Haiku! (a day late)

This week’s theme is: Guilty Pleasure?

SaraLee Pound Cake,

I am forever tempted

To eat all of you!

And by all of you

I mean every package made--

And all by myself.

Too much?

and if you don't know what I'm talking about.... you've never ever visited this blog before this moment.

Lee's Response to my poem: Somewhere between then and now.

Could it be the imaginary-words locked in the scope of two minds?
Could it be the usual-emotive moments that are withheld in secrecy?
Could it be a wishful bond that never gets the chance to connect?
Something might be gone soon.
It is the generic disguise that will surely make this a mystery.

Somewhere between then and now

It may all soon be gone.

The never-words stifled in our throats.

The rare-emotive moments closed forever.

There may never be another opportunity

For me to hear what you never intended to say.

Christmas Tag-along

My friend, Kelly over at My Voice My View, tagged me to play this fun Christmas meme. Bring it on!!!


Have you started your Christmas shopping? I'm almost there. I've got everyone but my parents, in-laws, husband, nephews, sister and grandma.... HmmMmMmMmMmM Okay I'm a lot less prepared than I thought!

Tell me about one of your special traditions. None. My parents are NOT the celebratory type. We barely even had a real tree most Christmases... did you read my post about the Christmas branch?!?!?

Are you a Black Friday shopper?  I went out on Black Friday and spent a fortune. Nothing I wanted was on sale! I'm the worst shopper ever.

When do you put up your tree?  I put it up the week after Thanksgiving. But i still don't have a full size tree. I have a forest of miniature trees that I've been collecting. All about a foot tall... Some fiber optic... Some with little ornaments... Some that I have to water!

Do you travel at Christmas or stay home? I travel but not too far. I live in Baton Rouge and we drive down to New Orleans where are families still live.

What is your funniest Christmas memory?  My mom was the only one that was home that Christmas morning. When I woke up, I had a bunch of little gifts: stickers, temporary tattoos, jacks, etc... My mom and I spent christmas morning playing jacks and putting silly tattoos all over me.  Years later i learned that my parents had been really low on cash and the night before Christmas my mom was hysterical because she had no presents for me. She went out to the Dollar General and got all those little gifts for me. Turns out I loved them more than the nintendo, bike, jackets, money that i would receive in the years to follow. 

What is your favorite Christmas movie of all time? I love those claymation movies.... The Rudolf one and the one about the elf with the big ears.... 

Do you do your own Christmas baking? What is your favorite Christmas treat?  I bake all year round.  I'm in a constant state of baking. It will be just another day of baking. I like to make rugelach... Ina Garten has a great recipe!

Fake or real tree? Fake! Less money in the long run. Although in LA they use the Christmas trees as a wetland preservation tool.

What day (as a mom) does the actual panic set in to get it all done? Christmas eve. lol I work well under pressure

Are you still wrapping presents on Christmas Eve? Absolutely

What is your favorite family fun time at Christmas? Opening presents

What Christmas craft do you like the best? Oh my goodness... I'm not crafty at all :(

Christmas music. Yes or no, and if yes, what is your favorite song? I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas music.  Favorite song "O Holy Night!" 

When do you plan to finish shopping?  By Christmas eve--definitely hahahah

Gotta Tag it along now:

Jessica

Amy

Nessa

Football Fans?

Well down in Louisiana there are TWO teams that matter, and they are: The Saints and the LSU Tigers!

Now I was born and raised in New Orleans Louisiana. Went to grade school on the west bank in a Catholic co-ed school. Went to high school on the west bank in a Catholic all girl school. Went to college on the west bank in a Catholic private college.... And down on the West Bank--We are Saints Fans!

There are some details you need to know about the Saints before you follow on with the post... The Saints, since the dawn of the franchise, have been losers.  We've never won a Super Bowl... hell we've never won a championship game at all.  We've been close---but never ever have we been winners... that is Until NOW!

Now the Tigers on the other hand, have won THREE National Championships. Have won countless bowl games.... They are truly winners.  Its easy to be a Tiger fan. 

It takes work and dedication to have been a Saints fan. 

I moved to "Tiger Land" Baton Rouge back in 2006... So these past 3 years have given me a respect and love for the Tigers. But the team closest to my heart have always been and will always be the Saints.   

