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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Leap Blog Day - Welcome Jewels

Happy Leap Blog Day!

     You may for may not know that today is not only Leap Day but also Leap Blog Day.   This is a challenge set forth by a wonderful group of bloggers who are encouraging us to step outside of our comfort zones and guest post for another blogger.  This is a great way to introduce bloggers to a whole new audience that might enjoy their work.  Recently, I came across a blog that I quickly fell in love with.  The writer is so talented and writes about topics that we can all relate to.  I am so excited to introduce you to her here on my blog.   Please welcome my guest writer for today.

Her name is Jewels and her blog is frazzled & frumpy

     I know after reading her post today you will want to visit her often.  Please be generous with your warm-fuzzy comments  and show her the same love you always show me.    

     Thank you,  Jewels, for agreeing to post for me today.  I am thrilled to introduce you to my wonderful readers.  ♥

     So now, for your reading pleasure, here's Jewels.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Take a Flying Leap of Faith

Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack.

I’m not a big fan of the sound.  The roller coaster making its way up the steep incline, metal teeth pulling the car along. Slowly. Ever so slowly.

Clack.  Clack. Clack.

It’s a modern day torture device.  Giving you just enough time to regret the decision to get strapped in.  Every time I board the ride, I go through the same inner conversation.

“It’s okay.  This ride operates hundreds of times a day.  No one ever dies.  It’ll be all right.”

Clack. Clack.

Once we reach the summit, I breathe one more prayer.  We plunge over, and…  I’m fine.  My fears are swallowed up in the thrill of moving faster than the beat of my heart.

Last summer, my husband convinced me to ride the new roller coaster at our local amusement park.  I’d watched the cars as they flashed up one side of the track and back down again.  Oh, no way!  My heart skipped at the thought.  But, with some gentle prodding and a little reverse psychology (how’d he get away with that?), I found myself in line.  We snaked our way to the front and finally sat in the seats.  With a thick, padded arm holding me tight, I took one last breath.  The timer counted us down.  3..2..1  Whoosh! One moment we were on the ground, the next we were 100 feet in the air.  With nary a second to catch any air in my lungs, we were back down again, my insides suddenly displaced somewhere in my ribs.  Over and around, then upside down, I hoped my glasses, which I’d stowed in my bra, wouldn’t fly out.  When we swooshed back into the station, I couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. That. Was. Fun.

I’m not an adrenaline junkie.  I do not aspire to jump from airplanes, climb an icefall or drive more than ten miles over the speed limit.  I like calm.  I get enough chaos from my children.

I’ve realized lately, though, that perhaps I need to stop holding myself back.  While I have faith in many things, my belief in myself and my own abilities is lacking.  When I’m challenged and must make that leap that takes me past the dark, into the light, I face it with lukewarm trepidation.  I find myself sticking out a toe, cautiously testing the waters.  When what I need to do is take a few steps and jump, cannonball style, into the pool of opportunity, splashing exuberance on everyone around me.

I’m not alone in this.  As I’ve aged I’ve realized that we all suffer from insecurities.  How could we not?  With our media the size of  a gray whale, we cannot avoid it.  We’re served up a menu of airbrushed, cap-toothed  and plastic surgery-ed, glittery people.  They are what we’re supposed to want to be.  So, we compare what we struggle with  to what others are succeeding in.  No wonder we hesitate.

Deep inside us, we all have the potential for greatness.  We are all shiny and bright.  We are talented and brilliant.  No, we don’t have personal trainers or stylists.  What we have is possibility. And ability.   Write a book, paint a masterpiece, create something. One person can change the world.
  
So, the next time I have a chance, I won’t face it with timidness.  I will embrace the light,  get a running start,  and leap. 

Monday, February 27, 2012

Through the Eyes of a Child

Written for GBE2 week #41 prompt - Simplicity


   
      What if we all could see the world through the 
       eyes of a child?  

      What would this world be like?

      Would it be a better place to live?

      Would we be happier?

      Take a moment and think about the above questions.   Then think about your children, or any children you know.

      Children are such open and honest creatures.  The world is not a complicated place to them.  They are brought into this world without any preconceived notions or beliefs and capable of the most loyal and unconditional love imaginable.  Take them home and care for them, feed them, clothe them, hold them and the love they will return will be like no other; no strings attached.  They don't look to see if your skin is the same color as theirs, nor do they stop and ask, "What's in it for me?"   

      As children grow older and start to school, they still believe that everyone can be their friend and all people are worthy of their time.  To them the whole class is one big happy group, regardless of race, religion or politics.  It's a simple equation as far as they are concerned - more friends = more fun.   And as for the rest of the world, it's all black and white to them...good or bad.  What a beautiful concept.  

      Unfortunately, children get a lot of their education from older siblings, neighbors and adults.  We know the world isn't as simple as it seems to our children.   We see the lines that divide us.  Everything can't be as black and white as kids think because we have to look at all those gray areas; all those layers that define good or bad.  Race, religion, politics, social status, job, etc., etc....all the things that we use to put up walls between us.   It doesn't take children long to pick up on this.  It doesn't take them long to lose that child-like innocence.   Children learn quickest when they learn by example.

      Okay, so maybe I'm being naive.  I know the world isn't going to suddenly start acting like children (although many already do, but not in a good way).  But I do think we could all learn a lesson from our children in getting along with others.  We are the ones who built the walls that divide us so we are the only ones who can tear them down.   How beautiful would this world be if we could love and accept others with the unconditional simplicity of a child?     

