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Friday, September 11th, 2009
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3:46 pm - This Land is Your Land -
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Below is a portion of a LJ entry I posted shortly after 9/11. It also ended up being a letter to the editor in our local paper. I still believe all of it, rereading it just makes me sad with the knowledge of where all the energy and spirit of community took us, bastardized into a sham patriotism that left me stunned at our willingness to forgo our basic ideals out of fear. I still believe in this country, I just wonder when we will find our way back.
From 9/15/01:
As the horrifying events of last week flicker across TV screens across the nation, I hear again and again the refrain - what can I do? The helplessness of watching and the desire to help is part of what makes us a human family. I thought quite a bit about it and my suggestions are as follows:
Donate blood, though you may not be able to this week. Do it a month from now, do it again when you are eligible to. It will be needed, perhaps not for a victim of the bombing, but for another person facing a life threatening challenge.
Write a check to the Red Cross or other relief organization. Keep your checkbook open. Write your next check to an organization in our backyard. Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services, FISH, and others help your neighbors in crisis whatever it may be.
Grieve for those who have suffered loss, then step out your door. Do you have a friend or neighbor who has watched this destruction unfold alone? Stop and visit them, share yourself.
Settle an argument, drop an old grudge. Mend fences with someone. Does it really seem so important anymore?
Fly your flag, but remember what it stands for. Vote, voice your opinion, attend a council meeting. Be respectful of differing viewpoints. Democracy is not a spectator sport.
Call, write or e-mail those you love. Tell them, and tell them often.
Patriotism calls for love. Love of country requires that we strive to make this a better place for all, from our backyard to the farthest reaches of our nation. As a nation that takes a world leadership role, we also have responsibilities that stretch across continents and seas to further liberty and justice for all. As citizens, our effect is most potent as we share our gifts with those around us.
current mood:  contemplative
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| Monday, September 7th, 2009
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7:52 am - Labor Day
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My grandmother, like many impovrished children of her day was forced to quit school and go to work in a box factory to help support the family. Even in her old age, when she would talk about having to quit school (she was one of the smartest people I ever knew) a shadow would come across her face. At the age my daughters are now, she was toiling her days away. The above pic is not her, but one of many children of her time documented by Lewis W. Hine.
This Labor Day, one would wish her experience was one of the past, a relic of a harsher time. Around the world, however, children share her fate, often for pennies a day. This Labor Day, my thoughts are with them - the children whose childhood evaporated before their eyes.
current mood:  sad
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| Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
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9:55 am
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Sending love and admiration to ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) daisydumont who has weathered the storms and continues to keep on keeping on after the loss of her beloved Gerry. Peace be with you on this day.
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| Wednesday, August 12th, 2009
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2:18 pm - Hooray for flying monkeys!
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Happy 70th anniversary to The Wizard of Oz, premired this date in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, and to our own gurdonark who premired a number of years later...
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| Friday, July 24th, 2009
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11:32 am - Postlet
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I am remiss in posting - yes those little Facebook updates are the extent of my attention span most days. It's about time for a general update for anyone who still realizes I'm here...
* School is plugging along - I expect to get an A if my grades hold up. The online format is convenient but a bit disconcerting in terms of give and take. I've also learned my lesson about putting off the workbook the hard way. Hopefully it will serve me well, since I am going to continue to need to do a lot of my classes online. I've registered for 2 classes in the fall, one face to face, the other online. I'm a bit nervous since they will collide with WinterHaven season, but I have to keep the momentum going.
* Rain & Cora are enjoying their trip to Maui - I can't wait to see the pics. I also can't wait for them to come home. I've had stretches away from them, but never this far away.
* Work is about the same. I have put a hold on actively looking right now, it was mentally exhausting. I'll keep networking, but for now I'm going to focus on the school process.
* The summer is flying by. I had a brief beach respite in June, and I want to do another road trip before school's back in session for the girls but haven't decided where or when.
