I've written five posts today for the new writer's blog (http://kristinemsmith.wordpress.com/). Am very happy with what I've done so far, as are the folks who have seen it and responded back to me. Amy Ulen, a school teacher, says it's fabulous and she's going to tell her students about it next week. I'm supposed to go teach her class sometime this year, too, a time or two. Or at least talk to them about becoming writers, for those with aspirations in that direction.
I've decided I'm not going to charge for access to the new blog. Instead, I'll compile the blogs as time goes by and eventually put them all into an e-book or a tree-book and offer that for sale. That way if you all want to come along for the ride, even if you're not writers, you can do that.
We're about two hours away from 2010 here on the west coast of the USA. I've already talked to folks in 2010 -- Anne Richardson from Australia called me, and DeAussie (Karen Sinott) emailed me. I accused them both of sticking us with a used year before it even gets to us. Karen assures me it's "Like new -- barely used," so I guess I'll go ahead and accept it. I can't think of any way to remain in 2009 without dying before midnight... and really, that wouldn't be my first choice, anyway.
The scary thing is that I can remember back to a time when I was eagerly waiting (20 years early) for the nation's bicentennial in 1976. I don't know what happened to the time between 1976 and the new millennium in 2000 -- and here it is ten years after THAT, already.
Unbelievable. Truly unbelievable. Time truly does fly by the older one gets...
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Thursday, December 31, 2009
The New Blog for Writers is Launched!
You can find it at http://kristinemsmith.wordpress.com/
I wasn't planning to launch it this soon but one of my clients at Elance wants me to edit his WordPress blog and since I didn't have any prior experience with WordPress, thought I'd better get over there and see if I could figure it out. It is NOT intuitive or terribly user-friendly, but it didn't take long to figure it out. So now I can report back to Taco (in Europe) that I can do what he needs to have done! WOO HOO!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Aussies and New Zealanders! We'll be getting stuck with an "already used" 2010 by the time 2010 gets around to tripping our calendars forward!
I wasn't planning to launch it this soon but one of my clients at Elance wants me to edit his WordPress blog and since I didn't have any prior experience with WordPress, thought I'd better get over there and see if I could figure it out. It is NOT intuitive or terribly user-friendly, but it didn't take long to figure it out. So now I can report back to Taco (in Europe) that I can do what he needs to have done! WOO HOO!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Aussies and New Zealanders! We'll be getting stuck with an "already used" 2010 by the time 2010 gets around to tripping our calendars forward!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Just Read, Enjoyed and Marveled at "The Jim Dilemma" by Jocelyn Chadwick-Joshua
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The Jim Dilemma: Reading Race in Huckleberry Finn by Jocelyn Chadwick-Joshua
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a long-time Mark Twain aficionado (white, 58, grew up in a very white world in the Pacific NW), I was very taken with this book. I was out of the loop about "the controversy" re: the Jim character and whether or not Twain was a racist. The book was a real eye-opener for me in that regard. Now I want to poll my African-American friends and discover what they think of the novel -- and if they don't love it every bit as much as I did, I will refer them to Chadwick-Joshua's book if they regard Twain as a racist or Jim as an Uncle Tom!
Not once during reading THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN did I discern a racist attitude in its author. I twitched and twisted ruefully as Twain carefully revealed racism as it existed during the times in which the novel takes place (pre- and post-Civil War) but attributed it to his acute observation of people, places and his times, not to his own (contrary)belief system.
Of course he saw racism. As a child living in Missouri, he probably saw little else: it was all around him, even in the pulpit. (Even to this day, Sunday religious observances are reportedly "the most-segregated hour of the week" in most churches). But just like Huck Finn, the more often Twain was exposed to the African American slave plight and to slave-owners as a youngster and teenager, the more he recognized the attitude and behaviors for what they were.
I think Chadwick-Joshua does an exemplary job of peeling back the layers of Twain's book and exposing exactly what he was trying to say during a time when most folks really didn't want to be educated out of their biases and presumptions. He had to tread a mighty fine line. He had to show what the prevailing attitudes were, both north and south, and the inherent dangers of changing one's mind or allegiance during that period in America history.
I always felt that Jim was the hero and that Twain "channeled" him very well, so that readers would be carried -- willingly or not -- into admitting to themselves that slavery was far more than a "peculiar institution," -- it was Perdition to those who had to endure it. And Twain shows, too, that Reconstruction was no picnic, either... not that any year since then has been particularly jubilant for the African American until November 4, 2008.
Both books (Chadwick-Joshua's and Twain's) belong in every library. Yes, it hurts to see what has been done to other fellow sojourners in our country, but it's also instructive. Those who want to push away the history that we all wish hadn't happened, by banning Twain's most enduring legacy as a writer, are misguided at best. I hope those who feel negatively about THE ADVENURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN or Mark Twain will read this tome and then re-read Twain's book. The insights you'll discover will open eyes in the way Twain intended.
Jim is a hero. Always was to Twain -- always will be to me.
Bravo, Jocelyn!
Disclaimer: Hey, I don't kow if providing links to Amazon and these books makes me an Affiliate marketer, but if it does, here's my notice about that fact. I'm supposed to announce it according to new rules and regs... so I'm announcing it! This means that if you click on any of the books from my website and order the book, I get a small percentage as an affiliate...
The Jim Dilemma: Reading Race in Huckleberry Finn by Jocelyn Chadwick-JoshuaMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a long-time Mark Twain aficionado (white, 58, grew up in a very white world in the Pacific NW), I was very taken with this book. I was out of the loop about "the controversy" re: the Jim character and whether or not Twain was a racist. The book was a real eye-opener for me in that regard. Now I want to poll my African-American friends and discover what they think of the novel -- and if they don't love it every bit as much as I did, I will refer them to Chadwick-Joshua's book if they regard Twain as a racist or Jim as an Uncle Tom!
Not once during reading THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN did I discern a racist attitude in its author. I twitched and twisted ruefully as Twain carefully revealed racism as it existed during the times in which the novel takes place (pre- and post-Civil War) but attributed it to his acute observation of people, places and his times, not to his own (contrary)belief system.
Of course he saw racism. As a child living in Missouri, he probably saw little else: it was all around him, even in the pulpit. (Even to this day, Sunday religious observances are reportedly "the most-segregated hour of the week" in most churches). But just like Huck Finn, the more often Twain was exposed to the African American slave plight and to slave-owners as a youngster and teenager, the more he recognized the attitude and behaviors for what they were.
I think Chadwick-Joshua does an exemplary job of peeling back the layers of Twain's book and exposing exactly what he was trying to say during a time when most folks really didn't want to be educated out of their biases and presumptions. He had to tread a mighty fine line. He had to show what the prevailing attitudes were, both north and south, and the inherent dangers of changing one's mind or allegiance during that period in America history.
I always felt that Jim was the hero and that Twain "channeled" him very well, so that readers would be carried -- willingly or not -- into admitting to themselves that slavery was far more than a "peculiar institution," -- it was Perdition to those who had to endure it. And Twain shows, too, that Reconstruction was no picnic, either... not that any year since then has been particularly jubilant for the African American until November 4, 2008.
Both books (Chadwick-Joshua's and Twain's) belong in every library. Yes, it hurts to see what has been done to other fellow sojourners in our country, but it's also instructive. Those who want to push away the history that we all wish hadn't happened, by banning Twain's most enduring legacy as a writer, are misguided at best. I hope those who feel negatively about THE ADVENURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN or Mark Twain will read this tome and then re-read Twain's book. The insights you'll discover will open eyes in the way Twain intended.
Jim is a hero. Always was to Twain -- always will be to me.
Bravo, Jocelyn!
