tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-167493062012-02-11T20:17:53.215-05:00Blogging by CandlelightLorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.comBlogger8151100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-29544565903050830732012-02-11T20:01:00.003-05:002012-02-11T20:17:53.226-05:00

It's a sleepy, snowy day. Steve took me to IU, worked while I attended the second to last class on Karl Marx and The Communist Manifesto . Although it is enjoyable, it will be a relief to be finished next Saturday. I can really focus my attention to my Stylistics course (LOVE IT!) and a MLS independent study. More details to follow soon. Day Three of Giving: Gave a compliment to a young writer.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-23461045684323012312012-02-10T15:07:00.004-05:002012-02-10T15:15:58.588-05:00

Yellow monarch sips on pink flowering thrones--butterfly exhibit. LCS/2012I wrote this poem in class with my students during one of the freewrites. Day Two: Writing Cards I'm writing and send out cards to family and friends today.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-4282176185360081902012-02-09T15:48:00.003-05:002012-02-09T15:56:35.248-05:00

I purchased the 29 Gift book by Cami Walker and started participating in the 29-day giving again. I completed this once before and I am going to try it again. I started doing this in January, but I lost track of time. I'll start again. The twenty-nine days isn't about bragging about one's giving record. Actually, it is about mindful giving. Keeping track of one's giving and loving acts does lift

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-12584786267284098842012-02-04T20:52:00.004-05:002012-02-04T21:06:43.964-05:00

Here are a couple poems I wrote in January while having lunch at Allie's cafe... Solitary lunch-- sips coffee at Allie's cafeclears crowded mind. Broken manicure--killing it at a game of Spoonsold year passing. LCS/2012

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-48434638254046442862012-01-29T15:02:00.005-05:002012-01-29T15:27:25.404-05:00

Yesterday morning, Steve dropped me off at IU so I could attend my two-hour class on Marxism and The Communist Manifesto. I may have mentioned this before, so please forgive me if I have, but I am taking an intensive, six-week one-credit course on Marxism and The Communist Manifesto. It's interesting. We learned about the concepts of alienation and class consciousness. I am also reading a book

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-43550882200745931432012-01-21T19:25:00.002-05:002012-01-21T19:48:06.085-05:00

The first month of 2012 has been busy so far. Since it's January, my least favorite month of the year, that's fine. This month I am teaching two four-hour classes (Composition I) three days a week and tutoring on Wednesdays. This semester, I am taking a four-credit course (Stylistics), a one-credit course (The Communist Manifesto), and I just signed up for a two-credit independent study course.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-41983269768301179442012-01-07T21:33:00.002-05:002012-01-07T21:45:37.360-05:00

Oh, yes. I need to continue the New Year's evening. It's January 7 already! Anyway, the story continues... Steve and I enjoyed the homemade pizza. Seven humans and two adorable--and flatulent--Italian greyhounds brought in the new year together. The humans played games like Apples to Apples and Spoons, and then engaged in lively, gut-busting, will-not-repeat conversation. It was a great way to

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-45513428524387510152012-01-01T12:36:00.004-05:002012-01-01T13:15:31.954-05:00

Happy New Year! Steve and I celebrated with friends. Because hello-idays can be intense for this sensitive soul, I was tempted to hole up in the sanctuary of my room and not emerge until the next day. However, our friends D. and P. wanted us to be there and put a lot of love and time into the preparations, although they would have completely understood. So, after an inspiring coffee and brunch

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-29624318293149576712011-12-31T12:27:00.006-05:002011-12-31T12:58:24.524-05:00

The year 2011 has been odd. From the FreeDictionary.com, odd is defined as not expected, regular, or planned. I think that is the perfect word describing 2011; the year of the odd. Here's a quaint little poem to sum it up:2011: Year of the OddOdd was good,Odd was bad,Odd was surprising;Odd was staid.Odd was fun,Odd was sad,Odd was surmising;Odd was played.Odd was sereneOdd was glad,Odd was

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-36624388754817828262011-12-25T17:47:00.006-05:002011-12-25T22:33:30.660-05:00

Okay, enough of Christmas already. I'm tired. The good news of the day is that Howard Dukes wrote a wonderful article about my book in the writer's section. I am very pleased with how the article turned out. I also have to thank K. and C. from my MLS class for showing it to him. I will forever be grateful.http://www.southbendtribune.com/entertainment/inthebend/sbt-poet-gathers-20-years-of-writing

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-67214973001604395012011-12-24T14:09:00.020-05:002011-12-24T15:08:13.227-05:00

(Photograph by SJS/2011)Welcome, December 24. These next two days are a mixed bag for me--as well for a lot of people-- emotionally. I'm happy that I'm surviving the season and doing well. This season, starting with Thanksgiving, Steve and I truly started creating our own traditions, not buying (too much) into the hype, pressure, fa-la-la and blah-blah-blah of what holidays are supposed to be. (

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-45425312934262651912011-12-23T22:51:00.007-05:002011-12-23T23:04:28.800-05:00

Request it Add to cart Explore Classic catalog In the family of trees : selected poems and photographs, 1991-2011 / Lori Caskey Sigety ; [editing and layout by Stephen J. Sigety] Sigety, Lori Caskey. [Mishawaka, Ind.] : Marimba and Ice Books, 2011. BOOK My rating Average of 0 ratings: 0 stars. Add a Review Add a Tag Add a Comment SYSTEM RECORD - System Record - ARP

