I love the town I grew up in. We're an "All American City" with a lot of home town charm. It is always a pleasure to write stories about my town.
Every April, Porterville is blanketed with the lingering scent of orange blossoms, but since the town is surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of acres of citrus, it is no surprise.
Still, every year, I am pleasantly reminded of how great it smells. You can smell it every evening, for miles and miles. (Not good for those suffering from asthma or allergy)
Irises too, are everywhere. It is the official city flower. And Porterville is home to the world renowned Sutton Iris Gardens, with more than 100 acres of blooming iris of all colors -- as far as the eye can see. It is breathtaking beautiful!
I recently had an opportunity to write about the Iris flowers. I had four stories in today's newspaper.
You can see my stories here:
Iris Festival Brings More than just Beauty to Porterville
Sutton's Iris Gardens
Sampath Takes a Shine to Colorful Iris
Caring For and Planting Irises
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Want to see Dama in shorts and halter?
OK - this is scary. An AW friend (Dama) and I have entered into the same agreement as WV Writer and her friend. Truth is, we both agreed that we need to lose a little weight and what better way than by motivating each other. Or in this case, being motivated not to lose the contest. LOL
All I can say is that I am sooooo glad that I went out to lunch today to Little Italy - my favorite restaurant. I think I may have just enjoyed my last Chicken Piccatta (grilled chicken in a lemon, butter and wine sauce) in a long time!
Hey, any of you other AWers (or other readers) want to join in? See, if there are three or four of us, than the chance of me losing declines! LOL
Dama, by the way, for those of you who do not know her, is young! Young enough to be my youngest daughter. I think metabolism might be on her side. But, that's ok. I really need to be motivated to do this. My high school reunion is this summer.
Am I a fool for going up against Dama? Maybe. But it's all in fun. And the only way that I will stay true to following a diet is if the stakes are high - and trust me, they are! LOL
So...if you want to join in, let me know. If you want to see Dama in shorts and a halter (she looks good in them already) -- then keep checking in to see how we're doing. Sorry, no pictures yet.
We decided that slow and steady is best. Even so, I know 10 can be lost in one week if necessary but those next five are harder. So...for that reason, I'll go for 10-15 pounds.
Eating right and more exercise is the key. I can't wait to see Dama in her shorts and halter. LOL
Let the game begin.....
All I can say is that I am sooooo glad that I went out to lunch today to Little Italy - my favorite restaurant. I think I may have just enjoyed my last Chicken Piccatta (grilled chicken in a lemon, butter and wine sauce) in a long time!
Hey, any of you other AWers (or other readers) want to join in? See, if there are three or four of us, than the chance of me losing declines! LOL
Dama, by the way, for those of you who do not know her, is young! Young enough to be my youngest daughter. I think metabolism might be on her side. But, that's ok. I really need to be motivated to do this. My high school reunion is this summer.
Am I a fool for going up against Dama? Maybe. But it's all in fun. And the only way that I will stay true to following a diet is if the stakes are high - and trust me, they are! LOL
So...if you want to join in, let me know. If you want to see Dama in shorts and a halter (she looks good in them already) -- then keep checking in to see how we're doing. Sorry, no pictures yet.
We decided that slow and steady is best. Even so, I know 10 can be lost in one week if necessary but those next five are harder. So...for that reason, I'll go for 10-15 pounds.
Eating right and more exercise is the key. I can't wait to see Dama in her shorts and halter. LOL
Let the game begin.....
Shorts, tank tops and high stakes
Some people are braver than I could ever be.
While cruising around, visiting AW members' blogs and sites, I ran across WVWriterGirl's site. She had one page that caught my attention. She and her best friend are trying to lose a little weight.
Ok, many of us try that at one point or other. But this was different. They added some friendly competition to it -- with high stakes!
Here's the deal: after the "contest" ends (both are winners, in my opinion) the "loser" has to post a picture of herself (on her blog) wearing shorts and a haltar top!
If that isn't motivation enough to lose weight! Of course, I'm hoping they'll both feel so great about their accomplishments, that they will both post a nice pic of themselves. LOL
But isn't that cool?
I was never heavy as a child or teen. I was the opposite, tall and skinny and awkward through grade school. By high school I felt a bit more comfortable with my body. I was an "Orange Blossom" (one of 12 coveted letter-girl positions) and by college, a cheerleader and a Barbizon model. I was still shy but always sweet enough to where I was televised quite a few times. (It was my smile)
Still, over the years, those pounds have a tendency to sneak up on a person. With my high school reunion coming up this summer, I have been watching the scales. How I would love to enter into such a challenge with a good, trusted friend.
I read WVWriterGirl's plan and I thought, "That makes a lot of sense." I would do my darndest to not lose the challenge.
I'd feel awful though, about my friend posting such a pic. LOL
But, it's all in fun and for encouragement. Wow.
My hat is tipped in your direction, WVWriterGirl.
Best of luck and mega kuddos to you and your friend.
While cruising around, visiting AW members' blogs and sites, I ran across WVWriterGirl's site. She had one page that caught my attention. She and her best friend are trying to lose a little weight.
Ok, many of us try that at one point or other. But this was different. They added some friendly competition to it -- with high stakes!
Here's the deal: after the "contest" ends (both are winners, in my opinion) the "loser" has to post a picture of herself (on her blog) wearing shorts and a haltar top!
If that isn't motivation enough to lose weight! Of course, I'm hoping they'll both feel so great about their accomplishments, that they will both post a nice pic of themselves. LOL
But isn't that cool?
I was never heavy as a child or teen. I was the opposite, tall and skinny and awkward through grade school. By high school I felt a bit more comfortable with my body. I was an "Orange Blossom" (one of 12 coveted letter-girl positions) and by college, a cheerleader and a Barbizon model. I was still shy but always sweet enough to where I was televised quite a few times. (It was my smile)
Still, over the years, those pounds have a tendency to sneak up on a person. With my high school reunion coming up this summer, I have been watching the scales. How I would love to enter into such a challenge with a good, trusted friend.
I read WVWriterGirl's plan and I thought, "That makes a lot of sense." I would do my darndest to not lose the challenge.
I'd feel awful though, about my friend posting such a pic. LOL
But, it's all in fun and for encouragement. Wow.
My hat is tipped in your direction, WVWriterGirl.
Best of luck and mega kuddos to you and your friend.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Spring Fever
I was reading Anne's blog and suddenly got caught up with a form of spring fever. I can not wait to get out into my small back yard to fix it up.
I love flowering vines and I have jasmine, bouganvillas and grapes clinging to posts and climbing all over the place. There is no grass directly behind my home, but I have a couple of fountains, one with a waterfall, a bird bath and some rattan furniture (covered for the winter) and a swing. I have hung little lights and I have a section that has misters - which keeps part of my plants thriving year round.
To the side of my back yard, there is a small area of grass where my little ones can run around, but they tend to ignore it unless it is a sunny day - which have been few.
I have three dachsunds in the backyard and every winter, I pretty much let the place go. I bring two small doghouses up to the back porch which I enclose in thick plastic to prevent rain and wind from reaching them (they each have their own specially-made, small electric blanket and each has their own fire-alarm attached to their doggie house, just in case) All of this must go in order to reclaim my back yard.
We've been having too much rain - but once the rain stops, I'm starting. I'd love to put in a flower garden or plant some vegetables -- but with the three babies, I don't know how much of it would survive. So far, I've survived by planting in tall pots and planters.
Lately, all I do is open the door to let my doggies in every day, or step out to feed them. And I watch and hear everything from my bedroom (we have 2 security cameras aimed at my back yard)
Thank you, Anne. For reminding me that I should try to get outdoors more.
Now, excuse me please... my little yard is calling me.
I love flowering vines and I have jasmine, bouganvillas and grapes clinging to posts and climbing all over the place. There is no grass directly behind my home, but I have a couple of fountains, one with a waterfall, a bird bath and some rattan furniture (covered for the winter) and a swing. I have hung little lights and I have a section that has misters - which keeps part of my plants thriving year round.
To the side of my back yard, there is a small area of grass where my little ones can run around, but they tend to ignore it unless it is a sunny day - which have been few.
I have three dachsunds in the backyard and every winter, I pretty much let the place go. I bring two small doghouses up to the back porch which I enclose in thick plastic to prevent rain and wind from reaching them (they each have their own specially-made, small electric blanket and each has their own fire-alarm attached to their doggie house, just in case) All of this must go in order to reclaim my back yard.
We've been having too much rain - but once the rain stops, I'm starting. I'd love to put in a flower garden or plant some vegetables -- but with the three babies, I don't know how much of it would survive. So far, I've survived by planting in tall pots and planters.
Lately, all I do is open the door to let my doggies in every day, or step out to feed them. And I watch and hear everything from my bedroom (we have 2 security cameras aimed at my back yard)
Thank you, Anne. For reminding me that I should try to get outdoors more.
Now, excuse me please... my little yard is calling me.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
AW Monday Meme #15
Dawno has posted another Meme' - thanks Dawno.
I love reminiscing.
The Rules: The first player of this game starts with the topic and people who get tagged need to write an entry about it as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose the next person to be tagged and link to their web journals. Don’t forget to leave a comment in their blog or journal that says “You have been tagged” (assuming they take comments) and tell them to read yours.
OK - From Dawno:
Time to dig into your past! Just use your best recollection – no need to go digging around in the attic or cellar for this stuff.
1. Do you have a picture of yourself as an infant, toddler or youngster in your own scrapbook, picture album or shoebox? If so, how old were you? What where you
doing?I wish I had pics of me as a child. We had a camera but most of the pics are of my older sisters or my baby sister. I was lost in the family, I guess. But I do have one of me at age 4. My sister emailed it to me last summer. I'll have to search for it. I am standing next to a tree, holding my skirt out to the sides. On my left arm, you can see a rather large bandage. The picture was taken a few days after I fell off a tall cherry tree. On the way down, I ripped my arm half off. I was unconscious and lost so much blood , I almost died. (ripped my artery) If I can find it in my computer, I'll come back and post it. [note: couldn't find it but i did run into this one - age 7 - my birthday]
2. What is the oldest piece of clothing you have in your closet. What is it? Do you wear it or just keep it for sentimental purposes, or because you haven’t had time to give it away yet? I have a short green dress with some horses on it. I loved that dress. (size 5) I bought it while on vacation in Guadalajara when I was 16 and up until five years ago, it still fit. Now my 16-year-old daughter can fit into it. (but doesn't wear it)
3. Do you have any souvenirs? If so, what is the oldest one, where is it from and how did you come to have it? I have some Disneyland tickets - the old ones, I have mainly "A" tickets but also a couple of the good ones -- the "E" tickets. I was 10 years old the first time I went to Disneyland. In those days, you had to buy a ticket book or individual tickets to get on rides. The "E" tickets were the best ones.
4. Do you have an appliance, utensil, dish, glass, platter, etc., or cooking implement in the kitchen that you got from a relative when you moved away from home? What is it and who gave it to you? I have a couple of dishes that my mom gave me when I moved away from home. They were from her own china set.
I also have a couple of very nice tea cups and a butter dish (yellow flowers) given to me by a very close friend. It used to belong to his mother. I was also given a couple of "baby" dishes the same person made with his own little hands in kindergarten.
5. What’s the oldest thing in your medicine cabinet? (and maybe it’s time to toss out the expired stuff!) I don't have a medicine cabinet. I keep a small plastic container in the kitchen with tylenol, benadryl and aspirin, but that's about it. And none of it is old. I'm never really sick. I'm very healthy.
6. Was the place you currently live in occupied prior to you? Did they leave anything behind? What? If not, have you ever heard any stories about folk who
lived there before you did and would you share one? My home is awesome! It was built in 1904 and is listed with the city as a historical home. There is a book at Borders (bookstore) with historical homes and my home is there. It was once home to Visalia's first mayor.7. Do you have any old IDs, business cards or other bits of old flotsam in your purse/wallet? What is the oldest thing there and why do you keep it? I have too many purses. Most are empty. No old Id's but I keep finding ticket stubs to previous baseball games I've attended, dating back to 1999. I keep the stubs to all the games I attend. The most games in one season -- 69 out of 70 home games (I only missed a Sunday afternoon game - on Mother's Day)
8. Do you have your yearbooks? When was the last time you looked at them? What is the thing you like most about your favorite yearbook? What’s the thing you like least about your least favorite yearbook? (I don’t know if this is a ‘global’ question – so forgive me if you are from somewhere that getting a yearbook is not a tradition) I love my yearbooks! I keep one shelf on one of my bookcase for just yearbooks (mine plus my three daughters have them now) and for all the "Who's Who Among American High School Students" books. I also have my Junior High yearbooks and my Reunion yearbooks.
