Extreme Joy

Rob sent this to me.... I just love it. When was the last time you were that happy?



Dogwork.com

The Death Star

Things have changed a little since Scooter Trash hubby left SF...

Amazing IS The New Awesome

Mostly Sunny - Hi 93 Lo 72 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 100 Lo 64 for Qandahar, Afghanistan
Rain - Hi 58 Lo 46 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Nowhere to Run, Martha & the Vandellas

Martha and the Vandellas are by far my favorite girl group from Motown... Heatwave, Dancing in the Streets, Jimmy Mack, and of course Nowhere to Run!! It's hard to be blue when you are listening to these girls groovin' to a sound that is now classified as oldies... wait... the 80's are now oldies... this is from the 60's... no matter... the sound is just as fresh today as it was in 1965... AMAZING!

Ramble (Random Thoughts):

** Remember, you read it here first... Amazing is the new awesome... Michael made this observation a few months ago and I now concur... No longer will you hear blond bubble-heads proclaiming something awesome... everything now is AMAZING.... good grief... another perfectly good word run down into the ground...

** I was away on business last week and I had the good fortune to spend some time in Westchester County, New York... Yes... I was in Hillary's backyard... actually, we went to Hill and Bill's place... Hill wasn't home... didn't see Bill. OH.. and their next door neighbor had an Obama sign in their front yard... Priceless!

** The area that Hill & Bill and Martha Stewart live in is quite rural... about an hour outside of New York City... it is quite beautiful... It AMAZINGLY looks a lot like Kentucky...

** I was fortunate to meet a young soldier in the airport in White Plains, New York. He looked like he was 16... no way has this young man shaved more than twice in his life. He was dressed in fatigues holding a bottle of Mountain Dew. I went to a vending machine and forked out $2.00 for a Mountain Dew and $1.50 for some pretzels. I walked over to the young man, held out my hand to shake his--- funny... his hands were soft... maybe a couple of callouses... but young... young hands. I handed him the soda and pretzels and said that I would buy him a drink next time I saw him. He laughed and thanked me... As I began to walk away from him... I realized I hadn't thanked him... I swung around... and said, "NO!! Thank you, Son!" And when I walked away, I made my way to the ladies room where I proceeded to burst into tears... Yes... another young man going off to protect us... to keep us safe... some one's sweetheart...some one's brother... some one's son... These young men ARE AMAZING and that is the definition of AMAZING AND AWESOME... That is the standard we should be using when choosing our words...

** Another observation from Michael... if you are an avid listener of NPR... Michael is about to become your worst nightmare... the next time you listen to NPR... listen to how much the announcer's stutter and stammer... They all do it... all the time...

** This next video is from GodTube.com. I saw this a while ago.. some friends that attend the Vineyard shared it with me. It's powerful... a great video for young and old alike.


** One more thing... Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful and AMAZING women.

Have a great week everyone!

Vern

The link I set up below is not working... hope this one does..

To Everything There Is A Season

Partly Cloudy - Hi 100 Lo 79 for Baghdad, Iraq
Sunny - Hi 95 Lo 63 for Qandahar, Afghanistan Mostly
Sunny - Hi 68 Lo 45 for Northern KY, USA

Song of the week: Turn! Turn! Turn!, The Byrds

Was this the last song of an innocent time? I'm serious... I was only a few months old at the time of it's release... Let me know... President Kennedy had been assassinated 2 years prior... we were in Vietnam-- however soldier morale was still high because the American people were supporting the effort and the troops... Seriously, was this the last song of innocence for our country?

Ramble:

This month has been on God's time. And once again I am reminded about how fleeting time can be. One moment has brought sheer joy and pride--- the next absolute sorrow and inconsolable grief. In the joy, I have seen struggle and hard work. In the sorrow, I have witnessed strength through courage and the support of family and community.

** My grandfather's best friend was finally given his medals for his service to our great nation during World War II thanks to a Vietnam Veteran. Vern was a medic... he saved lives and brought aid and comfort to soldiers in 3 major campaigns... including the Battle of the Bulge. He was NEVER issued a winter coat. After the war, he came home like the rest of his generation and got on with his life. I'm so pleased my grandparents invited me to attend. I'm so proud of my grandfather... I'm so proud of Vern. Thank these men... sadly, we are losing them every day...

I have moved the video to a separate entry- above. My apologies for the end of the video... first time using my camera--- and I haven't figured out how to edit yet... That is Ohio Congresswoman, Jean Schmidt presenting Vern with his medals... I've seen her a lot in the past 3 weeks...

** About two weeks ago, a coworker of mine unexpectedly lost her 15 year old son to a brain aneurysm... How does a mother recover from the loss of her oldest child? I don't know... I don't imagine a parent ever recovers from the loss of a child.. it's not the natural order... a parent is supposed to outlive the child...

