Lima Company Remembered This Thanksgiving

Scattered Showers - Hi 72 Lo 58 for Baghdad, Iraq
Mostly Sunny - Hi 74 Lo 40 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Partly Cloudy - Hi 50 Lo 35 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: We'll Meet Along the Way, HEM

Ramble:

Go get some coffee first... I have a lot to ramble about this week so bare with me.

This past week I traveled to Pascagoula, Mississippi via Louisville, Atlanta, and Gulfport. (There isn't a direct flight from Cincinnati to Gulfport... and Cincinnati airfare was over $900.00... travel 1 1/2 hours south to Louisville airfare is a little over $300.00... go figure.) The sunny skies were a welcome change although it was a tad chilly for southerners. The flight from Atlanta to Gulfport was humorous in the sense that a handful of pigeons not interested in the chilly climate in Atlanta decided to board our little commuter seeing this would be a much more efficient means of flying south. Too funny... After shooing the pigeons out of the jet, our flight attendant as described by one of my travel mates was no doubt someone who won a law suit with the airlines and was most likely a girls physical education teacher in a previous career... definitely not your stereotypical flight attendant. Prior to take off she broke the cable on the door so we sat and waited for it to be repaired.

Now our trip home from Gulfport to Atlanta was smooth sailing until smoke filled the cabin of the commuter. The pilot's voice came over the intercom stating something to the effect that he had shut off the air conditioning unit... 2 seats ahead of me was a pilot catching a ride home and he and the flight attendant were chatting with a great deal of enthusiasm to the pilot in the cockpit... Once we landed and began to taxi it felt as if we were going to take off again... the pilot floored it and hauled @$$ to the terminal. We pulled up --sort of-- to a terminal... this time the pilot calmly stated, "please quickly gather your belongings and exit the plane quickly and calmly." Nice. I was in row 3 and was off the plane and on the tarmac where I saw one of the engines smoking... good times.

We stayed at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi- a very nice casino and resort on the gulf. You may remember Jim Cantore standing in front of the Beau Rivage reporting on Hurricane Katrina. The Hard Rock Cafe Casino and Resort was next door under construction. Needless to say, after Katrina... the Hard Rock was gone and the Beau Rivage was in bad shape. The last time I saw the Beau Rivage all the windows had been blown out, part of it was missing. It has been a while since I was last down here, still a lot of devastation, but the rebuilding continues. The picture to the left was taken with my cell phone, so it is pretty poor quality. You can see the top of the neck of the Hard Rock guitar in the lower left... But that sunrise was spectacular. The only thing that was missing was my better half.

Besides the meeting we had with our customer, (and returning home safely) the most important part of the trip for me was seeing all the men and women in uniform. Every flight we had included active duty servicemen. All were heading overseas. I can't tell you how humbling it is to see these young men and women preparing themselves. This time of year we are all busy with thoughts of the holidays... the hustle and bustle. Take a moment to remember them. They are off to be in harms way.

So with thoughts of the men and women I saw in the airports earlier in the week. On Thursday, after I was back home safe and sound and since I had the day off, I went to Union Terminal to see the Lima Company Memorial. Words can not express how moving this memorial is.

The faces of the young men were absolute perfection. Anita Miller, the inspired artist, captured the spirit of each of the young bright eyed men. I was captivated by each one. I can not express adequately what it was like to stand there. The portraits form a circle. To look at the portraits you must enter that circle and you are then surrounded by these men. Even though these are paintings of the men, there is a sense of safety in that perimeter, a sense of camaraderie between those men that we mere civilians will never comprehend. In front of each portrait are the actual combat boots of the young man that wore them. The families provided the boots and I must tell you that was probably the toughest part of this exhibit. On the outer perimeter of the circle are the names of each young man, their age, their rank, their hometown. There are flowers, letters and other memorabilia left by loved ones allowing those of us not lucky to have known them in life an opportunity to capture a glimpse of what they were, who they were.

Here are the photos... the lighting was not optimal, but I hope you gather a sense of what it was like to stand in the middle of these fallen heroes.

Anita Miller was able to capture the spark of each young man. They were alive and popped off the canvas, the personal items added to this. I was there pretty much by myself and spent about two hours looking at the paintings and reading the letters and cards and looking at the scrapbooks and photos. To the families and loved ones of these young men lost three years ago, my heart and prayers go out to you. The sacrifice you have endured is more than I can imagine. I thank you for raising sons that felt such a calling must be answered. I thank the wives and fiances and girlfriends for loving these young men. I thank the siblings and cousins and friends and all those that were touched by these fine men. My heart goes to the children of these men. Your father was a hero and I am so sorry you will only know him through the pictures and stories you are told.

Semper Gratus.

Click on each photo to enlarge.

