Day 296 in the Age of Obama

Sometimes a blessing and sometimes a curse, I was born with a large dose of empathy and I wish I could put it to better use than I have, up to now.

The day that the US began bombing Afghanistan was certainly one of my worst days, one where I could not function in any normal fashion. All I could do that day was lie on my couch with my face turned inward and weep. A feeling of such deep despair overtook me and weighed me down and not even my son could snap me out of it.

Having lived for long enough to have lost most of my family members in the first and second World Wars, I have believed forever that violence can never be fought with more violence.

I personally have quite a temper that often feels just seconds away from a violent outburst of some sort--meaning that I do understand how easy it is to lose one self and turn in the wrong direction.

So, when I heard that President Obama was seriously considering a further deployment of possibly 40.000 troops as the general on the ground is demanding in Afghanistan, that same kind of gloom began to overtake me.

Even though I seriously love our new president,I obviously wish that he was far more liberal than he has been so far, but given the totally wrecked state of this country when it was turned over to him, he is doing really well. Especially in these past weeks, when so much extra violence occurred--here and abroad.
You can see the extra gray in his hair and he looks a lot thinner--so all this is taking a huge toll on him---and how could it not?

How can one live normally and try to solve the world's problems knowing that trying to bring healthcare to the general public, is being compared to 'death-camps and Nazism? What is wrong with these people who spout that kind of shit?
I put it down to pure ignorance and a willingness by some to exploit those who have no thoughts of their own, but it really really ticks me off when I see that kind of stuff happening. It turns me off to the extent that I have to tune out any kind of interaction with the media, as it drives me to the screaming point and only music and reruns of Star Trek will soothe my troubled soul, lest I run screaming through the streets in frustration, ready to be hauled in by the authorities.

I have lived through Communism in East Berlin, experienced Nazism in the first degree, and I challenge anyone to to show me the similarities between our situation here in the US right now, and the realities of the World War Two isms.

Let's face it President Obama is always going to be between a rock and a hard place,the incredibly sick and obnoxious far right, and us progressive liberals with our righteous indignation--so taking a centrist position is the only way he will ever get anything done.

So, either way if he doesn't comply with the generals promoting more death and war, all for the sake of 'Freedom'--he will be seen as being 'soft of terrorism', even if we're lucky enough to escape any horrific attacks during his tenure.

And if he does send a lot more troops than how can he honor his commitment to peace in the world?
Will that mean his "Vietnam" is indeed Afghanistan, as so many pundits have been expounding?

So I was incredibly pleased and encouraged to hear that the president is not forging ahead (at least not yet)with a big increase of troops, but is concentrating on an 'end-game' theory, meaning that our goal is to leave the war zone asap.

So once again I can go to bed tonight with the knowledge that the fate of the world lies in capable, sensitive hands, and for that I am so grateful.

My fellow Americans, today is the 275th Day in the Age of Obama…and

It’s also exactly one month since I became an American Citizen.
Here is what I started to write about three weeks ago

I still cannot utter these words without tearing up--but at long last, after more than 20 years of living in this country--I became a citizen on the 22nd of September.

Some of you might remember me, some might not, but I have been one of the most liberal voices on this blog since I joined up in November 04, when I discovered others just like me, believed that things had gone quite wrong in OHIO.

But those times have passed and I don’t want to bore anyone with my life story here, but suffice to say that my citizenship was hard won, with a steep price to pay in more ways than one.

I actually never intended to go for naturalization, but then Barack Obama arrived on the scene and I knew I couldn’t leave the US just yet after all, and when he became president I knew I’d have to stick around so I could vote at least once

…A lot of water has flown under the bridge since I wrote that chapter above, most of it a dark murky color, representing the awful financial struggles most of us are fighting right now, and the battle rages on. (Also my access to my PC was reduced to fifty %--when my son’s notebook needed to be repaired and we still don’t have it back) so it was hard to find time to write.

Now the time has come and I am about to send off my first ballot ever—and it really feels good and empowering. I hope that all of you are also going out to do your civic duties, as that is the only way that we can all bring the change that President Obama has promised us.

I’ve made a conscious effort to stay away from any harsh criticism of the administration for now—as I’ve stated many times before—because no matter what--I can sleep better knowing that we have such an intellectual president for the first time ever since I’ve lived here, and one by one small step at a time the world is becoming slightly less scary, at least to me!

So thank you Mr. President for putting your life on the line for us everyday, and continuing to slowly undo all the damage done; not only to the USA, but the whole world in the last nine years.

I’m sure in time you will come to see the folly of increasing the war-effort in Afghanistan, and do the right thing diplomatically, rather than wiping the whole region out, as your political opposition is encouraging you to do.

SO my fellow Americans, go and vote…I will!

In honor of all 9-11 Victims

Day 234 in the Age of Obama and also September 11

Today I wanted to pay tribute to all those who died on September 11, 2001, and their families and friends who mourn them .

I am aware that nothing I can say will ever ease the pain of their losses, but let me assure them that in our own way, we all shared their pain on that dreadful day, as did the rest of the world.

I humbly bow my head today and pray that nothing so shocking will ever happen again, but that said, I'm not as naive to really believe that, so let me just add "at least not in my life time."

Since then a lot of water has flown under the bridge, and the date of this infamous day bounced around like a political football, almost as if by design--how ever that is another story and not to be told today.

Thanks to our new president, I can now sleep better at night and am still taking a break from politics, so my comments today are all told in the context of the US Open Tennis championships, that had just finished the day before the horror of 9/11 began eight years ago today.

Before the days of Roger Federer, I was a huge Pete Sampras fan--and he had just been beaten--again, and it seemed that his career was finally over, so I was pretty upset at the end of September 9.

The only thing that took the edge of my disappointment was that the winner was a fellow Aussie--Leyton Hewitt, and also that my teenage son insisted on taking me to see a new movie after the match.

So we saw a movie--but I can't remember which one, but no matter; whatever it was- it wasn't as good as 'Nurse Betty'-which had served the same purpose the year before, when Pete lost to Marat Safin.

The following Monday was about a normal a day as one could imagine for me. My kid was at school,I had housework to do, and then some work and the only thing niggling away at my peace of mind was the unexpected US Open results from the night before, but I forced myself to get over it as the day wore on. I'm pretty sure we even played tennis that day after school, as I remember falling asleep feeling pretty exhausted.

Then,as if seconds later and still half asleep, I wondered why Tom Brokaw seemed to be crying on TV!
In those days I still had some belief in the media and always watched the Today show during the week and given the type of programs they usually had in the early morning--this --whatever it was seemed very odd.

I rubbed my eyes to fully awaken, and still thought that I was watching some new kind of show they were promoting and switched channels frantically to see if everything was normal there. It was like I had a mental block, and my brain refused to accept what my eyes were telling me.

The World Trade Center was my favorite building in the USA and the first we had visited on our arrival in the States in 1989- and NOW it was burning and people were leaping out of the windows?

--Fucking Unbelievable--how could this be?

And the rest is history, and it seems nothing was ever really normal again, and that day just the beginning of the on-going nightmare of bloodshed, wars and mayhem that never seems to stop, once started.

And yet we have also come a long way since then, and the Inauguration of our President Obama did a lot to reverse the terror-factor for me. And for the time being l try to block out the "Party of No", which is surely just a huge zit on the face of this country and sooner or later set to burst.

Our president is just getting started, and I am very impatient these days--so I stay away from politics as much as I can--but I did listen to his speech on health care last week and was once again thrilled to have such an intelligent person in the WH--especially on days like this one.

There was no tennis today--since it's been raining since early last night--and I think that it was totally appropriate, in remembrance of all those lost souls.

