Showing posts with label Hem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hem. Show all posts
Sunday, November 23, 2008
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
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.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
October
Sunny - Hi 97 Lo 73 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 82 Lo 51 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 91 Lo 67 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: October, U2
This time of year, I turn off talk radio and listen to music... I do a lot of deep cleaning this time of year... Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away.... family and friends will be spending some time here...I dance a lot when I clean... (that's one of the reasons it takes me so long to clean). Anyway... one of my favorite albums to listen to from beginning to end is U2's sophomore record, October. They were so young- so full of passion, their talent so apparent. Back when we were kids and sitting in Monkey Man's basement, we all marveled at the fact that they were only a couple of years older than us... The most powerful aspect of this album was U2's proclamation of their faith... It's not a bible thumping proclamation... Gloria??? With a Shout?? Listen to the entire album... er... CD if you get a chance. If you've never listened... it's time... It's not dated... It's rock n roll, baby.
Although it is October, we are still experiencing ridiculously hot humid weather. Since June, we have had one day where it has rained... maybe Algore is right...
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In any event... the days are getting shorter... we don't expect the fall colors to be vibrant this year due to the dry summer, however we are getting a little color on the trees... This time of year opens the door to fall... an incredibly melancholy time of year for me although, I have grown to embrace and enjoy it, thanks to Michael. It's time to make a trip up to Amish country and down to Keeneland. All in due time... but definitely before the winds turn cold...
Have a great week everyone!
Sunny - Hi 82 Lo 51 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 91 Lo 67 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: October, U2This time of year, I turn off talk radio and listen to music... I do a lot of deep cleaning this time of year... Thanksgiving is just a few short weeks away.... family and friends will be spending some time here...I dance a lot when I clean... (that's one of the reasons it takes me so long to clean). Anyway... one of my favorite albums to listen to from beginning to end is U2's sophomore record, October. They were so young- so full of passion, their talent so apparent. Back when we were kids and sitting in Monkey Man's basement, we all marveled at the fact that they were only a couple of years older than us... The most powerful aspect of this album was U2's proclamation of their faith... It's not a bible thumping proclamation... Gloria??? With a Shout?? Listen to the entire album... er... CD if you get a chance. If you've never listened... it's time... It's not dated... It's rock n roll, baby.
Although it is October, we are still experiencing ridiculously hot humid weather. Since June, we have had one day where it has rained... maybe Algore is right...
.jpg)
In any event... the days are getting shorter... we don't expect the fall colors to be vibrant this year due to the dry summer, however we are getting a little color on the trees... This time of year opens the door to fall... an incredibly melancholy time of year for me although, I have grown to embrace and enjoy it, thanks to Michael. It's time to make a trip up to Amish country and down to Keeneland. All in due time... but definitely before the winds turn cold...Have a great week everyone!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Place Your Bets
Sunny - Hi 111 Lo 87 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 104 Lo 76 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 94 Lo 71 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Back in Flesh, Wall of Voodoo
Call of the West was an album that will forever be embedded in my brain. It was an album that Jimi and Monkey played over and over and over. The guys loved Stan Ridgeway's voice and as I recall they both did a great imitation of Stan... Wait, who am I kidding? I did an amazing imitation myself... I liked Wall of Voodoo because they were danceable (in a New Wave, 80's kind of way). Those less fortunate that may not be familiar with this music selection are more apt to remember a fun little diddy they did called Mexican Radio. In any event, the video clip this week is from a movie called Urgh! A Music War which I would love to have on DVD, but unfortunately it isn't available. I think I may post additional videos from Urgh! A Music War, but then again, I still have my Betamax tape that I could pop in and watch on my Sony Betamax player...
Ramble:
It's hot here. I mean really freaking hot... We haven't had weather like this in a number of years... we hit 100 degree temperatures a couple of days last week and well... jeez... it's just hot. It has also been incredibly dry--- we have had very little rain this summer. Grass is dead. Trees are stressed. Michael is happy, he hasn't had to cut the grass in ages.
Adriaan's memorial is set for the last Sunday of this month. I was addressing the invitations last night for his memorial/life celebration (the reason for the lateness of this post). For my mom in law's sake, I'll be glad when it's over.
