Friendships and Health

This was sent to me and I found it quite interesting.  Not only interesting, but I also believe it to be absolutely true. My life would not be complete with out my girlfriends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They teach this at Stanford University.......

"I just finished taking an evening class at Stanford. The last lecture was on the mind-body connection - the relationship between stress and disease. The speaker (head of psychiatry at Stanford) said, among other things, that one of the best things that a man could do for his health is to be married to a woman, whereas for a woman, one of the best things she could do for her health was to nurture her relationships with her girlfriends.

At first everyone laughed, but he was serious.

Women connect with each other differently and provide support systems that help each other to deal with stress and difficult life experiences. Physically this quality “girlfriend time" helps us to create more serotonin - a neurotransmitter that helps combat depression and can create a general feeling of well being.


Women share feelings whereas men often form relationships around activities. They rarely sit down with a buddy and talk about how they feel about certain things or how their personal lives are going. Jobs? Yes. Sports? Yes. Cars? Yes. Fishing, hunting, golf? Yes. But their feelings? Rarely.

Women do it all of the time. We share from our souls with our sisters/mothers, and evidently that is very good for our health. He said that spending time with a friend is just as important to our general health as jogging or working out at a gym.

There's a tendency to think that when we are "exercising" we are doing something good for our bodies, but when we are hanging out with friends, we are wasting our time and should be more productively engaged— not true. In fact, he said that failure to create and maintain quality personal relationships with other humans is as dangerous to our physical health as smoking!

So every time you hang out to schmooze with a gal pal, just pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for doing something good for your health! We are indeed very, very lucky. Sooooo let's toast to our friendship with our girlfriends.

Evidently it's very good for our health."

Three Weeks in Florida

I've been remiss in my blogging, but I think I have an excellent excuse.....I just became a Grandmother for the first time!  That's right, little Alexander Campbell arrived on November 1st, 2010.  For you other Nerds out there, Alex is the little Binary Boy or "Lil Bit" for short. How so, you ask? His birthday is 11/01/10. 
My new moniker is "Granna" and I am as proud as a peacock and pleased as Punch. How's that for idiom overuse?



On October 23rd, I left Topeka and drove to Clarksville, TN, where I spent a day and a half with my niece, her husband and her three wonderful children. There was an added bonus because my ex-brother-in-law was also there.  He and I have been friends for many years, but I haven't seen him in quite some time. We all had fun at the Pumpkin Patch, picking out the children's Halloween Jack O'Lanterns and I had lots of photo ops to practice with my camera.

On Monday the 25th, I continued my trek to Florida and arrived late that night. Florida is where my daughter and son-in-law have lived for the past six years.
 
I arrived in plenty of time for the "Big Event".  Since this is their first baby, I consider myself lucky that Alex arrived only a week after I did. I have had plenty of time to help the young couple transistion into parenthood. Doubly so, since my daughter ended up having to deliver via ceasarean section.

I'm going to end for now and continue writing about my travels to and from Florida when I get back home.

I'll leave you with a link to an interesting blog. Food For Thought

Love Hurts

 

Morning Miracle

  

Awaken the dawn

first break of day.

Vivid hues hasten

ebon darkness away.

Golden Sun ascends

into an eastern sky,

chases after the Moon,

a silver maiden grown shy.

Standing still, watching,

I'm silenced by awe.

This morning miracle shimmers

orange, a radiant round ball.

I raise camera's lens,

focus, then pray

I'll capture the vision

bedazzled eyes witness today.

Autumn Prayer

Before I close weary eyes to sleep,

At life's photos I chance to peek

one picture captured, an icy view,

The mind conjures shivers, fingers turning blue.

A final shudder, then skyward I say...

Happy dreams spin my darkest hours away,

I pray Autumn lingers, keeping Winter at bay.

~ Diana 2010 ~

The Time Of Your Life

I believe "the time of your life" is a bit of an oxymoron.

Living your life is the longest amount of time you will spend in this life,

but the time spent living your life will appear to have flown by,

as quickly as the crow flies.

