Battlefield: A Flash Friday Offering

anxiety

declares war…

ego trips,

detonating

mines

planted within

emotions

clandestinely hidden

below

conscious thought…

sanity wounded,

embattled,

enslaved,

prisoner of war…

cunning enemy

masquerades

as gilded

bottles

bewildering 

captive victim

until courage,

strength,

empowerment,

found when,

out of desperation,

upon humbled knees

defeat's conceded

upon whispered prayers…

only then 

victory,

freedom 

come

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Our Week of Miracles, Birthdays, and Passings

"Mrs. Sister? This is Grace's mom, the one whose car Bethany ran into?"

"We've been expecting your call. My husband isn't home right now but let me get a pen and paper so I can take down the information."

"There'll be no need for that. There's a reason we delayed in calling you back regarding damage repairs. You see, we knew the transmission was about to give out on the car. It finally did and we decided it wasn't worth it to spend the $3200 to replace. We just now traded it in for a new vehicle. I wanted to let you know that you don't owe us a penny."

*Stunned silence*

"I don't even know how to begin to thank you. This is a true blessing. Thank you so much!"

It wasn't until after I hung up that I thought about what a true miracle this was. How many people would have done this very same thing? I don't know but I believe the chances are slim. They could have easily gone out and obtained an estimate for repairs that we would have gladly paid, keeping insurance out of it. They did not need to tell us about the transmission as that had nothing to do with the accident itself. When I relayed this phone call to Mr. Sister he was flabbergasted. But you know...anymore I am not surprised. I see it as Divine Providence at work through the "promises" of the spiritual program that I have adopted. One of the promises is "Fear of economic insecurity will leave us". When the accident 1st happened, instead of dwelling on it, I "let it go". I had to for my own peace of mind and sanity. This result is proof, for me anyways, that my spiritual program is working. 

We plan on thanking these people with a gift (to be determined)

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Happy 17th Birthday sweet daughter of mine. You have grown into a lovely young lady and you have made us proud. Enjoy your gift.

You know, I am truly impressed with how quickly she has picked up playing the ukulele. The chords are completely different from the guitar, along with fewer strings. I do believe Mr. Sister and I scored with one of the best gifts ever! The only gift that would have been better would have been a car of her own.

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Mr. Sister's Aunt Mary passed away yesterday. She was critically injured in a car accident 2 weeks ago. This woman, often misunderstood, was a saint. She was both an RN and physical therapist (retired). She worked tirelessly caring for her older siblings who are quite ill themselves. She was one of the strong supporters of my homeschooling efforts. She was a true example of her Catholic faith for her faith was in action every single day of her life. We are truly blessed to have had this woman in our lives. God speed, Aunt Mary.

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What's in a Name? A Flash Friday Offering

Polly wants a cracker…

where could Underdog be…

Polly put the kettle on

we’ll all have some tea…

Polly has a pocket

what’s it to you, dude…

Nirvana wrote song, y’know

so change that attitude…

Polly as a prefix

means many, more than one…

Anna’s not her middle name

yet, she smiles at your puns

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What can you say in 55 words?

The Parrot Dream

Photo Courtesy of Hideaway Farms Aviary

wasting away

imprisoned within

was he

plumage once

brilliant now dull

quite grey

how could she

have forgotten

glorious he?

morning’s light glints

off metal lock of

rusting cage

she takes note

memories rushing

guilt coursing

trembling she

attempts to make

amends awkwardly

placing wet offering

quenching parched,

aching thirst 

thinking he need

be grateful to she

this act of kindness

Instead he greedily

sucks dry, to his fill, 

and beyond

Horrified, she bears

witness to this

self imploding

this exploding,

bursting from within,

feathers flying

she was either

too late, or

not yet ready

to face fears

locked away

later realizing

what you feed

will grow beyond

all proportion

serenity found

by turning the key...

addiction set free

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The above free form poem is from a recently recalled dream I had when I was in my 20's (and in the throes of an eating disorder). I dreamt of a formerly beautiful parrot, locked within a cage. I had forgotten and neglected this bird for far too long. He was terribly emaciated, molting, no food or water to be found anywhere near. I gently placed a bowl of water within its cage. The bird eagerly lapped it up, but it was too much, too soon. It didn't know when to stop and ended up destroying itself. I was horrified. 