On other front's I'm hosting girlfriend JoAnna's baby shower. I'm thinking about taking wagers based on the photographs on Jedi Master Rob's blog as to when JoAnna is gonna deliver her baby. Her actual due date is November 11.... I'm hosting a shower on September 16. I have all kinds of things planned... yes... sorry... Jo... I know I said no games... but well... yeah I hate shower games too... Possibly more than anyone else on this planet... be it a wedding shower or a baby shower... but... with that said.... we are going to have one game... heh heh heh... but I'll make up for the game... promise.
What the heck... I snagged the pictures...
October 3, 2007 Jenna
October 15, 2007 Marti **
October 26, 2007 Kate
October 30, 2007 Cindy
October 31, 2007 Cathy
November 1, 2007 Rob **
November 17, 2007 Kim
Sunny - Hi 104 Lo 76 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Sunny - Hi 94 Lo 71 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Back in Flesh, Wall of VoodooCall of the West was an album that will forever be embedded in my brain. It was an album that Jimi and Monkey played over and over and over. The guys loved Stan Ridgeway's voice and as I recall they both did a great imitation of Stan... Wait, who am I kidding? I did an amazing imitation myself... I liked Wall of Voodoo because they were danceable (in a New Wave, 80's kind of way). Those less fortunate that may not be familiar with this music selection are more apt to remember a fun little diddy they did called Mexican Radio. In any event, the video clip this week is from a movie called Urgh! A Music War which I would love to have on DVD, but unfortunately it isn't available. I think I may post additional videos from Urgh! A Music War, but then again, I still have my Betamax tape that I could pop in and watch on my Sony Betamax player...
Ramble:
It's hot here. I mean really freaking hot... We haven't had weather like this in a number of years... we hit 100 degree temperatures a couple of days last week and well... jeez... it's just hot. It has also been incredibly dry--- we have had very little rain this summer. Grass is dead. Trees are stressed. Michael is happy, he hasn't had to cut the grass in ages.
Adriaan's memorial is set for the last Sunday of this month. I was addressing the invitations last night for his memorial/life celebration (the reason for the lateness of this post). For my mom in law's sake, I'll be glad when it's over.
On other front's I'm hosting girlfriend JoAnna's baby shower. I'm thinking about taking wagers based on the photographs on Jedi Master Rob's blog as to when JoAnna is gonna deliver her baby. Her actual due date is November 11.... I'm hosting a shower on September 16. I have all kinds of things planned... yes... sorry... Jo... I know I said no games... but well... yeah I hate shower games too... Possibly more than anyone else on this planet... be it a wedding shower or a baby shower... but... with that said.... we are going to have one game... heh heh heh... but I'll make up for the game... promise.
What the heck... I snagged the pictures...
The photo on the left was taken on 5/31 and the photo on the right was taken on 8/2. Go ahead. Place your bets. When do you think girlfriend Jo is going to deliver her baby??? If you decide to play...
- In the comments post the date you believe JoAnna is going to deliver her baby.
- You can not select a date that has already been picked.
- Also include your methodology in determining the date.
- If anyone plays I'll add the names (with links when applicable) and dates at the bottom of this post. When Jo delivers the baby, whoever is closest to her actual delivery date will get a special little prize.
I'll be the first one to guess... I think JoAnna is going to go early. My guess is 10/31... yes that's Halloween... Jo and the Jedi got married on Halloween, so it would be just like them to have a baby on that date.
Delivery Dates:
October 3, 2007 Jenna
October 15, 2007 Marti **
October 26, 2007 Kate
October 30, 2007 Cindy
October 31, 2007 Cathy
November 1, 2007 Rob **
November 17, 2007 Kim
** may possibly have insider information....
Have a great week everyone!
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Sunday Song, Half Acre
This song may sound familiar to you... Are you having a difficult time placing it? Well... go here. Watch this and then you will know...
Pay It Forward
Partly Cloudy - Hi 75 Lo 56 for Baghdad, IraqPartly Sunny - Hi 72 Lo 53 for Northern KY, USA
Song of the week: Half Acre, Hem
This song is so haunting. The melody and lyrics linger in my mind the way I savor and delight in the taste of chocolate on my tongue. I always want more...
Ramble:
I just don't have it in me to blog right now... This must come in phases as some of my regular haunts have also been infrequent in their writing. For me the past 4 weeks or so have been a real struggle.
