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May 28, 2005
Stories Told and Untold
As we placed the flags upon the graves at Ft. Rosecrans this morning, it was as if thousands of silenced voices were suddenly calling out to tell their tales.
After most of the families had gone, Smash, Wayne, Little Dude, and I headed over to where one of Smash's relatives was buried. Walking a few rows over, we came upon the graves of those killed in action in Iraq. One of them, Sgt. Rafael Peralta, was a man whose story we'd all heard. Smash said, "I don't remember that one." I told him I knew he'd written of the sergeant. And, yes, he had. The Danz Family has one of the best posts about this young man that goes beyond his actions as a heroic Marine, they tell the story of him as a man, a neighbor, a friend.
Again, these were warriors whose stories we knew.
Later, after Little Dude had left with his dad, Smash, Wayne, and I continued our walk through the cemetery. Part of me wanted to go home and curl up in bed. I was tired, my throat was scratchy, and my back was screaming with pain. Despite that, there was this feeling that I had to walk on. Something was calling me. So, we walked. And we walked.
Thousands upon thousands of the brave are buried at Ft. Rosecrans. Along with their families, they lie in graves marked only by a stone with little information. Who were they? What had their lives been like? Some have been gone a very long time. There is no one left to tell their tales.
Walking on, we talked about how wonderful it would be to have a database that allowed someone to read about the men, women, and children who fill our cemeteries. Their lives shouldn't be forgotten. Everyone has a story. And, for those who wonder, their voices call to us from a distance greater than we will ever know. Listening with my heart, I heard them say "worry, not so much about who we were, instead, worry about who you are if you forget that we...just...were."
Once a year, we honor our heroes as a nation. Every day we should honor them with our gratitude for the Freedoms we enjoy.
Taking the lyrics from R. L. Burnside's "Eyesight to the Blind" and modifying them only slightly:
Oh, when she starts lovin’ She brings eyesight to the blind
I'd say instead, "When we start remembering, it's like bringing eyesight to the blind"
May we not blind again.
Special thanks to Darcey of Dust My Broom for the reminder.
All photos may be clicked to open into larger images, although, for some reason, you have to right click to open in another window.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:31 PM | Comments (3)
May 27, 2005
Memorial Day
Memorial Day weekend is upon us. This is a time when we pay tribute to those who have made great sacrifices so that freedom and security would be ours - then, now, and in the future.
When thinking of the heroes of the past, we should also consider the heroes of today. Those who continue to uphold the oath they took upon joining the military deserve our support and respect. Their families deserve the same. Not a single soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine is out there alone. With each comes a mother, father, brother, sister, spouse, and/or child.
Perhaps, as you take a moment to reflect upon the gifts we enjoy as Americans, you could write a note to "Any Servicemember" and send it out right away. Include words of your gratitude and wishes for their safety.
No one serves without making sacrifices. Freedom isn't free, as we all know. Our burden, as citizens, is to honor our warriors. We get a very light load when you consider what duties they have accepted.
This Memorial Day, ceremonies will be held across the nation to recognize our military men and women dating back to the beginning of America. Do your part. Say thank you. Stop in at a local cemetery and place a small flag on a veteran's grave if no one else has. Look up at our flag with pride and respect. Send a letter or email.
Don't let this weekend pass by without acknowledging the sacrifices our heroes have made.
Posted by Da Goddess at 03:33 PM | Comments (3)
Irked
LeaveMyChildAlone.org is encouraging parents to throw a party and, essentially, gang up on school officials in an effort to keep military recruiters away from our kids.
If you don't like the military, share your feelings with your kid. Otherwise, shut the hell up and let kids who are considering all their options have the opportunity to meet with recruiters from all branches of the military as well as the college folks who visit high schools all around the country.
I'm tired of a small group of people telling my children that the military is evil. I'm tired of these same folks blaming America and/or George Bush for everything wrong in the world.
Narrow-minded...that's what they are. That's why they no longer deserve to call themselves Liberals.
Call me "Irked" from now on.
And, Brenda? You'll have to go to the front page to post now.
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:58 AM | Comments (14)
May 26, 2005
Lost
They say "he who hesitates is lost." That describes me to a "t" these days.
Everything's always up in the air because of my back.
I had fully intended to head out to Vegas for a day to see Joe Bonamassa, but because I've been waiting on doctors and everything else, I can no longer afford a silly plane ticket. A road trip wouldn't be so bad - I could stop and walk and stretch, but my car cannot be trusted on a trip like that. Plus there's no stereo and that would just plain suck.