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat



Saturday, February 25, 2012

Liebster Award



      There is nothing more heartwarming to a writer than to know their work is appreciated by other writers.  Once again I have been presented with an award that shows tangible proof that someone not only reads, but enjoys my blog.   I am so touched by this and would like to thank my new friend, Dawn, at Alphabet Salad.    If you haven't read her blog, you really should.  She is a very interesting writer and I love reading her posts.  

      According to Dawn:

                               The origins of the Liebster Blog award are somewhat unclear but the general consensus is that it originated in Germany, Liebster meaning favorite or dearest, to showcase bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. Upon accepting the award the recipient must then pass it on to five more blogs of note.

     As writers, we love to get feedback on what we produce.  It really makes my day when anyone leaves a comment on my blog, facebook or sends me an email.  I love to hear from you.  But when it is in the form of an award it is such a blessing because it shows that something I wrote actually touched someone.  That's what writing is all about.

     And now it's time to share the love by passing this award on to 5 more bloggers whose posts have touched me in some way.  Following are my recipients.  If you are one of the bloggers mentioned you can pass it along if you wish but since I love awards without obligations I give you my permission to just accept the award and enjoy without any pressure to do anything further.  It's totally up to you.  (I hope the originators of this award will forgive me for taking liberties.)  So without further ado.






     I've done my job so now it's your turn.  Be sure to spread the love by checking out the aforementioned blogs and see what they have to offer.

     Thanks again to Dawn and to all my faithful readers.  I love you all.

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat 


 






    

Friday, February 24, 2012

Special Love


    
     Last night my 14 year old grandson texted me this picture saying it reminded him of his great-grandparents, my husband's parents.  Now how many 14 year olds would even take the time to look at a picture like this, let alone text it to his grandparents because it made him think of his great-grandparents.  What kind of love is so strong that it has made such an impression on a 14 year old? 

     I have to admit, this picture and title does fit my in-laws to a T.  My father-in-law will be 90 in March and my mother-in-law will be 85 the same month.  In my entire life, I have never seen a couple more devoted to each other.  They are the epitome of unconditional love and an example of God's love to everyone who knows them.  They are so cute together; you can still see their eyes sparkle when they look at each other.   You can't  help but feel the love when you are around them. 

     It's no wonder my husband is such a loving and caring husband.  He had the best possible role models he could have had growing up.  His mom and dad were always together and always taught their boys that faith and family were the most important things on earth.  They were active in both church and community as well as hard workers on their dairy farm.   They built a reputation in the community as good, honest people and are still highly respected.

     It's is no wonder my grandson has been influenced by his great-grandparents.  They have always played a special role in their grandchildren's lives and made sure they all knew they were loved.   They have showed them how special they are not just by words, but by actions.   And that's how they have lived their whole lives...putting their words into action.


     This is my in-laws back in better days at mother-in-law's 80th birthday when they were still able to live at home and be independent.  They now live in an apartment in an assisted living home.  He has a hard time getting around and she has severe respiratory disease and COPD.  She is currently in the hospital and has recently been in and out of there frequently.   It is really hard for them to be separated.    

     All the rest of us who have been lucky enough to find our true love can only aspire to the kind of deep, bonding love that my in-laws have shared for 65 years.  If it is true that beauty is in the eye of the beholder  their love is a beautiful thing to behold.  Just ask anyone who knows them.  Even a 14 year old can see it.

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Jane's Hidden Identity

     Jane carefully and quietly slips through the open window as she's done many times before.  But this time is not like all the others.   This time Jane is injured.  

     As blood trickles down her neck she knew the cut on her cheek would need medical attention.  How would she explain this gash when she had supposedly been shut up in her office for her quiet writing time.   She would have to think of something...and quick!  She had convinced everyone close to her that whenever inspiration hit, no matter whether day or night, she would need complete solitude as she shut herself in her office to work on her writing.  They knew how important her writing was to her so they all respected her wishes and anytime she put the "Writer at Work, Do Not Disturb" sign on her door they left her alone.  Little did they know that it was during this so called "quiet time"  that Jane was anything but quiet.

     Truth is, the quiet, mild-mannered persona that Jane portrayed to those who knew her was all an act.  In reality, she was an undercover agent for the CIA; a special tactics agent, called out in only the most top-secret assignments.  When the call came in she would retreat to her office where hidden in a secret closet, undetectable to the untrained eye, was every kind of modern, technological gadget known to man, as well as knives, guns and clothing needed for her job.  With the stealth of a cat she would slip out the window and be back before anyone realized she was gone.  But this time something went wrong.  Before she could subdue the intended prisoner, he had pulled a knife and managed to graze her cheek before she kicked it out of his hand.  The agency knew if they let their doctors sew her up she wouldn't be able to explain the stitches so the only option was to send her home and let her go to the ER.  But how was she going to explain the cut!

     Slipping back into her regular clothes and closing the secret closet Jane spotted the glass of wine sitting by her computer.  Suddenly,  she knew what she must do.  Breaking the glass and knocking a couple of papers on the floor, she ran out of the office and started screaming for Lex.  When he arrived, sounding weak and drowsy, Jane explained that she had passed out sitting at the computer and cut her cheek on the wine glass.  Believe it or not, he actually bought it!  And so did the staff at the ER, even after it took 27 stitches to close the wound.  Once again, she had managed to keep her secret identity just that...secret.
  