Fast forward 25 years. One morning last week I was at the kitchen sink. Something in the backyard caught my eye. It was a parrot! A large bird with green plumage and a crimson head. It looked just like the parrot that was in my dream. Fearing that the bird was lost I went outside to see if I could catch him, but he flew away. I haven't seen him since. 

Do the two things (one a dream/one a real occurrence) have anything to do with each other? I believe so. I feel that my God is telling me that the caged bird is now free...I have nothing to fear, not even surfacing memories. I am no longer on the path to self destruction but rather I am on the right path. I am exactly where I am meant to be as I continue to "trudge the road" towards my happy destiny.

Oh Christmas Tree...A Saturday Centus Offering

"Oh Christmas tree,"

"it doesn’t have to be this way!"

Sausage festering upon thy branch

when we’d rather have filet!

Could be worse…

I’m just a’guessing:

that pork could be slathered

w/rancid mustard dressing

Thanks but no thanks,

giving this a pass.

Feasting on fudge instead…

Chocolate won’t cause gas!

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This week's Centus includes a photo prompt, word prompt ("Oh Christmas tree"), AND a 50 word limit! Whew! Ms. Jenny certainly is a task master! And then, just for kicks, I decided to make it harder by using last week's prompt as well ("It doesn't have to be this way") due to my absence. I hope you enjoyed my little Christmas ditty that I was certainly fun to pen. Have a great weekend!

Manifest Destiny: A Flash Friday 55 Post

Destiny made manifest

within darkest night

where dreams, hope, courage

often take flight

Battles with Evil-One

never ending fight

outcome doesn’t matter

victory’s in the plight

Listen carefully inward

‘neath those muffled layers

steel thyself in silence

answers within the prayer

Dreams are who we are

(w/dramatic flair)

destiny made manifest

in images I share

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The conversation went like this (paraphrasing):

G-Man: Are you participating this week?

5th Sister: Depends. You have a topic for me?

G: Yes I do.

5th: And?

G: Please explain the concept of Manifest Destiny

5th: Seriously?

Now I know this wasn't what he meant but I am not a History buff but rather lean towards Science and Language Arts. This is the best I could do within the time constraint given (received my topic last night). Hope it makes sense. 

Monday Musings: December 12, 2011

During Mass yesterday morning the visiting priest, a diehard Carolina Panther fan, was certain to offer up several prayers for a Sunday afternoon victory. On our way to the game I said to Munchie Boy that I didn’t think it mattered to God who wins or loses a game and that prayers for such are most likely pointless. (Although I've been known to mutter a "Oh, please, God, oh please, oh please" a time or two myself) My son then protested that he prays for the Panthers to win all the time. I told him I was just trying to make a point and that his prayers couldn't hurt!

Long story short…we lost the game to the Atlanta Falcons 23-31 (after being ahead 23-7 at the end of the 1st half). On our way back to our car, Munchie looks to me and says, “Mom...I don’t think God is a Panther’s fan!” 

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My dreams of battling Evil continue. However, they have recently taken an interesting turn. A recurring theme in my dreams is the ability to hover and glide a foot off the floor. In my most recent dream my hovering morphed into flying! It was such a pleasure to soar above the tree lines and rooftops. This new ability has made it so much easier to evade and to spy on that dastardly Evil.

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Dear Dryer Repair Man,

Thanks to you, we now have clean underwear. Thanks to you, we’ve been able to spend the entire weekend catching up on 2 ½ weeks worth of dirty laundry. Thanks to you, the dryer is working overtime and functioning like new. Thanks to you, we did not have to purchase a major appliance with our Christmas funds.

I think I love you!

A grateful 5^th

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Dear Santa,

We must have been awfully good this past year for you to take the time out of your busy schedule to visit us and our neighbors! What a treat!