Adding insult to injury, the IRS did a double withdrawal from my account, with no rush on a refund. They love taking the money, but putting it back? Forget it.
Some days you just shouldn't get out of bed.
I know it sounds silly that I'd even talk about this trip with my back and all, but the way things are going, it would be my last hurrah prior to surgery. (No, I don't have a date yet...but I will shortly.)
Frustration abounds.
And the coughing boy awaits.
Oh well, it's a distraction of sorts.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:42 PM | Comments (6)
Boo Boo Face
Little Dude and I have been curled up on the sofa all morning. Fever unrelieved by ibuprofen, cough, you know the drill. He has major boo boo face, smiling only at the most absurd.
To pass the time. we've been watching Animal Planet and - get this - Ernest In The Army. We're on to MacGyver now. The fun just never ends around here.
Such is the life of a goddess. All glamour, all the time.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:26 PM | Comments (3)
May 25, 2005
Paris Kerfuffle
Well, some people in California got their knickers in a twist over the Carl's Jr. ad featuring Paris Hilton. They're claiming the ad extremely offensive, claiming the ad is little more than soft-core porn.
The commercial shows Hilton vamping in a revealing swimsuit as she soaps and rinses a black Bentley. She also takes a bite out of a Carl's Jr. hamburger. The commercial ends with Hilton's signature tag line, "that's hot."
To me, the only thing offensive about the commercial is that we're supposed to believe that Paris actually eats, let alone is eating something from Carl's. And her actually washing a car?? Ridiculous. As if!
Aren't her 15 minutes up already?
Speaking of Paris, excuse me while I go scrape lizard guts off my patio. Seems I ran over a lizard that had taken refuge under my garbage can the other night.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:23 AM | Comments (8)
The Blues Makes Me Feel So Good
In a move that could only fall under the category of "HFS!", I lost an entire database this weekend.
I was in the process of entering gigs for our local blues society and was well into the 200's (that's a lot of emails and data entry) when everything went crazy. Now, keep in mind, this had taken me days of work because of the old back. For me to lose everything was adding insult to injury, you know?
So there I sat, on the verge of tears. The database with all the bands and venues - GONE. All the new stuff I'd added? GONE.
Normally, I'd just throw on a CD and let the music ease my troubled mind. So I did. While I waited for another database to be emailed to me, I thought about how much joy working with the blues society has brought me. I've become reacquainted with an old friend, made many new friends, and listened to some fabulous music. Getting involved has provided me with a great deal of comfort while I've been stuck in my holding pattern.
The database was finally emailed to me, I reconstructed everything (except possibly...one lost event), my supply of Vicodin has diminished a bit, but I feel pretty good about getting it done on time. In addition to all that, I had enough energy and clarity to include a "note" for the month. All on time.
To add to my delight for the day, I took a short drive out to see my artist buddy. In the short time since I was last there, he's managed to complete several paintings, framed his first gallery showing poster (it's a work of art itself), did a local art show, and, the angel that he is, he showed some of my photos to people who know people, if you know what I mean. The feedback was very positive.
As I was talking to another friend last night, I mentioned how many positive things have happened for me since I hurt my back. I'm beginning to believe this injury might be more of a blessing than a curse. Only time will tell, right?
So, after all my frustration and anxiety over the calendar this weekend, things turned out rather pleasant. The majority of it related to my love of music and my involvement with this group. For a change, I felt damn good. Sometimes it takes a major "HFS" moment to help you put things into perspective and make you appreciate all the gifts you can find if you choose to open yourself to them. Damn. I may ride this high for a few days yet. I'm in fine spirits for a change. It's about time, too.
So, yeah, the blues makes me feel so good.
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:23 AM | Comments (1)
May 24, 2005
Albert
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:28 AM | Comments (0)
Tommy
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:58 AM | Comments (0)
Lafayette
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:47 AM | Comments (0)
Bill Magee
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:39 AM | Comments (0)
Youthful Exuberance
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:15 AM | Comments (0)
May 23, 2005
Blues Mama in Green
The music moved her. No walker was going to hold her back. She was a vision of pure joy and ageless beauty. I spoke with her daughter and was told, "she won't stop dancing until the good Lord tells her to."
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:58 PM | Comments (1)
May 22, 2005
Model Behavior
Some models are patient and give you all they have to give. But, each of us are prone to fatigue and the occasional bout of ill temper.
