The Pyramid Collection

My boyfriend, Nathan, gave me a catalog for "The Pyramid Collection"
because he knew that there were several things in it that I might like.
He's right. Yes, I'll admit it! I haven't actually had a chance to order
anything from it yet, but I plan to do so. It's hard for me to make up
my mind what I want since there's so many pretty things: clothes, jewelry,
wind chimes, figurines, etc. etc. I was reading their catalog on the bus,
and a friend of mine saw the cover and wanted to look at it too. I was worried
that she wouldn't give it back! Although, really, I didn't have much to worry
about since they also have a website.

Here's a few items (from the many) that I like to share:

Isn't this ring lovely! It's also my favorite color.

Imperial Amethyst Ring Item #: P41769
Price: $39.95

"Why "Imperial"? Because it's fit for an empress. This cabochon of genuine faceted amethyst sparkles in an elaborate casting of antiqued sterling silver: concentric circles of braids and spheres on a triple-fluted band. Handcrafted. Whole sizes 5-9."

This little door & foot prints are so adorable!

Elf Door and Path Stones Set Item #: P27908Price: $39.95

"Who's there? Elves, apparently! Guests will do a double
take at the sight of this diminutive door and these tiny
footprints. Ready to place against baseboards, on porches,
outdoors, or in other visual "ambush" locations, these
handpainted resin accents add a touch of whimsy to any
decor. Door has recessed hanger and enameled wire stand
for mounted or upright display. Imported from Ireland.
Door: 4 1/2" x 6". Path Stones: 2" diam."



My choir director plays the Celtic harp beautifully. What a
soothing instrument!

Celtic Harp & Book Item #: P23990XPrice: $389.00

"Here's an instrument to charm the pixies themselves! Known to the West since about the 10th century, the harp was adopted most widely by the bards and troubadours of medieval
Eire (Ireland) and Cymru (Wales). We're proud to present this handsome example, crafted of handcarved rosewood and mahogany in the traditional, 19-string "lap-top" configuration
of the Celtic harp. The frame is inlaid in an endless-knot motif and fitted with a row of metal tuning pegs, string guides, and pitch-shifters. A magnificent instrument, as decorative as it is musical! Includes wood-handled tuning key, Laurie Riley's Basic Harp for Beginners (Paperback, 77 pp.), and full set of replacement
strings. Made in Pakistan. PLEASE ALLOW 4 TO 6 WEEKS FOR
SHIPPING. 31" high. Sorry, no express delivery on this item."

There are sooo many wonderful clothes that I had a
hard time picking out a couple of things.

Blossoms Dress Item #: P8710
Price: $69.95

"A profusion of blossoms clings to the vine of sequins trailing down
the front of this bias-cut dress. Each screenprinted leaf and flower
sparkles, tumbling from v-neck and filmy, split-cap shoulders to the
gracefully flared hem. 100% rayon georgette. Dry clean. Imported.
Color: Black/Multi. Sizes: S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16), XL (18),
1X (18W-20W); 48"-51" long."

Lavender Fantasy Top Item #: P8758
Price: $49.95

"A sheer delight literally! Our filmy, flouncy fantasy top
features a prettily ruffled neckline, full-length sleeves,
and shirred shoulders for ultrafemininity. 100% polyester chiffon. Hand washable. Imported. Color: Lavender Multi. Sizes: S (6-8), M (10-12), L (14-16), XL (18), 1X (18W-20W), 2X (22W-24W), 3X (26W-28W); 22 1/2"-25 1/2" long. A Pyramid Exclusive!"


Now, I just need to get around to placing an order.
I won't be getting all of the above. I already known that I
won't be buying the harp, which it is very nice, but not in
my current budget. I have bee thinking for getting a guitar
or an electric keyboard, something along those lines. I think
it's fun just to look at this stuff!

For more browsing, here's the link to "The Pyramid Collection" website http://www.pyramidcollection.com/

Until I type again,
Kami

Reemergence

  

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net    

     The following short story "Reemergence" is an original story that I wrote, the main character is fictional, but it is based on some of my own feelings and experiences.

     Reaching across the bed, Rachel felt the emptiness beside her. Only half awake, at first, a jolt of awareness slammed into her. What had she expected? That time had reversed itself? That a British boy with glasses and a magic wand had cast a spell for her? Or, perhaps, that Santa Claus had visited her bearing a gift no elf could ever make?

     No, no. Reality included none of these extraordinary events. She was as alone upon waking as she had been while falling asleep. Her queen-sized bed held only herself, curled up on the left-hand side of it, blankets wrapped around her as tightly as if she were in a very narrow sleeping bag.

     The blankets, so tightly around her, felt soothing, cocoon-like. Yes, a cocoon was a good comparison. For, within a cocoon, comes transformation. A fuzzy, many-legged, marvelous creature forms a cocoon as protection when it is most vulnerable. Such protection is necessary for its survival.

     She, too, had created a cocoon, built of both her own emotional defenses and of the support of loved ones. Rachel felt her cocoon had been protecting her as surely as that of a caterpillar. It had been vital to her when she, like the caterpillar, had been most vulnerable. It was shelter when she was most in need of protection while the transformational powers of growth and healing were at work upon her.