Eric Bernholz, Dustin Derga, and Nick Erdy

Dustin

Nick's Boots

Nick

Tim Bell, Justin Hoffman, and Nicholas Bloem


William Wightman, Augie Schroeder, and Grant Fraser
The following was read at Grant's eulogy. Grant was not from the state of Ohio, but from Alaska. It is quite moving and gives a you a glimpse of the man and how he was seen by those that loved him.
Chris Dixon, Travis Youngblood, and Wesley Davids

Recollections of Chris

Wesley was from California. Below is a photocopy of the letter he penned in the event he was killed. Although profoundly personal, his family thought it was important enough to share. To be so young and to be so brave, to understand what his calling was... to be able to share these thoughts so clearly with his loved ones...


Wes
Andre Williams, Michael Cifuentes, and David Kreuter


Andre's Mom took a shirt he wore and made this frame. The shirt was starting to wear out on the back. So personal. I wept when I touched it.



Kendall Ivy, David Wimberg, and Jonathan Grant
Jourdan Grez, Chris Dyer, and Aaron Reed


Chris was from Cincinnati. I was privileged to shake his father's hand
Anthony Goodwin and Chris Lyons


So this Thursday, as we sit down with our families, some more dysfunctional than others. Be kind to each other (unless it is your flaming lib Aunt who just won't shut up). Thank God for blessing us for being born in a country where we are free and can choose our own path in life. Take a moment as you are saying the blessing or toasting each other to say a prayer or raise a glass to these men from Lima Company. There are others there today that have also answered the calling. Say a prayer for them too.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Remembering Mr. Kraus

Rain - Hi 71 Lo 63 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 85 Lo 50 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 65 Lo 36 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: I Need a Lover, Johnny Cougar
Before John Mellencamp was John Mellencamp, he was Johnny Cougar and then later John Cougar. This name was a record company decision and not his... Eventually he was able to be John Mellencamp. I like John Cougar and even some of the John Cougar Mellencamp stuff. . His breakout album of course was 1982's American Fool album-- the one that had Jack and Diane, Hurt So Good and my favorite from that album Have a Hand to Hold On To. The year I graduated was the year of "little pink houses"... Oh Gawd... yuck. But it also had the song Play Guitar which is simply fun. I like his older stuff... the Sunday Song is funny... there is a sense of humor to the lyrics and the composition of the song pulls you in and builds to a crescendo- an exclamation of needing someone that won't make him crazy! Along the way and over the years John became angry. He takes himself way too seriously. He also picked up the paint brush and has done some interesting art work. Like his present day persona, it is dark, thick, unattractive and angry. I'm not sure why the small town boy became so angry... maybe he has forgotten... something... I hope he can find his happiness. Life is too short.

Ramble:
As a kid, I was incredibly fortunate to have a great deal of stand out teachers. My Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Reed held my hand and introduced me to other kids in the class... being painfully shy... she took a great deal of time to make sure I was OK.

Mrs. Sleichter was about 102 years old when I had her as my 2nd grade teacher... Gawd she was mean. But for whatever reason, I really liked her. I remember there was this kid that was always throwing up in class, so the janitor would always have to come in and throw that kitty litter stuff down... I remember she was forever sending him to the corner because the kid got sick all the time. She insisted we were all old enough to realize when we weren't feeling well and should ask to be excused. She was a strict disciplinarian... and did not tolerate fidgety 7 and 8 year olds. Mrs. Sleichter was the only teacher to impose corporal punishment upon my behind...why? Because she had issued a dictate... "The next person to drop their pencil will go out in the hallway for a swat." Ya... you guessed it... I dropped my pencil...

My 4th grade teacher was Mrs. Carroll and I loved her... all the kids did... She was beautiful and smart and kind and generous and young. She read Ramona to us... This particular grade school was in a town that was supported by GM and the plant had closed... it was predominantly blue collar, unemployed, and single parent homes. My neighborhood was gross... I digress. Anyway the two 4th grade teachers took a great deal of time with the kids... We were pushed in reading and math and history. We were studying Japan and Mrs. Carroll asked if I would teach the rest of the students how to use chop sticks... That was disastrous... buttons and chopsticks everywhere... Because so many kids came from broken homes, Mrs. Carroll took time with each of her students. She was engaged and an active participant in our formative years. She called home and spoke to my mom on a regular basis. She knew our situation and how late my mom worked. Mrs. Carroll would often stay late at school with me to help ease some of the monetary woes my mom had and this helped a great deal with the cost of a sitter. Anyway, toward the end of the school year Mrs. Carroll indicated to the class that she was moving away and wouldn't be back. She was 24 and was moving with her husband to support him while he finished obtaining his Master's degree. We all cried. It was horrible. She promised to write all of us, but in turn we would have to write her. I kept in contact with Mrs. Carroll up through high school. She was a source of advice and friendship. She was a wonderful and kind person and I wish I had stayed in touch. I had heard that after she put her husband through several years of school and a number of affairs, he divorced her. Terrible.

Then in 8th grade I had Mr. Benton... my uncles and father had this man as a teacher... This man walked to the beat of his own drum and did not apologize for it. He was a large robust man with a large booming voice with a Kentucky accent. He had the same buzz haircut in the 70's as he did in the 50's. He wore black horn rimmed glasses, navy blue work pants and suspenders every day. He was the first history teacher I had that expected us to pay attention and to pay attention to what was happening in the world today. He loved our country and what it stood for. It was the first time I remember recognizing that sort of pride in someone outside my own family. He would make proclamations about organized religion and that if he wanted to go out in the front of the school yard and worship under the tree, he could do that. Why? Because this was America! A staunch conservative and a little crazy? Perhaps.