If you follow football you MUST KNOW that the Saints and the Colts share a record of 13 games won with NO loses this season.  That is REMARKABLE.... Not because its 2 teams undefeated, but because the Saints are one of those 2 teams.  

but you better believe that New Orleans the city and the fans within that city and state, for that matter, are the absolute most ENTHUSIASTIC fans on the planet.   (Ever been to an LSU tailgate?  Trust me all of Baton Rouge packs up and travels the USA whenever there's a game.) Football is no joke in Louisiana. 

So if you want a taste of the songs/poems/videos being spread around this incredibly exciting season... here they are!!!!!

To the tune of "Grandma got run over by a reindeer":

"Falcons got runover by the Saints, dear, playin' down in Georgia Sunday eve. You can say there's no such thing as gris-gris, but as for us Who Dat's, we Believe. And we are all so proud of Drew Brees. He's been leading us so well, and we all can't help but wonder, how much ice is building up right now in hell..."

To the tune of "Let it snow":

"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the Saints are so delightful. and the Redskins they helped us go 12 and Oh, 12 and Oh, 12 and 0h!"

 ♫ ♫ City sidewalks, busy sidewalks, dressed in black and gold style, in the air there’s a feeling of winning….. Who dats passing, we’re all laughing, this is Drew’s big scene and on every street corner you’ll hear…Super bowl…Super bowl….It’s Super bowl time for this city ….ring a ling, who dats sing…. Saints marching on Super bowl day! ♫ ♫

Not me monday

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

I usually have a ton of things that I've not done, but I have been having a writing rut. So hopefully these couple of things will inspire me for more writing....

~I did NOT lose the belt to a hundred dollar dress. As a result I absolutely did NOT substitute a belt with a long black bra strap, and then wear it out to a baby shower, where I'm sure everyone no one noticed!!
~I've NOT put off cleaning my house since I threw a Pampered Chef party at my home last Thursday evening! That would be HORRIBLE and totally uncharacteristic of me. 

Haiku! My specialty

This week's theme: Spirit of Giving

You chubby old elf--

Threatening my Sanity

And my bank account,

Give me back Saint Nick!

Take your Black Friday maddness.

I will give more Love.

Disgusted--A truthful Tuesday

I admitted to a friend of mine yesterday that I'm disgusted with the consumerism of  Christmas. Because this was my first Christmas, I suppose it was my first time really witnessing how disgusting everyone is around the holidays. It's kind of like, "It's Christmas..... give me an ipod." "I've just gotta buy this video game console soon because Christmas is coming!"

You do not deserve any gifts just because it's Christmas. Everything that you receive is truly an unearned novelty. 
The children at our public library were filling out their lists to santa... and just the fact that there was a list of shit that they wanted grossed me out.  So I modified Lia's, and it read Dear Jesus instead. I made Lia dictate what she was thankful to Jesus for.  Here were some of her thoughts:

1. Thank you for "night time and the stars and my bed."
2. Thank you for "play."
3. Thank you for "presents and owen's presents and princess presents."
4. Thank you for "food."

I'm trying to instill in my daughter a sense of satisfaction. I know she's very young and may not completely understand, but it is so important to me. I guess by telling her I'm reminding myself because it is so easy to get into that mindset that the world owes you something. I'm owed a set of earrings... why ?!?! because its CHRISTMAS! Why else?! 

I feel sort of a like a grinchy beotch when I say these types of things. Really there are two sides to every story, and TRUTH be told I have always been in-love with Christmas. I Love the music, the feeling, the colors, the lights, the ideology. 

So if you want to know....

What do I want for Christmas????

I want to be a better mother. I want to be a beacon of faith and understanding for those around me.I want to be wiser with money.  I need prayers and guidance for Christmas.  I need more Jesus. 

I hope that all of you have a very happy Christmas--filled with family, friends, food, gifts, and cheer. There is something to be said about a gift that comes from the heart with the very intention of making you smile. That thoughtful little something that was just perfect, and which came from a person so intent to make you happy that they struggled over finding the right thing! That is beautiful. That is Christmas.  

Find yourself dancing all night and day?

Retreat

I've never been this overwhelmed with desire to be alone in a very long time. And not an hour upstairs where I still hear the chaos of family life echoing through the halls. Not alone but with constant interruption. Not alone but with the ever present sentiment that soon I'll have to reemerge and be mommy and wife and whatever the hell else I can be assigned.

I mean detached, private, personal, no-rush kind of alone. I-want-to-be-only-Jillien kind of alone.