 
    
The end.




     This fictional story (Or is it, Jane?) was written in response to GBE2 Week #40 writing prompt.  Unfortunately, one of our writing friends, Jane, really did pass out in front of her computer and end up in the ER with 27 stitches in her cheek from a broken wine glass.  We are giving her a choice of some very creative stories she might want to use to explain her scar; much more interesting than her unbelievable version.  :D)






    






Saturday, February 18, 2012

If Only I Had the Nerve to Have a Body Like That

     Remember the old saying, There's one in every crowd?    Well, in my group of friends, we definitely have that one.   The one that is the center of attention, the life of the party, a bundle of energy and loved by everyone who knows her.  She never meets a stranger and has a heart of pure gold.  No matter what we are doing she can always make us laugh and always make us feel loved.  She is the heart and soul of our circle.  Her name is Brenda.

     Brenda is experiencing a rough time right now, dealing with excruciating pain.  She is facing knee surgery but won't know for a few more days just when and how extensive.   Now it is my turn to hopefully make her laugh.  This story is not only about her, it is dedicated to her.

     As I mentioned earlier, Brenda never meets a stranger and loves to get a laugh.  And, as she herself will tell you, she has more nerve than a bad tooth.  If you don't believe me now, you will by the time you finish reading this post.  Let me show you what I mean:
                                                                                     
 



                                                                                
"Brenda the Bod"                                   

 






     "Eat your heart out girls"








     This is the bathing suit cover-up we bought for Brenda in St. Maarten.    Now, me personally, I wouldn't have the nerve to wear it in public, but for Brenda it was perfect.  She loved it, and not only did she love it, but it soon became the "must see" talk of the whole cruise ship.   She wore it everywhere and everywhere got the same reaction.  She was the hit of the week.  People loved the cover-up and loved her.   

     Brenda has one of those charismatic type personalities that draws people to her wherever she goes, without any props.  But give her something that draws this much attention and she is really the belle of the ball.
      Women, as well as men, all over the ship stopped her to tell her how cute her cover-up was.  They would engage her in conversation and soon she had new friends from every region of the world.   Strange men would come up to her and want their picture taken with her.  In some instances the photographer was the man's wife, who loved it!

     One morning we decided to go to the main dining room for breakfast, knowing there was a dress code.  Usually we only went there at night for dinner.  Libby and I had already gone in so we missed what happened at the door.  Brenda had on her cover-up with white capris under it.  Kelly had on a cover up too with her bathing suit underneath.  Unfortunately, Kelly's cover-up was crocheted so you could see her suit through the holes.  They wouldn't let her in but would let Brenda in with her "shapely body".  Kelly couldn't believe it.  They went elsewhere for breakfast.

     Brenda and Kelly went up to the Windjammer buffet.  Now, this isn't just a small buffet, but instead has various buffets in a circle about the size of a football field.  Somehow, they went different directions and after getting her food, Brenda couldn't find Kelly.   If you remember, I said Brenda never sees a stranger, so, not wanting to eat alone she picked out a nice looking couple and proceeded to sit down with them.  She introduced herself and struck up a conversation.  Inevitably the discussion came around to her cover-up and she told them all the stories of fun and laughter she had had because of it.  She made some new friends from Russia.


     Brenda is a special lady and we all love her very much.  We pray that she will soon be out of pain and feeling like being our life of the party once again.  Until then, maybe we can make her laugh just a little.



Until next time...that's my view.

Kat









Thank You Sweetie!


     Once again I have been presented with the Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award, thanks to a wonderful friend, Kathy, over at  The Giggling Truckers Wife.    She is one of the happiest bloggers I've ever seen and I love to read her blogs.  If I am having a bad day she never fails to make me feel better by making me smile, or even giggle.  You can almost hear her giggling in her writing.  If you aren't already a follower you should check her out asap.  You will be so glad you did.  Thank you Kathy.  I sincerely appreciate your thoughtful gesture.

     Now I am suppose to share some secrets about myself with you and then I can have fun by passing it along to other deserving bloggers so you can check them out too.

First, let's see...

1  I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease around age 30 and have since had 
    5 spine surgeries and suffered with chronic pain from the ddd, osteoarthritis, neuropathy 
    and other forms of arthritis.

2.  My first concert was Three Dog Night in 1969.

3.  My caramel apple pie won a baking contest a few years ago and before I 
   married the extent of my cooking skills were hamburgers and french fries acquired 
   by many years of working in fast-food restaurants.

4.  I volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation working with their yearly Louisville area 
     Arthritis Walk.

5.  I have the cutest grandkids in the world...okay, so I'm prejudiced, but at least I think so.

6.  I love to play games, especially word games.

7.  I once had to decorate a wedding cake with my left hand (I'm right handed) because 
     I had sliced a finger on my right hand with an electric knife and had to have stitches in it.

Now for the fun, and hard part.  Hard because there are so many great blogs out there.




Someday Somewhere

Alphabet Salad





     These are wonderful blogs that you will enjoy reading as much as I do.  Please take time to stop by and visit them.   And thanks again to Kathy for honoring me with this award.

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

I Would Do It All Over Again


GBE2 Week #39 Prompt - "Do-Over"

     Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends in Blogland!  In honor of the holiday and by special request I have decided to write a love story that fits in very well with this week's GBE2 prompt,  Do-Over.   This is a true story so any resemblance to real characters is completely intentional.

