R.I.P.

I must be a freak, or at the very least, an unsympathetic jerk! I feel no great loss with Michael Jackson's passing!

Sure, the guy was a gifted musician and dancer. That fact is undisputable.

But, for me, Jackson's unsavory appetite for young boys and subsequent molestation accusations--trump all his entertainment value. The outcome of his two trials--one, a plea bargain pay-out, the other, an acquittal--left only more questions than answers.

The occasional documentaries featuring Michael Jackson, in his own words, only cemented my belief that true life is (often!) stranger than fiction. Understandably, instant fame at a very young age can and does wreak havoc. Only those with the strongest support systems seem able to supersede the obvious obstacles.

Cast early on as 'superhuman entertainer' undoubtedly gave Michael Jackson a distorted view of 'real life'. That mantel, coupled with an unrelenting father/manager, set the stage for a surreal life that played out instead.

But no amount of celebrity, no matter how stratospheric, can negate underlying smarminess or history.

In the final analysis, Jackson was a victim of his own imagination--however great it may have been.

Who Cares?

Facebook, Schmacebook! Twitter, Schmitter!

I love my computer and the Internet as much as the next guy with one exception: personal network sites. In fact, I just don't get it! If that makes me sound old or hopelessly insignificant, so be it!

I can only surmise that those who maintain Facebook pages must have an unlimited amount of free time! Or perhaps they do so on someone else'$ clock! At any rate, who really cares--except maybe our loved ones--about our every move throughout the day?

Knowing how much time is frittered away checking and replying to email--let alone surfing the 'net--I can't imagine taking it to the next level. With unlimited knowledge and information, search engines can satisfy our every query. It isn't necessary to turn to strangers, er, I mean, "friends" to fill in the blanks.

Whosoever has a knack for turning words into prose can keep an online journal. But if I take time to read a blog, I hope to learn something new or come away with deeper insight...because Time, Sweet, Time is a luxury, a commodity, our most precious asset and a finite entity. So, I don't wish to 'twitter' mine away on mindless chatter.

I suppose if you're a wealthy celebrity like Ashton Kutcher, you have the luxury to waste time. Ultimately, I believe it's an ego trip for those who rack up the most online friends, wins. Can somebody tell me what?

Far as I can tell, they win the top spot for sucking the most time out the largest number of people.

No thanks!

Everyday Epiphanies

I always knew I didn't want any...even though that niggling question remained:

"Would I someday live to regret that decision?" Yet, from very early on, I grew up knowing I didn't want to have children.

Recently, I got the opportunity to find out about "little people", first-hand, by teaching an hour-long, after-school art class to elementary kids.

Whoa! What a reality check! I had no idea! I've lived more than a half century completely clueless about the nature of children until I starting teaching them.

Needy. Whiny. Challenging. & Demanding. Those four adjectives struck me initially as I juggled the personalities of 6 little girls from second through fifth grade.

One smarty-pants. One goth-in-the-making. One sweet little sister. One needy whiny. One giggling silly. One easy breezy. Clearly, I had my hands full!

For only one hour a week, these kids challenged my every word. They didn't miss a beat. They called me on everything! A friend who tried to console me afterwards said, "It means they're paying attention!"

Oh-K.

My first few weeks were tough. I'd get a rush of relief to see the hour end but on the way home, I'd marvel at what transpired between these little people and me. As their art projects took shape, so too, our relationships. We were all works in progress.

I can't recall at what exact moment it happened but it didn't take long for me to discover that these kids probably have as much to teach me as I have to teach them! Most teachers probably come to the same conclusion about their students early on in their careers.

After my first class of six girls, my second session had nine kids, this time with boys. Oh, no! Boys, too?! But as it turned out, they were not as challenging as three girls in that class.

After 9 weeks with 15 kids, I had many revelations. I came to see that little people are just like big people. Some are needy and high maintenance; others, quiet and easy-breezy.

Now I've come full circle. I look forward to finding out what I may learn from these kids who challenge me. But also, more than ever, this much I know for sure:

Being child-free is--and always was--the correct decision for me!

Good Thing!

People change.

It may happen incrementally, in the smallest ways, over many years but don't ever let it be said that humans don't change.

While it's true we cannot change others, we are, in fact, all constantly changing not only our beliefs and opinions but our tastes and styles do, too.

If change morphs into what becomes known as growth, why then, do we fear change? Growth is a good thing, right?

We may not understand why or what lies on the other side, but when we emerge from any kind of change, we (hopefully) learn it's all part of a process to help us become more of our true selves.

We may not even be aware it's happening but by paying close attention, we can see that it is in learning and growing and changing that we become exactly who we are supposed to be.