Disclaimer: Hey, I don't kow if providing links to Amazon and these books makes me an Affiliate marketer, but if it does, here's my notice about that fact. I'm supposed to announce it according to new rules and regs... so I'm announcing it! This means that if you click on any of the books from my website and order the book, I get a small percentage as an affiliate...
Monday, December 28, 2009
Yeah, I Know... Where Have I Been?
I've been sister-chauffeuring and enjoying a long holiday weekend with her grandkids, son and wife. I also went to a movie that I LOVED: Invictus. I plan to go see Up in the Air and The Blind Side, too, before the week is out.
I'm also rethinking whether to keep this blog going. I'll give it another couple of weeks to see if more people sign on as followers. If not, I may invite you all to a new blog I'm thinking about, but it will be copywriting-related, and there will be a monthly or yearly charge (not much) to access it, since it will be teaching interested parties how to write riveting copy (ads, articles, slogans, tag lines, newsletters, fliers, brochures, blogs, etc.) for their businesses and other venues.
Keeping up a blog is a helluva lot of work, and unless the time spent writing one regularly is paid for, it's too much time used frivolously. But since I'm not in the habit of charging people to keep up with my doings, personal and professional, I'm not thinking of doing that with this particular blog. I'm more just thinking of updating it on the rare occasions when I actually have something to report that's worth the time it takes me to put it down and the time it takes you to read it. Time is valuable and no one should lay claim to another's time unless it's for a pretty significant reason. This has been my way to connect with far-flung friends and fans, but we have email and phones for that...
So if you'll feel lost and bereft without this blog and haven't signed on yet as a follower, now is your chance to vote with your fingers and BECOME a follower. If I get 50 followers in the next two weeks, I'll feel encouraged to keep going on this more than just occasionally (at least once a week); if not, I think I'll invest most of my blogging time writing a blog that brings in some money while it helps people learn to reel in and keep the people who can mean the difference between success and failure in their businesses -- their customers: past, present and future.
You, too, might benefit from the new blog if you own a business. If you don't, when it's up and running, you may want to tell others about it who do own businesses. That would be super!
Let me know what you think of this plan. Hailing frequencies are now open!
Thanks!
I'm also rethinking whether to keep this blog going. I'll give it another couple of weeks to see if more people sign on as followers. If not, I may invite you all to a new blog I'm thinking about, but it will be copywriting-related, and there will be a monthly or yearly charge (not much) to access it, since it will be teaching interested parties how to write riveting copy (ads, articles, slogans, tag lines, newsletters, fliers, brochures, blogs, etc.) for their businesses and other venues.
Keeping up a blog is a helluva lot of work, and unless the time spent writing one regularly is paid for, it's too much time used frivolously. But since I'm not in the habit of charging people to keep up with my doings, personal and professional, I'm not thinking of doing that with this particular blog. I'm more just thinking of updating it on the rare occasions when I actually have something to report that's worth the time it takes me to put it down and the time it takes you to read it. Time is valuable and no one should lay claim to another's time unless it's for a pretty significant reason. This has been my way to connect with far-flung friends and fans, but we have email and phones for that...
So if you'll feel lost and bereft without this blog and haven't signed on yet as a follower, now is your chance to vote with your fingers and BECOME a follower. If I get 50 followers in the next two weeks, I'll feel encouraged to keep going on this more than just occasionally (at least once a week); if not, I think I'll invest most of my blogging time writing a blog that brings in some money while it helps people learn to reel in and keep the people who can mean the difference between success and failure in their businesses -- their customers: past, present and future.
You, too, might benefit from the new blog if you own a business. If you don't, when it's up and running, you may want to tell others about it who do own businesses. That would be super!
Let me know what you think of this plan. Hailing frequencies are now open!
Thanks!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas in Yellowstone -- PBS Documentary Brought Back Memories
I just watched PBS's "Christmas in Yellowstone." It brought back a lot of memories and made me realize that I have to go back again this spring, summer, fall, or winter.
In one segment, a female grizzly gave birth to two cubs during hibernation. That reminded me that, when I worked with the Animal Protection Institute (API) in 1981-1985, one of my first assignments was to meet a "courier" from Canada who was bringing two female grizzly cubs to Montana to have them turned loose in Yellowstone Park. Their mother had been shot and killed in Canada (where grizzlies aren't endangered). The original plan was to euthanize the two cubs, but API negotiated a deal that allowed us to get them and take them to Yellowstone (where grizzlies are endangered species) and release them there to bolster the ability of the remaining grizzlies to procreate without inbreeding.
I met the courier from Canada in Kalispell, Montana after driving from Eatonville. The two cubs were still small enough to fit into large plastic canine crates. I remember looking at the cubs and the crates that would airlift them into the back country. I noticed that one of the crates only had three (or maybe four) bolts holding it together (as opposed to the six or eight it was supposed to have). No one else noticed that but me! I mentioned it to the guys (there were six Fish and Game and fire service folks out that day, engaged in the project) and they, rather sheepishly I thought, agreed that it was probably a good idea to secure the crate better before they hauled it aloft beneath a helicopter! I was mortified, thinking that if I hadn't been there and noticed the precariousness of the crate, API's "rescue" operation may well have become a grizzly drop from several hundred feet.
Watching the PBS program tonight, it occured (poignantly) to me that the she-bear I was watching give birth might well be one of the cubs I helped rescue and release -- or the cub of a cub we released back then. I think grizzlies live beyond 25 years, if I'm not mistaken-- that is, if they aren't killed by illegal hunting. I got a little misty, thinking that way!
One of my earliest memories is of Mom and Dad driving us to Yellowstone and seeing Old Faithful and lots of black bears, bison, moose, raccoons, eagles, skunks and other wildlife. The trip doubled and trebled my lifelong love of the environment, wilderness and the creatures that share out world with us. One of my books, LET NO DAY DAWN THAT THE ANIMALS CANNOT SHARE
certainly speaks to my passion in this area. I need to get a new edition of it out -- this time strictly as an e-book -- and put down many more of my experiences with wild ones. I bottle-fed and released two fawns whose mothers were killed during the eruption if Mt St Helens in 1980. I rehabilitated and raised another fawn that had fallen into an irrigation canal in Cle Elum in 1965 or '66. I've rescued, rehabilitated and released hawks, small birds, skunks and raccoons as well.
While at API, I also helped rescue and release hundreds of beavers from a beaver farm that had gone bankrupt before the powers that be could make arrangements to have another beaver ranch take them and pelt them out. We're taking families of beavers -- males, females, and youngsters, all of whom had been raised in small cement dungeons with a "stream" of water running through their pens so they could jump in and keep their skin in good shape. Yes, what we did was entirely legal -- we weren't being unethical in the least -- we were just staying one step ahead of any other decision that would cause the beavers more grief. It worked.
And of course I raised Deaken, a serval kitten, from the time he was just a few days old until he passed away at 17... So I have a lot of stories that remain to be told.
The Yellowstone documentary brought it all back to me. It occurs to me that if I go wireless I can work from anywhere in the country I want to... and if I can do that, I can travel to these marvelous places and find even more to write about.
I may need a grant to get me going, but they're available if I can find out which ones offer what I'm looking for and hoping to do.
With a wireless PC, a digital camera and a tape recorder, I could really be getting things done! Worth thinking about!
Does anyone else want to travel to Yellowstone with me this year and share expenses? Let me know! I need to put a date on it, or it'll never happen. And it needs to happen!