At the end of the day, can you nod your head,

and say "I had the time of my life"?  ~ Diana

The Date Speaks For Itself

I wrote on FaceBook about my memories of this day.  The horror, the fear, the utter disbelief that something like that could really happen in the U.S., the sorrow for all the people that died and their loved ones left behind to pick up the pieces. 
What happened within the sphere of my own little world was eclipsed by this immense catastrophe and abomination.
What I know now is that September 11, 2001 was the beginning of the end and my life would be changed forever.
Things happened during my drive home from Herndon, VA, which began that very day due to my United flight being grounded, that would drive a wedge between my husband, Ray and myself. A rent in the fabric that bound us together that would never be repaired and my marriage would end less than two years later.

I sit now in front of my computer in the wee hours before dawn, nine years after that explosive day, wondering about the life I'm leading.  Do I have a purpose anymore? What is it that I really want to do with the remaining days, hours, and minutes of my life? Lately, I've had many reminders of how precious life is and how quickly it can be snatched away. I don't want to waste a second!
Which comes to my next question...What is it that will make me feel my life has been worth something?
These are questions not easily answered by me and no one else can answer them for me.

A Conundrum!

When I made the choice to leave California and totally change my life, I had great aspirations. BUT, as that old saying goes, "The best laid plans of mice and men, or in this case, woman..."
I swore I never wanted to commute again, and here I am, 3 years later, commuting 65 miles one way to a job, that on its best day, can claim to pay me a salary that covers my debts and allows me to live comfortably, plus the people I work with are decent human beings. I have enjoyed quite a lot of laughter in their company and maybe that's the one reason that keeps me coming back.
The down side is that I bought a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, which was supposed to last me a good 10 years, but can now boast 95,000 miles (all accumulated with me behind the wheel) and I have a job that gives me NO sense of satisfaction.  I create nothing, much less anything of beauty or lasting worth.

The home I've been renovating has turned into a beautiful Albatross. I couldn't sell it for what I have into it, especially in this economy, if my life depended on it.
On the bright side, the Albatross is beautiful and suits me. It is something that I have created, that I still take pride in, and it's still a work in progress.

I can't say how many times I've been told that I am a very lucky woman. Generally, this has been said by women that are unhappily married and financially stuck in the marriage because they don't work or the job they have wouldn't support them.  I don't envy them, but living single isn't always as glamorous as some people like to envision.

Well, since I can't solve all my questions tonight due to a tired brain (it's my Friday and putting in a 50 hour work week, add in 12.5 hours of commuting, really does me in), instead, I've decided to share how I plan to honor those that were lost during that infamous day, nine years ago.

I am going out and buying 4 trees to add to the beauty of my home.  I wish I could get them planted today, but that just isn't going to happen.  I'll be lucky to just get them picked out, paid for, and a future date set for planting.  I want a "Flame" Maple and another larger shade tree for the front yard and two colorful shade trees for the back yard .  With luck, they will provide shade and color for years to come.

So to honor the dead, I will promote life, beauty, and a positive impact on the environment. Beautiful life that continues long after I'm dead and gone.

I will never forget September 11, 2001.

Why I Cry

If I talk out loud, I'll probably choke up and cry, so instead I'll write.

I wouldn't have cried earlier today, but my brother finally cracked. It's the first time that has happened since we were little kids.

Our parents were extremely stoic when we were growing up. Tears were a sign of weakness.

Even when my dad punched me in his rare fits of rage, no teardrops would spill over to leave telltale tracks sparkling down my cheeks, to give way to terror and hurt.

Life has taught me to cry. Cry at the pain caused by sorrow and loss. Cry in empathy when I know the people I love are hurting. Cry at Man's inhumanity to each other and at his/her cruelty to animals and the world around us. To cry in the face of death.

I take care of the people I love, it's just what I do, what I've always done. Not in the nurturing Earth Mother way, but as the protector, the champion, sometimes through sheer strength of will,  and of course, with the money I've earned from working since I was fifteen. I've been doing it as long as I can remember.

It is very hard for me not to want to rush to my family's or friend's aid, and my heart breaks when I can't fix their problems. I try hard to accept that which I cannot change nor repair.

Today I had a phone conversation with my brother.