Merrily yours,

The 5^th on your list!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Dear Charlotte Children's Choir,

What a joy it has been to see Bethany mature and hone her talent through the 7 years she has been a member. It is with a sad and heavy heart that she must take this upcoming semester off. School has to be a priority right now. 

Your Holiday concert was a delight. I hope you don't mind me sharing with my blog friends the piece combining the choirs. Beautiful, just beautiful!

Already missing you,

Music lovin' 5th

And The Winner Is.....

Congratulations Sue! 

And thanks to all who entered this holiday giveaway.

I do believe these will look marvelous on you!

Trash: A Flash Friday 55 Post

fistfuls of hair from shower drain

chewed up wads of gum

take out box never claimed

loads of swept up crumbs

chicken bones, Christmas wrap

dried-up apple cores

moldy bread, mysterious crap

towels used for spills on floors

dryer lint, vacuum dust

shards of shattered glass

bits of pizza crusts

‘tis what’s in my trash

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If word count would have allowed, 

I would have prefaced this piece with the following:

“one’s trash, another’s treasure”

so said G to me

I, with great pleasure,

present my trash to thee:

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Today is the last day to enter my Holiday Giveaway. 

For details and to enter in the comments, 

please click HERE

Winner will be drawn at 4:00pm Eastern Time

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My friend Su, of This Stop Willoughby, 

is also having a contest featuring the wonderful world of Novica. 

Be sure to check her blog out as well by clicking the link above.

Wordless Wednesday: Fabric Portraiture

                                                            

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I've been working on a new form of art.

I'm considering doing these on commission.

The above are gifts to my family.

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Be sure to enter my Holiday Giveaway!

Click HERE

Holiday Giveaway Reminder

Click HERE for details

Contest ends Friday

Sunday 160: The End

This ending

isn’t end

rather

a beginning

Time to explore

new jungles

& lay claim to

branches

bearing bunches

of previously concealed

bananas

Feast well

Don’t throw poop

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Image Courtesy of Clkr.com 

Thank you, Monkey Man, for the time spent hosting this meme. I've enjoyed the challenge and will miss our Sunday get-togethers. I wish you well on your break and will welcome you back, with arms wide open, should you decide to return to blogging. Bye, bye Monkey.

16

marching band,

cruising streets,

sneaking smokes

‘neath stadium-seats

first-time love,

heart’s defeat,

death awoke,

brother sleeps

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Ms. Jenny is a sly one. Today's writing exercise was to use 16 words about being 16. I took artistic liberty and threw in a memory from when I was 19 as it was a significant event in our lives, and remains a tender spot to this day.  

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Don't forget to enter my Holiday Giveaway!

Click HERE.

The Fetish: A Flash Friday 55 post

I know a man

who knows it all…

particularly women’s feet

A gentle arch,

well turned heels

makes him whimper ‘n weep

Stiletto pumps,

flip flop flats,

nicely polished toes

Platform shoes

w/narrow widths

sends him into throes!

Here’s to he

that silly gent

image just for him

 festive foot

petite, adorned

w/glittery, silvery trim

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Be sure to enter my Holiday Giveaway!

Click HERE 

The 5th Sister's Holiday Giveaway!

Violet Clouds

Amethyst cluster earrings

Made by the artisan "Tui" of Thailand

Just because I’m in a generous mood and desire to share my love of this very unique website, I am offering this holiday giveaway. To be eligible is simple: no hoops to jump through, no having to follow special rules or perform special stunts. All you need to do is

1.  Be or become a follower of my blog AND

2.  Make a comment that you would like to enter this giveaway

3.  Not required although it would be nice if you ”liked” me on Facebook

That is all. 

Simple and easy.

Why make it complicated?

Winner will be drawn next Friday, December 9, when my “random generators” return home from school. 

Good luck!

Oh, and guys...you are eligible to enter too! Think about that special lady in your life be it wife, girlfriend, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, mother or grandmother. 

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Disclaimer: I have received NO compensation for this giveaway or for the promotion of Novica.com, National Geographic, or any organization associated with them. I am offering this giveaway of my own free will. 