It is the only thing I miss from my former life as a single, non-mother---my ability to escape and isolate myself. I need that kind of time. It is imperative to my nature.

Why right now? I have no clue. maybe because my daughter has been on vacation all week and my days and nights have been spent in her company and in my husband's company. Tomorrow she returns to school-even if it is only 3 hours. Perhaps I'll be over it after I've receive that break, but man I'm in dire need of it right now.

it has arrived.

I know I should be tired--I'm just not. It's cold outside, but it does not slow me down. It wouldn't dare. I ignore the crispy caresses of this new winter breeze. I have no shoes, and my running is causing painfully sharp pebbles to effectively pierce into my feet. No stumbling. Keep running. Its dark, and if a car were to turn the corner, there'd be no way for the driver to see me. Instant smash. This is a risk I'm willing to take. I'm almost there. Just around the bend. In the pitch, I see the tall metal box that holds my happiness. Wrapped somewhere within, it is waiting. Impatiently, I slow down and carefully assess this maddeningly organized set of locked boxes. The key. I hold the key that opens the one door. No stumbling. Keep searching.  Yes! It's open. Yes! It's in there. Stuck. How was this impossibly large package shoved into this ridiculously small nook? Dig. I force my cold hands into the small space and dig. I rip. I pull. I curse. I still feel the brisk wind on my face. My feet are still bare on the cold cement. My hands... My hands are scrapping against the metal sides.  My hands are pulling against the wrapping.  My hands hurt. It moves! I keep nudging. Finally, it is free! I hold it close to my body. Giddy. I'm giddy as I make the run back.  Running faster than before, in my impatience to hold it comfortably. All alone. I wish to be all alone with it. Its mine. The treasures it holds within its spine. The secrets it has kept from me. The nights and days I've spent pining are over.

Quotes of Late

C: "If Lexis made a mini-van, I'd drive that too-- you DDS asshole!

Lee: Happy day, Turkey.

Subway lady: "And who are you??!!? Cuz I know you ain't his WIFE!

Jillien: "No attitude. It was more like.... I give up."


Wanna read past quotes of late? Click Here :)

Wanna know a secret?

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alt="Confessions from a Working Mom" / />

I've never decorated for Christmas. 

Even growing up, the house was never decorated for Christmas.  Most years my parents would just plug in this one-foot-tall fiber optic tree, and that would be it. Some years we would actually buy a tree, but our family has actually celebrated several Christmases with a "Christmas Branch" that my dad found in the yard.... yup.

I have a three year old, and this is perhaps the worst year to decide that THIS IS THE YEAR. I am GOING to decorate for Christmas. I will learn how to string lights on a tree. I will hang stockings. I will do it all. 

Last year after Christmas, I hit Walmart and bought lights and everything else I could get my hands on, but there were no ornaments, christmas cards, or trees. 

So I have been looking around for an affordable tree, for ornaments, and for someone to teach me how to do the whole thing! 

Anyways, I suppose I don't know when is a good time to start decorating, but I do know this is my year :)

Yes Oscar. It is very important to be Earnest.

There is no such thing as a moral or an immoral book. Books are well written or badly written.

Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1891, preface

I have always claimed to be uniquely dualistic. I suppose I am not as unique as I once thought. This quote describes my exact feelings toward my own morality in relation to the literature I read and love. If a book, poem, short story, etc. is well written and moves me, I will cherish it. But it can in no way sway me from the very clear boundaries of my faith.


I was working on the proof of one of my poems all the morning, and took out a comma. In the afternoon I put it back again.

Oscar Wilde

Simply put. I do this very thing every time I write. It goes from proof to proof, through edit and edit.

I have read almost everything Oscar Wilde has written. He makes me laugh and think and yearn. I love his work. Almost every line he has written is quotable, and these are just a couple out of the dozens of his lines that have been ingrained eternally in my being, as a writer.

Have you a writer who has inspired your work? or who continues to surprise and enthrall you even after hundreds of times reading his/her works?

Yours

I fell in love with you
a little--
again.
Its funny,
Honey,
How your smile
Never fades
Even after days
And months
Have passed me by.
Goodbyes
Most every time
We say hello.
There we go--
Again.
Right at the end.
The punctuation:
An exclamation
Mark.
But the end
Nonetheless.
Just another waking dream
But with less of a gleam
And less love it would seem.