     This transformation had been taking place deep within her. It had been a gradual process; painful, confusing, coming in fits and starts. Yet, Rachel was beginning to see results now. Healing was happening. Grief was beginning to loosen its strangle hold upon her. She was finding that she could breathe again.

     The flow of time was pulling her along into newer and newer territory. No time travel. No magic wands. No jolly elves. Finally, she felt that none of these were required. The forces of the Universe, some power beyond herself, had guarded her, guided her, nurtured her within a cocoon of love.

     Rachel knew that, like the sheltered caterpillar, she was no longer the same creature as she had been before. She would never be the same. In some ways, this loss of her former identity was the hardest adjustment of all. She grieved for this loss, surely as much as for the loss of her husband, whose head would never again lay on the pillow beside her. Crying, raging, aching, longing, falling and falling into wells of numbness, of anger, and of sadness. Then, climbing out of those wells over and over again. She had done that, would no doubt, at times, do that again.

Grief had changed her. The process of coping, the natural instinct to survive, and the hope that some relief would eventually arrive, had worked together to mold her into a new person. Rachel didn't know if she was the sort of caterpillar who would become a moth or the sort that becomes a butterfly. It didn't really matter. Knowing was less important, at this stage, than simply being. Thus, Rachel pulled herself up and out from the cocoon of blankets. Out of bed, into the world, she reemerged.

    ---The End ---

 

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net   

Until I type again,

Kami

Chewing Gum

     I love to chew gum. I've been known, on several occasions, to chew it until my jaw is aching. Gum is sweet, tasty and adds a little boost to my self-esteem when I'm feeling especially clumsy. How so? Well, I might be tripping over, running into and dropping things all day, but give me a piece of gum, and I'm reassured that things aren't so bad. Hey, at least I'm still able to walk and chew gum at the same time!
     Traveling in Greece last year, I stayed on the island of Chios. Chios is famous for it's mastic trees, and the products produced from mastic tree resin. Mastic gum is said to be the earliest of gums, and I've tried several different varieties. I loved them all, but I realize that not everyone else I know feels the same way. While I tried orange and lemon flavors, the traditional flavor of mastic gum essentially tastes like tree sap. This was no problem for me because, as a child, I loved the taste of tree sap. I would look around for and would find sap that had dripped down the sides of trees and dried a bit. I would scrape this sap off and chew it like gum. I wonder if this is the same way the original mastic gums were first created? Did a curious child scrape off some tree sap and then say (in Greek, of course) "Here, Dad! Here, Mom! Try this! It's cool!"
     In college, I spent a semester studying abroad in Singapore. Singapore is well known to have outlawed the sale of gum. (Although this was modified in 2004) Why the ban? The reason I was given was that the government became fed up with the mass amount of gum that was littered everywhere. This fits in with the steep littering fines also to be found in Singapore. As far as the gum littering problem, gum stuck on the doors of elevators and metro trains was said to have slowed down people getting around the city, particularly making people late for work. This was said to be a major problem in a city where car ownership and usage is outrageously expensive, and most of the population must depend on various forms of public transit.
     I don't known how accurate this reason for the anti-gum law really was. Also, I don't know how much gum usage was really reduced by this ban. I witnessed first-hand that gum can easily be purchased in nearby Malaysia and brought into Singapore by individuals wanting to stock up and share with friends and family members. My dorm at the National University was filled with this contraband. So, while I couldn't buy gum when I was actually in Singapore (unless I took a short city bus to/from Malaysia), I found it easily available for chewing. This was fortunate since I wasn't fond of the idea of giving up my gum chewing habit.
     Thinking about the sale of gum in Singapore reminds me that, without gum on the shelves, it did seem as if Singapore had more mints available. I noticed that there were especially a lot of Mentos candies to be found in the in the markets, much more than I normally see on the shelves of a typical grocery store in the United States. To put this in perspective, though, keep in mind that Singapore is a small country, and Americans actually buy more Mentos each year than any other country (according to the company website). Nevertheless, I have a conspiracy theory that the Singaporean government and a conglomerate of mint makers, including the Mentos company, created the anti-gum law as a marketing scheme to sell more mints in Singapore. Somehow, I don't think this theory will catch on as much as conspiracy theories such as "Who Shot J.F.K.?" and "What's really at Area 51?", but you never know...

For more information:

Here's a Wikipedia article on "Chewing Gum" that I found interesting:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chewing_gum 

Here's a link to the official website for Mentos (This could be especially helpful in exploring my conspiracy theory):  http://www.mentos.com

And, last but not least, here is a YouTube video created for the Discovery channel on the making of bubble gum.



Until I type again,
Kami

Happy Birthday Mary Cassatt

     Today is artist Mary Cassatt’s birthday (born May 22, 1844 – died June 14, 1926).  I have long admired her work, and I wanted to share something about it here.  Mary Cassatt was an American impressionist painter and printmaker.  She was born in Pennsylvania, but she studied and lived most of her life in France.  This is where most of her work was exhibited. 