Since he's had such a bad time of it this past month, I wanted to do something special for my dad. It was portrait time. Portraits of his beloved, of course.
The day started off okay, but rapidly deteriorated.
See for yourself (some images may not be suitable for younger viewers. Click with extreme caution.)
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:39 PM | Comments (6)
May 21, 2005
Photo Time
From Gator By The Bay - May 7th and 8th - this gentleman was performing with The Bill Magee Blues Band. I don't know his name...yet.
There will be more photos from Gator posted. Stay tuned!
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:40 PM | Comments (0)
Home
My dad must have irritated all the right people, he was discharged from the hospital yesterday. He's currently settled in a my mom's house. This is the part where one would normally add "and much hilarity ensued" - but I'm thinking there's nothing funny about two older adults bugging the shit out of each other until one, or both, resort to murderous thoughts/behavior.
I'm glad he's out of the hospital. He was starting to get a little grumpy at the end there.
Sigh.
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:30 PM | Comments (3)
May 19, 2005
Guantanamera
For Val. Guantanamera is, without question, one of the loveliest songs. I have a favorite version, of course. Everyone who's heard it does.
The couple dancing in the photo above were from Cuba. They came to America for a chance to raise a family free of fear. They moved with a special grace that comes only from dancing together many years.
Watching them dance was a thing of beauty.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:11 AM | Comments (6)
May 18, 2005
Because You Asked
How does a goddess spend her birthday? Intermittently editing photos, eating a handful of Good & Plenty - cuz they're just like me, "I'm good, and there's plenty of me", listening to Honeyboy Edwards, Jake's Obsession, and Joe Bonamassa, and seriously considering a nap.
It's a glamorous life and someone has to lead it. It may as well be me.
Later, I was given beautiful flowers by a dear lady. Hopefully she'll be posting here soon. (Encourage her to jump in and tell you some hair-raising stories...c'mon...she needs to get blogging!)
I had dinner with the Smashes and Little Dude. Puppets and chocolate were involved. It was good.
What else? Phone calls from my Bonamassa friends. A card and a check from my dad. No dishes or trash or chores of any kind (except for plunging LD's toilet) and a quick little nap earlier today.
Oh yeah! I almost ran over Obi-Wan Kenobi. Not a bad way to spend a birthday if I do say so myself.
Thank you for all the birthday wishes! It's been a really nice day.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:00 PM | Comments (10)
39 and 3
Well, I've been blogging for three (as of two days ago) of my thirty-nine years (as of today. )
Hardly seems possible.
I know a lot of people never thought I'd live this long. I know there are a few who didn't think I would stick with blogging as long as I have either.
Go figure.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:04 AM | Comments (22)
May 17, 2005
Cuba (Not Gooding, Jr., Though)
Val has done something really interesting - Cuba Nostalgia. Please stop in and take a look. If you can, add to the stories he's collecting via blogs.
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:11 AM | Comments (0)
May 16, 2005
Squab
Quite possibly the best episode of "Two and a Half Men" ever tonight.
Sure, scoff if you want, but it's true. From beginning to end, it had us laughing our asses off.
After the anti-climactic ending of "Everybody Loves Raymond", it was just what the doctor ordered. Now, don't get me wrong - "Raymond" is normally top notch entertainment. However, aside from small sweet moments, the finale wasn't what I was expecting. Frankly I preferred the pre-show behind-the-scenes show.
Back to "Men." The whole bit with Jake was absolutely priceless. The sushi, the squab, the spaghetti, the tub, and, in a moment of inspired genius, the closing theme song.
I love when T.V. is done well.
Chuck Lorre deserves the golden squab for this one.
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:11 PM | Comments (8)
May 13, 2005
Good Day, Sunshine
My dad is happy...he's not home, but he's happy. He's not in any pain and he's not feeling ill, so he's happy. That makes me happy.
My friend, Greg, is done with law school and enjoying the next couple of weeks until the Bar Review starts. I'm proud of him. He worked awfully hard to get to where he is. Good job, Greg!
My surgical consult is scheduled. It's not as soon as I'd like, but it's scheduled. That works for me.
I made an incredible trade today. I gave a few photos of Honeyboy Edwards to a brilliant local artist - Brian Banash - and in return, he gave me one of his incredible John Lee Hooker prints.
I first became aware of Brian's work through the Blues Lovers United of San Diego - of which I'm a member. His artwork graces the back of our t-shirts, the organization website, and many other things. He's not only very talented, he's a damn nice guy.
