LIFT UP THY HEAD

Today will be a good day- in Birdland, that is.
Today is the day that the American Bald Eagle will be removed from the endangered species list.

This is quite an impressive creature.
I saw my first one (well, two actually) on a beach in Washington State, many, many years ago. A pair of gorgeous creatures glided by then came to rest on some pines edging the sand.

My last sighting of this creature was in my own backyard last summer. One morning, while sitting on my back deck, I saw a very large bird flying over the treetops. He came to rest on a power line in a field just beyond my back fence. I actually thought that perhaps it was an owl, for I had seen them in that area before. However, as I continued watching him, and wondering, he turned his magnificent head so that now I could see his profile. That sharp, curved beak and snow white head took my breath away. I was ecstatic.

I had never seen one here in Maryland before. I did know that they existed here. I had recently been told that my county had 6 nesting pair. Where? I had no idea.

So now our national bird is off of the endangered species list.
Hopefully, they will continue to be protected and some a** with a rifle decides not to bag himself one.


There is reported to be at least one nesting pair in each of the lower 48 states. Sorry Hawaii, for now you must be content with the NENE.


When thou seest an eagle, thou seest a portion of genius; lift up
thy head!
Blake, William

MY RATING

My blog got only a PG rating!! I'm outraged. I was hoping for at least a mild R.

Has my life meant nothing? Am I so boring that I only warrant a PG? Even after I talked about all those orgies that I was a participant in or having dropped acid? Oh...oops....I haven't mentioned that yet, have I?

PG- all because I used the word "gay" 1 time.

Maybe I was talking about being happy. That's a possiblity isn't it? How would "THEY" know that I was using the gay word in the GAY way?

This is so bogus! The priests and nuns will be happy though.

BTW- you know I was kidding about the orgy part- don't you?

SHINE, SHINE, SHINE

This week's photohunt theme is SHINY

I used a different version of this photo in my very first photohunters.

This is in Millenium Park in Chicago. I call it the Kidney Bean- but I believe there is a different name for it.

O.K.- I got off of my duff and looked it up. It is officially called the CLOUD GATE.


And here it is at night reflecting the city skyline.


When you let your own light shine, you unconsciously give others permission to do the same.
Nelson Mandela (1918 - )

Ooh, Baby I Love Your Way

PETER FRAMPTON- Ram's Head Live Baltimore.

Sounding better than ever. A little less hair but it surely didn't affect his voice!

He was awesome!!


THEN

AND NOW

Waiting for your love

I could feel your soul was hurting
I could see it in your eyes
And you tried so hard to fool me
You don't live in paradise
But I, I'll try, try to find the way to show you
I will be there when you call believe what I say
I'll give you my hand should you fall please don't turn away
If you find yourself out in the cold
I'll always be here -- waiting for your love
It's the time for starting over
Hard to leave so much behind
Put your faith in all you dreamed of
Losing you would be such a crime
And I, I'll try, try to find the way to show you
Sometimes it won't always be that easy
Hold on -- together we can work it out

TAGGED AGAIN

I have recently been tagged by Mike

8 Random Facts about me.

The rules are as follows:

1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

1) I eat lemons - I not only eat anything made with lemons (icecream, sorbet, pie, cake, etc). I like to eat lemons, peel and all. I did hear that the citric acid was bad for tooth enamel so I have curbed the urge to eat them that often- all for the sake of my pearly whites.

When I was pregnant with my first child my husband and I drove all over town looking for lemon ice cream. That was my biggest craving. Not sorbet- it had to be ICE CREAM.
We finally found it at a Baskin-Robbins. It was their flavor of the month (JULY). 27 years later and I have yet to see it again.

2)My nose is pierced- 2 summers ago I dared a co-worker to go with me to get our noses pierced. She went that evening (I had a meeting to get to). She was convinced that I would not get it done. But, much to her surprise, I downed two shots of vodka as I headed out of the door from work. Boy am I glad I did- it hurt like hell!