     Recently in response to an award that had graciously been bestowed upon me by Jo over at My Wandering Mind, I made the following statement about myself:

6.  I had a full academic scholarship to college that I gave up because I fell in love with the earlier 
     mentioned dairy farmer and couldn't bear to leave him for 4 years.  I would do it all over again.

     To my surprise, this statement seemed to catch everyone's attention and many left comments wanting to know more; so following is my true love story.

     It was the summer of 1971 and I had just graduated from our small high school, only 26 in my graduating class.  I graduated Valedictorian and had been awarded a full academic scholarship to Franklin College, a small Baptist College near Indianapolis, IN. where I was to attend in the fall.  Like most teenagers, I couldn't wait to get out of our small town so the very next day after graduation I moved to Kentucky to live with my sister and her family for the summer.  

     First thing on my to-do list was find a summer job, which I found at the local  Stuckey's out by the interstate.   I had worked at restaurants every since I was old enough so working behind the snack bar there was a breeze.

     At that time, my sister's family lived in a trailer at the Country Club, sort of as night watchmen.   The addition of another person in the trailer made for cramped living quarters but my sister and brother-in-law were so wonderful.  They took me in as if it were no big deal and I'll always love them for it.   Anyway, living at the country club was a great way to meet people.  I met several nice people my age who played tennis or came to the swimming pool.  Since I had never played tennis in my life, I spent a lot of time watching the others.  Eventually, I gave in a bought a tennis racket.

     Both Kenneth and his brother, Steve played tennis and their dad played golf.  Their mom came out a lot and either rode on the golf cart with Fred or sat and watched the boys play tennis.  Believe it or not I actually got to know her before I did Kenneth.  

      At that time, my brother-in-law drove a milk truck that delivered the local farmers milk to the dairy processing plant in Louisville.  Since Kenneth's family milked cows and Gayle picked up their milk they were friends.  Kenneth often stopped by to talk to Gayle if we were outside when he came to play tennis.  

     If you've ever lived in a rural area you know that the big entertainment that draws everyone in the county is a tractor pull.  At least that was certainly the case here.  Everyone who was anyone was there.  Not having a clue what a tractor pull was, I went along with my family to see who I could see.    Once there I was amazed at the crowd and actually found it interesting watching these big tractors try to pull a moving box of weights further than the others.  I had never seen anything like it.  I grew up in a small town, but I lived in town.  We weren't really what I would consider a rural area; there were some farms but it wasn't the main economic source.  I had never heard of a tractor pull.

     Anyway, I was having a good time and had run into several people I had come to know.  When it got dark I happened to run into Kenneth's mom sitting with a friend of hers in their pick-up truck watching the tractor pull.  They invited me to sit with them.  I jumped at the chance, hoping Kenneth might come around.  Sure enough, not long after I got in, here he came.   Just as we started talking my sister walked up and said they were ready to go home.    Not now, I thought to myself, but said nothing.  Before I had a chance to say anything Kenneth spoke up and said, "You can go ahead, I'll bring her home."   Needless to say, my heart did a cartwheel! 

     I can't say that it was love at first sight because we had seen each other before...but I might have to say it was love at first date.  That wonderful night that changed my life forever happened late in June and I don't think we missed a day seeing each other until we married a year later.  But I'm getting ahead of myself.

     We had a wonderful summer dating and I dreaded the approaching fall.  He had the most beautiful blue eyes I had ever seen and I fell more in love with him every time I looked into them.  We hadn't really talked about what was going to happen beyond the summer until one night when we couldn't put it off any longer.   I knew I didn't want to leave him, it was so far and long distance romances were so hard.  I was sure he felt the same way but we had to discuss it openly and honestly.   Giving up a scholarship was a big decision and not one to be made lightly.  He had me at, "I am sure I don't want you to go because one day I want our last names to be the same".   To this 18 year old it was the most romantic proposal I could imagine.  

     Instead of going away to college I found a job at a bank, bought my first car to drive to work and stayed with my sister's family until the following June when we married.  Kenneth took me to the farm several times and introduced me to my first real cow.  I had been to the zoo but cows aren't usually found in the zoo and besides, you don't really get up close and personal with zoo animals.  But hey, when you're young and in love you think you can do anything and even a huge cow looked like a teddy bear, and I could get used to the smell, right?   I could be a farmer's wife..no problem.

     That summer was like living my own personal fairytale.  Kenneth presented me with my engagement ring on Christmas Eve that year (but that's a story for another blog).  We were married on June 25, 1972 and will celebrate our 40th anniversary this year.  The fall after we were married I received a phone call from Franklin College telling me that my scholarship was still open if I would like to change my mind.  I thanked them and explained that I was happily married and would not be accepting their generous offer.  I've been asked over the years if I ever regretted my decision and my answer to that is always the same.  That is one decision in my life that if given the chance to do it over I would do it just the same all over again.



Until next time...that's my view.

Kat




           

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Thank You for Your Encouraging Heart

     You have probably noticed that everyone seems to be on an award kick lately.  How wonderful is that!  I think it is great that we all have a mutual admiration for each other and once in awhile we need to affirm that respect and admiration by making sure others know how we feel about them.   Too often we take for granted that those around us know we care about them.  But do they really?  How can they if we don't tell them.  