To be quite honest, I was surprised that he gave me this print. Surprised and very honored. That photo (click the link at JLH up there) doesn't do justice to the piece...it's simply amazing.
I've seen several of his paintings and each one has its own special feel to it. His early work is interesting, but his most recent creations shine. Again, all have "feeling", but the new stuff comes from a deeper level. It'll be a while before he begins on a new painting. Brian has an exhibition coming up and he needs to finish work for that. Once the show gets underway...well, hopefully Honeyboy will be the first one to make it to canvas.
Have a good weekend everyone!
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:53 PM | Comments (7)
Not So Subtle
I'm quietly boldly adding the Team America DVD to my wishlist. It comes out the day before my birthday. Considering that discussion about the DVD came up at dinner, about two hours before I saw the first commercial, I took it as a sign.
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:01 AM | Comments (2)
May 11, 2005
Fine II
My dad just had a second, unexpected surgery today. They went in and cleaned things up a little more and he's doing okay.
I saw my doctor today to follow up after the nerve conduction testing. There is evidence of impairment based on the EMG and the doc agrees that it's time. It's time for a visit to the surgeon. Now it's time to wait for them to call. My doc isn't sure if we're looking at surgery on just the neck or if we're talking about the whole back.
All this waiting and nothing to wear.
In other news, I won dinner for 4 at Outback from a local radio station and a gift card for $100 for a day spa from a local TV station. Turned out that the dinner prize also included five CDs and two concert tickets. All for just being a mom and entering a silly drawing.
It takes so little to amuse and distract me.
Ooooh! Look! There's a pretty shiny thing over in the corner! Gotta go!
P.S. If you're curious enough to check out photos I took of the living legend mentioned in a previous post...click here.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:15 PM | Comments (7)
May 06, 2005
Fine
My dad's doing fine. The procedure went well and he's feeling good at the moment.
Thanks for all the prayers!
Posted by Da Goddess at 04:05 PM | Comments (12)
May 05, 2005
When Little Miss Cranky Came To Town
In case you hadn't guessed, I'm really crabby this week.
I'm tired of itching. I'm tired of bitching. I'm tired of pain. I'm just plain old tired.
My dad is back in the hospital. He hasn't been home yet since his surgery. He's been from the hospital to the rehab center and now back to the hospital. There's an infection at the surgical site and it looks like he'll need more surgery.
On the plus side, my mom and I have spoken more in the last two days than we have in the last two years. I suppose if you were looking for something positive, that would be it.
You know what's weird? I've been thinking about my grandfather a lot lately. While I had my mom on the phone the other day, I asked about some of the bands he used to play with. I remember the stories of him playing with Kay Kaiser, but I wondered who else he may have met back in the 20's and 30's.
What I do know about my grandfather is that he could play any instrument necessary. He had his own banjo, accordion, and electric organ. From what my mom said, though, he could fill in for anyone in any band, all they had to do was say the word.
By the time the 40's came around, there was a war and he was locked into his job at the bank. He didn't play around town much after that, but he often gathered with friends to jam.
There are huge gaps in his story that we'll never be able to fill. I'm hoping that my kids and I can avoid this with my parents and get their stories told while they're still around.
Okay, I guess Little Miss Cranky is gone - for the moment. Whew! Glad that's over.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:50 PM | Comments (6)
No-AD
You've all seen that No-AD sunscreen stuff in the stores, right? Right. It's not as inexpensive as it used to be, but it's still cheaper than the big brand name products which makes it a bargain in comparison.
Well, let me introduce myself. I'm the No-Ad blogger.
I was reading Moxie and Steve's posts on the Pajama Media thing...and grateful that they wrote something so that I didn't have to.
I got the pitch. I tossed the email. Like them, I don't see how the average blogger will 1) make money or 2) get anything published anywhere but on their own blog. It doesn't make sense for someone like me to do something like that.
The fact is, I moved off blogspot years ago to get rid of the ads that were plastered at the top of the page. I have never had ads on a site that I pay for and never will.
I've talked to others about it...like Smash. I understand that he gets tons of traffic and his bandwidth usage is outrageous. Getting a little revenue to help pay for that makes sense in his case. I mean, he was blogging from the other side of the world and people were flocking to his site lke crazy. He came home and they still gather around. Then again, he's a lot smarter than I am and says things more eloquently than I.