The oldest yearbook is my 7th grade one - I was on the yearbook staff in 8th grade. What I love most is that I can go back and remember the good times, particularly band. I love reading some of the entries. I last looked at it about a month ago. Two of my daughters go to school with the sons of someone I was in band with. (Jim Kusserow, who is now the band director at my old alma mater) They were curious as to how he looked when he was young. I took it out and they laughed like crazy, at me, at him, at everyone else. Everyone had the 70's long hair look.
9. Do you have any old key(s)? Do you know what it/they’re for? Why did you keep it/them?
I have a roller-skate key. :-) I also have a set of "skeleton" keys for my home. My home was built in 1904. It is absolutely beautiful - lots of sliding doors - and they lock with old fashion skeleton keys.
10. 100 years from now, what would you wish someone had as a memento of you?
I used to say a classic story I've written but I'm not sure that matters any more. What matters is what we have now.
I have to see who I can tag - not sure who has done it already.
So, to quote my Governor: "I'll be back."
awmondaymemes
A Monday Meme' from a couple weeks ago
I had been so busy with all of the stories, including agriculture stories ( Ag Special all of the stories in there are mine, click on "next" to turn the pages )-- that I had stopped doing the Monday memes.
I was in the AW threads and reading some of the meme's I missed and decided that this one was too cute to pass up.
It was started by Ray Wong - Maestrowork!
His blog is at http://itheauthor.blogspot.com/
1. If someone is going to make a movie about you, which movie star/actress should play you?
Young me - Julia Ormonde. Current me: Diane Lane
2. What are your favorite movies and/or books? Books -To Kill a Mockingbird, Casa Blanca, The Bridgest of Madison County, A league of their Own; and I'm a sucker for love stories/chic flicks.
3. Coffee or chocolate? Not a fair question. I love chocolate and I can't live without coffee - I absolutely love Starbucks Coffee. No flavor coffees for me. Just strong, with cream and Equal.
4. Hot tub or beaches? Beaches
5. Do you like to take naps? Or do you sleep only a few hours a day? I take occasional power nap - about 20 minutes, if I'm lucky. Not too often.
6. Do you sleep in the nude? No.
7. What do you consider is your best achievement so far? Raising my children. My three daughters are my pride and joy.
Since this happened some time ago, I'm not tagging anyone.
awmondaymemes
I was in the AW threads and reading some of the meme's I missed and decided that this one was too cute to pass up.
It was started by Ray Wong - Maestrowork!
His blog is at http://itheauthor.blogspot.com/
1. If someone is going to make a movie about you, which movie star/actress should play you?
Young me - Julia Ormonde. Current me: Diane Lane
2. What are your favorite movies and/or books? Books -To Kill a Mockingbird, Casa Blanca, The Bridgest of Madison County, A league of their Own; and I'm a sucker for love stories/chic flicks.
3. Coffee or chocolate? Not a fair question. I love chocolate and I can't live without coffee - I absolutely love Starbucks Coffee. No flavor coffees for me. Just strong, with cream and Equal.
4. Hot tub or beaches? Beaches
5. Do you like to take naps? Or do you sleep only a few hours a day? I take occasional power nap - about 20 minutes, if I'm lucky. Not too often.
6. Do you sleep in the nude? No.
7. What do you consider is your best achievement so far? Raising my children. My three daughters are my pride and joy.
Since this happened some time ago, I'm not tagging anyone.
awmondaymemes
Friday, April 14, 2006
Blind Babies
photo by EstherAvilaI never knew that there were so many blind babies in our area. I have a special place in my heart for the blind because my daddy was blind.
Last Saturday I covered a Beeping Easter Egg hunt -- about 300 people attended (inlcuding 30 blind babies, ages 0-4, and their families)
The eggs beeped and the children, quite a few of them with white canes, walked around, listening for them.
The event catered to all of their other senses. They had flowers to touch, smell and plant; and baby animals to pet.
I was so happy as I covered the event. It was the most awesome thing ever.
The story ran in today's South Valley edition of the Fresno Bee. I'm attaching it below.
Fresno Bee - South Valley Bee
Friday, April 14, 2006
Blind Children shown power of their senses
By Esther Avila / Special to The Bee
Three-year-old Mitchell Villanueva smiled as he gently held a baby chick. Blind since birth, Mitchell could hear the chick's peeps and feel the fur -- and the squirming.
"He's soft," Mitchell said, placing the chick closer to his ear. "I like it."
Mitchell was one of more than 300 people, including 30 visually-impaired children, who attended the 13th annual Central Valley Beeper Egg Hunt hosted by the Blind Baby Foundation at Rowley Ranch in Visalia on Saturday.
The children and their families were also treated to a barbecue, tactile games, a visit from the Easter bunny and a special beeping-eggs Easter hunt.
"For blind children, we have to bring the world to them," said Kristi Spaite, vision-impairment specialist with Blind Babies Foundation. "We have to bring them these experiences. It is difficult for families to offer this kind of diversity to their children. A lot of the families don't get out much."
The Blind Babies organization was founded in 1949 after an epidemic of blindness among premature infants. The foundation's primary purpose is to provide early intervention services to children and families that encourage the child's development within their home environment.
"A lot of these activities are done with a purpose. We're getting them ready for Braille. We want them to want to use their fingers, and we try to provide them with as many textures as possible," Spaite said. "Many children do not like to touch different textures."
For that reason, Saturday's event had a petting zoo, where children could touch the fur, feathers, and skin of baby animals, from piglets and chicks to lambs and goats.
The children also participated in an Easter egg hunt that had 50 specially-made beeping eggs. Several of the children used white canes to feel their way around as they listened for the beeps.
"I didn't have a clue that there were so many blind children in our area," said Vicki Rowley. "I heard about this through church and immediately opened up our home for this."
Breanna Burch, 2, of Visalia also attended. When she was 7 months old, Breanna was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare disease in which bilateral tumors attach to the retinas.
"It's a fast-growing cancer. She needs eye sugery every three weeks to keep it under control," said her mother, Julie Burch, who had the same disease as a child. "It's genetic, but it's very rare. It can strike at any time, but the kids pretty much grow out of it by age 4 or 5."
Breanna laughed -- she had chocolate all over her smile from a cupcake she decorated before eating -- and said she was looking forward to searching for Easter eggs.
Following the hunt, the children planted flowers in their plastic buckets.
Michael Owens, 16 months old and blind since birth, sat next to Mitchell. The two boys grabbed small fistfuls of dirt and placed them in their buckets before their parents helped them fill the basket with flowers.
"The flowers are new this year," Spaite said. "The touch, feel and smell of the flowers are all different. We wanted to tie it to spring to help educate the families about teaching their blind
children about springtime.
'When they are little, we are their eyes. But when they get older, their fingers are what they count on."
Game called off
I knew before I got there that more than likely, there would be no game tonight. But, heck, I'm a true die-hard fan and rain or shine, I had to be there for opening day.
I quickly found all of my extended baseball family and after hugging half a dozen people and catching up on what everyone has been doing -- everyone started talking about the rain.
It had stopped raining for a couple of hours prior to game time. The sky even looked blue -- but, oh, those black clouds in the distance.... they did not look good. And just as the game was about to start, they came in - with full force, dropping giant drops of water that eventually went down to a heavy sprinkle.
No one really cared. We laughed and we talked and I ordered a hotdog and a water -- just to say that I did it. I've not missed an opening game in seven years.
Alas, the game was called and we all said our goodbyes. We'll try again tomorrow - maybe a double header.
I quickly found all of my extended baseball family and after hugging half a dozen people and catching up on what everyone has been doing -- everyone started talking about the rain.
It had stopped raining for a couple of hours prior to game time. The sky even looked blue -- but, oh, those black clouds in the distance.... they did not look good. And just as the game was about to start, they came in - with full force, dropping giant drops of water that eventually went down to a heavy sprinkle.
No one really cared. We laughed and we talked and I ordered a hotdog and a water -- just to say that I did it. I've not missed an opening game in seven years.
Alas, the game was called and we all said our goodbyes. We'll try again tomorrow - maybe a double header.
Baseball and Rain
Baseball starts today. I love baseball!
I've been a ticket season-holder for Visalia Oaks for seven years. (and board member and secretary of the booster club for six years)
But it has rained off and on (sometimes poured) all day long. Will the game be canceled? I certainly hope not! I am sure that they are tired of me calling the office every two hours, trying to disguise my voice, asking if the game has been called off.
So far, so good.
The game starts in two hours. The clouds are dark but it is not raining at the moment-
Please - please --- no rain tonight. It is not that I don't like it, I just love baseball more.
I always loved the rain. I have so many fond memories about it -- starting with memories about my father. He was blind and never saw me. But he loved the rain. He loved the way it smelled. He loved the way it sounded - the splish splash on puddles and the ting tang sounds on metal or car tops. I must have inherited that love of rain from him.
I loved being outside on rainy days - umbrella in one hand. I would splash in every puddle I could find. But I was so skinny that on windy days, the wind would literally pick me up, or more often than not, knock me over. Still, I longed for rainy days - which were few and far between.
To this day, I love rain. This year has been great. The only reason I wish it would stop is because of the flooding it has caused. We have had nine or so different counties in the area (including mine) declared national disaster areas due to flooding.
(*actual opening day was Thursday - but this didn't go online till Friday.)
I've been a ticket season-holder for Visalia Oaks for seven years. (and board member and secretary of the booster club for six years)
But it has rained off and on (sometimes poured) all day long. Will the game be canceled? I certainly hope not! I am sure that they are tired of me calling the office every two hours, trying to disguise my voice, asking if the game has been called off.
So far, so good.
The game starts in two hours. The clouds are dark but it is not raining at the moment-
Please - please --- no rain tonight. It is not that I don't like it, I just love baseball more.
I always loved the rain. I have so many fond memories about it -- starting with memories about my father. He was blind and never saw me. But he loved the rain. He loved the way it smelled. He loved the way it sounded - the splish splash on puddles and the ting tang sounds on metal or car tops. I must have inherited that love of rain from him.
I loved being outside on rainy days - umbrella in one hand. I would splash in every puddle I could find. But I was so skinny that on windy days, the wind would literally pick me up, or more often than not, knock me over. Still, I longed for rainy days - which were few and far between.
To this day, I love rain. This year has been great. The only reason I wish it would stop is because of the flooding it has caused. We have had nine or so different counties in the area (including mine) declared national disaster areas due to flooding.
Monday, April 03, 2006
A Frightening Event
Something sad and scary happened on Friday.
I was driving home from a funeral and was in an area of town that I normally would not be in. As I turned the corner, I saw four Hispanic girls walking down the street -- in baggy jeans and long white T-shirts. They were laughing and trying to kick each other. But what got me was that one of them held a good-sized American flag, which she used to poke the others with, while dragging the flag on the ground.
I stopped my car, rolled my window down and said: "You girls really need to have a little more respect for our flag."
One girl apologized, two laughed and one cussed me out, flipped me off and then made some disgusting hand gestures at me -- I am not sure what it meant, but it didn't look nice.
I was mad but I Just waved goodbye and put my window up and as I did, I noticed from the corner of my eye, some movement to the right of the car. I turned and suddenly, there was a crowd of about 20 to 25 rebellious looking teenagers -- all wearing the same white T-shirts and baggy jeans, some of them clearly exposing their boxers.
It scared me. I was relieved to know that all doors were locked and my first thought was "If they bang on your car, just maneuver to the left and drive or speed away.
They glared at me. I looked at them and started inching my car forward. Then one of them held up two fingers "Peace" and I smiled and "Peaced" them back. They nodded and stepped away. I gave them a slight smile and waved goodbye. Several waved back.
To be honest, it scared me half to death. I've never been a confrontational person and I am one of those people who locks everything. I keep a lock on my fence gate - no one can even come into my yard.
I have a lot more to say about these protests - but I'll save that for another entry.
I was driving home from a funeral and was in an area of town that I normally would not be in. As I turned the corner, I saw four Hispanic girls walking down the street -- in baggy jeans and long white T-shirts. They were laughing and trying to kick each other. But what got me was that one of them held a good-sized American flag, which she used to poke the others with, while dragging the flag on the ground.
