Marian's Words

BIRTHDAY TWO

2010-07-22T08:22:00.004-05:00

So I DO have a second birthday, and we ARE going to celebrate it as Bob is taking me to lunch at Zoe's today! Best intentions often get changed----why NOT celebrate even though Bob calculates my age now to be 184 years? -------Marian

THE SUNDAY MORNING PAPER, Aug 3, 2008

2008-08-03T15:24:00.003-05:00

There were several things in the morning's Little Rock paper that caught my eye. One was the article about the new standard for housekeeping. The idea was that with the women working outside the home, the home now is probably kept "clean enough to be healthy, but dirty enough to be happy". Mothers and Grandmothers weren't happy with this because they feel that their home is a reflection on who they are. I liked reading this, as I felt it freed me from worrying about "the corners."

Another article was intesesting because it talked about the 6 degrees of separation. Some tests were done by tracing communication methods. They showed a social connectivity among the peoples of the world to the 6th or 7th degree of separation. Perhaps that shows an explanation for all those "it's a small world" experiences which most of us so delight in.

I've never been comfortable in situations calling for "small talk" so was glad to see some suggestions for how to do it reported the the High Profile section. I'll practice them and maybe, just maybe, I can be more comfortable when socializing which I actually really love.

Have some joy in the coming week--it's worth it. Marian

HELLO AGAIN--

2008-07-28T19:18:00.004-05:00

After a somewhat long rest, a big birthday, and a some house guests, I seem to have a renewed interest in the this blog. I heard Al Gore on Meet the Press a week ago, and got excited about his message. It is vital that we listen to it, but other than changing the light bulbs, and driving less (which we try to do anyway due to the high gas prices) there's not much we can do. But there are people who can, and I hope they are working on it as our President doesn't seem to be. Obama and McCain are doing lots of talking hoping to influence the voters, and Obama's trip to Europe and the middle East was of great interest to the press. Banks are failing, but there is still confidence in the F.D.I.C for most of us. Reporting from Iraq seems mixed: they're calming down, but still there are killings; their infrastructure is costing us billions but without much to show for it, and Kisinich isn't getting far with his hope for impeaching the president. So much for the news. Wish someone would answer me, so that we could have a dialogue----How about it? Have you figured out how to get joy form each day? Hope so--Marian

NO ENTRIES FOR A TIME

2008-06-08T21:16:00.001-05:00

TRAVEL!! OH JOY----MARIAN

I'M FOR OBANA FOR PRESIDENT!!!

2008-06-07T16:23:00.002-05:00

WE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY MEMBERS, MUST WIN THE 2009 ELECTION, AND PUT MR. OBOMA IN AS OUR PRESIDENT. I SHALL DO ALL THAT I CAN TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. AGAIN, DEMOCRATS ABSOLUTELY MUST WIN THE PRESIDENCY IN 2008.

MORE OF THE SAME---

2008-06-02T11:11:00.003-05:00

More of my vandetta against MEET THE PRESS--or in fact against all reports about the McCellon book. Did you notice that most of the comments were "Why now? "--"Why not sooner?" "The author is disgrunteld", "why didn't he resign if he felt that way? etc.. I heard very little of the content, either pro or con. It seemed that they thought that it was more important to attack the author. Don't we really want the facts from the Media? It's a pretty day here today---enjoy it. Marian

MEET THE MEET THE PRESS 5-25-O8 WAS VERY BAD: READ ON--

2008-05-25T09:59:00.004-05:00

I am so mad and disgusted! I just listened to Tim Russett's MEET THE PRESS (Sunday, May 25) . I am for Hillary Clinton for president because I think she is better informed about the problems facing our country, and more able to deal with them. But the first half of Russet's panel spent the entire time on her missstatements, mistakes and especially critized the reasons she gave for staying in the race. NOT ONE WORD was said about her program, her solutions, her views or what kind of a president she would make. I think the press in general has not won any kudos during this primary season, but this was a low point. I will vote for whomever wins the nomination, and I strongly support the Democratic party because I feel that our future safety and progress depend upon turning around, if possible, the bad government of the last eight years. But I feel so sure that this morning's program, based on nothing about our country's problems, but only on how many mistakes they feel that Hillary Clinton has made, will NOT help us in any posiltive way to a better government. I have lost all respect for Tim Russet for planning such a presentation, and feel that this was the last straw in my respect for the press as it has operated in this election!!! It will be hard for me to have any joy today-----Marian

