandoned writing on my blog, as so many people are doing these days. I will continue to do the best I can and I appreciate your understanding, loyalty, and friendship.

Lately, I realize how important words are; words are the core of our souls, without lyrical expression we lose sight of one another or worse, ourselves. Words bring forth the essence of the human spirit; it is our fundamental nature to express ourselves without abandon.
And now, we have the best opportunity we’ve ever had to use them, so let’s use them wisely. -

This passage was written by me, so I suppose I will eat a few words for breakfast this morning, with the exception of "expressing ourselves without abandon." :)))

Thanks for visiting A Nice Place In The Sun. Have a great day! 

7/21/17

Happy Feline Friday!




Feline Friday began with Steve from Burnt Food Dude and I discovered it from Sandee of  Comedy Plus.  Feline Friday is easy to join and fun to play. All you have to do is  "Post a picture, drawing, cartoon or video of a cat (They may be silly or cute)"  (The last part of this sentence is written by Sandee. Click on the sentence to visit Comedy Plus. )


6/19/17

Forgotten Language


Once I spoke the language of the flowers,
Once I understood each word the caterpillar said,
Once I smiled in secret at the gossip of the starlings,
And shared a conversation with the housefly
in my bed.
Once I heard and answered all the questions
of the crickets,
And joined the crying of each falling dying
flake of snow,
Once I spoke the language of the flowers. . . .
How did it go?
How did it go?

-Shel Silverstein



6/17/17

Happy Father's Day!


Happy Father's Day to every Dad who has changed a diaper, rocked his child to sleep, read to his children stories. Happy Fathers Day to all of you fabulous Dads!

This is your day and I hope it's a marvelous one!

I wrote the following story for my father, so feel free to leave a comment about your Dad or about any of the great days you know. 


For my father-

6/10/17

Somewhere Over the Rainbow - The Wizard of Oz (1/8) Movie CLIP (1939) HD

Believe it or not, I'm writing a new post. Thank you all for your patience and loyalty. Have a fantastic day!

I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair! First posted, 4/16/14





I woke up this morning traumatized by my reflection in the mirror. Everything about my face is the same, but my hair is a different color. I have the beginning of old lady hair- Well actually, a few silver grays mixed with a multitude of blonde colors or dark blonde, or what some people refer to as "dirty blond,"- The latter being one of my favorite descriptions for light brown hair.-



Anyway, after I blocked my reflection out of my mind, I stepped into the shower, and started singing,

" I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta Of My Hair", from the movie classic, South Pacific, thinking of an ancient relationship.





Because, for some reason, I think of my ex-husband, when I hear that song. (Hmm, I wonder why?)

I think the tune was dancing around in my subconscious, until the water blasting through the shower cleared my head.


Although, I was still dreamy enough to imagine my ex-husband swirl down the bathtub drain. The thought of simply "Washing Him Outta Of My Hair," thrilled me.





So much so, that I considered other song titles that would work well, like, "I'm Gonna Cram That Man Down The Tub Drain," or "Toss His Bags Right Out The Front Door."










In addition, I contemplated how joyful it would be to have magical powers, like the character, Samantha Stevens, (Elizabeth Montgomery) on Bewitched, a television series in the sixties. (By the way, I was a baby/child at the time.)













If I had Samantha's magical powers, I could have shrunk my ex to the size of Stuart Little. (From the book Stuart Little, by E.B.White)











I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with the situation comedy, Bewitched, since it was on television in the last century, so I'll enlighten you to a few of the characters. The main character, Samantha, inherited her powers from her mother, Endora, (Agnes Moorehead) who wasn't happy with her son in law, "Darrin", played by Dick York, so she popped in on a regular basis just to irritate the man.- What else does a witch have to do with her day?-




I thought of Endora when I stepped out of the shower, and dreamed I was a witch, overjoyed my the thought of downsizing my ex-husband. I loved Bewitched, because it was a show about a woman witch. Anyway, I hope you are familiar with the comedy. If you're not, the leading characters mother referred to her son- in -law as "Dagwood" instead of calling him by his real name, which was "Darrin." I loved it.

Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge over troubled water (with lyrics)

Believe it or not, I'm writing a new post, or trying to anyway. Thanks to all of you for your patience and loyalty. Stay tuned... Have a great day!