Mrs. Zando was our English Lit teacher and she introduced me to Shakespeare and the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses and all the wonderful mythological stories. She loved Shakespeare and it is because of her, that I have such an appreciation. At that time, my grandmother had given me a charm bracelet and each birthday and holiday she would add to it. Mrs. Zando asked if she could contribute to my bracelet. She gave me a delightful little silver Dutch shoe from when she had visited Holland... It is still on my charm bracelet. To this day, I love reading mythology.

High school brought a handful of teachers that made a difference in my life... Mrs. Brough, Mr. Wolfe, Mr. Enders--- he loved Dolly Parton, and Mr. Kraus.

Mr. Kraus is the reason for this week's post. Jimi, an old friend brought to my attention that Mr. Kraus had tragically died this past May. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. NO. This was not possible. Mr. Kraus was the only teacher I had all four years of high school. So, he literally watched me grow up.

He was one of my art teachers- being art class-- there was considerably less structure, the radio was usually playing in the background, kids talked and joked during class-- creativity was not inspired by a module of time but by life, so if one wasn't creative during the class... well, one had to be creative at home or before or after school. I never do well without structure. It is my nature to become lazy. Mr. Kraus was a good teacher. He encouraged me in my first couple of years of high school. He obviously realized my shy nature and worked to help me express through art. He pushed me to enter a couple of competitions and I did OK receiving recognition for my work. As a junior I was coming into my own, but at the same time I was more interested in being social and was not disciplined in maintaining my school work and it was easy to keep things from my mom. Besides, my creativity was in my head... actually putting brush to canvas or pencil to paper did not come naturally for me. I had to really focus... and practice... There were so many other kids that had this incredible gift... Jimi and Rodney. In any event the classroom was always loose and free spirited. I remember always laughing and having fun in his class. Mr. Kraus loved music. He was a huge fan of John Cougar. Jimi reminded me that Mr. Kraus had seen the Stray Cats and Jimi, Gary and I were so jealous. He also saw Men at Work and brought back a pin for me... I still have it. We talked about music and art and stuff...

The other thing... Mr. Kraus could not spell... he was horrible... another friend, Scott would mercilessly make fun of him. It was always in good spirit and fun.

Mr. Kraus was around for every single boy I dated during high school. He teased me about some of my selections...from a competing school. One day late in my junior year Mr. Kraus pulled me aside and asked me what I was going to do- what my plans were- he was disappointed because I had not really worked on pulling together a portfolio to get into art school. In fact, I had not even applied. He expressed his concern that although I had an eye for composition and perspective and story, I had not applied myself to learn fundamentals. He expressed his concern for my lack of discipline and he did not want to see me waste any of my talent. At the time I had picked up photography and was into that, but it was more of a means of documenting my teenage life and not an artistic outlet. His message was loud and clear and a pill I chose not to swallow. My senior year was filled with more of the same- fun and frolicking. Mr. Kraus was part of our lives and we enjoyed our time in his class. He pulled me aside one more time and asked me what I was going to do about college.

I told him I needed to work for at least a year before heading off to college. Grants and scholarships were not going to cover it and I wasn't about to ask my mom for assistance. He made me promise that I would never give up on art and asked that I keep in touch. I graduated and my life went on... it took a different direction than I expected, but one that I am quite happy with.

Over the years I have often thought of Mr. Kraus. I had promised Mr. Kraus I would come by and visit him but never did. He was good to me- he wasn't just a teacher, he was a friend and he wanted the best for us. He was honest with me and thought I was wasting my talent. When Jimi's sister died, I wanted to contact him. When Rodney committed suicide, I wanted to contact him. I never did. I wanted to invite him to my wedding but for whatever goofy reason, I changed my mind. So, this past week, Jimi told me about Mr. Kraus. He had Parkinson's Disease, was confined to a wheelchair, living in a nursing home... divorced with 2 kids... 20 and 16 years old. He had gone to see a band--- still passionate about live music. On his way home, he was hit by a car. Those on the scene performed CPR in an attempt to save his life, but it was too late. He was only 56 years old.

How cruel life can be... a man who used his hands and fingers to create- stricken with a disease that steals that gift from him.
I never had the chance to thank him. He was the first person in my life to offer me real constructive criticism... he was right... I did lack self discipline. I need structure, I know that about myself now... and I move through life accordingly.
Upon reading the news about Mr. Kraus, I wrote Jimi, "...despite his life situation, I hope and pray he was happy--proud of his kids-- still listening to music, appreciating art and finding that talented young soul-- that diamond in the rough. There were so many talented kids that went through his class. I pray even though he was alone that night, he wasn't alone in spirit and that he was loved. "

Teachers are amazing and wonderful creatures. You don't realize the lives you touch and to what extent. Mr. Kraus was only in my life for four short years, but the mark he left will remain with me always.