And just one more thing--Pete Sampras did go on to win one more US Open tournament the following year!

Day 219 in the Age of Obama...and the loss of the "Lion" of the Senate.

Remembering the Lion of the Senate and his brothers.

I heard the sad news late last night, as I lay in my bed, sleepy as anything—after a series of late nights in a row.

At that moment all I could think was “Those damn scandal mags in the checkouts were finally right about something!” I had been seeing the headlines “Ted Kennedy dying” screaming at me ever since the inauguration, (and sometimes they are right) but he was still making public appearances and there were even some reports of a full recovery, so I chose to believe the better option.

Shocked but still ‘under’ from the pill I’d taken, I remember mumbling to my son who had brought me the news,” He lived longer than anyone thought he could, and even with the best health care in the country, (as in the Senate) his cancer was too advanced for any happy ending.”

As the day dawned, I immediately remembered last night’s news, and was overcome with emotion. This was only the beginning of what has turned out to be a day of remembering everything that was decent about this man, lone and last survivor of the three outstanding men who gave their lives for this amazing country.

Instead of continuing to write, I took some time off and listened to my usual suspects—Thom, Stephanie and Ed, as well as Ron Reagan, and now Mike Malloy. A lot of the people were either choked up or actually weeping as they expressed their sorrow, and it got me every time.

They all had a lot of people calling in to relate their personal experiences with the best Senator this country has had so far, and we will have to wait for quite some time before we can find somebody else, who is so passionately devoted for no other reason than the love of his country and the less fortunate people in it.

Was he the last true liberal voice in a position of power for us? I hope not, but I will miss his wonderful, powerful, passionate speeches in that unmistakable Kennedy voice. I know that the Kennedys were not exactly angels, but they certainly gave all they could, and with Ted’s passing we have lost the last of an amazing generation of brilliant politicians.

If anyone ever had enough reason to live somewhere less publicly, it was Senator Kennedy, after all he had lost all three brothers while he was still a young man, and he had the means to live a life of luxury-anywhere in the world, and yet he chose to serve others and for that he deserves my gratitude.

Just today I learned that it was largely his work many years ago that created our Community Health Centers around the country; for people who had no health insurance, and I have used ours for more than 15 years now! So thank you for that Senator “Lionheart!”

I do hope that we will all call on President Obama and insist that he finish Teddy’s job by giving us a universal Health Care system that Teddy would be proud to have named after him.

I was quite touched to receive a rather personal –looking, email message from the President and his wife in regard to Senator Kennedy tonight, so I replied in kind and asked him to do exactly that.

I somehow think it will happen, but then I am more hopeful these days in the age of Obama.
Yes, despite of all the right wing nuts crawling out of shadows with their shrill voices and filthy lies.

Lastly I want send my deepest condolence to the remaining Kennedy family.

Day 211 in the Age of Obama!

I haven't posted anything recently, because my cranky level was so high that I was in danger of harming myself, if I had to listen to another word from the political front.I mean I really wanted to tear my ears off, gouge my own eyes out and have myself committed--that's how bad I felt!

It's bad enough that the likes of Palin, Limbaugh and all of their lackeys have an open door to the so-called liberal media--but I have to work really hard to fight off my disappointment with the Obama administration, and so I chose to do what I always do when I can--switch to tennis--which can keep me enthralled deeply enough to stop me from thinking about politics.

But no matter how hard I try--I always get sucked in again, since I can't do without my morning Hartmann--and if I'm up early enough --Stephanie Miller.
At least I get a good laugh, usually followed by a lesson about something interesting from Thom, and once again I sign all the petitions coming my way and occasionally I write a response to something formulaic from the White House.

Although I still believe that having President Obama in office is one of the greatest things ever--but I do wish he were slightly more progressive (in fact I wish he were totally progressive), but things are what they are and a leopard cannot change his spots, but my GOD--what has happened here?
Cow-towing to these idiotic, right wing, gun-toting fanatics who wish him nothing but harm--is not the way to get anything done!

And the Blue Dog Democrats are even worse--please use the power given to you Mr. President--and force them to see things your way, or the Democratic party might well be finished.

Anyway--now it's out there, and just one more thing--before you ask me for any more money or my precious time--think about the majority of the people who worked so hard to elect you!

Here is a copy of my letter to the WH from last night.


Dear Mr. Axelrod,
Thank you for all the information- and all the effort you are putting into reforming the health care system, and the myriad of problems you all tackle every day.
I think that the president is doing a fantastic job over all, in these really tough times--but he can't do it all alone, so we have to be patient--I know.

I have never been taken in by all these stupid rumors spread by your political enemies- but I will pass it on ASAP--but I also want to add a little memo of my own to the White House.

I for one totally support the single-payer system and have lived in countries that have it- to my benefit. I have also written to you before, when asked for an opinion, and always supported this universally accepted position--that "Basic Health" is a human right.
I am appalled at the greed the CEOS so openly flaunt in the face of the public, while others die for want of a few bucks.

But since that is not an option right now--Medicare for those of us who cant afford to really pay anything--sounds pretty good for a start.
Please Do as Thom Hartmann, the wonderfully astute author, proud liberal and progressive radio host suggests- simplify the message -make the public aware that the 'public' option would be and should simply be called Medicare for All!
From what I've heard--this system does work--for those who really need it--but it also needs tweaking to make it better. So why not try it now?

I have been totally stressed out by the lack of leadership among the democrats, and President Obama's need to include the opposition for the sake of bi-partisanship--in these extremely important matters. It drives me nuts.

We are all out here; we have your back --just use the power!

Sincerely,
Gay Rielle

Day 195 in the Age of Obama!

Well I've taken some time off writing to simply observe life as it happens around me!

That means that I also took time off from my favorite websites and political TV shows—as they have also upset me with the constant complaining—whether on the left or the right! (OK I still listen to a few of my favorite radio hosts—mainly Thom Hartmann—and Stephanie Miller whenever I’m up early enough.)
And since I’m plugging them, I have to mention Ed Schultz—who really is doing a great job in his new TV gig.

My crankiness level has been very high throughout the last 26 days--for so many reasons--some personal and some more or less political.

One thing is for sure—I could never have taken so much time off, if it wasn’t for President Obama, as having him in office certainly allows me to sleep better than before in the last nine years, even though –there are some things that I wished he would handle differently—of course!

And yet he is such a clever politician, that I feel it’s wrong to second-guess him –even though he is so much younger than I am. I feel that there has been a very positive change in the world-wide picture since we elected him, despite of the NO-Party’s constant attempts to disqualify him in any way they can think of—no matter how ridiculous and absurd!

Our president is also a very good writer, (I’m currently reading ‘The Audacity of Hope) making reading about politics a better than dry experience, even causing me to laugh out loud from time to time!

During the last few weeks a lot of things have happened, from the hottest days ever in this neck of the woods (103) to the unfortunate death of two vastly different icons from the last century. Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett died on the same day—the 25th of June.

This happened to be a day when I was stuck in my biggest traffic jam ever in Seattle and therefore will stick in my mind as I could hear almost nothing else but Michael’s voice blasting from the gazillion cars surrounding me from every direction.

Normally I wouldn’t be in the city at peak hour traffic, but I had a really important appointment with Homeland Security earlier, and spent more than an hour trying to find the fucking place. In the end I arrived 20 minutes too late and was told to come back the following day. I was pretty upset; especially when I had just spent six precious dollars on parking for less then 5 minutes.

Pulling myself together, I then went on my way to meet a friend at a lecture way on the other side of the city, something she’d organized for Dr. Kerry Kriger, who was in town educating the public on the importance of “Saving the Frogs”.