I stopped my car, rolled my window down and said: "You girls really need to have a little more respect for our flag."
One girl apologized, two laughed and one cussed me out, flipped me off and then made some disgusting hand gestures at me -- I am not sure what it meant, but it didn't look nice.
I was mad but I Just waved goodbye and put my window up and as I did, I noticed from the corner of my eye, some movement to the right of the car. I turned and suddenly, there was a crowd of about 20 to 25 rebellious looking teenagers -- all wearing the same white T-shirts and baggy jeans, some of them clearly exposing their boxers.
It scared me. I was relieved to know that all doors were locked and my first thought was "If they bang on your car, just maneuver to the left and drive or speed away.
They glared at me. I looked at them and started inching my car forward. Then one of them held up two fingers "Peace" and I smiled and "Peaced" them back. They nodded and stepped away. I gave them a slight smile and waved goodbye. Several waved back.
To be honest, it scared me half to death. I've never been a confrontational person and I am one of those people who locks everything. I keep a lock on my fence gate - no one can even come into my yard.
I have a lot more to say about these protests - but I'll save that for another entry.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
The Twin Towers
While browsing through some high school photos - I found this picture. I was in New York City with the Porterville Panther Band. I couldn't believe it -- the Twin Towers are in the background.
That's me - in the blue shirt, second person in. My little sister, Lily is in front.
Leader of the Band
***** For the latest entry on Frank "Buck" Shaffer -- click here. *****
Panther Band in Washington D.C. - that's me - the first "L" in Porterville.
We have the most amazing man in Porterville, California.
Frank "Buck" Shaffer is someone I love and respect and have known for many years. And today I got to interview him for a hometown newspaper story about Unsung Heroes.
I have always admired Buck and always knew he has done so much for our small community, but sitting in his home - interviewing him - I was in awe while listening to all he has done.
If I had to name one person who has had a huge impact on Porterville, that would have to be Frank "Buck" Shaffer. He started the Porterville Christmas parade, the Veterans Day Band-a-Rama, the City of Hope Spectacular -- and The Fabulous Studio Band, to mention just a few things.
He was Porterville High School's band director for many years. He took a tiny band and made it grand. He has led our band from sea to shining sea - as they performed at venues across America. He was there for Disneyland's grand opening ceremonies - and every year thereafter for 32 years. He has directed the Porterville Panther Band at Carnegie Hall, Squaw Valley Winter Olympics of 1960, Seattle World's Fair, six Rose Parades, represented California in Philadelphia on the fourth of July of 1976, performed at half time shows for the Los Angeles Rams four separate years, led the band through 35 years of CMEA Superior Ratings, led the band through four recordings (Capitol Custom), played at least 185 half-time football shows, led the band through 345 DIFFERENT parades all over America and has had 37 annual concerts to a packed house in Porterville. (at the Porterville Memorial Auditorium in the Frank "Buck" Shaffer Theater -- named after him. Outside, he has a star on the sidewalk walk of fame.)
I still remember marching under his direction, 1973-1976 -- four of the best years of my life. During that time, I marched the Hollywood Christmas parade every year, Disneyland every year, did two Rams half-time shows, met and shook Vice President Ford's hand when the band played for him while he was in Fresno campaigning. In fact, he told me I had a beautiful smile. Buck also took us to New York City, Washington D.C., Arlington National Monument - Cemetery, Philadelphia -- a 10-day tour of the East Coast, where we toured the Statue of Liberty, The United Nations, Montecito, Gettysburg, Amish country, the White House, U.S. Capital, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Treasury, the Smithsonian -- the list is endless.
His Fabulous Studio Band has done even more -- including several tours to the Orient, Japan and Korea -- and they have completed many domestic tours as well.
The hour and a half I spent with Buck was precious and priceless.
Writing the story will be an honor.
But how can I give enough justice to the story -- this man is incredible.
I was also very touched by a few things he shared with me and a favor he asked of me.
Thank you, Buck Shaffer. For the gift that you gave me -- the gift of music and for believing in me. Thank you for putting a song in my soul.
This is me in 1976 - you can't see my long hair
I was an Orange Blossom
the first "L" in P-O-R-T-E-R-V-I-L-L-E,
we marched in front of the band.
If you want to know more about Buck Shaffer -- please visit: www.buckshaffer.com
or read the story I wrote: HERE
For other Porterville High Band, Monache High Band, Fabulous Studio Band and other band stories click HERE.
Panther Band in Washington D.C. - that's me - the first "L" in Porterville.
We have the most amazing man in Porterville, California.
Frank "Buck" Shaffer is someone I love and respect and have known for many years. And today I got to interview him for a hometown newspaper story about Unsung Heroes.
I have always admired Buck and always knew he has done so much for our small community, but sitting in his home - interviewing him - I was in awe while listening to all he has done.
If I had to name one person who has had a huge impact on Porterville, that would have to be Frank "Buck" Shaffer. He started the Porterville Christmas parade, the Veterans Day Band-a-Rama, the City of Hope Spectacular -- and The Fabulous Studio Band, to mention just a few things.
He was Porterville High School's band director for many years. He took a tiny band and made it grand. He has led our band from sea to shining sea - as they performed at venues across America. He was there for Disneyland's grand opening ceremonies - and every year thereafter for 32 years. He has directed the Porterville Panther Band at Carnegie Hall, Squaw Valley Winter Olympics of 1960, Seattle World's Fair, six Rose Parades, represented California in Philadelphia on the fourth of July of 1976, performed at half time shows for the Los Angeles Rams four separate years, led the band through 35 years of CMEA Superior Ratings, led the band through four recordings (Capitol Custom), played at least 185 half-time football shows, led the band through 345 DIFFERENT parades all over America and has had 37 annual concerts to a packed house in Porterville. (at the Porterville Memorial Auditorium in the Frank "Buck" Shaffer Theater -- named after him. Outside, he has a star on the sidewalk walk of fame.)
I still remember marching under his direction, 1973-1976 -- four of the best years of my life. During that time, I marched the Hollywood Christmas parade every year, Disneyland every year, did two Rams half-time shows, met and shook Vice President Ford's hand when the band played for him while he was in Fresno campaigning. In fact, he told me I had a beautiful smile. Buck also took us to New York City, Washington D.C., Arlington National Monument - Cemetery, Philadelphia -- a 10-day tour of the East Coast, where we toured the Statue of Liberty, The United Nations, Montecito, Gettysburg, Amish country, the White House, U.S. Capital, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Treasury, the Smithsonian -- the list is endless.
His Fabulous Studio Band has done even more -- including several tours to the Orient, Japan and Korea -- and they have completed many domestic tours as well.
The hour and a half I spent with Buck was precious and priceless.
Writing the story will be an honor.
But how can I give enough justice to the story -- this man is incredible.
I was also very touched by a few things he shared with me and a favor he asked of me.
Thank you, Buck Shaffer. For the gift that you gave me -- the gift of music and for believing in me. Thank you for putting a song in my soul.
This is me in 1976 - you can't see my long hair
I was an Orange Blossom
the first "L" in P-O-R-T-E-R-V-I-L-L-E,
we marched in front of the band.
If you want to know more about Buck Shaffer -- please visit: www.buckshaffer.com
or read the story I wrote: HERE
For other Porterville High Band, Monache High Band, Fabulous Studio Band and other band stories click HERE.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Saying Goodbye
I had lunch with my best friend today. We meet occasionally for coffee or for lunch - always hitting unique little places or interesting sounding restaurants.
Today we went to a little Mediterranean place. We had humus and Tabouli salad and gyros.
And then, he decided to tell me -- he's moving to Sacramento -- next month! Huh? "What do you mean - you're moving away?" I just sat there for a moment, trying to absorb what he said. His mother is elderly and needs him. (I can certainly understand that.) But it was still sad.
This guy is my baseball buddy. There has never been anything else. Just friendship. He loves my girls and we've known him for years and years. We always meet at the Oaks baseball home games and often travel to some of the away games together. We go out for icecream in the summer and hot chocolate in the winter.
Baseball starts in two weeks - it just won't be the same without him.
Michael is like family. I can't believe I'm losing him.
I'll miss you Michael!
Today we went to a little Mediterranean place. We had humus and Tabouli salad and gyros.
And then, he decided to tell me -- he's moving to Sacramento -- next month! Huh? "What do you mean - you're moving away?" I just sat there for a moment, trying to absorb what he said. His mother is elderly and needs him. (I can certainly understand that.) But it was still sad.
This guy is my baseball buddy. There has never been anything else. Just friendship. He loves my girls and we've known him for years and years. We always meet at the Oaks baseball home games and often travel to some of the away games together. We go out for icecream in the summer and hot chocolate in the winter.
Baseball starts in two weeks - it just won't be the same without him.
Michael is like family. I can't believe I'm losing him.
I'll miss you Michael!
School District Lines
My heart is breaking.
I have spent all morning fighting (ok, just talking until I'm blue in the face) with my daughters' schools.
Apparently, for the past five years, we have been attending the "wrong" schools. No one ever told us. No one ever stopped us when we registered - so with one daughter having a year to go in high school and the other about to start high school - they expect us to move our daughters to the new school next fall.
The deadline to apply for a lottery to attend a different school was in December. (They can't understand that we didn't apply because no one ever told us that we weren't attending the right schools to start with. Apparently the boundaries changed several years ago but no one told us!) Oh, we live on a corner. If I cross the street to the west, she'd be ok. If I cross the street north, she'd be ok. My corner (and my house only) is the only one affected on this block. Next to me is a church, so obviously, they don't have children. I am the only house on the block that it affects.
We have lived in the same house for 15 years. The girls have gone from kindergarten through now to school with their friends. If I move her now - I might as well move her to a new town!
Oh - and in order to get to the school across town, we have to walk/drive past the school in question. (.4 mile from our home. The other school is further.)
I am so frustrated and my younger daughter is devastated.
She called me from school - totally freaked out. Last week we signed her up for high school. She's been accepted into their marching band (few Freshman are) and into the advanced band and into their Wind Ensemble band. (top of the line band- by audition/permission only - they meet at 7 a.m. daily)
My middle daughter is the No. 1 student at the school - will they make me pull her out too? If they do - she'll be devastated.
I keep telling myself that things will work out -- but I didn't feel positive after leaving the district office. We missed the lottery system for attending and they said chances of getting in are slim to none.
I may have no choice but to move. If I have to move in order to have my daughter's life be uninterrupted - so be it. I'd hate to. We've lived in the same home for so long. But what other choice would I really have?
I have spent all morning fighting (ok, just talking until I'm blue in the face) with my daughters' schools.
Apparently, for the past five years, we have been attending the "wrong" schools. No one ever told us. No one ever stopped us when we registered - so with one daughter having a year to go in high school and the other about to start high school - they expect us to move our daughters to the new school next fall.
The deadline to apply for a lottery to attend a different school was in December. (They can't understand that we didn't apply because no one ever told us that we weren't attending the right schools to start with. Apparently the boundaries changed several years ago but no one told us!) Oh, we live on a corner. If I cross the street to the west, she'd be ok. If I cross the street north, she'd be ok. My corner (and my house only) is the only one affected on this block. Next to me is a church, so obviously, they don't have children. I am the only house on the block that it affects.
We have lived in the same house for 15 years. The girls have gone from kindergarten through now to school with their friends. If I move her now - I might as well move her to a new town!
Oh - and in order to get to the school across town, we have to walk/drive past the school in question. (.4 mile from our home. The other school is further.)
I am so frustrated and my younger daughter is devastated.
She called me from school - totally freaked out. Last week we signed her up for high school. She's been accepted into their marching band (few Freshman are) and into the advanced band and into their Wind Ensemble band. (top of the line band- by audition/permission only - they meet at 7 a.m. daily)
My middle daughter is the No. 1 student at the school - will they make me pull her out too? If they do - she'll be devastated.
I keep telling myself that things will work out -- but I didn't feel positive after leaving the district office. We missed the lottery system for attending and they said chances of getting in are slim to none.
I may have no choice but to move. If I have to move in order to have my daughter's life be uninterrupted - so be it. I'd hate to. We've lived in the same home for so long. But what other choice would I really have?
Monday, March 13, 2006
The Swallows are Coming - the Swallows are Coming
Four more days. Then, I'll be heading to San Juan Capistrano to take my elderly mama to see the Swallows return.
