omens..........

it's a bit of a wierd superstition or maybe obsession on my part, i suppose, but since music has always been one of the major parts of my life, i always tend to really *notice* the first songs that i hear when we ring in a new year. considering everything that happened and all i was feeling in 2008.....i find it appropriate and yes, maybe even a good *sign* that the first songs i heard in 2009 were "changes" by david bowie and U2's "it's a beautiful day!" (altho it was being sung by julianne hough) maybe 2009 will be a good year, which will be a refreshing change. no....2009 WILL be a good year. believe it!

It's a beautiful day

Don't let it get away

It's a beautiful day

you say you want a resolution.....

i rarely make resolutions for the new year, but when i do i usually keep them. i'm afraid i didn't do so well this past year. it's been very, very, very hard for me to remember to "love anyway"....but i am DETERMINED this year....no matter how hard people try to drive me completely insane! lol!! i need to pray more, and get more centered within myself and on GOD. (thanks to my shimmering mutt for the meditation dvd....it's going to be such a huge help!) time is flying by at warp speed, and there just isn't time to waste being angry and unhappy.

having said that, tho.....i HAVE to get one final vent in for 2008!! i do so wish that people would "pay attention." i feel like we're winding back to last year, and i don't like the feeling. if you're want to be a vital part....then BE one....but just remember that you're not the ONLY one. ( i know there are only 2 of you who know what i'm talking about....the rest of you don't need to try to figure it out my cryptic rambling! cool?) oh! and another thanks to my mutt twin for letting me vent about this today, too!! i love you girl!!!

happy new year, y'all!!!!

just another christmas song.....

i'm sure this isn't the first time i've posted the lyrics to this song, and if i live to see another christmas...i'm sure it won't be the last. GOD bless us every one!!!!!

Once in royal davids city stood a lonely cattle shed,

Where a mother held her baby.

You'd do well to remember the things he later said.

When youre stuffing yourselves at the christmas parties,

You'll just laugh when I tell you to take a running jump.

Youre missing the point I'm sure does not need making

That christmas spirit is not what you drink

.So how can you laugh when your own mothers hungry,

And how can you smile when the reasons for smiling are wrong?

And if I just messed up your thoughtless pleasures,

Remember, if you wish, this is just a christmas song.

(hey! santa! pass us that bottle, will you? )

all you need is love..........

There's nothing you can know that isn't known.

Nothing you can see that isn't shown.

Nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be.

It's easy.

All you need is love.

After 28 years, my heart is still broken.

do unto others................

i've most likely mentioned "my kids" here before.....my church kids. altho its not all of them by any means, a good many of them are from low income families. in fact, our church has a food ministry, and a few of the kids belong to some of the families that receive food each week. i also work with teens, and we all know how self absorbed they can be. lol!! this week on the news i had seen how our local st vincent de paul society was really hurting because of the recession. in november of 2007, they fed 70 families. in november of 2008 they fed 875!!! one of the spokeswomen was on the news talking about the desperate crisis they were in, and saying that if all you could afford to give was one can of soup, that it would be appreciated! anyhow....this morning i was telling the kids about this. as i mentioned, none of their families have much, but it's still important, i think, that they realize how bad the economic situation is and that there are so many people worse off than they are. as soon as i got thru telling them what i had seen on the news, these precious angels start digging in thier pockets....handing me nickles, dimes, quarters, and one penny so that i could go buy some soup to give to the food panty!! i have to state that i didn't ASK them to do this......they just came up with the idea. the generosity was their own!! i don't think i've had anything touch me so deeply in a long, long, long time!! if EACH of us would dig deep like these kids did, and show some love and concern for others, we could wipe out hunger on the face of the planet!!! GOD bless 'em! i love those kids!!

later in the morning i was telling another dear friend of mine about what "my kids" had done, and she gave me $100 (!!!!!!!!) to add to the fund to buy food for those less fortuate than we are. i'm not mentioning her name, because i'm not sure she wants the whole world to know of her generosity......don't let the right hand know what the left hand is doing and all that jazz. but again, i was touched, moved to tears and wishing, wishing, wishing that we all were filled with that sort of love! oh....did i mention she's a minister. 'nuff said. (love you girl........)

do unto others as you would have others do unto you...............

frightened..........

we're getting ready to implode, and i honestly don't know if i can't stand the fallout. GOD help us.

dancing with the nutcrackers..........

i was wondering what i was going to do without DANCING WITH THE STARS now that the season is over. i'll have dancing withdrawls!! yikes!! but, thanks to the ovation channel, i'm hooked up....at least for a few days!! they are showing a different version of THE NUTCRACKER every day this week. tonite i watched matthew bourne's very different interpretation of the ballet! twas lovely, and it's a nice way to ease out of not having a dance show on every week!!

Dancing faces you towards Heaven, whichever direction you turn. ~Sweetpea Tyler

a dream goes on forever.....

A million old soldiers will fade away

But a dream goes on forever

I’m left standing here, I’ve got nothing to say

All is silent within my dream

A thousand true loves will live and die

But a dream lives on forever

The days and the years will go streaking by

But the time has stopped in my dream

We all have our everyday hopes and fears

And you’ll find no exception in me

But that doesn’t get me through a sea of tears

Over life’s biggest tragedy

You’re so long ago and so far away

But my dream lives on forever

I guess I believe that I’ll see you one day

For without it there is no dream

You’re so far away and so long ago

But my dream goes on forever

And how much I loved you you’ll never know

’til you join me within my dream

thanks to todd rundgren for the beautiful song and lyrics. i bow to you humbly, sir!

posted in honor of the few who have changed me, inspired me and made me different.

what i did on my vacation........

the godfather, say anything, cool hand luke, the rocky horror picture show, a streetcar named desire, frenzy, the trip, psych out, a time to kill, guess who's coming to dinner, on the waterfront, the spiral staircase, the enchanted cottage, invitation, grand hotel, sunset boulevard, phantom of the paradise. and orson well's version of 'the scottish play.'

sometimes the most relaxing and soul cleansing thing you can do is take a couple of days off....and be a complete sofa slug. 'movie days' are such a wonderful gift!!

true colors.........

so, while we're on the subject of trees........(and i certainly was in my last blog--- sorta---)....we have the most beautiful maple tree in our front yard, and this year it's especially outstanding in it's fall clothes. i watch folks drive down the street and slow down and just stare at it in awe. all the walkers do the same. on election day i had a lady actually pull in the driveway just to tell me that she had never seen such a gorgeous tree, and that she's always wanted to just sit under it and stare up at all the beautiful colors!! i told her she was welcome any time, but i don't know if she's actually done it yet or not. i was also taking out the trash this morning and a little old man drove up, stopped his car, got out and started taking pictures. i tell you, you really feel the majesty of GOD and are humbled at how beautiful nature is when you see something so lovely. nothing man can create can even come close. humans may cause the world to seem like an ugly place, but there is beauty everywhere......sometimes right outside your front door!

wait for it..........