      As you might have guessed by now, I love all these awards that are being passed around.  I would love to give one to every blogger I find just for having the nerve to put their innermost thoughts out there for all to see.  I'm never sure if we are all brave or just plain crazy; but one thing I do know is that we do have a lot of fun and meet some awfully nice people through these meetings of the minds.  I feel very blessed to be a part of this blogging phenomenon and I hope it continues for a very long time.

     Receiving one of these gracious awards is like receiving warm fuzzies over the internet.  It's like a hug from an old friend.  It's an affirmation that someone likes what you do.  So to whoever started the idea of blogger awards, thank you.  

      Now for the real point of my post.    I'm sure all of you remember back to the first few months when you first started your blog.  I can't speak for the rest of you but I was really green.  I knew absolutely nothing about blogging and didn't really expect anyone to read what I wrote.  To my surprise, a few people did start reading; and then a few more.  People started to leave comments on my blog.  Wow!  I was blown away.  People who's blogs I found fascinating and written very professionally actually left encouraging comments on mine.   I felt like Sally Field, "You like me;  you really like me!" 
    
      Thanks to the encouragement of these kind-hearted bloggers, I continued to blog and now have met some of the nicest people in the whole world right here in our little world of blogging.   With all of these awards going around it made me think that there should be a special award for those bloggers who care enough to encourage and mentor new bloggers.  I definitely have a few of these people on my list.  So I decided to share the love and encourage you to do the same if there are people who have helped you along the way.     It's never too late to let someone know they have been beneficial in your life.  

      Occasionally we are lucky enough to find those special people who have a heart of gold and an encouraging spirit.  They make you feel good about yourself and make you want to do better at whatever you attempt.  Those people have an Encouraging Heart.  And now there is an award just for them.



      Unlike many of the awards, this one comes with no strings attached.  You don't have to tell us anything about yourself or even pass it on to others.  It is simply a thank you to tell you that you have encouraged me and I appreciate it.  You took the time to care and it didn't go unnoticed.  The only thing I ask if you receive this award is give yourself credit for what you have done for me.  Then, and only then, if there is someone who helped you along the way when you started out, show them you care by passing it along to them.  But only if you want, remember, no strings attached.

      So, without further ado, I would like to present this special award to my encouragers and mentors who have been such a blessing in my life.  If  you don't see your name please know that I do appreciate every person who stops by my blog.  These are just the few who have gone above and beyond to make me feel comfortable and welcome in this world of blogging.

In no particular order:

Daphne -  my distant husband
Jo -http://jo-mywanderingmind.blogspot.com/
k~  Bloggit Write
Julie -  Healthy, Wealthy and Wise: NOT...but learning

     If you haven't already visited these wonderful ladies, please check out their blogs now.  It's because of them that I am still around today.  Thank you beautiful ladies, from the bottom of my heart.  I hope I can encourage someone at least half as much as you have encouraged me.

Until next time....that's my view.

Kat











Saturday, February 11, 2012

Tell Me About Yourself Award






   
     A great blogger and cyber-friend over at Diminishing Gene Pool   presented me with this lovely award.  Thank you, thank you, thank you you lovely and gracious person you.   It is so much fun when someone presents you with an award because it validates all your hard work and efforts.   It assures you that someone does appreciate your work and actually reads it.   It makes you feel special, and how many of us don't need to feel like someone thinks we are special once in a while.   So thank you Kelly.  I think you are special too.
     Now according to the etiquette of this award, I am supposed to tell you 5 things about myself (that is if you follow the rules; or 3 if you make up your own rules like a couple of radicals who shall remain nameless).  Then I am suppose to pass the award along to 5 more interesting bloggers.  So, here goes.

1.  I'm a big Nascar fan.

2.  I have a huge weakness for purses and watches.  I've lost count on both!

3.  I love comedy romance movies.

4.  My favorite actress is Julia Roberts

5.  My favorite movies are Pretty Woman, Flashdance, Top Gun and Dirty Dancing.

Okay, so now I get to pass the award to some other lovely bloggers.  Please check out their interesting blogs.



3. Darlene ~Bloggity Blogger~

4.  I Never Wanted to be a Fire...

5.  Catch My Words

So now it's your turn blogging world.  Show these 5 bloggers some love and visit their blogs.  You'll be glad you did.

Until next time....that's my view.

Kat





 

Thursday, February 9, 2012

The Interview

GBE prompt - week 38 - upset

3rd chapter in the unfolding fictional story of Kari.