Here is my brother John's story...

[a short history]
A little over a year ago, they had to walk away from their home in Florida. John had been working for his son-in-law at a Title and Loan company near Tampa. With the collapse of the economy, the company floundered and work was cut back, as well as salaries. John's included.

Cathy was working in Clearwater, but then she got sick and ended up in the hospital. When she was feeling better, she worked when she was able.

They were offered an opportunity to open a new Rehab/Detox Center in Nashville. They agreed they both hated Florida and jumped at a new beginning. They spent most of their savings and moved to Tennessee, but now they could only afford to rent. John had told me several months back that with a foreclosure on their record, some places won't even rent to them. Fortunately, they did find a cheap place to live and keep their pets.
In Nashville, Cathy's 99 year old mom (who had been living with them for almost 18 years) finally went into a nursing home nearby.

[from the phone call]

Early last month, Cathy, had to go back into the hospital. I didn't know that until today. They do not have medical insurance and I'm pretty sure their doctor bills are astronomical. Despite the setbacks, they are generally happy people, poor but proud.

Then two weeks ago, their tiny home was broken into. The robbers had to have been idiots, because they smashed through a window in the backyard, even though the back door was not locked. John and Cathy's two dogs must have caused a ruckus, but Eli is 10 years old and Millie, 13, plus a cat, Sammy, 9. are not spring chickens anymore. Too old to put up a strong fight against young thugs.

Eli and Millie have been best friends for 10 years, ever since Eli was rescued off a country road during a rainstorm near Topeka as a 6 week old puppy. Millie is a Golden Retriever (the dumb blonde) and Eli is a Belgian Malinois (the genius goofball).

Needless to say, the burglars terrorized the dogs by throwing all kinds of stuff from around the house at them to keep them at bay. A lot of personal items were broken, but they only stole John and Cathy's laptops (their livelihood) and a large monitor.

Because John and Cathy both have to use a computer to do their jobs (basically self-employed), they had to use part of their rent money to buy another computer. They don’t have renter's insurance.

John said that after the burglary, it seemed like Eli's spirit was broken. Maybe because the old boy hadn't been able to protect the house which had always been his job. John and Cathy were just glad neither dog was killed.

Then last night, a mistake was made and tragedy struck.

John got home from work late. Cathy was in bed, because she wasn't feeling well, and because she is partially deaf, didn't hear any of what was to follow.

John took both dogs out front to stretch their legs (not on leashes, because he says it was late and there weren't any cars out). He usually stands out there with them and smokes a cigarette, but last night he stepped inside for just a second to turn on the new laptop in order to finish some paperwork.

He had no sooner begun the boot-up when he heard Eli's agonized screams. Rushing back out the front door, no car in sight, he saw Eli lying in the middle of the street. Millie stood on the sidewalk waiting for Eli to get back up. John rushed to Eli's side as did two neighbors. He said Eli looked pretty messed up, obviously he had been hit by a car, but he was alive. Eli stopped screaming as soon as he saw his daddy. His trusting eyes knowing that Daddy would make everything better.

One of the neighbors rushed back home and returned with a large board so they could lift Eli into the back of John's truck. John said his mind had stopped functioning at that point and he was thankful the neighbors were there. One of them rode in the back of John's truck with Eli, while John followed the other neighbor's car to the emergency animal hospital.

They rushed Eli in and while my brother stood beside his beloved dog, tears flowing unabashedly, he was handed the written estimate. In order for the veterinarians to take measures to keep Eli alive, it would cost over $1000.00. It might as well have been a million dollars. My brother had $108.00 in his pocket and $50.00 in the bank, the sum total of his liquid assests. He gave it all to the vet, but instead of saving Eli, he had to choose to put him to sleep. He gave Eli a final hug goodbye, then stood outside while the deed was done. He left the vet hospital still owing another $100.00.

My brother has never had human children of his own, Eli and Millie are his children.

My brother's pain and anger came to a head, when he asked me if I could send any pictures I might have of Eli, because all his pictures were taken when the laptops were stolen. That's when he broke down completely.

On the phone, through his tears, he asked me if I thought that he or Cathy had brought this bad Karma down on themselves.