I have been wearing a very small diamond in the crease of my left nostril. I thought it was very cute- and quite rebellious of me. I took it out a few weeks ago when I was going to get a facial and have not put it back in. I'm debating whether I should or not. I don't believe my boss would want me to. But, hey, what the heck!

3)I had my Confirmation at The Vatican - In case you didn't know by now I am VERY Italian. When it came time to have my confirmation, at 13, our family was planning on a trip back home to Italy. My parents then arranged for my sister and I to be confirmed at The Vatican. So, the summer of my 13th year there I was in a beautiful lace dress (that my Mother had made) kneeling before a Cardinal, in the Vatican, to be confirmed. Religiously, I don't think it helped me out any though.

4)I can't sing- I was 35 years old when the realization hit me that I really could NOT sing -as I was telling the story of my early glee club days in 7th grade.
I was attending Catholic school when I tried out for the new Glee Club that was being formed. I tried out and made the cut. However, they made me an alto, which was a tad upsetting. You see, I always thought boys were altos.

One day after practice one of the nuns- Sister Mary Joseph- came to me to tell me that they had a special job for me. They needed someone to play the bells for the glee club. They thought that I would be the perfect person. I was thrilled. I practiced diligently every day and on the weekends to make sure I was the best bell player they had ever seen. And, I was fabulous!

I never realized until that day in my 35th year, as I was telling this story, that the reason that I had been singled out to play the bells was because I could NOT sing. I was devastated with that realization. Damn Nuns!

5)I married my 11th grade History teacher- Now, before you all get all scandalized, it's not what you think.
We actually met up again about a year and a half AFTER I graduated. I was attending the University of Md. at the time. And he was also married at the time.

About 2 months later he phones me and asks me out on a date. I had NO idea it was him- after all, I never knew his first name. I just assumed it was a kid down the street with that same last name (I didn't know his first name either). I did not want to go out on a date with this kid. I graciously declined but he remained persistant. I relented and arranged to go out. As soon as I got off of the phone it dawned on me that it might be MR.COX. I ran upstairs to check my yearbook and his first name...oh no....it WAS him. Now I really did not want to go on this date. I called the high school to try and catch him- gone for the day. I then found his number in the phone book- disconnected. There was no way that I could cancel this date.

Anyway, he picks me up, we go out to a restaurant for drinks and I proceeded to get absolutely rip-roaring drunk. That was the only way I was going to get through this date. Needless to say we had a good time. At least that's what he says- I don't remember.

6)I've been in a movie with Josh Mostel (Zero's son)- When I was in the 8th grade movie producers came to the school to shoot a bus safety film. Josh Mostel was our bus driver. I was chosen to be one of the students on the bus as it was going over the edge of a cliff. The driver was distracted when kids on the bus started fighting and he drove us off of a cliff to our impending deaths. It was SO cool. I'm just sorry that I didn't get to be in the scene where the bus flips over and over on it's way down the hill. I so wanted to be covered in all that blood.

I moved away that summer to a different school. I was now in the 9th grade. One day we were all herded into the auditorium to watch bus safety films and there I was on the big screen. My 15 minutes of fame.

7) I've been arrested- The summer of my 14th year I went to the shore (Wildwood, N.J.) for summer vacation with my family and best friend Pauline. A friend of mine got me an ounce of pot to take with us. One morning, as my parents were out getting donuts for breakfast, Pauline and I decided to go out and "catch a buzz". we walked down to the bay and found a vacant lot right on the water where we could sit,watch the seagulls, look at the boats and get high. Unbeknownst to us those boats, that we were watching gently bob up and down in the water, were police boats. Next thing we know we see a cop pull up and walk across the lot towards us.

We grabbed our stuff and ran as Pauline begged me to throw the pot out. I refused because at that time it was the BEST pot I had ever smoked. It was just too good to get rid of.