      Kari couldn't believe this mornings turn of events.  She had arrived at work this morning fearing she might lose her job but instead here she was driving across town to do her first big newspaper interview.  Okay, so maybe it wasn't the  interview of a lifetime, he wasn't famous or anything, but it was her first interview and her first chance to prove to herself and everyone that she was a real journalist.    It would be her first human interest story and she would show Devin and the others at the paper that her talent was being wasted as a music reviewer.  
     She couldn't shake this odd feeling in the pit of her stomach.  It had been bothering her since that strange dream about Keith last night.  She had never felt this faint gnawing before...almost like fear or dread...but of what she had no clue.   She had no reason to be apprehensive about meeting Joe Rizer, the musician.  She didn't even know him.   It must be nerves.  That was it; it had to be nerves.   But why did thoughts of Keith keep running through her mind?
     Kari walked into the club and saw Joe sitting in a booth.  As she approached him she noticed the rough lines of his face; tell-tale signs of too many late nights and hard living, visible even with his dark chocolate colored skin.  He stood as she came near and extended his hand.   Was that a look of surprise, shock or recognition that flashed in his eyes before he gathered his composure?  Of course not, they had never met before; it must have been her imagination.  She sat down and pulled out her notepad and pencil.
     She started with the usual questions...where was he from; how did he get into music; did he have any musical influences other than Jimi Hendrix?  Kari glanced up from her notepad and suddenly became uneasy.  This was not her imagination; he was definitely staring at her face.   When he realized she had seen him he dropped his eyes.
     Joe hadn't meant to make her uncomfortable but he had to know if it really was her.  What were the odds?   That part of his life seemed so long ago and so far away.  But then again, hadn't he seen that picture and heard about the beautiful Kari at least a hundred times every day for months.  He knew it was her.
      "Please forgive me, Ms Snow.  I didn't mean to stare," he said with a heavy southern accent.   "Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"  
     Taken aback she wasn't sure what to say.  Even though she was surprised by his request her journalistic curiosity kicked in and she had to know what was on his mind.  Nodding her head gently she gave him permission to proceed.
      "Do you know a man named Keith Farmer?"  he asked.  Her breath caught in her throat as tears welled up in her eyes.  Memories flooded her brain as if a dam had burst; memories she had pushed away for so long.  Who was this man and how did he know about her and Keith, she thought to herself.  Shakily she forced the words from her mouth, "How do you  know Keith?"
      Joe began to tell her his story.  On June 29, 1969, he had attended what turned out to be the last performance of Jimi Hendrix's band, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, before they broke up.  He had traveled to Denver, Colorado to attend the Barry Fey Denver Pop Festival 3 day event held at Denver's Mile High Stadium. 
      Joe's voice trailed away as Kari remembered that night vividly.  Keith was obsessed with Jimi Hendrix and he had persuaded her to go to Denver with him for the music festival.  Reluctantly, she had agreed.  The massive crowd pushed and shoved as if their desire to get closer to Jimi had taken over their existence.  Keith was pulling on her and pleading with her to come with him backstage.  He hadn't told her until that night but his plan had been for them to become roadies and follow Jimi on his tour.  He knew someone on the crew that had promised him jobs for both of them.  He wanted her to live with him on the road.  She couldn't believe what she was hearing.  They had always talked of going to New York after college, her to find a career in journalism and he to pursue his music.  Why was he talking crazy trying to throw away all their dreams?  "But Babe," he pleaded, "this is Jimi Hendrix!"  "No!" she had shouted over the loud music.  She had watched as he turned his back on her and disappeared in the crowd.  She had turned, fighting her way through the crowd as the pain and shock of what had just happened set in.  She had just reached the outside door when....
      "Chaos and panic broke out everywhere," Joe was saying.   "No one could believe that police had thrown tear gas into the crowd.  Mass hysteria caused screaming mobs to run in all directions.  I had been hanging around backstage hoping to get a job on the road crew.   Trying to escape the tear gas I ducked into the first open van outside the back door just before it took off.  Keith had run out behind me and jumped into the same van.  The van turned out to be part of the road crew and Keith and I both ended up with jobs.    Over the next 3 months Keith and I became friends and every day he would stare at that picture of you he carried in his wallet, showing it to me so many times that I felt like I knew you.  He would anguish over what a fool he had been for leaving you and that he would never be able to face you again.  You deserved better.   Finally, things around Jimi became so volatile, what with the drugs and alcohol and band members coming and going; things constantly changing, that Keith and I both decided to take off.  I left to pursue my own music and I never knew what happened to Keith.  I haven't seen or heard from him since."
      Kari sat there dumbfounded.  Could this really be happening?  She had come here today to find an interesting story behind this musician who's music was obviously so much like the guitar legend that had been larger than life.  She had hoped to find the story that would give her her big break - and she had gotten it.  Not only had Joe been influenced by Jimi, but had actually worked on his road crew.  He had traveled and partied with the man himself.  Everything a journalist could want.  But could she write the story? 
     She was more than a little shaken by this connection to Keith.  She had tried for 6 years to block the pain that had consumed her for what seemed like an eternity.  She still had a hard time trusting men and never let anyone get too close.  Now because of a chance meeting all the pain had come rushing back.  Could she get past it and write the story that she knew might change her career forever?













     

Monday, February 6, 2012

Baby Boomer Test

The  following was sent to me in an email.  I can't take any credit for it.  It's one of those emails that get forwarded all around the world.   We all get them.  This one was fun; kudos to the originator.  Don't you often wonder who does actually come up with this stuff?  Anyway, if you are a true baby boomer you will enjoy this.  If you are younger - you won't have a clue.  Have some fun, and don't cheat.  I scored a 19!  Woohoo!  (What am I woohooing about...that means I'm old!)
BABY BOOMER GAME

MEMORY TEST!

(Have a paper and pencil handy to record your answers.. Your mind isn't as sharp as it once was!)
This is NOT a pushover test. It's a Baby Boomer era test!

There are
20 questions. Average score is 12 .
This one will be difficult for the
younger set.

Have fun, but no peeking!

When you forward this to your
friends & family , Put your score in the subject line and let them know your score.
Don't forget to forward it back to the one who sent it to you as well.
Good luck,


1. What builds strong bodies 12 ways? A. Flintstones vitamins
B. The Buttmaster
C. Spaghetti
D Wonder Bread
E. Orange Juice
F. Milk
G. Cod Liver Oil


2. Before he was Muhammed Ali, he was... A. Sugar Ray Robinson.
B. Roy Orbison..
C. Gene Autry.
D. Rudolph Valentino.
E. Fabian.
F. Mickey Mantle.
G. Cassius Clay.


