11/22/08

Do ALL Dogs Go To Heaven? (Saturday Video)



I couldn't resist posting this video my Dad sent me this morning. I will continue posting a regular feature film next Saturday for Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment.

I hope this makes you laugh like it did me...

By the way, my blog is still listed as a nominee for Humor Blogger of the year over at HumorBloggers.com I cannot believe it's still there and I have ten votes!

Thank you if you've already voted for me and for those of you who haven't please vote for Nice Place In The Sun before they realize it's been nominated.

Here's the direct link you do not have to be a member to vote...Thank you a million times.


11/18/08

If I was a Handywoman, I wouldn't need a Handyman


If I was a Handy woman, I would not need a Handyman. Nope, I would be fine and dandy Annie- And my slogan would read, "No job too large or too small- Handy Dandy Annie will conquer them all." That is my new dream folks...

Because after I climbed over my cat and out of my bed this morning...my bedroom door fell off the hedges, trapped my foot, and laid against me like a bad dancer. I tried to pry the piece of junk off my foot, but I was fighting a losing battle- I felt like the cat wrapped in the arms of the cartoon skunk Pepe Le Pew. Then, after the door was finished swinging me around in romantic bless, it tossed me to the floor like a piece of discarded linen.

Consequently, I forgot it was Tuesday, which means I was supposed to have posted Tuesday’s Question this morning. I really did forget… I’m not kidding...just ask Eric at SpeedcatHollydalePage, because I left evidence in his comments shortly after I awoke to my drama.

However, I was going to postpone Tuesday’s Question anyway because my entire landing page has posts about Tuesday’s Question. For example, there’s the post on The Quiz Whiz Award, then the post with the hilarious comments to Tuesday’s Question, which by the way, I published on Thursday- (do not ask)


Hence, it might be a good idea to get back on track and post the next Tuesday’s Question next Tuesday. I’m sorry you’re reading about the postponement so late in the afternoon.

I’ve been meaning to write you about it all morning, but as you now know, it was an impossibility at the time. Although, it would not have been a problem for a Handy Woman- that door would not have danced around with her all day, no sirree.

But, I'm not a handy woman and I've been working on a new line up of weekly posts, so I need to post a blog calendar. That way, I'll know the day of the week, and you can see what's coming next...from this oh so predictable writer/blogger...

Anyway, I have to go now so that I can write what you will read tomorrow. I have a new weekly post for us to do on Wednesdays...unless the roof caves in...




Oh, and don't forget to vote for me for Humor Blogger of the year over at HumorBloggers.com before they realize A Nice Place In The Sun has been nominated.

Here's the direct link, you do not have to be a member to vote...Thank you a million times.


11/16/08

As Good As It Gets (This Weekends Favorite Movie Moment )



Sorry guys, but this is my favorite scene from As Good As It Gets starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet Ulrich, and Shirley Knight. The 1997 film was directed by James L.Brooks who co-wrote the screenplay with Mark Andrus, who wrote the story. Laura Ziskin produced the picture.

If you missed this all star cast in this fabulous film, rent it, because this is not the only funny scene. In addition the actors do justice to a wonderfully written screenplay full of characters you will love from the opening scene.

The soundtrack is good too.

11/11/08

Tuesday's Question's Quiz Whiz Stars





Earlier today, I posted a lie. I told you that I lost Tuesday's Question under the mountain of work devouring my desk. When the truth is I was having trouble with the code to the badge of honor I made for the stars of Tuesday's Question. I'm sorry I lied to you. I hope you will forgive me, but it was sort of like a surprise party lie...you know a love lie.

Anyway, some of these blogging stars or quiz whizzes have followed Tuesday's Question from its infancy and I've been looking for a way to honor them ever since...well... forever...

The fact that these bloggers have answered almost every question is not the only reason I've elected to call them quiz whizzes (and yes, quiz does mean question-plus quizzical wouldn't fit) and bestowed them with Tuesday's Questions badge of honor.

It is because honor comes from grace and bloggers who answer questions about themselves, their families and their experiences are the most graceful, honest, giving, funny, and open people I've ever had the pleasure to know.

Every week I am amazed by the charm and sense of fun they bring to the funny questions and the insight, compassion, and smarts they bring to the thoughtful ones.

Therefore, in appreciation for letting us all into your hearts and minds every week and for your loyal friendship to all of us, I bestow the I'm a Quiz Whiz badge onto the following bloggers. However, I suppose I better tell you about the Quiz Whiz Code of honorable smarts and hearty laughs first.

The Quiz Whiz Code of Honorable Smarts and Hearty laughs: A Blogger who answers a question with insight, compassion, kindness, gratitude, charm, and a sense of humor represents the code of honorable smarts and hearty laughter.

In addition, these bloggers teach us something by writing about their experiences, send us rushing to the bathroom due to their sense of humor, you know... (before we pee in our pants) or make us wonder if our face will get stuck in a smile...Oh, I guess that wouldn't be good...because we would look like a clown, especially if you wear lipstick.

What I meant to say is that it helps if a bloggers answer makes your face hurt from laughing too much...well maybe that's not good either... But, if their writing teaches us something or makes us smile through the
day, then it is worth the effort they made to answer Tuesday's Question, and their character definitely falls under the Ouiz Whiz Code Of Honorable Smarts and Hearty laughs.

Recipients of the I'm a Quiz Whiz badge who post the badge on their sidebar with its official seal of approval reserve the right to pass the badge along to their readers who pass the code of honorable smarts and hearty laughs when they answer a question.

For example, if you've asked a question in a post and one of your readers gives an outstanding answer, that is, an answer that sounds like it passes the Quiz Whiz Code Of Honorable Smarts and hearty laughs, feel free to pass it along with a link back to your post.


But, please don't forget to link it back to this post as well, so that others will know where the badge originated and can become acquainted with Tuesday's Question in general. Plus, they can get to know the original recipients of Tuesday's Question's Quiz Whiz Badge and the Quiz Whiz Code Of Honorable Smarts and hearty laughs.

I have a code to post the badge in your sidebar that does have a link back to A Nice Place In The Sun, however if you prefer to save the image and just post it in your sidebar that is O.K. too.

After today I will give out a Quiz Whiz badge to those of you who have answered the most Tuesday's Questions every month. For the bloggers who have already received a Quiz Whiz badge, you can pick one of two prizes. I will mention and link to a post on your blog so that you will receive two links at the end of the month or you can pick the next Tuesday's Question.