JM

Delve

In another writing rut

On command.

I need to tap into my muses mind

On command. 

No patience or desire

To be left behind.

To have to wait

For my will to take

What is rightfully Mine.

Talks With Toucans

Here's my little Indian Native American ;-) at her preschool Thanksgiving celebration!

Who am I?

There once was a girl named Jillien,
with hair dyed several shades of vermillion.
She partied night and day--
Wasted her money away
Not realizing true friends are one in a billion.

There then was a lady named Jill,
who met a young man and decided to chill.
It went a little farther.
They delivered a daughter.
Now she's up to her elbows in bills.

There now lives a woman named Jilli
Who never grew out of being silly.
She dreams of far off places,
While blogging and checking myspaces.
She reads and she writes at her will-y.

Delve

Opportunities

Analisa at A Word to Take Away spoke Truth in this Incredible Post(<--click to read)

I have been offered an overwhelmingly amazing opportunity, but like always when faced with challenges, I'm beginning to feel the nerves.

Can I live up to the expectation?

Will I succeed or disappoint?

Can I do this?

Analisa's words convinced me that YES of course I'll succeed because I have faith that the LORD will deliver all the tools I need in order to thrive! Yes, I can do this. Yes, I will be challenged and pushed to limits, but it will reveal the depths of my character and the depths of the LORD's power and love.

Upon finishing a book

Been staying up late every night
Just trying to finish you.
I'm exhausted...
Actually, I'm quite the opposite.
I'm overflowing with words,
and images,
and thoughts,
and horrors,
and victories.
I know its late,
But I've got an unread romance novel
Collecting dust on my overfilled book shelf.
Should go to sleep,
But knowing me, I'm most
Probably going to keep reading.
I'm not exhausted...
I'm quite the opposite.

Twas Not Me

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Growing up my parents would always say there was a phantom that lived in the house whose name was "Not Me."

"It was Not Me" I would claim whenever things would go missing or mysteriously break... Considering I am an only child, a strange phantom child who wreaked havoc upon our household was the only LOGICAL explanation.

So thanks to MckMama, I'm able to tattle-tale on Not Me once again....

Here we go!

I certainly did not wait until an hour before an expected visitor arrived at my home to begin cleaning frantically all over my downstairs.  

The upstairs living area is in No Way completely closed off to all guests because of its tremendous mess and dirt and chaos.

I totally did NOT forget to peel off the wallpaper in my bathroom that read "Looking for a good time? Call Flora Nemetz... Lord knows everyone else has!" before my IN-LAWS paid us a timely visit on Saturday. That would never ever have happened.

And finally... I did not purposefully forget to mention to my parents that we got a cat because I didn't want to hear all 4 of them nag at how dirty, expensive, needy being a pet owner could be. I would NEVER be so sneaky!

Well there you have it... Poor Not Me has struck again!

Sunday Citar: Banter

The Taming of the Shrew

PETRUCHIO Come, come, you wasp; i’ faith, you are too angry.
KATHARINA If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
PETRUCHIO My remedy is then, to pluck it out.
KATHARINA Ay, if the fool could find it where it lies.
PETRUCHIO Who knows not where a wasp does wear his sting?
In his tail.
KATHARINA In his tongue.
PETRUCHIO Whose tongue?
KATHARINA Yours, if you talk of tails: and so farewell.
PETRUCHIO What, with my tongue in your tail? nay, come again. Good Kate; I am a gentleman. (2. 1. 209-219)

This is one of my favorite dialogues in any of the Shakespeare plays. Petruchio is always one step ahead of Kate. She rants and rakes at him, yet he continues to jest and allow her insults to simply bounce off leaving him unscathed. Lee reminds me of Petruchio in that respect. Although I'm usually one step ahead of his wit, he is impenetrable by my insults. We make a good Shakespearean romantic lead.

JM

The Juice Joint

This is me dancing the Charleston during the dance contest at the Juice Joint.

I hosted a Murder Mystery party at my home a couple of weeks back... yes this was after a month FULL of birthday parties I planned for my daughter, which totaled 3 parties for a 3 year old!

Anyways it came out wonderfully, and we all had a blast! Here are some highlights!

Pressed

I'd think you'd fit just right--
Pressed up against me.
Barely sleeping this one night;
Tracing my body by clutching tight.

