A very special gift from me, to you. As MySpace is not letting me post a darn blog, I shall link this instead.
I blog gluten-free
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
The Road Not Traveled
Years ago, a job-search company, I think it was Monster.com, did a series of ads using Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken". A group of actors, representing people of all ages and walks of life, recited the immortal poem, which can be taken, really, in any way one wishes; we are all travelers in this hard life. Of course, as in "Stopping By the Woods On a Snowy Evening", the last stanza always stuck in my mind. (I'm like that with a lot of poetry. When I had to memorize "The Mountain and the Squirrel" for my speech therapist, the amusing and sarcastic remainder (I paraphrase here) "Doubtless you make a very lovely squirrel track, but, while I cannot carry trees on my back, neither can you crack a nut" was what struck with me, as well as the Word Of The Day, "prig". For those of you are by now curious, here goes... although it messes up the meaning I'm trying to express here:
The mountain and the squirrel had a quarrel
And the former called the latter, "little prig"
Bun replied, "You are doubtless very big,
but all sorts of things and weather must be taken in together,
to make up a year and a sphere,
and I think it no disgrace to occupy my place
If I'm not so large as you,You are not so small as I,And not half so spry:
I'll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track.
Talents differ;
all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
And back to Mr. Frost:
Mr. Frost shows us a beautiful, peaceful place, two little roads in a forest. One with the scuffing and bareness of foot traffic, one somewhat isolated. Where does the road less traveled go? At times, I see the wide road, the one everyone walks, leading to darkness, pain, sadness, hustle and bustle. But where does the road less traveled go? Sunsets and white sands? Peace? A kingdom by the sea? I've been attempting to walk it, perhaps a few stones that trip you up, or dangers to face...at the end... perhaps, there's a sort of Eldorado? I guess I'll find out.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both,
And be one traveler
long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth
Then took the other, just as fair
and having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden back
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I- I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference.
What is... where is YOUR road less traveled? Will you take it, or follow the beaten path?
The mountain and the squirrel had a quarrel
And the former called the latter, "little prig"
Bun replied, "You are doubtless very big,
but all sorts of things and weather must be taken in together,
to make up a year and a sphere,
and I think it no disgrace to occupy my place
If I'm not so large as you,You are not so small as I,And not half so spry:
I'll not deny you make
A very pretty squirrel track.
Talents differ;
all is well and wisely put;
If I cannot carry forests on my back,
Neither can you crack a nut."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
And back to Mr. Frost:
Mr. Frost shows us a beautiful, peaceful place, two little roads in a forest. One with the scuffing and bareness of foot traffic, one somewhat isolated. Where does the road less traveled go? At times, I see the wide road, the one everyone walks, leading to darkness, pain, sadness, hustle and bustle. But where does the road less traveled go? Sunsets and white sands? Peace? A kingdom by the sea? I've been attempting to walk it, perhaps a few stones that trip you up, or dangers to face...at the end... perhaps, there's a sort of Eldorado? I guess I'll find out.
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both,
And be one traveler
long I stood
and looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth
Then took the other, just as fair
and having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden back
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I- I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference.
Promises to Keep
Lesson 1:
KISS. As in, Keep It Simple, Stupid.
You can learn a lot of lessons reading Plato into the wee hours of the morning. Hell, I learned a lot of lessons from Mein Kamfph... like, there are some books that even I can't get through. Not because I attempted to read it in the original German (Just as try as I might like, I wouldn't begin to understand The Inferno in 14th Century Italian.) It taught me that if something makes you that sick, it's ok to throw up...after you toss the book. You don't have to read every "classic" known to mankind. You don't have to like them. But, I can also pick up things from simpler sources. I once wrote a paper on what Dr. Seuss has taught me. I got the highest grade, and a notation "You didn't try to impress me with "Anna Karenina", although you've read that through in less than a day. Instead, you attempted to see things like a child does." Sometimes, to really learn, it helps to get down on the floor and play, or use the mistakes and pains of life while you go back, and find the wisdom.
Lesson 2:
Take a cue from Robert Frost
"Whose woods these are, I think I know
His house is in the village, though
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake
The woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep
_Stopping By the Woods On A Snowy Evening, Robert Frost.