Needless to say we were caught and put into the police cruiser (Did you know that they don't have door handles on the inside?- I didn't). We were then taken back to the station- finger prints AND mugshots were taken- to await the arrival of my parents. This was on only day 2 of a two week vacation.

8)Swam with wild dolphins - I posted this story back in January. You can read about it Here

I'm supposed to tag 8 others. However, I think most of my readers have done this.
If you haven't- please consider yourself tagged and have fun with it!

Happy Father's Day

Today is the day that we remember and thank the Fathers in our lives- the one's who have raised and loved, unconditonally, our children- and the one's who raised and loved us.

Happy Father's Day to you all- My blogger friends, Steve, Dave, David, Mike and Jose.
And especially to my dear friends, Chuck, James, John and even Doug.
Now go find yourselves a hammock somewhere and make one of the kids bring you a beer.


The father of my children and the one who was and always is there for all of us.



Pop- My dear deceased Father-in-law, who passed away last year.



And, finally, my own father. The smartest man I've ever known, despite his lack of proper education. He taught me about art, books, music and the sun and the stars. I think I was the son he never had. Thanks Dad!!



There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself.

John Gregory Brown

A HAIR IN THE HEAD IS WORTH TWO IN THE BRUSH

Today's photohunters theme is HAIR. Thanks to TNCHICK.

Since I am on my horse kick right now I thought I would continue with that theme even here.

This is a photo that a took at the recent Md. Hunt Cup race near Baltimore. The Hunt Cup is a rather prestige steeplechase through the gorgeous countryside. The winner of which goes to the International competition in England.

So, here you have it Hair and a horse's Ass.

Happy hunting, all.


It was brown with a golden gloss, Janette,
It was finer than silk of the floss, my pet;
'Twas a beautiful mist falling down to your wrist,
'Twas a thing to be braided, and jewelled, and kissed--
'Twas the loveliest hair in the world, my pet.
- Charles Graham Halpine (used pseudonym Miles O'Reilly),
Janette's Hair

Gay Paree!

You Belong in Paris

Stylish and expressive, you were meant for Paris. The art, the fashion, the wine! Whether you're enjoying the cafe life or a beautiful park... You'll love living in the most chic place on earth.

What City Do You Belong In?

I have only been to Paris once. And I fell in LOVE.

This has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

I love the fact that you could be in such a large city, yet, as you walk down a cobblestone street in some smaller neighborhood, munching on a baguette, you feel as if you're in a small town with loads of character.

Our trip to Paris was a spontanous surprise from my husband. It was a bleak February day when he asked if we had any plans for the weekend. Not having any, he then informed me that we would be going to Paris for a long weekend.

He had gotten on the internet and arranged for our hotel-Hotel Hospital Due.
Three stars (uhum, according to the web-site).

We arrived in Paris and took the train from the airport to our destination. It was to stop at the street corner where our hotel was located- directly in front of Notre Dame Cathedral. A most beautiful location.

As we came up from the underground we looked around for our Hotel. Not finding it we asked a police officer and he pointed in a direction towards the cathedral. We headed that way and not seeing it we walked around the block. Seeing as our French is almost non-existent we assumed that we misunderstood where he was sending us. Thinking that the entrance was around the back of the building in which direction he pointed, we strolled around looking for a hotel.
Finding none we walked back around to the front of the building and entered hoping to get some information.

What we had entered was a very large hospital. Approaching the information desk we asked if they knew the location for the hotel. But of course they did! We were to take the elevator up to the third floor, go down the long hallway to the right and there we would find the entrance...to our hotel.

Yup, our very first romantic trip to Paris we stayed in a hospital.

The worst part was having to pass gurneys with patients hooked up to I.V.'s on our jaunt down the hallway.

What, was he kidding me? I imagined staying in a quaint little hotel with French Provincial furniture- possibly heavy drapings around the bed- with a little balcony with wrought iron railings and a beautiful french door that I could fling open in the morning sun.
What I got was a room on the third floor of the social hospital with only skylights for windows and paper thin walls. I must admit it was the CLEANEST room I've ever stayed in.