And speaking of Tuesday's Question, I will post this weeks question tomorrow (Thurs.) I promise I will, no more surprises, well... not this week anyway. Moving along, (because the drum roll is starting without me...) Here's...

the first Tuesday's Question Quiz Whiz Badge Recipients:


Sandee at Comedy Plus
Dawn at Twisted Sister
Shinade at The Painted Veil
Eric or Speedy at Speedcat Hollydale Page
Maunie at Maunie's World
Bud at WTIT Tape Radio Blog
Abelle at Only In Silence...
Merrill at The Daily Egg
Tish at Crazy Working Mom
Anna at Life Just Keeps Getting Weirder
Robert at Black Tie And Sneakers
Grace at Broadway Matron
Margaret at Eyespi20.com
Ferd at The Best Parts
Daisy at Daisy The Curly Cat
Kim at Purplefrogcat
Mimi at MimiWrites
Paula at Paula's Playground
Aussie at Little Aussie Cynic
Jennifer at Down River Drivel
Rachel at MrsMouthy.com
Sue at Farvel Cargo
Ettarose at Sanity on Edge
Mushy at Mushys Moochings
Karen at Karen and Gerard Zemek
Babs at The Beetle Blog.com
Misty at Misty's Musings
FeeFiFoto Blog
Robin at Robin's Woods
Henson at Henson's Hell
Arv at Thoughts on a wall
Chelle at It Might Be Love
Soge shirt guy at Sogeshirts.com
Flowers on a Friday.com
Lauren at Irritable Eater
Sassymind at My Sassy Mind
Chica at Lady Sarcasm
Johnny at Past Expiry
Karen at My Opinion Counts
Sharon at A Bookworm's Journey
Whimsy Gal at My Whimsy World
Winston at Eat Your Maths
Marja at Dutchcorner
Christy at Christy's Coffee Break
Shameless at The Shameless Lions Writing Circle
Janice at In My Heart Forever
Jos at NoDirectOn (not: No Direction)
Patios at Whee All The Way Home

Mel at Attitude, The Ultimate Power


If I've missed anyone please accept my sincere apology. I went through every archived Tuesday's Question, so my eyes were getting tired and the words were beginning to dance on the page. So if you know you answered Tuesday's Question often in the past year and you are not listed please let me know.

Congratulations to all of you and remember to pass along the Quiz Whiz Badge to your readers who qualify under the Quiz Whiz Code of Honorable Smarts and Hearty Laughs. Have fun and remember to return this Thursday for this weeks Tuesday Question.


11/7/08

Dona Nobis Pacem ~ Grant Us Peace~



"While we watch the storm clouds gather and prepare for the storm, let us never forget that the sun still shines behind those dark clouds and may somehow break through before the storm descends. I see sunshine in the real desire for peace in the hearts of humanity, even though the human family gropes toward peace blindly, not knowing the way. "
--- Peace Pilgrim ---

I've included another favorite by --
"A real soul is something you make by walking through fire. By keeping on walking, and by remembering how it felt."

--- Peter Straub --

I'm excited to join the second anniversary of Blogblast For Peace, which began as a simple post by Mimi from Mimi Writes in the fall of 2006. The message Mimi sent in her first post "Dona Nobis Pacem" Latin for "Grant Us Peace" has traveled from blog to blog reaching 35 countries and 46 states, an amazing accomplishment.

This is the second annual posting of Blogblast For Peace. The original post was published in November of 2006, then published again six months later on July of 2008 and now on November 6, 2008- I decided to take part in all three. Mimi's Peace Globe movement is one of the most impressive memes in the blogosphere, therefore, like many of my fellow blogger's, I'm delighted to be a part of it.

Together we'll have our Peace globes posted throughout the internet along with our favorite words about what peace means to us individually- and that is cool-

Here is the link to Mimi's Official Site for Blogblast For Peace if you would like to join us, or read more about this incredible movement.

In addition, here is the link to Mimi's post and the list of bloggers who have joined and posted their Peace Globes.

When I read that we were asked to write about what peace means to us, along with a poem in our peace globe, I thought of the poem and quote I used in my previous Blogblast posts. Only this time, I also thought about humanity and the individual parts each of us play in relation to peace. I don't think I told a story in my first two Peace Globe posts, but for some reason, I felt this one may be significant.

Here's my story:

When I was a small child, I paraded toward my parents bedroom at the end of the hall, but when I got there, the door was closed. I immediately sensed that something was wrong, but without thinking or knocking I barged in the room anyway and saw my father kneeling on the side of the bed crying and praying.


My father was crying...he never cried. He was my hero, the Chief of Detectives at the Sheriffs Office, a cowboy, and the only person who knew how to put the Christmas lights on the tree- my father didn’t cry – nevertheless grown-up tears rolled out of his blue eyes and down his expressionless face- I couldn’t understand what he was saying to God.

Frightened, I started to run from the room, but he pulled me onto his lap, rocked me back and forth, and said, " I know there will be peace on earth one day... Sweetheart, I know there will be..."

Years later, I learned that I caught my father crying minutes after Senator Robert Kennedy was assassinated at the Ambassador Hotel in 1968.

I asked him once how he could have been so sure there would be peace on earth after what happened that day, especially at that time in our country and his career.

He replied, "Because a world without peace, love, and tolerance will not stand long. None of us will survive on a planet divided by hate, violence, injustice, greed, and prejudice." Then he said..."And I didn't have the heart to give up on my country, our world, and humanity itself."

I was brought up believing that we need to remain grateful for our blessings and cautious of becoming indifferent to the sufferings of others...

That we must never tolerate, minimize, or silence the unjust treatment of others, anymore than we would silently witness a loved one suffering the same fate.

That is one reason I love the following quote by Peter Straub.


"A real soul is something you make by walking through fire. By keeping on walking, and by remembering how it felt."

--- Peter Straub -


My mother and father taught us that attitude is everything...which to me means we can choose to live a peaceful life full of love and laughter everyday, and everyday we can choose whether to pass what we have along to others...

Whispered from a genuine heart, kindness, truth, wisdom, compassion, and love, are my favorite words...

Mimi, thank you for reminding us to have faith in peace, love, and kindness, and for creating an excellent way for us to individually express what peace means personally to each of us.


Enjoy the video 'Humanity' and the song Get Together by The Youngbloods-



Thank you Paula from Paula's Playground for designing such a wonderful peace globe for me on the fourth annual blog for peace, I decided to use it again. :))




10/21/08

What Are Your Irrational Fears? (Tuesday's Question)




Today's Tuesday's Question asks, What Are Your Irrational Fears?

How many of you can relate to the elephant in this image? I read once that fear is, "False Evidence Appearing Real," so I repeat the phrase in my mind when I'm frightened.

However, that would be a bad idea if a bear extended his paw to meet my acquaintance...or lions, tigers, and wild wolf dogs were running towards me.

In those cases if I repeated to myself, "It's false evidence appearing real, it's false evidence appearing real" those words would be my last.