There is unrest in the forest,

There is trouble with the trees,

For the maples want more sunlight

And the oaks ignore their pleas.

The trouble with the maples,

(And they're quite convinced they're right)

They say the oaks are just too lofty

And they grab up all the light

.But the oaks can't help their feelings

If they like the way they're made

.And they wonder why the maples

Can't be happy in their shade.

There is trouble in the forest,

And the creatures all have fled,

As the maples scream "Oppression!"

And the oaks just shake their heads

So the maples formed a union

And demanded equal rights.

"The oaks are just too greedy;

We will make them give us light."

Now there's no more oak oppression,

For they passed a noble law,

And the trees are all kept equal

By hatchet, axe, and saw.

america needs you, harry truman

once again: an old song is just as timely today. was listening to the band chicago earlier this afternoon. this song came out on "chicago VIII" in 1975, written by robert lamm:

America needs you

Harry Truman

Harry could you please come home

Things are looking bad

I know you would be mad

To see your favorite men

Prevail upon the land you love

America's wondering

How we got here

Harry all we get is lies

We're gettin' safer cars

Rocket ships to mars

From men who'd sell us out

To get themselves a piece of power

We'd love to hear you speak your mind

In plain and simple ways

Call a spade a spade

Like you did back in the days

You would play piano

Each morning walk a mile

Speak of what was going down

With honesty and style

America's calling

Harry Truman

Harry you know what to do

The world is turnin' round and losin' lots of ground

Oh Harry is there something we can do to save the land we love

Oh woah woah woah

America's calling

Harry Truman

Harry you know what to do

The world is turnin' round

And losin' lots of ground

Harry is there something we can do to save the land we love

'nuff said.

some things *never* change:

a hit for the temptations in 1970. funny, with the exception of a few things ('the beatles new record's a gas' might need to be updated...lol!) this could have been written today. rather sad to think that we never, EVER learn!!!

People moving out, people moving in. Why, because of the color of their skin.

Run, run, run but you sure can't hide.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

Vote for me and I'll set you free.

Rap on, brother, rap on.

Well, the only person talking about love thy brother is the preacher

And it seems nobody's interested in learning but the teacher

Segregation, determination, demonstration, integration,

Aggravation, humiliation, obligation to our nation.

Ball of confusion.

Oh yeah, that's what the world is today.
Woo, hey, hey.

The sale of pills are at an all time high.

Young folks walking round with their heads in the sky.

The cities ablaze in the summer time.

And oh, the beat goes on.

Evolution, revolution, gun control, sound of soul.

Shooting rockets to the moon, kids growing up too soon.

Politicians say more taxes will solve everything.

And the band played on.

So, round and around and around we go.

Where the world's headed, nobody knows.

Oh, great GoogaMooga, can't you hear me talking to you.

Just a ball of confusion.

Oh yeah, that's what the world is today.

Woo, hey, hey.

Fear in the air, tension everywhere.

Unemployment rising fast, the Beatles new record's a gas.

And the only safe place to live is on an Indian reservation.

And the band played on.

Eve of destruction, tax deduction,

city inspectors, bill collectors,

Mod clothes in demand, population out of hand,

suicide, too many bills,Hippies moving to the hills.

People all over the world are shouting, 'End the war.'

And the band played on.

Great GoogaMooga, can't you hear me talking to you.

Sayin'... ball of confusion.

That's what the world is today, hey, hey.

happy autumnal equinox

ok, so i'm a day late in posting my "happy fall" blog...sue me!! lol!! i love the autumn season, despite the fact that i have RAGING allergies this time of year. (and i started autumn 2008 being sick with a bad cold and fever!) still.....there is a crispness in the air....and it gives me hope that cooler air is just around the corner....you know...in january. hahaha! (hey! i live in atlanta....we don't really have winter anymore!) today was perfect southern fall weather....sunny, low 80s and a brisk breeze. AND......the moon was out in the day. tried to get a pic of it with my cell camera, and we all know how crappy those cameras are, but hey.....ya work with what ya got! seeing the moon and the sun in the sky at the same time is rather magical.....GOD's light show!

as a side note: "dancing with the stars" started their new season tonite, too!! i'm jazzed, and still thankful to that show for 'inspiring' me........

even sick: life is good!!

puppy love......

i had an epiphany the other day! i'm sure it's a realization that others have come to before, altho i've never heard it vocalized or seen it written down anywhere. seems so logical, tho, that i *can't* be the only one to realize why we, as humans, are so attached to dogs. we love them because they give us unconditional love. most of us don't ever have that feeling.....love REGARDLESS.....and we crave it! we should take a lesson from our furry friends and learn to love each other the way they love us!! ah.......wouldn't the world be a much happier place???

reading: in his steps by charles m sheldon

listening to: i love lucy

mood: sick

amen.....

a franciscian benediction

may GOD bless you with discomfort

at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships

so that you may live deep within your heart

may GOD bless you with anger

at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people

so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace

may GOD bless you with tears

to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war

so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and

to turn their pain into joy

and may GOD bless you with enough foolishness

to believe that you can make a difference in the world

so that you can do what others claim cannot be done

to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor

amen

too much on my mind to be clever.......

sisterhood: apparently i don't know the meaning of the word. i have a lot of improving and personal growth ahead of me. i need to be a better friend.

