GOOD NEWS FROM IRAQ????

The papers are full of what just might be better news coming from Iraq. I hope that these stories really mirror the true condition. It seems to me that if they do, then that's all the more reason to bring the combatant troops home as fast as they possible can.

This is a Kansas tree--when you look at it and let your mind roam, don't you get lots of thoughts and idea? Joy to you---Marian

A PARTIAL CATCH_U"P

I found an article called "Books aren't dead---theyre just going Digital" in the Nov. 26, 2007 issue of NEWSWEEK a very good read. I'd automatically thought that books in any form except hard bound, and paper backs would never interest me, a heavy reader, but read the article. See what you think, and let's discuss it----Have some joy today, Marian

A WISH FOR ALL--

PLEASE HAVE A GOOD DAY TOMMOROW WITH SPECIAL LOVE FOR YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, ALL OF THEM. HAVE SOME EXTRA JOY YOURSELF, TOO----MARIAN

TREES

The first tree in by the Museum of Art in Long Beach, CA, and seems to me to be so strong and protectuve.
But one friend said that it reminded her of a SUMO wrestler. The second tree is a triplet, and is a real

addition to any landscape. Have fun today, and more tomorrow----Marian

RESPONSE TO THE SUNDAY PAPERS

Did you notice as you read your Sunday paper this morning that all the reporting about the political race was only about who was ahead in the polls, who had the most paid staff in Iowa, and who had the most money? There was not a word in our papers about what the candidates stood for, what they would do if elected, or any legislation for which they would work if elected. What is this?
Do the reporters and powers-that-be in the news business just want a fight? Do they ignore reporting what the voters would like to know in order to vote wisely? I also think that it might be stretching a bit for newsmen to say nobody except those with the most money are the only ones who have a chance. Or that we need only report on the "first three" as even BEING in the running. But these two statments have been said so much and in so many ways, that it seems to be taken for granted. But I wonder?

I promise more trees in the next issue----joy------Marian

AN ADDENDUM----

To my Nashville friend--thanks for your comment! You're the first outside family to comment, and you can't imagine (unless you've had one) how exciting it is.Thanks. You gave joy today.

I really meant to add to my political statement in yesterday's blog that for a long time I have thought and said that I believe there will be some activity, storm, happening, just some big thing that will throw everything about the election into a tizzy---change everything. I don't have any idea what it might be, and I hope that it isn't bombing Iran, but something. Mark my words. I hope I'm wrong, and if I am, I'll be thankful, but------ have some joy today. Marian

(I don't have to mention this as you already know it---I can't spell, and there's no spell check on these blog blanks that I've been able to find, so please exceuse me---)

DEMOCRATIC DEBATE

I heard he Democratic candidates for President debate last nigh, and was impressed again with the quality of those running. I do believe that should any one of them get elected we would be well served. Last night I was especially interested in what Richardson had to say, and at this point I'm inclined to vote for him. He, unequivically, supports bringing the troops home immediatly. As this has always been my main concern, I liked what he said.

I seldom listen to the pundits after the debates, as I don't really like to have them tell me not only what I heard, but also what I should think about what I heard. I often think that what they say happenened in the debates when reports appear in the Newspapers, is really not what happened at all.

Got a bit of progress toward my Christmas list of "to-dos" today when we made a trip to Hot Springs for a little shopping. And the trip over and back was really a pleasure as it was a perfect Fall day with plenty of color left in the hills and trees. Well, I hope you, too, had some joy today--Marian