But, repeating those words to myself is effective when it comes to irrational fears, such as, walking refrigerators... being strangled by furniture...or your mother-in-law talking through the picture frames...that kind of stuff. That's what I mean by irrational fear...

What are your irrational fears?

Below is a note to first time visitors, plus an announcement at the end of the paragraph to those of you familiar with Tuesday's Question. Because I know you will not read this paragraph, and I don't blame you, but if you do, I have a small announcement about the Butterfly Award in addition to the award for Tuesday's Question at the end of the post. Oh, I guess, I just told you what I wrote.

Anyway, again, if this is the first time you've visited Tuesday's Question, I wrote a brief description below:



All participates answers are posted in the same post along with a link to their site, but you don't have to own a blog to participate. All you have to do is write your answer to the question in my comments and I will do the rest~

In addition, every participate is welcome to a Tuesday's Question Brag Badge posted with a code in my sidebar. The Brag Badge gives you the opportunity to bring your visitors to archived Tuesday's Questions where you can show off the ingenuity of you and fellow blogger's past comments.

By the way, I have two awards I've created for Tuesday's Question's most loyal participants this past year. Most of you are probably already aware of my Top Commenter Award plans because I've mentioned them in recent Tuesday's Question posts. I was going to nominate the recipients today, but I didn't want to interfere with the question itself, plus I'm trying to decide which award I like the best. Maybe, I should let you decide. Let me know what you think, O.K.?

Plus, I literally received the coolest award called the Butterfly Award for the Coolest Blogs from two of the coolest blogger's. First the wonderful Abelle at Only in Silence nominated me, then my good friend Shinade at The Painted Veil, nominated me as well. Therefore, tomorrow will be an awards day on A Nice Place In The Sun.

I'm grateful for your patience and understanding these past few weeks, all of you have been super great people.

And for those of you reading this for the first time, thanks for participating, reading, or stopping by to visit. Answers are posted as quickly as possible throughout the day with a link to the participating blogger's blogs. I've provided a link for you to visit the bloggers whose answer because chances are if you liked a bloggers answer, you will also enjoy their blog.

Have Fun, and remember Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, well, questions off the top of my head anyway. ~


Alright, get ready, get set...set? Go!

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My first brave commenter is my friend Shinade at The Painted Veil

Hello Annie,
Right now I am sitting here at my computer typing a message to you.

I did read all the way through also. thanks for the mention. you are just so sweet.

I only have one truly irrational fear, well maybe I have more but I don't have time to write a book...lol..okay?

My biggest irrational fear in the entire world is a snake.

Any kind of snake even rubber play snakes.

My grandsons all learn very young not to get any where near me with any type of snake real, alive,dead, or in any other form.

That's it for this Tuesday!

Hugs:-)

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The next answer is from my special friend and veteran of Tuesday's Question, Sandee from Comedy Plus, who gives a perfect example of an irrational fear. Thank you Sandee~

That I have to go back to work at the same place I worked before I retired. I know I don't have to, but I worry about it sometimes. I even have dreamed about it. I wake up in a sweat too. Almost anywhere would be a better place to work then back there.

Congratulations on the award. Have a great day Ann. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)


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The third answer is from Grace at Broadway Matron, who gives another good as well as funny example of an irrational fear. Thanks Grace~



Bugs - now that might not be irrational but I can't stand the sight of any kind of bug even if it is a picture in a newspaper article - I'll scream, drop the paper and refuse to pick it up - that's irrational.

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10/19/08

Twist And Shout And Free Verse




Twist and Shout…this is the song in my head today… I’ve made a blog plan and part of my blog plan includes what I’ve decided to call Sunday Morning Free Verse.

Every Sunday I will write the events of the past week as soon as I wake up or shortly thereafter. I’m going to write whatever pops into my semi- conscious mind at the beginning of the day. Although you can do this any time of the day, the best time for me is as soon as I open my eyes.

I thought since many of you are home and slumbering around on Sunday morning you may have time to join me. Just write the events of last week or whatever comes to you as quickly as you can, don’t think, just write, that’s what I mean by free verse. It’s like a warm up, for example, free verse is to writers, what stretching is to runners.

I usually haven’t the time to write freely before every post, but my writing is much better when I can verse an idea a few times before I write my first then final draft to a manuscript, story or article. It’s also another word for brainstorming, because often an idea will hit you if just write without thinking several times. In addition, if you already have an idea, it will help you tighten your words so that they will be easy to edit when you write your final copy.

However, that’s not what we’re going to do here this morning, in fact, we’re not even going to write a first draft. We’re just going to write and not think about what we’re writing. I thought it would be a fun thing to do, sort of like having someone twist you on a tire swing, then let you shout your way down as you fly in circles.


O.k. I’m going to highlight my week now as fast as I can without editing or thinking… Ready Set go!




Happy Sunday everyone~ That is if you’re awake yet. I didn’t start waking up this early on Sunday morning until I couldn’t sleep at night.


I couldn’t sleep last night, I don’t know if it was my cat, (Simon) keeping me awake, or if I’m become decrepit before my time, but I lay in bed and read, dozed, read, dozed, read, went to the bathroom, returned to bed, and read, dozed, read, dozed, you get the picture…I hope.

Simon jumped on the bed and purred like a kitten to go outside, and then when he realized the cute kitten stuff wasn’t going to work, he started his manipulation tactics, which I must admit are getting better. Finally, he gave up and there was the sweet sound of silence, and I almost fell asleep…But, I was awakened by the loudest ringing sound…this side of Winchester Cathedral. It bang my ears like a drum, chimed my and melted my brain into mush. I was in such a sound sleep…that I must have been dreaming because the sound was just Simon at the front door moaning. His cries of desperation begin with a moan which blends into a growl like whine, I call it the growl whine. Let me see if I can articulate it better, he makes the sounds a human being makes when we’re freezing; so it sounds like Brrrr, but it ends with what sounds like the word “owl” on the end- I call it a moan growl. . The prefix is Brrr and the suffix owl, hence, Brrowl, and as the browl gets louder he locks onto the vowel sound O really loud, so it sounds like BrrrOwl BrrOwl pounding into your brain.

I couldn’t take anymore of it, so I jumped from my bed in the dark with my water bottle, tripped over my guitar, praying I didn’t break it or a bone, and chased the little maniac through the house. I sprayed the water bottle as I ran hoping to soak him good…then there was silence…the opposite of the sounds seconds before…it was so silent you could hear the tick tock of a clock if I had one….