Friendship

"Wine from the Mists of Arbor"  Bueno

Friendship is such an incredible thing.  

One walks around life completely alone in his or her mind. All thoughts are encompassed within one, sole consciousness. And then the Lord gives us speech, in order to communicate those thoughts to others around us.  And we do.  We speak to an innumerable amount of people in our lifetimes, but there are only a few who communicate back in such a way that they reach the very core of our souls. Perhaps that person makes you laugh like no one else can.  Or gives counsels that touch your heart like no one else's can.  

And those few are given the distinct honor of being one's friend.

What is it?

"But I have never for a moment wavered in my belief that we would make each other very happy, and I swear to you, with my whole being, and no matter the circumstances, I do absolutely want you."

-Splendor, Anna Godberson

Ever want something so bad that no matter what has happened to that something or someone... you'd take it anyway.

Love can be a tricky little thing--at times its easily overlooked, ignored, denied, repressed, suppressed... but desire is so intensely simple that it's almost impossible to ignore. It rings in every fiber of your body. Desire consumes all thoughts. You fight against the impulse to just spring and take it.

Ever look at something and think, "I do absolutely want you."

My daughter has that look when she sees candy. My husband and my father share that desire for chocolate. Some, I'm sure, look at cars.... and others, I'm certain, look at people.

Whitney Update

I begin and draft so many updates about my lil bro without ever posting a single one.

Its probably because his life is ever changing. One second he's 12 years old sitting on the couch next to me talking while I'm watching TV... the next he's moving away. In a blink of an eye, he's in high school.... I take a breath and he's graduated. And now Whitney's in his first semester of college and preparing himself for boot camp! How is this possible?! How is he so adult and grown? Who am I that my little Whitney is a man?

Frantically I awaken and drowse.
Up and down--in my incompetency.
Why is this damn house never clean?

quotes of Late

Lee: Why does we always have to till someone comes over, before we clean the house?

Jillien: which one, the velopciraptor?

Mommy: I wants it.

Bueno: Customers can drink the water from a fountain of his tears. Where else would the water come out from??? His ears? No, eyes are better. 

Back Home

I live a mere hour and a half from my hometown... less than 2 hours to venture to the house that I spent 21 years living in. 

Why does it take such a push to get me to go? Why does it feel like I'm uprooting my life by just going down the road for a couple of hours. 

I need to lighten up. Just enjoy the drive. Enjoy technology... Enjoy the rain... Enjoy my perfect daughter....

I need to start enjoying more. So since i'll be away to NOLA for a few days here's this awesome clip....

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOzNrO54xsY <<<------totally worth clicking

Guilt

Is keeping me up tonight.

Ever say something, you had no business saying? Ever repeat someone else's business when it wasn't your place? My goodness do I have no freaking self control?

My 3 year old is in her second year of preschool and from the start it has been a bumpy road.
-connecting with the teacher
-feeling comfortable with the extremely regimented schedule
-doubting the effectiveness of the classroom environment

and at some point several of the mothers have voiced concerns about either the school, teacher, or their own child.

Who the hell am I to repeat someone else's concerns? I should be worrying about MY concerns, MY insecurities and doubts... I should be a supportive and trustworthy friend whom you should be able to entrust with your feelings and doubts. Do I have no self control that I feel the need to voice my opinion about everything? Am I that wise that I need to chime in on someone else's hardships?

The answer to those questions is: ABSOLUTELY NOT!

Its disgusting. Even though I was speaking to one of my best friends and am able to confide in her wholly and thoroughly, it still left a bad taste in my mouth. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion, but not all opinions are positive or encouraging or understanding.

And while I consider myself to be a supportive friend, it is also really difficult for me to hold my tongue when I think you're wrong. I always feel compelled to let you know that I think you're wrong. But that shouldn't be my place. As a friend I should support you when your wrong, celebrate with you in times of joy, mourn with you in times of sorrow, pray with you in times of hardship, and because of the love I have for you I should never voice any of those events to someone it does not concern.