A CHANGE OF PACE

2008-05-09T09:56:00.003-05:00

Well, the election has few solutions, and I don't know any of them. Therefore, I plan to think about other things. I'm reading Susan Jacoby's book, THE AGE OF AMERICAN UNREASON. I find it hard to read, but well worth the extra effort it takes to get her opinions about when, why and how we "dumbed down America". I'm also liking Geraldine Brooks book, PEOPLE OF THE BOOK. It is about a person who is stabilizing a very old and unusual book. By tracing down pieces of trivia like what one of the stains might be, she finds lots of interesting history about how the book survived the centurys. I have time to read today, so I'm having fun---Hope you do too. Marian

CREATING NEW RULES FOR THE 2012 ELECTIONS

2008-04-17T11:52:00.003-05:00

It is time to begin considering needed changes in the rules for the 2012 elections. Such problems as the length of the campaigning, the media bias, the type of debates, the tremendous amount of money that has been involved, etc. has led to GREAT dissatisfaction this year. I'm assuming that the parties can establish these needed changes, so I am suggesting that (1) all State primaries to select their party candidate be at the same time, and only several months before the general election when the president is selected.. (The general election can be run the same way as specified in the Constitution; thus requiring no major action by the government.) Financing the election has long been recognized as a major problem, and needs much change; and change which would include a way for money to come from ALL citizens. Presidents should be responsible to all of us, and not just those with inordinate amounts of money. (Big business) I'm not smart enough to think about solutions for this! I would appreciate your comments, and also hearing the suggestions you have been considering. It's a fine day here, a good one for fun. I hope you also have some! Marian

READ MY WAR, by ANDY ROONEY

2008-04-14T12:00:00.003-05:00

We're back from the trip to Texas, and ready again to get into life around here. Politics is still an unhappy subject for me, and I hope for enough others that the parties will change their rules, timing, money spending into a better, shorter, and more effective election for 2012. Do you agree? Read a tremendous book while on vacation. It was published in 2000, but I just ran into it now. It is Andy Rooney's MY WAR. It's 40 degrees here today, but we plan to have fun anyway! You too, I hope. Marian

VACATION TIME FOR US---TEXAS, HERE WE COME!

2008-04-02T16:28:00.003-05:00

We're use to hearing "CHURCH VS. STATE", but I heard a new one that could become well-known also: "SPORTS VS. POLITICS". That starts the imagination with a different set of conflicts. And another thing I read is that the metal value of the penny exceedes its face value. Now isn't that funny? I don't think that will happen to a dollar bill, but it is gong that way------Going on vacation----my turn for fun! Marian

ELECTION EXHAUSTION------

2008-03-24T20:25:00.003-05:00

I'm so tired of the election talk. It is now superficial, repetitive, mean, and far from helpful. WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF THIS COUNTRY, AND FIGHTING AMONG OURSELVES IS NOT GOING TO GET THE JOB DONE. Something has to change. I don't know the solution to how the time between now and convention time should be used, but I for one, am NOT going to listen any more to the election programs on the television. Does anyone agree? FUN? WHAT'S FUN? Marian

READ THIS!