Dream Debate: An Alphabe-Thursday Post

I stood there, arguing with Evil, 

over whether my hair was thick or thin. 

(Photo courtesy of Google Images.The words are mine.
I wish I could have found a photo with Ninjas

as that is how Evil usually presents himself to me. )

That is what I dreamt last night. It was a silly debate unless, of course, one looks for the deeper meaning of the symbolism involved. So off to Google I went and pulled up interpretations from 3 different sites:


Site #1: "Hair come from our heads so in dreams it can symbolize thoughts or how you think with regards to the subject matter of the dream." Huh? The subject matter of my dream WAS hair and what I think about my hair. In essence, this site is saying that my dream means that I think I have thick hair. Well, duh! I do have thick hair. So this dream symbolism isn't really symbolism after all.


Site #2: "Hair represents sensitivity and the dreamer's thoughts." I have a little issue with this interpretation as well. So does thick hair mean heightened sensitivity? Does thin hair mean insensitivity? And why would I argue with Evil on how sensitive I am? This dreamer's thoughts are that I don't think this is the meaning of this dream at all. Maybe I'm just being overly sensitive. 


Site #3: "If your hair was luxuriant and you were pleased with its appearance and/or condition it is a sign of good health, progress, and contentment; but if it was thin, falling out, or worrying you in any way, it forecasts difficulties ahead." Cue Twilight Zone music. Too "out there" and too "horoscope-y" for me. This makes me think, then, that the interpreter here has a bias against bald people, is a hair bigot, AND prejudiced against the follicly challenged. Any dream analysis that proclaims any one dream symbol can broadly forecast the future is, in my opinion, bunk. Don't get me wrong, I've had dreams that have come true (where to find a missing cat, Mr. Sister's travel to Australia long before he began working for an Australian company, the death of my brother). But you cannot overgeneralize. It just doesn't work that way, at least for me.


I believe dreams to be very personal things. There are, most definitely, archetypal symbols. An example would be dreaming about a house: the levels of a house correlate with the levels of consciousness from the very deep subconsciousness (basement) to a heightened state of spirituality/self awareness (attic/penthouse/top floor). But the dreamer must determine what the dreams mean for themselves. My silly dream above is actually a recurring theme (the good vs evil part...not the hair). I am usually in some sort of battle with Evil...either a physical fight, a scholarly debate, or simply a schoolyard taunting. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose, and sometimes it's a draw. 


Normally, I associate these confrontations as a metaphor to where I am at in my spiritual journey. Although, sometimes, my dreams simply provide pure comic relief for what has become a serious endeavor for the the past year and a half. 


I am glad that I dream.


I am grateful that I can remember my dreams.


I am thankful to be able to use them as guideposts as I trudge my own unique path towards becoming the woman I am meant to be. 

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Please be sure to enter my Holiday Giveaway!
Click HERE

Prairie Bound

I shall return after the 29th. Maybe there'll be an occasional blog post or two, time permitting, but I make no promises. Happy Thanksgiving y'all!

Closet Revisited

Revisiting closet

inspecting closely

apparel hiding

behind turtlenecks,

tees, denim

finding dress

you know

the one

THAT one

never worn

boldly crimson

once intimidating

now enticing

tags snipped

garment released

from threat

of possible

probable return

had not

internal battle

been waged

and won

slipping on

fitting perfectly

feeling sexy

wearing truth

of authentic self

Copyright 2011
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Back in April of 2010 I wrote an original 55 word poem regarding choosing between wearing a hot, spicy red dress or something comfortable, familiar, with the least risk. In that poem, the subject chose, most likely out of fear of the unknown, what she always wore. Fast forward and you presently find our subject stepping out from her old ways into the bright, bold, woman she was always meant to be.

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Two, two...two memes in one!
It's an "Alphabe-Thursday-Friday-55" mash up!