in more important news: i have mentioned before in my blogs about the kids we work with at church. most of them are from lower income families who live week to week in run down hotels. many have a parent in jail, or who is addicted to some sort of substance. just last week i was told by a 14 year old that her mother tells her that she is "fucking stupid" nearly every day. one of our girls (that we know of!) has been molested. one has had to hide in the bathtub on more than one occasion when gunfire was going on outside her bedroom window. very few of them have coats to wear in the winter, and most haven't eaten on sunday when we see them. if you could see the places that some of these kids live it would break your heart. but....they're all GREAT kids, and i would die for any of them. recently, there have been some changes at our church in our youth and children's ministers, and i have been more than a little bit angry at some deceptions and secrets, and came very close to wanting to just quit working with these little angels. tonite we got the news that one of "our kids"...a little 6 year old boy, passed away over the weekend. he was at home alone with his 10 year old sister at the time, but he passed away of natural causes. (an intestinal blockage) the kids were all upset tonite, crying, asking questions about heaven and what happens when you die. needless to say: i'm saddened by the loss of this child, but i'm also saddened that children have to endure the kind of life that these kids have to endure, and that they have to deal with death and violence at such tender ages. i was talking with a friend on the phone this evening, and he made the comment that "we are all responsible" for kids who have to live like this. i had never thought about it in those terms, but how true it is!!! we might not be able to save EVERY child, or show EVERY child GOD's love, or feed EVERY child, or be there for EVERY teenage girl whose stepfather "touches" them........but if we can save ONE, feed ONE, love ONE, help ONE.....then it's all worth it, and the world will be a better place. and, wouldn't it be wonderful if all this energy being invested in our presidential campaign was diverted to actually doing something to make the world a better place.......and helping these children: the next generation?????? look in your own neighborhood........they are there, and they'll be the ones running this planet when we are nothing but a memory.

just wondering....

first of all....i need to preface this blog by saying that i am NOT a political person. i probably should be more aware and involved than i am, but my personal opinion is that for the most part, government in this country is just a big money game. it's ALL corrupt. i also should say that i abhor our "two party" system, and frankly, i think that either way we go in this upcoming election...we're screwed. i am not advocating either candidate or either party in this "vent!" i am not republican OR democratic!

having said that, tho, i feel the need to ask why SO much attention is being focused on the fact that sarah palin is a hunter. i am NOT a hunting advocate in any way, shape or form, but neither am i a racist. in fact.....racism bothers me just as much, if not more, than hunting does. i have gotten so many emails and bulletins about......and i quote....this "evil bitch" because she hunts for sport, and not ONE SINGLE email about obama's blatant racism. and no....i'm not quoting the media machine when i call him a racist. i read HIS book that HE wrote in HIS words!!!!! i seriously doubt that any one who's doing the name calling has read either his books, or any other candidate's books for that matter. i also have to wonder how many vegetarians are doing the "evil bitch" name calling. in fact.....i happen to know for a fact that the last person i received this 'tender message' from isn't a vegetarian. i realize that hunting for sport and eating meat for food are two different things entirely, but then again: is it really? hunting happens to be more humane than the way animals are raised in cages for our consumption, but we seem to have no problem with THAT! i happen to be an avid animal lover....in fact, i like most dogs i know more than i like most people. however.....it's a shame that the way we treat animals ranks higher in most people's minds than the way we treat each other. we're good at spewing venom at someone for killing an innocent animal, but we could care less about someone else sewing the seeds of hate that will affect millions of PEOPLE in this country. we look at history and wonder how something like the holocaust could have ever been allowed to happen. i have to say, that from all i've been hearing and reading since the campaigns for this election started......i don't wonder at all. we don't care about what's really important anymore....treating each other with kindess, equality and respect. it makes me angry, and it makes me sad. GOD help us.

now.....let the flame throwing begin. i'm totally prepared for it, because we're not only good at name calling and hate mongering, but we, as humans are REALLY, REALLY good at believing that we have a right to OUR opinion, but no one else has a right to thiers.

heart songs.....

you know.....i had intended to write a nasty blog venting about hypocrisy and a few other things stuck in my craw, but then i heard this song on the radio tonite. i am not a weezer fan, but these lyrics just really connected with me. music is *such* a gift from GOD.....my healing, my therapy, my sanity, my friend. when things are going wrong (or i'm just bitchy and want to vent) music can somehow make it right! there isn't time for my to list all of my own personal "heart songs".....we'd be here until this time tomorrow....or longer......so i'll just let these lyrics speak for now:

Gordon Lightfoot

Sang a song

About a boat

That sank in the lake

At the break Of the morning

A Cat named Stevens

Found a faith

He could believe in

And Joan Baez

I never listened

Too much jazz

But hippie songs

Could be heard

In our pad

Eddie Rabbitt sang

About how much

He loved a rainy night

Abba, Devo, Benatar

Were there the day

John Lennon died

Mr. Springsteen said

He had a hungry heart

Grover Washington

Was happy on the day

He topped the charts

These are the songs

These are my heart songs

They never feel wrong

And when I wake

For goodness sake

These are the songs I keep singin'

Quiet Riot got me started

With the bangin' of my head

Iron Maiden, Judas Priest

And Slayer

Taught me how to shred

I've got to admit though

Sometimes I would listen

To the radio

Debbie Gibson

Tell me that you think

We're all alone

Michael Jackson's

In the mirror

I've gotta have faith

If I wanna see clear

Never gonna give you up

Wish me love Or wishing well

It takes two to make

A thing go right

If the Fresh Prince

Starts a fight

Don't you worry

For too long

'Cause you know

These are the songs

Back in 1991

I wasn't havin' any fun

'Till my roommate said

"Come on and put a brand new record on"

Had a baby on it

He was naked on it

Then I heard the chords

That broke the chains

I had upon me

Got together with my bros

In some rehearsal studios

Then we played

Our first rock show

And watched the fan base

Start to grow

Signed the deal that gave

The dough to make

A record of our own

The song come

On the radio

Now people go

This is the song

These are my heart songs

They never feel wrong

And when I wake

For goodness sake

These are the songs

I keep singing

everybody needs a soft filter....

who needs mood elevator drugs when you can have u2??? GOD bless 'em.....my saving grace today!!

The more you see the less you know

The less you find out as you go

I knew much more then than I do now

Neon heart day-glow eyes

A city lit by fireflies

They're advertising in the skies

For people like us

And I miss you when you're not around

I'm getting ready to leave the ground

Oh you look so beautiful tonight

In the city of blinding lights

Don't look before you laugh

Look ugly in a photograph

Flash bulbs purple irises

The camera can't see

I've seen you walk unafraid

I've seen you in the clothes you made

Can you see the beauty inside of me?