But back to the traffic jam, even at the best of times—as in off peak—the area known as Sodo, is busy and annoying as it is the industrial business district as well as a gateway to the ferries and also close to the infamous Alaskan Viaduct, soon to be pulled down and replaced by a tunnel.

Actually it was that fact which led to the huge congestion—in fact two thirds of the street had been literarily dug up and the one lane remaining had to be shared by both north and southbound traffic. To complicate things even further, a train line for commuter and freight trains runs parallel to the all the streets leading north and south, so the people who had tried to escape the mayhem from First Avenue- to reach alternate routes-- were stuck at the rail tracks—like me and all the others. Altogether I was stuck in the same spot for 90 minutes, and another 40 trying alternate routes.

So much for the 25th of June—although I did make it to the lecture, it left me feeling frustrated when I remembered all the different animals I have been involved in trying “to save” over years, and the immensity of the problems we have to solve in order to save them and us in the process.

I think it all started for me in Sydney in 1973 or 74 with the first Greenpeace campaign to “Save the Whales”. My husband at the time, with the help of others and myself made a huge inflatable sperm whale to float along Sydney harbor. I still have all the newspaper clippings and we all seemed so sure that what we were doing would work. And to some extent it did, as indeed some of the whale killings stopped, especially around the southern waters around Australia. Also the one remaining “whaling station’ in Albany was closed a couple of years later. Of course now, more than 30 years later we are still trying to do the same thing, only now Greenpeace has somehow become our enemy, while others have picked up the battle to save the magnificent creatures of the deep.

Later, Diane Fossey and tried to save Gorillas, and gave her life no less! I didn’t do much but give money, and tried to get others to do likewise. Of course we still have some of these wonderful animals around, so perhaps our efforts weren’t entirely wasted. We still have Jane Goodall and her battle to save chimpanzees and all the other wonderful organizations involved in saving wolves, grizzlies, spotted owls, polar bears, penguins, and habitats for all kinds of creatures including coral reefs.

I can proudly say that I’ve spent countless hours over the years--signing petitions, and giving money whenever I could! In other words—my efforts have never really stopped.
I don’t seriously believe that I’ve have made any difference in the big picture, but I can’t really say for sure that I haven’t either. It just seems that we are on a one-way ride to oblivion and really don’t have much more power than the animals we’re trying to save.

In order to just save frogs for example—we all have to stop eating meat for a start, and stop all pollution, right down to the smallest detail. We’d all have to stop driving oil-using cars, stop polluting our waterways with oil driven motor boats, stop flying in oil-using airplanes etc, etc, etc, and so on—and even then it’s probably too late.

But when push comes to shove –that last sentence sounds very defeatist—and that’s not really me. I am a fighter to the end and for some reason the important people I meet in my life usually are too.

So I will continue to do the best I can, as it does at least give me personally some piece of mind that I have tried to be a more conscientious inhabitant of this beautiful planet. After all I am grateful for my existence, and so glad that I have had such an interesting life so far—and hopefully much more to come.

Since I didn’t post anything in July except for Roger Federer’s win at Wimbledon, there are a few other things I wanted to note.

I went to my only Pow Wow so far, thanks to a friend who took me there for my birthday. It was a great experience, although I wished I could have spent a bit more time there, and had a little spare cash to spend on one or two of the beautifully crafted artifacts.
My favorite part was the drumming and chanting, but the incredibly colorful costumes were stunning too. There will be some pics posted soon.

These beautiful roses were a birthday gift from my son!

 

 

Day 168 in the Age of Obama--and all is well on the Tennis front!

I have to say that I'm now so happy about yesterday's match, and after the incredible anticipation of waiting all day--it was SOOOOO worth it!

Congrats Roger Federer--you have surpassed all my expectations (purely as a fan and tennis lover--of course) and have shown all the doubting Thomases what you are truly made of!

Thank you for putting all you have into everything you do!

Can't wait until the US Open--Grands Slam #16?

Also-- thank you Andy Roddick--you played so extremely well--but it couldn't be!



Below is my post from yesterday--just because it was already written!



Day 167 in the Age of Obama—

And a different “Crankiness” once more!

This one is related to the semi-delicious/semi nauseating feeling of ignorance about today’s outcome of the most discussed TENNIS Match since the French open.

As anyone who reads my blog already knows—I’m a huge Federer fan—(who isn’t theses days?)—a feeling also shared by my son—who had to work today—therefore we couldn’t watch the match between Roger and Andy Roddick. He’s on his way home now and I can’t wait to see what has happened.

After a fantastic day yesterday—which I will go into shortly—I fell asleep while watching a movie—and thought I turned the TV off during the night.

However when a call of nature woke me at around 7am—the TV was on and the first set had already been played—(much to my horror -) and won by Andy!

The odds for Roger winning after losing the first set are very slender, and Andy has never played better as shown by the way he dispatched the other Andy—(Murray) and England’s hope for one day winning this much sought after and elusive title, last Friday in the semi finals.

So I threw myself into a day of rigorous exercise and work—and listening to CDs—since I really didn’t want to accidentally find out what happened next, and it seemed to work out –until now when I’m suddenly as nervous as a skinny black alley cat meeting a pig dog without a leash.

Although I have been talking myself into total acceptance of Andy Roddick finally winning a “big one” –since if nothing else—Roger has now won the French Open and therefore has a career grand slam, as well as 14 titles overall. I’m sure he will eventually win a few more, even if this one goes to Andy—and would be only his second “big’ one to add to his US Open win in 2003.

So let me quickly tell you about yesterday…but. no, my son just got home-- the wait is over…so I’ll tell it after the match!

Day 155 in the Age of Obama—8.45 am

…..and I’m pretty much at my wit’s end with crankiness.

In no way do I blame this on President Obama—I just want to be clear on that!

I still feel pride and hope when I watch him handle ALL the shit he deals with in regard to the state of the world, and having him as our president is still a thrill.

I refuse to criticize him for the financial mess the world is in right now—--but how can it ever change when we have such bad and one-sided systems to run everything?
Will he be able to change anything really?

And how do you deal with keeping up a good front in the face of disaster when everything in this world is based on financial success and geared entirely for the wealthy?

Yes I'm still glad to have President Obama, especially now when the world is in the worst state I can remember in my many years, and totally created by us humans. It's not bad enough that we’ve ignored Global Warming, and the extinction of thousands of species—but once again the threat of nuclear weapons raises it’s ugly head and then there are the countless problems with our wars and the violence in the Middle East, etc, etc, etc.

I can’t really feel too sorry for myself, because in comparison to other people and the awful struggles some of my family members and friends are going through right now— -my problems are so insignificant and yet the over-all gloom and doom that hangs over me right now seems insurmountable.

I know I’ll get over it when I apply all my past experience to today and do all the things I hate – like deal with all my creditors.
This time it will destroy my credit rating—probably beyond repair—and that’s why I’m so upset.

After having a couple of normal months of work—it has stopped once more and I’m back to having basically no income all month and all my plans that are up shit creek.

Just when I reach the week of an important birthday—and really want to celebrate—I can do nothing---but hope that miracles will once again happen to make things “right” at the last minute.

And yet---in writing this blog, I am doing something--I guess!
I want to help others realize that they are not alone—that they are not to give up, and that they should write about their experiences as putting it in words does help.

Forget about your heartaches and headaches and all your problems for a couple of hours—like I will- (off to play a bit of tennis)- and go out, enjoy a bit of sunshine—or take a walk in the rain and you will feel better.

In my case all my problems will still be here—but I will deal with them somehow.

For a tennis fan like me there is of course Wimbledon --which should keep me pretty busy for the next 2 weeks.