Source- Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Evening
Also, TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED!
As you can see, I emphasized one particular stanza. Because I can't rest yet. As much as I'm told to. That's a lesson I'll have to learn before I teach it.
KISS. As in, Keep It Simple, Stupid.
You can learn a lot of lessons reading Plato into the wee hours of the morning. Hell, I learned a lot of lessons from Mein Kamfph... like, there are some books that even I can't get through. Not because I attempted to read it in the original German (Just as try as I might like, I wouldn't begin to understand The Inferno in 14th Century Italian.) It taught me that if something makes you that sick, it's ok to throw up...after you toss the book. You don't have to read every "classic" known to mankind. You don't have to like them. But, I can also pick up things from simpler sources. I once wrote a paper on what Dr. Seuss has taught me. I got the highest grade, and a notation "You didn't try to impress me with "Anna Karenina", although you've read that through in less than a day. Instead, you attempted to see things like a child does." Sometimes, to really learn, it helps to get down on the floor and play, or use the mistakes and pains of life while you go back, and find the wisdom.
Lesson 2:
Take a cue from Robert Frost
"Whose woods these are, I think I know
His house is in the village, though
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake
The woods are lovely, dark and deep
But I have promises to keep
And miles to go before I sleep
And miles to go before I sleep
_Stopping By the Woods On A Snowy Evening, Robert Frost.
Source- Stopping By the Woods on a Snowy Evening
Also, TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED!
As you can see, I emphasized one particular stanza. Because I can't rest yet. As much as I'm told to. That's a lesson I'll have to learn before I teach it.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Case of the Novembers?
I have had a terrible case of the Novembers (One very long stretch of "The Mondays" as November seems to be the grayest month) already. I think 2010 was such a long year with so many things happening back-to back, that it is all catching up with me right now. I think I need somewhat of a chance to sit back, and be silly, and maybe, as I attempt to do my usual "Answer each as I think it/ Stream of Consciousness".
1. What time did you get up this morning?
6AM/ still up not getting there any time soon
1. What time did you get up this morning?
6AM/ still up not getting there any time soon
2. How do you like your steak?
medium well, A-1 Sauce, sometimes some Adobo, a spice from Goya found in the International Section.
medium well, A-1 Sauce, sometimes some Adobo, a spice from Goya found in the International Section.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe
4. What is your favorite TV show?
None really, lights and noise. I like a lot of the old classics, like I Love Lucy, but still couldn't pin a favorite.
None really, lights and noise. I like a lot of the old classics, like I Love Lucy, but still couldn't pin a favorite.
5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Stockholm, Sweden.
Stockholm, Sweden.
6. What did you have for breakfast?
Coffee and toast.
7. What is your favorite cuisine?
Depends on my mood
Depends on my mood
8. What foods do you dislike?
Anything soggy, slimy or slimy and chunky.
Anything soggy, slimy or slimy and chunky.
9. Favorite Place to Eat?
No true faves. Get back to me.
No true faves. Get back to me.
10. Favorite dressing?
Ranch on salad, catalina on baby carrots. Yes, I am that picky, thank you.
Ranch on salad, catalina on baby carrots. Yes, I am that picky, thank you.
11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?
I get driven crazy.
I get driven crazy.
12. What are your favorite clothes?
Er- nice warm things.
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?
Germany. And Russia.
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? 1/2 full most of the time
15. Where would you want to retire?
Far away from Buffalo! (Although Buffalo does have a precious place in my heart)
Far away from Buffalo! (Although Buffalo does have a precious place in my heart)
6. Favorite time of day?
Depends on the day
Depends on the day
17. Where were you born?
In a hospital.
In a hospital.
18. What is your favorite sport to watch?
Hockey, if I have to choose.
19. Who do you think will not tag you back?
*shrug*
20. Person you expect to tag you back first?
I don't care.
21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?
Meh.
22. Bird watcher?
Not so much.
23. Are you a morning person or a night person?
Night, I suppose
24. Pets?
None
25. Any new and exciting news that you'd like to share?
I'm going to Disney land! No, no news at all.