And that, my friend, is a good thing!

Acrtic Blast 2008

After over a week of wild and crazy, history-making weather in these parts, it is now a necessity to stay home, holed up.

When stuck indoors for any length of time, most folks get cabin fever. Not me!! I revel, delighted to know I don't have to be or go anywhere.

Instead, I can use this time to create.

It's like a free pass, unemcubered by routine, to just be creative. Sure, pesky things like meals and laundry still need tending but overall, life as we know it, comes to a screeching halt!

And I couldn't be happier!

While Mother Nature and Old Man Winter continue to pelt us with more precipitaion, they are nudging us towards all that we procrastinate.

This mandatory down-time offers the perfect opportunity to delve into those closets and drawers waiting for "some day...".

That day has, officially, arrived!

Hhhmmm, organize or create?

Not a tough choice pour moi!

E-Z

Oh, email! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways!

Actually, there's only one: instant connectivity!

To communicate with others, including long lost friends, by the flick of a click is immeasurably satisfying for people [like me] who enjoy writing.

I'm not one to look up old classmates but once in a while, my Inbox will hold a surprise. It's precisely this unpredictability that lures me to check email often.

Finding someone from the past is a treat I never imagined possible beyond the telephone or hand-written letter. But now, in our modern age, connecting with Memory Lane is 1-2-3 E-Z, electronically.

It's especially handy for days like this when the weather is so frightful, being indoors is a given. Through the beauty and magic of email, I can transcend the freezing temperatures. I can even pretend it's summer.

Well, except for one problem: I'm wearing so many layers and still my nose is cold!

B-r-r-r, Baby! It's cold INSIDE, tooooooooo!

Tis the Season!

With temperatures hovering in the twenties, it's colder than it's been in years; worst of all, it's expected to stick around all week.

Just when we think we can exhale, forecasters are saying 'we ain't seen nothin' yet'. Huh?

Next weekend is supposed to bring a wintry mix of freezing rain with more snow and cold temperatures.

It's good to be reminded of what a real winter feels like. After all, this is what most of the country deals with every year.

No thanks!

From a very early age, I knew that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life scraping, shovelling and defrosting my car and self for months on end. There had to be a better way.

There is. I found my nirvana here in the usually-temperate Pacific Northwest where winter days generally reach 55 degrees.

But every once in a while, we are jolted back to reality with a severe cold snap as stark reminder of how lucky we are NOT to deal with this ongoingly.

Along with all I'm grateful for, I will add this to my list: a day to hunker down with my hunk who stayed home from work.

Weather like this can only be dealt with one way: preferably under the covers!

Holy Snow Globe!

If ever there was a day to take a "pass" on productivity, surely it's today!

As Ol' Man Winter bears down on us, there's nothing better to do than surrender. This is not like every other day!

Northern arctic air and gusting eastern winds have combined to create one of the nastiest blizzards these parts have seen in years.

I can't help thinking about my childhood winters in the Midwest...a hearty reminder that I wasn't cut out for frigid temperatures.

Knowing that to venture out means braving extreme elements only makes me want to do it while my greater instincts know better.

In fact, one of my favorite civic admonitions is "If you don't have to go out, don't".

OK, Okay! Glad to say I don't have to!

Such crazy mixed-up weather makes for a good day to stay in with a warm cup of anything...and a pass on productivity.

Death by Walmart

All he did was look for a job and now he's dead. Poor bastard!

A temp worker in Long Island, NY was trampled to death on Black Friday as early-bird customers literally smashed down the door--which buckled like an accordion--to get in for the best sales at their local discount retailer.

We'll all pass away someday but one way I never imagined possible in our uber-modern country: death by trampling of over-eager consumers.

Could there be a worse way to die?

Health is Wealth!

Today is Thanksgiving...a time to reflect on the past year; to be grateful for all our blessings.

Tops on my list is good health for without it, nothing else matters!

Next, a warm house and a loyal mate. Ditto, family. They may not live nearby, but through the magic of modern technology, it's much easier to feel closer than the miles between us.

I'm also grateful for our neighbors who have one eye on our house while we do the same for them. Though we keep to ourselves and enjoy our autonomy, everyone knows who's who. We'd be there for each other in an instant, if circumstances dictated the need.

Friends...where would we be without them? They love us in spite of our quirks and sometimes, G'bless 'em, because of them!

Work that feeds my soul, I'm grateful to do what I love, teach art.

Finally, peace, quietude....and Time, Sweet, Time to reflect on all those people and the things that matter most!

Oh, Boy!

I read the news today...about an unlucky couple who find themselves in a position that could happen to any of us, any day.