I predicted a Roger Federer and Andy Murray final--and say Go Roger--get that 15th slam under your belt!

Just one more thing- pleas -remember the frogs--please go and log onto www.savethefrogs.com
and go to see Dr.Kerry Kriger who is in Seattle all week--giving lectures on this subject.

Day 148 in the Age of Obama.....

and I was very cranky all morning--however by noon I was back to feeling okay about things.

I really don’t know how much longer I can think about politics, and especially politicians--as it does at times seem that they really are all the same—regardless of the party they represent.

By that I mean that they will say anything—just to get into office—but once there—all their promises seem to fall by the wayside. Should I be surprised—of course not—but I’m pretty upset about some of the decisions being made at the White House at the moment.

I know that President Obama’s attention is on getting us a better healthcare system at the moment, but why doesn’t he just push it through, like the shrub pushed his agenda when he was in office? We all know that he could do it with only 51 votes—so WTF not?

I know it hasn’t been that long—just 148 days---but what ever happened to his WH being the “Most-Open house for the people”?
(They refused to publish the WH visitors’ log—since the inauguration.)

Or this: “Nobody is above the law”?
Think of the people who issued the “torture” orders.
(Still hanging around and inciting the simple- minded among us.)

Or “don’t ask don’t tell.”
(More gay people have been fired in the last few weeks than before.)

I could go on –but I’d only get cranky again—and I don’t want to dwell on negativity right now—so I’ll just remind every one of how things are better than before, anyway.

I mean what were our options? I ask myself now—what would Hilary have done differently? What could she do differently—given the condition this country was handed over in, after the last election? And the situation is still is precarious in every way!

Or what about the other alternative –too awful to mention? But you know the ones I mean, as they continue to butt their noses into our affairs at every opportunity, seemingly not realizing that they lost the election!

So I’m happy to say that I am still tremendously proud to have President Obama lead our nation, considering all the shit that’s happening around the world.

I still smile when I see him and hear him speak, and stand in awe of the enormous job he is expected to carry out in record time. I will try not to dwell on the scary things I’m hearing all around me –even as I write this with the last rays of daylight.

I will dwell in the moment, enjoy the company of my son and my dear sweet cats, while I can and hope that tomorrow will be a better morning and day for all of us.

Day 144 in the Age of Obama…and I refuse to stay cranky!

This morning I woke up feeling low and depressed and very cranky. As I stepped into the bathroom—I found a little brown gift from one of my cats and narrowly avoided stepping in it.

Later I realized that it was just a bit of vomit, which was easier to handle and wash—so I went back to bed with a cup of tea and listened to Stephanie Miller until my mood was light and more able to deal with everything that the day had in store—actual shit on the carpet in my studio for starters!

Now a lot of my crankiness revolves around not having enough work again—but there is also the fact that I am so sick and tired of hearing the name of Sarah Palin being mentioned every five minutes on my radio station and everywhere else!

So David Letterman made a joke—I happened to catch it and thought it was slightly funny and immediately moved on, as most adults would—and I’m a mother too!

I will not give her credence by dwelling on her here—but WTF????????????

Must we be subjected to her primitive points of view any longer?
She herself subjected her kids to the limelight and made me sick at the sight of them—(poor things) no offense intended as they could hardly choose their mother-but the over-exposure sucked!
Is she planning to bring them out again when she runs in 2012?

Anyway a lot of other things to rant about—like the election in Iran—looks like nothing changed there, just the same old, same old –in a week when there was such hope.

Oh well change comes slowly and I am glad that our President Obama has taken a strong stand on the healthcare issue and I’m sure he will get something going –something that has to be better than nothing for those 47 million of us who can’t afford any kind of health insurance.

Who would have thought that some of the biggest battles would come from within our own party?

It’s just unbelievable really that at this time when things are as bad as they are in every possible way—climate change, foreclosures, bankruptcies, shootings, murders, 2 wars, etc. etc. that we—the dems-- can’t get our shit together!
Why are they worse than the republicans—from whom we expect nothing more?


And at the same time---why do we still have to kowtow to the republicans?
Why do we still have to be subjected to the party of racists, twisted child pornographers, naysayers, liars and cheats and mass murderers?

Please tell me if you can—anyone?

PS.
Just a quick note to those who care about the planet and the continuance of the species!

Please boycott any stores that sell frogs legs!
I noticed that Albertson’s have them—so I’m staying away from them!

Today is the 140th day in the Age of Obama

---unless I’m mistaken—---but I’m only a little cranky!

I took a couple of weeks off from my normal routine in order to fully immerse myself in Tennis—and somehow it all worked out.

Roger Federer became the “best tennis player ever” –by winning at Roland Garros and thus completing his Grand Slam—and tying the number of Grand Slam wins with the great Pete Sampras--- at 14 now.

Now please don’t think that my life is just all about tennis (I wish it was), but I really needed a break from my usual routine of being “political” almost 24-7!

The last time I listened to my progressive radio station before the French Open---I became horribly depressed and even Thom Hartmann—(whom I love and respect deeply) with his insights and predictions was too much for me—so I switched it off—or almost off –as I couldn’t resist the wonderfully hilarious Stephanie Miller to wake up to and occasionally listen to, late at night!

There were other reasons too, for my absence from my blog: lets just call it “ADJUSTING”!

Late last year my youngest child finally moved away for almost six months—far away to Australia—and it took a lot of adjusting on my part to actually live my life in a new way.

The two of us have been cohabiting throughout all his school years as well as 4 years at college, and I had 16 years of parenting before he was even born—so it’s been a long time since I could just think for myself.

Lo and behold—just when I got used to really enjoying my freedom—we are back together for a few months—and now the adjusting is back to square one—(for both of us), and already there are times when I forget that he’d ever left.

However—as is often said “it’s all good” and it’s lovely to get my back rubbed and a cup of tea made—and all that kind of stuff—so I am not complaining—simply explaining that I somehow have less time now—!

Anyhow—the world seems to have improved ever so slightly— or ever so much—depending on one’s point of view) since President Obama took office— and I took time off!

He is back from another trip, making friends and influencing people, and again I ask: how fantastic is that?

No embarrassing gaffes, no shoes being thrown at our leader and it seems that a new kind of peace may be in the offering in the Middle East!

I know that there are millions of things that he hasn’t gotten around to yet—but it’s only been 5 months—and most things are moving in the right direction.

So I’ll let it go at that today and get the dinner ready—now that I’m domesticated again.

Oh My God Oh My God Oh My God!

Oh My God Oh My God Oh My God!

Today I watched one of the best, most intense, nail-biting tennis matches ever!

Right now I had to stop dancing around the living room and ‘high-fiving” my son—just because I wanted to share this feeling with more than just the two of us.

Because of influences beyond out control we had to abandon watching the match live around the beginning of the fourth set, when Roger was down: love 15, in the fourth set, and down by two sets to one and looked like he was about to miss out on being in the French Open final when this was the only time in four attempts that Nadal was out of the picture; and this was around 3.30 pm West Coast time!

Can you imagine how hard it was to stop watching?

All I wanted to do was get drunk, stoned and totally out of it and not think of this amazing, lost opportunity for Roger—when somebody whom he had beaten effortlessly for the last five times, might actually snatch a win.
To me and obviously for thousands of people in the Arena wanting the great champion to win his only missing trophy to complete a grand slam and thus crowning him as “the best player ever”, it was difficult to watch.

So …in a way it was good to spend some hours “disconnecting from the match” between that doubtful third game of the fourth and then the final two sets, to put things into the right perspective for me.