In one segment, a female grizzly gave birth to two cubs during hibernation. That reminded me that, when I worked with the Animal Protection Institute (API) in 1981-1985, one of my first assignments was to meet a "courier" from Canada who was bringing two female grizzly cubs to Montana to have them turned loose in Yellowstone Park. Their mother had been shot and killed in Canada (where grizzlies aren't endangered). The original plan was to euthanize the two cubs, but API negotiated a deal that allowed us to get them and take them to Yellowstone (where grizzlies are endangered species) and release them there to bolster the ability of the remaining grizzlies to procreate without inbreeding.
I met the courier from Canada in Kalispell, Montana after driving from Eatonville. The two cubs were still small enough to fit into large plastic canine crates. I remember looking at the cubs and the crates that would airlift them into the back country. I noticed that one of the crates only had three (or maybe four) bolts holding it together (as opposed to the six or eight it was supposed to have). No one else noticed that but me! I mentioned it to the guys (there were six Fish and Game and fire service folks out that day, engaged in the project) and they, rather sheepishly I thought, agreed that it was probably a good idea to secure the crate better before they hauled it aloft beneath a helicopter! I was mortified, thinking that if I hadn't been there and noticed the precariousness of the crate, API's "rescue" operation may well have become a grizzly drop from several hundred feet.
Watching the PBS program tonight, it occured (poignantly) to me that the she-bear I was watching give birth might well be one of the cubs I helped rescue and release -- or the cub of a cub we released back then. I think grizzlies live beyond 25 years, if I'm not mistaken-- that is, if they aren't killed by illegal hunting. I got a little misty, thinking that way!
One of my earliest memories is of Mom and Dad driving us to Yellowstone and seeing Old Faithful and lots of black bears, bison, moose, raccoons, eagles, skunks and other wildlife. The trip doubled and trebled my lifelong love of the environment, wilderness and the creatures that share out world with us. One of my books, LET NO DAY DAWN THAT THE ANIMALS CANNOT SHARE
certainly speaks to my passion in this area. I need to get a new edition of it out -- this time strictly as an e-book -- and put down many more of my experiences with wild ones. I bottle-fed and released two fawns whose mothers were killed during the eruption if Mt St Helens in 1980. I rehabilitated and raised another fawn that had fallen into an irrigation canal in Cle Elum in 1965 or '66. I've rescued, rehabilitated and released hawks, small birds, skunks and raccoons as well.While at API, I also helped rescue and release hundreds of beavers from a beaver farm that had gone bankrupt before the powers that be could make arrangements to have another beaver ranch take them and pelt them out. We're taking families of beavers -- males, females, and youngsters, all of whom had been raised in small cement dungeons with a "stream" of water running through their pens so they could jump in and keep their skin in good shape. Yes, what we did was entirely legal -- we weren't being unethical in the least -- we were just staying one step ahead of any other decision that would cause the beavers more grief. It worked.
And of course I raised Deaken, a serval kitten, from the time he was just a few days old until he passed away at 17... So I have a lot of stories that remain to be told.
The Yellowstone documentary brought it all back to me. It occurs to me that if I go wireless I can work from anywhere in the country I want to... and if I can do that, I can travel to these marvelous places and find even more to write about.
I may need a grant to get me going, but they're available if I can find out which ones offer what I'm looking for and hoping to do.
With a wireless PC, a digital camera and a tape recorder, I could really be getting things done! Worth thinking about!
Does anyone else want to travel to Yellowstone with me this year and share expenses? Let me know! I need to put a date on it, or it'll never happen. And it needs to happen!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve
T'is the night before Christmas
And all through the house
The only thing stirring
Is my keyboard and mouse...
Well, that's not exactly true. Jackie is in her half of the abode preparing a breakfast casserole and cursing her temporary disability. She can only stay down for so long before she has to charge around on her knee skateboard (or whatever you call it) and do stuff. One week of being crippled up is about her limit... don't tell her she has a week and a half to go before she gets a boot she can walk on.
Phil, Wendy and the kids have been here two evenings making cookies and fudge; tonight they're at church and then at Wendy's Aunt Donna's until later, then they'll come here -- as will a number of other folks (all four of Jackie's grandchildren and their parents)-- to spend the night. I don't know if the overflow will stay in my living room, but they're welcome to, since I inherited Jackie's couch with the double recliner a few months ago when she got new furniture.
We'll be up at the crack of dawn (about seven) if we can keep the kids down that long. We usually manage to get up before they do, for some reason. (When we were kids, we were always up first!)
I've ordered a bunch of used books (on writing and other subjects) -- wintertime causes me to become a bookworm, since I can't be outdoors much...
But the weather today was so warm at one point that I went outside with the pups and pulled up my pant legs and sweatshirt sleeves and soaked in some rays from the sunshine. This is insane warm weather for this part of the hemisphere. I don't recall sunbathing on Christmas Eve before unless I was in California, Louisiana, Georgia or Florida!
I even saw a dozen or more robins yesterday, and at one point our back yard was filled with other birds. And I've seen squirrels and woodpeckers. Unheard of, for this time of year, up here!
My Elance clients have gone silent until Monday, and all but two of them are completley wrapped up, so I'll check for and bid on more projects over the long weekend, but I'm taking Christmas off. Totally. Completely. Absolutely.
I hope you do, too.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, ONE AND ALL!
And all through the house
The only thing stirring
Is my keyboard and mouse...
Well, that's not exactly true. Jackie is in her half of the abode preparing a breakfast casserole and cursing her temporary disability. She can only stay down for so long before she has to charge around on her knee skateboard (or whatever you call it) and do stuff. One week of being crippled up is about her limit... don't tell her she has a week and a half to go before she gets a boot she can walk on.
Phil, Wendy and the kids have been here two evenings making cookies and fudge; tonight they're at church and then at Wendy's Aunt Donna's until later, then they'll come here -- as will a number of other folks (all four of Jackie's grandchildren and their parents)-- to spend the night. I don't know if the overflow will stay in my living room, but they're welcome to, since I inherited Jackie's couch with the double recliner a few months ago when she got new furniture.
We'll be up at the crack of dawn (about seven) if we can keep the kids down that long. We usually manage to get up before they do, for some reason. (When we were kids, we were always up first!)
I've ordered a bunch of used books (on writing and other subjects) -- wintertime causes me to become a bookworm, since I can't be outdoors much...
But the weather today was so warm at one point that I went outside with the pups and pulled up my pant legs and sweatshirt sleeves and soaked in some rays from the sunshine. This is insane warm weather for this part of the hemisphere. I don't recall sunbathing on Christmas Eve before unless I was in California, Louisiana, Georgia or Florida!
I even saw a dozen or more robins yesterday, and at one point our back yard was filled with other birds. And I've seen squirrels and woodpeckers. Unheard of, for this time of year, up here!
My Elance clients have gone silent until Monday, and all but two of them are completley wrapped up, so I'll check for and bid on more projects over the long weekend, but I'm taking Christmas off. Totally. Completely. Absolutely.
I hope you do, too.
MERRY CHRISTMAS, ONE AND ALL!
The Real Rainman Has Passed Away--
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/34575495#34575495
Here's an amazing interview with him from almost tean years ago.
Here's an amazing interview with him from almost tean years ago.
Adventure with Grandma -- Author Unknown
Thanks to Sue Giovenale Morgan for this...
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me.
"No Santa Claus!" she snorted. "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous, cinnamon bun.
"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days.
"Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill,wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.
I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs.Pollock's grade-two class.
Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out for recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough, and he didn't have a coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement.
I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes," I replied shyly. "It's .... for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) and wrote on the package, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" -- Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."
I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have the Bible, with the tag tucked inside: $19.95.
===============================
He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree.
I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"
My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true.
Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me.
"No Santa Claus!" she snorted. "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go."
"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous, cinnamon bun.
"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days.
"Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.