I turned on the light, but I couldn’t find him anywhere. I know he was wet, but I couldn’t find him to dry him off so I brought my heavy eyes back to bed, and tucked myself under the warm covers…it was so nice. But not for long….the BrrrOwl…came back again….without turning on the light I picked up the water bottle on my bed side table, and swished the water in it back and forth so he could hear it,. Then, more silence followed by …Brrowwwlllll…silence….browwwwwllll…silence…and I suppose we went to sleep for a few hours until morning. No more catnip for Simon, he is a bad drunk. Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you about the catnip I bought him the night before at the grocery store. I was looking forward to a nice evening after spending one night in the hospital this week, in addition to my lion escape, Yep, it’s all there in my Chicken Feed post. To sum it up I had a hard week, so I bought a magazine, a coke, and a catnip toy for Simon. I’ll find some use for that cat nip…but it will not be for him…

I missed Tuesday’s Question because I fainted, then my doctor trapped me overnight in a hospital and had my room guarded my lions. I had to jump from a window and run as fast as a cat seeking shelter from a pouring down rain..

And the magazine got wet from the coke in my bag.


THE END

Happy Sunday!

Now it’s your turn, and remember, don’t think, just write. And please forgive my errors, (I hope Google does) because I couldn’t bare to read it- I would have edited...

Have a fun, happy, weekend full of music, laughter, and dancing- And be nice to one another…))) Oh, and Twist And Shout is on my sidebar as the song in my head today.






10/18/08

Jaws (1975) Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment




"See it, before you go swimming"

Recently, I joined The Humor Bloggers.com where I participated in the Humor Blogger Carnival hosted by one of our funniest bloggers on the web, Ettarose, at ettarose-edgeofsanity. If you wished to join the carnival you could write on one of two subjects and chose your own title. One of the subjects was how did you grow up in the decade you were born, such as the 50's 60's or 70's and I decided to write about the seventies, and chose the title Growing Up In The Seventies.

Well, by now, you probably think you know where I'm going with this since Jaws was released in 1975, and you would be correct, however, I would also like to dedicate this Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment to The Humor Bloggers, (because it's one of my new pop-stands) in addition to the host of the first Humor Carnival, Ettarose from ettarose-edgeofsanity, and you didn't know that.

Here's what I wrote about the film in my post,

It sounds silly now, but at the time that Jaws was in theaters it scared everyone half to death. The movie chilled you to the bone so bad, that my best friend, my brother, and I could not go to sleep the night we saw it.

It was ridiculous...but we kept thinking irrational thoughts. For instance, I kept telling myself that it was impossible for a shark to crawl on shore, flag down a taxi, come to our house, and devour all three of us while we slept in our beds. I also had another imagined scenario, which involved a great white out on the town dining to Jaws “music” while he munched on my rib cage; a nightmare too horrifying for me to swallow alone. No pun intended- so the three of us ended up piled in the bed together the night we saw the movie in 1975.



See it, before you go swimming~







Have a great Saturday, full of fun, love, and laughter~

10/16/08

Chicken Feed


Not Fair At All
Graphics & Myspace layouts



Stumble It!




"An illness is like a journey into a far country; it sifts all one's experience and removes it to a point so remote that it appears like a vision.

Author": Sholem Asch

Lately, this quote is my story and the image my vision. When you are ill you're on the outside looking in on your life, it's like watching your moments as they happen... you want to say "No, stop. It's not supposed to happen like this- rewind the tape, or take that moment out of the frame, and go back to the moments when life was easy and peaceful."


There are differing degrees of illness and hardship, after all human suffering doesn't discriminate; therefore, we've all had a sense of impending doom from time to time. You know the feeling you have when you are coming down with something, or running fever?

Well Tuesday, I felt a sense of dread coming around the bend chug-a-lug chug-a-lug, with a heavy load of supplies. I felt a whoosh as if I had bounced off a Mack truck and mashed into a wall too fast to comprehend the encounter. I was tired and wanted to sleep- then, I fainted.

And life only knows about life itself, so it will keep going as if nothing has happened- although you may feel a need to be peeled from the pavement, others will keep driving around in their cars, going to the grocery store, and playing in the park with their kids..because as I said, life will go on...it doesn't matter if you want to shout, "Stop! Everybody just stop! Please give me time to let things sink in. "

That's the time to drop your groceries or whatever you have in your hands, and ask someone to help you pick things up...just let go...let the package fall where it will and slow down...





Therefore, I will slow down and try to spend my time making others happy and staying grateful for the luck and love I have in my life. Although, I hate it when my circumstances overflow into the lives of others, as was the case this past Tuesday when I didn't show up for Tuesday's Question.

However, as you can see, wild tigers couldn't stop me from coming back to write and publish Tuesday's Question today. After all, this weekly post is my way of passing link love to some fabulous blogs, but it's also my way of connecting with my readers and hopefully introducing a few bloggers to each other. It's our weekly stomping ground here on A Nice Place In The Sun and I want you to know I will never forget about you.

Therefore, in a perfect world, I would have been here on Tuesday to post.

But it's not a perfect world, because when I woke up Tuesday morning I had an aggravating fainting spell that I thought I better go see about, therefore, I didn't have time to write the post. I started to write one real quick, but then I wasn't sure if I would be here to moderate the answers. So, as luck would have it, Dr. Cover his Butt made me spend the night, and told his tigers to follow me everywhere, even to the bathroom. Well...of course when he said bathroom I had a light bulb moment... I thought, I could put some food in the bathroom...hmmm

Suspenseful story, huh?

Anyway, as the night went on, the big cats lay on the floor and purred, and I thought about how much they were going to love my dinner when they awoke from their slumber at midnight.

And..it worked...I put my dinner (chicken feed) in the bathroom, and cried, "Here, Kitty Kitty" and two of them scrambled to their feet, wiggled their noses, and ran behind the (soon to be a locked) bathroom door. (That will show them how much of a chicken I am) Then I jumped out the window and made a run for it. (And my doctor was worried about letting me go home, Ha )

I hauled butt....I ran like a wild chicken woman in the rain~

(I know, I look like a rooster, but that's my disguise)

Those felines didn't touch a tail feather...this chicken woman crossed the road home with time to spare...Whew! And Tuesday's Question is right below this post. It is the first Tuesday's Question not authored by me. You'll see it's a good one. If you do not see it below right now that means I'm working on it, and will post it in a jiffy~

Thanks to all of you for being such good sports, you're the greatest people on earth~ :))))




If Your House Was Burning Down and All Pets And People Were Safely outside...(Tuesday's Question)



...but you had time to grab one more thing. What would it be?


Regrettably, I ran into some trouble this past Tuesday which I explained in the preceding post, "Chicken Feed" but instead of waiting until next Tuesday to post this weeks question, I decided to post it today. Also, I promised to pass out awards to the bloggers who have answered the most Tuesday's Questions this year this week as well. So I decided to post this weeks question this today and next Tuesday I will give out Tuesday's Questions awards.