2008-03-19T11:15:00.004-05:00

Wow! I read that some Texans (up in the high percentages) who voted for Obama wouldn't vote for Clinton, should he lose, and some likewise who voted for Clinton, wouldn't vote for Obama should he win. Now, that is a "biting your nose to spite your face" if I ever heard one. Both of those candidates are very close in their plans, but VASTLY different from the Bush program which most of us oppose violently. I hope that this Texas attitude doesn't spread. We MUST get a Democrat into the presidency!!!!! Oh my, slow down and get some fun today. We all need it---Marian

GOOD ADMINISTRATORS------

2008-03-15T14:12:00.004-05:00

I don't know what Wharton School of Business and other big business schools teach their students about being administrators, but I HOPE they put emphasis on the fact administration is a special talent, and that not everyone can be a good one. And one way I think good ones can be judged is bythe atmosphere they create for those they administer. Do they encourage people to enjoy their work? or to be proud of what they do? or enjoy where they work, and the people with whom they work? I mean do they recognize the talents and specialties of the people who work there? Do the understand the talents for the work their workers use? Today, more than ever, the workers (poor name for the employees) know and use specialized information, tools, techniques far beyond the ken of the administrators, so it is extremely necessary for these administrators to create a good atmosphere--how many of you are administrators like that? and how many of you have had administrators like that? Well, think about it, but have some fun today. Marian

NEW BOOK

2008-03-14T11:40:00.002-05:00

I just finished Tom Brokow's new book about the sixties. It was a VERY GOOD BOOK!!! Tell me if you read it. Sit out in the sun some time today---it's fun! Marian

IT'S A GOOD DAY

2008-03-11T14:28:00.004-05:00

Beautiful day, so we sat out on the balcony in the sun. My medicines were changed a bit yesterday, and I feel better than I have since Nov. 1, today!!!! And have you noticed that even the media itself is telling of its prejudiced reporting for Obama, and against Clinton? They are even using statistics to prove it. Have LOTS of fun today! Marian

NO WORDS

2008-03-10T12:14:00.002-05:00

It's a blah day here, weather-wise, and ambition-wise. BUT things are about back to normal and I should be able to share more "words" with you soon. Have some fun today---Marian

POINTS TO MENTION

2008-02-25T19:53:00.003-06:00

HERE ARE SEVERAL THINGS FROM THE PAPER THAT I FOUND INTERESTING AND SIGNIFICANT:

1. 27 Million Dollars were spent in recovery efforts for the
Gray Wolf in the Rocky Mountains since 1974!!!!!!

2. Stanford tuition and board for one student next year will be: tuition:$36,000 and Board and Room: $11,182!!!!!! (I must admit that the story also contained information that the school intends to give many more scholarships this coming year)

2. Headline in morning paper (2-25-08): EXPERT;TEENS CASUALLY CUSSING MORE
Here is the punch: this is a quote from "Timothy Jay, one of the leading scholars on cursing in the United States." (leading scholar on cursing????)

PLEDGED DELEGATES ARE ELECTED--CHECK IT OUT

2008-02-13T09:51:00.004-06:00

The media seems to be implying that the pledged delegates are not elected, so shouldn't decide the cadidate for the Democratic Party if it should reach that point.. The "pleadged delegates" are senators, represeentitive, governors etc.. Aren't they elected? I don't care for whom you vote, but I do hope your vote is an intellegent one, not one dictated by miss statements or implied truths . Take time to be happy today. Marian

THE MEDIA IS RUNNING THE ELECTION-----

2008-02-12T20:28:00.000-06:00

FROM THE NON-PARTISAN Center for Media and Public Affairs: "From Decemger l6 through January 27, media coverage of Obama has been 87 percent favorable, for Clinton only 51 percent favorable. " What do you suppose will be done about this to prevent it in the years to come? We want the election to reflect the wishes of us, the People of the United States! It's getting serious now. Joy? I hope there is some left----Marian

media and public affairs

THIS MORNING'S THOUGHT

2008-02-11T10:36:00.000-06:00

This election results this year will no doubt go down in the history books as the one the media dictated. It will be interesting to read how it is written in them in a year or two.. And perhaps you should be reminded to wash your hands OFTEN as the morning paper said that the flu is coming in more types than we are protected from by the shot.
You might as well have fun today. Why not? Marian