It's amazing. How do these birds migrate to Goya, Argentina, only to return year after year -- always on the same day? March 19. I have never seen it in person, but I do see it every year on the news.
My mama grew up in that area as a little girl. But, the last time she saw the birds, she was 10 years old. That was 75 years ago! She's always longed to go back and year after year and when I see it on the news, I regret that I didn't take her.
This year I'm taking her. Last Christmas, I wrapped a child's book (the only one I could find) about the Swallows, and while she opened the present, I played the 1939 classic "When the Swallows Return" -- she opened the gift, saw the "gift" certificate and hotel accomodation info and broke down crying.
Now, you should see my mama. She's like a little girl. For the past three weeks, she's talked about it every day! Telling me stories of how the Mission bells would start ringing when the birds are spotted in the city. And how hundreds of them are suddenly seen, flying to the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Sometimes she wipes away a tear, but mostly, I can see her drifting away to another time -- and I can almost see them -- flying, closer and closer and bells ringing and people cheering..... I can't wait...
It's going to be a bit bittersweet. You see, my mom has always said that she did not want to die before going back to see the swallows.
And, at 85, I realize that I need to treasure every day I have with her.
Four more days. Then we will go see the Swallows return...
March 23, 2006 : Edit to Add
I guess it is true - you can never go back again. My mom was a little disappointed that we did not see the Swallows that she remembered. She saw two or three - but that was it. I tried to explain that these were scouts -- and that the weather had prevented them from arriving. (lots of rain the past two weeks) But she insisted that it didn't matter - there were dozens of scouts on the days prior to the thousands of Swallows that would arrive. But, we had a nice time. I got to spend time with her and we laughed and talked a bit. I got to see a group of Swallows (about 25 of them) that flew by me as I sat in the gardens of the mission at San Juan Capistrano; but my mom was enjoying the mariachi and folkloric dance show and had requested to stay by the stage. (we were there five hours and she enjoyed her front-row seat to the show for two hours of it) I enjoyed walking around and entering the gorgeous church! (Catholic churches are so awesome)
Well...as it turns out -- swallows also arrive in Three Rivers (20 minutes away from me!) LOL -- so, I might take my mom to the Swallows Return celebration -- just for fun.
It's amazing. How do these birds migrate to Goya, Argentina, only to return year after year -- always on the same day? March 19. I have never seen it in person, but I do see it every year on the news.
My mama grew up in that area as a little girl. But, the last time she saw the birds, she was 10 years old. That was 75 years ago! She's always longed to go back and year after year and when I see it on the news, I regret that I didn't take her.
This year I'm taking her. Last Christmas, I wrapped a child's book (the only one I could find) about the Swallows, and while she opened the present, I played the 1939 classic "When the Swallows Return" -- she opened the gift, saw the "gift" certificate and hotel accomodation info and broke down crying.
Now, you should see my mama. She's like a little girl. For the past three weeks, she's talked about it every day! Telling me stories of how the Mission bells would start ringing when the birds are spotted in the city. And how hundreds of them are suddenly seen, flying to the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Sometimes she wipes away a tear, but mostly, I can see her drifting away to another time -- and I can almost see them -- flying, closer and closer and bells ringing and people cheering..... I can't wait...
It's going to be a bit bittersweet. You see, my mom has always said that she did not want to die before going back to see the swallows.
And, at 85, I realize that I need to treasure every day I have with her.
Four more days. Then we will go see the Swallows return...
March 23, 2006 : Edit to Add
I guess it is true - you can never go back again. My mom was a little disappointed that we did not see the Swallows that she remembered. She saw two or three - but that was it. I tried to explain that these were scouts -- and that the weather had prevented them from arriving. (lots of rain the past two weeks) But she insisted that it didn't matter - there were dozens of scouts on the days prior to the thousands of Swallows that would arrive. But, we had a nice time. I got to spend time with her and we laughed and talked a bit. I got to see a group of Swallows (about 25 of them) that flew by me as I sat in the gardens of the mission at San Juan Capistrano; but my mom was enjoying the mariachi and folkloric dance show and had requested to stay by the stage. (we were there five hours and she enjoyed her front-row seat to the show for two hours of it) I enjoyed walking around and entering the gorgeous church! (Catholic churches are so awesome)
Well...as it turns out -- swallows also arrive in Three Rivers (20 minutes away from me!) LOL -- so, I might take my mom to the Swallows Return celebration -- just for fun.
Spreading Sunshine
Besides writing, I am also in the medical field. I work approximately three to four hours a day for a paramedical company. Most of my work involves centrifuging and shipping blood, urine and drug-screening specimens. But, sometimes, I do electrocardiograms on people who are buying life, disability or health insurance.
Today, I had such an appt. And the woman (about my age) I went to see was in a very bad mood and by golly, she was going to make sure I knew it.
She proceeded to make my life miserable. She was negative. She was downright rude and nasty. Everything I asked her to do, she would complain loudly and tell me that she never did it that way last time she had the exam.
I decided to continue to smile and be nice and make her my project for the day -- I was determined to make her say something nice or at least make her smile.
The exam part was professional. I took her blood pressure and tried to say little things to her but she ignored me or sneered at me or just glared at me. I responded each time with a smile.
(I can be stubborn too - I figured the more I smiled and the nicer I was - the angrier she was getting - and to be honest, I wanted to laugh.)
When we got to the EKG - I commented on her cute monkey socks (she glared at me) and I chatted about my daughter loving monkeys.
It wasn't until I mentioned my daughter was Down Syndrome that she started to relax. I saw that it worked and I told them how she was just like a little monkey, always wrapping herself around me as a baby.
By the time we were done with the EKG, she was a different person. She thanked me for the exam and apologized several times about not being in a good mood when I arrived. I just smiled and said I hadn't really noticed, that I just figured she was nervous -- after all, I probably would be if some stranger came to my home to take my blood and have me semi undress. She started to laugh...just a little. I smiled, walked to the door and told her to have a great day. Her smile was so sincere by this time and she wished me a good day.
I got to my car and as I drove away, I felt really happy. I could have let that woman ruin my day. I could have cussed all the way home (Ok, I don't cuss)
So, next time you meet someone who appears to be miserable - just bear it. Remember, you'll soon leave. But in the meantime, see if you can make it your mission to bring a little sunshine to their life. If you succeed, you'll both feel great.
I'd like to think she went on to have a great day. I know I did.
Today, I had such an appt. And the woman (about my age) I went to see was in a very bad mood and by golly, she was going to make sure I knew it.
She proceeded to make my life miserable. She was negative. She was downright rude and nasty. Everything I asked her to do, she would complain loudly and tell me that she never did it that way last time she had the exam.
I decided to continue to smile and be nice and make her my project for the day -- I was determined to make her say something nice or at least make her smile.
The exam part was professional. I took her blood pressure and tried to say little things to her but she ignored me or sneered at me or just glared at me. I responded each time with a smile.
(I can be stubborn too - I figured the more I smiled and the nicer I was - the angrier she was getting - and to be honest, I wanted to laugh.)
When we got to the EKG - I commented on her cute monkey socks (she glared at me) and I chatted about my daughter loving monkeys.
It wasn't until I mentioned my daughter was Down Syndrome that she started to relax. I saw that it worked and I told them how she was just like a little monkey, always wrapping herself around me as a baby.
By the time we were done with the EKG, she was a different person. She thanked me for the exam and apologized several times about not being in a good mood when I arrived. I just smiled and said I hadn't really noticed, that I just figured she was nervous -- after all, I probably would be if some stranger came to my home to take my blood and have me semi undress. She started to laugh...just a little. I smiled, walked to the door and told her to have a great day. Her smile was so sincere by this time and she wished me a good day.
I got to my car and as I drove away, I felt really happy. I could have let that woman ruin my day. I could have cussed all the way home (Ok, I don't cuss)
So, next time you meet someone who appears to be miserable - just bear it. Remember, you'll soon leave. But in the meantime, see if you can make it your mission to bring a little sunshine to their life. If you succeed, you'll both feel great.
I'd like to think she went on to have a great day. I know I did.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Puppet Masters
More on this later - but I just wanted to come in and save my result.
I'm off to the CMEA - California Music Educators Association - music festival, which I'll get to write about for tomorrow's paper -- and I kind of doubt I'll get back to this tonight.
Thanks Dawno (saying this in a nice and sweet, but sarcastic, way)
No. I love Dawno. She's one of the best things that happened to my life these two years - she and everyone else at AW. I can't imagine not knowing them.
Well - This is what it said:
"You belong in the Puppet Masters. Your world is filled with hidden foes. You trust no one, and you know that someday you'll find and destroy the bad guys hideout."
NOTE: I was going to explain about this fun quiz and why I believed I got this answer - but to be honest, I am too busy and not particularly interested in this - so I'm not going to bother.
Thanks Dawno (saying this in a nice and sweet, but sarcastic, way)
No. I love Dawno. She's one of the best things that happened to my life these two years - she and everyone else at AW. I can't imagine not knowing them.
Well - This is what it said:
"You belong in the Puppet Masters. Your world is filled with hidden foes. You trust no one, and you know that someday you'll find and destroy the bad guys hideout."
NOTE: I was going to explain about this fun quiz and why I believed I got this answer - but to be honest, I am too busy and not particularly interested in this - so I'm not going to bother.
~ SS 3/13/06
Forbidden Shed
I wrote this a long time ago. I remember it as if it were yesterday. It is a true story.
" There’s a secret room back there,” I said to my brother once.
But he didn’t believe me, or maybe he wanted me to believe that there was not.
At 11 years of age, he seemed to know everything and he warned me not to get too close – the place was crawling with large beetles, he had told me.
But I wasn’t afraid of the beetles and I wasn’t afraid of adventure. But I was afraid of Mr. Neiman.
Two cherry trees stood just beyond the tall wooden fence separating our yards. I often climbed the fence to reach the branches. I’d cling to the tree, stuffing cherries into the pockets of my dress – and into my mouth – to keep my hands free for climbing.
I would prefer to wear jeans but my mother wouldn’t hear of it. Jeans were no attire for little girls.
I was on this fence one day when I saw the Neimans walking down the street. The Mrs. was not always well, so it was not often that they went for a walk.
Knowing I had a few minutes to explore before they returned, I climbed over the fence and slowly walked towards the brush. My heart raced as I glanced back. Not that I expected to see them, for I knew that they would be gone awhile. But I was afraid that my brother would see me and that would be worse.
I stopped and studied their home. It was always dark in the main house. Once in a great while, a small light could be seen in a back window.
The children in the neighborhood were afraid of the two-story home. The brown home was said to be haunted.
There was no lawn, only bark and mulch and roses and wild flowers of every color. Mrs. Neiman always hunched over her garden, pruning or planting. And Mr. Neiman would water.
“Cheri’ take some flowers to your mama,” he would say to me in his husky voice, and then gesture to me.
“Come, come. Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you, my little Cheri.”
He liked calling me Cheri’ – more than likely because of my love for cherries, I thought.
Every now and then, usually on the first of the month, my mother would send me to their home to deliver the rent. It always took a long time for them to open the door.
I always prayed it would be the Mrs. But every now and then it was her husband.
“Come in. Come in, my Cheri’,” he would say every time in his husky accent. And I would step just inside the dark room. A large upright piano stood near the door, dust clinging to every inch of it. I would squint, unable to focus in the dark. There was furniture cramped into every corner, yet the old couple moved as if they were in a maze, fast and with a purpose.
Mrs. Neiman rarely spoke but always smiled. I often wondered if she spoke English. She seemed harmless, yet the children in the neighborhood feared her. I didn’t. I feared him.
I’d stand quietly each time as he scribbled a receipt. And it was during these short visits that I picked up tiny pieces of their history. Mrs. Neiman had been born into royalty inAustria America
I had asked him once if they ever had children. They did. Twin girls. But they died. Mrs. Neiman wiped away a tear as Mr. Neiman spoke. Then he quickly shooed me out of the house. I never asked again.
As I approached the shrubs, there was no question about it, I could see the old wood – dark, splintered and faded in some areas. There were no windows, or at least, none that I could see -- only one door and one large padlock. But next to the door was a hook – with a key.
I quietly turned the key and slowly opened the door. I expected the room to be dark but a window on the back wall brought in just enough sunlight to glance around.