3. ! Pogo, the comic strip character said, 'We have met the enemy and.... A. It's you.
B. He is us.
C. It's the Grinch.
D. He wasn't home.
E. He's really me and you.
F. We quit.
G. He surrendered.


4. Good night, David..
A.. Good night, Chet
B. Sleep well.
C. Good night, Irene.
D.. Good night, Gracie.
E. See you later, alligator.
F. Until tomorrow.
G. Good night, Steve..


5. You'll wonder where the yellow went... A When you use Tide
B. When you lose your crayons.
C. When you clean your tub.
D. If you paint the room blue.
E. If you buy a soft water tank.
F When you use Lady Clairol.
G. When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent.


6. Before he was the Skipper's Little Buddy, Bob Denver was Dobie's
friend...
A. Stuart Whitman.
B Randolph Scott.
C. Steve Reeves..
D. Maynard G. Krebs.
E. Corky B. Dork.
F.. Dave the Whale.
G. Zippy Zoo.


7. Liar, liar...
A. You're a liar.
B.. Your nose is growing.
C. Pants on fire.
D.. Join the choir
E. Jump up higher.
F. On the wire.
G. I'm telling Mom.


8. Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Superman fights never ending battle >for truth, justice and.....
A. Wheaties.
B. Lois Lane
C. TV rating.
D. World peace.
E. Red tights.
F. The American way.
G. News headlines.


9. Hey kids! What time is it?
A. It's time for Yogi Bear.
B It's time to do your homework.
C. It's Howdy Doody Time.
D. It's time for Romper Room.
E. It's bedtime
F... The Mighty Mouse Hour..
G. Scoopy Doo Time..


10. Lions and tigers and bears..! .... A. Yikes.
B. Oh, no..
C. Gee whiz.
D. I'm scared...
E. Oh my.
F.. Help! Help!
G. Let's run.


11. Bob Dylan advised us never to trust anyone....
A. Over 40.
B. Wearing a uniform.
C.. Carrying a briefcase.
D. Over 30
E. You don't know.
F. Who says, 'Trust me'..
G. Who eats tofu.


12. NFL quarterback who appeared in a television commercial wearing women's
stockings...
A. Troy Aikman
B. Kenny Stabler
C. Joe Namath
D. Roger Staubach
E. Joe Montana
F. Steve Young
G. John Elway


13. Brylcream.... A. Smear it on.
B. You'll smell great.
C. Tame that cowlick.
D. Grease ball heaven.
E. It's a dream.
F. We're your team.
G. A little dab'll do ya.


14. I found my thrill...
A. In Blueberry muffins.
B. With my man, Bill
C. Down at the mill.
D. Over the windowsill.
E. With thyme and dill.
F. Too late to enjoy.
G. On Blueberry Hill.


15.. Before Robin Williams, Peter Pan was played by... A. Clark Gable.
B. Mary Martin.
C. Doris Day.
D. Errol Flynn.
E. Sally Fields.
F. Jim Carrey.
G. Jay Leno.


16. Name the Beatles... A. John, Steve, George, Ringo
B. John, Paul, George, Roscoe
C. John, Paul, Stacey, Ringo
D. Jay, Paul, George, Ringo
E. Lewis, Peter, George, Ringo
F. Jason, Betty, Skipper, Hazel
G. John, Paul, George, Ringo


17. I wonder, wonder, who.
A. Who ate the leftovers?
B. Who did the laundry?
C. Was it you?
D. Who wrote the book of love?
E. Who I am?
F. Passed the test?
G. Knocked on the door?


18. I'm strong to the finish...
A. Cause I eats my broccoli.
B. Cause I eats me spinach.
C. Cause I lift weights.
D. Cause I'm the hero.
E. And don't you for get it.
F. Cause Olive Oyl loves me.
G. To outlast Bruto.


19. When it's least expected, you're elected, you're the star today.
A. Smile, you're on Candid Camera.
B. Smile, you're on Star Search.
C. Smile, you won the lottery.
D. Smile, we're watching you.
E. Smile, the world sees you.
F. Smile, you're a hit.
G. Smile, you're on TV.


20. What do M & M's do?
A. Make your tummy happy.!
B. Melt in your mouth, not in your pocket.
C. Make you fat.
D.. Melt your heart.
E... Make you popular.
F. Melt in your mouth, not in your hand.
G. Come in colors.
Below are the right answers:
 
1. D - Wonder Bread
2. G - Cassius Clay
3. B - He Is us
4. A - Good night, Chet
5 G - When you brush your teeth with Pepsodent
6. D - Maynard G. Krebs
7. C - Pants on fire
8. F - The American Way
9. C - It's Howdy Doody Time
10. E - Oh my
11. D - Over 30
12. C - Joe Namath
13. G - A little dab'll do ya
14. G - On Blueberry Hill
15. B - Mary Martin
16. G - John, Paul, George, Ringo
17. D - Who wrote the book of Love
18. B - Cause I eats me spinach
19. A - Smile, you're on Candid Camera
20. F - Melt in your mouth not in your hand 
I had fun with it so just thought I'd share.
Kat

The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award


     Thanks to a beautiful blogger and person, Jo, I have been given The Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award.   This is such an honor coming from Jo because she is one of the sweetest people I know.  If you haven't checked out her blog, My Wandering Mind you really should asap.  She is funny, entertaining, warm, witty and just an all around great writer.  Please take the time to visit her because you won't be disappointed.  You'll find yourself returning over and over and being so glad you did!  Thank you Jo.  Love you.