I'm going to Disney land! No, no news at all.
26. What did you want to be when you were little?
Doctor, mom, teacher
Doctor, mom, teacher
27. What is your best childhood memory?
Stargazing.
28. Are you a cat or dog person?
I adore dogs, but the right kitty cat always gets my love :)
29. Are you married?
Nope! I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Nope! I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
30. Always wear your seat belt?
Yes
Yes
31. Been in a car accident?
Yes
Yes
32. Any pet peeves?
Would you REALLY like a list?
Would you REALLY like a list?
33. Favorite pizza topping?
Mushrooms.
34. Favorite Flower?
Roses, lilies or violets.
Roses, lilies or violets.
35. Favorite ice cream?
Chocolate! Why didn't someone tell me there was more to life than tutti-frutti lactose free "ice cream substitute?" I hearts chocolate!
36. Favorite fast food restaurant?
I really never could "favorite" fast food. It always seemed like being asked, "well, which one makes you feel least like a greasy schlub"?
I really never could "favorite" fast food. It always seemed like being asked, "well, which one makes you feel least like a greasy schlub"?
37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?
None
None
38. From whom did you get your last email?
Facebook, I'll bet
Facebook, I'll bet
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?
None. I'd save up cash until I could afford or find something equally nice cheaper.
None. I'd save up cash until I could afford or find something equally nice cheaper.
40. Do anything spontaneous lately?
Does wearing a short skirt in < 40 degree weather with only thin panty hose count?
Does wearing a short skirt in < 40 degree weather with only thin panty hose count?
41. Like your job?
Sure.
42. Broccoli?
In soup.
In soup.
43. What was your favorite vacation?
The ones I can recall/ didn't meet with idiots or accidents on/ didn't get hurt on.
The ones I can recall/ didn't meet with idiots or accidents on/ didn't get hurt on.
44. Last person you went out to dinner with?
Bob Wehadababyitsaboy.
Bob Wehadababyitsaboy.
45. What are you listening to right now?
A loud ringing noise.
46. What is your favorite color?
pink, white and yellow.
47. How many tattoos do you have?
1
1
48. Coffee drinker?
Yes
Yes
49. How many children do you have?
1
50. Favorite drink?
Depends on my mood
It Doesn't Mean What You Think...
Turning the other cheek:
I hear how the Bible contradicts itself, mostly because Jesus says "Turn the other cheek" and then, "I come not to bring peace but a sword". Ok, here's context.
The Romans brought a lot to Judea, indeed to the rest of the world. Roads, education, sanitation, safe streets, etc. But... they also were ruthless and often lorded it over those they ruled over. Often, to keep a "clean" hand, they'd smack a person, using the back of a hand, a bitch slap, if you will, which CAN bring out blood. Turning the other cheek said "Fuck you, you fucking fuck, if you're going to hit me, you're getting your hand dirty!" Turning the other cheek in this sense, means that you rotate your head so that, as the slap goes across, the palm will strike before the hand leaves the face. Interesting twist on a peaceful savior.
The upside down cross:
Oh, that's for Satanists! No! When they display that, they are accidentally celebrating Jesus Christ, not perverting his name as they please to do. St. Peter refused to be crucified right side up, as he "could not die like Our Lord". He died upside down, an already horrible death made nastier, to honor God. I giggle when I see the upside down cross as a Satanic symbol. Anton Levey, you drug-fueled freak!
I meant to write more, but am having a messed up time with my English tonight and had better quit while I'm ahead.
I hear how the Bible contradicts itself, mostly because Jesus says "Turn the other cheek" and then, "I come not to bring peace but a sword". Ok, here's context.
The Romans brought a lot to Judea, indeed to the rest of the world. Roads, education, sanitation, safe streets, etc. But... they also were ruthless and often lorded it over those they ruled over. Often, to keep a "clean" hand, they'd smack a person, using the back of a hand, a bitch slap, if you will, which CAN bring out blood. Turning the other cheek said "Fuck you, you fucking fuck, if you're going to hit me, you're getting your hand dirty!" Turning the other cheek in this sense, means that you rotate your head so that, as the slap goes across, the palm will strike before the hand leaves the face. Interesting twist on a peaceful savior.
