Thursday, November 25, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Elsewhere
We all have moments we wish we could relive, in each brilliant moment- the times we were most joyous, most excited, most surprised, most peaceful or most passionate. What were those for yourself? Could you name a few? Can you take a moment to remember them now? What if your life ended sooner than later?
What made you happy?
Was it recent events or something when you were six years old? Did music play a role? Did your words escape you at the moments you should have spoken up? hmm. this one is a big one for lots of us.
I often wonder things like this while doing the mundane- the cleaning up after little finger dinners, after naps, and after trips to the beach. I always have had a running stream of thoughts going on while my life is being taken care of and being lived, and even being lived in a happy peaceful mindset I still have these thoughts.
I am not alone. This I am assured in many ways. However, I often wonder how many out there are also living a life fulfilled and yet are still filled with questions. Why are we given these years to enjoy the pleasures of live with a sure end to it? Is Faith the answer or is just enjoying every moment full of our own pleasures Heaven on Earth? Why are we not allowed to live several lives at once?
I ask these questions to my soul mate, Phillip, who understands me totally but as is normal, cannot read my mind and cannot answer my questions. He looks at me with eyes full of love and says things like "you are very special" and " I love you" and " you are so beautiful", which is great. BUT, and there's always a BIG BUT- he knows what I am saying, but just has no answers.
I don't expect anyone to. At least we talk about these things, on some nights, for hours on end- him, secure in a peaceful place of calm and relaxation- me, in a place of bouncing stars and endless speculation.
Jeez, the universe is not big enough for my questions. So, I relent. One night is passing, and another day is comming. So little time for so many inquiries. I must let go, for a short time, and save my thoughts for dreams. I don't have them every night (that I remember) but when I have them- they are like I have lived a whole night in another life. Some mornings, I feel I have come awake in a new land, only to discover it's our land. Usually, after an hour, Phillip enjoys the surprise in my eyes when I realize I am back from "wherever it was that I was".
Good night! The full moon is waning soon so enjoy while you can. And give everyone you love a great hug and kiss ;)
What made you happy?
Was it recent events or something when you were six years old? Did music play a role? Did your words escape you at the moments you should have spoken up? hmm. this one is a big one for lots of us.
I often wonder things like this while doing the mundane- the cleaning up after little finger dinners, after naps, and after trips to the beach. I always have had a running stream of thoughts going on while my life is being taken care of and being lived, and even being lived in a happy peaceful mindset I still have these thoughts.
I am not alone. This I am assured in many ways. However, I often wonder how many out there are also living a life fulfilled and yet are still filled with questions. Why are we given these years to enjoy the pleasures of live with a sure end to it? Is Faith the answer or is just enjoying every moment full of our own pleasures Heaven on Earth? Why are we not allowed to live several lives at once?
I ask these questions to my soul mate, Phillip, who understands me totally but as is normal, cannot read my mind and cannot answer my questions. He looks at me with eyes full of love and says things like "you are very special" and " I love you" and " you are so beautiful", which is great. BUT, and there's always a BIG BUT- he knows what I am saying, but just has no answers.
I don't expect anyone to. At least we talk about these things, on some nights, for hours on end- him, secure in a peaceful place of calm and relaxation- me, in a place of bouncing stars and endless speculation.
Jeez, the universe is not big enough for my questions. So, I relent. One night is passing, and another day is comming. So little time for so many inquiries. I must let go, for a short time, and save my thoughts for dreams. I don't have them every night (that I remember) but when I have them- they are like I have lived a whole night in another life. Some mornings, I feel I have come awake in a new land, only to discover it's our land. Usually, after an hour, Phillip enjoys the surprise in my eyes when I realize I am back from "wherever it was that I was".
Good night! The full moon is waning soon so enjoy while you can. And give everyone you love a great hug and kiss ;)
thanks for the reminder Ben
You keep on saying the past is not dead - well, stop and smell the smoke.
from Ben Folds- excellent pianist and modern composer.
from Ben Folds- excellent pianist and modern composer.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Potter and his serious white boy game
I just saw the latest Harry Potter movie in the theaters in Pensacola Fl while visiting the wonderful in-laws. It was THE BEST ONE EVER. I always watched the last three with the growing feeling that I was seeing something FINALLY being written for someone over 10 years old. Now, keep in mind I have not yet read any of the books, I didn't on purpose, once I realized the movies were being made. I'm weird like that. Anyway, I love to read, but wanted to have at least one series of popular novels that I did not know anything about. David Yates and company (director, writers, set designers and creative staff) finally seemed to realize that the Harry Potter story (much like the dumbed down Dorothy and Oz series) was really meant for somewhat more sophisticated viewers, and that you can do a film to please many at once.