I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill,wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for.
I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs.Pollock's grade-two class.
Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out for recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough, and he didn't have a coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement.
I would buy Bobby Decker a coat!
I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes," I replied shyly. "It's .... for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag and wished me a Merry Christmas.
That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) and wrote on the package, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" -- Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers.
Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going."
I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby.
Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team.
I still have the Bible, with the tag tucked inside: $19.95.
===============================
He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
I Clipped the Puppies!
Jansy and Buffy have gone from brown and grey to creamy buff... They're adorable! I took a few pix on my sister's camera -- will place them here when she emails them over to me in a day or two.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Counting My Blessings...
Not long ago -- I think around Thanksgiving time -- when I was dog-sitting not far from home, I spent about 35 minutes just writing down as many blessinsgs as I could think of.
I was amazed.
I ran out of time long before I ran out of blessings, and I was bunching up a lot of them: i.e., I was being thankful for my friends (in aggregate), my family (in aggregate), my pets (ditto), my home, health, job, PC, health, faith, government, country, church elders, military, sense of humor and fun...
It just all came in a flood! It was pretty amazing.
Now suddenly here we are, approaching Christmas, and I'm still feeling completely blessed. It isn't that I'm rolling in dough or that we're out of the woods yet, but I can tell it's coming. A better day lies ahead. I haven't felt this way in YEARS, but have felt this groundswell of hope and promise all year long, and that's what keep me putting one foot in front of the other and keeps me smiling on most days.
I hope your Christmas is warm, inviting and filled with love.
I was amazed.
I ran out of time long before I ran out of blessings, and I was bunching up a lot of them: i.e., I was being thankful for my friends (in aggregate), my family (in aggregate), my pets (ditto), my home, health, job, PC, health, faith, government, country, church elders, military, sense of humor and fun...
It just all came in a flood! It was pretty amazing.
Now suddenly here we are, approaching Christmas, and I'm still feeling completely blessed. It isn't that I'm rolling in dough or that we're out of the woods yet, but I can tell it's coming. A better day lies ahead. I haven't felt this way in YEARS, but have felt this groundswell of hope and promise all year long, and that's what keep me putting one foot in front of the other and keeps me smiling on most days.
I hope your Christmas is warm, inviting and filled with love.
From David Plouffe and Organizing for America...
Any day now, health insurance reform will come up for a vote in the Senate.
We're hearing a lot about what's at stake with this vote for President Obama, the Democrats who are fighting alongside him, and the Republicans who have lined up in opposition.
But let's talk about what's really at stake for America. The Senate health reform bill will:
-- Extend coverage to 31 million Americans, the largest expansion of coverage since the creation of Medicare.
-- Ensure that you can choose your own doctor.
-- Finally stop insurance companies from denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition.
-- Make sure you will never be charged exorbitant premiums on the basis of your age, health, or gender.
-- Guarantee you will never lose your coverage just because you get sick or injured.
-- Protect you from outrageous out-of-pocket expenditures by establishing lifetime and annual limits.
-- Allow young people to stay on their parents' coverage until they're 26 years old.
-- Create health insurance exchanges, or "one-stop shops" for individuals purchasing insurance, where insurance companies are forced to compete for new customers.
-- Lower premiums for families, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office -- especially for struggling folks who will receive subsidies.
-- Help small businesses provide health care coverage to their employees with tax credits and by allowing them to purchase coverage through the exchanges.
-- Improve and strengthen Medicare by eliminating waste and fraud (without cutting basic benefits), beginning to close the Medicare Part D donut hole, and extending the life of the Medicare trust fund.
-- Create jobs by reining in costs -- fostering competition, reducing waste and inefficiency, and starting to reward doctors and hospitals for quality, not quantity, of care.
-- Cut the deficit by over $130 billion in the next 10 years.
It's a long list. But that's only because this bill represents the most significant health reform our nation has seen since the creation of Medicare.
And it's important that every American knows what's really at stake this holiday season.
We're hearing a lot about what's at stake with this vote for President Obama, the Democrats who are fighting alongside him, and the Republicans who have lined up in opposition.
But let's talk about what's really at stake for America. The Senate health reform bill will:
-- Extend coverage to 31 million Americans, the largest expansion of coverage since the creation of Medicare.
-- Ensure that you can choose your own doctor.
-- Finally stop insurance companies from denying coverage due to a pre-existing condition.
-- Make sure you will never be charged exorbitant premiums on the basis of your age, health, or gender.
-- Guarantee you will never lose your coverage just because you get sick or injured.
-- Protect you from outrageous out-of-pocket expenditures by establishing lifetime and annual limits.
-- Allow young people to stay on their parents' coverage until they're 26 years old.
-- Create health insurance exchanges, or "one-stop shops" for individuals purchasing insurance, where insurance companies are forced to compete for new customers.
-- Lower premiums for families, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office -- especially for struggling folks who will receive subsidies.
-- Help small businesses provide health care coverage to their employees with tax credits and by allowing them to purchase coverage through the exchanges.
-- Improve and strengthen Medicare by eliminating waste and fraud (without cutting basic benefits), beginning to close the Medicare Part D donut hole, and extending the life of the Medicare trust fund.
-- Create jobs by reining in costs -- fostering competition, reducing waste and inefficiency, and starting to reward doctors and hospitals for quality, not quantity, of care.
-- Cut the deficit by over $130 billion in the next 10 years.
It's a long list. But that's only because this bill represents the most significant health reform our nation has seen since the creation of Medicare.
And it's important that every American knows what's really at stake this holiday season.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Author Unknown -- But I Love This!
The "W" in Christmas - Author Unknown
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher.... She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down.
Around the room , I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as Christmas, I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally unaware that her letter "M" appeared as a "W."
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: "C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is.
Amazed in His presence...
Humbled by His love...
May each of you have a Merry Christmas
and a blessed New Year
as you reflect on His Amazing Love for us.
Hope you all have a wonderful
Christ was love holiday season.
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience. I had cut back on nonessential obligations -- extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending.
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six-year-old. For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production. Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher.... She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation. All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down.
Around the room , I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats. As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as Christmas, I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment - songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row-center stage -- held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song. As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down -- totally unaware that her letter "M" appeared as a "W."
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W." Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together. A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear: "C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is.
Amazed in His presence...
Humbled by His love...
May each of you have a Merry Christmas
and a blessed New Year
as you reflect on His Amazing Love for us.
Hope you all have a wonderful
Christ was love holiday season.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Self-Promotion is Embarrassing for Shy Types Like Me...
I wonder how many people are laughing their fannies off right now?
It's true. I'm shy. I've learned not to look or act shy when I'm out and about -- and I genuinely enjoy most of the people I talk with -- but my gregariousness is an effort. I was super-gregarious as a very young child, but it was shamed out of me by the time I entered kindergarten. I became adept at being "seen and not heard" when among others outside my family members and very few close friends.
My shyness trips me up every time, in private and in public. If I'd just become a little more self-revealing, it would benefit everyone. But I always think, "Who needs to know anything more about me?" And my knee-jerk answer? "No one, really."
I mean, I offer a blog, I've written five books, I do blogtalkradio and other radio interviews whenever I'm asked. All of these venues reveal my interests, passions, and concerns... so I figure that anybody who wants to know more about me has ample opportunity to find out, without me shamelessly (or, in my case, what feels like shamefully) promoting myself!
So I need a publicist. I certainly fall very far short in this vital area!
I blew a perfect opportunity yesterday -- didn't even think of it until I got home! -- to sell a few books. Same thing happened two weeks ago.