I stood still, mouth open. I could not believe my eyes. Never in my life had I ever seen such a thing – picture after picture of naked or scantily-clad women on the walls. Some of them were standing, some were sitting, others were bent over, but each one, beautiful, with long hair, big eyes, ruby-red lips and the roundest breasts I’d ever seen.
I turned and ran as fast as I could. I never looked back and as I climbed the fence, I saw the Neimans walking back. I didn’t care. I was safe in my yard. Breathing heavily, I noticed I was so nervous that I was clenching my hand into a fist. I slowly opened my hand -- and panicked. I held a key in the palm of my hand.
I was only 4 years old when I first stumbled across the dark shed behind my home. It was hidden behind a thick wall of elderberry trees to the rear of our landlord’s L-shaped lot.
I often played behind a brush in my back yard. I liked it there. No one could see me. But I could see between the slats of the boards and, more than once, I watched our landlord, Mr. Neiman, walk towards the elderberries. He always stopped, looked around and then would sweep aside some brush, exposing dark wood, before stepping through.But he didn’t believe me, or maybe he wanted me to believe that there was not.
At 11 years of age, he seemed to know everything and he warned me not to get too close – the place was crawling with large beetles, he had told me.
But I wasn’t afraid of the beetles and I wasn’t afraid of adventure. But I was afraid of Mr. Neiman.
Two cherry trees stood just beyond the tall wooden fence separating our yards. I often climbed the fence to reach the branches. I’d cling to the tree, stuffing cherries into the pockets of my dress – and into my mouth – to keep my hands free for climbing.
I would prefer to wear jeans but my mother wouldn’t hear of it. Jeans were no attire for little girls.
I was on this fence one day when I saw the Neimans walking down the street. The Mrs. was not always well, so it was not often that they went for a walk.
Knowing I had a few minutes to explore before they returned, I climbed over the fence and slowly walked towards the brush. My heart raced as I glanced back. Not that I expected to see them, for I knew that they would be gone awhile. But I was afraid that my brother would see me and that would be worse.
I stopped and studied their home. It was always dark in the main house. Once in a great while, a small light could be seen in a back window.
The children in the neighborhood were afraid of the two-story home. The brown home was said to be haunted.
There was no lawn, only bark and mulch and roses and wild flowers of every color. Mrs. Neiman always hunched over her garden, pruning or planting. And Mr. Neiman would water.
“Cheri’ take some flowers to your mama,” he would say to me in his husky voice, and then gesture to me.
“Come, come. Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you, my little Cheri.”
He liked calling me Cheri’ – more than likely because of my love for cherries, I thought.
Every now and then, usually on the first of the month, my mother would send me to their home to deliver the rent. It always took a long time for them to open the door.
I always prayed it would be the Mrs. But every now and then it was her husband.
“Come in. Come in, my Cheri’,” he would say every time in his husky accent. And I would step just inside the dark room. A large upright piano stood near the door, dust clinging to every inch of it. I would squint, unable to focus in the dark. There was furniture cramped into every corner, yet the old couple moved as if they were in a maze, fast and with a purpose.
Mrs. Neiman rarely spoke but always smiled. I often wondered if she spoke English. She seemed harmless, yet the children in the neighborhood feared her. I didn’t. I feared him.
I’d stand quietly each time as he scribbled a receipt. And it was during these short visits that I picked up tiny pieces of their history. Mrs. Neiman had been born into royalty in
I had asked him once if they ever had children. They did. Twin girls. But they died. Mrs. Neiman wiped away a tear as Mr. Neiman spoke. Then he quickly shooed me out of the house. I never asked again.
As I approached the shrubs, there was no question about it, I could see the old wood – dark, splintered and faded in some areas. There were no windows, or at least, none that I could see -- only one door and one large padlock. But next to the door was a hook – with a key.
I quietly turned the key and slowly opened the door. I expected the room to be dark but a window on the back wall brought in just enough sunlight to glance around.
I stood still, mouth open. I could not believe my eyes. Never in my life had I ever seen such a thing – picture after picture of naked or scantily-clad women on the walls. Some of them were standing, some were sitting, others were bent over, but each one, beautiful, with long hair, big eyes, ruby-red lips and the roundest breasts I’d ever seen.
I turned and ran as fast as I could. I never looked back and as I climbed the fence, I saw the Neimans walking back. I didn’t care. I was safe in my yard. Breathing heavily, I noticed I was so nervous that I was clenching my hand into a fist. I slowly opened my hand -- and panicked. I held a key in the palm of my hand.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Very Busy Weekend
Have you ever heard of Melissa Borders Stevenson?
I met her on Saturday. She had the most amazing one-woman show I've ever seen.
I went to a really nice luncheon (perks of being a member of the press -- enjoyed chicken crepes and a spinach salad) and stayed for a presentation by Mrs. Stevenson.
She portrays women in history. The women selected for Saturday's performance were Eleanor Roosevelt, Julia Morgan, Charlie Parkhurst and Harriet Tubman.
I had heard of Roosevelt and Tubman - those were obvious. But shame on me for not knowing who Morgan and Parkhurst were. (I did look it up before I attended but prior to getting the assignment, I did not know who they were.)
I'd love to talk more about it but I will wait until my story runs (next Friday) and then I can come back and tell you more.
If you ever hear of Stevenson performing anywhere near your town -- by all means, do yourself a favor and attend. You won't regret it!
I met her on Saturday. She had the most amazing one-woman show I've ever seen.
I went to a really nice luncheon (perks of being a member of the press -- enjoyed chicken crepes and a spinach salad) and stayed for a presentation by Mrs. Stevenson.
She portrays women in history. The women selected for Saturday's performance were Eleanor Roosevelt, Julia Morgan, Charlie Parkhurst and Harriet Tubman.
I had heard of Roosevelt and Tubman - those were obvious. But shame on me for not knowing who Morgan and Parkhurst were. (I did look it up before I attended but prior to getting the assignment, I did not know who they were.)
I'd love to talk more about it but I will wait until my story runs (next Friday) and then I can come back and tell you more.
If you ever hear of Stevenson performing anywhere near your town -- by all means, do yourself a favor and attend. You won't regret it!
Finally catching up
I have a new freelance record this month -- I have had more stories than I could almost keep up with. Don't get me wrong, it was very exciting and I loved doing it, but there were times that I felt overwhelmed.
Besides my regular weekly story for the Fresno Bee, I took on a couple of extra stories for them. Add to that the stories from World Ag Expo (two to three a day for a week) and my agriculture stories -- 10 stories about the county's top 10 commodities, and some regular stories for the Porterville newspaper -- and we are talking more than 30 articles in one month's time.
But ask me if I love it?
YES!
If I didn't have four children and an elderly mother to look after, I'd jump at the chance of getting back on with my old hometown paper. My editor had stopped by a couple of weeks ago and told me that there was a Features Editor position open as well as a general assignment opening.
I keep telling myself that I am waiting for my magazine-writing career to take off. I'm getting close. I have not heard from Readers Digest about my two submissions, but I did get an interesting offer to write an article for a trade-journal magazine. That is just the beginning!
This will be another busy week for me. I will be covering the California Music Educators Association music festival for three of the four days. I love band and love to cover any band-related stories. Plus, it does not hurt that I will have two daughters performing there too.
I still need to complete three agriculture stories, and I have my first interview for the trade-journal story scheduled on Tuesday.
When it comes to my novel, I have not worked on it much. I'm too busy with everything else. I am going to concentrate on completing all of my current assignments first.
Then I can return to my happy midnight writing!
Oh - one more interesting bit of information. I have signed up for a writers' workshop in Southern California. I'll be gone from April 28th to the 30th. I'm very excited about it.
I thought of going to the Mad Anthony Writer's Conference in Ohio, also in April ( especially since I found a great deal on airflight) but I decided against it since I have several other short trips planned in the next couple of months.
Besides my regular weekly story for the Fresno Bee, I took on a couple of extra stories for them. Add to that the stories from World Ag Expo (two to three a day for a week) and my agriculture stories -- 10 stories about the county's top 10 commodities, and some regular stories for the Porterville newspaper -- and we are talking more than 30 articles in one month's time.
But ask me if I love it?
YES!
If I didn't have four children and an elderly mother to look after, I'd jump at the chance of getting back on with my old hometown paper. My editor had stopped by a couple of weeks ago and told me that there was a Features Editor position open as well as a general assignment opening.
I keep telling myself that I am waiting for my magazine-writing career to take off. I'm getting close. I have not heard from Readers Digest about my two submissions, but I did get an interesting offer to write an article for a trade-journal magazine. That is just the beginning!
This will be another busy week for me. I will be covering the California Music Educators Association music festival for three of the four days. I love band and love to cover any band-related stories. Plus, it does not hurt that I will have two daughters performing there too.
I still need to complete three agriculture stories, and I have my first interview for the trade-journal story scheduled on Tuesday.
When it comes to my novel, I have not worked on it much. I'm too busy with everything else. I am going to concentrate on completing all of my current assignments first.
Then I can return to my happy midnight writing!
Oh - one more interesting bit of information. I have signed up for a writers' workshop in Southern California. I'll be gone from April 28th to the 30th. I'm very excited about it.
I thought of going to the Mad Anthony Writer's Conference in Ohio, also in April ( especially since I found a great deal on airflight) but I decided against it since I have several other short trips planned in the next couple of months.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger
I met my Governor today. In fact, he shook my hand. It was great.
The wait for him seemed to take forever - but it was worth it. I know many around here are constantly putting him down - but I believe in what he has been doing.
Today he was discussing his Strategic Growth Plan - a $35 billion investment to maintain and improve the state's levee and flood control system and to provide for safe and reliable water supplies for California's future.
I was at the World Ag Expo to cover his visit and to cover the expo. I ended up writing three stories today.
I have been covering the Expo in Tulare, CA every day this week. (two to three stories a day) I have loved it. It feels great being a member of the press and getting all the perks. Special VIP parking, private golf-cart escorts, etc.
We have been treated like royalty at the media trailer that they set up for us. We have comfortable chairs/couches, all the drinks, candy, meat and cheese cuts, yogurt, ....you name it, they have it for us.
Yesterday I got to interview some members of a Nigerian delegation. I've spoken with people from Japan, Canada, Australia, Netherlands and Australia. Today I spoke with the California agriculture secretary and I got to follow Arnold around as he toured the grounds.
Today I ran into a former news editor I once worked with. He's with another paper now and when he heard I was freelancing, he invited me to come out and write for them too.
Today was fun. And, it's such a big high for me to open up the next morning's paper and see my stories on the front page.
I love my job!
The wait for him seemed to take forever - but it was worth it. I know many around here are constantly putting him down - but I believe in what he has been doing.
Today he was discussing his Strategic Growth Plan - a $35 billion investment to maintain and improve the state's levee and flood control system and to provide for safe and reliable water supplies for California's future.
I was at the World Ag Expo to cover his visit and to cover the expo. I ended up writing three stories today.
I have been covering the Expo in Tulare, CA every day this week. (two to three stories a day) I have loved it. It feels great being a member of the press and getting all the perks. Special VIP parking, private golf-cart escorts, etc.
We have been treated like royalty at the media trailer that they set up for us. We have comfortable chairs/couches, all the drinks, candy, meat and cheese cuts, yogurt, ....you name it, they have it for us.
Yesterday I got to interview some members of a Nigerian delegation. I've spoken with people from Japan, Canada, Australia, Netherlands and Australia. Today I spoke with the California agriculture secretary and I got to follow Arnold around as he toured the grounds.
Today I ran into a former news editor I once worked with. He's with another paper now and when he heard I was freelancing, he invited me to come out and write for them too.
Today was fun. And, it's such a big high for me to open up the next morning's paper and see my stories on the front page.
I love my job!
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Five Weird Habits
Five Weird Habits – tagged by Joanne
The Rules: The first player of this game starts with the topic “five weird habits” and people who get tagged need to write an entry about their five weird habits as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose the next five people to be tagged and link to their web journals. Don’t forget to leave a comment in their blog or journal that says “You have been tagged” (assuming they take comments) and tell them to read yours.
Ok Joanne – these are things that my girls have told me are just plain weird!
1. Every time (and I do mean EVERY time) I wash dishes, I sing Donny Osmond or Tom Jones songs. My earliest recollection of this strange habit -- I was 12 years old.