This berating on my peace is my conscience lashing out--Teaching me a lesson to respect and put into practice the qualities of a good friend. I will take this and learn from it. I will be more thoughtful of my words and feelings--immediately putting in check any feelings or opinions that are not positive or helpful. I should be a fountain of living waters not a pit of self-gratifying opinions.
Amen

These Dark Seas

My small boat sways acutely on the dark blue seas. Tumbling the marbles of uneasiness within my unsettled stomach.  The winds are warm but bitter and smart the skin on my face. There is no light but that which dimly blinks from ages above-- just ancient light sifting its way through the hazy world onto these inky waters.  My throat is dry and feels swollen almost shut.  Swallowing is terrifying. My sticky wind pipe threatening to adhere to itself in one last rebellious stand against this oppressive, moribund shell I call a body-- closing air from my raw lungs forever. All the while, my small boat rocks. Drifting steadily toward an unknown target. Undulating me toward an unknown threat. How many more can I endure?

Delve

I betcha it feels like home

I betcha it will feel like home,
But the most unexpected kind of homecoming--
Considering you've never been there before.
It has only seized your mind.
It has only crept behind your lids at night--
Forcing you to dream never-before-seen places

And uncomfortably familiar faces.
Given the chance,
I'm sure you will take it.
The chance to jump ship
And sail away,
More like back away
Toward the unknown region.

Random Post Redux

Visit Kel and participate in Random Post Redux!

This is one of my many, ridiculous, and pointless One Act/One Scene plays... This one's from May of 2006 called Sad but Funny:

[There is a split stage; the two characters cannot see each other; Stage Right: Jillien sitting in her car talking to Lee who is on Stage Left: Sitting in his cube at work. They are on the phone with one another]

Jillien: [excitedly] Lee, guess what i did today that i haven't done in a REALLY long time, that it was starting to get disgusting. I'll give you three guesses.

Lee: Uhh I dont know.. you finally shaved your legs?

Jillien: [disappointed and amused at the same time] No i washed some clothes.

The End

Sunday Citar

"Do I dare disturb the universe?"
--Jerry Renault, The Chocolate War

Ever wonder if you only behaved the way you do because of an internal fear to mess up the norm, fear to rebel against the in crowd--against the drones? 

I do.  I always have impulses that seem to want to push me toward the "not so acceptable."  I've always been that way, and I suppose that is what made me into such a weirdo growing up. Don't get me wrong... I'm able to fit in at times, but with the forever present coating of strangeness mixed in.

my daughter's bubble party

I had a bazillion activities ready for this bubble party, but the 3 year old attendees were quite satisfied with the run around and make a mess activity.... So we kind of just left it at that! Lia had a blast, and that's what counts!

When someone looks to you for guidance or wisdom, that is a huge responsibility.

 It adds pressure when one has to be inspirational on the spot... 

Doncha think?

The music that filled my home.

My grandmother was my stay-at-home-mom. 

FOr most of my childhood I didn't know that she was 

actually NOT my mom.  Every night she would play 

music to help me go to sleep...These are some of 

my favorites from my childhood.

And quoth my husband, "nevermore."

Lee: "Why does she have to be so cheap? It just ruins it."

Lee: "All you ever do is talk about how you used to dance salsa with Dennis. You do NOTHING ELSE."

Lee: "They have fishes that put birds on their heads just to be cool."

This is why I love my old man.

JM

Inspire Me

"When you work, you work. When you pray, God works"

"When you pray you move the hands that move the world"

Where are all the men?

Do people rear chivalrous young men anymore?

Is that a quality deemed necessary in today's society? 

Women at an all time high in empowerment now-a-days. Do we still need gentlemen? 

.... i think so. 

I have a theory that chivalry is more common in some regions than others. But its a shame when a lady feels like she just lucked out when someone holds the door open for her when her arms are full, and she doesn't have to do that "pull with pinky finger, stick your foot in, kick it back, hold it open with your knee and squeeze on through" maneuver. 

The other day I had my daughter in my arms along with a few grocery bags and this guy runs over and offers to put my basket up for me. No he wasn't a worker there-- just a random gentlemen who saw a damsel in distress. Praise God for that gentleman. 

On the flip: Lia and I were holding hands about to enter a frozen yogurt shop.  A young couple were 2 feet in front of us. The young man opens the door, they walk through, and the door LITERALLY closes in our faces.  Sad.

I have to admit that in my city it  is rare that you aren't answered with a Yes Ma'am, No Ma'am... I'm 24 and I get yes ma'ams.  But the men here are lacking. 

Lacking in some good upbringing.

Jesus is my nutritive

"When you seek more, you will see more!" -- Mike Haman

Powerful message tonight at Church! 

Intuitive

Glossy air swirling in your mind--

Opaque and pearly,

It chills as it moves.