3/14/17

Tuesday's Question: Have You Ever Had...

\

Hello, welcome to Tuesday's Question! I started posting Tuesday's Question off and on since 2007, because I thought it would be a great way to get to know other readers and bloggers. But, due to the fact that I stopped posting it on a regular basis I lost a lot of readers. So, I would like to thank my loyal readers and friends who have supported Tuesday's Question from the beginning, it means a lot to me. You know who you are..:)

All you have to do is answer Tuesday's Question and of course feel free to post the "Brag Tag" on the top left corner on your blog if you wish:)   After you answer the question I will post your answer with a link to your blog.

Alright, here's Tuesday's Question: Have You Ever Had An Awful Grocery Shopping Experience? But, If You Haven't Had A Awful Grocery Shopping Experience, Tell Us About A Nice one.

I'll answer first,

3/7/17

Readers Answers to Tuesday's Question...What Is...

Hello, and welcome to Tuesday's/Wednesday's Question. Actually, it's Tuesday's Question, but it is so late in the day, I added a slash. My apologies for the lapses between posts on ANPITS.

I've been working hard lately and before I know it, I've run out of day, and one of my New Years Resolutions was to post as often as possible on the sunny side of the internet, which is A Nice Place In The Sun.

Okay, I will stop being corny and move on to Tuesday's Question. Tuesday's Question is a weekly, bi-weekly, tri-weekly, or monthly, - Just kidding, it's weekly-  post in which I ask a question and if you wish to answer it, I will post a link back to your blog, and if you do not have a blog, I will publish your answer along with your name.

Warning: If I really like your answer, I may publish it in a post which will be published on Google Plus and other websites that are linked to ANPITS. So, let me know if you would rather I didn't publish your answer in comments, okay? I promise I will respect your wishes.

Today's question is...

Hey! It's Thursday and here are some great answers to Tuesday's Question. Be sure and visit these blogs because they are among the best on the internet. Just click on the name of the blog for the link.

The first answer is from Grace, of Dragon's Alley: 

As much as I love words, I'll choose a picture. Words have layers of meanings aside from the dictionary meaning so the same word could elicit different emotional responses. And if you need to clarify then either the original wasn't written well or you start to beat a dead horse. Of course pictures elicit different responses from different people. While essential meanings might be obvious that's not how humans seem to operate. We bring ourselves to everything.
March 7, 2017 at 10:53 PM
 Then, Sandee,  of  Comedy Plus, said, 


I think visual people would need the picture or painting. I'm an avid reader so I don't need the picture of the painting. A well written book and I can visualize whatever they want me too. Perhaps even more. I'll go with the words.

Have a fabulous day, Ann. Big hug to you and lots of scritches to Simon. ♥♥♥
March 8, 2017 at 8:47 AM
 And read this one from Jan, of The Poodle And Dog Blog 


I have yet to see that picture that is supposed to be worth 1000 words so I'll choose words.
March 8, 2017 at 12:30 PM
Delete


And Cheri of Badon's Employment cracked me up,

Here's her answer,  

Well, damn, I can't up load the picture! So I guess I have to go with words.

March 8, 2017 at 11:19 PM
 Delete
Thanks to all of you who participated and remember you can answer Tuesday's Question all week and I will publish your answers. :)

2/1/17

Wordless Wednesday!

                                                          
Welcome to Wordless Wednesday on A Nice Place In The Sun.

If I may steal the words from my friend Sandee of Comedy Plus:

"Wordless Wednesday is a visual blogosphere phenomenon.

WW is a simple blog post featuring a photo which conveys a message that speaks for itself without using words." 

I'm not sure why I cannot post the code for Wordless Wednesday, but here is the link to the Mr. Linky Code on Comedy Plus.


1/27/17

Feline Friday- Forgiveness



I have been trying to publish this post for hours. I've had computer issues all month, although it feels more like a year. I'm so behind on work that I'm afraid to check my e-mails. In any event, I'm grateful I'm back from computer space to a land of my understanding. Because now, I can participate in Feline Friday!

Feline Friday began with Steve from Burnt Food Dude and you know what's funny? When I went to his website to copy his link, this is what I read beneath his blog title,
 
"The best thing about computers is that they make very fast accurate mistakes."
 