What happened to the beauty I had inside of me?

And I miss you when you're not around

I'm getting ready to leave the ground

Oh you look so beautiful tonight

In the city of blinding lights

Time...time...time...time...time

Won't leave me as I am

But time won't take the boy out of this man

Oh you look so beautiful tonight

Oh you look so beautiful tonight

Oh you look so beautiful tonight

In the city of blinding lights

The more you know the less you feel

Some pray for others steal

Blessings are not just for the ones who kneel... luckily

ps: i am sooooo digging these fractal images

silver linings

i'm a bit melancholy today because i had another memorial service to attend of a close family friend. "miss margaret" went home to the angels after having a stroke a month or so ago. i've known her and her family forever.....worked with her husband and both her sons, dated one son, and worked with her in our church nursery for many years. she was like a mother to me, and altho i'll miss her, i know she's with GOD and i'll see her again soon! get busy, miss margaret....there's lots of babies in heaven to take care of!!

in the midst of the sadness of the service, tho, there were some bright spots. i hadn't seen my ex (her son!) in nearly 20 years. i walked up to him and said "remember me?" with a smile. he gave me a huge hug and said "i could never forget you girl!!" altho i've run into him once or twice since we broke up, we didn't end on the best of terms, so that tiny moment today gave me a bit of peace about that chapter of my life that i probably didn't know i needed!

also, i knew this whole family except for the oldest child. (she's 10 yrs or so older than i am, so we were never in the same circles) i went to introduce myself to her, and before i could get my name out.....she said "you're sandi! i know who you are. i've heard so much about you for years!!" she could never know how much that meant to me. i love both of her parents so much, and i know they love(d) me, but it's nice to get the affirmation. once again...my reputations preceeds me!

and....last but not least, when i was in my late teens, one of my best friends was a guy named rick. we were "thicker than thieves"........in fact, everyone but US thought we would end up married. lol!! anyway, these days he's a funeral director, and his wife is a funeral director as well. i haven't seen rick in a few years, and had never met his wife, but happened to know that she worked at the funeral home we went to today. i actually made it a point to hunt the woman down....lol!! i wanted to meet the lady who ended up with one of the loves of my life! she's a nice lady. he had a rough go for a few years, so i'm thrilled that he finally found someone who makes him happy. good on ya, ricky!

the tropical storm in the gulf has caused much needed rain, and not so much needed storms for us today.....my day has been cloudy and overcast physically and emotionally, but as always......with every cloud, you can find that silver lining! :)

starlight, starbright

"So when you get knocked down, my sweetheart
Look up to the sky without fear
For sometimes we need to be flat on our backs
Before starlight begins to appear."

-"Keep Love In Your Heart, Little One" by Giles Andreae

a friend shared this with me today, and it completely took my breath away. what a beautiful sentiment, and how wonderful that someone is trying to convey this to kids!! kudos to you, mr andreae!!! i needed the reminder............

perpetual motion, dreams and karma

i AM perpetual motion. always have been. always will be. my first word was "rock" as in...."rock me, mama....i can't sit still!" my rocking chair broke today. GASP! i guess it's a good thing that the next two days are going to be so jam packed with 'motion' that i won't have time to rock anyway. i won't be home long enough to even sleep...or buy a new chair.....or keep up with my internet duties. i'm actually looking forward to monday for a change. and then....i GOTTA get myself a new rocker!!!

in other news: it's been a strange day. dream visitations can really, REALLY wear me out. i'm not sure where they come from, or what they mean, and i'm frankly glad that they don't happen too often as they leave me exhausted. it's not that the 'visitor 'is unpleasant...to the contrary... but when the dream is so real you can touch it, it tends to leave me completely drained. i guess i overthink, or more like over-wonder. i can't believe these dreams really mean anything as many say they do, but one can always hope. and wonder. and be exhausted.

lastly: vindication is a beautiful thing, especially when one can feel it without rancor. and vindication is especially beautiful when it occurs on more than one level. i guess there is something to the old adage: i must be living right.
peace, baybees!!!!!

and we wonder why the world laughs at americans....

we're sue happy and much too materialistic. it makes me sad.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2008/06/17/2008-06-17_thonged_in_the_eye_by_dainties_she_claim.html

Thonged in the eye by dainties, she claims

By Bill Hutchinson Daily News Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 17th 2008, 11:48 PM

Now that's an eye-popping thong.

A 52-year-old California woman is suing lingerie giant Victoria's Secret, charging she was hit in the eye by a decorative metallic object that flew off a thong she was trying on.

Macrida Patterson, a traffic officer for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, claims her cornea was severely damaged in the underwear mishap.

Patterson's lawyer, Jason Buccat, told thesmokinggun.com that a "design flaw" with the skimpy garment is to blame.

Patterson was hurt last May while trying on a "low-rise v-string," which is part of the Victoria's Secret "Sexy Little Thing" line, according to the suit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

She said the accident caused her to miss several days of work.

common bonds.........

we have a new student intern youth minister at our church, and she's GREAT......really relates to the kids and has alot of cool things planned for them. early this morning we were having general conversation with them before class started and movies came up and somehow i ended up mentioning that i never went to the theatre unless it was to see a movie that gerard butler was in. our new minister's eyes lit up like a christmas tree and she says: "oh! i LOVE him!!!! you like him, too??" lol!!!! now we'll be 'partners in crime on' more than one level!!!! woo hoo!

you never really know.........

when someone you know....or used to know....turns out to be one of the most influential people on earth!!! lol!! this blows my mind!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Abrams

During the past 40 years, Lee has brought unparalleled ratings and economic success to radio stations in over 200 markets, including 97 of the top 100 winning 318 programming battles, while losing only 11. Since 1998 he has worked as the Chief Creative Officer for XM Satellite Radio. In 1993, Newsweek listed Lee as one of America's "100 Cultural Elite" for his influence on radio. Radio Ink listed Lee as one of the 75 most important radio figures of all time[1] and as one of the 40 most powerful people in radio.[2] Abrams' voice-over commentary appears on the album Vulture Culture from The Alan Parsons Project

Lee joined XM in the next generation of radio: satellite direct radio. With 101 stations to develop and program, Lee is once again challenged to reinvigorate the radio landscape. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., XM offers 70 music channels - more than any other satellite radio service. Plus 30 channels of news, talk, sports and entertainment including comedy and children's programming. The service is targeted to the nation's 200 million plus automobile and truck drivers as well as home radio users. The basic monthly subscription is $12.95. The radio subscription service recently celebrated its 9 millionth subscriber.