2. I can not throw out a newspaper unless I visually scan it first. There are times I am a week behind (subscribe to 3 papers) – and I wish I could pick them up and throw them out. But, I can’t. I will pick them all up, automatically throw out all the ad inserts, classifieds, comics, and usually sports (except for baseball season) and then I’ll set them aside until I have more time. It usually takes me a couple of hours to go through a week’s worth.
3. This is not really weird – ok, part of it is. I can not go to sleep unless I pray for my girls (small prayer- I touch their forehead and we close our eyes and I say a small prayer) That part is ok. But then, I sing my girls their “night-night” song. Mind you, my daughters are 22, 15, and 13. And they would be embarrassed to death if their friends knew. Odd thing, they are so used to the prayer and their song that when I am sleepy and forget, they’ll come looking for me to say goodnight and stand there, waiting for me to do the silly verse I invented when they were toddlers. When my daughter went to
4. I love fresh figs. But, it is such a short season and they are so hard to find. Therefore, I have a notebook where I have jotted down the location of every single fig tree that I have ever run across. There are 8 in Porterville, 5 in Visalia, 1 on the side of the freeway on the way to Los Banos....etc. No, I never steal figs. In fact, I've never had a fig from any of those trees. (except for a former one in an empty lot by the baseball park, but it's gone now - removed to make a parking lot)
5. This one goes back to when my daughters were little. Every time they saw a cute animal on television, they'd say "OHHH" or "Ahhhhh" (but really loud and exagerated) and it was followed by "how cute" "how sweet" or "how adorable" -- somehow, I picked it up from them. It used to drive my husband crazy, we'd be watching television and a fuzzy animal would be shown and we'd all oohed and ahhed loudly. Well, we still do it. Doesn't matter when the animal pops up -- a monkey on Survivor or the little monkey on Friends -- "Ahhhh! How adorable!"
I did a quick search and at the time I checked, these people had not been tagged on this subject or they hadn't written on the subject yet, therefore, I choose to tag:
Emeraldcite
paint brush poet
(musings of a writing wife) Julia
ray wong
mac
Thursday, February 09, 2006
American Idols and Writers
”As to the more general sense, best is to find a few people whose opinions you respect (a good writing group is helpful) and try to get an assessment of whether you're talented enough to pursue it further or whether you're being self-delusional. And remember not to shoot the messenger.”
But, here I was – an American-Idol-type writer – reacting to the statement.
I didn’t.
One of the things I am known for is that I am always telling everyone: “Don’t ever let go of your dream.” One of my dreams is to be published in magazines. I believe it will happen. And, if it doesn't happen this month, there's always next month.
And, for all of you new writers -- you have to get Jenna Glatzer's Freelance Writing book. You'll be glad you did and when it is your turn to perform before the judges -- you can smile and feel confident that you've been coached by a professional.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
The Rule of Four Meme
I was just thinking that if it weren't for meme's -- there would be little posted on my blog, at least lately. Then, I read a similar comment from Mac on Dawno's site.
I have been very busy with freelance writing assignments. I counted today and I have 22 for February and it's not even the middle of the month yet! That's fine. Baseball season is coming up and I need to buy a season pass.
So...for now, I'm going to post this last meme that I ran across on Musings of a Writing Wife
Four jobs you've had in your life:
1. Radio show host assistant (station identification voice; commercials, assisted dj, answered the request line) - KTIP Porterville, KCOK Tulare
2. Worked at my family's record shop on Main Street
3. Emergency Room Nurse - later, School Nurse
4.Newspaper Reporter / later Freelance Reporter
Four movies you could watch over and over:
1. The Rookie
2. The Man in the Iron Mask
3. Groundhog Day
4. Under the Tuscan Sun
Four Places you've lived:
1. Laredo, TX
2.San Antonio, TX
3. Porterville, CA
4. Visalia, CA
Four TV shows you love to watch: (I watch TV Monday-Thursday / some are recorded)
1. Monday: Medium & 24
2. Tuesday: American Idol & Commander and Chief
3. Wednesday: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (every night)
4. Thursday: Survivor / CSI / Without a Trace
Four Places you've been on vacation:
1.Tulum, Yucatan - (Caribbean)
2.Hawaii
3.Europe: Paris - Belgium - Netherlands
4. Victoria, British Columbia - Canada
Four websites you visit daily:
1. The Fresno Bee
2. The Porterville Recorder
3. several close friends' websites/blogs
4. AbsoluteWrite.com (minus small breaks)
I have been very busy with freelance writing assignments. I counted today and I have 22 for February and it's not even the middle of the month yet! That's fine. Baseball season is coming up and I need to buy a season pass.
So...for now, I'm going to post this last meme that I ran across on Musings of a Writing Wife
Four jobs you've had in your life:
1. Radio show host assistant (station identification voice; commercials, assisted dj, answered the request line) - KTIP Porterville, KCOK Tulare
2. Worked at my family's record shop on Main Street
3. Emergency Room Nurse - later, School Nurse
4.Newspaper Reporter / later Freelance Reporter
Four movies you could watch over and over:
1. The Rookie
2. The Man in the Iron Mask
3. Groundhog Day
4. Under the Tuscan Sun
Four Places you've lived:
1. Laredo, TX
2.
3. Porterville, CA
4. Visalia, CA
Four TV shows you love to watch: (I watch TV Monday-Thursday / some are recorded)
1. Monday: Medium & 24
2. Tuesday: American Idol & Commander and Chief
3. Wednesday: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (every night)
4. Thursday: Survivor / CSI / Without a Trace
Four Places you've been on vacation:
1.
2.
3.
4. Victoria, British Columbia - Canada
Four websites you visit daily:
1. The Fresno Bee
2. The Porterville Recorder
3. several close friends' websites/blogs
4. AbsoluteWrite.com (minus small breaks)
Four of your favorite foods:
1. chicken piccatta
2. steak
3. fresh fruit
4. sauteed mushrooms
Four places you'd rather be:
1. Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula - my favorite place to vacation
2. Xcaret - also in Caribbean - Paradise!
3. In a bookstore
4. Home. It's my favorite place to be.
Category tags: AWMondayMemes
1. chicken piccatta
2. steak
3. fresh fruit
4. sauteed mushrooms
Four places you'd rather be:
1. Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula - my favorite place to vacation
2. Xcaret - also in Caribbean - Paradise!
3. In a bookstore
4. Home. It's my favorite place to be.
Category tags: AWMondayMemes
Monday, January 30, 2006
Taking a break from AW boards
Last September I joined an online writers group - Absolutewrite.com
Writers can ask questions and learn about writing, bounce ideas off each other, critique each other's work and have fun online with games and chat (via postings).
I also found myself addicted to the site and I would spend up to six hours a day there. I still worked -- submitting magazine queries, working on a child's book or writing my novel -- but I always had the boards on in the background. And, I found myself taking more and more breaks to go in and check it out. It was the first thing I did in the morning and the last thing I did before going to bed.
So, last week, after being assigned 15 new stories -- I decided it was a good time to take a break from the boards. I told myself I could only go in once a week -- which I did Sunday and only for about an hour.
The first three days were the hardest. But on the fourth day, I found that I could make it through an 8-hour day with minimal withdrawal symptoms. :-)
I haven't missed it too much, but I've been really busy with my new assignments. I spent a six-hour day last week getting organized, setting up interviews and taking a drive to visit a few farmers. I've since interviewed a cotton grower and a dairyman and I have a few more interviews set up for this week. (Among other things, I'm writing about the top 10 agriculture commodities in my county.)
I miss you, my AW friends -- and I'll come back soon. But for now, I'm doing what I love the most -- I'm writing.
Writers can ask questions and learn about writing, bounce ideas off each other, critique each other's work and have fun online with games and chat (via postings).
I also found myself addicted to the site and I would spend up to six hours a day there. I still worked -- submitting magazine queries, working on a child's book or writing my novel -- but I always had the boards on in the background. And, I found myself taking more and more breaks to go in and check it out. It was the first thing I did in the morning and the last thing I did before going to bed.
So, last week, after being assigned 15 new stories -- I decided it was a good time to take a break from the boards. I told myself I could only go in once a week -- which I did Sunday and only for about an hour.
The first three days were the hardest. But on the fourth day, I found that I could make it through an 8-hour day with minimal withdrawal symptoms. :-)
I haven't missed it too much, but I've been really busy with my new assignments. I spent a six-hour day last week getting organized, setting up interviews and taking a drive to visit a few farmers. I've since interviewed a cotton grower and a dairyman and I have a few more interviews set up for this week. (Among other things, I'm writing about the top 10 agriculture commodities in my county.)
I miss you, my AW friends -- and I'll come back soon. But for now, I'm doing what I love the most -- I'm writing.
January 30: AW Monday Meme #7
AW Monday Meme #7Today's little quiz is about computers and you.
1. Do you remember the first computer you ever used? If so, tell us what you remember and why you were using it.
My first computer was in 1983 and it was a Commodore 64. I mainly used it to write stories and to play some neat "Olympic" games. It contained a program that I loved where you could be an olympian athlete - you pick the sport and the nation and compete against the computer for the gold, silver or bronze. It also had National Anthems for many countries. One could ski, swim, participate in skeet shooting...the list was endless. And it was such fun and a big hit with my family. I remember hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas family gatherings and everyone would gather around the "computer" and play games or just check it out. We sold it several years later when we got a "real" computer. And I missed it so much. I kept wishing we had kept it.
2. Do you remember the first computer you ever bought for yourself? What was it - if you know details like how much memory it had or anything funny about it, share!
We got a 486 computer from Office Max in Fresno. It had a 100 mb harddrive and 1 mb of RAM. We used it in our business. But it soon was almost worthless. It didn't take long for us to fill it to the max and everything suddenly was in super-slow motion.
3. What kind of computer are you using right now? Any particular story about you and your computer experience you can share?
Believe it or not, we have five computers at home and one at the office. All three of my daughters have computers, I have a 3 ghz computer running windows XP and a 200 gb harddrive with a dvd and cd burner. I love my computer. My girls have similar ones. Also, I have a Dell Inspiron 2.8 ghz laptop and two BlackBerry's, 7290. (pda) which I have sync'd to my online calendar and to my computer address book. I can't imagine life without it.
4. Is there one thing about having a computer that is particularly important in your personal history? Something you wouldn't have done or known unless you had a computer? Some big change having one made in your life? - for example, I (Dawno) met my SO 15 years ago because I bought a Commodore128 that had a floppy disk in it for an online service called Q-Link. We would never have met if I'd bought a different computer.
Wow. You would have to go and ask, didn't you? Some time ago - and I do mean a long time ago - like 11 years ago - I had a dear friend from church who had moved to Holland. I decided to "look" for him. I went online (Compuserve) and never found him - but, I did find the Netherlands forum. And it was not long before I had lots of Dutch friends and they started inviting me to visit....so, I bought me a ticket to Holland, left my three babies behind and left. I was 32 at the time. I guess none of that would have happened if I didn't have the one office computer. I made some wonderful friends and have had five different people from Holland come to visit me.
1. Do you remember the first computer you ever used? If so, tell us what you remember and why you were using it.
My first computer was in 1983 and it was a Commodore 64. I mainly used it to write stories and to play some neat "Olympic" games. It contained a program that I loved where you could be an olympian athlete - you pick the sport and the nation and compete against the computer for the gold, silver or bronze. It also had National Anthems for many countries. One could ski, swim, participate in skeet shooting...the list was endless. And it was such fun and a big hit with my family. I remember hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas family gatherings and everyone would gather around the "computer" and play games or just check it out. We sold it several years later when we got a "real" computer. And I missed it so much. I kept wishing we had kept it.
2. Do you remember the first computer you ever bought for yourself? What was it - if you know details like how much memory it had or anything funny about it, share!
We got a 486 computer from Office Max in Fresno. It had a 100 mb harddrive and 1 mb of RAM. We used it in our business. But it soon was almost worthless. It didn't take long for us to fill it to the max and everything suddenly was in super-slow motion.
3. What kind of computer are you using right now? Any particular story about you and your computer experience you can share?
Believe it or not, we have five computers at home and one at the office. All three of my daughters have computers, I have a 3 ghz computer running windows XP and a 200 gb harddrive with a dvd and cd burner. I love my computer. My girls have similar ones. Also, I have a Dell Inspiron 2.8 ghz laptop and two BlackBerry's, 7290. (pda) which I have sync'd to my online calendar and to my computer address book. I can't imagine life without it.