     Impressionism has always been one of my favorite artistic styles.  I love the magical quality of these works.  It is hard for me to believe that impressionist works were once considered radical, ugly and unskilled pieces by their early critics.  This was mostly due to the obvious brushstrokes in the pieces and their unexalted subject matter; often either landscapes or ordinary people engaged in everyday activities.  In its early days, impressionistic works were often not even considered to be “real” art because they did not portray royal, historical, religious or mythological figures/scenes. 

     I wonder how Mary Cassatt’s work must have seemed during her own time.  She was highly successful, but clearly she can be classified amongst theses artistic non-conformists.  She was part of a revolution in the art world.  Although, looking at her pieces now, it can be difficult to imagine this.  Mary Cassatt’s pieces are serene, lovely and delicate.  “Revolutionary” or “radical” are certainly not the first words that pop into my head when I look at them.  Her style is clearly impressionistic in its characteristic use of light, color, form, technique and subject matter.  Besides the remarkable fact of her success in male dominated art world of her time, her subject matter is deeply feminine.  Her work featured female subjects, and they primarily show us a mother and child and emphasize the bond between them.

     Also unique to her time, Mary Cassatt didn’t paint religious works of Madonna with child, which was the traditional, albeit idealized, mother/child image in Western art up until then.  Her mother/child pieces are not religious subjects, not glamorous women and not depictions of anyone famous.  These works portray ordinary women and their ordinary children.  Yet, Mary Cassatt’s creations demonstrate the significance, the true holiness, to be found in loving human relations.  She shows us that subjects which may be traditionally considered secular can be transformed into the sacred if they are seen through different eyes.        

     As the Metropolitain Museuam of Art describes her: "Mary Cassatt (1844-1926) was a unique artist because she was a woman who succeeded in what was in the nineteenth century a predominantly male profession, because she was the only American invited to exhibit with a group of independent artists later known as the Impressionists, and because she responded in a very distinctive way to their mandate to portray modern life."

     Here are just a few examples of Mary Cassatt's work. 

 

Mother Feeding Child, 1898
Pastel on wove paper, mounted on canvas, 25 1/2 x 32 in. (64.8 x 81.3 cm)
Gift of Dr. Ernest G. Stillman, 1922 (22.16.22)

  

 

Lydia Crocheting in the Garden at Marly, 1880
Oil on canvas, 26 x 37 in. (66 x 94 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Gardner Cassatt, 1965 (65.184)

 

 

 

 

Maternal Caress, 1891
Drypoint, soft-ground etching, and aquatint, printed in color, 14 3/8 x 10 1/2 in. (36.5 x 26.7 cm)
Gift of Paul J. Sachs, 1916 (16.2.5)

 

All pictures are courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art - for more information and more examples of her work see their website ---   http://www.metmuseum.org

 

 Until I type again,

 Kami

The Tale of EmmaJean Dragonfly

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net 

I wrote this story "The Tale of EmmaJean Dragonfly" recently.  It was written both in celebration of my love of fiction and in honor of the six-year girl that eternally lives inside me.     

*****DISCLAIMER*****  

Please note that this tale is a work of fiction only.  Any resemblance to any actual people, dragonflies, trees, buildings, ponds, mosquitoes, gnats, no-see-ums, etc. etc. is purely coincidental.  Also, no dragonflies were harmed in the writing of this story.  There were a few insects eaten.  Sorry.

    EmmaJean Dragonfly was not the smartest of dragonflies.  She tended to fly slower than most of her kind.  She flew backwards instead of forwards (although this was not intentional).  Somehow she was always more clumsy and awkward than most other dragonflies.  While she flew from place to place, large items, such as trees and buildings, tended to jump out and block her path.  Poor EmmaJean often ran into them with a loud and painful "Thunk!"

    One day, on a day like most days, EmmaJean flew to the Big Pond on the far end of the Wide Meadow.  Now, a smarter dragonfly would get to the Big Pond just as the sun was beginning to slip below the tree line in the distance.  This time, just before sunset, was the time of day when the mosquitoes and gnats and no-see-ums would begin to arrive.  As if by magic, they would cluster around the Big Pond in great, buzzing hoards. 

    EmmaJean especially liked the mosquitoes.  They tasted sooo nice!  The mosquitoes were also a lot larger than the little gnats or the teeny-tiny, nearly imaginary no-see-ums.  A smart dragonfly would have arrived early enough so that they could enjoy those tasty, plump, mosquitoes, but, alas, EmmaJean wasn't the smartest of dragonflies.  

     It was rare that she had opportunity to eat many mosquitoes, and this day was no exception.  Poor, poor, sad EmmaJean Dragonfly arrived late at the Big Pond.  She arrived long, long, long after the sun had already set.  It was too late to eat any of the largest, fattest, juiciest mosquitoes.  No, those choice morsels went to the smarter, better skilled dragonflies.  They went to those dragonflies that could fly fast instead of slow, forwards instead of backwards.  They went to those dragonflies that didn't run into any trees or buildings or anything else for that matter.  Most importantly, the largest, fattest, juiciest mosquitoes went to those dragonflies who planned ahead, who arrived early, and who were all much, much smarter than EmmaJean.     