More than 35 of XM's music channels are commercial-free; the other music channels carry limited advertising and are limited to no more than six minutes of advertising per hour -- a fraction of the 18 minutes or more per hour that today's FM stations carry.

As a founding partner of Burkhart/Abrams, the Atlanta-based consulting giant, Lee invented and built album rock, the first successful FM format. He also designed numerous other highly successful radio formats including the first classic rock format at San Francisco's KFOG; the first FM urban/dance format at New York's WKTU, the first new age/jazz format at KLRS SANTA CRUZ. In addition, he created the original blueprint for the NBC Source Network. His corporate clients have included every major broadcast group.

In 1989, Lee joined ABC Radio Networks as an internal consultant and oversaw the revolutionary Z-Rock format, which was the first satellite delivered superstation, as well as being the first "active rock" format, and was instrumental in the launch of Radio Disney.
In the '80s, Lee produced the Grammy-winning CD "Ah Via Musicom" by Eric Johnson, has appeared on several Alan Parsons Project CDs and worked with major labels and recording artists as a consultant and label head. Among his clients have been The Moody Blues, Yes, Steve Winwood, Iron Maiden, Winger, Bob Seger, Chico DeBarge, Jermaine Stewart, Stryper, Circle Jerks, and EMI Records.

Lee's other media projects have included the redesign of Rolling Stone magazine in the mid-'80s, the launch of TNT Cable Network, MTV, American marketing consultant to Swatch and advisor to dozens of entertainment companies including Disney, Island and Sony. In addition, Lee has been the subject of feature articles in hundreds of consumer publications including Playboy, Esquire, New York, Times, People and The Wall Street Journal.

Abrams was "the most influential radio guru of his generation". He pioneered a form of audience measurement and psychographics and invented album-oriented rock.[3]

Abrams resides in Northern Virginia with his wife, Sandra and two dogs. He is a commercial and instrument rated pilot. He has two grown children.

On March 11, 2008, Abrams submitted his resignation to XM. He was annouced March 11, 2008 as the Chief Innovation Officer for the Tribune Company.[4]

50 more things i love!

1. vampires!
2. green eyes
3. castera roses
4. birds
5. scottish accents
6. blogging! :)
7. air conditioning (i live in atlanta, after all!)
8. health food stores
9. cheap used cds on amazon.com
10. zen gardens
11. water fountains
12. lady bugs
13. stars
14. the night sky
15. butterflies
16. fragrant body lotion
17. cowboy hats
18. buffalos (fell in love with them at the animal safari last year!)
19. my cd collection
20. lava lamps
21. perfume
22. going to see live theatre
23. going to hear live music
24. hebrew writing
25. fires (in a fireplace)
26. sugar free cinnamon breath mints
27. kurt vonnegut
28. hippies
29. the fact that i am getting flexible again
30. good sleep!
31. dark colored pearls (especially copper colored ones!)
32. nuts
33. making someone's day!
34. british accents
35. feathers
36. winged hearts
37. hardwood floors
38. clothes from the 20s
39. fruit
40. hippy clothes
41. watching lightening
42. the aurora borealis (i MUST see this in person one day!)
43. comedy/tragedy masks
44. old houses
45. psychedelic posters
46. studying religions
47. harley davidsons/bikers
48. horse races
49. turtles
50. rocking chairs

because i *need* to.....

some days you just need a reminder of all the things you love....and all the things there are to make you smile.......

i did a short list of 50 things that i love in a blog long ago. i think it's time to do it again......

1. my family
2. my friends
3. music
4. dance
5. cheese
6. my topie boy!!
7. trees
8. the color orange
9. shakespeare
10. art by dali, mucha and maxfield parrish
11. funky shoes
12. sunsets
13. the beach
14. the mountains
15. taking long walks with a friend
16. dogs
17. email
18. gerard butler
19. my yahoo group for the above
20. the feeling i have after i do my exercises
21. working with the kids at my church
22. bazil
23. good coffee
24. lapsang souchong tea
25. cheezits
26. poetry
27. jewelry
28. making jewelry
29. my church
30. hedgehogs
31. british television
32. surprise gifts
33. pottery
34. candles
35. the smells of patchoulli, sandalwood, vetiver, musk, amber and cinammon
36. my bon jovi collection
37. the rare find of a person with integrity
38. a man with a great sense of humor
39. bells
40. king arthur tales
42. reading
43. solitude
44. painted toenails
45. incense
46. mystery stories
47. quilts
48. actually knowing a couple of my childhood idols
49. antiques
50. art nouveau

godspell

my brother and i were fortunate enough to have someone give us tickets to see GODSPELL this past saturday afternoon. GODSPELL is one of my favorite musicals (well, probably my VERY favorite, along with OKLAHOMA) and i try to find some place to see it each year. i was fortunate enough to see the original cast to it "back in the day" but i have to say that this production we saw on saturday was possibly the best i've seen! it was also nice to visit the balzer theatre in atlanta. it's a lovely venue and is atlanta's first "green" theatre. (they recycle playbills, rainwater, etc.) AND.....i just noticed while looking at thier website that they even did a special performance of GODSPELL for the hearing impaired. how cool is that? BRAVO to the cast and personel of the theatrical outfit of atlanta! i'll be visiting you again soon!!!!!

easy for *her* to say....