For once- I was really seeing the evil side of the "one we must not speak of", and for once, the Harry Potter crew is out of the safety of their college / wizard school and in a mid- apocalyptic world of empty streets, quiet skies, and crowds quickly dispersed by evil clouds of wrong- minded folk. You know the drill - the cool thing is- this film takes it to a whole different level.
Also, there are real moments of decent acting between the cast members. Not just the major ones, but the entire entourage of Weasleys, etc. There are enough moments to let the viewer remember things of the past, a stunt not often pulled in this time of fast paced action sets. It let's the viewer into the scenery, and enjoy any new action with a renewed sense of "why" and of purpose.
When you have a series this long, it's hard to keep up the momentum. We have the entire set so far at home, and it's interesting to see how the different directors shifted momentum half way through the novels. I love the latest movie. It's emotional, it's full of gravity, and lets go of any cutesy novelties to pull you in- by now, if you don't get Harry Potter- now is the time to "get it".
And...on a long winter night...see the previous films to enjoy the journey. The latest film is by far the best. It's the darkest, the most mature, and the themes of Nazis, pure-bloods, and similar dogma will have your radar pricked for hours. Hello ! Harry has finally landed on the shores of ethnic cleansing- will he make it out or save the world from it ?
Only those who've read it know- so don't tell me please, I've got half a year left until I know what happens...
For once- I was really seeing the evil side of the "one we must not speak of", and for once, the Harry Potter crew is out of the safety of their college / wizard school and in a mid- apocalyptic world of empty streets, quiet skies, and crowds quickly dispersed by evil clouds of wrong- minded folk. You know the drill - the cool thing is- this film takes it to a whole different level.
Also, there are real moments of decent acting between the cast members. Not just the major ones, but the entire entourage of Weasleys, etc. There are enough moments to let the viewer remember things of the past, a stunt not often pulled in this time of fast paced action sets. It let's the viewer into the scenery, and enjoy any new action with a renewed sense of "why" and of purpose.
When you have a series this long, it's hard to keep up the momentum. We have the entire set so far at home, and it's interesting to see how the different directors shifted momentum half way through the novels. I love the latest movie. It's emotional, it's full of gravity, and lets go of any cutesy novelties to pull you in- by now, if you don't get Harry Potter- now is the time to "get it".
And...on a long winter night...see the previous films to enjoy the journey. The latest film is by far the best. It's the darkest, the most mature, and the themes of Nazis, pure-bloods, and similar dogma will have your radar pricked for hours. Hello ! Harry has finally landed on the shores of ethnic cleansing- will he make it out or save the world from it ?
Only those who've read it know- so don't tell me please, I've got half a year left until I know what happens...
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Tudored
We finally finished the Tudors series. What an outstanding piece of historical drama. If you have never seen it, please treat yourself. It's written for adults, by adults, no filters or PG type writing. It's at times hard to watch, but the actors give every moment their utter respect and treat their lines like works of art. See it.
Now, how are you dear friends? Are you happy, are you tired, are you well in the soul? Sometimes, we can be all those at once, I have found. Have you counted your blessings lately and held some in your arms? When I was single and living alone at times, quite happy in a one bedroom garage place, I would fall asleep with a book in my hand. Waking up later in the night to turn off my reading lamp (which I still have) I would never feel lonely if I had read a good deal of a good book, poem or even just a pile of zines.
transitional pause.
Last night, I had one of those really weird long dreams that started at 5 am (when I woke up briefly and glanced at clock) and continued after going back to sleep intil 6:45. It was one of those that is in "real time" and was so realistic. I have those every few nights, and it makes my mornings a little strange. I feel like I have been elsewhere ( although i know clearly it was a dream) and it's hard to shake off. In fact, it affects my day until i get busy enough to push the dream out of my mind. They are never bad dreams, just realistic and very very detailed. I do not even think I have that much memory in my waking life.
By now you're like "Hey Jennifer tell me what the dream was about" but I cannot let the story out of the bag. They are usually too real and at the same time too strange to ever be able to explain without someone getting a vibe. Usually, they do include people in my life, present and past and always seem like it could have truly happened...plausable stories with real outcomes. Never too much to handle but definitely with some real emotions from everyone involved.
Is this the way the mind works? Exorcising our own underlying emotions while we sleep? Yes, we know this. But is it more? no, doubt it. Mostly just a mix of weariness, real memories and false "memories" combining into one dramatic time in the night.
The mind is a wonderful thing, a best friend at times. Sometimes, perhaps...more of a nanny telling you to really, truly "go to sleep, now love."