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-65981440150385719152011-12-22T22:25:00.006-05:002011-12-22T22:36:36.285-05:00

Yes, I have bangs again. This time, I had them professionally cut and styled. My arsenol of hair products includes two flat irons and a lot of hairspray. Fortunately, since my hair is coarse and dry, it doesn't have to be shampooed often, so I can wash and flat iron my bangs and the rest of my hair, if I so choose. I needed a change of style. Plus, my bangs are long enough that I can style with

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-47228405720708119992011-12-18T14:49:00.004-05:002011-12-18T15:03:45.134-05:00

It's a lovely Sunday afternoon and I took advantage of the sunshine. After lathering on sunscreen--even in the winter--I took my license, park id, ice skates, three dollars I borrowed from Steve-- and drove to Merrified Park. I brought my skates, paid my fee, turned on the itunes, and just started skating laps around the rink. I almost had the rink to myself, which is even more lovely. After the

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-47552562475904525302011-12-14T23:06:00.003-05:002011-12-14T23:13:22.378-05:00

Well, I didn't attend class because it's over (sniff), but Steve and I did go out to dinner to celebrate the end of another successful MLS semester. I received an A-! Cheers! When we ventured out, I was inspired to keep writing a story that's based on flowers that I draw on ink. They're called "The Wallflowers". I have a story synoposis and I'm going to start an illustrated book about them. It

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-5477908638227424602011-12-07T20:43:00.004-05:002011-12-07T20:54:12.678-05:00

Usually I'm happy at the end of the semester, celebrating accomplishments and what I learned. And honestly, there have been classes where I have felt like "THANK GOD IT's OVER!" Tonight was a night where I was actually, well... sad. The "What's For Dinner: The Poetics and Politics of Food" 500-level Humanities course I took was one of the best courses I have ever taken. Many classmates echo my

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-42294007017824400952011-12-06T12:24:00.007-05:002011-12-06T12:58:35.305-05:00

Happy December! I am a little late; it is December 6. I am standing by the old adage that "late is better than never." Like everyone else, Steve and I have been extremely busy. Doesn't it seem like everything--including gatherings--occur on the same date at the same time? This happened several times already in the past week and a half during the second and third days of teaching courses this

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-12763956876449664102011-11-28T09:04:00.008-05:002011-11-28T09:43:54.722-05:00

Steve and I agree that Moshi is the most laid-back kitty in the house. She has a sweet disposition, and always concerned about her humans or her sister cats. However, there are two instances where Moshi transforms into a frightening feral beast: a) when she sees the cat carrier; and b) when she sees another cat in the backyard. Okay, we could technically add a third instance: feeding time.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-8476958167346432292011-11-27T23:00:00.004-05:002011-11-27T23:18:48.326-05:00

I am grateful for friends. Friends who opened their hearts and homes for gatherings this season and throughout the year. Friends who understand--rather than judge--the challenges of having ADD. I have leaned on friends, especially during times of grief, sadness, and shadow. You are there and you love me for it. And for that, my friends, I am thankful for you. xoxoP.S. M & K: thank you for turning

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-4617216075995226472011-11-20T13:29:00.006-05:002011-11-20T14:43:11.740-05:00

Here's an adorable photograph of Moshi (left) and Sakura (right). I have an interesting tale about Moshi. I shall refer to her as Moshilla (like Gozilla) since she is acting rather beastly.A colleague brought in a spider plant and gave them out to us. I had the plant in the downstairs bathroom in a glass of water. I made the mistake of leaving it on top of the counter last night. (I was planning

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-43600195131385187722011-11-12T21:19:00.002-05:002011-11-12T21:33:32.978-05:00

I tagged along with Steve and hung out in the New Book Room --I call it the Lincoln Room due to the large statue of Abe next to the window -- at the Schurz Library while he worked downstairs. After doing a bit of grading, I admired the landscaping outside. Then I took a peek at the new books. On top of the shelves was a book entitled The Firefly Letters by Margarita Engle. It's a book for young

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-55361527838334713182011-11-11T13:59:00.005-05:002011-11-11T18:40:52.357-05:00

Yesterday we had our first snow of the season. It was pretty; some of the fall leaves still clung to the branches; the last stubborn ones hold on, reluctant to change to the upcoming winter. Admittedly, I am not looking forward to another season with regrets, relationships grown cold, what-could-have-been and what-will -never- be. I'm turning cold; I'm growing old before my years. At least, for

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-54807067615076793042011-11-06T16:11:00.005-05:002011-11-06T16:26:25.856-05:00

(Java, Sakura, and Moshi, 2011)Steve and I spent our Sunday afternoon replacing the fabric underneath the couch. Moshi and Sakura Hemingway have discovered that if they scratch hard enough, they can tear open the fabric and crawl inside. How convenient for them. However, it was disconcerting to feel them in the sofa when one is attempting to relax. In addition, the gray stuffing was hanging down

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-72235797188666405762011-11-05T10:46:00.004-04:002011-11-05T11:15:49.143-04:00