A Haiku and Miscellaneous Musings

(Image courtesy of Google Images)

Morning's grace

upon winds of change

heron glides

Daytime storms

shelter found in faith

heron rests

Mercy reigns

refining, cleansing

heron soars

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Early this morning, as I was leaving the house, our occasional visitor, a great blue heron, was gliding in the air above a nearby pond. Whenever I see him/her I am always reminded of God's majesty. Today was also host to some pretty stormy weather. These events were on my mind as I attempted to experiment with a "3-5-3" contemporary haiku format. Needs some work, although I am finding this a wonderful new writing challenge.

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Guess what?!

My business cards came in. It's official. I am now a bona fide "Writer/Poet/Artist"

It must be true...my business card says so!

My hope is to work on an inventory this winter and be able to open up an Etsy shop by spring. I've already had a couple of clients interested in some commission work. I so appreciate the validation because I have the tendency of being my own worst critic.

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I'm taking another blog break over Thanksgiving week. Be on the lookout for a really cool give-away upon my return. I promise...no crazy rules or jumping through hoops. A simple, straight forward give-away. It will make a wonderful gift for someone you love or for yourself. Really. Just you wait...you'll be glad you did!

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I am penning this late at night and it is past my bedtime. I require much slumber because, as you all well know, my dreams can be exhausting! Good night!

Sunday 160: Wayward Strays

strands of hair

growing ‘neath my tongue

unnoticed ‘til now

plucking is impossible

roots buried deep

acceptance only choice

I braid to keep

stray strands in check

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My contribution to Monkey Man's Sunday 160.

where one writes a story in 160 characters total (including spaces). 

The strange poem above is based upon last night's dream. 

MIA

Yes...that's me!

Missing in action.

I've been taking care of a little "wheezer" these past few days. Poor Munchie Boy...he doesn't even have asthma! And he's now on prednisone and 'round the clock breathing treatments. Fortunately, he knows what to. After all, he's grown up in his sister's asthmatic shadow these so many years.

Anyway...bear with me and my blog.

I'll be back.

Sometime.

Hopefully soon.

Flash Friday 55: Sexual Assault

In one hour of prime time television I was assaulted with: 

exploits of getting laid,

indiscriminate sex,

“vagina beds”,  

learning all about a roommate’s penis,

and the 10 year search for a gal in a “slutty” pumpkin costume.

Seriously?

Is this what network TV has become?

Makes the political campaign season seem clean by comparison.

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A is for Avenue

The Avenue

White clapboard house, nightlight burning: 

elder couple stockpiling canned goods 

for impending wars, real or imagined, 

disappearing behind drawn curtains, hiding from hope

Brick bungalow, green tiled roof 

ghostly visitations, nightly apparitions 

appearing in twisted dreams of tormented child 

when Ouija board is played

Single story house, yard of dirt

filled muddied toddlers, urine soaked diapers

young mother earning wages

providing day care by television

Brick house, occupied by “Born Again” fanatics 

preaching “Good News” to all passers by... 

children know different, seeing Devilish signs

in dark marks upon the young one’s flesh 

Three story green house, full of secrets

where big dogs roam and shit throughout

yard too small, family too big, ignoring crap 

what is not seen, or discussed, is simply not there

Yellow house with stone porch

Grandpa enjoys walking around in underwear

calling out to children at play to come play games 

while Grandma’s away (shhhh, don't tell)

Red house, large back yard with climbing tree

Little old ladies, within, caring for the neighborhood

providing pink candies and respite

for those hiding from demons

Beige house, a porch swing to share

while the wise witch whispers gently

healing spells of love and kindness

for lost little girl visiting daily

Copyright 2011-all rights reserved

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Microfiction Monday: Eerie

Pablo whines to Tex 

“I don’t care! 

Even if you triple dog dare me 

I’m not going to eat this pumpkin pie! 

Eso es muy raro! No soy un canibal!

(140 characters total)

(translation: that is too creepy! I’m no cannibal!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks to Grandma Goulash for the photo prompt 

and theme for this weeks micro-fiction.