TWI THINGS ABOUT THE ELECTION----

2008-02-07T16:14:00.000-06:00

Two things about the election last Feb 5 especially impressed me. First: the astonishing number of Democrats that voted. It appears that the Democratic Chairman reached his goal of increasing the number of Democrats at the grass root level. Second: I saw no (I might of missed some) mention that Hillary Clinton took the State of Mass. IN SPITE OF THE KENNEDY ENDORSEMENT. I'll just bet that had Mass. not got for Hillary, there would have been many comments from the Media about how much Kennedy's backing meant. Do you have some comments on this? Think about it. Marian

FATEFUL TUESDAY

2008-02-05T10:07:00.000-06:00

HOPE YOU GET A CHANCE TO VOTE TODAY---DO YOUR OWN THINKING ABOUT WHOM YOU THINK COULD DO THE BETTER JOB. THUNDER STORMS HERE TODAY--A BAD OMEN. BUT TODAY DO SOMETHING YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO FOR FUN---MARIAN

BRING THE TROOPS HOME---still another reason

2008-02-01T11:42:00.001-06:00

And now, we're hearing that this country is most unprepared for a disaster, attack, huge storm or other danger because our National Guard and Reserve have been so neglected or sent to Iraq! Another reason not to spend more money on keeping the combat troops in Iraq! We need as a country, to tend to this. The Democratic Debate last night was inspiring: no bickering, and no time constrains allowed more time for discussing the issues in a better way. Aside: can anyone imagine what pressure those two people were under? Put yourself in their place and think how you would have felt during the last five minutes before the cameras were turned on!!!!!! Will you have some fun today? Hope so. Marian

QUESTION

2008-01-31T09:41:00.000-06:00

Now, I ask you: just where are we as a government, going to get the money for the tax rebates to most all and sundry of our citizens in an attempt to ward off the recession? Think about that? It's raining hard here today; a good day to read. That's a joy---Marian

2008-01-28T21:43:00.000-06:00

We're in real trouble with this election with the media attempting to dictate the choice in such an out and out way! While lots of people are seeing this, the Feb. 5th elections are coming too soon for their to be an up swell against it. President Clinton should, in my opinion, stay presidential in his support of his wife. I was happy to hear several say today that if we brought the combat troops home, we could pay what it takes to save our economy. Well, sleep well, and save a little joy for tomorrow. Marian

ECONOMY AND BRINGING THE TROOPS HOME

2008-01-24T10:13:00.000-06:00

This may be vastly oversimplified, but think about it. For several weeks now the media has been talking about only the economy. That's a good thing to talk about but what happened to our concern about ending the war and bringing the troops home? Bush and the Congress are thinking about pouring money into the economy to forestall the depression. Where are they going to get that money? Why not end the combat and bring the troops home, and use some of that money to save the economy? Well, think about it? Have some fun today--Marian

More shots at the Media ---

2008-01-22T15:40:00.000-06:00

There was a headline in this morning's paper (Democrat Gazette) that really annoyed me: Here it is: "From S.C. to Florida, candidates in quest for primary votes honor slain leader." I'm just not so blase that I think ANY of the people running for President of the United States would praise Martin L. King just to get votes. But the media wants to influence our thinking!!!

Also, I think the former President should be VERY careful about what he says as nobody knows what Karl Rove is doing these days, and he just might be out there waiting to turn anything Bill says into trouble for his wife. Anyway, it is my opinion that the former president really doesn't have to say anything to effectively back his wife. He just has to be there. Enough for today---Marian

HELLO AGAIN; BACK ON THE JOB OF OPINION GIVING!!