Although I never went back to visit Mr. Kraus, I did keep my other promise. I never gave up on art. It is still just as important to me today as it was 25 years ago. It is a rare day that I pick up my sketch pad, but I always stop and see the art. Thank you, Mr. Kraus.

A Needed Get Away, Part 3

It was a beautiful day and the weather was terrific. After we explored the hotel the blue skies and green grass and trees drew us outdoors to explore the campus of Case Western Reserve University.

I wanted to explore the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, but unfortunately we did not have time to go- a reason to go back and visit.


We walked down and found a street filled with historic homes.However, the most intriguing building that caught my eye was...


the Peter B. Lewis Building. This was designed by architect Frank Gehry. Among some of his more famous structures--- the Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles, California and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain I'm a novice when it comes to architecture. I don't know much about it, but I know what I like and what I don't like. I was absolutely struck by this buiding. It is surrounded by old structures and the Lewis Building complimented everything on the surrounding streets. I can assure you that I will do some reading and learn more about this architect.

Coffee and Sunday Morning Suggestions For Fun, Relaxation, and Enjoyment

Sunny - Hi 115 Lo 88 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 102 Lo 73 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Partly Cloudy - Hi 88 Lo 64 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Science Is Golden, The Grates

The song I wanted to play is Inside Outside... but this is a PG rated blog and I want to keep it that way even though Science is Golden also has a word that needs to be bleeped. I think it is difficult to hear "the word" and it is only said once, so I'll stick with this song. Just dance.

If you like young Indie Rock, you'll like this trio from Australia-- Fun, irreverent and unique.

Ramble:

No ramble... just some wake up music. While sipping your java you may want to contemplate AlGore's global warming or better yet, Gore running in 2008.................

Or... how about visiting some of the blogs listed on my sidebar? Read thru my
archives, you know... back when I was actually writing?

I got it! How about some sophmoric humor? If you are a Godzilla fan, or hate cats, or love cats for that matter... This is terrific. Laugh out loud.



This next clip is brilliant. It is 500 years of art and includes some of my favorite pieces. I've seen it on various blogs and websites and have not tired of it. For a list of all the artwork you can go here. This is simply lovely. Enjoy.



Have a great week everyone!

Happy Independence Day!

- The Signing of the Declaration of Independence
John Trumbull 1826
oil on canvas

It's a 70's Sunday!! All Weekend Long! OH.... and the Superbowl is Today... woo...hoo... !

Rain - Hi 58 Lo 45 for Baghdad, Iraq
Scattered Flurries - Hi 15 Lo 5 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Solsbury Hill, Peter Gabriel

This is one of my all time favorite songs. I remember the first time I heard it... The album this song is on was the second album I ever bought with my own money. I never tire of this song. Some have suggested this is a song about Christ... Actually, it's about Peter Gabriel and his feelings and decision to leave Genesis as well as the birth of his child... I know his politics and I don't wish to discuss it- makes me sad. I wish I still had that album along with the Genesis album, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway... I think Monkey Man took them.....

Ramble:

First things first. As I work on this post (Saturday night- Michael's working), I am downloading the long awaited 70's Music Explosion onto my computer so I can add it to my iPod. I am listening this very second to the third track on the first disc... Midnight at the Oasis.... Something is wrong... Is music like food? Does your taste evolve? Can I equate the stylings of Maria Muldaur to Limburger cheese?

I mean I don't like Limburger cheese today... but I've heard it's an acquired taste- one that comes with age and sophistication... I just caught myself tapping my foot and singing along... OMG!! (queue screechy Psycho music). I will mark this as an old people moment... I don't want to like Limburger Cheese and I don't want to like this song... but here I am... singing along and tapping my foot and groovin' to the music....

Overall, the collection is a terrific selection of pop music from the 70's I remember hearing on the radio as a kid. (now playing: Disc 1 track 5 Summer Breeze by Seals and Crofts). This sounds ridiculous, but with the exception of Disco Duck, I NOW like many of the disco songs on this compilation-- back when they were popular... no freaking way!! When the package finally arrived, Michael and I went through all the CD's looking at the titles and we couldn't help ourselves but we went through and sang a bit from each and every song... of course, some we rolled our eyes and made faces, but we still knew the bloody words and melodies... The one thing it lacks is a decent selection of New Wave music... I would have been happy with Talking Heads... Take Me to the River or Psycho Killer, both from the late 70's, instead I have My Sharona by The Knack, which I suppose makes sense since The Knack was pop and not New Wave.... shut up Cath....