The upside down cross:
Oh, that's for Satanists! No! When they display that, they are accidentally celebrating Jesus Christ, not perverting his name as they please to do. St. Peter refused to be crucified right side up, as he "could not die like Our Lord". He died upside down, an already horrible death made nastier, to honor God. I giggle when I see the upside down cross as a Satanic symbol. Anton Levey, you drug-fueled freak!
I meant to write more, but am having a messed up time with my English tonight and had better quit while I'm ahead.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sex and Amazing Psychedelic Sheep
First up:
If I'm dating you, and I say "Honey, prove how much you love me, bring me 100 foreskins" I hope you look at me funny! (Although not with the same odd look if I accidentally say something REALLY dirty, which I'm prone to do). Think about this: Young David, shepherd boy turned Killer of Giants, who has already dodged the king's murderous impulses ("Here, play music for me---oh, whoops that javelin just slipped right out of my hand!") is in love with the first of many a woman. So, he goes and asks her hand from a rather murderous man. I'd probably tell the guy, "Make something of yourself. Shower her in jewels. Love her. Cherish her." But, Saul says, "Bring me 100 foreskins." (From the Phillistines. Dangerous race there... Goliath, prior to his death, was not kidding when he told David the nasty things he'd do to him) David doesn't find this at all odd. (Note: as a child, I had no idea what a foreskin was and people blushed when I asked. I ended up having to see one first hand in living color at age 20.)
Instead, he comes back with not 100 foreskins, but 200! Now, golly, doesn't that just make your heart go all pitter-pat? And He gets the girl. And marries at least 90 besides, gets a man killed, has mistresses up the ying yang, but gosh darn it, that's love. That one there, David and His Special Present, has never ceased to make me say "What the what?"
Next up:
(this one made me smirk as a kid, smirk even wider as an anthropology major studying Mendel and his Pea Plants)
The moral actually is: If you believe, if you're good at heart, miracles happen.
Jacob wanders far from home after an incident in which he sold out his twin brother's birthright over a bowl of soup. He is among relatives, still prime breeding stock in those days. His uncle/father-in-law is a shifty character who delights in screwing over Jacob. Making him marry the ugly, unwanted, but infinitely more fruitful bride first, (And, if I'm not reading things incorrectly, one who engaged in a threesome with Jacob and her maid), and making him work as an indentured servant for nearly 20 years, just to marry the love of his life, the famous Rachel who became an archetype, crying for the far-flung children of Israel.
Laben, the FIL/ Uncle, is stealing Jacob's Amazing Psychedelic Sheep - the striped and spotted ones. Jacob, ever a trickster, (must run in the blood) paints a bunch of sheep! And plants the paint stirring sticks to make sure that the sheep have amazing psychedelic lambs. And gosh darn it, if it doesn't work! Yes, indeedie, Jacob defied genetics!
Emo Cat, Emo Cat, I Love You...
So Halloween is over and November is upon us.
Right now, that means: Cheap candy! (Lots of it!), hot cocoa, soups and stews, baking and cooking, for the sweet smell of it.
Putting away the costume? Not yet. I want a pic of me in in (as does Mom and a few others) and as I managed a good burn on my head with my curling iron, I'm trying to make sure I look good. I have a slight OCD, even my messes are organized and I am my own worst critic. So expect to see my take on "Emo Cat/ Sex Kitten" soon--- (Emo cat, emo cat, it's not so bad...) I'm in the mood to play with angles. And I'm not quite ready to switch over to Thanksgiving Prep yet.
Right now, that means: Cheap candy! (Lots of it!), hot cocoa, soups and stews, baking and cooking, for the sweet smell of it.
Putting away the costume? Not yet. I want a pic of me in in (as does Mom and a few others) and as I managed a good burn on my head with my curling iron, I'm trying to make sure I look good. I have a slight OCD, even my messes are organized and I am my own worst critic. So expect to see my take on "Emo Cat/ Sex Kitten" soon--- (Emo cat, emo cat, it's not so bad...) I'm in the mood to play with angles. And I'm not quite ready to switch over to Thanksgiving Prep yet.
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