When I read through Tuesday's Questions archives last week I was blown away by how many of you answered every Tuesday's Question. (You know who you are) Therefore, I want to thank you now, as well as next week with Tuesday's Question's Award For Excellence. Therefore the show will go on, starting with today's belated Tuesday's Question.

This weeks question was suggested by my excellent friend, fellow blogger, and marvelous writer, Dawn from Twisted Sister.

And the question is: If your house was burning down and all people and
pets were safely outside... but you had time to grab one thing. What
would it be?


If this is the first time you've visited Tuesday's Question, I wrote a brief description below:

All participates answers are posted in the same post along with a link to their site, but you don't have to own a blog to participate. All you have to do is write your answer in comments and I will do the rest~

In addition, every participate is welcome to a Tuesday's Question Brag Badge posted with a code in my sidebar. The Brag Badge gives you the opportunity to bring your visitors to archived Tuesday's Questions where you can show off the ingenuity of you and your fellow bloggers past comments.

Whether you are participating or reading, I thank you for stopping by for a visit. Answers will be posted as quickly as possible throughout the day (in today's case the week) with a link to the bloggers blogs who commented, therefore, don't forget to visit the participating bloggers blogs. Chances are if you liked their comments you will like their blogs. Have Fun, and remember Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, well, questions off the top of my head anyway. ~

With the exception of today, because again, today's question was authored by Dawn from Twisted Sister, a loyal Tuesday's Question participate, fantastic friend and great contributor.

Thanks Dawn~

Alright, get ready, get set...Just kidding, I always wanted to say that, well... writing it is close... Anyway, I'm going to write the question again for those of you with short- term memories, like me: So Ready? Set? Go!

And the question is: If your house was burning down and all people and

pets were safely outside... but you had time to grab one thing. What
would it be?



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My first answer is from Grace at Broadway Matron, who said,

My lap top - it has all my photos on it

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My next answer is from my sweet friend Maunie at Mauniejames3, who actually should be disqualified for...well...the question asks what is the ONE thing you would grab...But, I couldn't stop laughing at her answers, so I went ahead and let her slide by...:)) Thanks for the laugh Maunie~


Gee I want to take so many things..
The kids album with all the baby pictures.

My jewelry...(I know a material thing) but my gold charm bracelet and all my earrings...bracelets...

Our box of personal papers with birth certifics...passports...everything important...

Boy Annie...aren't you sorry you asked? LOL

The keys to the house in Florida...

The cup youngest grandchild made.

The picture of my Dad's whole family.

My beautiful plants

The pictures I bought...perfect for me...

The pots my cousin Laurea made me

What I would be happy to leave...
The three stuffed trout hubby and the boys caught at various times.

The deer foot lamp (don't even ask)

The ugly gold chair my mother in law gave us that matches nothing and hubby will not let me put a cover on .

The bows arrows and guns in the gun safe..

The ironing board

All the hunting clothes, boots and parafinallia.

Penney's disgusting toys.

hubby's trophies for skeet shooting.

Wow!!! I am just a horrible wife and Mom...oh yeah and the junk in the garage and basement that hubby's is saving for some thing!

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The next answer is from the hilarious Ettarose at ettarose-edgeofsanity who would probably have to be retrieved by the fireman along with Maunie for getting more than one thing...

(laughing)...read her answer...

The first thing would be my court papers for guardianship for my three precious Grands. I could get another copy, but I would not take a chance. Then I would try to drag my 3,000 pictures out. Story of my entire life!

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The next answer is from Margaret at Eyespi20.com

Great answer Margaret~


It would have to be my computer since all my photos are on it. Which is a wake-up call to me to get a couple of thumb drives and back those puppies up to something more portable!

Great question!

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The next answer is from mrsmouthy.com
who also gave me the link to what appears to be a good children's book. Thanks Mrs. Mouthy, I'll check it out.~



Easy. I'd grab the Internets.

Hey, I see you write children's book reviews. Have you read Babar in awhile? It's MESSED UP and I blogged about it earlier this week, if you're interested. http://mrsmouthy.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!C48DB47FC79C0C2C!1004.entry

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And my next answer came from the author of the question! Dawn from Twisted Sister, is the first person besides myself to have authored a Tuesday's Question~

And it's a great one~ And by the way, Dawn, I'm the one who was late posted the question in the first place` ;)) In addition, you are the author.

Thanks a million Dawn~



I'm sorry I'm late answering Annie... I've been a bit distracted.. but you already know that!
I would grab my photo albums... everything else can be replaced... but those old photos can never be returned.

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10/7/08

Tuesday's Question's Moderator Is Under The Weather







Tuesday's Questions Moderator Is Under The Weather

Regrettably, my Tuesday's Question's side kick and moderator is under the weather, so to speak, therefore, we had to cancel this weeks Tuesday's Question. However, we have a great question scheduled for next week, in addition to awards for last years top participates. When I read through the archives of Tuesday's Question, I was blown away by the fact that some of you answered almost every Question. (You know who you are) Therefore, I want to thank you now, as well as remind you that next Tuesday along with the question, I will be passing out Tuesday's Question's Award For Excellence.

And by the way, next weeks question was suggested by my excellent friend, fellow blogger, and marvelous writer, Dawn from Twisted Sister and you're going to love it. Until then, I hope you will enjoy the links I included from my favorite comments.

How would I Know You? Describe yourself to a fellow blogger who was sent to pick you up at the airport sight unseen.

What's The Worst Food You've Ever Tasted In Public?

Who Was/Is Your Most Eccentric Family Member Or Your Most Embarrassing Family Memory?

Thanks for being such great sports, and I will resume my regular posting schedule tomorrow. And remember, you're important to me~

10/4/08

Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment " Peggy Sue Got Married "




I love these lines...Peggy Sue's Father, "Peggy Sue, are you drunk?"

Peggy Sue, "...ahhhh...
Just a little, I had a tough day!"

Peggy Sue's mother, "She gave blood today."

Peggy's Father, "This is not giving blood, this is drunk!"

This Saturday's favorite movie moment is from the 1986 film classic Peggy Sue Got Married, starring Kathleen Turner and Nicolas Cage.

10/3/08

I'm Not Cute



The picture of Baby Owl on the cover of the picture book, I'm Not Cute, caught my eye at Barnes and Noble the other day. Baby Owl is so cute that I immediately grabbed the book off the shelf in the Children's Department and sat in my chair at the little table. The same little table where I always sit to catch up on the Children's Picture Book Market. I pick the first picture book that captures my eye and if the story keeps my interest, I review it for my readers.