Don’t need no copy of vogue magazine

Don’t need to dress like noBeauty queen

High heels or sneakers, he don’tGive a damn

My baby loves me just the way that I am

easy for HER to say.....just look at her!!!!

never say goodbye.........

i have come to the conclusion that i have more bon jovi memorabilia than bon jovi!! "back in the day" i was in all the fan clubs (helped run a few of them!) and not only did i collect things myself, but i had others send me things as well. in doing the big "purge" this week.....i decided to weed thru all that stuff and try to organize it. i've been working on it for hours and hours and i'm *still* not done!! i could open my own bon jovi store!!!!!!! LOL!! looking at all the stuff has really been bringing back some wonderful memories, but it also made me realize that i spent an awful lot of time and energy on this band. was it really worth it? thier music was a GOD-send to me there for awhile, and i met some AMAZING friends as a result of being in that fan community. (also met some nut jobs, but i digress....) still.........i think of all the time and money i might have wasted when i could have been doing something "worthwhile." ah well.....i wouldn't take those days back for anything, and if i could do them over, i have a feeling that i would do them just the same. now, tho, i have to wonder if i should really hold on to all of this stuff, or maybe let some of it go. i wonder what old tour books and tshirts sell for on ebay????

this *is* madness......

yes. i have officially lost my mind. i decided to "purge" once again......and get rid of *stuff* that i've collected over the years. a couple of years ago i went thru every box, drawer, closet and shelf in my house and got rid of soooo much collected crap. i saved only the things that i deemed important, but i've now decided that alot of the things i saved are STILL just collected junk that means nothing to anyone but me, that i NEVER look at or use, and that someone else will just have to throw away when i die. so......i spent hours and hours going thru things: tossing things in the trash, and pulling stuff out to maybe have sold on eBay. it all sounds like a good idea when you start out, but later....when your back is aching and your eyes are swollen shut from allergies from dust and basement mold, you start to wonder if maybe you aren't stark raving mad! it feels good, tho........like a big burden has been lifted. (or it will when i get done!!) still? i DO wonder about my sanity. (heeheee!) and i have boxes of stuff that i am still keeping...........which means in another couple of years i will probably get the "joy" of doing this all over again!! woo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

some things are permanently ingrained.....

you know you've watched the movie 300 entirely too many times when you are watching another movie (in this case, a "miss marple" mystery on pbs) and you hear someone speak the line: "this is madness"..........and you yell: "THIS. IS. SPARTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!" at the top of your lungs!!! :D

i'll be ok. really.

labor of love

labor of love definition: productive work performed voluntarily without material reward or compensation

when one performs a labor of love..........one does it *for* love, out of the goodness of one's heart, or dedication. there is no compensation, and none is required. however......there are times when one would like to know that the labor is not in vain. i am starting to wonder if all my "labors" are worth it. i spend an awful lot of time working on my gerry group. i am very concientious about it, try to keep it updated, and worry when i lag behind on news. the groups are really quiet, and i don't mind that, as i realize that most people who join groups are "lurkers" and like to read but not speak out. it's the fact the no one seems to bother to read that disturbs me. when i take the time to post news items, and days later someone else posts the same news item like it's never been seen or heard before...........i start to wonder: why do i do this? why do i spend so much time trying to be a good 'list mommy'? my own personal gerry fandom doesn't depend on the group........i was a fan long before i inherited it..........and i'll be a fan long after it's gone. it's frustrating to work so hard at something, and then feel like nobody gives a damn. to top it all off, yahoo for some reason has moved us from "entertainment" to the "adult" catagory which means that if anyone is searching yahoo groups for a gerard butler group...........they won't find us. i've emailed yahoo repeatedly to no avail. honestly....i was so frustrated about this that it actually brought me to tears. again....i feel like over 3 years of hard work and, yes, a labor of love.........has been a waste. i don't want compensation, i don't even want people to say anything about the group...........but for GOD'S sake........if you are a member..........at least READ THE DAMN POSTS!! at least then i will feel like all the time i devote to it is worthwhile. i know, i know...it shouldn't matter, because it's a labor of love after all, but dammit, i'm tired. if no one else cares..........why should i??? i swear, if i hadn't put so many, many, many hours into it, i would just delete it. there are lots of other groups out there and i know of at least one that would be thrilled to see mine gone. or? i could just stop updating it. i doubt anyone but cris would even notice.

then....in this midst of all this frustration, a dear friend sends me this poem:

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered

;Forgive them anyway

.If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

People may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;

It is never between you and them anyway.

in my current mood.......it seemed rather fitting and reminded me of my own "love anyway" motto!! it's a wonderful poem, and full of brilliant advice, but oh lord.....it sure is easier said (read) than done!!!

a rare breed....a man with integrity

Biker preacher at home on Harley or leading church

By ADRIANNE M. MURCHISON

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 04/14/08

Biker dude – not preacher dude – comes to mind when you meet Tom Hamilton.
He is indeed a tattoo-laden, leather-jacket wearing, Harley man.
But motorcycles aren't the burly pastor's No. 1 passion.
Jesus is.
And he's in his element during Tuesday night bible study at Sozo New Covenant Fellowship church in Tucker. The brightly-lit storefront space serves as a sanctuary for nearly 50 worshippers, and rows of oversized loveseats and chairs are their pews.
Standing on a platform, dressed in his usual liturgical attire – jeans and a T-shirt – the preacher dissects the Old and New Testament with church members.
He points out that the book of Luke is written in an orderly way and the book of Mark is not. He picks member's minds on the role of women during the time of Jesus. And the 51-year-old reminds them that he too is a student of scripture.
"I don't know about you," he says. "It's not that I'm a slow learner. I'm just a fast forgetter."
Hamilton and friend Charlie Crippen co-pastor the unconventional church. Crippen leads Sunday morning services while Hamilton plays the piano and guitar with the band and teaches children's Sunday School.
The church, however, is Hamilton's baby.
"I'm living my dream right now," said Hamilton, a former Marine and graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy.
Sozo was birthed from a weekly Bible study that Hamilton and his wife Brenda started at their home in 2001.
The couple has been married for 27 years.
"It started out with a few people Tom and I hung out with recognizing there was something in him we could learn from," said Brenda, 61. She works as church assistant and treasurer. "It got bigger and we moved into our neighbor's great room. It got to the point where everyone really felt like we had the underpinnings of a church," she said.
Hamilton left his job as network engineer and obtained a degree from Beulah Heights Bible College. He's now working on a master's degree in divinity at Mercer University.
The church doors officially opened in 2004.
Members volunteer with SafeHouse Outreach and other programs that help the homeless and hungry. Anyone in need is welcome at Sozo, but along with help they get some tough love and questions from pastor Hamilton.
"My first reaction when someone says they need help with rent is 'bring me your budget,' " he stated.
New members must take Crown Financial Ministries 10-week biblically based course at the church. The course is led by a church member. Couples and individuals pay $55 and $45, respectively, for course materials, Hamilton said.
"We get initial resistance and then by week five, everybody is looking forward to it," he said. "You learn to open up in a small group and develop relationships. Secondly it really gets you to understand what the Bible says about money, honesty and integrity."
The small church has not always met its own budget of nearly $3,000 per month in rent. High school and Naval Academy buddies and other friends have helped pay the bills, Hamilton said.
On a few occasions, car dealership owner Tim Stewart has paid the rent.
"I met Pastor Tom at the dealership in Tucker, " Stewart said. "I instantly loved him because he rode a Harley. He really puts forth his heart and wears it on his sleeve. Very few people will actually lay down corporate America and do what he's doing."
Joanie Burleigh, 53, from Doraville, met Hamilton at Pleasantdale Church of God. There he taught Sunday School to kindergartners and Bible study to inmates at Gwinnett Detention Center through its program with SafeHouse Outreach.
"At first he was kinda scary with his tough approach," she said "I thought, 'Who does he think he is.' And then I saw that he's just a teddy bear."
Traditional Sunday service never resonated with Hamilton as a child, he said. Despite nurturing parents and success in high school sports "traditional" is not a label that is easily pegged to Hamilton.
The Nashville native's family lived in Texas, Delaware and Ohio. A recovering alcoholic, he started drinking at age 15. Later, he dropped out of high school but still received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy. He recalls weekend "drink-a-thons" during his senior year.
At age 28, Hamilton said Brenda told him frankly that alcohol was destroying his life and he stopped drinking that day.
"I have not had a drink since February 16, 1984," he said.
Recovery from alcoholism has served his ministry and attracted some members who have battled addictions.
Worshipper Lon Cotton said he's 19 years sober from drug and alcohol abuse. "A lot of people in recovery can get specific help from specific problems here," he said.
"I think that we extend a lot more compassion and understanding. We realize that when you feel marginalized [inside], the last thing you want to be made to feel is more on the outside," Hamilton said.