My dreams are usually strange, but what is the definition of strange in regards to dreams? Perhaps in the paradigm of dreams, my dreams are perfectly normal. Alas, the dreams I experienced last night are worthy--and appropriate--to share.To preface, I am teaching an extra section of Effective Public Speaking this month. So basically, I teach two four-hour classes back-to-back three days a week

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-66291142605169508392011-10-28T20:43:00.003-04:002011-10-28T20:57:45.797-04:00

I returned home from a conference today in Indy and witnessed the most gorgeous sunset. Of course, this inspired me to draft the following poem:A Golden Orange Sunset in Indiana(good night)Golden orange sun,sinking to our weston a late October night,your color complementsautumn leaves to my left--and to my right.And now as you disappearbeyond the blurof nearly naked treesmuch to my delight,your

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-40893620849141230922011-10-23T16:35:00.004-04:002011-10-23T16:54:02.603-04:00

Except for some of the disgusting fare we cover in articles and book chapters, I tend to crave whatever we are discussing in my Poetics and Politics of Food Class. You may have heard me refer to it as my Foodie Lit Class. A couple of weeks ago, among other foodie things we discussed edamame beans, a review on a journalist nibbling on rat cuisine in China, and then a discussion about salt as it

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-66316110054120342812011-10-19T00:36:00.004-04:002011-10-19T00:54:01.032-04:00

Later this morning I will be visiting a new allergist to find out why I keep getting respiratory infections and asthma. It will be my fourth or fifth date with the irritating scratches on my arm and back; I was seven when I had my first round of tests. Hopefully I will not be severely allergic to cats, diet coke, or wine. When I asked my sweet husband what we would do if I was allergic to the

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-82739549058709102272011-10-14T20:40:00.003-04:002011-10-14T20:45:29.073-04:00

Poem from the Lost Files. I wrote this on a piece of paper after I received an autographed CD in 2005. Anne Heaton is one of my favorite musicians. Thank you, Anne, for inspiring me.“Give In”“To Lori,Enjoy…Anne Heaton.”Tired from a long weekand resting up for a little bitmore of my weekamong the billsamong the other imposing snail mailI receive a surprise packageIt was the CD I purchasedA short

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-248158207288845962011-10-09T13:37:00.006-04:002011-10-10T09:58:36.780-04:00

It's a beautiful day outside. Leaves twirl like figure skaters in the blue sky. Up here in northern Indiana, today may be one of the last gorgeous Indian summer days before the cold fall weather returns. I appreciate the weather and its beauty. I am as restless and as wistful as the leaves clinging onto the branches, ready to soar into the wind but afraid to let go of the trees, embracing the

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-55295644831737986242011-10-01T11:39:00.008-04:002011-10-01T12:19:49.876-04:00

(Java is on the right; Moshi is on the left.)Wow. This resilient kitty turns thirteen this month. We do not know the exact date since we adopted her in January of 1999. She was three months old and resembled a fox more than a cat. Eventually this shy, skittish young kitten morphed into an assertive and loving companion. Java weathered a lot of seasons with us, such as losing her older (and

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-15143666386636727532011-09-25T13:37:00.005-04:002011-09-25T13:53:11.000-04:00

I found a story in one of my undergraduate file folders. The story is loosely based on a true story that took place in 1988 or 1989 and written circa 1990's. I went sailing on Lake Michigan with a couple of friends and their parents. I am itching to edit this piece, but will preserve this entry from the voice of my much younger self.The StormShe averted her eyes toward the sun; it seemed to be

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-32353420275116062932011-09-23T14:41:00.003-04:002011-09-23T14:48:07.467-04:00

Can you tell I'm cleaning and finding little poems on notebook paper?This one is perfect for today since it's supposed to rain later today.say goodnight, moonlight--moody clouds tumble overcovering your night.lcs.2011

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-31772776040620925992011-09-23T13:47:00.003-04:002011-09-23T13:49:18.478-04:00

Happy Autumn!Here is a Friday Haiku from the lost files:charmed is the morrowwhere your sun shines in my heartvitamin mirrors.More later...

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-17224027670582754542011-09-13T09:00:00.005-04:002011-09-13T09:23:31.569-04:00

My supervisor asked me to present a session to colleagues at BMC tomorrow for an in-class session. I also needed to post to my neglected blog, so I thought I would accomplish both this morning. The topic I will be presenting tomorrow is on inspiring writers to write using the five senses: hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and touching. I will bring in an item or a photograph to demonstrate the

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-36998301194684760402011-09-09T23:05:00.002-04:002011-09-09T23:22:18.542-04:00

I'm reading really cool books in my foodie lit class. The first one I am currently reading is simply called Food by Warren Belasco. It's fascinating. So far, I learned about the Oreo experiment. Do you partake? Do you dunk? Do you twist? What is your favorite Oreo moment? Here is a link to a website here.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-31536458313365894892011-09-06T23:12:00.002-04:002011-09-06T23:15:12.197-04:00

"A crust eaten in peace is better than a banquet partaken in anxiety."-Aesop.At this writing, I'll take crumbs of peace.(I'm cross-posting from the other blog.)