* I'm going to Dylan, Willie & Mellencamp tonight. I'm hoping for clear weather. I've never seen Willie Nelson in concert before, I'm pretty excited.
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| Monday, June 1st, 2009
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10:32 am - Tortoise
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I know it's bad when I'm feeling guilty about my posting. I guess I'm still having trouble putting together thoughts in more than a bullet point fashion. That better change soon, since I'm now officially back to class. I got tired of talking about it and have dipped my toe in the water for summer session at Prince Georges Community College. I'll be taking an intro Psych course online, hopefully that will allow me to work around other commitments. In the end, if I can wipe out some basics at community college rates I'll be better off. Long term, the goal is a Social Work degree....and I do mean long term since I figure this will stretch on while I'm working full time. No sugar daddy in the picture, so I guess I will the slow and steady rate.
Otherwise, life is par for the course. Rain and Cora are plugging along, each blossoming in their own ways. Cora got accepted at an Arts magnet school for Jr. High as a Drama student - she's in high squee over that. Rain is likely to switch schools for 11th and 12th. Sad, but hopefully a fresh start. I'm still trying to allow myself some time for frivolity, i.e. my regular Tuesday trivia night. Took some time yesterday to hang out with the lovely daisydumont yesterday over Limoncello and eclairs with fresh strawberries. Limoncello was new for both of us, and while refreshing is quite strong. I think in the future I'll have to cut it with something.
All in all, life is good - not perfect, but moving forward.
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| Sunday, April 12th, 2009
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7:34 pm
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| Monday, March 23rd, 2009
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8:29 pm - Providence
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I am a great believer in providence. I realize it's at odds with other aspects of my personality, but regardless, I feel that periodically things come forward at times most needed.
Today was a mix of feelings. I am very relieved to be done with WinterHaven, a tough season. At the same time, I feel a certain amount of guilt at being relieved - there is always a group that will head back to the street. I've long ago made peace with the fact that I can't want something more than the person in question, but being relieved is somewhat guilt inducing. I worry about my jaded attitude, but I've been doing this since '91. I've seen things I never expected to at the beginning.
In '91, it wasn't easy, but the guests were much more of the "Otis" drunks. As I look back, I know Otis (the Andy Griffith caricature) was likely not the harmless sot he seemed, but he was cheerful and manageable. They had their ethos, and in a warped way took care of each other.
In '09 we have more mentally ill, dually diagnosed and more personality disorders. No one is "just" a drunk, they mix and match their addictions and come up with hellish cocktails of abuse. The years of abuse take a physical toll, requiring adult diapers, multiple medications and detailed oversight. None of which we are competent to provide as an all volunteer organization. In the end, we are the dumping ground.
My friend D called this eve to let me know that a client I worked with extensively at my old job died this morning. She was one of the first cases I dealt with as a case worker, one that made me want to explode at the time. She had no insurance, but while she was considered terminal hospice provided her medications. She then had the temerity to get better....so all her medical care was cut off. Makes sense, huh? Long story with many other twists and complications, but all in all, a sad story.
I left for the store after D called, picking up a few things. On my way out I heard my name called. I turned and saw another former client, also with multiple health issues, waving at me. I stopped to chat, cautiously avoiding case issues that I can't address. She's not 100%, but she's doing OK. Sometimes that's the best that can be done. She was happy to see me and was positive about her future. Given the day, I'll take that as my piece of providence.
current mood: wistful
current music: Back on the Chain Gang - Pretenders
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| Friday, February 13th, 2009
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10:20 am
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My cockiness over my avoidance of the series of colds and viruses that have been coming down the pike has come round to kick my ass. Since last weekend I've been increasingly drowning in snot and now have a lovely croaking voice. I always bemoan the fact that I always skip over Kathleen Turner's sexy husky sound and go straight to Kermit the Frog during puberty.