     Like anything worth receiving, there are obligations that go along with this reward.  

1.  I must proudly post the award in my acceptance blog.
2.  I must thank the person presenting the award and post a link back to their blog.
3.  I must share 7 completely random facts about myself.
4.  I must nominate 15 fellow bloggers to receive this award and post a note on their blog letting them know 
      they have been given an award.
5.  I must state these rules in my acceptance blog.

So, here we go with 7 things you may or may not know about me.

1.  I used to be a clown, literally, in a Christian clown troupe called the "Son-Shine Troupe".  My name was
     Blossom.

2.  I used to do folk art painting before arthritis started cramping my hands.


3.  I have always had a strong love of the beach, even though you can count on one hand the number of times
     I've actually been to one.

4.  I'm a big music lover, almost all kinds, almost.  Not much on hip hop and rap.

5.  I had never seen a real cow until I married a dairy farmer and became a farmers wife.

6.  I had a full academic scholarship to college that I gave up because I fell in love with the earlier mentioned
     dairy farmer and couldn't bear to leave him for 4 years.  I would do it all over again.

7.  I'm a pretty good cook.

      Okay, now that I've enlightened you on the subject of me, it's time for the fun part where I get to bestow the honor upon other deserving bloggers.  Please check them out for yourself.

Linda says... 
Recovering Church Lady 
The (not always) Lazy W 
Thoughts of PAPS
We Band of Mothers
Marlia's World
Ah, the possibilities!
Lighten Up!
Pearl, Why You Little...
Darlene ~Bloggity Blogger~

     If you're keeping track I know that is only 10 but I must quit to go fix lunch.  There are so many deserving bloggers out there so I'll leave it to you to find even more.  But for now please check out the ones I've mentioned.  And thank so much for the honor Jo.  I appreciate the award and you to the moon and back!

     And while we are talking about awards.  I have been so remiss in my manners.  Some time ago I was given a lovely gift by a beautiful person and I blatantly failed in publicly thanking her.
     This is the beautiful gift I was given by November Rain at http://bloggitwrite.blogspot.com/.  She is such a warm, encouraging person and has been a great friend and mentor to me.  This gift coming from her touched my heart beyond measure and I want to apologize to her for taking so long to let her know.  Please check out her blog if you are not already a follower.  She is a tremendous writer.  Thank you for the ray of sunshine November Rain.  I do have some in mind to pass it along to.

Until next time...that's my view.

Kat

    





























Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Wordless Wednesday

GBE Wordless Wednesday


Caribbean...take me away!

The Dilemma

     Just as the antique wall clock struck 7:00 a.m. Kari sat down in her creaky desk chair.  She didn't have to be there before eight but she loved to arrive early while the office was still quiet.  She would fill her huge mug that was shaped like a snowman with black coffee and sip it slowly as she collected her thoughts.   And today her thoughts were racing wildly.  What would she do?  What could she do?  How could she have fallen asleep before the guitar player even started his set?   And that dream...why had she dreamed of Keith.  She hadn't thought about him in years.  She hadn't wanted to ever think about him again after what he did to her.   It must have been because she had been thinking about Jimi Hendrix.  Keith had been obsessed with his music and they used to listen to it together on those moonlit nights by the lake.  She had been so young and naive then but now, 6 years later, she was much wiser and would never open herself up to that kind of pain ever again.

     She saw Devin watching her from his office.  Devin was her boss and she knew he would soon call her into his office to ask how the performance was.   Kari wanted to be taken seriously as a journalist and knew that her integrity and ethical beliefs were her first priority.  She knew what she had to do.   Before Devin had a chance to summon her she made her way through the myriad of desks and piles of papers, not even bothering to knock when she reached his open door.  Refusing his offer to sit, she poured out her story of what had happened the night before, omitting the part about the dream that still haunted her.   Devin listened intently.  It took all the composure he could muster to keep from laughing.  He knew he couldn't let her see his amusement.  He had been studying her face since she had arrived this morning and he knew that she was both exhausted and troubled.    He couldn't be too hard on her because the exhaustion was partly his fault.  He knew he had been sending her to too many late night concerts and performances.  He had been watching her since hiring her a year ago.  He knew she had the talent to go far in this business but he wasn't so sure that she had the edge.  News journalism was a tough business; cut-throat at times.  He just didn't think Kari could stand up to the big guns when things got rough.  But back to the situation at hand...

     Kari had finished her explanation and apologized profusely.  She stood with her head down for what now seemed like an eternity before Devin finally spoke.  "So, Kari, do you have a plan for an alternative column?  You know we can't have dead space in the newspaper." he said, trying not to be too stern.  And suddenly Kari's eyes started to twinkle.  This was her big break, the one she had been waiting for.  "What if instead of a review of his performance I turn it into a story about the man himself...how he got into the business - how he was influenced by Jimi Hendrix and so on.  I could schedule an interview with him this morning and get his real story.  I would still meet the midnight deadline."   How could he say no when she was so excited at the prospect of writing a real story instead of a review.  He gave her the go-ahead as she ran back to her desk to start making phone calls.  The interview was on.