Earlier today, I was working on getting myself motivated to make a run to Target... it is brutal outside... the wind absolutely cuts through you. Sunday will be no different... I was working on my To Do list... I'm a chronic list maker. Nothing makes me happier than to cross something off that never ending list. My mind started to wander and I ended up wishing it were warm. Granted we have had one mild winter so far, the past few days have been painfully cold... hate it... As I let my mind wander Georgia O'Keeffe popped up in my mind. I instantly thought of warmth and sunshine. She also loved the American West and because of her I have always longed to make a trek out there.. one of these days... In any event I love her work-- The vibrant color palette when she painted flowers... the curvaceousness and feminine lines she chose. (now playing: Disc 3 Track 5 She's a Lady by Tom Jones) Now how does Georgia O'Keeffe fit into my 70's motif? Simple. I "discovered" Georgia O'Keeffe in the 7th grade--1977-or 1978- same year I bought Peter Gabriel's album?? I had a great art teacher-- Ms. Flower-- (can you believe it?). Mrs. Flower was cool... she was young... I'm guessing that she was in her mid twenties looking at the year book. She had long brown hippy hair, parted in the middle and she wore cool clothes --- gauchos... remember? She always had music playing in her class- she was great about telling us to listen to all kinds of music- one day she would play classical, next day jazz, another time it would be bluegrass or opera. I remember one time she brought in the soundtrack to Guys and Dolls--- sit down your rockin' the boat! I don't remember her playing pop music in the classroom though. Now that I think about it, I guess she is one of the reasons why I have such a broad range in musical taste. In fact, she was the first person to encourage my creativity and untapped "artistic talent". At lunch I would make my way down to her class because she had all these great art books with beautiful reproductions of works of art. If I appeared to show any interest in a piece of art, she would share her knowledge of the artist and the particular style. She alone ignited that fire and is the reason why I have an appreciation for art to this day. I wonder what she is doing now. I have no doubt she was a lefty... Nonetheless, I hope you had a Ms. Flower in your life that inspired you (Now playing: Disc 4 track 1 Gypsies Tramps and Thieves by Cher).


Stay Warm! Go Bears!

Solsbury Hill
by Peter Gabriel

Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light

Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night

He was something to observe
Came in close I heard a voice

Standing stretching every nerve
I had to listen had no choice

I did not believe the information
Just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom-boom-boom
Son, he said, grab your things I've come to take you home
Eh, don't quit

To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut

Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut

So I went from day to day
Oh, my life was in a rut

'Til I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut

I was feeling part of the scenery
I'd walk right out of the machinery
My heart going boom-boom-boom
Hey, he said, grab your things I've come to take you home
Eh, back home

When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be

And liberty, she'd pirouette
When I think that I am free

Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see

No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me

Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom-boom-boom
Hey, I said, you can keep my things They've come to take me home

Have a great week everyone!

Purple Leaves by Georgia O'Keeffe courtesy of the Dayton Art Institute

The Pledge--- # 27,162

Sunny - Hi 65 Lo 61 for Baghdad, Iraq
Snow and Wind (nice...) - Hi 22 Lo 15 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: If I Die Before You Wake, Dustin Evans - The link is to Dustin's Myspace sight. If you enjoy country music, go check out some of his other songs... nice selection.

Ramble:

So Friday, I left work and headed to CVG (The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport) to pick up my grandfather. My brother had a week long conference out in Las Vegas and my grandfather goes out to visit my Uncle and cousins and to enjoy the cultural aspect of Las Vegas... ok...ok... he goes for the craps tables and the food.

Anyway, I get to the airport early and wander around... as much as you can these days... I check the arrivals monitors... I see that his flight is a whole minute early... woo hoo!! I take note of the baggage claim number.... 3.... mental note.... go to claim # 3.... #3...#3.... got it... OK... I still have 30 minutes to kill....I wander down to check out a couple of the huge mosaic murals created during the Great Depression for the Union Terminal. The mosaics are I'm guessing about 25 feet x 25 feet in size... huge-- created by German immigrant, Winold Reiss-- an incredible artist. Back in the 70's there were plans to demolish the Union Terminal so there was an enormous drive to raise money to save the murals and get them moved to the airport. The murals are truly some of the finest works of Art Deco and the Union Terminal (which thankfully is still standing) probably the finest example of Art Deco architecture in the country. Truly, if you ever have a layover in Cincinnati, please go check out the mosaics-- Wonderful wonderful examples of Art Deco--- scenes of the American Worker were from places in the tri state area. If you have an appreciation of propaganda posters for the artistic value you will appreciate these murals. Fabulous.