In this silky fog,

glide all your dreams--

over icy and remote vales and hills.

Faces and voices

of long-past people

are beckoned by the mind-spun wind.

And softly as the faintest whisper

It begins to hum

gently calling you to act.

End of September

Walking outside barefoot,
I am happily surprised to feel the faint chill in the air.
It circles around and hugs your bare skin.
It's the end of September, and the year is nearing an end.
And we really feel it on days like this.
There are no crispy, red leaves
being methodically raked in large front yards.

But there is the air.
Air that flows not just over me
But over the world.
Lifting and cooling from the topmost points
Shifting and raging its way down the globe
Till finally, it hit me here.
Soft and subtle cold.
The kind of cold that northerners would snuff at--
Thinking to themselves, "You don't know what cold is."
You're right. I don't.
I've worn flip flops on Christmas Day.
I'm wearing flip flops as I type today.
But the air doesn't lie,
And its song is universal.
Singing, "Fall is come.
And the year is near done."

You always wait

Till the impossible moments--

Right when it's time to end.

Hard to read

Even tougher to mend

Are the blurry and idle

Words you send.

Then higher and higher we both go--

Leave it to me to let it all go.

Leave it to you to never show.

What you mean 

Way down below.

Not that serious at all to you.

I wish for me that were also true. 

For those of you who love the ShamWOW! Introducing: Paper Towels

The things i say

My daughter breathes in my face:  "EwwwWww Lia... you've got dragon breath"  

--Translation: Your breath stinks.

I look at my bum in the mirror at Target: "That's terrifying... I've got goblin butt!"

--Translation: My butt is dimply and saggy and horrendous.

I attempt to eat the nastiest chicken ever cooked @ Macaroni Grill: "Ixnay on the artichokesnay"

--Translation: I don't know what I'm saying and apparently I think its called a Snartichoke.

What am I thinking about this Sunday evening?

I am Holy Rolling Today! a Sweepstake

Blog about The Jesus Storybook Bible and you could win 16 copies (a case) of The Jesus Storybook Bible Deluxe Edition! Submit your e-mail address and blog-post URL HERE for entry.

Its also a Zonderkids book, which if you aren't familiar... they publish veggietales and other REALLY awesome, moral kids books and stories!

Wouldn't winning this be amazing!?! I could give one out to each of Lia's classmates. We have a toddler bible that we read at night, but we're about half done the new testament.  It would be nice to begin again with fresh words and pictures. 

2 Cor 12: 5-10 (NIV)

⁵I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. ⁶Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say.

⁷To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. ⁸Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. ⁹But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. ¹⁰That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

To remind me to always allow the LORD to rest his power on me, for his strength is made perfect in my weakness.

The Road

Finding a place for my mind to rest peacefully is difficult right now.  I'm at  a place where i can either let things go or build them back up. Its a really dizzy spot.  I'm sure we've all found ourselves facing crossroads.  The funny things is we often don't realize that we have 3 choices... Take the left route, take the right route, or come back the way we came and do it all over again. Perhaps someone will have paved an interstate over these forks by then...

I've been tagged!!

It only took me 2 eternities to check my blog!  

My beautiful blogging friend Kelli, tagged me for this! Enjoy.

1) What’s your current obsession? Mafia Wars on Facebook

2) What’s your weirdest obsession? My celebrity crushes. I really do obsess sometimes.

3) What are you wearing today? khakis shorts and a white tank top

4) Why is today special? Today is lia's first day of school

5) What would you like to learn to do? sight read music

6) What’s the last thing you bought? Food and school supplies

7) What are you listening to right now? The TV playing in the other room. ER just finished.

8) What’s your favorite weather? cold bright autumn days or rainy evenings

9) What’s your most challenging goal right now? trying to become a teacher

10) What do you think about the person who tagged you? An incredible writer and a very sweet woman with lots of things to teach and share.

11) What's your favorite guilty pleasure? cinnamon pretzels from the mal

12) Favorite vacation spot? I can count on ONE FINGER how many vacations i've been on.  I'd have to say the beach though.

13) What would you like to have in your hands right now? MONEY lol

14) What would you like to get rid of?  My debt.

15) If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go: Backpacking across Europe. Visit its history and its richness.

16) Which language do you want to learn? Sign Language

17) What super power would you like to possess?  Super Spiritual Strength

18) What’s your favorite thing about the city you live in? LSU Tigers!!  Its really amazing the camaraderie you feel as a tiger fan.