I know that all they have ever tried to do is help other people. They are genuinely good people.

So, I told him that I believe that evil walks among us and at times raises its ugly head against good people. Maybe to make us give up and turn away from our goodness, but we must hold steadfast. Till my dying breath, I will believe that good can prevail.

I told him to remember that they had saved a sad and frightened little puppy from certain death ten years ago and given him a wonderful life, a life of love. Don't lose sight of all those good years, little brother and then I promised I would send him every picture I had ever taken of Eli, Millie, Mozart (their old cat, now deceased), their Topeka home and of course, the ones I have of the both of them through the years.


I told him that my house is big, that if their world gets to be too harsh, my door will always be open.

I told him I love him and Cathy.

Ah, that I could open Time in a Bottle.
Proferred to my brother and his wife,
please imbibe,
to dull grief's pain, linger only memories, treasured,
and softly abide.

Now you know why I cry.

An Excellent Video and Bit of Blogery!

First off, I want to say my world view is skewed from so many Americans that have never lived outside the good 'ol US of A.
I spent 2 years of my life in Kuwait, vacationed in Tehran, Iran, and met many Muslim people that were nothing but kind to me and my family.  The only time I remember being threatened was by a group of Bedouin women that saw me outside in my shorts and tank top. They stopped to shake their fists and scold me in a dialect I didn't speak. 
On the other hand, I felt sorry for them in their black burqas and thought they must be frying in the 100+ degree afternoon sun, but I never felt as if my life were at stake. 

I just want to say that my heart aches when I think that a select group of Islamic Terrorists, certain American Religious Zealots and the Political Power Players are causing my Fellow Country Men and Women to lose their basic common sense and forget the reason behind the U.S.'s greatness....OUR FREEDOMS. 

Keith says it a lot better than I can....

Keith Olbermann speaks out

And then there is this blog...even the comments that follow are interesting.

Ground Non-Zero, Non-Mosque and Evangelical Nonsense

Out Cold?

While I was wiring up the new internet service, I turned around to find my assistant had died of boredom.

The camera I had on hand was my iPhone. I was chatting with my California friend, Deanna, while doing the installationl, turned and told her to hold on, had to capture my nutty dog as proof a Whippet can be relaxed.
No drugs were used. No animals were harmed.

I love this dog! Everyday he makes me laugh! If I want Fyre and Abby to come in the house, I tell Perry to go get them. You'd have to see it with your own eyes! He's out like a flash, passes the word, then hurries them along. Who's the real herding dog here???
You can read his body language, "Hurry Guys, Mom says you can come in and hang out. Hurry! Hurry! Before she changes her mind or leaves for work!"

Despicable Me

http://despicable.me/


I went with my friend, Lori, aka Nana, and two of her three grandchildren to see this movie today. I'm giving this movie two thumbs up. Not only was the story entertaining with a heart-warming ending, but the characters' voices were perfect and the graphics....Spot On!

Lots of funny scenes throughout the viewing to tickle our funny bones and cause us to laugh out loud.  Although a long movie by children's standards, the 2 hours flew by!

For those of you worried that it will scare the kids, fear not. Nana's grandkids, a boy and girl, 1st grade and Kindergarten age, assured us that the movie was not scary...AT ALL!

From An Angrier Day....exorcising demons

Soul's Dance

Soul’s Dance

My feet tap to an inner beat

That plays inside my head

I barely feel the burning heat

As I dance upon the sand

I bend and sway, I leap away

From the rush of foamy waves

Mind’s music blends with water’s roar

As I dance upon the shore

A joy to feel my body’s motion

Feel the sand cooled by the ocean.

This simple act, my spirit’s free
As I dance beside an azure sea

Towards the sky, my hands do reach
Exalted by the dazzling beach

A happy soul merges with the land

As I dance upon the sand.

© Diana July 2010

Time In A Bottle

How I wish I could capture time in a bottle, then release a bit when extra is needed.

My dad passed away on June 5, 2010. He was cremated. There was no memorial. Dad was an atheist and that's the way he wanted it.