OK... so, I wander back towards baggage claim... I debate whether or not I should go downstairs or just wait upstairs... I decide to check w/ Delta to make sure my grandfather will be provided with a wheelchair escort from the gate to baggage claim. That was quick... yes he is... I decide to stay upstairs. I watched some arrivals and it makes me all misty to see families and loved ones reunited... go to the airport if you ever need a "pick me up" and are convinced that life on this planet is just awful and you are feeling completely cynical... go to the airport... I'm standing at the top of the escalator and feel a smile crossing my face. Happy reunited faces. A police officer is standing to my right also watching the arrivals. A couple of minutes later a young 20 something handsome man in a ball cap and t-shirt walks up and joins us. He is excited... Talking... talking... smiling smiling. It turns out that this fine young man is with the National Guard. He had been in Iraq for 12 months and had been home for about a month. He was anxious to see his girl. She too was coming home from Iraq via Charlotte. They hadn't seen each other for 5 months. The police officer was asking questions about where they trained... what his thoughts were... it appeared that they knew some of the same folks... small town, ya know? Let me tell you... that young man had one thing on his mind. About that time, he pulled a little box out of his pocket and opened it for us to see. Inside was a beautiful diamond engagement ring... I looked at him... beaming.... grabbed his shoulder (hmmm... muscles) and squeaked, "Are you going to propose to her now??" With a twinkle in his eye and a smile from ear to ear... "Yes ma'am!" The officer shook his hand, a couple walking past stopped to say good luck... it was very cool. The whole time this was taking place I was watching for my grandfather... the soldier was looking for his girl. The police officer asked the soldier what she looked like, what would she be wearing, "She is beautiful. She has brand new white tennis shoes". Oh, well great, that helps, we will surely be able to help you spot your girl with that detail... A few minutes later, I see my grandfather being wheeled up. I point down. I said to the soldier, "That's my grandfather. He is a WWII vet. On behalf of my grandfather and myself thank you for your service and after you propose to your bride to be, thank her for us". I shook his hand and I left him and the officer. I wanted to go meet my grandfather at the elevator. I heard the soldier call me, "Ma'am!" I turned around and he came up to me and said, "Thank your grandfather for me, you know, for his service, ok?" I manage a smile and a nodd.

Instant tears!!! Do you hear me??

So, I meet my grandfather and he is just as happy as can be. He did well at the craps tables, ate at some of the finest restaurants had a couple of stories to tell.... His wheelchair escort is a man, I would guess in his 50's with brown skin- Indian descent, with an accent... I tell you this, because of the words he spoke to my grandfather. "I don't see too many folks like you anymore, you know World War Two era. You take care of yourself and it has been a privilege to serve you today. Thank you for your service to our great country." My grandfather smiled and shook the man's hand and said, "Thank you. Very kind."

Instant tears again!

It's really important that we are mindful of these men and women. They want to finish the job. Let them. Do your part to support them. And if you have not done so already, go and take an active role by signing the Pledge. On Tuesday, Hugh Hewitt wrote this:

Take the Pledge:

If the United States Senate passes a resolution, non-binding or otherwise, that criticizes the commitment of additional troops to Iraq that General Petraeus has asked for and that the president has pledged, and if the Senate does so after the testimony of General Petraeus on January 23 that such a resolution will be an encouragement to the enemy, I will not contribute to any Republican senator who voted for the resolution. Further, if any Republican senator who votes for such a resolution is a candidate for re-election in 2008, I will not contribute to the National Republican Senatorial Committee unless the Chairman of that Committee, Senator Ensign, commits in writing that none of the funds of the NRSC will go to support the re-election of any senator supporting the non-binding resolution.

Take the pledge, and tell the NRSC:

NRSC
Ronald Reagan Republican Center
425 2nd Street, NE
Washington, DC
20002
202.675.6000
webmaster@gopsenators.com

Then e-mail Senator McConnell and Senator Ensign, and tell them too. Senator McConnell's phone number is (202) 224-2541. Senator Ensign's phone number is (202) 224-6244.

GOP activists and donors built the GOP senate delegation, as well as the majority that was punted away. They can disassemble it as well, and GOP support for a neoappeasement resolution is exactly the way to start that process.

The Congressional GOP has to realize it cannot have it both ways --you can't be for victory after you were against it.

And GOP senators --alone or as a group-- definitely cannot
count on the support of the base if any of them vote for appeasement.

SIGN THE PLEDGE

Thanks go to Carol for bringing this to my attention.

Blogs and Links to Check Out This Week:

I visited Joe, That One Guy @ Drunken Wisdom, Joe said to go visit Og @ Neanderpundit, Og requested I read this. Now before you go read this undertand there is a lot of foul language. I just love the guy's enthusiam to share a story... The website is called: Ben Thompson - My Stupid Website Beb writes a weekly biography that he calls Bad A$$ of the Week. Truly, this guy is passionate and the foul language is........foul... but it suits this guys writing style. Read about Simo Haya

Housekeeping: UPDATE-- Michael and I finally received our 70's Music Explosion CD's! I'll let you know if the wait was worth it.



Have a great week everyone!

All I need...

Sunny Hi 76 Lo 52 for Baghdad, Iraq
Cloudy, Rainy Hi 65 Lo 35 for Northern Kentucky, USA

Song of the Week: Love Song, The Cure

...Just remember I was listening to a lot of The Cure at the time I wrote this...
--The Wedding Singer

Visit my new map. The other map was a royal yucko... Try this one on for size...

So, I don't feel like blogging... I'm still getting killed at work... and it's having an impact on everything. I've become this witch and I'm impossible to live with. Just ask the love of my life...The truth of the matter is I'm just overwhelmingly sad... I don't know why... I know this will pass... For the sake of everyone around me and for my own sanity it has to end soon.

Abe was heaven sent. His poetry was perfect and he gets credit for this post and for this post. As I read his work and as I get his permission, I will continue to share his work with you. My thanks again to this friendly stranger.

I also have to throw a shout out to the Lone Ranger. He did something that I suggested... He has opened his blog for comments... Who knew that I would be able to influence this thoughtful man. Go check him out if he isn't a regular stop for you... he should be...Important Stuff or Not. NO pressure, Kimosabe!!!