I was asked to read something at two different Christmas parties. Both were well-attended. At yesterday's gathering, there were probably a hundred people in attendance. At the first one, there were at least 60. That's 160 people I touched but did not pursue!
Yesterday I read They Call Me Walrus Woman from Floating Around Hollywood
and received a warm, enthusiastic response and some quick positive comments as I blasted out the door on my way back home to resume my sister-sitting duties.
It didn't even occur to me to add, at the end of my presentation, "If you want more, you can find my books at kristinemsmith.biz!" It would have taken all of six seconds -- but I just didn't think of it!!!
I'm hopeless as a self-promoter.
So that's why I often ask you more gregarious types to do for me what you'd do for yourselves if my books were your books. Maybe there's even a way for you to sign on as Amazon Associates and link to my books so that whenever anyone buys them from your sites, you'd get 15%. I'm all for that -- I just don't know how to make it happen for you, or I would!
If you're a De fan, a TREK fan, an animal aficionado, a lover of humor, or a Christian, or if you need an exemplary copywriter -- or if you know others who share these passions or need a good writer -- let them know about my books and my business/books website (http://kristinemsmith.biz/).
I certainly can't do this alone without getting an Intestinal Fortitude Makeover which, at my age, is highly unlikely.
So I really, truly, do need your help to get the word out.
I'm down on one knee. Please? Pretty please?
All I need is a foot in the door. I can do the rest. It's just the introduction and the "invitation to interact" that I need to put me into motion. I'll always show up and do a good job.
I might even remember to mention my website link if I'm forced to do it often enough! You just never know...
It's true. I'm shy. I've learned not to look or act shy when I'm out and about -- and I genuinely enjoy most of the people I talk with -- but my gregariousness is an effort. I was super-gregarious as a very young child, but it was shamed out of me by the time I entered kindergarten. I became adept at being "seen and not heard" when among others outside my family members and very few close friends.
My shyness trips me up every time, in private and in public. If I'd just become a little more self-revealing, it would benefit everyone. But I always think, "Who needs to know anything more about me?" And my knee-jerk answer? "No one, really."
I mean, I offer a blog, I've written five books, I do blogtalkradio and other radio interviews whenever I'm asked. All of these venues reveal my interests, passions, and concerns... so I figure that anybody who wants to know more about me has ample opportunity to find out, without me shamelessly (or, in my case, what feels like shamefully) promoting myself!
So I need a publicist. I certainly fall very far short in this vital area!
I blew a perfect opportunity yesterday -- didn't even think of it until I got home! -- to sell a few books. Same thing happened two weeks ago.
I was asked to read something at two different Christmas parties. Both were well-attended. At yesterday's gathering, there were probably a hundred people in attendance. At the first one, there were at least 60. That's 160 people I touched but did not pursue!
Yesterday I read They Call Me Walrus Woman from Floating Around Hollywood
and received a warm, enthusiastic response and some quick positive comments as I blasted out the door on my way back home to resume my sister-sitting duties.It didn't even occur to me to add, at the end of my presentation, "If you want more, you can find my books at kristinemsmith.biz!" It would have taken all of six seconds -- but I just didn't think of it!!!
I'm hopeless as a self-promoter.
So that's why I often ask you more gregarious types to do for me what you'd do for yourselves if my books were your books. Maybe there's even a way for you to sign on as Amazon Associates and link to my books so that whenever anyone buys them from your sites, you'd get 15%. I'm all for that -- I just don't know how to make it happen for you, or I would!
If you're a De fan, a TREK fan, an animal aficionado, a lover of humor, or a Christian, or if you need an exemplary copywriter -- or if you know others who share these passions or need a good writer -- let them know about my books and my business/books website (http://kristinemsmith.biz/).
I certainly can't do this alone without getting an Intestinal Fortitude Makeover which, at my age, is highly unlikely.
So I really, truly, do need your help to get the word out.
I'm down on one knee. Please? Pretty please?
All I need is a foot in the door. I can do the rest. It's just the introduction and the "invitation to interact" that I need to put me into motion. I'll always show up and do a good job.
I might even remember to mention my website link if I'm forced to do it often enough! You just never know...
Still Looking for Last-Minute Holiday Gifts? Hint, Hint!
DeForest Kelley: A Harvest of Memories
Floating Around Hollywood
Let No Day Dawn that the Animals Cannot Share
Purposeful Christianity: Sharing the Verve and Value of the Prince Of Peace
The Enduring Legacy of DeForest Kelley: Actor, Healer Friend
http://store.payloadz.com/go?id=382995 Just $4.95 (E-book download).
Floating Around Hollywood
Let No Day Dawn that the Animals Cannot Share
Purposeful Christianity: Sharing the Verve and Value of the Prince Of Peace
The Enduring Legacy of DeForest Kelley: Actor, Healer Friend
T'is the season!
You can even put into your note:
Merry KrisSmith to You!
Merry KrisSmith to You!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Quick Update...
Jackie's surgery went great -- thank you so much for your prayers. She has had much less pain than she was told to expect. Today is supposed to be the "worst" day before things start getting better, pain-wise, and I can tell she's hurting today, but she says it's less than she expected it would be. She takes a pain pill and an antihistamine every four hours -- up until today she was taking them every 5-6 hours. The antihistamine boosts the effect of the pain pill and makes her drowsy, so she sleeps when she takes those. That's the best way to get through the uphill part of any post-surgical procedure...
I went to another CFAN Christmas party this morning -- was asked to read something -- so I read THEY CALL ME WALRUS WOMAN from my book Floating Around Hollywood and my new Christmas poem. Our friend, Carol Beitz, watched Jackie while I was away. They wrapped Christmas presents while I was gone.
By the time I got back, I could tell Jackie was hurting. She returned to a recliner and has been there ever since, trying to sleep. I massaged her good foot for 30 minutes; that helped a lot, she said; the pleasure overshadowed the pain.
I hate seeing someone else in pain. I have a very hard time dealing with pain myself so when I see it on another's face, I sorta "feel" it with them. I try to think of ways to alleviate it as much as possible.
Another of Jackie's friends, Georgia, picked up a knee-based roll-about so Jackie can rest her recovering leg on it and push herself from place to place instead of having to use crutches. That has been a real godsend for her.
Anyway, other than that, I'm playing nurse and chauffeur for the next few days for Jackie. I'm reminding her when to place the ice pack under her recovering leg and when to take it out, when to take her pain pill and her antihistamine pill, and fetching her food whenever she gets hungry.
It is for times like these that we actually co-purchased a house and property -- so we can take care of each other when either of us has a malady or some surgery.
The doctor says she'll feel so much better when she's back in action. The snapped tendons "were a mess" and a tangle of blood vessels were being impacted, causing much of the pain she was having. She also had a bone spur that was removed. So she should be able to walk without pain for the first time in a long time. She still needs to get a bunion fixed, but the surgeon said he didn't want to do three things at once because the post-op pain would be too severe. I think today Jackie is very glad she agreed to his suggestion to leave it alone for now!
The puppies are doing well. I have to give them their final puppy shots tomorrow or the next day. I'm looking forward to having that over with so I don't have to "ouch" them anymore for another year -- except for when we have them spayed in a few more months.
Kiki is in seventh heaven with "her" puppies. She has been lonesome, methinks. She isn't anymore -- that's for sure! All three have so much fun together!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
First Snow...
We're getting the first snow of the season, but so far it hasn't amounted to enough to accumulate. We hope it doesn't accumulate, in fact, because I need to drive Jackie to the Baker Center tomorrow for her foot surgery and there are a couple of appreciable-sized hills between here and there. The forecast calls for snow north and south of us, but not much here.