** Friday morning, I witnessed a friend, 1 of 69 people from 34 countries become naturalized citizens of the United States. If you have never seen this ceremony or been witness to the oath... This is powerful stuff. By choice, they come here...they decide that this is a better place. Federal Court Judge Bunning (yes... son of Senator Bunning) asked that each person stand and give their name, the country of origin and where they reside currently... Safe to tell you... I started crying immediately... First person was from Canada (3 total), the next Russia--- many many Bosnians, 1 Iraqi, 1 Iranian, Filipinos, 3 Mexicans, 1 from Holland, 1 from France, a handful from the UK, China, India.... now... proudly are all Americans... Becoming a legal United States citizen by design is not an easy process and it takes a long time... years... I forget who it was, but one of the women stood and stated her name, where she was from and loudly and enthusiastically proclaimed in her glorious accent that she lived in INDEPENDENCE, Kentucky.
"I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God."

** That same Friday afternoon, I learned from my sis in law that Susan lost her long hard fought battle with cancer. She was only 47. My prayers are with Susan's family-- her husband... her mother... her brother and sisters... her son.... only 47....

** This weekend Matt Maupin finally came home. He was escorted by his younger brother Micah. Carolyn Maupin and Keith Maupin continue to be beacons of strength and dignity and compassion and hope during a time of inconceivable grief and sorrow. On April 9 at a scholarship fundraiser in his brother's name, Micah reenlisted in the Marine Corp in front of a packed house-- including his father and mother. Although Carolyn stood by her son's decision.... You could see the pain and fear in her eyes. Matt is home and the community is welcoming this young man home. Yesterday morning I stood along the highway with my grandfather and a bunch of crusty old Marines waiting for Matt. Kyle--- as usual did something extraordinary to welcome him home and to offer comfort and support to the family... He had a sign(s) made... pictures below... Michael rode in the escort as a member of Patriot Guard Riders from Lunken Airport to the Civic Center. I was very proud of him... he was the only sportie among the Harleys... We all met at the visitation. My grandfather is 85 and in failing health... He wanted to go pay his respect, but the weather was not cooperative. The police officers on duty especially Officer Combs and volunteers saw to it that we would get my grandfather through. He told us to come back in 45 minutes, he would get us a wheelchair and would get us to the front of the long line. Kindness... respect... appreciation...

** Kyle spoke to a very distinguished looking man-- Kyle what was his last name? ... As this man with an umbrella, a stylish suit and an English accent spoke about his time in the service and the artillery he used and the brotherhood he shared with Kyle, the conversation turned to his appreciation of the outpouring of support he was witness to. Shortly after, he shared with Kyle as I eavesdropped that he was asked by President Bush to paint a portrait of Matt Maupin. He described the painting... it will be Matt and his brother Micah... the portrait will be called Brothers.

** Today--- will be Matt's funeral... again the Maupin's are concerned about the entire community... they want us to be able to mourn his loss and celebrate this young man's life. Michael again will participate with Patriot Guard... I will wander down to the ball park... and pay my respect.

Kyle the dreamer, Ray the installer, Tom the guy who made the sign a reality... Michael

Read the oath above again... really... read it out loud. Say the words... Hear the words. Understand the words.

Everything is done in HIS time-- now read the following words...

Ecclesiastes Chapter 3
1: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3: A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4: A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5: A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6: A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7: A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8: A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
9: What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
10: I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.
11: He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.
12: I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
13: And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.
14: I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him. 15: That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.
16: And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there.
17: I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked: for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
18: I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19: For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.
20: All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.
21: Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?
22: Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Yes... I have learned a great deal this month...

Have a great week everyone!

Sunday Song, Fragile

Music Video:FRAGILE (by Sting)

Music Video Code provided by VideoCodeZone.Com

Walk On

Update: Early this morning, Adriaan passed away. Despite the seriousness of his situation, we all expected him to recover because... well that is just Adriaan. I mean Jesus. He survived the unsurvivable.

From Glen his oldest son:

They have removed the tubes and equipment, and we just gave him our final kisses amid our tears. He is at peace. It was always his wish that he die on a mountain, and in many ways his wish was fulfilled. He lived just long enough to see all of his children and stepchildren and speak to them, to spend time with Patricia, and even see a picture of his beloved dog, which Michael brought with him yesterday. He heard all of your good wishes and knew how loved by everyone in his family.

Music Video:
Walk On by (U2)

Music Video Code by Video Code Zone

And love is not the easy thing
The only baggage you can bring...
And love is not the easy thing...
The only baggage you can bring
Is all that you can't leave behind

And if the darkness is to keep us apart
And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off
And if your glass heart should crack
And for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong

Walk on, walk on
What you got, they can't steal it
No they can't even feel it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight...

You're packing a suitcase for a place none of us has been
A place that has to be believed to be seen
You could have flown away
A singing bird in an open cage
Who will only fly, only fly for freedom

Walk on, walk on
What you got they can't deny it
Can't sell it or buy it
Walk on, walk on
Stay safe tonight

And I know it aches
And your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Home...hard to know what it is if you never had one
Home...I can't say where it is but I know I'm going home
That's where the heart is

I know it aches
How your heart it breaks
And you can only take so much
Walk on, walk on

Leave it behind
You've got to leave it behind
All that you fashion
All that you make
All that you build
All that you break
All that you measure
All that you steal
All this you can leave behind
All that you reason
All that you sense
All that you speak
All you dress up
All that you scheme...