Now, how are you dear friends? Are you happy, are you tired, are you well in the soul? Sometimes, we can be all those at once, I have found. Have you counted your blessings lately and held some in your arms? When I was single and living alone at times, quite happy in a one bedroom garage place, I would fall asleep with a book in my hand. Waking up later in the night to turn off my reading lamp (which I still have) I would never feel lonely if I had read a good deal of a good book, poem or even just a pile of zines.
transitional pause.
Last night, I had one of those really weird long dreams that started at 5 am (when I woke up briefly and glanced at clock) and continued after going back to sleep intil 6:45. It was one of those that is in "real time" and was so realistic. I have those every few nights, and it makes my mornings a little strange. I feel like I have been elsewhere ( although i know clearly it was a dream) and it's hard to shake off. In fact, it affects my day until i get busy enough to push the dream out of my mind. They are never bad dreams, just realistic and very very detailed. I do not even think I have that much memory in my waking life.
By now you're like "Hey Jennifer tell me what the dream was about" but I cannot let the story out of the bag. They are usually too real and at the same time too strange to ever be able to explain without someone getting a vibe. Usually, they do include people in my life, present and past and always seem like it could have truly happened...plausable stories with real outcomes. Never too much to handle but definitely with some real emotions from everyone involved.
Is this the way the mind works? Exorcising our own underlying emotions while we sleep? Yes, we know this. But is it more? no, doubt it. Mostly just a mix of weariness, real memories and false "memories" combining into one dramatic time in the night.
The mind is a wonderful thing, a best friend at times. Sometimes, perhaps...more of a nanny telling you to really, truly "go to sleep, now love."
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Pre pay for this!!
Kentucky Lemonade
I know many of my Southern pals know this one by heart, but it's fun to revisit and share some good things:
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
2 cups orange juice
1 container frozen lemon juice from concentrate, thawed
1 pt. bourbon, chilled
1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime soft drink, chilled
1 (1-liter) bottle club soda, chilled
Garnish with lemon slices
ENJOY and swing on your mama's front porch like noone's business.
I know many of my Southern pals know this one by heart, but it's fun to revisit and share some good things:
1 can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
2 cups orange juice
1 container frozen lemon juice from concentrate, thawed
1 pt. bourbon, chilled
1 (2-liter) bottle lemon-lime soft drink, chilled
1 (1-liter) bottle club soda, chilled
Garnish with lemon slices
ENJOY and swing on your mama's front porch like noone's business.
The Unbanked
There's an interesting article in Newsweek that I thought to summarize for you loyal readers and it has some insightful tips in it if you are looking to invest in "future" type ideas.
The nutshell is this: Daniel Gross wrote in Newsweek's Oct 25 issue that companies like NetSpend based in Austin TX, are going to to do well- here's why: they are a company that offers pre-paid debit cards that are for the millions of "unbanked" in our country. Ever been to a SuperWalmart and see the long lines that wait in their bank/stamps/ etc line? These are the unbanked- the people who do not have a bank account, or credit (due to personal reasons like being new immigrants or people who just have bad credit and need to have cash to pay some bills). NetSpend's revenues are now at $18.2 million from $700,000 from 2005 to 2009. Green Dot is the company in bed with Walmart. Walmart even pays some of its employees with Green Dot loaded debit cards.
This is the new thing- the pre-paid class. It is growing. Tracfone Wireless has 15 million prepaid subscribers in the US alone and is based out of Mexico's America Movil. Some people see this as a sign of economic regression. However, many, like the author Gross, see this as a positive sign of the U.S.'s business class learning to adapt, which is a sign of progression, rather than a status quo type model. He argues that this may be a new learning tool for us all - learning to buy what you need on a cash only model rather than a credit based market that puts people behind from the beginning of their purchasing habits.
I agree...going prepaid or cash only has alot of benefits- the best being that one learns to buy as needed, not as "wanted."
As he ends his article, he writes "Pay now, buy later."
The nutshell is this: Daniel Gross wrote in Newsweek's Oct 25 issue that companies like NetSpend based in Austin TX, are going to to do well- here's why: they are a company that offers pre-paid debit cards that are for the millions of "unbanked" in our country. Ever been to a SuperWalmart and see the long lines that wait in their bank/stamps/ etc line? These are the unbanked- the people who do not have a bank account, or credit (due to personal reasons like being new immigrants or people who just have bad credit and need to have cash to pay some bills). NetSpend's revenues are now at $18.2 million from $700,000 from 2005 to 2009. Green Dot is the company in bed with Walmart. Walmart even pays some of its employees with Green Dot loaded debit cards.