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-34021960346438444812011-08-30T22:53:00.003-04:002011-08-30T23:06:02.840-04:00

For my writing class, I located a quote online by Robert Frost, who is one of my favorite poets: "Poets need not to go to Niagra to write about the force of falling water." Robert Frost.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-33853702275329101852011-08-25T09:41:00.010-04:002011-08-29T20:10:59.298-04:00

I can't believe I've posted 800 blog entries. In a way, Marimba and Ice has been an old friend, a quiet listener, and a very effective outlet for creativity and grief. When I started writing Off the Vine last month, I considered shutting down this blog. There's too much history here, though, so I can't bring myself to do it. So Marimba and Ice stays-- and stays as long as I continue posting.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-88865204006034496542011-08-22T22:40:00.005-04:002011-08-22T22:47:16.997-04:00

Doctor Who fans, here are photos that will make you smile. Steve surprised me by showing the Tardis to me. I jumped up and down like a little kid. I of course, had to feign my British accent and mock the Dalek by exclaiming "EXTERMINATE! EXTERMINATE!"

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-15446467457680605442011-08-22T22:20:00.003-04:002011-08-22T22:39:05.402-04:00

Okay, I'll wrap this up. August is almost over and I'm still writing about Indy at Gen Con. I attended a writing session (titles and information TBA) and listened to a band play. There was a marimba player there, so naturally my interest was piqued. I purchased their CD. (Once I relocate it, I'll share it with you.) We had breakfast and lunch at the hotel. Finally, we had the nice server from

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-52667134041270295452011-08-18T20:29:00.014-04:002011-08-22T22:20:25.833-04:00

Steve and I descended downstairs to the restaurant, and we got our wonderful (GAH) server again. Good morning, sunshine. He makes a flippant comment that he got our check to us in a timely manner. Do you want a gold star? Just do your job! (For the record, we are not one of those creepy customers who servers write about in books. We are very friendly patrons. We. Are. Nice. People. Really.)

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-36866307627152013642011-08-15T23:19:00.003-04:002011-08-15T23:40:14.171-04:00

So we enter the room. The first thing I do clean up. I shoo Steve out and tell him enjoy himself at the con. Then I don my pajamas and fall into a deep slumber. I sleep for several hours. When I wake up, I start reading Of Mice and Men by Steinbeck. I finish it Friday night and anticipate a better day on Saturday.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-9645483072020642032011-08-15T22:52:00.006-04:002011-08-15T23:19:34.340-04:00

The adventure continued. While we were waiting for our hotel room, we experienced bad service at the restaurant inside the hotel. It was the shiny object moment man who waited on us. I can relate, but there's a reason why I am not a server. Later, he makes a snarky comment about getting our bill in a more timely manner. Yes, we had shiny object moment man twice. Lucky us. : After we finished

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-35757066186971234332011-08-10T22:10:00.014-04:002011-08-10T23:11:19.254-04:00

This year was our National Lampoon's Gen-cation. In anticipation of Nerdapalozza, we drove up this morning. Unfortunately, I caught "con crud" prior to the event with about ten hours' sleep in two days. In the heart of Kokomo, perhaps from the infamous Kokomo hum or car sickness from the stop and go traffic lights, we pulled over and I was promptly sick in the ditch, surrounded by the beauty of

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-16011982036038491892011-08-01T21:55:00.004-04:002011-08-01T22:06:24.288-04:00

This is a good night poem if you have a case of the grumpies... or if it's just an overcast night...say goodnight, moonlightgrumpy clouds tumble overcovering your nightlcs/ 2008 (?)

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-27198366098962893162011-07-29T00:16:00.005-04:002011-07-29T00:39:19.674-04:00

I glance downin the cornerof my laptoptime is 12:23 a.m.7/29/2011happy birthdayyou (would have) turnedseventy today. I look intomy patchworkheartand upwardat the universeon a cloudy, humidmidnight morningin hopes to findyouand wishyouall the happinessand lovehere, andin eternity.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-15556348239036051602011-07-26T10:08:00.007-04:002011-07-26T11:01:03.878-04:00

I have probably shared this story many times, but I am going to share it again anyway. It's a great story. I'll attempt to share it in a unique way. It still cracks me up after all these years. Fourteen years ago, I married Steve. He is the love of my life and my best friend. We wed in a small Presbyterian church in South Bend, IN. Rev. Harry Collier, who is now in Heaven, was our minister. (

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-37748665819207904452011-07-20T21:41:00.002-04:002011-07-20T21:55:40.793-04:00

Today has been a beautiful day. I'll take the heat and humidity. The sun was shining. Admittedly, I started celebrating my birthday early. I may never stop. I started another blog called "Off the Vine". I am chronicling 365 of happy 40-ness. I want to thank the staff at Yesterday's for the great photo with hat and the staff at Thyme of Grace for the complimentary lunch and the sparkler candle

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-21914849220992586922011-07-13T14:26:00.003-04:002011-07-13T14:39:50.159-04:00

Today is July 13. In seven days, on the seventh month of 2011, I will be forty. It is surreal. I realize it is only a number. However, it is a significant number. When I turned thirty, I wanted to write and chronicle the days of that year. I may still be able to find journals and piece events together. Fortunately, with the emergence of social networking and the weblog, I will be able to

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-87872371036518912672011-07-10T11:30:00.002-04:002011-07-10T11:36:44.842-04:00

Whenever I think of yard sales, I think of my friend E. who I used to perform with many years ago. She wrote a cool poem called Yardsale. She would read it and then I would perform a percussion solo. It was well-received.As I mentioned before, I really enjoyed meeting people and visiting with people while having the yardsale. And since we developed a connect with people even on the surface, some