Allison Krauss & Union Station

It's Saturday night and I'm struggling to find the right Sunday song... Primarily because I can not stay on task... I was completely immersed in the Barenaked Ladies Bathroom Sessions... good stuff... seriously... go to You Tube and search for Barenaked Ladies Bathroom Sessions... watch One Week... love it! Then I got off track and started watching all the vile Rosie O'Donnell clips from The View... someone... please for the love of anyone... have Glenn Beck duct tape her freaking mouth....

I spent some time over at mtvU's Best Music on Campus... I love the melody on a song by a band called Autifoy... the song is called Alive.... go take a listen. I want this song for my iPod!!!!

So, I also spent quite a bit of time on my Amazon Account today... I can't tell you how much I spent today... just know that I can't wait for all my stuff...

Where was I? Yeah... I have been pining for the Allison Krauss' Live Album and bought it... and this song, Baby, Now That I Found You is on this album. Many folks believe this is an original of hers, but in fact it is a cover song. I actually love the original just as much... Afterall, it is from the 60's... and it's pop... although some say it is Motown... but it can't be Motown since these fellas came from across the pond... how about soul or R&B?

So, since I'm on a roll and really just going with the whole A.D.D. thing... Here's some trivia... What was that 60's pop group that originally sang this? Hint listed below the video... no cheating.

The video is out of sync....I hate that! So, just listen...




This same 60's band also sang Build Me Up Buttercup which was featured in this movie:




NO CHEATING!!! Answer posted on Sunday's edition....

Sunday Song, Angry American

Music Video:COURTESY OF THE RED, WHITE & BLUE (by Toby Keith)

Music Video Code provided by Video Code Zone

If you would like to comment on the song, please wait for the Sunday post, which will be up shortly. I would love to read your comments or email about the music selection and I am certainly willing to take requests.

** video no longer set up on autoplay.

Sunday Song, Born to Hum

Video by M.R. Day

If you would like to comment on the song, please wait for the Sunday post. I would love to read your comments or email about the music selection and certainly willing to take requests.

Sunday Song, Solsbury Hill

If you would like to comment on the song, please wait for the Sunday post. I would love to read your comments or email about the music selection and certainly willing to take requests.

Sunday Song, If I Die Before You Wake

Update: Visitors from SIGforum - Welcome!! Thanks for stopping by!

VISITORS FROM COMBATCARRY.COM- WELCOME!! If you have time, stay awhile... I make a great cup of coffee.



If I Die Before You Wake, a song by Dustin Evans

The Mamas and the Papas - Denny Doherty

** I * love * pop * music * from * the * 60's. **

On my drive home from work this evening I heard that Denny Doherty from the Mamas and the Papas passed away. As a little girl, I remember their songs coming on the radio and my mom singing with a very thick accent, "Monday Monday". Good stuff, ya know? I have always had a secret fascination (not so secret to those that know me I suppose) with the Mamas and the Papas... Yes, they were a bunch of hippies, yes they lived the free love, drug induced lifestyle... and sadly John Phillips cut his career short because of his drug addiction. But in those 3 very short years that the Mamas and the Papas were together, they created something special. The songs will live on in the beautiful harmonies they created. Their music always seems to warm my soul when I feel myself getting cynical. So, click play and tip a glass in memory of Denny.

Dedicated to the One I Love



California Dreamin'

A Promise Is a Promise

This isn't the post I promised... However, it is a post...which I promised I would post today. Make sense? Probably not...

It was suggested by Jedi Master Rob that I wait on the post I want to do and I think he is right. I want to reflect on the events of this past weekend just a little longer. So, in the meantime go visit Rob... and say hello and wish him a happy birthday (this Saturday). Also, go visit my honey, the Scootertrash Conservative... He actually posted something Monday...

Lastly, since I pulled my Sunday Song... I'll leave you with this... it's been around for a couple of years... but it always makes me laugh... report back when you have the Numa Numa guy's dance moves down...or play it over and over again until your husband (or wife) spontaneously combusts... or wimpers,

"For the love of God!! Please stop playing that song!!"

Go visit the New Numa.

Sick and Twisted

Because I have a sick and twisted fascination with all things ABBA...

Please join me in singing Happy New Year with my favorite foursome...Agnetha, Frida, Bjorn, and Benny. Don't worry... I'll change the song for my Sunday post... consider this a bonus for your holiday merrymaking...

Watch Videos:

Happy New Year (Abba) Video Codes by Video Code Zone

Proof Positive

This is proof positive that Ozzy Osbourne sold his soul to the devil....

Click on the box to be taken to this horrid (and I mean that in the most sincere way) video. Changing the video is my gift to you.

Watch Videos:

Winter Wonderland (Ozzy Osbourne & Jessica Simpson) Video Codes by Video Code Zone