Talk about perfect timing, I couldn't agree more..
 
Steve asked my dear friend Sandee of Comedy Plus to host Feline Friday for the next few weeks, so be sure to visit Comedy Plus to copy the Mister Linky code and read Sandee's post. 
All you have to do is post a picture, video, cartoon or drawing that is silly or cute and visit the other bloggers on the link list. It's really fun to see the variety of posts published by other participants. Here's my contribution:

1/22/17

Silly Sunday! "Babies Do Not Lie"

😲😲😲😲😲😲Silly Sunday is a weekly post hosted by Sandee of Comedy Plus and it's definitely the place to go on Sunday's.  Sandee's jokes are always hilarious and to use her words, Silly Sunday's...  
 
" Rules are simple, just have fun.

This is a great opportunity to get to know other bloggers and have a laugh or two in the process."
 

Here is how it works: Laugh and Link Up!"
  1. Post a joke.
  2. Link Up with the URL to your joke in the Linky Tools Widget.
  3. Read my joke.
  4. Leave a comment to tell me how much you enjoyed my joke.
  5. Try and visit a few others participating in Silly Sunday. 
 
  1. I tried to delete this one, but it's here to stay, sorry. :) 
Babies Do Not Lie

1/15/17

Mean Steps...And Jimmy Stewart And The Step

Have you ever noticed how many people are intimated by stairs? Well, I think it's because we have all come across a few  "Mean stairs" at some point in our lives.  In fact,  I have to negotiate with the stairway to my apartment on a daily basis, and each step has a terrible disposition.  I decided to use a google image of stairs that resemble mine because this photo captures their true essence.   
My stairs look just like these, steep and emotionally guarded...it's as if they're communicating in their stair like way, -Pun intended- "  I bet if they could talk they would say,  
"Hello, don't be afraid," -daring you to lay your foot on the first step- 
"Just hold on to the rail and you'll be fine, hee, hee..".When they're really railing against you and doing their best to stare you down, -Again, pun intended. 

Click to subscribe!

Today's Popular Children's Picture Books

Today's Popular Children's Picture Books
Click on the titles below for the link to Publishers Weekly.com

The Boogeyman From Planet-Lackawanna-

You will lose yourself in the imaginative dreams of eleven year old Theodore Wilson's. Don't miss this review coming soon.

More reviews and available for purchase on Amazon .com. Just click on image of book and the link will take you there.

Thank you!

Upcoming Book Review

Upcoming Book Review
Gretchen Zufall (Author) Mike Paar (Illustrator)

Motherhood- Courage


Motherhood is an art impossible to explain, one which requires a vast sea of love, devotion, compassion, and understanding, unmatched by any affection we will ever know again.- Ann Clemmons

Courage-

Courage



Humor-

Humor


Words-

Words are the core of our souls, without written, vocal or lyrical expression we lose sight of one another or worse, ourselves. Words bring forth the essence of the human spirit; so express yourself without abandon.

Ann Clemmons

Favorite Phrase

I remember I used to half believe and wholly play with fairies when I was a child. What heaven can be more real than to retain the spirit-world of childhood, tempered and balanced by knowledge and common-sense...

Beatrix Potter’s Journal, 17 November 1896, from the National Trust collection.

Jacket Flap-

Powered by JacketFlap.com
The Storyteller, by Dawn Drover

Alone in her world
of make believe
weaving her stories
of magic and light

She brings joy
to the eyes
of innocent minds
less jaded and free

For only they know
what's in her heart
holding the secrets
she guards so well

Life's hidden mysteries
belong to those
whose wisdom and truth
shine on in imagination


Written for Ann
~Dawn Drover~

Of The Horoscope Junkie




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Most of the worlds' great things were born of adversity and hardship; because these roadblocks encourage us to dream, imagine and believe.- Ann Clemmons

Favorite quotes-

In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since.

Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”'


F. Scott Fitzgerald. (Lines from The Great Gatsby)
"A Southerner Talks Music"

Mark Twain

"A book must be the ax for the frozen sea inside us."

Franz Kafka

An author values a compliment even when it comes from a source of doubtful competency.

- Mark Twain in Eruption

"I like a good story well told. That is the reason I am sometimes forced to tell them myself"

Mark Twain

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