The husband had a stroke! After "the system" saved him it is now proceeding to milk them, quite literally, to death! They've sold their vehicle, put their house on the market and burned through most of their retirement savings, selling all their prized possessions, in order to pay their health care bills.

Gone is their quality of living. Gasp!

We are told "buy long-term disability insurance" for this exact purpose. At a time when so many people have NO health insurance, I've always just been grateful for what we do have.

However, if a person's lifestyle can vanish in an instant due to lack of sufficient coverage, it's enough to get my attention.

Hhhmmm, perhaps we ought to rethink that decisison.

When's the last time you served?

Jury Duty ...

What a trip!

Of course(!!) I got seated on panel today...not for a one- but seven-day trial! Guess you could say I got a temp job.

After taking public transportation, going through long lines and security, I got settled in the assembly room seated next to none other than our city's mayor. Uh-huh!! Tom Potter!

When I first joined his table--where only one other guy was sitting--I didn't acknowledge him (so as to respect his privacy). But once I finally addressed him, I said, "Now, alongside YOU, I'm honored to do jury service!!!!". He shot back his signature smile, approvingly.

The other guy finally asked, "How is it that the mayor can't get out of jury service?" to which he replied, "Since I'm always advocating for others to do their civic duty, it'd be pretty hypocritical if I didn't do it, too."

In the third round, after my name was called, I wished him a well-deserved, great retirement. Off I went...

The case I'm on? Big, Fat YAWNER! The 'voire dire' portion of the process was more interesting; one woman (actually!) said her hobbies are "bar-hopping and TV"; she (of course!) is my seat mate. Oy!

When, at 4:30PM, I whispered "only 30 more minutes!", she chimed in, "...and 6 days!!!!!!!!"

Oh, yeah, must remember: Civic Duty!

Who'll Be The Next In Line?

Bailouts? Whatever happened to boot straps?

The auto industry is next in line for a hand-out...but people are starting to question, "What will it entail?"

It makes no fiscal sense to go back to business as usual. A crisis of this magnitude calls for new attitudes and approaches. Everyone involved needs to change their ways and means.

This applies to all of us.

It doesn't take a degree in economics to understand the need to get back to ba$ics or to recognize that a house built on cards instead of cash will soon crash. That goes for the consuming of all goods.

So why should we bail out irresponsible industries?

I understand the ramifications of inaction--a devastating domino effect--but it sends the wrong message--that bad decisons might not necessarily be held accountable--and runs polar opposite to what we were taught about financial responsibility.

So where do we draw the line?

I may not have the answers but this much I know: we need to keep asking the questions.

$ame Boat

Two little words...which carry a huge burden:

Job Search!

For the unemployed masses--10 million Americans and counting--it can be an exhausting proposition especially in our current economic state.

It matters not, what line of work or area of study you're in, nobody's buying it...because everyone is in the same boat, just trying to keep heads above water.

So when it comes to looking for work, where to go? A creative person's options are limited, even with the benefit of paper credentials.

Nothing is guaranteed in today's job market!

The demise of stalwart businesses like investment banks, newspapers and other antiquities replaced by technology, shortens the playing field; a secure position no longer exists there.

Unless one is vested in a field that is under-staffed like nursing or geriatrics, the road to employment can be long and winding!

Educator? Get in line! Food service? Ditto!

As recent statistics cited, the average American will have 14 different jobs in their working lives.

In fact, those two words--secure position--may someday become an oxymoron.

Lucky are the retired for they can exhale...er, unless their savings just went "poof!".

If so, $ee you in line!

Trick or Treat?

Oh, Halloween! How do I love thee?

Not

at

all!

I've always considered adults who play dress up to be somewhat twisted. Or maybe they didn't get enough "make-believe" as children. Whatever the case may be, I also find that what a person chooses to dress up as is "very telling".

For example, when a woman is a witch I wonder, "Is she just living up to her true persona?"

As a French maid: Someone is trying, desperately, to be sexy and exotic. Why not just be that way in everyday life, sans the outfit?

Of course I understand parodies. This year I'm sure we'll see a lot of plumbers named Joe, Patio Men and Pigs wearing lipstick! Or, like the recent editorial cartoon depicted, a trick-or-treater dressed as an envelope being an "investment statement".

Now that's scary!

With All Due Respect

A friend and I were recently discussing (I can't remember what?!)...when, suddenly, I asked her:

"God. He? or She?"

Without missing a beat, she replied, "He" to which I replied, "Oh, really!? Has anyone ever proven that God has a penis?"

That may sound silly, maybe even twisted, but seriously, I ask you the same question.