I went to Bible study at church this morning. It's always SOOOOO good. After that, I had to come straight home because Jackie needed the vehicle to get the rest of her shopping done. (Her Mustang is in the shop for repairs.)
I bathed and groomed Buffy yesterday and Jansy today. Jackie bathed Kiki while I bathed and blew-dried Jansy, then we clipped the hair on their muzzles and their toenails.
I'm teaching the dogs to accept "toothbrushing" with dental wipes. I thought it would be a real struggle, but after the first two times, they decided it really wasn't worth worrying about, so they let me do it without too much dodging and feinting. Never thought I'd be the type of pet owner that brushed their pets' teeth but hey, if you start them young, it has to cut back on dental cleanings and gum problems, one would suppose... We'll find out!
Wendy just took Casey to an American Girl doll tea, so Jamie and her dad are having a nap, as is Jackie. I ought to be but I still haven't decided whether to write something for the Christmas gathering on Wednesday or read something from my book, PURPOSEFUL CHRISTIANITY, or read what I read at the Christmas party a week ago. I can't decide...
Did I ever publish, here, the Christmas poem I wrote a few weeks ago? Can't recall, so I'll do it now:
CHRISTMAS DAY
Small and mild
The Christ child
Has come to save the world.
Little fingers,
tiny toes
He's God not yet unfurled.
She'll watch him grow
But does not know
He'll free us from our past.
He'll live to serve
And speak God's word
And suffer at the last.
What had she heard?
An angel's word:
"You've found favor with God."
What could she do?
She followed through,
Assenting with a nod.
And because she did
We truly live
Engaged in joyful song.
For God's gift -- free --
A Son like He --
Was His promise all along.
c. Nov 24, 2009 by Kristine M Smith
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Puppy Training -- Big Laugh!
Three of Jackie's grandkids -- Elizabeth, Casey and Jamie -- are trying to teach the puppies tricks. Problem is, like wee children, puppies have almost zero attention span, and get distracted at the drop of a hat (or a nod or another voice).
So I've given the girls instructions: one puppy at a time, one trainer at a time, and only five minutes at a time. I doubt the pups will learn a thing, but the kids are learning patience and encouragement, so it's not entirely a lost cause.
Jackie is out doing last minute shopping for Christmas since she'll be laid up for three weeks after surgery, so I'm kid-sitting, sort of. Phil and Wendy are in and out -- so they're the ones mostly in charge. I'm just keeping tabs on the kids to be sure they don't exhaust the puppies. They're good kids and are at ages (5, 9, 11) where they don't a require moment-to-moment mother hen. I didn't babysit them when they were that young. It made me too nervous, since I've never had kids and didn't babysit much as a teen.
This morning I traveled to three neighbors to wish them happy holidays and give them a box of Satsuma oranges and a card and newsletter. One of the families isn't home right now, so I'll have to catch up with them later. Jamie came with me -- she wanted to get in on the well wishes. She's quite the sparkler.
On Wednesday while I attend another holiday gathering at church, a friend of ours is coming over to sit with Jackie so she won't be alone. It'll be 2 1/2 days post surgery and she is going to be pretty heavily drugged for at least three days, so someone needs to be around to check on her. I'm here 24/7 usually, pretty much, but the church has asked me to read something I've written...
Oh, gosh, that reminds me! I need to write something for the event! Guess I'd better get going on that.
I wonder if they'd let me read what I presented at the Christmas part? Probably not -- too many of the attendees have probably already heard it...
Hmm...
So it's back to the drawing board...
So I've given the girls instructions: one puppy at a time, one trainer at a time, and only five minutes at a time. I doubt the pups will learn a thing, but the kids are learning patience and encouragement, so it's not entirely a lost cause.
Jackie is out doing last minute shopping for Christmas since she'll be laid up for three weeks after surgery, so I'm kid-sitting, sort of. Phil and Wendy are in and out -- so they're the ones mostly in charge. I'm just keeping tabs on the kids to be sure they don't exhaust the puppies. They're good kids and are at ages (5, 9, 11) where they don't a require moment-to-moment mother hen. I didn't babysit them when they were that young. It made me too nervous, since I've never had kids and didn't babysit much as a teen.
This morning I traveled to three neighbors to wish them happy holidays and give them a box of Satsuma oranges and a card and newsletter. One of the families isn't home right now, so I'll have to catch up with them later. Jamie came with me -- she wanted to get in on the well wishes. She's quite the sparkler.
On Wednesday while I attend another holiday gathering at church, a friend of ours is coming over to sit with Jackie so she won't be alone. It'll be 2 1/2 days post surgery and she is going to be pretty heavily drugged for at least three days, so someone needs to be around to check on her. I'm here 24/7 usually, pretty much, but the church has asked me to read something I've written...
Oh, gosh, that reminds me! I need to write something for the event! Guess I'd better get going on that.
I wonder if they'd let me read what I presented at the Christmas part? Probably not -- too many of the attendees have probably already heard it...
Hmm...
So it's back to the drawing board...
Friday, December 11, 2009
FREEZING But Light at End of Tunnel
We've had to ask our contractor out to bolster the insulation in areas of piping that he put in earlier this year, 'cause they've frozen but haven't (thank God!) burst. That'll happen today and should make the vulnerable pipes all better. He's also running around rescuing other neighbors, friends and folks who have frozen or broken pipes. What a guy!
Jackie goes in for foot surgery on Monday. I drive her in at 8:00 am and either stay there for six hours until she can come home (surgery is at 10, lasts 60-90 minutes, recovery takes a while) or come home in between. That will depend largely on the weather. If it's treacherous, I'll stay right there so I have to drive less. It doesn't sound like it will be, though. (I may stay anyway. She's my sister, after all, and being nearby seems the right thing to do!)
She's having a bone spur taken off and a tendon re-atttached on her left foot. Please keep her in your prayers, as she has clotting issues and her meds have been reduced prior to surgery; will be reintroduced slowly for two weeks following surgery. People with clotting factors have greater risk of complications, so your prayers are very greatly appreciated!
The pups are doing fine. They may experience their first snow in the next day or two, so if they do, I will be sure to capture it on film so you can watch their antics.
I (shhh! this is a secret!) got Jackie a mouse pad with photos of Jansy on it. I hope it arrives this weekend so I can give it to her as a "get well" gift. It's on its way, so we'll see!
Can you tell I feel very confident that Jackie never reads my blogs? By the time she finds this entry, I may be dead and she'll get a smile out of it. (Not that I'll be dead, but that I was thinking of her and doing things behind her back PUBLICLY that she didn't have a clue about!)
My sister loves me but she is NOT a "follower." She doesn't need to be -- she lives one hollow core door away and gets enough of me every day! HA HA HA HA! Maybe too much!
Elance work has slowed down a little. I think everyone is focused on the holidays right now. There's still enough work to keep my head above water, so I'm all right, but I do get fidgety when I'm not writing, so here I am, writing to you!
Hey, it keeps me out of trouble -- out of the cupboards, away from shopping, out of the puppy pen...
I look pretty silly in the puppy pen, and until Buffy gets the message that pee goes outside, every single time without fail, the puppy pen is where she stays, unless I'm holding her in my arms. She won't pee in the pen -- asks to be let outside -- but if she runs around, she doesn't pay attention to the cue that she has to pee until she REALLY has to pee, and unless I watch her like a hawk, I miss the proper moment to take her outside.
It's so dry around here that almost everything I touch -- cat, blanket, shirt, coat -- sparks and shocks me. (The dogs seem fine -- no electrical discharges that I can discern when I touch them.) So for now the cats and I just appreciate each other from a distance -- interacting hurts them! Poor babies... Maybe I should run a static eraser (dryer sheet) over them... I wonder if that would be safe and healthy. Does anyone know?