    When she arrived late at the Big Pond, EmmaJean had only the smallest of insects left to eat.  She was so slow and clumsy that she really had a hard time catching any food at all.  On days like today (and this was really typical of most days), EmmaJean found it difficult to catch enough of the little bugs to make up a complete meal.   

     It was very, very, very late before EmmaJean’s stopped hunting for insects.  She finally felt full enough, and she was also feeling soooo sleepy.  At this point, most dragonflies would have been smart enough to gently lie down upon a nearby leaf, their body resting and their wings outspread, yet unmoving.  They would be tired but also sated and at peace.  This is what most dragonflies would be smart enough to do, but EmmaJean was not a smart dragonfly. 

     Even feeling as exhausted as she did, even as slow and backward and awkward as she flew, EmmaJean still decided not to stay and rest after her hunting.  She flew back across the Big Pond, over the Wide Meadow and through the Deep Forest.  All the while, she ran into countless things; those pesky things which frequently liked to jump out at her.  Finally, FINALLY, with barely any energy left remaining, EmmaJean reached the Thick, Leafy Shrub that she called home.  Waiting for her there was her sister; her older, wiser, sister, MerriLee.

     MerriLee Dragonfly was one of the smartest of dragonflies.  She tended to fly faster than most of her kind, and she usually flew forward instead of backwards (unless she intentionally felt like doing otherwise).  Large items, such as trees and buildings, never chose to jump out at her and, thus, did not block her path in the slightest.

    Those dragonflies that wisely arrived at the Big Pond early always included MerriLee.  She enjoyed munching on the largest, fattest, juiciest mosquitoes.  It was, after all, these choice morsels that usually go to the smart, skilled dragonflies like MerriLee.

     On this day, when EmmaJean arrived at the Big Pond at her typically late time, MerriLee arrived as early as usual.  The sun was just beginning to slip below the tree line in the distance, when MerriLee began her feasting.  The plump, tasty mosquitoes were so plentiful that it took almost no time at all for her to feel full.  She stopped hunting and rested upon the leaves near the edges of the Big Pond.  A little later, after she was done resting, she gracefully flittered away.    

     MerriLee flew across the Big Pond, over the Wide Meadow and through the Deep Forest.  All the while, she ran into absolutely nothing, and nothing was ill-behaved enough to jump out at her either.  Quickly, efficiently, with plenty of energy left remaining, MerriLee reached the Thick, Leafy Shrub that she called home.  It was still fairly early, and it would be a long, long, long while before her sister would arrive home.  This was all due to the fact that MerriLee was one of the smartest of dragonflies, and her sister, EmmaJean, was not.

    Then, one day, a day that was remarkably different than any previous day, all the dragonflies at the Big Pond had a great surprise.  MerriLee (not at all surprisingly) had arrived at the Big Pond at her typical early time, and, as she usually did, she flitted about saying hello to all the other smart dragonflies.  She was just about to begin hunting, when who should also arrive at the Big Pond?  Yes, as you’ve probably guessed already, it was her younger sister, EmmaJean. 

     All of the smartest of dragonflies, including MerriLee, began to exclaim their surprise to one another.  "How strange!"  "How amazing!"   "EmmaJean had arrived at the Big Pond early!"  "This had never happened before!"  "How, for goodness sake, had this happened?!?"

     It turned out that EmmaJean was more than happy to explain the new circumstances to them all.  She admitted to her fellow dragonflies that she was still slow and clumsy.  She acknowledged that she still flew backwards, and she still flew into most things.  (It really was quite difficult to avoid them when they were so ill-behaved as to jump out at her!)  She confessed that she knew that she was still not among the smartest of dragonflies.  Yet, now there was one very, very, very important thing differently in her life.  Now, EmmaJean Dragonfly had discovered that even those who are not among the smartest of their kind are, nevertheless, able to LEARN.               

                               - - - The End ---

Until I type again,

  Kami

That's A Cracker Jack Story

     Recently, my boyfriend, Nathan, and I took a trip to Seaside, OR.  On the drive back, we stopped for some snacks and came across one that neither of us had eaten in a long time.  Of course we had to buy it, if simply for nostalgic reasons alone.  This is snack is called Cracker Jacks.  If you've had this snack before, then you'll know right away what I'm taking about, but if you've not, let me stop now and tell you a little about it.  

    Cracker Jacks are a mixture of caramel-covered popcorn and some peanuts.  It comes in a single-serving, rectangular cardboard box.  The label on the box is a distinct red, white and blue and always shows a little sailor on it.  Inside every box, there is the traditionally much coveted prize.

    Now, eating our Cracker Jacks as we drove North, Nathan told me about how he doesn't care for the peanuts.  He told me that, as a child, he used to trade with his sister, giving her his peanuts in exchange for her prize.  I, on the other hand, like the peanuts best of all, and personally believe that each box should include a whole lot more of them.  I must agree with his sister, and I, too, would be willing to exchange my prize for more peanuts.