However, since I'm a humorist writer in addition to writing for children, I haven't written a children's book review on A Nice Place In The Sun for some time. It's hard for a children's writer/humorist to categorize a blog, but I'm hoping my readers who stop to read a humorous story will bear with an occasional book review.

I know children's picture book reviews may be a little elementary, but hopefully you can share the books I review with a child you know or treat the child within you to some marvelous stories.

I usually do not include this much introduction to a book review, but since I haven't written one in awhile, I didn't want some of you to wonder what in the world I was doing...even if half of the time I'm not sure myself...

Alright, now that I've explained myself, I can tell you about this great picture book, I'm Not Cute, by Jonathan Allen.

From the onset of this story the reader discovers that Baby Owl doesn't like being treated like a baby or told he is cute. Adults and children will be drawn into Baby Owls dilemma early on, by Jonathan Allen's masterful use of the simple words used in early childhood in addition to his bright and humorous illustrations.



Baby Owl wishes to be a "huge and scary hunting machine with great big soft and silent wings" however all the animals in the forest insist on telling him how cute and cuddly he is all the time. Baby Owl's frustration is evident by his reaction to the animals in the forest, which we see by the expressions on his face, as well as the body language depicted in the illustrations. For instance, Baby Owl squirms, fidgets, and squishes his face into toddler like expressions with each encounter.

For example, when "Squirrel" compliments him on his "big baby eyes" and the "Fox" pats him on the head. Toward the end of the story, Baby Owl begins to orbit into a tantrum, when the other animals affections prove too much for comfort. Even though Baby Owl denounces the animals claims about how cute he is, with the line, "I'm Not Cute!" the animals never change their mind. Baby Owl's resistance to the notion that he is a cute little baby is so toddler like it's hilarious.

However, when Baby Owl returns home to tell his Mom how the other animals acted and she validates his feelings, he decides that maybe it wasn't so bad being cute after all. Baby Owl isn't comfortable with Mom's agreement, so he shouts to his mother, "But I am cute!... I am! I am!"

Then when Baby Owls fussiness begins to escalate Mom knows that it's time for bed, and the story ends with Mom putting Baby Owl to bed, and whispering, "You're so cute, Baby Owl.... For a huge, scary, sleek, sharp-eyed hunting machine, that is."

The conclusion wraps the story up nicely, and will send adults as well as children off sleepy and satisfied.


I'm Not Cute is available on Amazon as well as Barnes and Noble.

It's 32 pages, and published by Hyperion, $14.99

Ages; 2 to 5

9/27/08

My Paul Newman Tribute




Saddened by the news that actor Paul Newman passed away, I decided to replay a video I've already posted. Forgive me, but I think this scene perfectly demonstrates the essence of the actor's character, plus, like him, it was hard to resist. I think many of you will agree, that we were blessed to have an actor like Paul Newman. He will be sorely missed...

9/26/08

A Belated Wedding Invitation

Photobucket

I received a copy of this belated wedding invitation in my e-mail. Golly, I'm sorry I missed it~

9/23/08

What Type Of Animal Best Suits Your Personality And/ Or Appearance? - Tuesdays Question-



Hello, and welcome to A Nice Place In The Sun's Tuesday's Question. This Tuesday's Question asks What Type Of Animal Best Suits Your Personality and/or Appearance? If you are not sure what type of animal you most resemble, ask your friends, spouse, family, or pet and I'm sure they will be happy to help. My family would have helped me, but I wouldn't let them near my hammock. However, I'm sure if you are nice to your family, friends, and pets they will be more than happy to oblige.


All participates answers will be published today in this post along with a link to their site, however, you don't have to own a blog to participate. All you have to do is write your answer in comments and I will publish your comment along with your name. Just leave everything to me~

In addition, every participate is welcome to a Tuesday's Question Brag Badge posted with a code in my sidebar. The Brag Badge gives you the opportunity to bring your visitors to Tuesday's Question's archives, so you can show off the ingenuity of your past comments to your readers, as well as read the answers left by your blogging buddies.

Answers will be posted as quickly as possible throughout the day with a link to the participating blogger's blogs, therefore, don't forget to stop by and pay them a visit. Chances are, if you liked a blogger's answer, you will also enjoy reading their blog.

Have Fun, and remember Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, link love, and friendship, so jump in and let us know your answer.

Also, next week I will begin giving out monthly awards to the blogger who answers the most questions throughout the month of October. In addition, I will give out awards to our most loyal participates from the beginning of Tuesday's Question.

Well, that's it, until I see you again, except, don't forget to laugh, smile, and sing often...

Just click "Read More" for blogger's hilarious comments...




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My first comment today is from my dear hilarious friend Maunie, at MaunieJames3

I have been thinking and thinking about this one Annie...

A dog...nope...they are much too needy.

A kitten...nope they sleep too much

So...I think it would be a monkey.
A mischievous monkey...cute, not a baboon with the purple and orange butt.

A monkey that would tease other monkeys ie: pulling tails, pinching and wrestling...yup that's it an adorable monkey.

Can't you just see me Annie? Jumping from tree to tree and eating bananas ahh that's the life.

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Next comment is from Sandee at Comedy Plus. Read this...I laughed...

An animal? Yikes, I don't want to be an animal period, but if I have to chose I'll be our dog.

She is pampered, sleeps anywhere she wants, goes to the beauty parlor (groom) every three weeks, eats expensive dog food and treats.

She is the first consideration in everything. She is treated better than I treated my own kid. Yep, I'll be our dog Little Bit.

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My next comment is from Dawn at Twisted Sister who did a marvelous job of answering...she is a lion...

I am a Lion.
I am extremely protective. Independent.
A Loner.
Watchful.
A thinker.
And I can roar when necessary :D

Have a great day Annie!

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My next comment is from Broadway Matron It's another good one...

A Siamese cat - they're smart, mysterious, and most of all they are loyal - and they talk a lot :)

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Next, I received some advice for Dawn from Bud at WTIT Tape Radio Blog I'm not sure if he is right or not, and I told him to just behave and answer the question, but he didn't. Therefore, in order to pass him some link love and leave you a link to his blog I'm going to publish his comment.

Ann-
You better break it to Dawn. Lions aren't loners. She did manage to pick the only cat that is social..



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By the way, here is my answer back to Bud,

Bud, Are you kidding? Well...they seem like loners to me, and she is like a lion in every other respect.

Anyway, you're supposed to be answering the question. I bet you were a cut up in class, weren't you? Hmmmm...that could be my next question.

But this one is,

What animal best suits your personality?

laughing...now, just behave and answer the question...

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My next commenter Ferd from Crazy Medical Cases and The Best Parts followed my advice and asked his wife Princess Gail...