I need comfort items. I need my coffee, I need my fleece blanket, I need Michael and my kitty, Sid to fall asleep in my lap... that's all I need... (said in Steve Martin's voice from the movie The Jerk).

Instead of my usual painful ramble (right. Cath...), I thought I would share my love of art with you. Here, you will find links to artist and museum websites... This is a peek into my soul... I have always fancied myself an artist except without the uh... you know, discipline... uh... or you know, the talent... ah....

My favorite genre has never changed...I've always loved the French Impressionists. I love the sentimentality of it, I love the palette, color vs form, the emotion, the passion. I love that they were pioneers and were willing to try something that had never been done. I love critiquing a piece for it's technical merit and composition. I like to have my nose just mere inches from the canvas and I love to cross the room and look at the piece from a distance. I love sculpture, how I love sculpture... I love the human form in all its wonderful shapes and sizes... a landscape, a still life- to be able to see the world through the eyes of Degas, VanGogh, Matisse, Cezanne, Dali, O'Keefe, Adams, Seurat, Dine, Munch, Gauguin, Klimt.

No snobbery permitted when touring a museum with me. There is plenty I do not like...I'll keep that to myself... as goofy as it is... art is in the eye of the beholder. I like art that evokes emotion-any kind of emotion, Expressionism is another powerful genre. I used to protest every single Madonna and Child I came in contact with... but with age, I have a growing appreciation for the Renaissance period.... But above all others... I love artists that convey a sense of humor... humor I believe is probably the hardest thing to show on a canvas...

**The images on this site are available for personal use and may be accessed on a temporary basis for the sole purpose of viewing, or for fair use as defined in the United States copyright law. Any such use must be properly attributed to both the artist and to the appropriate art museum. Manipulation or redistribution in any form for commercial use, including commercial publication, or for personal gain is strictly prohibited.

Here are my favorites...

The Art Institute of Chicago

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A Sunday on La Grande Jatte - 1884 - George Seurat

Cincinnati Art Museum
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Siesta - circa 1900 - Frank Duveneck

Norton Simon Museum

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Dancers in the Wings - 1880 - Edgar Degas

The Thinker - 1880 - Auguste Rodin

some other artists...

Leonardo di Vinci
Michelangelo
Georgia O'Keefe
George Rodrigue
Jim Dine
Salvador Dali

and museums...

Louvre
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Contemporary Arts Center
Taft Museum
Norman Rockwell

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Pablo Picasso

Have a great week.

I Can Now Google Rodney W. Norman and Get a Hit

Sunny Hi 115 Lo 86 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny Hi 90 Lo 67 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Don't Cry, Seal

Folks, this past week has been such a weird one for me... I have several things that I want to write about, I'm going to do my best to touch on all of them. Hopefully my usual ramble won't be too much of a ramble, if you know what I mean... so far, I'm off to a bad start...

I don't write about work at all... until now... Number one, its simply bad form... I like my job for the most part (military sales), but a lot of what occurred this week revolves around work... (see too much rambling again...)

Two of my favorite people in the whole world were in town this week. Both are sales guys... one calls New York home--a diehard Yankees fan that drinks Ketel One on the rocks w/ 3 olives on the side and is most likely related to Nickie Goomba. The other calls the bayous of Baton Rouge home. He is a crawfish eatin', Crown Royal drinkin' boy who can't get enough of LSU football. We were all forced-- I mean requested to attend a company function on Tuesday night... rah rah... It was great... I missed something that night that I really wanted to participate in, but we all do what we have to do...

Wednesday night, Michael and I took the boys out to dinner... these two fellows couldn't be more different and yet they are so much fun to be with. If you were at Bonefish Grill on Wednesday night, I would like to apologize for any loud or vulgar conversation you may have been forced to endure.

Thursday, 2 VP's from my company (don't get excited, we have as many VP's as I have shoes... ) came by to inform me and my cubicle partner that Congressman Davis was visiting us on Friday and they wanted to bring him round to meet us... How cool is that? Long story, short... I was able to discuss with Congressman Davis some things very close to my heart, namely our shrinking fleet (not withstanding the DDX or Littoral programs), our military, and homeland security. He gave both of us his business card, he told us that if we ever wanted to go to Washington, he would see to it that we would get a tour. He spoke to everyone at our company and did not back off any issues. He made it quite clear where he stood on them as well. I've already sent him a note thanking him for his time. (yeah... I'm a suck up).

Friday was my boss' last day being my boss... She is relocating to be with family. She has been a great mentor, a superior boss, and a dear friend. I shall miss her.

Now, I suppose you are thinking... "What is so weird about this week, Cath?" Well, I'm getting to that... Monday morning, as we stumbled in to work, bleary eyed and wishing it were still Sunday, one of the guys from my product team came over and told me that the husband of one of our co-workers had committed suicide over the weekend. That'll put a huge cloud over a place... So, admidst all the activity of the week, we were all deeply saddened by this news.. a memorial service and funeral... of a hanging victim... victim... who is the victim? And that brings me to what I really want to write about... (sorry, Michael-- I need to get this out of my system..)