Last week, I drove to Albuquerque, New Mexico....to my dad and step-dad's house.  I took Perry with me and sent Fyre and Abby to Kellene V's place.  I knew they would enjoy all the attention they'd receive from her family. Plus, 3 dogs in a Ford Escape would not allow enough room to bring my father's treasures home with me.

There's always a method to my madness.

Perry is a good car companion. His presence prevents me from feeling so alone as I traverse the miles of prairie land. It's a long drive, to spend a day and a half at my destination, only to turn around and travel back the way I had come. As in most things, I do what has to be done.

I finished a really good audiobook while I was driving down there, one that I highly recommend...."The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest" by the late Swedish author Stieg Larsson. It's the conclusion of a trilogy. 

My trip's purpose was to select a few mementos of times long gone. Items to remind me of the man I called "Dad", pictures from his life, a few of his paintings, a selection from his music and movie collection, and an assortment of nik-naks collected during his lifetime.

Those small things that shouldn't cause a negative impact on my step-dad's life. 

I can feel your eyebrows raise in question, "Step-dad...but I thought she was talking about her father?"
It is true, my dad came out of the closet several years after my parent's divorce and for the past fifteen years has spent his life with a pretty terrific guy named Rick. I'm proud to call Rick my step-dad (for want of a better word). He stood by my dad during the good times, as well as the bad. He was there to care for my dad as his health failed, and was beside my father when he drew his last breath.  Rick is the one that called to ask me to come and take what I wanted.

When I was making my selections, I tried to pick out some small items for my brother and sister, too.  I hate making choices for others, especially when there has been almost no relationship between my siblings and our father. 

I don't know what happened between Dad and them, maybe it was his lifestyly they could not tolerate, but for now, I'll attribute it to absence.  I think of the song by Cat Steven's called "Cats In The Cradle" when I consider the father that was seldom around while we were growing up.  He had his own agenda and children weren't as important to him when he was a younger man. He left the raising of children to my mother.

Dad died with few regrets, but the one he voiced to me, towards the end of his life, was how much he missed family being around.  I, the least favored of his children, was the only one that made an effort to call him once a week and visit a couple times a year.
I didn't consider those calls a burden, but thought of the irony. He waited for my calls, hoping for news about his other two offspring.  Sometimes I was able to oblige him.

My brother and sister have not spoken to one another for probably 20 years or more.  I am the go-between, but in my dreams, still wish I had been born into a tighter-knit family. 

His death was sudden.  I'm still filled with a mix of relief and sorrow. His quality of life was almost non-existant. Two years ago, he finally lost the use of his legs and could no longer walk. He spent his days in a chair. His eyesight and hearing were failing rapidly. All the things he had loved to do and could just a few years prior, had been stripped away.  Death was a mercy, but I miss our phone conversations.

Rick and I did not spend the whole time "picking, sorting, and packing".  We took time to see a movie, "Inception", a sci-fi thriller that we both thoroughly enjoyed.   We agreed that it was a "Keep You On The Edge Of Your Seat" movie.  Afterwards, we feasted on a lobster dinner in memory of Dad and his gourmet tastebuds.

My trip home was uneventful, but I stayed entertained by a good audiobook, "The Forgotten Garden" by Australian author, Kate Morton.

On my next few days off, I will decide on the perfect spots in my home to hang my dad's paintings. 

Maybe I will think about taking an art class. The thought of putting brush to canvas to see if I inherited some of his talent intrigues me.

My Scooby Doo

Scooby-Doo - Where are you?

Funny how adults my age still love Scooby-Doo. In fact, over the last week, pieces of the cartoon have popped up all over my life.  It started when "Work" (a REAL 4 letter word) coerced me into being on the Employee Association. What that means is I get to be one of four that is responsible for buying the snack food in our break room. The kind of stuff that keeps my co-workers and me amped up on sugar.  No one will eat the healthy food that's suggested for people of a certain age. 

When "The Team" asked what we should buy, I suggested "Scooby Snacks" which went on to the suggestion that we should give our group a name. The Mystery Team was created.