    We also discussed how great some of the prizes used to be, but how they're quality had decreased over time.  No longer filled with neat little toys, now the prizes are usually made of paper or cardboard, less exciting that what one might find in a typical box of children's cereal.  On this trip, for instance, we were not surprised to find pieces of paper printed with a picture and instructions that told us it's to decorate the end of a pencil.  Whooped-Di-Do!  It would have been disappointing if we hadn't already known the quality of the Cracker Jack prize had long ago deteriorated into this state.  Nevertheless, I still enjoyed my box of Cracker Jacks.  I especially enjoyed eating them with Nathan, since he gave me his peanuts.  Yummmy!

   Thinking about Cracker Jacks, I was curious about how they came into being and how long they've been around.  What do I do when I want to know about something?  I google it, of course!  I wasn't surprised to learn that Cracker Jacks' has it's own website.  I've included what I found to be the most interesting page on the official website and some links for more information.   

Official Cracker Jack website: http://www.crackerjack.com/home.htm

Wikipedia article on Cracker Jacks (which includes a long list of interesting pop culture references to Cracker Jacks):  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cracker_Jack 

1893  According to legend, a unique popcorn, peanuts and molasses confection that was the forerunner to Cracker Jack caramel coated popcorn and peanuts is introduced by F.W. Rueckheim and Brother, at the World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago's first World's Fair. 1896  Louis Rueckheim, F.W.'s brother and partner, discovers the process for keeping the molasses-covered popcorn morsels from sticking together. Louis gives the treat to a salesman who exclaims, "That's crackerjack!" "So it is," says F.W. Rueckheim, who then has the words trademarked. 1908  The song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is written by Jack Norworth, who writes the lyrics during a 30-minute subway ride, and Albert Von Tilzer, who composes the music. Cracker Jack brand is immortalized with the third line, "Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack." 1912  "A Prize in Every Box" is introduced when toys are inserted into every package. 1918  Sailor Jack and his dog, Bingo, first appear on packages. 1955  Cracker Jack begins advertising on television with the appearance of Cracker Jack on CBS-TV's "On Your Account" which is televised to 130 stations nationally. 1964  Columbus, Ohio-based Borden, Inc. purchases the Cracker Jack Company. It becomes the Cracker Jack division of Borden, Inc. 1975  Automated, high-speed, continuous cooking machinery replaces the metal tubs in which Cracker Jack was batch-coated. 1992  Butter Toffee flavor Cracker Jack Popcorn is introduced. 1993  Cracker Jack celebrates its 100th anniversary. 1995  Fat-free Cracker Jack brand is introduced. 1997  Frito Lay purchases Cracker Jack brand from Borden. 1999  A new Cracker Jack television ad runs during the championship pro football game on January 31st. It's the first   television advertising for Cracker Jack brand in 15 years. Frito Lay launches crackerjack.com to inform and entertain fans of Cracker Jack. Cracker Jack releases Butter Toffee Clusters in November.

2000  In response to strong consumer demand, Cracker Jack launches Butter Toffee Peanuts. 2002  Frito Lay redesigns crackerjack.com to keep up with changing technologies on the Internet.

All trademarks are owned by  Frito-Lay North America, Inc. © 2002-2008 Designed by bloomfield knoble

Until I type again,
Kami

Whats Ya Gonna Call It? Helping Sarah Palin Title Her Upcoming Autobiography

Today, I’d like to offer my assistance to a dear lady whom you’ve probably heard a lot of, Sarah Palin. (Aaaak! Uhhh! Puke! - Sorry, about that. My gag reflex automatically kicking in here.) Sarah Palin, as you are likely well aware, was the Republican Party’s most recent candidate for U.S. Vice-President. I believe that she’s also a good example of much that is wrong with the Grand Old Party.
Recent news reports are saying that Palin has been given a book deal to write her autobiography. Honestly, I’m torn with feelings of both nausea and curiosity about such a book. This is the same sort of mixed emotions that I’d have coming across a car accident. I want to both look and not look at the same time.
In an attempt to be a good sport about Palin’s writing career, I’ve decided that I’d like to offer her my help with her upcoming project. Certainly, there have been many times when I’ve thought, “This woman needs help!” So, I offer here some of my suggestions for a possible title to her new book.

My suggestions for Sarah Palin’s autobiography:

· “The Queen of the G.O.P (Grossly Outdated Party)”

· “Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus And I’m From Wasilla”

· “How To Bake A Caribou Cake”

· “‘Fargo': The Movie That Shaped My Accent”

· “Waterboarding Is Better Than Surfing: Sarah Palin Tells All That’s Right With Torture”

· “Sarah Palin: The Evils Of Freedom And Why I Want To Limit Yours”

· “Baked Alaska: Palin Shares What She’s Been Smoking”

· “Which Way To The Outhouse? The Autobiography Of Sarah Palin”

· “If I Only Had A Brain”

· “Survival Of The Richest: Sarah Palin’s Guide To Evolution”

· “Move Over, June Cleaver — Meet Sarah Hatchet”

· “How To Kill The G.O.P. Without Even Trying: A Step By Step Guide”

· “An Idiot’s Guide To Sarah Palin: Told By An Idiot”

· “Let’s Get Them Commie Bastards: Palin’s Plan To Bring Back McCarthyism”

· “Sarah Palin: Throwback To The Stone Age”

· “Dick Cheney Shoots ‘Em And I Skin ‘Em”

· “Stem Cell Research Is About Flowers – Ain’t It?”