2008-01-17T13:14:00.000-06:00

I am glad to be back at this "blogging business" after the long Christmas break, which, by the way, was a good one. But how about the election? It's gone a long time, and still has a long way to go! I'm worried that we, the people, are getting crowded out of making the decidsions, however. I think the media is doing it for us. They are makeing comments, writing stories, making implecations that say too much about what they think is going on. How many of you have heard how things are going: who's ahead, who can't win in S.C., who said things that brought up the race or gender issue -- all interpretations of what THEY think.. All of this long before the vote in any State. There must be hundreds of news writers, all of whom need to write a story with a viewpoint that we hear and read. Most of these individuals are subtly (and maybe not so subtly) pushing a candidate. I want our president to be selected by US, the people.

And there are the polls. Many, many of them, and their published results push people into changing their votes. What about outlawing the polls? But it is too late for election reforms like government financing, limiting time of electioneering, etc. At this point in the procedures, all you and I and others can do is to be aware that we are reading and hearing material that is prejudiced. We each need to think and listen carefully about the issues that are important to us, and really question what is said about them, and try to check the facts. We want this election outcome to be the best person for a very hard job of bringing our troops home, of re-making our image in the world, of working on problems of global warming, and bringing balance of opportunities and rewards to all of our people, and of managing our economy.

There, I have said a lot that I want to say. More another day. Have a great 2008, Marian

TOO FAST

2007-12-12T21:16:00.000-06:00

Things are happening too fast for me to keep up with them right now, so this blog has to take the side line. I'll be really ready to unload about January 15. In the meantime, ENJOY! Marian

AN OIL PAINTING THIS TIME----

2007-12-07T09:34:00.000-06:00

This is an Oil Painting
of a place in Gatlinburg, Tenn. It's another dark and somber day here, but joy to you anyway--Marian

WHY? DON'T WE BRING OUR TROOPS HOME-----

2007-12-06T14:52:00.000-06:00

With all the "good" news coming our way from seemingly all the foreign trouble spots of the world, why, oh why don't we bring out troops home!!!!! And why do we keep telling other countries what to do? Why do we have to set ourselves up as the real authority who knows what evey other country should do? Why can't we work together?
It's a dark day here. Marian

SEVERAL THINGS

2007-12-01T19:37:00.000-06:00

Well, what do you know! I got a message that I was to start on my blog again! Inspirational! Now I HAVE been thinking about what I want to say, and there are several subjects that I want to comment on. But another time--I'm still thinking.

One is WHAT I'd like all administrators to have training in. I mean Wharton MBAs, Doctors, School Superintendants, College Presidents--well, you get the idea. But I haven't completely thought the words out yet. So another day.

Another thing that I'm considering is about SALT, and still another is about the anticipation I feel for our family Christmas which will be in Kansas.

.I'm a artist print maker. That's a bold statement. Perhaps I should say that I'm fascinated by the methods of print making such as screen printing, etching, wood and lino cuts, and the many variations thereof. I am completely fascinated by any of the methods which are complicated and long drawn out. The end result is often a surprise, and not always something I like, but always something exciting. So tonight, if I can, I'll put one of my originial prints on this blog, and see what happens. (Again, "well" look where the machine put the print!) This is a screen print, and it took 3 screens to do it. Do you like it? Joy---Marian

GOOD NEWS FROM IRAQ????

2007-11-27T20:57:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-25T11:44:00.000-06:00

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--

2007-11-21T12:02:00.000-06:00

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

TREES

2007-11-20T09:51:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-18T15:04:00.001-06:00

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----

2007-11-17T15:48:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-16T20:43:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-15T13:47:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-13T19:06:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-11T16:32:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-11T16:00:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-11T14:44:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-10T08:40:00.000-06:00

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?

2007-11-09T19:35:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-09T10:18:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-08T10:21:00.000-06:00

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----

2007-11-07T09:34:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-06T15:16:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-05T11:09:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-04T13:28:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-04T13:14:00.000-06:00

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