4. Is there one thing about having a computer that is particularly important in your personal history? Something you wouldn't have done or known unless you had a computer? Some big change having one made in your life? - for example, I (Dawno) met my SO 15 years ago because I bought a Commodore128 that had a floppy disk in it for an online service called Q-Link. We would never have met if I'd bought a different computer.
Wow. You would have to go and ask, didn't you? Some time ago - and I do mean a long time ago - like 11 years ago - I had a dear friend from church who had moved to Holland. I decided to "look" for him. I went online (Compuserve) and never found him - but, I did find the Netherlands forum. And it was not long before I had lots of Dutch friends and they started inviting me to visit....so, I bought me a ticket to Holland, left my three babies behind and left. I was 32 at the time. I guess none of that would have happened if I didn't have the one office computer. I made some wonderful friends and have had five different people from Holland come to visit me.
Monday: January 23: AW Monday Meme #6
I just realized that I never did last Monday's (1/23) Meme. Shame on me. Well, better late than never. Here it is.
AW Monday Meme #6
Recipe Meme
Open your refrigerator. What is the first item on the left at the front of the 'fridge on the top shelf.
Open the food cupboard closest to the stove. What is the first food item on the right on the bottom shelf (you may go up a shelf if your bottom shelf holds pet food or non-food stuff)
Find online or create for us from your imagination, a recipe using those two things as primary ingredients.
OK - I found I had two grilled chicken breasts on the top shelf to the left. And, the cupboard closest to my stove (which normally only holds spices and cans of kitty food) ended up having a jar of peanut butter. I knew instantly what I could make (mole) but I googled anyway. And I was shocked. I found one site that had 225 recipes calling for chicken and peanut butter as the main ingredients.
You can find this recipe: HERE
So, there you have it. Next time I want to say "There is nothing to eat" -- I'll look at my available ingredients and then google a recipe and viola! I'll come up with a creation that will fascinate my family. Thanks Dawno!
AW Monday Meme #6
Recipe Meme
Open your refrigerator. What is the first item on the left at the front of the 'fridge on the top shelf.
Open the food cupboard closest to the stove. What is the first food item on the right on the bottom shelf (you may go up a shelf if your bottom shelf holds pet food or non-food stuff)
Find online or create for us from your imagination, a recipe using those two things as primary ingredients.
OK - I found I had two grilled chicken breasts on the top shelf to the left. And, the cupboard closest to my stove (which normally only holds spices and cans of kitty food) ended up having a jar of peanut butter. I knew instantly what I could make (mole) but I googled anyway. And I was shocked. I found one site that had 225 recipes calling for chicken and peanut butter as the main ingredients.
You can find this recipe: HERE
| CHICKEN SATAY | |
2 1/2 lb. boneless chicken breasts
Marinade:
6 cloves garlic, chopped
4 tsp. coriander 4 tsp. light brown sugar 1 tbsp. black pepper 2 tsp. salt 1/2 c. shoyu 4 tsp. ginger, chopped 2 tbsp. lime juice 6 tbsp. oil 1/4 c. fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
Mix marinade ingredients. Cut chicken into 1 1/2-2 inch cubes. Add to mixture and marinate at least two hours.
Chicken Satay:
Thread chicken pieces onto one end of satay sticks. Broil or much better, barbecue, baste with marinade. Serve with peanut sauce for dipping.
Peanut Sauce:
1 c. chunky peanut butter
1-2 tsp. hot chili sauce 2 cloves garlic, crushed 3 tbsp. honey 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/4 c. lime juice 1/4 c. shoyu 1/2 c. peanut oil
Mix ingredients together. Should have a sweet/hot peanut flavor. Taste and adjust ingredients accordingly.
Submitted by: Laura Bryan | |
So, there you have it. Next time I want to say "There is nothing to eat" -- I'll look at my available ingredients and then google a recipe and viola! I'll come up with a creation that will fascinate my family. Thanks Dawno!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
January 18: Last of this and that
Was one of my goals for the New Year to blog more often? I can't remember or maybe I am trying to -- conveniently -- not remember.
But something happened - I got tagged. So, now I have no choice but to blog today.
AW Monday Meme : I was tagged by: jdkiggins
But something happened - I got tagged. So, now I have no choice but to blog today.
AW Monday Meme : I was tagged by: jdkiggins
Dawno picked up a meme at Halspacejock’s site for this week’s jogging of our brains. Here it is.
Last Live Music Show Seen: CCR Revisited - February 2005. It was great. I love Creedence Clearwater Revival music. Proud Mary, Susie Q, Down on the Corner -- to name just a few. I had fun. It was a good show.
Last CD Purchased: Garth Brooks "The Limited Series" six-disc boxed - Christmas 2005
Last Thing Cooked: Chili Verde and Mexican rice and beans for the family. And I didn't even taste it. I heard it was delicious. I'm coming up to my 30th reunion and am on a diet involving tuna, steamed rice, vegetables or salad. And I've done great on it. I ate that while everyone else had the chili verde. I was so proud of myself. And I've lost six pounds this week.
Last New Thing Eaten: nothing new and not much lately - have been on tuna for two weeks. (though I do get to eat a treat now and then. Yesterday I had a coconut pattie - delicious!)
Last Thing Bought: A beautiful heirloom-quality chenille bedspread. I LOVE it. There is this little thrift store in town called "Rescued Treasures" and I like to browse in there every now and then. I saw it and grabbed it! It is in excellent condition. And....it was only $10.00 I could not believe my eyes! I took it to be cleaned and it now graces my antique wrought-iron bed.
Last Gift Received: The book: "Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer" by Jenna Glatzer. It was supposed to have been a Christmas present but it arrived late. I love it!
Last Piece of Clothing Bought or Received as a Gift: Five very nice sweaters from one of my favorite stores at the mall. I rarely shop there, only on special occasions. Unfortunately, going out of business so everything was 70-80 percent off.
Last Embarrassing Experience: I like to sing in my car. I was really going at it, holding up my cellphone and pretending that the antenna to it was my microphone, when I glanced over and the car next to me was watching and the people inside laughing at me.
Last Totally New Experience: Sadly, I can not think of anything. That means I need to get out there and try something totally new!
Last Foreign Country Visited, if any: I've been toCanada Mexico Europe but the last foreign trip was to Puerto Vallarta , Mexico
Last Big Achievement: Writing. Having my story accepted for the anthology "Stories of Strength" -- which really motivated me -- I've been working on a novel and I've submitted five magazine queries this month - I'm very proud of that.
For this meme I'll tag: I'm tagging Frank and, if she is still around, Lady of Prose (If you are reading this: I have not been able to get on your blog site today)
Last Live Music Show Seen: CCR Revisited - February 2005. It was great. I love Creedence Clearwater Revival music. Proud Mary, Susie Q, Down on the Corner -- to name just a few. I had fun. It was a good show.
Last CD Purchased: Garth Brooks "The Limited Series" six-disc boxed - Christmas 2005
Last Thing Cooked: Chili Verde and Mexican rice and beans for the family. And I didn't even taste it. I heard it was delicious. I'm coming up to my 30th reunion and am on a diet involving tuna, steamed rice, vegetables or salad. And I've done great on it. I ate that while everyone else had the chili verde. I was so proud of myself. And I've lost six pounds this week.
Last New Thing Eaten: nothing new and not much lately - have been on tuna for two weeks. (though I do get to eat a treat now and then. Yesterday I had a coconut pattie - delicious!)
Last Thing Bought: A beautiful heirloom-quality chenille bedspread. I LOVE it. There is this little thrift store in town called "Rescued Treasures" and I like to browse in there every now and then. I saw it and grabbed it! It is in excellent condition. And....it was only $10.00 I could not believe my eyes! I took it to be cleaned and it now graces my antique wrought-iron bed.
Last Gift Received: The book: "Make a Real Living as a Freelance Writer" by Jenna Glatzer. It was supposed to have been a Christmas present but it arrived late. I love it!
Last Piece of Clothing Bought or Received as a Gift: Five very nice sweaters from one of my favorite stores at the mall. I rarely shop there, only on special occasions. Unfortunately, going out of business so everything was 70-80 percent off.
Last Embarrassing Experience: I like to sing in my car. I was really going at it, holding up my cellphone and pretending that the antenna to it was my microphone, when I glanced over and the car next to me was watching and the people inside laughing at me.
Last Totally New Experience: Sadly, I can not think of anything. That means I need to get out there and try something totally new!
Last Foreign Country Visited, if any: I've been to
Last Big Achievement: Writing. Having my story accepted for the anthology "Stories of Strength" -- which really motivated me -- I've been working on a novel and I've submitted five magazine queries this month - I'm very proud of that.
For this meme I'll tag: I'm tagging Frank and, if she is still around, Lady of Prose (If you are reading this: I have not been able to get on your blog site today)
Jan. 18: Return to Meme No. 4
The original entry here was a duplicate - which has been removed. But there was no sense in leaving this blog blank. So, I came back in to fill it with one of the Monday memes that I had missed.
AW Meme No. 4 - The first one of 2006
1. What is your most hated and dreaded household chore. Why? Cleaning out the refrigerator. No matter how hard I try, things always get lost in there and about once a month, I'll find little containers with white fuzzy growth inside. I would rather do anything, except clean the fridge.
2. Do you ever drink out of the beverage container or always pour a glass? Always from a glass or cup. I have never in my life taken a sip from the container unless it was a personal container (bottled water, soda, etc.) Though...I don't mind sipping from same bottled water, etc. as my girls.
3. Over the counter pain relief: Asprin, acetominiphen or ibuprophen? (if those aren't your options, what are?) I take ibuprophen and acetominophen
4. What was the first car (or motorcycle if that's the case) you bought for yourself? I started working at the hospital and had no car - so I bought myself a (yellow) moped. I loved it. I then saved up some money and three months later, put a down payment on a little car - cute little yellow thing. It was a Mercury Capri Rally Sport - very cute and sporty.
5. It's a lovely, sunny weekend day. What would you go do if you could do whatever you wanted to do (within your usual means). I would take a drive up to Horse Creek near the lake and take a hike up the river to my favorite water pool. It's so gorgeous - and so quiet. Just have to watch out for rattle snakes.
6. Name your favorite board game. My mom loves Aggravation. I'm not much into board games, but I play it with her every time I see her. It means a lot to her and I enjoy visiting with her while we play.
7. How many blankets do you sleep under and how many pillows do you use? One pillow - all the others get removed from the bed. I sleep under one blanket and I must have my sateen sheets. Without them, I can't sleep well.
8. How many pets and of what type do you currently live with? You may name them if you wish. Four dogs, two cats (all neutered and spayed) and one hamster
9. Biggest grammar peeve. Nothing really bothers me.
10. Favorite flower or other plant, should you not be into flowers. I love vines and morning glories. I love tulips, daffadils and hyacinths (Spring flowers) I couldn't have just one favorite.
I'm not tagging anyone because this already passed.
AW Meme No. 4 - The first one of 2006
1. What is your most hated and dreaded household chore. Why? Cleaning out the refrigerator. No matter how hard I try, things always get lost in there and about once a month, I'll find little containers with white fuzzy growth inside. I would rather do anything, except clean the fridge.
2. Do you ever drink out of the beverage container or always pour a glass? Always from a glass or cup. I have never in my life taken a sip from the container unless it was a personal container (bottled water, soda, etc.) Though...I don't mind sipping from same bottled water, etc. as my girls.
3. Over the counter pain relief: Asprin, acetominiphen or ibuprophen? (if those aren't your options, what are?) I take ibuprophen and acetominophen
4. What was the first car (or motorcycle if that's the case) you bought for yourself? I started working at the hospital and had no car - so I bought myself a (yellow) moped. I loved it. I then saved up some money and three months later, put a down payment on a little car - cute little yellow thing. It was a Mercury Capri Rally Sport - very cute and sporty.
5. It's a lovely, sunny weekend day. What would you go do if you could do whatever you wanted to do (within your usual means). I would take a drive up to Horse Creek near the lake and take a hike up the river to my favorite water pool. It's so gorgeous - and so quiet. Just have to watch out for rattle snakes.
6. Name your favorite board game. My mom loves Aggravation. I'm not much into board games, but I play it with her every time I see her. It means a lot to her and I enjoy visiting with her while we play.
7. How many blankets do you sleep under and how many pillows do you use? One pillow - all the others get removed from the bed. I sleep under one blanket and I must have my sateen sheets. Without them, I can't sleep well.
