Fall..Really?

Fall has always been one of my favorite if not most enjoyed time of year. Things are changing and not for the good I think. Each year fall seems to be slipping away more and more. This year in the D.C. area, October is in the record books as the warmest October yet. We have had day time temperatures in the 80's - so what happened to the nice cool days, leaves blowing all about?

After all, what is Halloween without the cold snap of air and leaves madly running across the ground - passing you as you run? Yes, we are thinking the same thing -- global warming. As much as the current administration of the White House want to ignore it and say it is not happening, fact is fact.

When I was a kid some 25 years ago we would get huge amounts of snow in northern Wisconsin. That is no longer the case. Often there will be more rain in the winter than snow. It does not get quite as cold there either - I recall some absolute bone chilling temperatures growing up.

Summers too are much warmer; as a kid we might see one day in the 90's but now most of the summer can be like that. There is no denying it although Bush is trying really hard to do so.

Well, today it is raining and somewhat cool. I am in hopes that this is the beginning of a true fall. I may not get to see the colors and take the walks through piles of blowing leaves that I like to do, but the change is here - I think, I hope.

Fall is supposed to be a time when the many things can rest and take that healing slumber. Storing up life to come bursting out in the spring. Let us hope that the world wakes from it's slumber and understands what is happening.

Choices of Direction

Which way to go, what to do when you get there. I am trying to find a way to change careers without having to start at absolute bottom in the new career choice. While my current work does include my new direction - which is writing, it does not include as much as I would like. Of course what I would like is to do this full time and make a living from just writing.

How do you explain to the new employer that you have been writing for years, but your job title was never anything close to "copy writer" or "content writer". I have writen content for the web and essays for books on assorted subjects. I see you peeking behind me and yes, there is that unfinished novel back there too.

I read somewhere once that if you get up each day and write, you are a writer - if you rise each day and sing, you are a singer. It does not matter if you are paid for it. It is something that is within you - it is a part of what makes you who you are and therefore it "is". It is with this thought in mind that I shall go out into the world and make my living doing what I love to do.

Follow me on my experiment. I shall perform assorted styles of writing and see what happens. Stay tuned for the first installment of the new adventure!

Tea

Hold in your mind as you sip your next cup of tea, that this often simple liquid’s journey began thousands of years ago. It humbly, aromatically, warmly sits in your cup infusing you with its sometimes mystical properties. Legend says this journey began in China in the year 2737 when an Emperor stopped to rest on a long journey. His servants were boiling some water and leaves from a wild tea bush fell into the water; the curious Emperor drank this new found beverage and found it not only pleasing but invigorating.

In the 1600s tea made its way to the American colonies. Tea remained a very popular beverage despite the “Tea Party” held in Boston. The race between tea and coffee is on going and will most likely remain so.

Each few years one ratchets itself up past the other in consumption. Once again we find ourselves at a time when tea, truly good tea is being sought out by many Americans. So, how to choose a great tea? You should note that I did not say “blend” as there are only 4 types of tea. There is black, green, white and oolong. The flavors you might get in the local store such as citrus etc. are simply that. They are flavors added to the tea – but all begin with one of the four teas I mentioned above.

When you choose a tea, you must understand your needs and why you want the tea. Each has properties unique unto themselves.

Black tea has been used throughout history for medical purposes, long before it became a breakfast tea. It helps relieve diarrhea, lowers cholesterol levels and helps prevent tooth decay. The tea has a therapeutic effect on gastric and intestinal illnesses because of its tannins, which decrease intestinal activity and exerts an anti-diarrheal effect. To get the maximum benefit for diarrhea, let the tea steep for a full 15 minutes. This releases a good amount of tannins, also drink it unsweetened.

Green tea possesses numerous compounds that have antioxidant and health-enhancing properties. One of the main compounds is the bioflavonoid catechin. Catechin works both alone and in conjunction with other flavonoids found in the tea and has both defense-supporting and free radical-scavenging properties. Recently, numerous scientific research studies have been published supporting the intake of green tea. Several of these studies conclude that green tea has heart-health benefits. Other studies show promise balancing overall health. Although these studies need additional supporting research to confirm their conclusions, it is clear that modern science is starting to prove what traditional Chinese health practitioners have known all along: green tea enhances our body and mind in many, many ways.