I took a rare sick day yesterday to sleep in, but had to take Rain for an oral surgery appointment in the afternoon. We had to predose her with Valium which left her quite stoned. I'm sure there would be those who would frown at my amusement, but she was pretty funny. Poor kid has two stitches in her cheek and looks like the Godfather...but only on her left side.
One promising thing that happened yesterday was a call for an interview with another local agency. I had applied for a community worker position, but they want me to interview for a supervisory position. I'll be going over there next Wednesday, so keep your fingers and toes crossed for me.
current mood:  sick
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| Sunday, January 25th, 2009
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1:50 pm - Writer's Block: Robotic
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| Monday, January 19th, 2009
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2:38 pm
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I'm staring out my office window at a frosted white landscape. Somehow that dusting of snow can cover the ugliest pile of trash and make it a sparkling new thing. The denuded trees reach their white gloved fingers to the sky, finding a new elegance.
Our area is bracing for the onslaught of visitors for the inauguration. After initially considering going down, I thought better of it as the estimated numbers rose and rose. I've been to many large gatherings in DC - marches, protests, celebrations - but this will likely trump all of them. If I really want to see what's going on, I'll have a better vantage point watching it on TV. I do want to watch it with my clients, as the excitement here is palpable.
Our local PBS station is running a marathon of "Eyes on the Prize." It's been on throughout the day as my background, a reminder of the strides that have been made and the sacrifices that were made to get there. I love the old footage and the smaller stories that sometimes get lost. So Happy Birthday Martin. You stood on the mountaintop, but it would have been wonderful to have you performing the invocation tomorrow.
current mood: thoughtful
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| Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
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12:02 am
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tx_cronopio passed on a poetry meme, not quite a meme but a chance to post a favorite poem. I've always loved this one, a recognition of the beauty of the ordinary. Richard Brautigan has a way.
"Affectionate Light Bulb"
I have a 75 watt, glare free, long life
Harmony House light bulb in my toilet.
I have been living in the same apartment
for over two years now
and that bulb just keeps burning away.
I believe that it is fond of me.
current mood:  content
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| Saturday, January 10th, 2009
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9:45 am - Back from the Abyss
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I survived the holidays, St. P's week of WinterHaven and assorted distractions. 2009 is here and I have my first interview of the year with a local transit company. A flip of the calendar page does not mean much in real life, but I'm hoping to move forward despite the gloomy forecasts.
I've found an interesting source of opposition in my job search. The girls seem very unnerved by any prospect of me going to a "straight" job. They understand it might be necessary, but are genuinely freaked by the potential that I wouldn't be in a "helping" job. I guess neither of them can remember the days when I had a business type gig, so it will be an adjustment if I end up outside of my more recent gigs.
I hope to write more, just have had a stretch where life has overtaken most outlets. I'm trying to carve out some things for myself, so hopefully this will be one of them. Coalescing my thoughts into a post has been tougher lately - if I set it as a goal I may not win the slowest poster award. I do read daily, however, so I'm still here, believe it or not.
current mood:  tired
current music: I'm Every Woman - kd lang & Dame Edna
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| Monday, September 8th, 2008
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7:52 pm - The Times, They are A'Changin...
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I have seen things in my life that I never thought I would bear witness to. The fall of the Berlin Wall. The release and subsequent presidency of Nelson Mandela. Yesterdays was not quite as earth shattering but amazing nonetheless - Quentin Crisp in the children's page of the comics! He was featured, with large pic, in "You Can Do It with Beakman and Jax." I have searched the web and been unable to embed it, but I will try to scan it for those who are not Sunday paper comics readers. Life is good!
current mood:  amused
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| Saturday, September 6th, 2008
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5:42 pm
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Comment and I'll give you a letter; then you have to list ten things you LOVE that begin with that letter. Afterward, post this in your journal and give out some letters of your own.
From beatnikside, I was given the letter G:
Gyro - tzatziki smothered Greek goodness.
Ganesha - 'cause who doesn't love an elephant god?