I didn't want to answer this question, so I asked Princess Gail for her opinion. She said right away that I am a dog. I said, "WHAT!?" I was just about to say, "YOU"RE a dog!" when she went on to say that it is because I am loyal, cuddly, lovable, love her unconditionally, and love to snuggle.

She also said I'm not a cat because I'm not self centered, I don't ignore her, and I listen.

She also said I am not a wild animal that would attack her, or kill her, or eat her.

I tried to type as fast as I could as she was telling me her answers. Wish I had it on tape. But I at least have it written down now, so I can show her her own words when she accuses me of barking and shedding!

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Then, my dear friend Dawn from Twisted Sister changed her mind about her answer, although I think the first one was the best, this one made me laugh....

This is Dawn's response to lion expert, Bud at WTIT Tape Radio (The Blog) who corrected Dawn's comment earlier about lions.

Dawn's comment

Never argue with the man who watches nature shows on Discovery Channel!

Bud... you are factually correct. I was thinking symbolically and humans have mistakenly used lions as symbols of loners for reasons unknown to me :)
I'm changing my answer:
I am a cougar :)))

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My next comment is from "SpeedcaT, THE gOLFINg bEaR" !!! at Speedcat Hollydale Page


I am a bear. No not the one that attacks you in the forest ... I am the one at the petting zoo that drinks orange pop from the bottle and does tricks for the kids.
I like to roll around in the sun, and be outdoors. I hear that there ARE trained golfing bears - of course that would be my forte` and tag line.

"SpeedcaT, THE gOLFINg bEaR" !!!

Now, if I saw another bear or human harming my cubs .... I would maul them. (like a bear)
Mostly I am nice though, and will be a loyal friend to those who are friends to me. (In the Forest or Petting Zoo)

Got's any orange pops???

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Then, my hilarious friend Ettarose at ettarose-edgeofsanity.com, gave a perfect answer, as far as her personality traits are concerned, although she doesn't match the physical description.

I think that I am an armadillo. I have a very hard shell on the outside, but inside I am really a softy.

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My next comment is from my friend Sue at Farvel Cargo who recalled a scary memory when answering, but she played along anyway. Now, that is a pal...thanks Sue...here's her comment~



OMG! This makes me remember when I was in 8th grade at Catholic Religion class we had to pick a name out of a hat, go around the table and tell everyone what animal the person we drew out reminded us of. I got stuck with the meanest girl in the class. The only thing that went through my mind was, "I'm going to get my butt kicked in religion class." I can't even remember what anyone thought I was, I was too busy looking to the nearest exit!


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Great job, ya'll~ :))

Thanks for the laughs and support~ This was a fun question. Huge hug~

9/21/08

"Gotcha Last"


“Gotcha last” is a game my cat Simon plays with everyone who knocks on my door. The minute he hears a car drive in my “condo driveway,” he dashes over me like a linebacker, and waits for the door to open. After I push him out of the way and open the door, he squeezes past me, gently taps my visitor on their ankle, and runs outside, as if to say, “Gotcha last” now catch me.


What he wants my guest to do is play a game we’ve come to call, “Gotcha last” which means chase Simon around outside until he gets tired and let’s you catch him. The cat loves this game, and actually it would be a lot of fun, if we all could act like that whenever it was convenient, but it’s aggravating when your cat plays it all of the time, especially if you’re in a hurry to go somewhere or having people over to visit. I should have never let my son teach Simon the game because he is a cat and doesn’t understand that it’s not appropriate to play all of the time.


Although, I will admit that I sometimes have the urge to play with a few visitors myself…just open the door, tap them and say “Gotcha last” and run to my car…maybe they wouldn’t return and maybe I could get rid of the tiny ashtrays I bought so that some guests would leave quickly.


Anyway, when Simon gets to the door first, people think they let my cat out, especially if it’s the bug man or someone unfamiliar with his tactics. Then, I end up chasing Simon and whoever was at the door around in circles outside.

My son started playing this game with Simon in the house, where I will not play with him for fear of breaking something in my living room or a bone, so when Taylor (my son) isn’t home to play Simon whines all day. Therefore, I felt sorry for him the other day, and I tried to play, but the mailman knocked on the door while we were playing.


Without thinking, I came out of my hiding place and opened the door. I couldn’t believe I did it without putting Simon in his pet taxi, but I did, so out the door the cat went…

He tapped the mailman on the foot, and flew past him as if he was running for his life. The mailman said what everyone says when Simon pulls this, “’Oh let him go…he’ll come back…” and believe me I have shut the door on him more than a few times.


However, when he returns home he’s so frightened he spends the rest of the day moaning and lying around the house as if he’s hurt, while I check for wounds, and imagine a lengthy vet bill.

Then, I have to deal with this attitude he adopts because he thinks I locked him out after the game and he’s afraid to stay outside alone for long.

Simon's one of those confused male felines who was neutered the second he opened his eyes. Well…maybe I bought his litter box first, although I’m not sure because he was at the vet when I was buying the box. Anyway, I neutered our family’s new addition as soon as possible.

That way he couldn’t impregnate the neighborhood- I feel sorry for stray animals and no cat of mine was going to be the daddy of a teenage cats kittens. Besides, I want Simon to have choices in life, you know about what games he is going to play, and so forth…


Anyway, when Simon returned from “tapping the mailman last,” I checked him for wounds. I thought food and attention would mellow him, but he decided to wear his dejection armor for the rest of the afternoon, so I left him alone.


I had to leave him alone because I’ve had a slow leak in one of my tires since Hurricane Gustav rudely crashed into our town. Therefore, until I find a good price on a tire, I have to add air to the flattened tire every other day, and to top it off, it’s a Ford Explorer with gigantic tires. I wish I could adopt Simon’s “Gotcha last” mind set for just one day, meaning I could act like a child.


For example, my boyfriend drove my car last, so it would be nice to tap him on the shoulder and say, “You drove it last, so you have to fix it, so there, gotcha last.”

But, I can’t do that because I broke up with my boyfriend, which is something I do every time life gets hectic. Then, I’m left alone to deal with the "man problems" he's good for, but I’m not calling him. Because if I ask him to help me, he will smile a “I knew you would need me” smile, and that will make my blood pressure go haywire, in addition to giving him the last word, and if he has the last word then he will be able to put it on his list of “Gotcha lasts.”


I haven’t the slightest idea why I set myself up like this, but I do…and it seems like everything that goes wrong is a problem a man is better at fixing. I mean, I'm an independent woman, but let's face it men are just better at some things.


Anyway, after I shook the idea of calling for him for help …I heard what sounded like a band of buffalo barreling toward my front door.