So I spent the next four hours working, avoiding all media and just enjoying music

When I finished my work I did some cooking and opened my first beer. Mercifully the phone rang soon after and I found that I would soon be put out of my misery.

Only 20 minutes to go and I’d find out what the fuck happened…to Roger and his dream to catch up to Pete Sampras and win his 14th. Grand Slam.

I can’t stand the way I feel so deeply about any kind sports result—but for those who read my occasional blog and journal know—I am a huge tennis fan—and Roger is my favorite player ever---and it hurts me deeply...whenever he loses.

I have to say that I had to be somewhat tipsy…but to cut a long and tiring story short…he ended up coming back from all that…to break Del Potro in the fourth set winning it at 6-2.

So we celebrated ….thinking that it was all over and that Rog had totally annihilated his opponent, when Del Potro came back.

By the time the score was 3- all, we were back to biting our nails.

Now all our hopes were dashed once more.

The camera kept focusing on people in the audience, who were obviously just as freaked out as we were, holding their faces in their hands and looking most distraught.

I kept thinking how this was one of those freaky years—when anything could happen, after all who would have ever thought that the world would be stunned by witnessing Nadal ousted early --- in the fourth round?

At the time it seemed that this was Roger’s best chance to win this long coveted and elusive trophy…but now it seemed that everybody was a better player than Roger….he couldn’t win---no matter whom he played.

The camera focused on Mr. Federer the elder standing in the wings, waiting for his son to complete this match. His face showed the stress we all felt…but when Roger managed to hold his serve…it lit up like a Xmas tree, and the camera followed him to his seat, where Mirka—Roger’s wife—smiled with relief.

Now--- if only Roger could break in the next game—everything would be OK—so we watched and hoped and prayed and for a while it seemed that he would actually break and win his semi final—but once again, he failed to put us out of our misery ( as easily as we’d hoped)…meaning that he had to hold serve once more in order to win.

If you’re as big a tennis fan as I am—you would have seen Roger lose his first grand slam of the year—the Aussie Open—to Rafa ...and be beaten by several up and coming players in the minor tournaments leading up to this great event.

His chances to win in Paris this time were considered very slight by the tennis media consisting mainly of well-known ex-coaches, really old players, and former champions.
(I do love them all and their chatter—bit loyalty is not their forte).

To me it seemed that they were really never giving Roger his dues and only ever wanted to talk about Nadal, Djokovic and Andy Murray.
(To his credit—Rafa himself has deep respect for Roger and all his accomplishments.)

So personally I was thrilled even more when they dropped out one by one and Roger was the only player of note still standing, and finally –Roger began to get his dues once more.
Bu at the same time--the pressure was back on…and he was once more contending to ‘become the best tennis player ever’.
Nobody was talking about Nadal and the others— it’s just Federer and a Swedish player named Robin Soderling —the one who had beaten Nadal, but had never made it past any third rounds.

All of a sudden the weight of expectations had fallen on his shoulders and how would he now handle it?


So would Roger now have the goods to beat Del Potro?

Can he?

Yes he can! Yes he did— –and yes he did! Did I say he won?

Somehow he just morphed back into his best version of himself and came up with some amazing shots just when he needed it the most, and finished strong.

Del Potro even seemed happy for Roger to win, and being only 20 years old, he’ll have many more chances to win his own trophies.

So now to wait until Sunday…can I wait?
Yes I can, because I have to…but it’s hard!

Day 118 in the Age of Obama and I'm not really cranky!

As anyone who reads my blog on a regular basis might have noticed--I haven't written for over a week--but it's all good--cause now I'm back!

First of all the best of all congratulations to Roger Federer who finally pulled off a huge win against his arch-rival Rafa Nadal--in the New Madrid Open!

It's kind of ironic that Roger won at the first final of the first tournament in Spain --held at this brand new stadium- -for their own champion Rafa - and stop the march of history from advancing against him. He is now tied with Rafa at 15 Master's won--placing them both only two spots behind the all-time winner-Andre Agassi with his 17!

What a happy and unexpected surprise to see Roger play like he used to play--only even better if that was possible--and win in only two sets--6-4,6-4. It was his first Master's win since 2007--which was also the last time he beat Nadal--on clay.

While the announcers were blaming Rafa's loss on his exhaustion after his four hour long battle against Djokovic--yesterday--I --as a long time fan of Rog--have noticed that he seemed to be playing much better during the last week and attribute his win to that!

No matter what the reason--he did win and put the up-coming French Open into a different light. I can look forward to it now--and not bite my nails in anticipation.
Not that I expect Rog to win that slam this year--but his win today --most certainly raised all of our hopes.

On the basketball front--I was very sad to see my team the Houston Rockets lose so badly against the LA Lakers today--it wasn't really avoidable.
They managed to pull off a seventh game in the second round--without the aid of 3 of the main players on their team--due to career stopping injuries--in the case of Tracy McGrady and Dikembe Mutambo--not to mention their main attraction Yao Ming--who will hopefully be back later this year.

So thanks Rockets--for doing all you did--you were impressive --against all odds!



On the political front--I refuse to participate in the daily battle to hold our president responsible for every shitty thing that's happened in the last ten years--cause obviously that's all bulshit.

I really cannot compare him or his people to the last administration--no matter what.

Do I wish he were more liberal in his attitude towards them and more outspoken against all the atrocities that took place in the name of "making this country safe"- the answer is YES --but he is doing --(I believe) his best--to change the world for the better--after everything was done to ruin our country and our planet--by ignoring science and the best advice of our best and brightest.

We were taken into two unnecessary wars, ignored global warming and climate change, setting us and the world back in ways that are probably too horrific to reverse.

So I'm focusing on the fact that I still sleep a lot better since President Obama came into office.

And I still have hope that he will eventually succeed in leading us into a better future!

Today is the tenth anniversary of President Obama's first 100 days !

Wow--those were his words as he rolled into the cleverest, funniest and most daring address to the the folks at the White House Correspondent's dinner tonight.

(I haven't seen many in the last few years--just the one with Colbert)

So many great zingers straight from his lips--with one of my favorites being that "Michelle had the right to bear arms" and another that "Dick Cheney couldn't make it tonight--because he was writing his memoirs on how to shoot people in the face and torture them."

Let me just say that he mentioned many of opponents by name and even invited John Boehner to join the Democratic party--"since he was a person of color....etc"!

Anyway--I don't want to spoil it for those who have yet to see the show--but I'll just say it one more time--or ask it--how cool is it to have this man as our president?

I know that there is so much for him to do--and he hasn't gone in the direction I'd like him to go on some issues--but hey--I'd rather have him and his brainpower to rule the country than anyone else.

I promised to keep people informed about the daily count--so I guess today is 110 in the age of Obama.

Would love to hear from you and your favorite jokes of the night!

April 28 was "Save The Frogs Day!"

It so happens that President Obama's first 100 days coincided with the new Save The Frogs Day--which was officially recognized in Virginia last Wednesday by the Governor--Tim Kaine--and I applaud him for it.

You might ask: Save The Frogs? Why? I don't care about them!

But they are extremely important folks!

Think of them as the "Canaries in the coal mines"--because once they're gone--we probably will be too. They are such an important part of our Eco System--that we ignore them at our own risk!

So if you haven't already done so --please check out the wonderful website posted on my list of sites at the right side of this blog--just below the slide show and do some research--and if you can afford it--please give a little!

I thank you in advance!Cheerio for now!

Day 104 in the Age of Obama--renewed crankiness

Well how would you feel if you woke up just at the precise moment when your favorite sports person in tennis just reached the point of being squished--in this case Roger Fed--at the hands of my least favorite sports person--Djokovic.