· “Pass The Kool-Aid: Why I’d Like To Either Be President Or A Cult Leader”

· “Polar Bears, Pipelines And Palin’s Politics: Which Will Be Extinct First?”

· “I’m The Ideal Republican Woman”

· “Hypocrites, Liars, And Thieves: Sarah Palin And Friends”

· “Is The White House Anywhere Near Nome?”

· “Yah, I’m No Gloria Steinham”

· “Is This Book About Sarah Palin? Yooouuu Betcha!”

Until I type again,
Kami

A Baby is Too Young to Drive A Getaway Car

I’ve been disturbed by a recent news report involving a bank robber who may have brought a child with him while committing crimes, as well as a recent story about a rise in child abuse in my area. Has the recent economic crisis pushed some individuals over the edge, making them so desperate that they not only begin a life of crime, but in the midst of this, forget that their little one is still strapped into a car seat behind them? Are they so out of touch with reality that they don’t realize that their baby is too young to drive the getaway car? Or are they unaware that their child is an innocent victim, not be tied up in or held responsible for their parents' woes?
How exactly does this situation happen? If not mental illness, is this mostly situations where a parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Are they so greatly under the influence that they’re incapable of realizing that, for instance, it’s a bad idea to bringing their child with them while they commit a robbery? At the very least, did it occur to them that it would have been a better idea to make sure they had a babysitter on this particular day? Worse, if the thought did occur to them, did they simply shrug it off?
There have been cases where the parent intentionally uses a child to aid them in the commission of a crime. This might be done in ways in which the child is unaware how their assistance is contributing to a crime, or, in some situations, the child is aware that they are doing something wrong, but they aid their parents anyway. It could be difficult for a vulnerable child to get out from under the thumb of parental authority, even when that authority is using them terribly.
In many ways, I can understand a parent stealing to feed their starving child. It might not be a good idea to have their child with them when they do this, but I could see it happening, in a moment of blurry weakness. I feel empathy for anyone in such desperate socio-economic circumstances, and I feel inclined to judge less the thief and more those social and political policies that lead anyone into such straits.
Ultimately, I seem to have more questions than answers. Perhaps, the recent news stories are not really a reflection new trends. The sad reality is that some parents hurt their kids. This is, as we all know, not a new thing. Sometimes this is hurting is intentional; sometimes it is an unintended, but perhaps no less destructive, byproduct of that parent’s choices and actions. Who can really know what might be going on in the heads of these news-making parents? Of course, this would be assuming, and this is a big assumption, that they were thinking at all.

Here are the two news stories I referred to in this post:
"FBI: Bank robber may have kid in tow" http://bit.ly/LKHK7
"Child abuse cases up during a stressful economy" http://bit.ly/2bdvp

Until I type again,
Kami

Dogs Who Are Just Misunderstood

This story about the yellow lab, Jack, who ate a full set of alphabet refrigerator magnets made me laugh. Of course, it wasn't funny that he needed surgery to remove them, but I did think it amusing that he ate the magnets right after getting castrated. Acting out a bit, were you Jack? Trying to express a little hostility? Can you spell b-a-d d-o-g? Jack spells instead "N-o-t a b-a-d d-o-g. J-u-s-t m-i-s-u-n-d-e-r-s-t-o-o-d". He's fine after the surgery, but will poor Jack ever be happy again? Will be ever find a girl who will love him for just his personality alone?
Then, there's Deefer, the bull mastiff in Nottingham, whose life of crime as a pants' thief escalated into actually eating a pair. I wonder if the Sheriff of Nottingham knows about this guy's activities? Perhaps, his real name is Reefer, and his theft is to pay for his drug habit? Just like Jack, Deefer, also had to have surgery to remove his meal, and he, too, is doing fine. His owner's comments were that it was a new house rule never to leave any underwear laying around. This, of course, would be just in case Deefer tried to steal and/or eat them. Gee, that's one way to get your family to put their clothes in the laundry.
Last of all, we have a springer spaniel, Barney. He was apparently both so hungry, and so eager to please. that everything thrown at him became a treat to be eaten. Can you imagine hearing a belly full of rocks rattling around inside your doggy? Once again modern veterinary medicine saves the day, and, post-surgery, Barney's a happy, healthy, hungry dog again. I just hope someone doesn't say "Here Barney, fetch that Volkswagon!"