Anyhow, my philosophy has always been this: if I can't afford a domain name and hosting fees on my own, I should get the hell out of blogging.
Could I make a little extra cash with ads? Maybe....once upon a time. But I wasn't willing to sell my soul to do it. I didn't start blogging to earn money. I didn't start a blog because I thought I was some major undiscovered writing talent. I started a blog because I wanted a place to unload the crap floating around in my head.
Sure, there have been times that ad revenue could have come in handy. You know, like when life took a dump on me last year.
The truth is - I don't have the sort of traffic that big bloggers have. I don't update regularly. I don't write about anything with any consistency. Or, if I do, it's about the little things in life that are important only to me. I could be a cut and paste blogger, but I wouldn't feel very good about it. The big guys can do that and get away with it. I can't. I couldn't. I wouldn't.
I don't really have a point other than to be one more person jumping on the "I'm Not Jumping On That Bandwagon" bandwagon (as if that makes any sense.)
If I need money, I'll whine about it to friends and then maybe come crawling back here with my hat in my hands if the situation gets desperate. Otherwise, I think I'll just keep to myself and curl up with the last shreds of my dignity and all my silly dreams. I'll let the big bloggers make money off whatever they possibly can.
Of course, if you want to pretend I have ads and pay me lots of money to do absolutely nothing, you're welcome to do so. You can hit the old PayPal account or go fishing around Amazon for presents. But, beware....I want lots of stuff...all of it expensive.
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:42 PM | Comments (7)
The Good, The Bad, and The "Eh"
The Good:
My son is a sweet, generous soul. He asked me what I wanted for my birthday.
The Bad:
Like I'm really going to get anything from him. He doesn't have any money!
The Eh:
This is the price of single parenthood.
The Good:
Little Dude is with me for the week.
The Bad:
I'm crankier than a hurdy-gurdy. My back is hurting terribly...I haven't exactly been the most patient mother on the planet.
The Eh:
That's life, right?
The Good:
My dad's new knee makes him happy.
The Bad:
He has an infection and is on IV antibiotics.
The Eh:
Every time I called him over the last three days, there was no answer. I thought he'd gone home. Nope. Still getting rehabbed. It's not home, but it's a good place for him to be.
The Good:
Gator by the Bay this weekend! Little Dude gets to experience great music, food, and he'll be meeting some truly amazing artists.
The Bad:
It'll be hard on the old back.
The Eh:
That's what pain meds are for, right? It's worth it to be able to share this with my child.
The Good:
I met a living legend this last weekend. Honeyboy Edwards. WOW! I even got some great shots of him. And, I got to kiss him on the cheek.
The Bad:
I didn't print out any of the pics for him to autograph. Nor did I have LD with me.
The Eh:
I have the memories...and the pictures. Hey, it's something! I'll cling to anything at this point.
The Good:
I'm done with the steroid epidurals!
The Bad:
I still have pain, numbness, and tingling.
The Eh:
I have an appointment on Monday for nerve conduction studies. I have a rash, too. Okay...two rashes. One's worse than the other, but I'm glad the first one's going away.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:04 AM | Comments (2)
May 02, 2005
Decision '05
Well, the City Council decided, 8-0, that a special election should be held to replace the mayor of San Diego.
I couldn't agree with them more.
Donna Frye announced that she will run for mayor again. Dede Alpert won't. Nor will Brian Maienschein. To be honest, I don't believe any City Council members should run. They are as much a part of the problem as the Mayor when it comes to San Diego's image in the public eye. I'd like to see some other candidates step up to the plate. People with proven track records of truly serving the community and capable of strong leadership.
People tend to forget that the Mayor has no more power than those on the City Council. As well, City Council members and the City Attorney have failed to consider that all their shenanigans of late only serve to project a poor image of San Diego to the citizens of the city, the state, and the nation at large. The potential for lost tourism revenue, as well as the loss of our ability to attract and retain businesses, in our city is at stake.
Dick Murphy was the first person to take a step in the right direction. His resignation indicated that he hoped to give San Diego a chance to regain its reputation as America's Finest City - on all fronts. The City Council's vote today should indicate that they, too, are ready to restore the City's reputation of excellence.
I can only hope that the citizens of San Diego are given a few strong and competent candidates from which to choose. We need a clean slate. We need people who are ready, and able, to lead us into a more prosperous future.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:05 PM | Comments (6)
May 01, 2005
Christos Anesti!
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:37 AM | Comments (3)