White tea is high in antioxidants, aids in detoxifying the body, studies show white tea is excellent for skin/complexion reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Oolong tea Studies show that drinking Oolong during or after a high-cholesterol meal has been shown to lower the intake of fat content in the blood. Promotes healthy teeth, skin and bones.

The more I find out, the more I understand that tea is more than a beverage, it is a healing herb that also passes as a beverage.

Well, I think it's time to go brew a cup of tea and this moment calls for green as there is much to be done today and I will need a clear mind.

All Roads Lead To...

I happened to read a conservative news article about the Democratic candidates appearing on LOGO (the gay & lesbian TV network). There were a few articles commenting on the show, but then as always -- bang! A plug for the war. I could not stand it and sent this reply comment to the blog. I'm sure it will be hated, but then - do I care?

As posted on Humanevents.com

I was replying to an article called " Pandermonium: Dems Leave GLBT Group Confused"
by Ericka Andersen

My Reply:

A proverb says that "all roads lead to Rome”. In today’s world it seems all roads lead to another plug for our troops being someplace they shouldn't be. There were no WMDs only Bush’s lies to get us into this mess. He should have been focused on getting Osama – me thinks his family ties to the bin Laden family created an error in judgment. However, that aside; yes no one should be surprised to read or hear conservative rhetoric on a conservative site, TV station or radio station – that is their purpose. Go to more liberal places and you will find what you are looking for there as well.

What does bother me is that there is nary an unbiased place for news reporting any longer. There are very few reporters around that can keep themselves in check when it comes to intermingling their own viewpoints with the “story” and thus creating the ever-present slant. As a matter of fact – I don’t really know of a time and place where it was “just the facts” and nothing else.

As for the gay marriage issue – I have yet to hear any good reason against it. So some say it is against the Bible…well, that is a book for only some Americans not all so if it is against your specific religion, then don’t do it. They say it would weaken the institution of marriage to allow gays to marry; let’s face it, how many years has the whole Anna Nicole Smith marriage, divorce etc. been banging a dent in the institution of marriage. Even now that she is passed on, I doubt we have heard the last of it. Of course there have been many other public debacles of said institution over the years. The word marriage does not belong to any one person, group or religion. If allowing full and equal rights under the law makes you afraid – then find a country that oppresses freedom and I’m sure you will be happy there.

Inch by inch the rights for all Americans moves forward. It might be slowed, but never stopped. If the best one can get is “Civil Unions” then fine. We all know that once there are Civil Unions people will naturally refer to it as “marriage” because that word is too ingrained in the American lexicon. Civil Unions will be a phrase used by conservatives during the last breath of non-acceptance – but in the end a rose by any other name is still a rose.

Hairspray - 2007

Divine should be spinning his wig off in the grave! I have enjoyed Travolta in other films, but let's see the light here -- whoever decided that he should play this role in Hairspray has laid a huge egg. I had an open mind going in, but had to work way to hard throughout the entire film suspending reality each time Travolta hit the screen. It made me wonder if he ever watched and really paid attention to how a woman moves or speaks -- I have seen some pretty bad drag in my day...and this will go on that list. John...please, please never try this sort of thing again.

On to the rest of the cast -- they were wonderful! I was a bit disappointed that this was not filmed in Baltimore (The big studio should have kept up with a great Water's tradition) Baltimore is as much a cast member as any actor when it comes to anything Water creates.

Christopher Walken -- as always he is fabulous. He is the actor's actor.

I'm sure they could have done something else with the Queen's wardrobe, but maybe they were trying to make her look older than she is? Could have been a much more amazing wardrobe for her. (and yes, she was fabulous too).

All in all, the numbers performed were fun and engaging. Fun music and even a touching moment here and there. I will admit that Travolta's best moment is a love song and dance scene with Walken - but trust me it was Walken's spark that lit that scene. It is well worth a matinee price or video rental -- but if you must buy a DVD purchase the original with Divine; that is the one you should study in film class.

Adult Education - It Could Happen?

Do you wonder like me? Do you find it easier or harder to learn things as you get older? It seems that when I was much younger new technology was simple. I never had to read directions for that new gadget - I just made it work and within 15 minutes knew everything about it!