Gargoyles - rain spouts with attitude,especially the ones at the National Cathedral
Gandy Dancers - because I want to use one of those hand powered rail cars too!
Gymnopedies - Satie is the original mellow out music.
Grover - one of my favorite Muppets, because we share similar phobias and superpowers.
Glo sticks - cheap thrills, though the purported ability to freeze and reuse them has simply led to a freezer full of dead glo sticks.
Guinness - because Guinness is good for you.
Peter Gabriel - it takes talent to write a hit song about your penis.
Google - portal to vast knowledge and misinformation.
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| Monday, September 1st, 2008
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1:19 pm
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Today, many of us are resting and spending time with our families and friends for Labor Day. Unfortunately, for many of the lower rung of the economic ladder, Labor Day brings no respite. So in the spirit of Joe Hill, I wish for a Labor Day that will someday bring more opportunities and equity to those who do the thankless jobs. Thank you to the waitress at the diner working for less than minimum and spending her hours on her feet hoping for a decent tip. Thank you to the janitorial staff who come in day after day to clean up our debris. Thank you to the retail clerk who works every Labor Day since it's a big "sale" day. Thank you to the emergency services workers - police, fire and rescue - who put their lives on the line and are there regardless of which holiday it is. Thank you to the small business owners struggling to stay afloat as the economy withers. Thank you to the day care workers caring for our children despite no health benefits and low pay. A special aside for those who are unemployed this Labor Day - my prayers are with you.
It can go on and on. Everyone is feeling the pain now, but those who had little to spare to start with are sinking further each day. For all of you, I give you Joe Hill's will:
My will is easy to decide
For there is nothing to divide
My kin don't need to fuss and moan
"Moss does not cling to a rolling stone."
My body? - Oh. - If I could choose
I would to ashes it reduce
And let the merry breezes blow
My dust to where some flowers grow
Perhaps some fading flower then
Would come to life and bloom again
This is my Last and final Will
Good Luck to All of you
Joe Hill
current mood: contemplative
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| Tuesday, August 12th, 2008
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9:28 am - Number One with a Bullet
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This date in history, number one songs:
1959 - A Big Hunk O'Love by Elvis Presley
1963 - Fingertips (Part II) by Little Stevie Wonder
Happy Birthday that Big Hunk O'Love gurdonark! Everybody say YEAH!
current mood:  chipper
current music: Little Stevie's harmonica
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| Tuesday, July 1st, 2008
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11:46 am
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You know your week is off to an auspicious start when your boss's first request of the day is to call funeral homes and find out if they have contacts for companies that clean up after accidental deaths and suicides....
I'd say today has to be less weird, but that's not really guaranteed here.
current mood:  weird
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| Friday, June 27th, 2008
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8:42 am - Baby you can drive my car
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Well, my car dilemma is on its way to resolution - I am the newly minted owner of a '97 Nissan Maxima. The car has an abundance of bells and whistles, so I have the owners manual here at my desk to try to figure out what all the buttons are. It's got a Bose stereo - with CD player - and a moon roof. Why I should be watching the moon while I'm driving is another question. It's white with a cream colored leather interior, so I'm taking bets on how long till I manage to put my personal touch on that.
It's been an interesting trip the past couple weeks. The death of a friend close to my age made my mortality seem ever closer, and I responded to a family emergency that was immensely sad to see. Having my dad die suddenly was awful, but my uncle's descent into dementia is like losing him and being saddled with a look alike toddler. Unfortunately he still has the strength of a healthy adult and a temper to go with it. Strange days indeed.
current mood: contemplative
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| Sunday, June 1st, 2008
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2:29 pm
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After a generally crappy week at work,I was pleasantly surprised by happydog's inclusion of a Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band song, Hunting Tigers Out in India. This of course led to You Tube surfing, thus I give to you one of my favorites:
For the locals amongst you, this will always remind me of the long lost WGTB.
current mood: amused
current music: Adolph Hitler on vibes
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excited