JITTERS & PANIC

Thanksgiving isn't even here, but I became aware yesterday that Christmas is coming--really coming. We had our travel plans ready, our cards were made, and I was operating under the delusion that we were on schedule for completubg the choosing of presents, wrapping them, addressing and mailing cards-------but NO, all of that needs still to be done. JITTERS & PANIC! Christmas is the very best time of the year to me. Not only for the reasons we know are the reasons for the season, but for our extended family time. I love our family, and at this season, I've especially loved watching the "kids" become the grownups with kids of their own; I have taken pleasure in watching those same grownup "kids" becoming careful, thoughtful and good parents. I have enjoyed getting sent to the sidelines, not needed anymore for planning and preparing the celebration. Yes, I love the Christmas season even the one during the ice storm a few years ago when we had 25 members of the family here in our house for from 3 to 9 days. Such a time for visiting; such a time of conversations in depth, such a time full of love. Food? We had plenty? Ice storm? An amazing experience. As I read this over, it sounds a bit sentimental. It sounds as if I need not really be jittery or panicy. We're family, and whatever happens should be enjoyed and treasured. So---I'm taking Christmas in its turn, and starting right now making my thankyou list for next week. One holiday at a time. And if you have JITTERS & PANIC, let them go, go, go and then enjoy. Here's JOY to you all---Marian

TUESDAY

There is nothing quite so satisfactory as visiting a home that is loved, beautiful, and reflective of its owners. The art group previously mentioned another day did just that today. The home was filled with beautiful paintings, many done by the owner, a number of collections interestingly displayed, and everything shouted "comfort". It was surrounded by a beautiful yard and fronted by a unique porch. What a pleasure! But it was also an inspiration. I, for one, decided to come home and get rid of all the clutter in our home. It will take lots of will power, time, and just plain work. The question is: now will I do it? But just a short time after I got home, the mail man came. He brought 4 cataloges, 6 magazines, one book -----well, I guess I'd better check them out before I get to dealing with clutter. I'll unclutter tomorrow. That's life! So have some fun today, Marian

'TREES

I'm fascinated by trees. And being somewhat of an artist, I like to paint them. And I've found that no matter how I might paint a certain tree, somewhere in he world a tree like that exists. Look at this one. Usually would you expect anyone to believe it if I painted it? I've a huge selection of photographs of strange, but beutiful trees, so from time to time I'll show them.

Today, I was asked to name some of the things I was thankful for: I wrote immediatly Bob, my children, health, extended family, friends, and that I lived in the United States!!!!

I had a good day, and I hope you did too---Marian

THREE HAPPY PEOPLE

These are happy people because we are going shopping! We have our allowances with us!
Hope you have as good a day as we did----Marian

SUNDAY THOUGHT

The book that is suggesged for reading all over the State of Arkansas is by an Arkansas writer named Kevin Broekmeier, and is named THE BRIEF HISTORY OF THE DEAD. I haven't read it, as this is the first I've heard about it. I do think it's a great idea, however, to have books suggested for all in the State to read. Another book that I did read recently is by a women who teaches at the U. of A. in Fayetteville. Her namer is MOHJA KAHF, and the book is THE GIRL IN THE TANGERINE SCARF. It's about a Muslim girl growing up in a closely knit family in a Muslim conclave in the State of Indiana in the 1970s. The girl is trying to decide what she believes, and to me, although WHAT she is trying to work out in her mind is different from what I tried to work out in my mind as I was growing up, HOW she thought about it was quite similar. I think many of you would like it.

I still don't have pictures, and still hope to learn how soon!!! Have some fun today, Marian

SATURDAYS

On Saturdays, a friend and I join a small group of women artists for lunch and a work session afterward. At this session we look at the work each of us has done since the last meeting and offer suggestions and encouragement. And if you think we don't talk about anything but art, than you just don't know much about women! I have nothing of my own work to take this week, but am taking a picture of a beautiful knitted rug of unusual and orginal design done by a friend of mine. The women will like that. I hope all of you have as good a day as my friend and I expect to have. Marian (I haven't forgotten the pictures, ---just don't yet know how.)

PICTURES?

Well, I wanted a chance of pace today, so most of day I've tried to figure out how to get pictures into this blog. I have some wonderful photos that I'd like to share. But alas, no success. Pictures will have to wait until another day.