A very close friend of mine committed suicide on August 8, 1996. He was an amazingly talented artist. He was funny, handsome, and bright and curious about everything. He had a very promising future. In preparing for this blog, I Googled his name and got over 800,000 hits. I quite literally went through the first 100 pages searching. The closest I came was finding his mom's address. There is no sign of him, not even an obituary... nothing... It's as if he never existed... But of course he did exist and he continues to exist in the hearts and minds of those that loved him and continue to ask themselves to this day, why?

One of my fondest memories of Rodney was a New Year's Eve when Michael and I had first started dating. I don't want to rehash the good times though. After 9 years I'm still pissed off at him. What a waste...All the guilt that people are still carrying around...All the unanswered questions...All the what ifs...

The circumstances surrounding his suicide were bizarre, although after a lot of reading, not uncommon. I don't know if anything ever came of some of the theories... I don't care and it doesn't matter at this point. He was found with a noose around his neck hanging. That doesn't happen accidentally. He left so many people that loved him. Rodney was a friend. He probably took more than he gave, but he needed more than the rest of us and we were all happy to oblige. I don't know what caused him to go through with it. It wasn't the first time. I just read through this and it still doesn't cover the emotions you feel when someone leaves you in this manner. Anger, sorrow, regret, betrayal, remorse, heartache, heartbreak, disgust, deception... when happy memories surface, you second guess yourself... What did I miss? What could I have done? The answer is nothing. I did everything I could. I was always available to him emotionally, financially, whatever he needed... I was there to help. He knew that. He called me from a pay phone as he was bleeding from his 2nd attempt. We tried to get him help.
So, again, after nine years I think about all the things he would have loved-- what a pity... He isn't here to enjoy them. He would have turned 40 this past February. Chances are we would have lost touch and grown apart in time as childhood friends do... His political views were already very different from mine and that always makes for difficult relations when you have 2 passionate people on opposing ends of the spectrum... However, I could have lived with that. He would have been safely stashed in my memory banks, but instead I'm given this awful nightmare of him hanging himself... snapping his neck and suffocating...

Here is some perspective for you. Rodney, this is what you have missed. I picked these because you would have loved talking about this stuff...sharing your opinion and reading like a fiend to get all the geeky details on some of this.
After you killed yourself in 1996-
Everybody Loves Raymond, Spin City & Dexter's Laboratory all debuted, Independence Day, Jerry Maguire both were in the theaters, Jon Benet Ramsey was found murdered, Princess Diana and Prince Charles divorced.
1997-
nearly 2000 pieces of art in French museums were discovered to be stolen by the Nazis, Heavens Gate Suicides took place, Tony Blair became Prime Minister, Princess Diana died, Aerosmith Nine Lives is released, King of the Hill, Johnny Bravo, Teletubbies and Southpark debuted, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was published.
1998-
We heard the words "vast right wing conspiracy" for the first time, Monica Lewinsky, blue dress, Google was founded, John Glenn went back into space on Space Shuttle Discovery making him the oldest guy in space, Saving Private Ryan, There's Something About Mary, Life is Beautiful, Rushmore, and Gods and Monsters were in theaters, That 70's Show and The Powerpuff Girls debuted, I'm an aunt for a second time.
1999-
Y2K preparation, The Euro was introduced, Hungary, Poland and Czech Republic joined NATO (you would have loved that), Star Wars Episode 1, 6th Sense, Blairwitch Project, American Beauty were movies you would have loved, Woodstock '99 (you would have trashed that), Leonardo de Vinci's Last Supper was put back on display after 20+ years of restortation, Spongebob Squarepants and The Sopranos debuted, Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France.
2000-today
internet explosion in technology, blogs..., digital cameras, LCD, hybrid cars, wireless everything, TiVo, SPACESHIP ONE, MARS EXPLORATION ROVER, reality tv, Space Shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003, GW elected 2x's, Bob Hope died, Pope John Paul II died, President Reagan died, our 20th high school class reunion, THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY, I'm an aunt for a 3rd(1/1/00), 4th and soon to be 5th time, turning 40, and of course... 9/11...

So, my point... I always have to have a point. I cry for my co-worker and her family and his family and all the friends and everyone that knew him. He has caused more grief than can be realized. What a selfish act. I pray for all of them. I pray that God took pity on him. I wish he would have given life another day, things are never that bad.

You know, I don't want to hear about him anyway... He was only thinking of himself. If he were thinking of others he would never have done this...

And Rodney, I still miss you and I still ask why? I still ask what could I have done to help and I'm so sorry I let this happen to you...




Alright... time to lighten up, Go to Front Doors. I think you'll enjoy this blog.

A close and dear friend has started a blog. I think you will enjoy his perspective on life. Check it out. Major Star Wars geek. (geek = term of endearment)

Something Michael does for me just about every morning is send me an email that has a warm fuzzy to make sure I start my day off right... its usually some baby animal... and since my blog is so depressing this week, I thought I'd end with this... courtesy of Michael.

Military Mascots- a good cause too.

Have a great week everyone.