Since that point, I have heard "Ruh Roh" when I've called to inform a manager that a piece of their equipment has failed. And how many people use the word "Zoinks"? I've heard that a couple times this week, too.

But the topper came today, when a co-worker/friend/fellow WOW player connected me to this little piece on the web  I Hate My Job  (warning: Mature Language)
We laughed until tears glistened on our cheeks.

A Wedding

Here I am sitting in the airport in Kansas City, MO waiting for my plane to head west. The moment has finally arrived, after so many unexpected delays and set-backs.

Last night Topeka had several fierce storms blow through, bringing winds, torrential rain, lightning, thunder and hail. There were weather advisories for tornados and flooding.
Not to say I was stressed out, anymore so, than I've already been as the final countdown begins to the "Big Day".
But I really did want to get a good night's sleep, so I'd look bright-eyed and bushy tailed for my trip, instead of being that sleep deprived hag that stared back at me in the mirror this morning.

Thank goodness this wedding isn't "All about Me"! Nope, all eyes will be focused on the beautiful bride, my daughter, Tara and her handsome husband-to-be, Chris.

And what does it really matter that I'll have not just one, but two ex-husbands at the wedding? I promised Tara that I would be on my most charming behavior during the ceremony and reception to follow. I can do that! I've learned from the pros (my dad) how to be suave and debonair during moment's of undue stress. HA!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Before I could finish this blog, my plane boarded and not wanting to miss out on picking a good seat, I tossed the laptop back in my bag and rushed to stand in line.

Why is it, that no matter where I select to sit on a plane, I will always ended up next to the crying baby? I wouldn't mind a few sniffles on take off and landing, but the whole trip?!?!?!  I really need some total noise destroying earphones!

The Essence of M

The Essence of M

Her face is a Waterhouse painting.

Timeless beauty, classic art,

But looks can be deceiving

something beyond Man's perceiving.

When you think you know her,

I beg, think again.

Unveil one mystery, more riddles, further hidden.

She's the veritable onion's skin,

peel away a layer, reveal darker depths within.

Under her soft alabaster veneer

hides a woman with a spine,

a forged titanium spear.

Mistake her for a bit of fluff

Blood may spill when she calls your bluff.

Innocent smile, sweet spring flower

hides a mind of exceptional power

Demeen or call her "babe, hon or sugar"

She'll slit your chauvinistic throat

then wield the knife at evening's dinner.

She paints her world with chromatic flair

surrounded by the unique and rare.

The woman's an enigma, a goddess, that's true.

But, Hecate or Aphrodite

which face will she show you?

© Diana 2010

My Reverie - words for a song

He walked into the room
and my heart lost a beat
His smile, so beautiful and sweet
still I forgot to breathe.
I see us on a sandy beach
underneath a full moon's glow
His touch, perfectly divine.
I thrill that he's all mine.
I feel his silken lips touch me,
but then he speaks my name
breaking through my reverie.

My Reverie
It's not a memory
only a forbidden dream
of what will never be.

Reality steps in
Affix my sunny grin
I crack a little joke
a cover for a heart
that's broke.
Please don't let him see
into my reverie.

My Reverie
It's not a memory
only a forbidden dream
of what will never be.

He walked into the room
a very married man.
For everyone to see
his world's his family.
So what's a girl to do?
Each day that I live through
the only thing that belongs to me
is this cursed reverie.

My Reverie
It's not a memory
only a forbidden dream
of what can never be.

© Diana 2007, edited May 2010

Mother's Share

Mother’s Share

© Diana May 2010

In the shelter

of your arms

I felt safe

from peril and harm.

No monster would dare,

else be vanquished by

your laser beam stare.

You had eyes

in the back

of your head,

The kind that saw
everything
a teenager did,
filling my mind
with nail-biting dread.

Your sage advice
never came
with a set price.
Seldom heeded,
would not appreciate
but always did I pay
the lesson
was learned
way too late
in the day.

Time flits
and I step
into your shoes.
Hear your words
easily slip
through my own
aging lips.
My hands slide
to either side
of thickened hips,
while growing
extra eyes
to see through
my young one's
glib lies.