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-72735633760903775792011-07-10T11:15:00.003-04:002011-07-10T11:30:44.858-04:00

Steve and I decided to host a yard sale on Friday and Saturday. It was a lot of work, but it was a lot of fun. We spent quality time together, made a little cash, and cleared out some of the non-essentials to make more space in our home. It was also fun to meet new people, reconnect with neighbors we haven't visited with in awhile, and enjoyed the outdoors. We were so fortunate to have beautiful

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-8297975041223326322011-07-04T11:51:00.005-04:002011-07-04T12:03:45.926-04:00

Steve and I marveled at the beauty of last night's countryside. We left for home as the streaks of the sunset blended into the large trees to the west. Adorning the lush green foliage were deer. One of the deer bravely looked at us; another cautious deer carefully watched from the treeline. Fireflies adorned the setting of the deer in the countryside with yellow lights flickering like candles in

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-66888151975920704922011-06-30T16:17:00.011-04:002011-07-01T00:05:23.273-04:00

Steve mentioned that I haven't posted for awhile. I looked down at the date on the computer screen. He's right. It's been over a week. Well, here are my thoughts; not all of them are written in a completely linear fashion. I have never been accused of being linear.Steve and I traveled to and sojourned in Milwaukee, WI for a few days for the 2011 Lia Sophia Conference. It was a lot of fun. I spent

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-59142312094566269632011-06-22T11:38:00.008-04:002011-06-25T10:29:22.671-04:00

According to the Free Dictionary.com, denouement is a French term meaning "resolution" or "outcome". For the end of spring and the commencement of summer, denouement fits perfectly. It's been intense. It's the first time since I have been teaching that I had to permanently remove students from the classroom. This month tested my resilience to finish the month and my desire to keep instructing.My

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-87097007317784426572011-06-16T13:06:00.012-04:002011-06-16T22:43:08.317-04:00

I was harried, tired, and running behind this morning. The telephone rings. Of course, being the proverbial Pavlov's dog (*woof*), I pick it up. It was J, one of my friends and readers. She congratulated me for the wonderful book (*smile*) and placed another order (*squee*). J also mentioned that her son and four-year-old granddaughter read some of the poems together at night at bedtime (*melt*).

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-49678464859552823362011-06-14T22:46:00.007-04:002011-06-14T23:12:06.803-04:00

For the past three weeks, I've been immersed in World Literature, and now the roses in my backyard are in full bloom. Roses are definitely symbolic in literature. Although it's been a year for me teaching classes, it's my first time around teaching this class. So far, it's been challenging. Here are some of the topics we've covered in class so far:1. Gilgamesh and Cuneiforms2. Hieroglyphics3. The

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-12322964578152541572011-06-09T13:02:00.007-04:002011-06-09T13:31:57.827-04:00

Yesterday afternoon, I returned home from errands and surveyed the yard. The weather, well over 90 degrees, was taking its tool on my garden. The oppressive heat and humidity caused some of the flowers to wilt, the grasses to yellow slightly, and some the leaves on trees to drop. It was almost as if the flowers and trees had shoulders that were hunching over in defeat. I watered the garden and

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-36395226052510607002011-06-05T15:59:00.005-04:002011-06-05T22:11:28.671-04:00

I spent about seven hours this weekend gardening. I caught a sale while shopping at Lowe's on Friday afternoon. Then I hurried home, planned, and planted both annuals and perennials in the backyard. I also swept the deck, watered, and weeded. The backyard is where the main part of the poetry garden is taking shape. Friday night Steve and I entertained friends in the garden. It was delightful to

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-53064301632438568482011-06-02T01:17:00.003-04:002011-06-02T01:27:56.878-04:00

It's 1:18 a.m. My legs keep twitching. Damn restless legs. I cannot sleep. I get up and Sakura follows me down the stairs into the kitchen. I nibble on a slice of cheese and a small muffin. I surf the net for awhile. Java is resting on the floor. Her kidney disease is bothering her of late so we are feeding her canned food. I pet Java and she starts purring immediately. Moshi is keeping watch

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-53739726961284949962011-05-30T23:17:00.003-04:002011-05-30T23:34:49.684-04:00

Here is an adorable photograph of Sakura and Moshi. (Java was most likely sleeping upstairs.) Steve and I enjoyed an uneventful weekend. This was done on purpose. We wanted a quiet and peaceful few days. That is our approach to holidays these days. Calm, quiet, and as normal as possible. Mission accomplished. On Saturday, we scheduled a non-day. We scheduled ourselves to relax. (Relaxing for me

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-26301101982411587692011-05-28T10:51:00.005-04:002011-05-28T11:18:53.042-04:00

I have been thinking about blogging lately. I have been thinking about giving my blog a virtual makeover. This blog will turn six in September. Although I have changed the background several times in Marimba and Ice, I feel as if I need to make a change. This blog needs to take a turn in another direction. The question is, where? I look at other blogs for inspiration. I don't have to look far.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-20932045545958355792011-05-25T11:00:00.003-04:002011-05-25T11:17:14.382-04:00