More on Jack the spelling bee champ http://tinyurl.com/qy27ee
More on Deefer a.k.a Reefer the pants' thief http://tiny.cc/QRAuF
More on Barney the rock star http://tinyurl.com/qseshf

Until I type again,
Kami

A Slice of Social Justice With My Coffee

  

   Today, May 9th, is World Fair Trade Day.  I'm a supporter of purchasing fair trade products, I particularly try to buy coffee that is labeled as "fair trade certified". What is fair trade? Here's an excellent desciption from TransFair USA:

 

 "Fair Trade Certification empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace.

Fair Trade is much more than a fair price!  Fair Trade principles include:

• Fair price: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.
  
• Fair labor conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited. 
  
• Direct trade: With Fair Trade, importers purchase from Fair Trade producer groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace. 
  
• Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to invest Fair Trade revenues. 
  
• Community development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification. 
  
• Environmental sustainability: Harmful agrochemicals and GMOs are strictly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers’ health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations."

Many coffee companies have fair trade coffees, and I've purchased products from several of them.  I figure that if I'm going to drink cofee every day, which I do, then I could also use it as an opportunity to do some good; to allow my purchasing power to be a demonstration of what I value. For me, buying fair trade coffee began when I first started attending my local Unitarian Universalist (U.U.) fellowship.  I was very pleased to discover that they actually sell coffee, tea, cocoa and chocolate there!  Yes, right in the lobby area there is a selection of Equal Exchange fair trade products.  What a fantastic place!  I picked up some of the informational literature about these products, and I discovered that my congregation is one of many that are participating in the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee's (U.U.S.C.) Coffee Project. This also is part of a larger project called the Interfaith Coffee Program.  My literature tells me, "thousands of places of worship have become involved in fair trade, helping small farmers build a better life for themselves and their families".  Their partner in this project is Equal Exchange, a worker owned fair trade organization.  

Equal Exchange states:  "Equal Exchange's mission is to build long-term trade partnerships that are economically just and environmentally sound, to foster mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and consumers and to demonstrate, through our success, the contribution of worker co-operatives and Fair Trade to a more equitable, democratic and sustainable world.

Our Guiding Principles

• Trade directly with democratically organized small farmer cooperatives.
• Facilitate access to credit for producer organizations.
• Pay producers a guaranteed minimum price that provides a stable source of income as well as improved social services.
• Provide high quality food products.
• Support sustainable farming practices.
• Build a democratically-run cooperative workplace.
• Develop more environmentally-sound business practices."                           

Yes, yes, yes!!!  I'd like a slice of social justice with my coffee, please.  Would you like some too?     

For further information on this topic - Here are some links: 

Equal Exchange: http://www.equalexchange.coop/

Equal Exchange's Blog -  Small Farmers Big Change http://smallfarmersbigchange.coop/

Interfaith Coffee Program: http://www.equalexchange.coop/interfaith

TransFair USA: http://www.transfairusa.org/

Unitarian Universalist Association (U.U.A.): http://www.uua.org/

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee: http://www.uusc.org/

Unitarian Universalist Service Committe's (UUSC) Coffee Project: http://www.uusc.org/coffeeproject and http://www.equalexchange.com/uusc

World Fair Trade Day  - Seattle Times article http://tinyurl.com/q7x7cc  

World Fair Trade Organization http://www.wfto.com/

Until I type again,

Kami

Hello, My Name Is:

  I read this article on-line from Time: http://tr.im/kFdu. It's about the German courts putting restrictions on the length and type of names people give themselves or their children. There's criticism that the German government is placing too much restriction on individual rights, limiting their citizens' freedom to choose. Well, yes, such rulings are clearly limiting choices. Many social justice movements and advocacy groups have found that there is power to be found in naming or renaming oneself. Many have even successfully taken derogatory terms and reclaimed them so that they could begin be associated with positive, desirable traits.

  Then again, it seems to be cruel and unusual punishment to give a baby a name they'll likely grow to despise. At my job, I'm on the telephone most of the time with different people and updating hundreds of client files. I can't count the number of times I've read a name and wondered: What were they THINKING?!? Sometimes, it's difficult to decide which is worse, getting stuck with a name that borders on child abuse or the people who intentionally get their own names changed to the bizarre and/or unpronounceable. Is this just about attention-seeking? In a world where everyone seems to want to be a star or an idol or have some kind of special talent that will make others notice them, perhaps, a funny, strange or confusing name is an attempt to feel special.

  I've always liked having the name "Kami", and people have told me it's cute. It's different from some names, but not in an in-your-face kind of way. I can still blend in with the crowd if I want to. This, I think, would be more difficult if my name were really Kami Maria Louann April von Xzjhkalfaioh-Niaofna-Jiafnai bein Aklhoain-Lsahfin-Mnaofanfgi, but I prefer having the right to figure that out on my own. In sixth grade, my teacher printed out a banner for each student with their name on it. Unfortunately, he used a ridiculous font which I believe was particularly designed to aid children in tormenting one another. This font made the capitol "K" in my name look like an "H" instead, so, to my young horror, I was then called "Hami" instead of "Kami". I found the porcine comparison hard to accept. Thankfully, there wasn't all this swine flu talk then, or I would have felt REALLY unpopular.