Saturday Census: A Study in Black

Ms. Jenny has played a trick on us...but unbeknownst to her, it's a treat for me! Micro-fiction (25 words) using a photo prompt! Right up my alley! Then I saw the photo. Ooooh, she's a tricky one, that Ms. Jenny. 

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Dreams fade

to black

RELAPSE

road  to abyss

of self pity

blinded

weakened

trapped

struggling against

bondage of self

held captive

by chains

of choice

Copyright 2011

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Written in honor of a dear friend struggling against her slavery
to an addiction that shows no mercy. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

5th Sister Dreaming: October 24, 2011

I am battling evil. The devil and his minions are disguised as Mafia hit men. I've been taken hostage and do my best to fight back. Every punch I throw, every uppercut I attempt, is thwarted by a force field of sorts. She laughs (yes...evil can be female), mocking me. I grab my knife and slice at her wrists...despite feeling the blade cutting through her flesh, she barely bleeds. I realize she will die a slow death. But the devil, himself, is elusive. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The exoskeleton of some creepy crawly creature falls from his bangs. It is all very curious. Upon further inspection, the infestation is inside his head, not his hair.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am taking the rocky path down to the water's edge. Fear grips me. The alligator is there. He has his attention solely on me. He watches my every move, poised for the attack. No one else seems concerned or even notices that he is there. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Part 1: 39 people and 39 cats live within the house. I  have lived there forever, alone. It was nice to have company, although most of them were students from the medical center. The new owner was there inspecting the place. She wanted to restore the home to its original beauty. 


Part 2: I warn my roommates not to go into the loft. It was haunted. Of course I follow them up the steps. Several people were already there, studying. Evil enters as a storm begins to brew. Evil wants to destroy the groundbreaking work being done in the upper room. 

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Does anyone else notice a theme here?

Flash Friday 55: Planking

(I'm heading off to work in a few minutes...here's a quickie for you!)

Planking is so passé they say

fading fad from yesterday

Not so to Munchie Boy, my son,

another challenge overcome

With courage, strength, and will to boot

he found this dare quite a hoot

Onto pool’s ladder he did climb

carefully, taking his sweet time

Into position, body in air

Perfect planking upon a dare

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Tuesday Tidbits: October 18, 2011

Take two colleagues.
Add in a double dose of perfectionism.
Divide by one blank plywood canvas.

The result? One nifty graphic: our department's contribution to the mural surrounding new construction at the hospital. This is how my dear co-worker (Helena) and I spent our weekend. We made quite a team and had a good time as well.

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Public Service Announcement

Mothers, please be mindful that excessive hugging may lead to a child's eyeballs popping out of their sockets. Remember...gentle hugs are safe hugs.

This PSA brought to you by the Society for Safe Squeezing campaign. 

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Special Alert!

Anyone having information that could lead to the whereabouts and arrest of the perpetrator responsible for this mysterious homicide are asked to call their local Crime Stoppers unit. 

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Dear Carolina Panthers,

Oh, I'm sorry...was there a game this weekend? It appears that it was fortunate that I was too busy to give you 3 hours of my undivided attention. But then again, I would have been  upset to discover my 3 hours of viewing time would be wasted in the 4th quarter. 

A disappointed 5th

PS...despite the disappointing loss, I still see flashes of greatness. Maybe not this year but soon (I pray), real soon. 

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Dear Art,

Oh how I've missed you. Welcome back! I do have a question, though...is it really possible that this will ever come together, forming something half recognizable? I certainly hope so after spending several hours over the course of several days planning and designing. I have high expectations, you know.

Your collaborating 5th

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Flash Friday 55: Did You Know?

Did you know that…

…it always rains on the day you mop?

…dogs track in mud on rainy days?

… muddy dog paws are hard to clean?

…muddy pawed dogs will follow you throughout the house?

…Clorox Oxy Magic, and a good scrub brush, works wonders on muddy carpet stains?

…dogs snicker behind your back?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Clorox Oxy Magic did not pay or provide product for the endorsement included in my Flash 55 above. It's effectiveness on stubborn muddy paw prints, embedded in carpet fibers, is from experience and is my opinion only. 

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