I'm working on grading and my jewelry business and trying to ignore the storms outside. Meanwhile, I turned the tv to Fox 28 for background noise. I surprisingly viewed an interesting show called Nate. It's a decorating show and I picked up a few tips. Actually,there was an excellent segment on coupons and websites. I just checked the URLs on these to make sure the sites are active: 1.)http://

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-44496866445652461782011-05-24T18:51:00.004-04:002011-05-24T19:01:01.825-04:00

I took photos of the seagulls earlier this month. The seagulls, crazy with delight or hunger, circled around people. I found that the hardest part was making sure I didn't capture humans in the photos. Plus, I was sure not to look up so I wouldn't be splattered with bird poo, although legend has it that it is considered good luck. I'll take my four-leaf clover over me lucky bird droppings, thank

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-16428518040131101942011-05-22T19:04:00.004-04:002011-05-22T19:15:21.439-04:00

Steve and I viewed Pirates of the Caribbean on Friday night. We even sat in the back row so we wouldn't experience annoying chair kickers. The movie was fun. Is it going to win Oscar Awards? Probably not, although Johnny Depp did get an Oscar nod for the role of Captain Jack Sparrow in a previous Pirates movie. Did this movie jump the proverbial shark? Yes, probably so, but it's the fourth movie

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-69720316849194918662011-05-21T03:21:00.007-04:002011-05-21T10:53:48.083-04:00

As a college instructor, I learn from my students all the time. A presentation from a student may save my life. One of my students discussed skin cancer and how early detection is imperative to survival. Well, that presentation gave me the kick in the proverbial pants to get my moles checked again. I have a plethora of freckles and moles and I have blue eyes and pale skin, so I am considered

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-48143223366567708092011-05-14T11:07:00.004-04:002011-05-14T11:33:48.711-04:00

J's Tulips 2011 Hello, again! If this blog was a book on one of my bookshelves, I would have had to dust off the cobwebs before I could write again. I am woefully behind on my blogging, but that means a lot of positive things are happening in my non-virtual world. :) The aspect I am most pleased with is the fact that I finished my courses with an A and an A-! I am so relieved and happy. I almost

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-34330523017648537622011-05-06T20:49:00.003-04:002011-05-06T21:00:10.346-04:00

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to lead a book discussion with eighth graders. The discussion, held at the River Park Branch Library, was on a book entitled Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickman, Jr.. It is also the book that inspired the film October Sky. The book was the second annual One Book, One Michiana program sponsored by the St. Joseph County Public Library. The book is a memoir by Homer

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-12079389561859497032011-04-29T12:51:00.007-04:002011-04-29T13:14:31.016-04:00

I am taking a break from marathon grading speeches for my April class. I was up until 3 a.m. last night and up early again this morning, but it was worth it. I submitted grades for 26 students with two hours to spare. I almost didn't know what to do with myself. :) I received a beautiful compliment from one of my students saying how much she appreciated the class. That alone was worth a

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-68438907497418248042011-04-24T12:10:00.005-04:002011-04-29T12:51:34.350-04:00

We have our own Easter eggs this year. I may have mentioned this before, but there are three beautiful blue eggs located in a robin's nest right outside our enclosed porch. Photos soon to follow. I took some more today. Robin the Lady Bird scolds us and flies away every time we leave our house. The nest is located in a perfect spot for the Lady Cats to peruse. It's cat tv all the time around here

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-31725335034609710802011-04-20T17:02:00.001-04:002011-04-20T17:03:33.607-04:00

I noticed that I have a new follower on my blog today! Welcome! I hope you enjoy the postings and photographs. :)

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-70563821550314972322011-04-20T13:53:00.003-04:002011-04-20T14:04:04.448-04:00

It's a good thing that April is cold this spring. Usually I would have had the front yard somewhat trimmed up already. We have overgrown foliage in our front yard, in particular, a tall bush or tree.(I'm not sure which one it is.) Anyway, it grew this winter and needed to be trimmed. However, a certain event prevented this trimming from occuring. In the past week,robins angrily scold Steve and me

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-63431161191773105302011-04-17T09:55:00.004-04:002011-04-17T10:18:19.695-04:00

I believe April is the month of the artisan. I adore the fact that National Poetry Month occurs in April. Speaking of poetry, I attended the 2nd Annual ArtPost Poetry Marathon on Friday night. Kay and Jake did a great job of showcasing artists. I met new people, reconnected with others, and listened to some spectacular wordsmithing. It is amazing how many people I know are pursuing their

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-17982969962768675992011-04-13T21:22:00.003-04:002011-04-13T21:35:38.738-04:00

Today has been a day of learning. This morning I was an exhibitor for a Health Fair at the college where I teach. I focused on writing, poetry in particular, and how it can be therapeutic. I brought in a couple of academic articles about writing poetry and therapeutic aspects of writing. I may start a Haiku Club on campus. We'll see. I also brought in a Magnetic Poetry kit with pieces of words

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-42633900312833959532011-04-07T22:23:00.002-04:002011-04-07T22:36:01.604-04:00

Wow. Tuesday night can be summed up in a word: awesome. We had a nice group of about 20 people at the library. Steve presented a great powerpoint on content creation and then I presented poetry. We are going to take this on the road and present together again. There are so many artists, musicians, and writers that need a platform to publish their materials. I want people to have the same feeling