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
BRRRRR!!!!!!
Okay, this is getting ridiculous...
The pipes in the garage froze last night, so we have a heat lamp and an oil heater out on the washer-dryer platform thawing things out so I can start the wash. I have to start the wash because Buffy peed on my bed last night.
It was my fault. She asked to go out (several little whimpers and warm body near my face), but I was half comatose and didn't respond in time. Good thing: we both would probably have been frozen to the grass outside had I taken her out there to pee!
Of course, I could have placed her on linoleum and let her do her thing -- it would have been far easier to clean than letting her pee on my bed -- but that would have given her "permission" to pee in the house. And since her output amounts to about a tablespoon, if that, I ... let her go on my bed and forgave her immediately. Not that I praised her, or anything! I just didn't pitch a bitch, since I was fully capable of waking up enough when she cried, and I "put it off" for too long... (The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.)
The Noriega radio visit last night was fun. There was only enough time after the reading for one question, which I pretty much blew, but the rest of it went very well. You can still listen to it, if you missed it, by clicking on the link that exists about five blog entries back...
A number of people who usually listen weren't available at the right time last night, so they'll be catching up after the fact and letting me know how I did. Lisa Hamner (De's new star polisher; she's an actor in Long Beach at De's old thespian stand) got to the program right on time and said I get better every time and that she thinks I should have my own radio program or start acting.
I wanted to act as a child and teenager, but being a professional writer is risky enough for me! Acting takes a lot of time, and probably a lot more talent than I have. For every minute someone spends on stage or on film, they spend hours and days preparing, being rejected, rehearsing, etc. etc. etc. I'm not sure the roar of the greasepaint/the smell of the crowd could compensate for that. As a writer at Elance, I spend significant time looking for projects to bid on, but I charge enough to compensate for that time. It rarely works out that well for actors. Not that I would ever discourage anyone from acting! It's an addiction, like writing. And people need what actors do: offer much-needed diversion from everyday trials and tribulations, offer hope, laughs, feelings... They're valuable , valuable people! My hat is off to every one of them -- especially Lisa Hamner and Alison Winter! If you're not familiar with Alison Winter's story, get my e-book about De, ENDURING LEGACY OF DeFOREST KELLEY. I hope Lisa will contribute to the next edition!!! (Hint, hint, Ms. Hamner!)
I should be getting a project or two at Elance today, but they haven't come in yet, so while I'm at loose ends, thought I should "catch you up" on the shenanigans from the cold, frozen, Arctic Pacific North-Wet -- er, North-Frozen!
God forbid we should lose our power at a time like this. Some people have up here... I'm praying for all of them and for the line workers who have to be out in this getting the power back on. I know a couple of them, too. Stalwart, hardy folks... who go out when everybody else rushes in to save themselves! I salute you!
The pipes in the garage froze last night, so we have a heat lamp and an oil heater out on the washer-dryer platform thawing things out so I can start the wash. I have to start the wash because Buffy peed on my bed last night.
It was my fault. She asked to go out (several little whimpers and warm body near my face), but I was half comatose and didn't respond in time. Good thing: we both would probably have been frozen to the grass outside had I taken her out there to pee!
Of course, I could have placed her on linoleum and let her do her thing -- it would have been far easier to clean than letting her pee on my bed -- but that would have given her "permission" to pee in the house. And since her output amounts to about a tablespoon, if that, I ... let her go on my bed and forgave her immediately. Not that I praised her, or anything! I just didn't pitch a bitch, since I was fully capable of waking up enough when she cried, and I "put it off" for too long... (The spirit was willing, but the flesh was weak.)
The Noriega radio visit last night was fun. There was only enough time after the reading for one question, which I pretty much blew, but the rest of it went very well. You can still listen to it, if you missed it, by clicking on the link that exists about five blog entries back...
A number of people who usually listen weren't available at the right time last night, so they'll be catching up after the fact and letting me know how I did. Lisa Hamner (De's new star polisher; she's an actor in Long Beach at De's old thespian stand) got to the program right on time and said I get better every time and that she thinks I should have my own radio program or start acting.
I wanted to act as a child and teenager, but being a professional writer is risky enough for me! Acting takes a lot of time, and probably a lot more talent than I have. For every minute someone spends on stage or on film, they spend hours and days preparing, being rejected, rehearsing, etc. etc. etc. I'm not sure the roar of the greasepaint/the smell of the crowd could compensate for that. As a writer at Elance, I spend significant time looking for projects to bid on, but I charge enough to compensate for that time. It rarely works out that well for actors. Not that I would ever discourage anyone from acting! It's an addiction, like writing. And people need what actors do: offer much-needed diversion from everyday trials and tribulations, offer hope, laughs, feelings... They're valuable , valuable people! My hat is off to every one of them -- especially Lisa Hamner and Alison Winter! If you're not familiar with Alison Winter's story, get my e-book about De, ENDURING LEGACY OF DeFOREST KELLEY. I hope Lisa will contribute to the next edition!!! (Hint, hint, Ms. Hamner!)
I should be getting a project or two at Elance today, but they haven't come in yet, so while I'm at loose ends, thought I should "catch you up" on the shenanigans from the cold, frozen, Arctic Pacific North-Wet -- er, North-Frozen!
God forbid we should lose our power at a time like this. Some people have up here... I'm praying for all of them and for the line workers who have to be out in this getting the power back on. I know a couple of them, too. Stalwart, hardy folks... who go out when everybody else rushes in to save themselves! I salute you!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Don't Forget Tonight's Radio Show at 6:30 PM Pacific Time
I'm ready to roll -- my excerpts are picked and marked (thanks for your help!) and my one minute intro is written. I'm hoping to keep everything to under 10 minutes so there will be time to answer a few questions...
Let me know if you'll be listening in! Thanks!
The link to the show is a couple of blog entries down. (I can't get it to cut and paste into this blog --- grrr!!! ---- or I would.)
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Any Suggestions on Which Excerpt to Read Tomorrow Evening on Blogtalk Radio?
I'm going through my books trying to decide which excerpt to pull out and read during the radio visit tomorrow night. I have several favorites and don't want to repeat the one I read last time (in case the same listeners tune in, I don't want to bore them).
Do you have any ideas? Any particular faves? Let me know -- and if you know which page it starts on, let me know that, too...
I like the silly stuff a lot:
Dinner With the Kelleys (first real sit-down-and-chat session)
Request for Signed Photo from my "penpal" De
"Letter of Complaint" re: De calling me Krazy Kris at the L.A. Con
"Shambala Pachyderm Poop Plaques"
"Fake Star Ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame" (We were there. Where Were You, De!?)
I could also step away from the books entirely and read my stand-up routine, 'HUSBAND HUNTING ON THE ENTERPRISE.'
Or read from FLOATING AROUND HOLLYWOOD:
Baywatch Wrap Party
The Oreo Cookie Affair
They Call Me Walrus Woman
When You Wash Upon a Star, People Think You're Quite Bizarre!
I dunno. I just dunno. I want to do something different... something exclusive... something I've never read before publicly. Most of all, I want to leave all the listeners wanting more, so they'll get a book or two.. and some for friends for Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa...
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Bummer! Can't Copy My Presentation Into This Blog!
Photo by Yvonne Olson
Photo by Dr. Mary Jo Robinson
Photo by Dr. Mary Jo RobinsonI've tried everything to try to get my presentation into this blog, but it won't go! So if you want a copy, please let me know (let me know your email address, too) and I'll send you one.
Sorry...
It all went very well. All three presenters -- Tami Bidwell, Pat Leksen and myself -- did a good job and were well-received and the rest of the program was a lot of fun, too.