Let me say this... be nice... be nice to each other. Being polite and smiling and letting folks merge and waving to someone that has a bumper sticker that says they have a loved one in harms way goes a long way... be nice... slow down... be nice. Someone looks like they are in a hurry and late? Let them get in line ahead of you. Work to not be impatient with someone... we have no idea what is going on in their life... There is so much cruelty in the world and we have taken on this awful mentality of "everyone else does it." Bull crap.The video I wanted to play was not available to be embedded (link is underneath the Sunday Song video--- this includes the Liberty Mutual commercial). However, the video I did embed is quite charming. Let yourself go... play in the revolving doors and make up skits in the car... be nice.
And now... few photos we took at Kentucky Down Under....
Half Acre
I am holding half an acre
Torn from the map of Michigan
And folded in this scrap of paper
Is the land I grew in
Think of every town you've lived in
Every room you lay your head
And what is it that you remember
Do you carry every sadness with you
Every hour your heart was broken
Every night the fear and darkness
Lay down with you
A man is walking on the highway
A woman stares out at the sea
And light is only now just breaking
So we carry every sadness with us
Every hour our hearts were broken
Every night the fear and darkness
Lay down with us
But I am holding half an acre
Torn from the map of Michigan
I am carrying this scrap of paper
That can crack the darkest sky wide open
Every burden taken from me
Every night my heart unfolding
My home
Have a great week everyone!
P.S. The Answer to yesterday's trivia question = The Foundations.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving Monkey Man
Partly Cloudy Hi 73 Lo 55 for Baghdad, Iraq
Partly Cloudy Hi 53 Lo 35 for Northern Kentucky, USA
Song of the Week: Kind and Generous, Natalie Merchant
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of my favorite time of year, but as all 12 of you know, work has been so hectic and stressful for me. One way I have been trying to combat the blues has been to listen to music- jazz and classical instead of my beloved talk radio shows. One afternoon this past week I listened to NPR and they played some music that I really liked by a group called Hem...
The announcer mentioned the group members... Gary Maurer, Steve Curtis, Sally Ellyson & Dan Messa. Huh...whadyaknow... I had a dear friend a lifetime ago named Gary Maurer... back in high school...I wonder if he is one in the same. So, of course I "Googled" him... and found a picture of the band... wow... my old friend, Monkey Man... The rush of fond memories...There was a group of us that used to hang out in his basement everyday after school, listening to music, discussing music and the artistic value of videos (way back in the day many music videos did have artistic merit), smoking cigarettes, comparing Surrealism to Expressionism, drinking coffee, and discussing the world and our place in it, occasionally working on homework. 
It was always the same group in one form or another- Jimi and Rodney and Pam and Scott and Robert and Sophia and Adam and Butch and Carl and a revolving door of others. Gary's mom was always so sweet to us. She would always say to anyone that would listen, "Gary's going to be a rock star." I always thought that was so cool, that his Mother was so supportive of his dreams. I believed her, Gary and Jimi (another artist) were talented beyond their years already. As I remember, his guitar of choice back then was his Fender Stratocaster. There were a couple of bands over the years that were formed- one was pretty good and they actually played a few parties. After we all graduated from high school, we all stayed in touch for the first couple of years of college, but then slowly drifted apart. As I recall, after Gary graduated high school, he moved to New York City (pre Mayor Rudy Giuliani days) to study music and his first months there were staying at the YMCA. I always thought that was really brave...to move from a little suburb of Cincinnati, a place that Mark Twain once reportedly said, "When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times." In any event, I had some wonderful times with these folks and think of them very fondly. Most recently I received several emails from Jimi during the 2004 elections and they were heated and at times ugly, but Jimi made a comment about that time being the most formative time of his life. At the time of our correspondence, I didn't really acknowledge what he wrote, but in reflecting on his statement now, Jimi was right. It was a turbulent time for me- the on again off again animosity I feel towards my mom stems from those days (without valid reason, mind you), but that circle of friends as well as a few others really kept me grounded. God we had fun!
So Gary and his new music brought me a sense of calm and I thank him for that. Hearing his name made me remember all the great times we all shared. Best concert ever- Talking Heads Stop Making Sense Tour. Worst movie to see on Christmas Eve - Scarface....