I mean--talk about bad timing--but this is what can happen if you wake up too early for your own good--on a Saturday morning--and stupidly decide to turn on the Tennis Channel.

Those who read my blog already know--that Tennis is my fav. sport to watch and to play--although I'm not very good at it--most of the time.

However I really love it and I was so happy only yesterday--when I happened to see a great match with Roger winning quite easily--truly a sight for sore eyes if you're a RF fan.

But it wasn't to last--and I really hate myself for caring so much--not just for Roger --but I also felt the same for Pete Sampras--and I feel the same about my Basketball team--the Houston Rockets--who finally after 12 years of trying --have made it into the second round of the play-offs!

I have to appreciate the moment--since it will probably take another 12 years until they make it into the third round--especially since they play the LA Lakers next--and they have been the best team this season.

So in order to get over the pain this morning--I forced myself to go out and walk at Redondo--despite the drizzling rain--which soon escalated into a heavy downpour.

I was surprised that there was hardly any activity today--especially since it was Opening Day for the boating season--and always, even in the most foul weather the boaters had come out in force. I only saw one yacht in my twenty-five minute walk, and when I caught up with one of the regular walkers I happened to mention this in passing--and he smartly pointed out--that the parking lot was full up--and concluded that the boaters were all out at sea.

With that mystery solved I finished my walk and for the first time ever bought myself a coffee--before heading home.

I am happy to say that one of my kids is returning home after five months away--and that means lots of cool things to think about, as well as a little effort on my part to re-arrange the living quarters for two--instead of just me and the cats.

So I'd better hop to it--and maybe I'll have something more interesting to say later--in fact I do have one more thing before I go!

No This will be a new post!

Day 100 in the Age of Obama!

After making a bad mistake with the date the other day- (I said it was 98 days but it was only 96)- I vow to keep better score from now on.

The images of those flowers below my post are to celebrate the hundredth day of our president Barack Hussein Obama!

Of course they hardly do him justice when you consider just how much has been accomplished in such a short time, but it has been very cold so far this spring.

Since most of my plants died during the many unexpected and late snowfalls, I've been busy this week getting my balcony garden ready for summer, and I thought that these warm colors are great representations of the warmth our president exudes in his public appearances, and subtle suggestions of the better times ahead, whiles he is in charge.

Whilst there are always some things I wish were different about the current situation--lets remember that no president in our history has ever been handed such a loaded hand and dealt with it so gracefully and seemingly efficiently.

And all the time he has this incredible and unbelievable bullshit thrown at him from his right wing enemies--who wish him nothing but failure--and threats to his life--and god know what else--and yet he seems unflappable.

The room was packed, and humming with excitement while the reporters waited for the president to arrive.

From the questions--it seems to me that they are designed entirely to somehow--"show him up"-or trick him in some way to give something away---asking things they know very well he cannot answer fully in public--and yet he does answer--always and at great length, and in detail, and without faltering. Indeed always with a sense of humor.

Once again I don't remember ever seeing so many people in a press conference for the shrub--but then I don't remember ever wanting to see of his--anyway. I'm sure he didn't have them every 30 days --the way President Obama does.

It was so cool to see the familiar face of Helen Thomas right in the front where she belongs, and also our up and coming popular Talk-show host of radio and lately TV star Ed Schultz right there in the front row. I wonder if the president will ever take a question from him?

SO on this day I will not criticize, but rather wallow in the fact that we have such a good looking, suave, sophisticated man to to represent us.

And to top off the first 100 days--I thought it not at all shabby that one of the longest serving republicans (though originally a democrat) has finally returned to his better self--and joined the bright side of the senate and become a dem.once more.

Thank you Mr.Obama--you are very much loved in this household--and by 81% of the people!

 

 

 

 

Day 98 in the Age of Obama...and how are we doing?

Lets see now--if we go by my creakiness measure---it's all over-(in a good way)-since I'm hardly ever cranky any more!

This means that I will seriously have to consider changing the title of my blog--or find something other than politics to make me cranky.

Not that there isn't plenty of material around to make me super crazy and cranky, I mean just look at those cry-babies who call them self republicans!

The party of NO, the party of anti everything that's good for the planet and all creatures still living on it, the party of the biggest spendthrift we've ever had, the party that created the giant sinkhole we now find ourselves in--the party of torturers, the party of guns for hire--oh well you get the picture--- they have the nerve to insist that we--the Democrats or Progressives or Liberals--what ever you want to call us--they want us to change our name?

WTF?

Anyway --it seems that I've gotten myself worked up a little--and I really want to remain calm and in 'my happy place'--so I'm so glad that we have President Obama, because he gives me the peace of mind to trust the fate of the world to him--instead of constantly worrying about every little thing, I can now go for a walk and appreciate the sunshine we have today.

Our new president may not be perfect or nearly liberal enough for me on many levels--but I trust him to make the best decisions possible--given the immense scope of things for him to do.

I know that my feeling is shared by many--and I smile when I watch basketball and hear the commentators chat about politics--as if they'd always done that!

This is my 19th Playoff season since I became interested in basketball --and don't remember anyone ever doing that before, although the US Tennis stars were talking about the inauguration during the Aussie Open, which was equally cool.

I know that some of my colleagues and fellow bloggers will think me soft and chide me for my romanticized point of view, but I think everything we have all done since 2000, the suffering to change the world back to some semblance of 'livable' entitles us to take a little time off--now and then and simply sit back and relish the moments.

We know everything changes all the time--but right now I want to say thank you President Obama--for giving me some peace of mind.

Day 95 in the Age of Obama!

Well--for one who has been worried over so many things politically--it seems that taking a break from writing about such things has worked quite well.

I have long been of the opinion that the things that were done in the name of "security" and for "our safety"--were very bad and ultimately led to us being less safe as a nation, and of course it's now finally all coming out in public--again.

The other side--our opposition is up to their old tricks and playing the 'projection game'--just as they have always done--only now that we have a such a great new president--it all seems so laughable, and very very sad that this country can't come up with a better opposition. Surely there are some conservative minded people who actually have an intellect as well?

Accusing the president of acting like a third world dictator and setting America back with his unprecedented over-friendly behavior, is just totally ludicrous. Every lie they tell can be and is immediately disproved with our technology and yet they don't seem to learn --ever.

Surely they can't believe that their party is going to survive with the same old tired faces and slogans that loomed over us in the last cycle?

Any way, I'm very pleased that there will be some accounting for the horrible crimes committed against human beings ---no matter how badassed they might have been, and what they intended to do to us, which of course we'll never truly know--since all the evidence against them was attained through torture--and we all know that people will say anything for the pain to stop.

So thank you President Obama--for allowing the Justice department to go ahead with their investigations--you will not be sorry.

I know you have enough on your plate--and really don't need any more enemies--but unless we cleanse ourselves of this filthy recent history--we as a country cannot move ahead.

Couldn't help myself--more flowers for Earth Day!

 

 

Day 93...Obama and Happy Earth Day!

Until I have time to write--and this time it will be more political--the photo expresses my mood of the day.

Laughing Buddha among the flowers of the earth--on Earth Day...and not all is lost.

 

Suddenly it's Day 92 of President Obama's Leadership

Crankiness level at all time low!

And I want to give thanks to the universe for giving me another perfect day!

Not only was the sun shining for the fourth day in a row--but with it--came warmth in more ways than one.

One such discovery was a realization that I could actually come up with the names of twelve lovely ladies I know, when I received a 'forward"--like many other forwards with a positive message from my friends.

That is quite an achievement!

Think about it -12 good friends to whom you would trust your life, and we're just talking girls!

I thought it was wonderful and often find that I get these messages just when I need them most--in a moment of stress of some sort!