I suspect the reason God has always been referred to as He is because of Jesus--the diety who walked on Earth as man. But does that prove God's gender?

We may pray "Our Father who art in Heaven" but prayers were created by man hence, a masculine affinity. I suppose, whenever referring to God, we need to assign gender.

As someone who grew up ascribing a male pronoun to God, it tickles me to hear others use a feminine reference, as in "Goddess bless you" after sneezing, for example.

Or the bumpersticker which proclaims, "In Goddess We Trust".

Has anyone proven otherwise? Do souls possess gender?

I highly doubt it!

Truth or Lies?

It's true. I'd read a statistic long ago that claimed "EVERYONE LIES".

"Huh?", I thought. I'd been raised to always tell the truth and so, I just did. It defined me: honest~at all times.

But after I heard that stat, it got me thinking, "Well, if everyone IS lying, why the hell am I always telling the truth?"

Thus began my downward spiral. First, it was fibs; then, white lies, then, outright lies.

I convinced myself that sometimes a half-truth is less harsh. After all, I'm saving the recipient from a painful reality, if, for example I fib about why I didn't show up at a social function.

Is it not kinder to say, "I fell ill" than to claim, "I just didn't feel like going"?

When it matters most, there's no option but to tell the truth. However, when it's a fine line between "nicety and necessity", so too, an obligation to honesty.

If I believe the statisticians, apparently everybody else already gets that.

N.L.E.E.

I may not be many things but one thing I know I am and always will be is

NOT LIKE EVERYONE ELSE!

I didn't follow the traditional path to college right out of high school. Frankly, I was sick and tired of reading assignments and writing a report on this, that and th' other thing...and I was quite sure that going to college meant at least four more years of doing just that!

Enough! I just wanted a break!

If I'd been smarter, I couldawouldashoulda, like many of my peers, taken off to see the world. Or at least to Europe with a rail pass and a list of hostels in my backpack.

Instead, I took two jobs and worked hard, setting my sights on the other coast. Eventually, I packed my car and travelled west to find my utopia. I did (Oregon) and the rest is, as they say, herstory.

But my life and work has never been "traditional" which I credit or blame on being an artist.

Some may say to be talented and gifted is a great blessing. Very true, but it also brings with it hard-to-define intangibles and harder to live with, financial in$ecurity.

I often wonder if I hadn't been born an artist, what kind of work would I do? It's not that I didn't want to go to college, I wanted to go on to art school which my very pragmatic parents wouldn't help me do. They wanted me to go to our local community college to get a liberal arts degree.

Huh? At the time, I didn't even know what that meant? Besides I had better things to do, like move out west!

I created the kind of life I'd hoped for with one tiny (read: HUGE) exception: financial security...but that comes with the territory...of being an artist living in Oregon.

Maybe a liberal arts degree would've been handy, after all.

Ch-Ch-Changes

We often hear that people can't or don't change: attitudes, habits, opinions. For the longest time, I agreed with this assessment...until both my mate and I went through great changes.

Fundamentally, I am still the same person--my likes and dislikes--but in the greater scheme of life, I'm not!

No longer do I care to entertain a cadre of friends or to sit and talk at length--with anyone. In fact, no matter where, I prefer silence.

No idle chatter, please! Or drama! Save it fo' yo' mama! Friends Forever? NOT!
Some were just too draining or needy. I simply outgrew them.

As one (former) friend used to say, "It's called pruning the dead wood".

Chop-chop!

Change comes to many of us in such subtle increments that it's difficult to see the seismic activity happening below the surface.

We tend to believe that all or any change sucks...but in reality, it can bring about the best outcomes even if, at the time, we can't see how or why.

For better or worse, change equals growth.

Save for a handful of loved ones, no longer do I care what other people think--the greatest gift for surviving all the ch-ch-changes!

No Fun

As a member of the human race, I have often wondered, "What's it all about, Alfie?"

Well, it only took a little over a half a century to figure out, but by cracky, I think I've got it:

One

Word.

Hormones!

That's right. "It" is all about hormones! Plain and simply, hormones rule our moods, our hunger, our libido, all our needs, wants, urges and desires.

There's a hormone to alert our hunger and another to suggest we are satiated; a hormone that surges when we're all fired up and another to signal a need for sleep.

One hormone dictates our internal clock and another wakes us up.

If I'd only known the answer, long ago, to this age-old question, I may have used intellect over impulse...and perhaps saved myself a lot of grief.

But I also would've missed a lot of fun.

So, the question begs, "Can we fight our hormones?"

Why yes, I believe that's called restraint...but then,

hhhmmm...

...that's no fun!