This is the new thing- the pre-paid class. It is growing. Tracfone Wireless has 15 million prepaid subscribers in the US alone and is based out of Mexico's America Movil. Some people see this as a sign of economic regression. However, many, like the author Gross, see this as a positive sign of the U.S.'s business class learning to adapt, which is a sign of progression, rather than a status quo type model. He argues that this may be a new learning tool for us all - learning to buy what you need on a cash only model rather than a credit based market that puts people behind from the beginning of their purchasing habits.
I agree...going prepaid or cash only has alot of benefits- the best being that one learns to buy as needed, not as "wanted."
As he ends his article, he writes "Pay now, buy later."
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Bucket List
Yes, of course we knew it was comming. If you knew you had a few weeks to live- what would you do? I would:
1. Make sure I wrote letters to each of my sons, specifying how I expect them to treat women, the world and how much I love them. There would be ALOT to say.
2. I would really like to go out West again to see the open ranges full of cactus, sky, rocks and multicolored sunsets. It's been a few years!
3. I would swim in the Gulf of Mexico as much as possible...long laps, not just floating around.
4. Spend as much time as possible with my grandparents, it's a lucky thing to have most of them still here with us, the exception being my wonderful Grandpa McCarthy, who I think of often.
5. Spend a night out dancing with my husband. I love dancing, I even do it in my own living room whenever I feel like it.
6. Forgive those who trespassed against me, and vice versa.
7. donate alot of money to charities that help people get on their feet for homes, jobs, family life, etc.
8. Fish fish fish for flounder, grouper, whatever. Actually I would take a deep sea charter boat with friends and reel some good things in to eat fresh that evening.
9. Eat oysters and scallops from Bay County.
10. Write to past teachers who influenced me.
11. Lay out on a nude beach as much as possible, for days if possible. Even if it takes going on one of those cheesy FL cruises you can take (because Fl doesn't have many nude beaches left, alas, mustn't scare the tourists you know)
12. I would really like to visit Vienna Austria where my great grandmother Anna Daeger came from, and also Scotland where the McMullens are from. Also, learn more about the McCarthy/Carter side of family to that my sons know more about their history.
13. I would like to meet Cormac McCarthy and tell him "thank you" for his novels. They are stark, beautiful and leave such an impression. Hemingway and Fitzgerald have left the building so they are not on this bucket list.
14. I would make sure my parents know how happy I am to have them as parents, and how much I admire and adore them. Also what great parents they are and say thank you for taking us on so many family trips and adventures.l
15.My husband would know how much he means to me, and how happy he has made me and our family. there really are no words....
Damn, that's getting depressing. I didn't mean for it to be.
What would you do? There is no list that would really cover it for me....life is sweet isn't it? Enjoy every moment today!
1. Make sure I wrote letters to each of my sons, specifying how I expect them to treat women, the world and how much I love them. There would be ALOT to say.
2. I would really like to go out West again to see the open ranges full of cactus, sky, rocks and multicolored sunsets. It's been a few years!
3. I would swim in the Gulf of Mexico as much as possible...long laps, not just floating around.
4. Spend as much time as possible with my grandparents, it's a lucky thing to have most of them still here with us, the exception being my wonderful Grandpa McCarthy, who I think of often.
5. Spend a night out dancing with my husband. I love dancing, I even do it in my own living room whenever I feel like it.
6. Forgive those who trespassed against me, and vice versa.
7. donate alot of money to charities that help people get on their feet for homes, jobs, family life, etc.
8. Fish fish fish for flounder, grouper, whatever. Actually I would take a deep sea charter boat with friends and reel some good things in to eat fresh that evening.
9. Eat oysters and scallops from Bay County.
10. Write to past teachers who influenced me.
11. Lay out on a nude beach as much as possible, for days if possible. Even if it takes going on one of those cheesy FL cruises you can take (because Fl doesn't have many nude beaches left, alas, mustn't scare the tourists you know)
12. I would really like to visit Vienna Austria where my great grandmother Anna Daeger came from, and also Scotland where the McMullens are from. Also, learn more about the McCarthy/Carter side of family to that my sons know more about their history.
13. I would like to meet Cormac McCarthy and tell him "thank you" for his novels. They are stark, beautiful and leave such an impression. Hemingway and Fitzgerald have left the building so they are not on this bucket list.
14. I would make sure my parents know how happy I am to have them as parents, and how much I admire and adore them. Also what great parents they are and say thank you for taking us on so many family trips and adventures.l
15.My husband would know how much he means to me, and how happy he has made me and our family. there really are no words....
Damn, that's getting depressing. I didn't mean for it to be.
What would you do? There is no list that would really cover it for me....life is sweet isn't it? Enjoy every moment today!
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