  I believe in a parent's right to name their baby whatever they choose, and for an adult to change their name to anything they so desire. I, myself, have had four different last names in my life...so far... Who knows? Perhaps I'll change my name to "Prince", then to an unpronounceable symbol, be known as "The artist formerly known as Prince" or just "The Artist", and change it back again to "Prince".... Although in my case, I'll start by changing my name to "Princess" and go from there. I'm certainly at liberty to do so, and you'd be at liberty to wonder what I'd been smoking....Maybe, some smoked Hami.

  My grandpa, a wonderful man who passed away from cancer just over three years ago, used to have funny names for things and people. He called a former boss "God" so often that his co-workers started to use it too, and there would be completely serious conversations with statements like "God, told me to fix the west conveyor belt" or "God, was being so unreasonable today." He teasingly called some of his kids and grand kids "Sue" irregardless of whether he was speaking to one of the girls or one of the boys. He'd say "Howdy, Sue. How do you do?" or he'd say, "My name is Sue. How do you do?" This comes from a song made famous by Johnny Cash "A Boy Named Sue". I can empathize with that boy, and I laugh at the lyrics.

Until I type again,

Kami

Cream of Rice and Bush's Head

Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday to me. Happy Birthday, dear Kami. Happy Birthday to meeeee! Today, is my birthday (in case you hadn't already figured that out). Those balloons in the picture are actually following me around wherever I go (which makes sense, since they're tied into my hair).
Today, is also the birth of my new blog. I've never blogged before, but I'm not letting minor points like that deter me. Truthfully, I have been doing some Twittering, and, although I'm still new to that too, my micro-blogging is already jumping into the realm of macro-blogging.
So, what will my blog be about? I've decided to blog on various topics: social, political, cultural, and pretty much whatever idea pops into my head. It is my wish to make this a projection of myself and my quirky thought processes. There's a certain off-beat, weirdness within me that has always made me feel different from most people. I take pride in my uniqueness, my oddities and eccentricities.
Now, I'd like to move onto my main topic today, and that topic will be... Cream of Rice. Yes, folks, I'm blogging about a hot breakfast cereal. My mom was so kind to make it for me today. She even baked me a birthday cake. OK, so I feel six years old instead of thirty-something, but then again, that's not an unusual feeling for me. Yet, I digress (also not unusual for me)... Let's take a look at that important topic of choice.
Cream of Rice seems to be the lesser-known kissing cousin of Cream of Wheat (I bet their family gatherings were mushy). I find it's pretty tasty, especially served the way I most like it, with cinnamon, sugar and a little milk. Although there is nearly a limitless number of things that can be mixed into it, should one choose. For the unimaginative, on the box of Cream of Rice there are some helpful, albeit heavily brand name specific, ideas for what can be added into the cooked cereal. Here's what it says "Stir-In Ideas: GRANDMA'S Original Gold Standard Molasses, MAPLE GROVE FARM'S OF VERMONT Pure Maple Syrup, Favorite Flavor of POLANER ALL FRUIT or SUGAR FREE preserves, Fresh fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or bananas." I wonder what happens if I use a different brand of any of these products than what's on box? Or what if the maple syrup just isn't pure enough? Will I digest impure thoughts with every bite? Yummy!
Aside from it's tastiness, and the ability to stir anything, even moral corruption, into it, what else is there to know about this hot cereal? It's currently distributed as one of the Cream of Wheat products by B & G Foods in Parsippany, N.J., but the history of Cream of Wheat goes back to the 1890s. The interesting, official company history of Cream of Wheat can be reached at this link http://tinyurl.com/cnffpl.
The box describes it as "Wholesome Nutrition for Your Family" stating that "A delicious bowl of Cream of Rice provides 3 Essential Vitamins and Minerals including iron. When prepared with water, Cream of Rice is a Naturally Fat Free, Cholesterol Free & Sodium Free Food." On side panel, there is a write up that heavily markets Cream of Rice as "a first solid food for infants 6-12 months and toddlers", although this is apparently only useful for those with highly intelligent babies who can already read. I, myself, prefer my Cream of Rice to be more mushy than solid. Certainly, it's overcooked if the Cream of Rice is as solid and lumpy as, for example, a rock, or former-President G.W. Bush's head. Although, that really could explain a lot........
Scene: School Playground - Junior's playing with his other rich spoiled brat friends on the playground. Suddenly, there's a loud "Thunk!" One spoiled brat friend says -- "Hey, someone hit Junior in the head with a rock...no wait, sorry, it wasn't a rock, it was a shoe...no wait, sorry again, it's two shoes!" Then, we all see that his head IS a rock, either that it's or flaming bag of doggy poo. Or ,maybe, his head is full of over-cooked Cream of Rice and some very questionable stir-ins. I guess it's hard to be sure. Either way, I say, tax the bejesus out of him and his spoiled brat friends, President Obama. It's time to filter out those questionable stir-ins hiding out in tax shelters.
Until I type again,
Kami