i shall be released

i watched "the last waltz" on vh1 classic tonite and now "i shall be released" will be stuck in my head for days!! what an incredible tune. i'm not really sure what dylan's inspiration for the song was, but i know what *i* think of when i hear it, and after all....isn't that what music is about? ......letting the music take us to a place where we feel, react, and learn a bit more about ourselves than we knew before we heard it? one of our greatest gifts is music, and thank GOD for it. i also have to give a big shout out to 'the band' for "the weight" because it's as a result of that song that i met my dear friend, ed, who means soooooo much to me!!

They say ev'rything can be replaced,

Yet ev'ry distance is not near.

So I remember ev'ry face

Of ev'ry man who put me here.

I see my light come shining

From the west unto the east

.Any day now, any day now,

I shall be released.

They say ev'ry man needs protection,

They say ev'ry man must fall.

Yet I swear I see my reflection

Some place so high above this wall.

I see my light come shining

From the west unto the east.

Any day now, any day now,

I shall be released.

Standing next to me in this lonely crowd,

Is a man who swears he's not to blame.

All day long I hear him shout so loud

,Crying out that he was framed.

I see my light come shining

From the west unto the east

.Any day now, any day now,

I shall be released.

don't forget to dance...

(the blog title is one of my favorite kinks songs, so i decided to borrow it! i hope ray davies doesn't mind!!!)

i've always rather been proud of myself for not getting caught up in the whole reality show thing, but just recently i've started watching "dancing with the stars" and i'm totally hooked. i guess the main attraction for me is that i used to dance, so i know how much hard work and training dancing is, and i can appreciate what these folks who have never professionally danced are going thru. i'm really pulling for cristian de la fuente......what a charmer he is.....even tho he was in the bottom two tonite. the MAIN great thing about my "DWTS" facination, tho, is that they have inspired me to start doing my dancing and yoga exercises again and to try to gain back some of the flexibility i used to have in droves!!! it's really a damn shame that i let myself go, and lost my flexible muscle tone! it will never be what it was in the "old days" but i can certainly get a bit of it back......and feel generally better as well as help stave off some of those old age maladies like arthritis!!! so......wish me luck. i've kept at it for two weeks............which is longer than most of my exercise phases last!!!

a legend in my own mind????

last night i had the genuine joy of meeting the man that a dear friend of mine has been dating for about a year now. when i introduced myself to him he said "ah.......the living legend!" i guess that my reputation preceeds me!!!! (giggle!) truly, tho, it's very nice to know that i am well spoken of.......at least in *some* circles!!!!!! lola the guru strikes again!

it's good to be queen.......

recently i met a lady on the internet, a fellow gerry fan, who had started her own yahoo group for him. i really don't have time for any more groups (i quit all of the ones i was on in the past year for lack of time and energy!) but i joined just to help her out by being a member since the group was new. there are only a few of us there, and apparently most of the members are newer fans, so in my "spare time" (cough, cough!) i've added a few pictures to the galleries and also answered a couple of questions that the members have had about gerry's career. i've been a fan of his for about 8 years or so which seems to be rather unusual in the "gerry community." in times past.....i've been a participant in groups, and been a source of information for different folks who haven't followed his career for quite as long as i have or quite as closely. i've never tried to act like the "queen of all gerry knowledge" (because i am certainly NOT!) and only offered my help when it was requested, and given information when it was asked of me. i've never minded.....i enjoy "sharing the love" but i've found that, unfortunately, not eveyone appreciates my help........EVEN when they were the ones who requested it. i've dealt with fan clubs/groups before, and i SHOULD have learned my lesson about how proprietal, competitive and hurtful fans can be to other fans. it's a mind set that i've never had and totally don't understand, but having dealt with it before, it shouldn't surprise me OR hurt me, but every time it happens.........it does both of those things.

that being said........it was really, really sweet (and funny in a private joke kind of way, right shells??) to read the following post on this new group that i joined:

subject: LONG LIVE THE QUEEN

I am pretty certain that this is the first time that a queen has ever been elected. But I put forward the nomination of Sami as Queen of Gerryland in honor of her dedication to our "country". Long live the Queen. Oh, and thanks too.

no, m.....thank YOU!!!! you made my day........and you'll never know how much!

apparently it's not just me!!!

it's so nice to know there are others who are old fashioned and old school. i appear to be in good company.


http://www.recordstoreday.com/Home


and to those of you who still own "record stores"...........i salute you!!

turn, turn, turn

i have tried to be nice. i have tried communicating. i have sent christmas cards. i have sent birthday wishes. i have inquired about health & vacations. i have given credit where credit was due. i have not bad mouthed. i have sent emails.

i give up.

why i've even bothered (or care!) is a mystery to me. i guess it's just that i have the sort of personality makes me curious as to why others dislike me when i have done NOTHING but try to be friendly and helpful. i wish there was a switch that i could just flip off and make me not give a damn. maybe i'll get there one day.