So thanks you ladies for spreading the goodwill around, and for including a thought me in your very busy schedules.

To me- that is THE "good luck" we are promised in the first place-that I have you all!

Any way that's it for a tonight --after only about 3 hours sleep last night--I'm fading fast...zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.........zzzzzzzzzzzz

 

 

 

Day 90 for President Obama!

While I feel cranky about all the right wing nuts blowviating about our president, it's too beautiful a day to stay cranky or think too many negative thoughts.

Instead I posted some more photos of just one sunset a couple of nights ago--obviously the blue sky came first and the rest developed not much later. I just love the way it looks so different all the time--and yet reassuringly the same--if that makes sense.

I'm not feeling 100% today and so I'll keep it short --but will post a couple more pics of something completely different!

Stay cool my sweets--enjoy the monment!

 

 

 

 

 

April 8--2009

While I have seen the tide incredibly low over the years--this was the lowest I ever saw it.

Today I'll just be posting photos!

 

Day 88 in the Age of Obama--and I'm tired!

Well I know that the world can hardly wait to read that piece of news in my header--but lately I've been getting up so early that it's throwing out my usual routine of staying up really late--so now all I want to do is lay back and watch some interesting movie or show that keeps me awake for another couple of hours.

I have to tell you that I've added a new link to my favorites links in the sidebar of this blog and it's really cool and also important for the planet's well being--and I strongly advise you to check it out.

It's www.savethefrogs.com, and I must admit I haven't paid that much attention to frogs here in the Seattle area--because I can't remember ever seeing or hearing one for many years--if at all.

It could be because they're dying off at an alarming rate--and that of course is why the site exists. I know we all are already doing so much to try and save all the endangered species--but the list keeps growing and so must our vigilance, even if it seems like a loosing battle half the time.

Anyway enough of my lecturing, it's time for fun and relaxation--well earned --and I need to do something to take my mind off all the horrendous decisions being made by our new administration. I promised I wouldn' worry too much about or write about politics for a while--but WTF is going on?
Practically condoning torture?

Oh well I have spent a bit of time signing petitions --so that will have to do for today, except for this one piece of advice!

The president has said it many times--he wants to do the right thing!

But WE THE PEOPLE HOLD THE ONLY TRUE POWER AND WE MUST MAKE HIM DO IT!

Good night

The day after Tax Day--#87 in the Age of Obama!

OK yesterday I was too bloody cranky to write and too busy during the day and too bloody lazy in the evening.

When I began this post today--I ran into tennis whilst setting up my usual DVR recordings.

Not only tennis --but Roger Federer tennis--so I had to take a couple of hours off( my work day began at 7.30 am--so by 4.30 I felt it was OK-to do so --but I almost wish I hadn't.

So I gave away the result--Rog got beaten in the third round by his good friend--fellow Swiss and partner in the gold medal for doubles at the last Olympic games--in Beijing--Stan Wawrinka (excuse the spelling--if it's wrong).

The announcers on the tennis channel were both Brits- and didn't have much love for Rog--but to be fair--they really just concentrated on the tennis part of the match, and didn't talk much about Roger's position on the world stage.

Actually they did mention that he was on his honeymoon, suggesting that Mirka's yawns may have been caused by Roger keeping her up all night. That's probably true--but also as a woman--I'm pretty sure that it's her pregnancy that is making her yawn--as any woman who's been in that state would know.

It was a very close match--but ended in two sets--6-4, 7-5 and I don't think that Rog looked bad--only that Stan looked better and seemed more confident.It was the first time he beat Rog in a tournament--so good for him.

As far as Roger is concerned--I think he's in a lull and has too much on his plate to be able to fully concentrate on his game, right now.

My suggestion is --please Roger--forget about the politics of tennis--like your presidency of the Tennis assc. that Rafa also chairs as VP.

Just play and get used to the idea of being a father, because once that happens it's going to be harder and harder for you to feel free enough to play--although I guess that Andre A did it for a few years, and still won a championship.

At any rate--good luck for the rest of the clay court season--and remember that you will always be number One in this house!

Now I have come to a decision about politics---I'm not going to worry about them for a while, instead I'll give the new administration the time to do what they promised and not count every little event that goes a little differently from what we all expected.

After all--it hasn't been that long and just as I thought it would---the shit hit the fan as soon as he started and it's only gotten worse since then.

The right wingers are driving me crazy with their overt opposition and name calling, racism, and stupidity--and I think I need a break from all that.

It doesn't mean that I'm suddenly going to stop everything--it's just --that by the time I get around to writing--it's usually been a full 8-10 hours of progressive radio--and right now that's enough!

So I still feel a little cranky--BWTF--that's life!

Day 86 in the Age of Obama--and Tax Day!

For the first time since President Obama took office--I feel a little confused about his handling of the financial situation, but that's OK--it's something I can live with right now.

 

 

Day 84 in the Age of Obama!

Wow --a lot of things can change in one day without a computer, radio and TV being on.

Yesterday a friend took my to a beautiful family farm near Chehalis about 120 miles southwest of Seattle, where we spent the day absorbing the calming country atmosphere--as well as the relentless rain dumping on everything for more than ten hours straight.

Of course anyone who lives around here knows that you can't ever wait for the rain to stop -if you want to have adventures and fun- no you must appreciate all the good things that having rain means--like rain-forests, lichen and moss.

Almost all the great trees were decorated with this gossamer-lace like matter and covered the bare branches like pale green lace, amid the rich fertile landscapes colored by a million greens and bordered by hordes of different sized Douglas firs.

We learned how to hold baby chicks without freaking them out, saw turkeys of different breeds, as well as chickens, visited a wonderful underground house, went for a long walk along a creek and a river.

It was kind of uncanny as the landscape reminded me so much of what I described in my novel, and I felt a de ja vous com over me. I halfway expected to see 'Cadie' come out of the bushes to make my creation a reality, and was a little relieved that she didn't!

Later on, I enjoyed the best Turkey Pot Pie I've ever eaten, created by the talented hostess, as well as two delicious desserts.

Actually, yesterday was the only Easter Sunday in 20 years, that I didn't eat some kind of chocolate!

I also met on of the most beautiful dogs I've ever seen--appropriately named Lady Bear for it's resemblance of a polar bear, both in color and size. She came with us on our walk and provided a feeling of assurance, that no matter what we might encounter in the forest--she was there to protect us.

We also had a knowledgeable guide who was happy to answer the many questions I put to him, and obliged us with a few photos. I decided it was too wet to bring my camera and besides I wanted to concentrate on the beauty of my surroundings--which can be difficult sometimes while filming.

I met three of the ten sweet, predators--photos of which I will post later on, as I have limited time now.

I want to thank my dear friend who brought me to that great place and my hosts who were so kind, it was a great Easter.

When I got home--I did not turn on the PC--or watch any news on TV--didn't read the paper--no I watched some shows I'd recorded on the DVR and then the 'Tudors' (I love all historical stuff). This episode dealt with a lot of torture-and screaming- and endless killing--and I was glad when it was over.

When I woke up this morning I listen to Stephanie Miller and was happy to hear that the hostage/pirate crisis had been resolved.

I must admit I was saddened that three people were killed in the process--but if somebody had to die--I'm glad it wasn't the captain who seemed quite heroic--by offering himself as the hostage in the first place.

It is shameful that Somali's coastline has been ruined and that the people have to resort to piracy to survive --but I hope that when the world gets together to discuss this crisis that they will take Somali's plight into their considerations.

I'm not thrilled with some of the administrations decisions lately, but no matter what right now--everything is a trillion times better for me than it was for the last nine years.