8. How many pets and of what type do you currently live with? You may name them if you wish. Four dogs, two cats (all neutered and spayed) and one hamster
9. Biggest grammar peeve. Nothing really bothers me.
10. Favorite flower or other plant, should you not be into flowers. I love vines and morning glories. I love tulips, daffadils and hyacinths (Spring flowers) I couldn't have just one favorite.
I'm not tagging anyone because this already passed.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Jan. 3: Happy New Year
Happy New Year everyone!
It seems that with each passing year, time speeds up and zooms by me - and I, literally, don't know where the year goes. That was not the case this year. This was my debut freelancing year - and I loved it. It was a productive year.
Some of my writing accomplishments for 2005
New goals for 2006?
I will work on my novel - finish it and polish it and begin looking for agent representation.
Submit two magazine queries a month
Complete two more Childrens' books
Continue to freelance
Attend my first Writers Workshop
There are personal goals too - but I left those out and concentrated only on writing goals.
It seems that with each passing year, time speeds up and zooms by me - and I, literally, don't know where the year goes. That was not the case this year. This was my debut freelancing year - and I loved it. It was a productive year.
Some of my writing accomplishments for 2005
- finally left my newspaper job to pursue other writing endeavors (but I miss the newspaper so much)
- finally said "no" to being secretary and a board member for baseball booster club (after 7 yrs)
- wrote a short story for anthology Stories of Strength - my first published story
- learned a lot about book promotion (this will come in handy with my next book)
- finished a manuscript and mailed it off
- finished a childrens' book and mailed it off
- recorded a commercial for Bakersfield Californian newspaper/magazine - and got paid very well for it. (fluke thing too - I was speaking with someone about a writing assignment and the person on the phone said I had a great voice and before I knew it, one thing led to another)
- debut Nanowrimo - I didn't make it to 50k because of other commitments and my freelance assignments - but I did start a new novel and I love it and can't wait to finish it
- joined AW - best thing I ever did (and I made some awesome friends along the way)
- I registered my name
- started my own website
- started this blog
- took an online journalism class
New goals for 2006?
I will work on my novel - finish it and polish it and begin looking for agent representation.
Submit two magazine queries a month
Complete two more Childrens' books
Continue to freelance
Attend my first Writers Workshop
There are personal goals too - but I left those out and concentrated only on writing goals.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
Dec. 25: Mom's perfect gift
My siblings and I get together at my mom's on Christmas Eve and then after, I always bring Mom home with me.
I love Christmas morning at my home. It's always the same - sweet and simple. The children awaken early (too early) and finally, somewhere around 6 a.m., I manage to be coaxed out of bed (to the smell of coffee) to start the gift-opening rituals.
But Christmas is more than presents at our home. There is so much love and laughter, that one can't help but smile and feel good. After the presents, I always make a big breakfast and then the children settle in to enjoy their gifts while I read (I always get a book) or watch a movie - and we just relax.
I don't go anywhere special - we don't do anything out of the ordinary - it's just a sweet and simple day. My children each received a gift that they really loved and seeing them so happy was enough to make my Christmas special.
But this year, my mom received a special gift. She loved it so much that I wanted to share the story with you.
Every year, my brothers and sisters (there are 10 of us) wonder what to give her, but if they would only listen to her - they would know.
First - my mom is elderly - in her 80s. She grew up in Southern California and often told my daughters stories about the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano (where she lived as a little girl) every year on March 19. I heard my daughters asking her questions and she got misty-eyed and mentioned she had not seen the swallows since she was 12 years old. I knew instantly what I would get her.
I bought her a nice children's picture book - a story about the Swallows of San Juan Capistrano. As she opened her gift, my daughters played "When the Swallows come back" (Gene Autry) and my mom looked at me and then at the book - strangely -- until an envelope fell out. Inside the envelope, I placed a brochure from San Juan Capistrano's chamber of commerce and a copy for hotel accomodations on March 18-20; and a certificate saying that I would take her to San Juan Capistrano to see the Swallows return.
She cried and hugged me. Nothing else mattered at that moment.
To my mom - who has everything - this was the perfect gift.
I love Christmas morning at my home. It's always the same - sweet and simple. The children awaken early (too early) and finally, somewhere around 6 a.m., I manage to be coaxed out of bed (to the smell of coffee) to start the gift-opening rituals.
But Christmas is more than presents at our home. There is so much love and laughter, that one can't help but smile and feel good. After the presents, I always make a big breakfast and then the children settle in to enjoy their gifts while I read (I always get a book) or watch a movie - and we just relax.
I don't go anywhere special - we don't do anything out of the ordinary - it's just a sweet and simple day. My children each received a gift that they really loved and seeing them so happy was enough to make my Christmas special.
But this year, my mom received a special gift. She loved it so much that I wanted to share the story with you.
Every year, my brothers and sisters (there are 10 of us) wonder what to give her, but if they would only listen to her - they would know.
First - my mom is elderly - in her 80s. She grew up in Southern California and often told my daughters stories about the swallows returning to San Juan Capistrano (where she lived as a little girl) every year on March 19. I heard my daughters asking her questions and she got misty-eyed and mentioned she had not seen the swallows since she was 12 years old. I knew instantly what I would get her.
I bought her a nice children's picture book - a story about the Swallows of San Juan Capistrano. As she opened her gift, my daughters played "When the Swallows come back" (Gene Autry) and my mom looked at me and then at the book - strangely -- until an envelope fell out. Inside the envelope, I placed a brochure from San Juan Capistrano's chamber of commerce and a copy for hotel accomodations on March 18-20; and a certificate saying that I would take her to San Juan Capistrano to see the Swallows return.
She cried and hugged me. Nothing else mattered at that moment.
To my mom - who has everything - this was the perfect gift.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Dec. 23: Merry Christmas
Jay Leno (host of The Tonight Show) said we should call Jesus the "Holiday Infant."
I know he meant it as a joke but one thing is not funny -- it is getting ridiculous, the way people are so preoccupied with being politically correct. Is it Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
With that in mind, I just want to stand and say that I don't care what they all say:
Merry Christmas to one and all -- and may you all have a Blessed 2006.
It has been so long since I've posted anything here. I get so busy on my other favorite sites (AW boards - where I average about 20 posts a day) and I tend to neglect this new site.
I know he meant it as a joke but one thing is not funny -- it is getting ridiculous, the way people are so preoccupied with being politically correct. Is it Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
With that in mind, I just want to stand and say that I don't care what they all say:
Merry Christmas to one and all -- and may you all have a Blessed 2006.
It has been so long since I've posted anything here. I get so busy on my other favorite sites (AW boards - where I average about 20 posts a day) and I tend to neglect this new site.
Monday, December 05, 2005
Dec. 5: Reading & Writing - 15 things about me
Thanks to Lady of Prose, I have been tagged and now need to write 15 things about books and/or reading. Thanks Lady. 
Actually, this sounds like fun. I will combine it with chronological events of my growing-up days and it will be fun to reminisce. I suppose it is about books, reading and WRITING, but to me all three go hand in hand.
Actually, this sounds like fun. I will combine it with chronological events of my growing-up days and it will be fun to reminisce. I suppose it is about books, reading and WRITING, but to me all three go hand in hand.
15 Book-Reading-&-Writing Facts about Me
- Ever since I can remember, I have loved books. One of my favorite pastimes was spending the day at either the local library or at the bookstore. I love the Dr. Ford series (Randy Wayne White) especially Captiva. Other favorite books are To Kill a Mockingbird and The Bridges of Madison County.
- I don't know at what I age I started to read but I do know that by age 4, I was reading out loud to my Dad. I remember the day I was enrolled in kindergarten at Olive Street School and the teacher being impressed that I could read so well.
- By age 8, I was reading Readers Digest monthly to my blind father. It was one of his favorite magazines and I couldn't wait each month for it to arrive in the mail so that I could read it to him. My father subscribed to the magazine in print and in Braille. Sometimes he read and I'd follow along or I'd read and he'd just listen. Some of my favorite memories are of us reading on the porch or in the car on rainy days. We both loved the sound of rain.
- In fourth grade I won first-place at Olive Street School. I had entered a poetry contest and it was read in front of several classes in the cafeteria. A boy in my class (the class clown, no less) ran to me and in front of everyone, got down on one knee, clasped his hands and said: "That's the most beautiful poem I've ever heard. Please say you'll marry me and make me a happy man." I was so shy, I just blushed and sat there embarrassed by the scene, while Michael Brown was scolded by the teacher and asked to return to his seat.
- In 7th grade, I suddenly discovered the Porterville Public Library. It's not that I had never been there, but prior to this I was never allowed to go out on my own. I couldn't wait for Fridays. I'd leave Bartlett Jr. High and my best friend Liz and I would walk to the library. I'd stay there until my dad and brother picked me up on their way home from work. It was 1970 and I read every Nancy Drew book on the shelf. I started with No.1 and was determined to go through them in order but soon found myself skipping around. I was reading three books a week. (always one Nancy book a week, but occasionally two, and always one other book) Once I picked a book up, I could not put it down. I knew then that someday I'd like to be a writer.
- I was in love with Donny Osmond and during the summer of 1971 I entered an essay contest, writing about my family. The best selection won a trip to Salt Lake City to meet Donny Osmond. I wanted to meet him. I did not win but I did win an honorable mention, which was great considering the thousands of submissions the magazine received. It inspired me to write a short story about Donny (fiction) and my sisters fell in love with it. I'd write a chapter a night.
- By 10th grade I had read about 500 books (I actually kept track of them in a binder.) I can't say I had any real favorites. It was not one or two authors I read, it was a little of everything. If I was bored, I'd pick up an encyclopedia or almanac and get lost in it for hours.
- In 11th grade, I read the Red Badge of Courage - which I really loved. And it was this same year that a teacher encouraged me to write. He had given us an assignment - The South wins the Civil War. I did more than just write the typical diary everyone else seemed to be writing. I researched everything I could find on the Civil war and -- keeping the dates intact -- changed the outcome of some of the battles. The emancipation proclamation became the exmancipation proclamation and President Lincoln was still assassinated in my story. But Mr. Renwick was so impressed, he called me aside to ask me about my writing.
- At his encouragement, I enrolled in Creative Writing, a course offered across town, and decided that a career in writing was for me. But alas, I was too shy to bring it up to my counselors and begin to feel that I could never do it. By this time my father had been diagnosed with cancer and he decided to make a dream come true and flew the family to Guadalajara to spend two weeks doing nothing but roaming the pretty countryside, listening to mariachi music in the plaza daily and relaxing. We knew no one in that city, we just relaxed every day. We talked a lot and read a lot and every day I'd write at the plaza. I have one large binder of writing that I still treasure. It has so much information about my dad that I will forever be thankful for those two weeks.
- I entered my Senior year in high school and lost my father shortly after. But the love for reading and writing he instilled in me will forever live in my heart. Shortly after graduation, I discovered Danielle Steel books. Something in the way Danielle wrote, made me want to pick up every book she's ever written.
- I like Steel's books but I can't say she's my absolute favorite writer. I like too many to pick a favorite. I started collecting other books as well and before I knew it, I had a library in my home of more than 2,000 books of almost every genre.
- I love picking up books and rarely pick up only one. I love spending Friday nights at Borders and do so about twice a month. I love to hit their bargain-books section. I have found some great bargains there and usually come home with at least three or four new books. Many of these are coffee-table books, like the Grand Canyon book I picked up last week. I also love to scan the Dollar Store for books. I have found some great hard-cover books with beautiful jackets. I've picked up The Monica Lewinsky Story, The Curse of the Kennedy's, Stephen King's On Writing, Jack Higgins, and one of my favorites, 01-01-00 by R.J. Pineiro - set in my favorite place, the Yucatan, the story is of an unstoppable virus triggering synchronized disaster through the world's computers on the eve of the millennium.
- If only It Were True (Marc Levy) is another book I picked up from the Dollar Store and read about three years ago and suddenly this year, it was made into a movie staring Reece Witherspoon "Just like Heaven." The movies are never as good as the books.
- The latest books I've read were The DaVinci Code, which I read in three days and three nights. I loved that book and absolutely could not put it down. I read Danielle's latest book Toxic Bachelors over the Thanksgiving weekend (actually in two days.) I am now concentrating on finishing my novel "September Skies" and not starting another book. But I know I'll read more soon, I can't stay away from books.
- I'm looking forward to reading The Pacific Between by Ray Wong. (release date: February 2006)
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