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time for every purpose, under heaven

A time to be born, a time to die

A time to plant, a time to reapA time to kill, a time to hea

lA time to laugh, a time to weep

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)And a time for every purpose, under heaven

A time to build up,a time to break down

A time to dance, a time to mourn

A time to cast away stones,

a time to gather stones together

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time for every purpose, under heavenA time of love, a time of hate

A time of war, a time of peace

A time you may embrace,

a time to refrain from embracing

To everything (turn, turn, turn)

There is a season (turn, turn, turn)

And a time for every purpose, under heaven

A time to gain, a time to lose

A time to rend, a time to sew

A time to love, a time to hate

A time for peace, I swear its not too late

murphy's law updated

Murphy's law is an adage in Western culture that broadly states that things will go wrong in any given situation, if you give them a chance.

the latest version of murphy's law:

"if there is a movie premiere that gerard butler stars in, and there are pictures out the wazoo of him all over the internet, and you want to be a good list mommy and try to get as many posted to your group that you can: THE COMPUTER WILL BE RUNNING AS SLOWAS FROZEN MOLASSES!!!!"

heehee....

instant karma's gonna get you......

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."- Jesus

Karma is simply the process of cause and effect. If you do A, B will happen. If you plant tomato seeds, and water and look after them, tomatoes will grow.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. -The Beatles

it's really a shame that more people don't subscribe to these ideas, theories, philosophies, or whatever you want to call them. i strive to live this way...i really do, and sometimes i admit that it's quite hard....especially when i try *so* hard with some people, and don't have the same courtesy or respect shown to me in return! but......i am not responsible for other's actions.........good or bad. i am only responsible for the way *i* treat people, and in the end, i only have to answer for what i do. other people will have thier own actions, reactions and inactions to deal with.

why am i writing about this you ask? (ok....you DIDN'T ask, but we'll pretend like someone did!) i needed to remind MYSELF that i did the right thing......even if, yet again, i wasn't treated fairly. c'est la vie!

at least i'll sleep well tonite............

ghost in the machine.....

or a better description might be "ghost in the house!!" in the past year.....there have been SO many things that mysteriously go "missing" in the house.....never to be seen again. at first it was annoying..........now it's getting downright aggravating, frustrating and a bit frightening. in the last week my yoga pants and a knife (yes.....a KNIFE!) have just disappeared into thin air. i don't know about you, but i don't trust a ghost with a friggin' knife!!! i need to find someone who can explain to me how to shut off this vortex that keeps sucking up all of my possessions!!!!

to top it all off, i've had one of those days where not a single, solitary thing has gone right. i guess that is what prompted me to finally "vent" about the ghost!! GO AWAY CASPER!! i don't want you here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

fly to the angels.......

thank you for enriching our lives for 16 years, coco!!! (my lil cokie girl!) we'll miss you, and when you see mr fu in heaven, tell him i still love him!

mr entertainment

mr butler is *the* most entertaining man on the planet............on sooooooo many levels. GOD bless him. ;)

i don't want a pickle...i just wanna ride on my motor-sickle!

was in the grocery store today in the deli section and saw this big jar of HUGE dill pickles...and i just had to have one! the manager was laughing at me........made some comment about how his 4 year old liked those big pickles. i was eating them when i was 4, too. in fact..........i was eating them when i was so young that i didn't even have teeth!!!! :)

(thanks arlo, for the blog title!)

brain damage and eclipse.....

from: http://www.empathbear.com/empath.htm

Empathy is the ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one's empath capacity.

Empaths have the ability to scan another's psyche for thoughts and feelings or for past, present, and future life occurrences. Many empaths are unaware of how this actually works, and have long accepted that they were insensitive to others.

Empathy is a feeling of another's true emotions to a point where an empath can relate to that person by sensing true feelings that run deeper than those portrayed on the surface. People commonly put on a show of expression. This is a learned trait of hiding authentic expression in an increasingly demanding society.

An empath can sense the truth behind the cover and will act compassionately to help that person express him/herself, thus making them feel at ease and not so desperately alone.

Empaths experience empathy towards family, children, friends, close associates, complete strangers, pets, plants and inanimate objects. Empathy is not held by time or space. Thus, an empath can feel the emotions of people and things at a distance. Some are empathic towards animals (i.e.: The Horse Whisperer), to nature, to the planetary system, to mechanical devices or to buildings etc. Others will have a combination of the above.

Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one's abilities (sensitivity) to another's emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep sense of knowing that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate, considerate, and understanding of others.

There are also varying levels of strength in empaths which may be related to the individuals awareness of self, understanding of the powers of empathy, and/or the acceptance or non-acceptance of empathy by those associated with them, including family and peers. Generally, those who are empathic grow up with these tendencies and do not learn about them until later in life.

well........i can honestly say that this certainly explains ALOT!

in other news.....there was the most amazing lunar eclipse tonite. i'm a moon freak, and had been outside earlier on a "smoke break" and noticed how completely incredible the moon looked. it was shining thru some clouds here....you could see the clouds around it, but the moon was completely uncovered. as a result, there was this HUGE halo around it and around the outer rim of the halo was this beautiful peachy color. i was gobsmacked..........it almost looked like a highly detailed painting....a strange 3-d effect. it's really hard to explain...it was almost eerie, and yet incredibly beautiful. i was wishing that i had a camera that could take good night sky photos. anyhow....didn't even realize that there would be a lunar eclipse tonite, but a friend emailed me about it a bit later. of course i had to stand outside and just stare at the wonder of it...even had to pull out the binoculars to get a closer look. i tell ya....there's NOTHING like GOD's light shows, y'all!!!

oh....and i while i was watching the moon, some little night creature...a bird maybe....was making the most unusual and mournful sound over and over and over. what an experience. things like this make me feel so ALIVE!