19) What’s your favorite piece of clothing in your own closet? A comfy dress i can throw on and go about my day

20) What’s your dream job? Broadway actress or singer. Wouldn't it be nice to hear applause every night? (OMG! That's my dream too!! Always been)

21) If you had $/£/€150 now what would you spend it on? In US Dollars that's $215.43. Can you point me to the nearest bookstore? I also would like to finally get an Ipod:)  (OMYGOODNESS again!! I totally agree)

22) Do you admire anyone’s style? Style::::: I'm not very stylish! i really wouldn't know

23) Describe your personal style. Just grab it and go. Its doesn't even have to be ironed :)

24) What is your weakest character trait?  I always think I'm right. 

25) What talent would you like to have?  Dancing... dont' get me wrong. I can groove, but like ballet or tap...

26) What are you most proud of? Finishing college

27) If you could choose one person to have lunch with who would it be and why? I would like to each lunch with Georges St. Pierre and then ask him to marry me. (don't bother that I have a husband lol!)

Now the rules of this tag: 
1) Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.

Okey dokey! So its been a while

I've been away

With nothing to say

And too much to do

Without words to assign it to.

I 'm feeling the urge

For my writing to surge

and i'm rapping this rhyme

for you one more time.

Keep your eyes open

And keep your heart hoping

I'm coming back

With my blogging Rap!

Pre-readers: Meet the Alphabotz

This is such an awesome little website. Its mostly products but it's a great concept to help kids to learn phonics and letters!! check it out! 

The link I'm posting is the activity page, but if you navigate away there are more features on the site.  I would love to hear what y'all think

http://alphabotz.com/fun.html

Good Sports:

Sasha Cohen plays Ali G, an urban style interviewer. Sasha Cohen also plays Borat and Bruno.

In this video Ali G is interviewing David Beckham and Posh Spice... he hits some low blows, bu they are excellent sports about it all. Have a look see and enjoy this beautiful Thursday :)

Photo Friday

Nice to meet someone so much like myself!

This orangutan lives in the New Orleans Audubon Zoo.  

This particular orangutan placed paper bag on his head once it began to rain... Ingenius... I got soaked! 

It gets me thinking. These brilliant, large, beautiful creatures are so charming. They are human-like in a way that some humans could never be. (We have some sick, merciless, and demented humans out there!)  Anyway, I stop and think often of this one point:  How different are all of us anyway?  I mean think about it... our DNA is something like 98% identical to that of a chimpanzee.  While all of us, including myself, revel in our originality, our uniqueness, really if we're that close to an ape, we must be so much more mind-blowing-ly  close to one another. 

I believe that if one is able to really become self-aware, understand his own nature, evaluate and reflect on his humanity that that individual would have such incredible insight on the human race as a whole. 


Hosted by Cecily and MamaGeek

How to be an Angel

Thats the Cootie Mama smiling on the right, in her very first dancing class. She had the most beautiful dance dress of all (if i do say so myself) and this was in part because of the Cootz refusing to wear anything that doesn't look like a "Princess Dress".... there are also: Princess Shoes, Princess Makeup, and Princess Bows. 

The Drawing Dead

Simple as the setting Sun
Dancing when the day is done
Singing as the dead all come
In lines as infinite as the world is long

Happily sitting on its lap
Cuddling against him-- warm and fat
Sighing and humming in quiet relief
Never believing this peace will cease.

Suddenly, its belly rumbles.
Fat and plump are these carrion crumbles.
It eats them all, each one by one
Until the infinite are chewed and gone.

But rest assured that more will come--
Just as simply as the setting Sun
Just as there's dancing when the Day is done.
He'll be singing when the dead all come.

I very rarely append my poetry with an explanation of my inspiration or an explanation of my meaning.  But after my husband read this and said he didn't get it, I felt inspired to write about this poem. The Drawing Dead is a dark poem inspired by my past poetry that often had some treacherous or demonic villain or the beings/persons in my poem were doomed to a certain fate because of some flaw in their behavior.  Often my writing can be fantastical or ridiculous in some way, and I'm currently reading a book of short stories by a writer, while far superior to me in writing quality, is in his own way very dark, super fantastical, and often, vague and intangible.

What does this poem mean? Anything really. The only important thing to me is that it means something.