One of the pastors came to me afterward and said I should send what I read to Guideposts. I'll check into that...
Sometimes I get real irritated with Vista! I don't understand why it won't let me cut-and-paste about half of the time. Does anybody know why, or have a fix for it? If so, let me know!
Thanks!
Two other ladies came up to me after the program to thank me for the encouragement. They said it really spoke to them. Another asked if I'd be willing to teach writing on-line. I said yes. She's going to get back to me with details soon.
I'll Be on Blogtalk Radio Again Monday Night at 6:30 pm Pacific Time
Calling all De Kelley fans! Roger Noreiga has asked me to spend fifteen minutes with him again on Blogtalk radio this coming Monday at 6:30 Pacific Time. I hope you can make it. We'll visit... I'll read a couple of excerpts... and after the visit I'll stay in the chat room to answer questions and send virtual hugs... so TELL YOUR FRIENDS right away!
Thanks!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ndbmedia/2009/12/08/kristine-m-smith-is-in-the-house
The call-in number is 914-338- 0314. Register beforehand so you can be seen and heard in the chat room or on the phone!
Thanks!
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ndbmedia/2009/12/08/kristine-m-smith-is-in-the-house
The call-in number is 914-338- 0314. Register beforehand so you can be seen and heard in the chat room or on the phone!
This Evening I'll Post the Presentation I'm Giving at CFAN this Afternoon
Good morning! I'm freezing. Guess I'd better turn on my Amish Heat Surge "fireplace" before I go any farther here or icicles will form on my chin and my fingers will break off tapping the keyboard! (Hyperbole, folks. It ain't quite that bad -- I'm not sitting outside!)
It is frosty out there! It is finally and officially too freaking cold -- and will stay that way for the foreseeable future. It is, after all, December in the northern latitudes and here in Washington State we're right next to Canada and not far from Alaska. Brrrrrrr!!!!
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This evening I'll post the presentation I'll be giving at the CFAN Women's Christmas Party. It should be of interest to many of you who are addicted to creating something -- songs, a portrayal on stage, screen or canvas, books, dance, quilting, knitting... you name it. What I'll be sharing is along the lines of "following your bliss" although I don't use that phrase at all; about not letting the duties of your day dissuade you from doing what you've always wanted to do.
I think you'll like it -- and if you don't... there's always the COMMENT button to push or the little boxes to click that indicate your feelings about it. But be kind -- t'is the season!!
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A few months ago I bought a Broyhill Executive Office Chair. I love it. It helped my back tremendously, since I often sit here hours on end writing copy for Elance clients or blogging to you.
Even so, I was still feeling some discomfort, so I bought a Back Joy ergonomic device that I sit on (strategically) to keep my posture perfect and my buns and lower back vertebrae less smashed. It works great -- but every single time I abandon my chair, even for a 30 second foray into another room, when I come back, my 13 year old cat, Ashley, is curled up on it and out like a light.
Now, I know Back Joy wasn't designed to fit the contours of a cat, and it's a relatively pricey device, but if they want to tweak their selling points to notify the pet-loving market, I wanna tell you, I would happily become their first testimonial to the magnetic attraction their device has for cats -- or at least for this one cat! (Who else could claim it from him? He sits right here waiting for me to stand up!) It's just amazing.
I have spent too much money trying to entice and thrill my pet charges and have never found a device as attractive to Ashley as this one. And no, I'm not laying out another bunch of money to satisfy his need to "cocoon."
There's just one drawback. The Back Joy is covered with some kind of material. It "captures" cat hair. So every time just before I leave the house I have to inspect my butt to make sure the hair from the device hasn't transferred to MY tail. I don't want to have people who are seeing me from behind to think I sit on my cats to excess... or at all, for that matter!
Plea From a Dedicated STAR TREK Fan & Organization -- EXTEND THE ENTERPRISE LEGACY
Thanks to Mary Doman for the following timely piece of information.
Link to a petition to save the exalted Enterprise name for future real-life vessels...
http://ussntrprs.epetitions.net/
Let's "Make It So!"
Thanks!
Link to a petition to save the exalted Enterprise name for future real-life vessels...
http://ussntrprs.epetitions.net/
Let's "Make It So!"
Thanks!
Friday, December 4, 2009
So Realistic The Police Made the Homeowner Take It Down!
Faux "Stranded Christmas Home Decorator"This display caused such a ruckus -- people jumping out of their cars to "rescue" this "guy" -- that police asked the homeowner to take it down.
Very clever!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Pups at Play -- ENJOY!
Buffy after a romp in wet grass
Jansy Airborne
Jansy in hot pursuit of Buffy
Jansy asking to be picked upWednesday, December 2, 2009
When Jansy Gets Wet... She Reminds Me of Yosemite Sam!
Isn't this hysterical?!!!
Hurry and take a look before Jackie freaks and requires me to delete this photo!
HA HA HA HA HA (Not really. She's a good sport -- because she agrees!!!)
Jansy has about the same rootin' tootin' attitute as Yosemite Sam, too!
Finally! Here They Are!
New Pups Jansy and Buffy
My puppy, Buffy, Close Up These aren't the best photos -- the best ones are on Jackie's camera, I think, but she isn't home yet to download them and email them to me from her PC...
On Jackie's camera, I got a couple of photos of the pups in mid-air -- like popcorn! Hysterical! I'll post them as soon as I get them...
These are teacup poodle/shih tzu/Pekingese mixes...
Puppy Photos This Evening! Check Back!
I have taken some of the cutest puppy photos, but my camera won't download them to my PC! So I grabbed Jackie's camera and took some more. She says she'll download them to her PC and send me copies tonight... As soon as she does, I'll post them here.
Stay tuned! It'll be worth the wait!
I trimmed their feet, rear ends and snouts a little bit this morning, so I'll post a couple of the "trimmed" photos, too...
Gads, they have feet and leg bones line toothpicks, they're so little, and they're 12 weeks old!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Donate To The Families of the Four Fallen Police Officers Here!
This link will take you to the website where you can donate money and your sentiments to the families of the four fallen Lakewood police officers who were slain two days ago.
I hope you will visit the link and let them know how much you care, as I did.
www.lpig.us
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You know, when I lived in Lakewood, I always thanked the police officers I saw on duty. Military officers, too. Tacoma is a military town and defenders are everywhere we look when we're out in public.
It is so sad to think that officers whose hands I shook, in an effort to thank and bless them for the work they do, are no longer here...
I'm glad the Seattle officer got the guy responsible, and that Tacoma officers are today rounding up the people who helped the assassin get away for as long as he did.
And I hope Tacoma isn't getting a bad rap for having lunatics in it (this guy, the DC sniper, Gary Ridgeway, Brame, and Ted Bundy in the past)... Every place has more than its share of lunatics, but Tacoma only seems to catch international attention when something bad happens here.
"If it bleeds, it leads" -- the news media mantra...
I hope you will visit the link and let them know how much you care, as I did.
www.lpig.us
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You know, when I lived in Lakewood, I always thanked the police officers I saw on duty. Military officers, too. Tacoma is a military town and defenders are everywhere we look when we're out in public.
It is so sad to think that officers whose hands I shook, in an effort to thank and bless them for the work they do, are no longer here...
I'm glad the Seattle officer got the guy responsible, and that Tacoma officers are today rounding up the people who helped the assassin get away for as long as he did.
And I hope Tacoma isn't getting a bad rap for having lunatics in it (this guy, the DC sniper, Gary Ridgeway, Brame, and Ted Bundy in the past)... Every place has more than its share of lunatics, but Tacoma only seems to catch international attention when something bad happens here.
"If it bleeds, it leads" -- the news media mantra...
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