I have no idea what else is in Monkey's life, but I wish him happiness and success for all his days...
So now with fond memories floating in my head rather than self pity, I want to share with you all the things that I am thankful for. I love Thanksgiving. I love Christmas and I expect that since this is my favorite time of year, my posts through the end of 2005 will revolve around them in one way or another. Indulge me please and let me know if I forget anything and if I do, please do not take offense as it is 3:30 in the morning and I'm bound to forget something.
Michael and I go for walks at the Boone County Arboretum. This was the last of the fall color.
Partly Cloudy Hi 53 Lo 35 for Northern Kentucky, USA
Song of the Week: Kind and Generous, Natalie Merchant
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of my favorite time of year, but as all 12 of you know, work has been so hectic and stressful for me. One way I have been trying to combat the blues has been to listen to music- jazz and classical instead of my beloved talk radio shows. One afternoon this past week I listened to NPR and they played some music that I really liked by a group called Hem...
The announcer mentioned the group members... Gary Maurer, Steve Curtis, Sally Ellyson & Dan Messa. Huh...whadyaknow... I had a dear friend a lifetime ago named Gary Maurer... back in high school...I wonder if he is one in the same. So, of course I "Googled" him... and found a picture of the band... wow... my old friend, Monkey Man... The rush of fond memories...There was a group of us that used to hang out in his basement everyday after school, listening to music, discussing music and the artistic value of videos (way back in the day many music videos did have artistic merit), smoking cigarettes, comparing Surrealism to Expressionism, drinking coffee, and discussing the world and our place in it, occasionally working on homework. 
It was always the same group in one form or another- Jimi and Rodney and Pam and Scott and Robert and Sophia and Adam and Butch and Carl and a revolving door of others. Gary's mom was always so sweet to us. She would always say to anyone that would listen, "Gary's going to be a rock star." I always thought that was so cool, that his Mother was so supportive of his dreams. I believed her, Gary and Jimi (another artist) were talented beyond their years already. As I remember, his guitar of choice back then was his Fender Stratocaster. There were a couple of bands over the years that were formed- one was pretty good and they actually played a few parties. After we all graduated from high school, we all stayed in touch for the first couple of years of college, but then slowly drifted apart. As I recall, after Gary graduated high school, he moved to New York City (pre Mayor Rudy Giuliani days) to study music and his first months there were staying at the YMCA. I always thought that was really brave...to move from a little suburb of Cincinnati, a place that Mark Twain once reportedly said, "When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times." In any event, I had some wonderful times with these folks and think of them very fondly. Most recently I received several emails from Jimi during the 2004 elections and they were heated and at times ugly, but Jimi made a comment about that time being the most formative time of his life. At the time of our correspondence, I didn't really acknowledge what he wrote, but in reflecting on his statement now, Jimi was right. It was a turbulent time for me- the on again off again animosity I feel towards my mom stems from those days (without valid reason, mind you), but that circle of friends as well as a few others really kept me grounded. God we had fun!So Gary and his new music brought me a sense of calm and I thank him for that. Hearing his name made me remember all the great times we all shared. Best concert ever- Talking Heads Stop Making Sense Tour. Worst movie to see on Christmas Eve - Scarface....
I have no idea what else is in Monkey's life, but I wish him happiness and success for all his days...
So now with fond memories floating in my head rather than self pity, I want to share with you all the things that I am thankful for. I love Thanksgiving. I love Christmas and I expect that since this is my favorite time of year, my posts through the end of 2005 will revolve around them in one way or another. Indulge me please and let me know if I forget anything and if I do, please do not take offense as it is 3:30 in the morning and I'm bound to forget something.
- My husband. Of all the people on this planet, he has given me so much. He is the kindest gentlest soul you will ever meet and I'm fortunate to call him my best friend, my love, my reason for living and Natalie is singing for him.
- God's grace
- My family- mom, grandparents, brother, sis in law, my nieces and nephews I'm grateful to be born into this dysfunctional family of mine. I wouldn't trade one of them... no... not one........
- Michael's family- the other dysfunctional family in my life.
- My beautiful nieces and nephews
- Our friends, close and distant
- Planes Trains and Automobiles
- Our cats--- all 5 of them (oh.... she's one of THOSE people...)