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-14251966413399941072011-04-03T20:19:00.004-04:002011-04-03T20:36:02.238-04:00

The book is out! Squee! Steve and I approved the second proof and set up the online store. We used a company called CreateSpace, which is owned by Amazon.com There is some editing on their side. They had to approve the drafts for the online store.I am very happy that this book is published. April 3, 2011 will always be memorable. If you are interested in purchasing a copy,please visit my store!-

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-57534346596390783142011-04-02T11:45:00.004-04:002011-04-02T12:00:59.051-04:00

The box with the prepublication proofs for the poetry book arrived today! :) When we approve them, we will be able to set up our online store. We anticipate going live this weekend! We hoped to receive the copies this weekend so we could have everything in place by my first reading on Tuesday. It's only been twenty years and a long time coming. Here are a few dates where I will be presenting:In

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-55390857845564349232011-04-01T22:05:00.005-04:002011-04-01T22:28:43.243-04:00

April 1 commences National Poetry Month and it's no joke.:)I enjoy poetry and words so much, but you know that about me already. How about you? Do you like poetry? Have you ever tried to write a poem? What is poetry? I wanted a better definition, so I perused online. Robert Frost is one of my inspirations. and I found the following quoted verbatim from this URL: http://www.qcc.mass.edu/booth/102

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-81969281792977845732011-03-31T10:50:00.008-04:002011-03-31T11:19:35.136-04:00

The photograph above is my version of Twitter in Dreamland, with seagulls frolicking on Mission Beach in San Diego, California. My friends, I am experiencing surfing and San Diego withdrawal. Anyway, I celebrated my 200th tweet on Twitter with the following phrase: "I'm writing in the morning; I'm drumming in the evening." I would love to add "surfing in the afternoon", but the sentence would

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-63929148989731634362011-03-30T13:33:00.005-04:002011-03-30T13:43:33.536-04:00

Here is a spring photo of a rabbit hanging out in the backyard. I wonder if it is putting off the honey-bunny list. I am slightly procrastinating my projects for my courses because I am spring cleaning. Yep. Calls need to be made, laundry needs to be done, and paper clutter needs to be tamed. Shredding is therapeutic. Eventually I will return back to writing my paper. Hmm. I think the dishwasher

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-25066164115639460252011-03-30T00:17:00.004-04:002011-03-30T00:22:12.630-04:00

Too tired to write tonight, so I will post more disgustingly adorable cat photos. Enjoy! -xo

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-70037353246571977502011-03-27T11:02:00.007-04:002011-03-27T11:13:21.477-04:00

The proof arrived yesterday. We're very pleased. Steve and I made a few tweaks on the book. He uploaded the file again with our revisions. We are waiting for confirmation. We will then order one more proof, order the books, and set up our online store. This is a bittersweet moment. I am very happy and pleased with the results, but also a little sad. I wish I could call Mom and tell her the news.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-10364566719437023722011-03-23T21:18:00.003-04:002011-03-23T21:44:21.720-04:00

Tonight I officially sequester myself from the world as I write in my bedroom, which is my sanctuary.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-32171732770640915692011-03-17T14:28:00.004-04:002011-03-17T15:01:22.391-04:00

(One of Kermit's Distant Relatives, 8/23/09)I am not sure which is more annoying: waking up to the incessant chatter of birds outside or waking up a few minutes later to the five shrill rings of my cell phone. It may be a toss-up. I woke up too early. I was ready to get on with my morning after a bumpy night with a sick husband (not his fault, poor sweetie-despite my efforts to the contrary, I

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-74500974251816282572011-03-11T09:17:00.004-05:002011-03-11T09:41:00.700-05:00

After a hiatus (our band is in the process of reforming) I'm excited and a bit jittery getting back on the percussive bandwagon. Perhaps because I care so much and want to provide the best background music for A. and her guests. I am also flying solo tonight, bringing only my marimba, conga drums, and other percussion instruments as companions. It's good to take the risk and just do it. A. is the

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-89138210688659869392011-03-09T11:51:00.005-05:002011-03-09T12:09:18.863-05:00

My agenda for today. Hm. The question is, what do I need to accomplish first? One of the annoying traits of ADD is that everything has the highest priority. In order to clear the swirling clutter and create some order out of my busy brain, I write lists. I write a lot of lists. I write a plethora of lists. (Plethora=too many.)Hopefully this thought process will entertain you and to share what I

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-86469209225869737042011-03-05T10:48:00.003-05:002011-03-05T10:56:21.553-05:00

We are well on our way to publishing the book! Here are two more poems that I found in a journal. (I have a plethora of journals. It's one of this writer's weaknesses.) I wanted to post the two poems so they don't disappear in my journal. I believe they were written in 1999. Enjoy! :) ghost trailwhitewallsonce someone else's art showing a piece ofthemselvesleaving only aghost trailof

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-46528070125611473102011-03-03T20:38:00.004-05:002011-03-03T20:52:09.492-05:00

I visited the 'bary this past week and picked up an armful of books to peruse. One of the books I decided to read cover to cover is called Alchemy Arts: Recycling is Chic. Alchemy Arts is an environmentally conscious arts group based in the UK. This book consists of charms, clothes, and jewelry made out of recycled items. Even if I don't try to make anything out of materials, it's fun to check