I blinked.
Years flew past.
Once more
desire to feel
my cheek
kissed.
Hear your voice
call me,
it's grievously
missed.
I know now
how much
you did care,
that you loved me
a mother's
full share.

Sweet Tara Fair

Sweet Tara Fair

remains unaware

of how much I love her

and how much I care.

Thru light of day

and night grown dark

she is the pulse

of my beating heart.

Neither Time nor Space

my vision erased

The memories I hold

of her pretty face.

I've watched her live

from birth till now

wanting only her smiles, though

never her frowns.

Her eyes, twin twinkles,

bright Emerald Green

has captured a man's love,

so simple, it seems.

Sweet Tara Fair

with glossy dark hair

a cheek that dimples

with a secret to share.

Oh Mama, Dear Mama

please lend me your ear

My new husband and I,

a child shall we bear.

This heart of mine

given to my little girl

grows larger with longing, the longing to share

the love for the baby of Sweet Tara Fair.

© Diana 2010
Dedicated to my beloved daughter, Tara

Seshat - Patron Goddess

Traveling down the miles of internet that stretch out before me with ever changing scenery, I occassionally get lucky enough to stumble on something that really peaks my interest.

Today was one such day....I found Seshat.  I've always been drawn to Thoth, but now. I've been introduced to his female counterpart.  Immediately, I feel an affinity and am going to claim her for my patron goddess.

For more information on Seshat and the reason I am enamored, check out this site
http://www.ancientegyptonline.co.uk/seshat.html

NEWS FLASH!!! READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Google changes its name to Topeka! 
Follow the link to read how Topeka is getting its name all over the Web and World!

You call this Spring in Kansas?

I planted 50 pounds of grass seed yesterday morning. It was a balmy 63 degrees and I was motivated. Bring on the green!
One thing life has taught me, expect the unexpected. Here are three loves of my life showing me how to deal with those irritating little set backs. 

I challenge you to a race!

Catch me if you can!

I win!

Perry likes to play naked with his "Hair Buds" Abby and Fyre

Disclaimer - No animals were hurt or killed during the filming of this event.

The Ritual

The Vow ("revamped" for 2010)

The Vow

A single candle lit

With silent hope, she sits

to face the open window.

Her heart in stomach’s pit.

The night sky black as pitch

Her breath comes with a hitch

Will love come to her within this hour,

Dare she give him this much power?

Her lips still burn from remembered kiss

The passion evokes such sensual bliss

Her mind recounts each tender touch

Desire builds ever much.

Quiet steps across the threshold,

Sultry eyes possessive bold

His face blocks out her memory

of whispered warnings told.

To her he bends his knee

to make a formal bow.

There is no hesitation,

he beckons, the time is now.

Tonight he chose eternity

For her to be his mate

A single bite upon his neck

Will seal him to an immortal fate.

A vampire's love is timeless

She whispers in his ear

I shall love you forever,

she vows through scarlet tears.

© Diana 2010

A Poem for Jim

Photo Courtesy by Jim Mihalek

The Great Adventure - © Diana 2010


Here's to the train whistle
blowing an exultant song.
To steel horse sound as it races along.
Plays a symphony of clackety-clacks
a tune to be heard near the railroad tracks.

Here's to two brothers
renewing a familial bond.
To great adventures,
treasured memories
though boyhood's long gone.

Here’s to two men
cameras loaded, maps firmly in hand.
The truck’s rubber wheels bounce along
dirt roads, covering miles of Midwestern land
chasing trains, it’s their annual plan.

Here’s to seven days
An extraordinary week
Clicking pictures where the Monon
crosses NYC Belt of Kankakee
The Wabash and Ohio, it’s what they seek.

Here’s to two boys
inside the bodies of men,
chasing trains along the rails
straight out of South Bend
down to Ft Wayne, Indiana and daylight’s end.

Here’s to visions of masked robbers
and the Pinkerton, too
as the train rushes past
Lima, which isn’t near Peru,
to Dayton and Bellevue, it barrels on through.

Here’s to their lives and the sharing of dreams.
Through the eye of a camera lens
History is made in every shot that is gained
A story of brothers, to Dennis and James
And to their great passion, a passion for trains.