It was the loudest quaking and squawking I’ve ever heard in my life. Moreover, something told me Simon had something to do with this visitor’s presence. Because he was still playing his dejected cat act in his cat taxi, and when I looked at him closer I noticed his fur was slightly wet~


I could hear my neighbor's voice behind the quaking and squalling, and when I looked through my peep hole, he was rounding up his duck’s to bring to his pond next door. Evidently, Simon was playing “Gotcha last” with his ducks, and I didn't know what I was going to do when I opened the door.


Although, to my surprise, my neighbor didn’t knock, he just got his ducks and their ducklings and went back to the more well to do neighborhood where he lived next door. You see, the hurricane knocked down the wooden fence that separates our apartments from his pond. We are sandwiched between 450,000-dollar homes on the right and blue-collar worker apartments on the left.


Therefore, maybe the duck, pond, and homeowner just wanted to get his ducks and be on his way, thank goodness. Because if he didn't, I was considering tapping him on the shoulder and running to my car shouting, “gotcha last,” behind me, and hoping my childish behavior would confuse him enough to gracefully walk away. In any event, I didn’t have to know what happened with Simon and the ducks, and I could hope it was nothing, maybe the ducks just came to my door because it was a potential "man" problem.


And speaking of man problems, I knew my problem with my tire wasn't going to go away, therefore, rather than be the victim of a “Gotcha Last” I braced myself to deal with it. When I walked to my car, I was astonished to find my tire pressed flat on the cement, but I got in and rambled down the road to the nearest gas station. Then, as luck would have it, I saw the man with the ducks pointing and shaking his finger at me on the way out of my driveway. It was somewhat scary, but I thought to myself, I wonder why he’s mad? People point at me and shake their fingers all the time and I never know why, so this occasion wasn't any different.


I made it to the gas station and filled my tire with air, or at least I thought I did, because I couldn’t read the stupid air gauge. I didn’t have my reading glasses with me. For some reason, I have a mental block when it comes to my reading glasses, if I am going to need them, I will not have them, and I’m the same way about pens. I’m a writer who relies heavily on both of these items, but I lose them constantly. Therefore, I have hundreds of pens and glasses, just not when I need them. Anyway, I couldn’t see, but I could hear air going in the tire, so I decided I handled this man problem on my own and I headed home smiling to myself. Now, I could say "Did it myself" to the duck man, my boy friend, and all men...


I pulled into my gated “community,” where you cannot get in unless you have an electrical card to lay on a keypad. And guess who ran out of the house in a hurry because she was worried about the duck man and left her gate key? Yep, that would be me.


Nevertheless, a nice neighbor let me through with her card, but she looked at me with a concerned look that was irritating. I thought, gee whiz, why the concern, I just locked myself out…then I saw the duck man again.

I tried to get away quickly but he kept following me and pointing at my tire. I thought oh no, I just put air in my tire, is he going to lecture me about tires now? Then I thought he must have guessed that it was my cat who chased his ducks out of the pond, so I started to stop, but the more I drove, the more I didn't want to stop, so I kept driving around in circles.


I waved at him and shook my head back, as if to say, yes, I know about the tire, I just put air in it, but he kept pointing and smiling at me. Remember he saw me leave, so I assumed he knew I went to get air in my tire, therefore he must have realized what happened with the ducks, because why would he still be following me?


Nevertheless, I finally stopped my car and he stopped behind me. I could hear and feel the beating of my heart as I watched him approach my car from my rear view mirror. Then, little droplets of sweat began to form on my forehead when he stood by my side door, and asked, “Ma'am, do you know you have a flat tire?”


“Well…yes, I know I did, but I just put air in it at the gas station.” I said proudly.


“Well, it must have a pretty fast leak because now it is flatter than a pancake all over again,” he said, wearing the smile of a man who knows you need his help but will not admit it.

“I have a compressor and would be glad to put some air in it for you if you like.”

“Yes, I said, that would be great. Thank–you”

After which I half expected him to say, “Gotcha last,” but he didn’t, he grinned instead.


9/20/08

Happy Birthday Dawn!


MySpace Comments - Happy Birthday
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Today is my dear friend Dawn from Twisted Sister's birthday. Although, I met Dawn through blogging, the minute I read one of her posts I knew we would be fast friends one day, which just goes to show that my woman's intuition is still in tact, because we did turn out to be pals.

I think it's amazing how well one person can get to know another simply by writing back and forth, even if they're just reading each others posts. Because, although Dawn and I are pen pals now, we haven't always e-mailed each other. Meaning, we were friends just through reading each others posts for at least a year before we e-mailed each other.



We have rediscovered through e-mail and computers the ancient and rare gift of communicating solely through the written word. It amazes me how much more you learn about a person you're writing as well as yourself, when you write letters or e-mail. I would have never dreamed I would develop the friendships I have through blogging.

Especially, since although I'm outgoing, I'm an intensely private person whose closest friend is my cat, besides a few old friends from high school. And now I cannot imagine life without my blogging friends. In fact, if it hadn't been for Dawn and the rest of you who know who you are, I'm not sure I would have made it through many rough spots.

Anyway, I feel as if I know Dawn and many of you as well as I do many close friends I see everyday. But it is a different kind of friendship, for instance, people who have known each other for years can finish each others sentences, guess what they may be thinking, and read each others expressions. It's because they've been around each other so much they're in tune to one another, well I think the same is true if you write someone frequently.

For instance, if you write each other often enough you develop a six sense for what your friend is feeling or going through, in much the same way you would pick up on whatever they were experiencing if you were used to seeing them in person.

It's just two different ways of communicating, although I didn't expect to find friendships from writing a blog or web site. I usually wrote people I already know, which was different, and in many ways not as rewarding- maybe because I was used to communicating with them on another level.

In any event, it's great to have a pen pal and a friend like Dawn, who I would have never known without the benefit of the written word. And because of the internet, I met someone I will always consider a close friend, however, I do have a confession to make. I just found out yesterday, that today was Dawn's birthday, because she slipped and told me in an e-mail when referring to something else. Therefore, be sure to stop by her blog, Twisted Sister and tell her Happy Birthday.

She'll wonder how in the world you knew...unless in the meantime she reads this post or another friends post who is wise to her birthday. However, I do hope she reads this post soon, because I want her to see this fantastic picture.

"When I saw this graphic Dawn, I wished for you, the gift of a free-spirited ride down a highway headed anywhere; just you, and a back seat full of presents driving on an open road; with your hair flying in the wind, and your hand tapping along to a song on the radio ..."

Happy Birthday, my friend ~ We all luvs ya~

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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




Let"s talk!

Let"s talk!

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Catch your dreams

Catch your dreams

Imagine

Imagine
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

Animal Rescue Site

The Animal Rescue Site

Friendship