It was lovely out today; the kind of weather we live here in Arkansas for. The trees in our area are becomming full of color, and yet the flowers are still blooming. The azaleas are still in bloom and we have two huge bushes of pink camellias blooming in great glory. It's hard, therefore, to stay in and work at how to put pictures on the blog!! So tomorrow, I won't. It is supposed to rain Sunday, a good time to stay in front of the computer, so maybe pictures will come next time----Have a joyful evening. Marian

A CHANGE OF PACE

I'm trying to learn how to put pictures on here. I have a collection of wonderful trees that I'd like to show some of. I shall keep trying, but right now I have to 1) do dishes, 2)make pear sauce -like apple sauce--from some gift pears, 3)talk to my daughter when she calls and--well something will show up! Anyway, I hope I can post some pitures later. Have some fun today, Marian

TODAY'S WORDS

I fully intended to write about the Stock Market today as violent ups and downs such as we've had lately make anyone old enough to remember 1929 get goosebumps! However, after reading my horoscope, I decided I had better not: "This is a day to keep your cards close to the vest. Learn not to reveal much. Keep it light. And above all, do not argue politics, morality, ideology or taste." Wouldn't you, too, resist?

But I can suggest that you get your flu shot. Have fun today--Marian

This morning's thoughts----

Being a hundred years old is no longer a rarity. The paper this morning said that 100 years and older is the fastest growing segment of our society!

And let me say that we DO support our troops--we just want that money to be spent bringing them home as fast as they can in an orderly way. And I hope the powers-that-be don't fool around with the definition of "as fast as they can in an orderly way". I know that every member of the troops can't be brought home at once, so that's the reason for the word "orderly".It means exactly what it says. And this means ALL of them. If they need troops to guard things such as our Embassy buildings and the Green Zone, then let the vollenteers in the Blackwaters do it.

On a personal note--, our good and dear friend Sue came through her operation yesterday and is in a stable condition this morning!!!!!!

SOME THOUGHTS ON PAKISTAN

The papers this morning were full of the troubles in Pakistan, and I am reminded of a book that I read recently. It was THREE CUPS OF TEA, written by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It is about building schools for girls up in impoverished villages in the Pakistan mountains close to and in the area of the Taliban. Greg Mortenson started with one school, and that number has now grown to 60! The story of building of these schools is heart warming and very interesting Their work is continuing as CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE, P.O. Box 7209, Bozeman, MT., 59771. Today, as I read the papers, I wondered about those schools and hope that they are beginning to be an influence for good. (That's an example of an understatment). Have fun today, Marian (Thanks Ann, Bob, Jim and Keith)

Random Thoughts

Al Gore in his book,THE ASSAULT ON REASON, suggested that a person might have more of a dialog with the "powers-that -be" by using the BLOG. So I'm responding. The last election showed, I thought, overwhelmingly, that we, the people, wanted our troops out of Iraq. But they are not yet home. By trying to put my thoughts on the airwaves, I hope I've set an example for millions of others to do the same and also follow his advice. Perhaps we can get our opinions heard. That's my main reason for this Blog.

Now, sometimes, however, I'll just react to the morning news, or share some other ideas and thoughts. That's what I shall do today as I find that actually beginning this BLOG is intimadating---so: (1) Bob put his wrist watch on the sill of an open window last night to get it reset after the change in time. It worked. This morning the watch was correctly set an hour behind.. He said that if the watch is within a certain range of Denver, CO, the change is made. Does anyone understand this? (2) I am really sorry that Ethanol as a substitue for gasoline is not working out. (3) I'm not really excited about seeing King Tut's face, but I suppose some people are. Have fun today. Marian

Good afternoon

Lovely day, here. Good for sitting on the balcony! Question for the day? Why do we drive on the right side of the road, and the English drive on the left side?

Day 2

I am still able to log is and so here is new post. It is a beautiful fall day.

Thought you might like to see Marian and Ann.

jim