- Long drives in the country with Michael
- Long walks in the woods with Michael
- My ability to laugh at my own stupidity
- Being born in the greatest nation
- Jean Schmidt's balls: Congresswoman from right across the river
- U2
- fond memories of old friends
- our home
- air shows
- Kentucky bourbon
- My purple room
- lava lamps and Japanese lanterns
- Michael's Thanksgiving dressing
- My grandmother's sarcasm
- My grandfather's gentle soul
- My brother's moodiness
- My mother's laugh
- My mother in law's melodic voice
- My sis in law's better than Martha Stewart ways
- Old people moments
- Michaelisms
- I'm glad I was able to meet Michael's father
- Ronald Reagan
- Ketel One Cosmopolitans
- Laughing until my stomach hurts
- The ability to cry for joy
- The ability to cry freely at the playing of our National Anthem
- The fact that my sis in law has more gray than I do
- Monet
- GW
- It's a Wonderful Life
- popcorn
- a healthy fear of carnies
- Jimmy Stewart
- Yul Brynner
- Cary Grant
- Rosalind Russell in Auntie Mame
- good neighbors
- new friends
- A Christmas Story
- our men and women in uniform, past and present
2 small pieces of advice for this season of giving:
- Take time to thank as many folks as you can that wear a uniform... from policemen to firemen, to EMT's to nurses and doctors, to our military.
- When shopping make a truce (Michael and I do this every year when we go Christmas shopping) to not get nasty or short with each other or others. We go through a checklist of sorts.... ***don't get impatient when sitting in traffic or trying to find a parking space- it's inevitable, so why get upset?, ***smile and make eye contact with all sales help, wish them Merry Christmas- chances are you are the first soul that has been nice to them all day. (discussing lack of quality sales help is not the issue here.. bringing good cheer is) ***smile and make eye contact with other shoppers and when possible wish them a Merry Christmas (especially the impatient ones).
I promise you, although awkward at first, if you follow those 2 simple rules, every single time you go out -- your holiday season will be that much nicer. Yeah, you do occasionally get the Scrooge that will never lighten up, but just say BahHumbug AND Merry Christmas to them. People do get it and chances are they will start to think of the true meaning of the season as well...
I leave you with this. Click on the link below to view a moving slideshow. Remember there will be so many of our finest that won't be home this season. If you can, set up a table with a card(s) for your family and friends to sign. There are countless ways to get cards and letters to our soldiers... make room in your home so we remember that they are still there...
This presentation is dedicated to those who will "stay the course." They know that if we do not, it is our children or their children that will have to finish or even repeat what we have started and those who have sacrificed so much will be all for not.
Courtesy of GCS Distributing
[U.S. Representative Jean Schmidt] told her new colleagues of a phone call she had just received from freshman Ohio state Rep. Danny R. Bubp of West Union, a colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. "He asked me to send Congress a message: Stay the course. He also asked me to send Congressman Murtha a message - that cowards cut and run, Marines never do," said Schmidt, of Miami Township. "Danny and the rest of America and the world want the assurance from this body that we will see this through." By Malia Rulon Cincinnati Enquirer Washington Bureau
Here are a couple of places I wanted to share with you:
A must see for all you Paris Hilton fans and a train wreck for those of us that can't help but stare when confronted by... well... you'll see... Her facial expression never ever changes...
Peru 2005 November
Native Eye
you've been so kind and generous
I don't know how you keep on giving
for your kindness I'm in debt to you
for your selflessness, my admiration
and for everything you've done
you know I'm bound...
I'm bound to thank you for it
you've been so kind and generous
I don't know how you keep on giving
for your kindness I'm in debt to you
and I never could have come this far without you
so for everything you've done
you know I'm bound...
I'm bound to thank you for it
I want to thank you
for so many gifts
you gave with love and tenderness
I want to thank you
I want to thank you
for your generosity
the love and the honesty
that you gave me
I want to thank you
show my gratitude
my love and my respect for you
I want to thank you
I want to...
thank you
thank you
thank you
thank you
thank you
thank you
HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEK and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
My oldest niece went to her first dance earlier this month (with a group of girlfriends). I can hardly believe it.
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Michael and I go for walks at the Boone County Arboretum. This was the last of the fall color. *
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