 

Day 82 in the Age of Obama!

Yesterday I forgot to mention my sympathy for the people of Italy whose friends and relatives died in the recent earthquake.

What can one say --except to be grateful for everyday of life that we have and to live it to the fullest. That may sound callous, but it's true-at least for me and my family and friends.

I really believe that when our time comes--it comes no matter what precautions we may take, and if Nature decides to shake us off --there's fuck all we can do about it.

At any rate for those who believe in it--Happy Easter--for those of us who don't--lets not over do it with the chocolate bunnies and eggs--although I think back fondly to my teenage years when I used to dip the broken pieces of chocolate into a delicious Cappuccino or Latte. I can feel my waistline expand even as I think about it.

So not this time--trying to fir into last years jeans here.

Oh just one more thing--thank God we found out that President Obama is going to a public church tomorrow--I can't begin to think of the consequences if we had given him a bit of privacy!

Day 81 in the Age of Obama--and I'm confused!

Who and what am I?
Born of fascists in a communist country while catholic, I moved to a place that was ruled by democratic conservatives who were Anglicans, I grew up as a secular socialist with democratic leanings and now live in a democratic republic as a socialist with a Muslim man from Kenya—who was incidentally also born in Hawaii, democratic president who is also a fascist, a terrorist an alien and a socialist who wants to take all the guns away from the true patriots who believe that it’s their right to kill anyone who disagrees with their point of view.

Forgive me if I’m a little confused—but I’ve been busy with my taxes and some actual work—so I haven’t blogged as often as usual, but all I can say –is WTF?

All those things I say in the paragraph above are true—I’m one of those people who has been moved and moved, and traveled a lot—and some how ended up in this amazing country for the last 20 years.

Things have been slow for me here—business while—(I’m an artist—an not very business orientated) and somehow my pride and lack of funds have kept me here much longer than I ever anticipated.

However to get to the point of this post—I say again--or may be just ask WTF?

As a woman who reared a daughter and a son---I can’t for the life of me figure out why we humans are born with this horrible bloodlust.

I know a lot of it has to do with survival of the fittest---and with so many countless universes out there—why should we humans have the answer to any of our questions—when we are nothing larger than ants at the most in the scale of things?

Why do we have brains that ask these questions—when the answers are so much more puzzling than the questions and only ever lead to more confusion?

Oh well—there’s always tomorrow—when the affect of the alcohol wears off—I guess—but for now I’m going to call it a night—while I wait for someone more knowledgeable than me to set me straight, but before I say goodnight—I just wanted to thank Bill Maher for his wonderful show tonight—I thought it was just great.

Gore Vidal has been a favorite author and has inspired me to be a better and more knowledgeable writer and Ron Howard is becoming one of my favorite directors—and I like their sense of humor—so very much.

I also listened to a bit of Mike Malloy tonight and totally share his confusion about Bill Maher and his very perverted association with that horrible skinny man/insect/female impersonator / TV star etc-called Ann Coulter. This has been going on far too long—Bill—Please explain the fascination?

Day 77 and a quick rant on Newspapers!

First of All!

Congrats to Ed Schultz and MSNBC for now having three progressives on their station!
It's very encouraging for the progressive movement.

As for the "dying of the newspapers"--I don't think that's such a tragedy except for those people losing their jobs--obviously!

But lets face it --in the face of Global Climate Change--it isn't all bad--just think of all the trees that are going to be spared and how good that will be for the general well-being of the planet!

My being of the age where newspapers have always been read--even now I have them delivered---but I think--in this time of technology--we can certainly do without them, since we do have other means of communication.

In fact I think it's a natural progression to switch to online publications in so many ways.

What is tragic to me --is that there are so few really excellent reporters these days --especially in the papers--and that is something that we progressive bloggers already have a handle on--so to speak--so lets continue to do our best to get the truth out there!

Sorry about the tears--to continue.....day 76!

Nothing like a good cup of tea to straighten me out...at least the thought of one-- since I'm still waiting for the water to boil.

Just getting back to that missile test by the North Koreans---I believe it broke up over the ocean---in the most un-spectacular way--and basically failed in it's mission. SO perhaps there is something positive in that --at least the world knows that N.K isn't ready as yet to threaten its neighbors with nukes.

So hurray for that!

Now talking of things that are unspectacular---Today's final of the Ericcson Open Tennis was just that.

There were some good moments and I congratulate Andy Murray for winning it--but there sure is a difference for the audience when the top 2 players are not in the finals.

Perhaps it's whenever Djokovic plays that sucks for me, as he nearly always calls for the trainer or the medic or someone --when ever he is down and simply not playing as well as his opponent.

In fact he (to steal the words of Mary Carillo) won a grand slam of defaults by pulling out of the Aussie Open this year, the French Open last year as well as Wimbledon. It's obvious to any tennis fan that Novak has not lived up to his own expectations--but he is only 21 and still has plenty of time to get there.

Some humility would go a long way towards this goal, and might even make me appreciate him a little more--as he does have some great tennis skills--but let's face it--he's not a Federer or a Nadal and I don't think he ever will make it that far.

Andy Murray on the other hand--he is humble and appreciative of the great players he constantly knocks down now--and it's hard not to like him and wish him well.

How amazing it would be for his British fans to see him win Wimbledon--or at least make it to the finals this year!

I would like to see Roger back there with Andy instead of Rafa--but Roger would have to get his head together in order for that to happen.

I wish that someone like Pete Sampras would take Roger under his wings and give him a few hints on how to deal with all this competition--just like he did--there is still plenty of time for Roger, like I've said before he only needs to win 2 more slams to beat Pete and fulfill everybody's expectations--especially his own.

I am sorry to sound so arrogant about tennis and my advice to the greatest player ever--but I feel so passionately about the sport and I am old enough to be everybody's mother--so it's nothing more than a bit of motherly advice.

So my tea is ready and I will try to concentrate on my taxes and later I'll write some more about a topic very dear to my heart--Grass!

Day 76 in the Age of Obama--and I'm only a little cranky!

On this glorious day, Spring has finally sprung--at least for a few days --if we can believe the Weather forecasts. M

Just for the record--I'm only cranky because I haven't finished my taxes yet--but I've got to finish them before the night is over--when I'm in the mood for sitting in the sun and lapping up all the sights and sounds of my beautiful environment.

So I made the most of this sunny Sunday by leaping out of bed early--(by my standards) 9.30 and went for a brisk walk at Redondo, where even the usually dour old men I come across were smiley and talkative and generally happy about the warmer weather.Even that early--people were out in force, especially by the time I finished the 2 mile mark.

I haven't really been paying that much attention to the political scene in the last few days--having to think about my day-job--Art restoration--and the joy of actually having some income after so many months of stagnation, but of course I know that our president is "wowing" the international scene in Europe and beyond, with his beautiful lady at his side.

But I am aware that North Korea has actually fulfilled its threat and tested a missile!

Also I believe that there is new violence in the middle East and that's always a threat.

What is wrong with us people? Isn't it bad enough that we have a limited life on this beautiful planet already? That we are ruining everything that lives with our constant polluting?

That we are the cruelest animals alive?
Yesterday I almost threw up when I heard about the sadistic way they kill the baby seals on the east coast of Canada!

I knew it was bad as a rule and have signed hundreds of petitions over the years to stop this dreadful murder--but now it's worse than ever.
These babies are alive when they are skinned and then thrown back into the ocean--as fish-food. Even clubbing them over the head --like they used to do--seems less barbaric. At least they were dead when skinned.

I'm sorry I'm crying too much to continue right now--but I plead with all of my readers to go to IFAW to try and put an end to this inhuman behavior once and for all.