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-29480846838831545732011-02-27T11:25:00.003-05:002011-02-27T11:44:40.260-05:00

In one of my courses this semester, we are reading a book called Reliable Knowledge: An Exploration of the Grounds for Belief in Science by John Ziman. It is a science book from a humanistic perspective. And for the first three chapters, I hated it. Last week a fellow student and I had to go through chapters one and two and formulate discussion questions. Ironically, my approach to this book

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-566335163421732662011-02-26T17:09:00.007-05:002011-02-26T17:22:36.236-05:00

This afternoon I made the first round of selections for my upcoming book entitled "In the Family of Trees." It was interesting revisiting poems I have not seen in years. There are also some poems that may never see the proverbial light of day due to the dorkness factor. Having said that, I just may release a book of the dorky and crazy poems I wrote many years ago. How ironic if people would like

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-77323715094583635342011-02-26T13:20:00.005-05:002011-02-26T13:53:00.128-05:00

Last night, I met up with a few girlfriends and we viewed a movie entitled "The Tourist" with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp. Admittedly, it has been a long time since I went to the movies. I am not a huge movie viewer, due to the fact that I cannot always sit still long enough. The movie was okay. I did not have high expectations and wondered how Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp would make out (

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-86409076297927558512011-02-17T14:35:00.010-05:002011-02-17T15:07:35.947-05:00

Okay, as I may have mentioned before, Moshi was definitely a bit heftier than she should be. She tipped the proverbial cat scales at over 11 pounds. No wonder I can feel the "thud" when she jumps on the bed. After visiting our vet and feeling somewhat guilty that we contribute to the cat obesity population, we decided to put the Lady Cats on a diet. (Psst! Don't tell them. Sakura may start

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-73699870185617473302011-02-13T12:34:00.006-05:002011-02-13T13:06:12.298-05:00

Admittedly, I have not bought into the Valentine's Day holiday so much, especially in later years. To me, it is another commercialized holiday. I prefer the ordinary days the most. Calm, ordinary, and peaceful days with fleeting moments of beauty. Having said that, I want to share a Valentine's Day story from long ago when I first met Steve. Revert back to February of 1991.Steve and I were

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-709073035458552932011-02-11T13:06:00.004-05:002011-02-11T13:25:30.980-05:00

Steve and I took Moshi to one of our favorite vets (Dr. H) a couple of weeks ago for her annual rabies vaccinations, etc. and discovered she needs to have her teeth cleaned. We spoke to her about Moshi's breath. We are not expecting our felines to have the proverbial breath-smelling-like-roses,especially after they have a)eaten smelly cat cuisine, or b)groomed thoroughly. We expect to experience

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-40846147216003792092011-02-09T23:16:00.007-05:002011-02-09T23:27:43.123-05:00

It's been a cold winter. Hoping for sunshine and warmer weather soon. Here are some photographs of the beautiful moments.

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-52765386912988069162011-02-04T03:19:00.003-05:002011-02-04T03:31:13.922-05:00

Steve uploaded photographs. Of course, I have to showcase more pictures of the Lady Cats! Moshi is pictured here in a yoga pose while grooming. She lifted her leg and kept it elevated for her entire bath! Pictured in the middle is Moshi snuggling up to Java. The bottom photograph is a hilarious one of Sakura. More photos to share in the future...

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-80130804628032855782011-02-02T18:31:00.003-05:002011-02-02T18:42:11.617-05:00

I picked up this jewel at the LaSalle Branch. This book, written by David Levithan, is written in an alphabetical and epistolary style. The top of the page is a defined word (including which part of speech) rather than a date of the passage. The author weaves a word lesson, a definition, and a love story in the pages. I am so inspired by this book that I would like to design a college literary

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-83255623830350993252011-01-26T16:32:00.004-05:002011-01-26T16:46:00.445-05:00

It's not snowing,It's not pouring,Javacat is snoring. She's still on my bed,with dreams in her head, and will most likely continue'til morning. lcs/'11

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-12099051887950660782011-01-25T22:25:00.006-05:002011-01-26T13:01:12.917-05:00

I am starting out slowly, but will pick up speed and read more as the year progresses. I perused my second book of 2011: The 100 Best African-American Poems. The book is edited by Nikki Giovanni, who is a poet, writer, and a University Distinguished professor at Virginia Tech. Here is my review that I posted on Goodreads: In my opinion, Nikki Giovanni represents one of the best modern poets of

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-90798890252969285242011-01-21T12:43:00.005-05:002011-01-21T13:09:02.081-05:00

One of my goals for this year is to publish a full-length book of poems, essays, and photography from circa 1990 to 2010. It's one of the proverbial "bucket list" items I want to accomplish. Steve, my adorable husband, indicated that he wanted to edit the book. So happily I handed over the book of ideas from my folder. I started emailing him a plethora of writings from the years at Holy Cross

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16749306.post-66438741610011236752011-01-20T09:18:00.002-05:002011-01-20T09:38:00.644-05:00

I assigned the class to write a paragraph based on the following quote: "In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." - Martin Luther King, Jr. Many times, I join my students in the freewriting exercise. Today I thought I would participate and publish my writing to my blog. Here are my interpetations: 1.)Remember the good and forget the bad. 2.)Focus

Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09065469722074155578noreply@blogger.com0