Today is so very different; granted the technology is much more sophisticated than it used to be but still, is it just me? Currently I am working on learning more about being a "webmaster". The first thing I have learned is that there are now more definitions for a "webmaster" than you can shake that proverbial stick at - and we're talking a big stick here! I was told by one online school when asked where to start..."with the fundamentals" they replied. Okay I thought, let's take a look and see. Well, there were three very different fundamental courses listed. It would have been nice if they would have said which one was best for a beginner webmaster.

I looked them over and picked one. Paid my $169.00 via my credit card, then waited. The books arrived a few days later. As I looked them over I thought "are these for webmaster or network administrator?". I have agonized over thoughts of continuing and moving ahead with the reading - getting certified in whatever it is that I'm reading or go to a community college and take night and weekend classes for a more structured approach.

It's in my nature to push through - not sure if it is always a good thing or not but I will read on. (If you hear a thump, it's just my head hitting the desk) Ya, the stuff is dry as a post with bits of interesting sprinkled here and there.

As I read on and the author speaks about UNIX and other systems my mind keeps drifting to mundane things -- has that bill been paid, should I cut the grass, has the dog been bathed lately? "Come on now, keep to the subject!" that inner voice screams to me. Why can't the inner voice study and let me know what's going on later when I'm more awake and apt to paying attention?

I tell myself each and every day that I will go home right after work and study.

I go home each night, fix dinner and watch TV.

Time is short. I need to finish this course ASAP or at least by November. Tonight I study. I am resolute in my decision.

So I'm back at the original question -- is it harder to learn as an adult or do you just find the right education method that fits you? I'll think about that and another nagging question: What's for dinner tonight? (sigh)

Unbroken Circle

Death is simply a continuation of the same journey. Another chapter and I think hardly the last. It is that part of the journey that is traveled without pen and paper -- it is a "No tattling" zone. Once you're there, you must not spoil it for those yet to come, the excitement should be fresh and clean for them. Unspoiled by other's perceptions.

Egad, what has prompted this little bit of writing? It is that moment when calm surrounds you and it is understood that one's parents are not here forever -- when you were not looking they became mortal. (how rude) The plan was for them to be around well, forever.

Recently my mother has been diagnosed with what I think is peripheral vascular disease. The veins in her legs are blocked almost completely. Under normal circumstances, they would attempt a balloon type surgery, but the veins in her legs are too small for that and they are afraid they will burst them (not good). There is also a bypass surgery, but due to her age and other factors, they advise against that as well. She had tried a medication to clear the blockage but the side affects are very severe and she could not tolerate them. End result is that it might very well contribute to an earlier death and a death that could come quite unexpectedly. Some part of the blockage will at some point in time, let itself loose and she will be in the "No Tattling Zone". I know what you're thinking -- and the answer is no. Just because she is my mom she is still not allowed to tell me anything once she is there.

As I speak with my mother, trying to not be too serious which is tough to do in conversations such as those, it appears she is keeping her spirits light. I know better -- she is scared. So often I have looked into her eyes and have seen the little girl she keeps there. She has held that part of her spirit in place. You see it best when a small simple thing gives her joy. The joy of a child shines much to bright to hide. Now near her mid seventies, she continues to plan for the future. Her dreams have not diminished due to age -- some of them may have changed or been switched out with something within her physical limitations, but none the less remain intact and continue to grow.

Jim Fiebig said, "Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone." There you have it - simple but true. We are the ones who complicate life, but in truth it's basics are actually quite simple.

I must admit that at this point, I too try and believe that this is not as serious as it is. That in no time, the doctor will say - "Hey, we can do this and fix everything!". But I have been looking for treatment options on the Internet and they are few. Some new things going on, but it is still in the research mode. If one of the research projects is going on close enough to my parents in Northern Wisconsin, maybe we can get her into one there. Of course being on Medicaid and Medicare with no other insurance does not help the situation either.

I am at a point in my life that I accept this last stage of earth-bound living. For many years I have believed that all things are connected by a physical energy, the energy of the Universe. You, me the tree you like to sit or stand under and yes, even the squirrel staring down at you from the tree's uppermost branches. We are all connected by the energy that is the Universe down to the last molecule.

For now -- I will enjoy the time I have with my parents and in doing so try so very hard to be mindful of the time I spend with all people. As we are all well aware, things change. The person handing you that Big Mac while thinking about how much their feet hurt might not be there a moment from now. This circle of life - of humanity and all things living may ebb and flow; it may become larger, then smaller, brighten and dim, but it will never expire or break.