Our view was- if you stood on the bed and jumped up and down- of the gargoyles perched on the roof of Notre Dame. Best view in town, right?

Once we got out into the street I got over my initial disappointment at our lodgings. Allen offered to find us another hotel, but who wants to waste time running around when there was so much to see. Therefore, we stayed where we were.

Oh! the sights to behold. Our first evening we spent at the Musee d'Orsey. The collections that it houses is truly amazing to me. all of those priceless paintings in one location.

The next few days were spent at The Louvre- gazing upon the Mona Lisa and Venus de milo.
Taking a lovely train ride through the countryside to Versaille- A most impressive dwelling with extensive gardens. But, best of all was the town of Versaille with it's cobbled streets and small quaint shops and patisseries. I was in heaven.
Then taking in the sights and the steep hill in Montmarte to look at the Cathedral and the sidewalk artists.
Strolling along the Seine one evening I commented to my husband that the French were unabashed romantics. With couples often stopping to embrace and partake in long passionate kisses. That was his cue to do the same with me. He took me in his arms and planted a long, wet, passionate kiss on my mouth.
When we stopped our shameless display of public affection a lovely, sweet young couple approached us asking for directions to the Eiffel tower. The young man explained that he and his girlfriend were getting engaged that weekend and he wanted to propose at the eiffel tower. He seemed so excited and engaged us in a long conversation with ever-increasing enthusiasm. During the time of this conversation (where we were all talking and congratulating and laughing) his girlfriend was robbing me of my wallet AND passport. This, of course, I did not notice until they had to run off to catch their train.
It took me about 15 seconds to realize what had happened. But by then, of course, it was too late.

Running back to the hospital (er, hotel)-seeing as it was after 8 pm the front doors to the hospital are locked and we had to gain access to the hotel via the Emergency room.
We called all of the credit card companies and the American consulate to report the robbery. All in all it was not too much of a hassle for us to leave the country and gain access back to the states. Of course this was well before 9/11.

Believe it or not it did not ruin the rest of our trip. I was actually more relaxed when we were out and about seeing as how I had nothing left for pickpocketers. I had a new sense of freedom and behaved much more recklessly than had this not happened.

I cannot wait to go back.


La Tour Eiffel


The Louvre


Venus de Milo


Notre Dame Cathedral


La Moulin Rouge


A sidewalk artist...but of course I had to buy something.


Me sitting on the steps of Sacre Coeur cathedral in Montmarte...a beautiful, warm February day.

Stately Versaille



And finally the courtyard of our hotel.

If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast.
Ernest Hemingway

IF THE SHOE FITS

Today's Photohunters theme is SHOES

This has to be one of my favorite subjects. What is it about shoes? Is it that you can ALWAYS find a gorgeous pair that fits- when none of the slacks that you've been trying on do? Must be. I know that when I go shopping for clothing 9 times out of 10 I come home with nothing but shoes. And besides, they're all so pretty and make the calves look fabulous.

I've included a couple of shots of some of my shoes. These are mostly my spring/summer wardrobe. I did throw in a couple of my cowboy boots for good measure. This does not include most of my casual sandals and flip flops- I don't REALLY consider them proper shoes.

I recently read that the AVERAGE woman owns 27 pair of shoes and spends an average of $277.00 a year on shoes. Can this be right?
Imelda Marcos I'm not- but, getting there.




Geez, this is a bit embarrassing. I think I need a 12 step program.
Now on to the handbags!

If the shoe fits, it's too expensive.

HELLOOOOOO WILBUR

I am finally going to do it.

Tomorrow I go for my first riding lesson. What am I thinking?

Is it all of those girl-hood fantasies I have of racing over an open meadow in Scotland, with my hair and velvet cloak flying behind me-The feeling of total freedom and abandonment, on a massive, powerful, gorgeous creature? Yes, that and more.
I do recall a Fabio type guy somewhere in this fantasy too.

I have always loved horses- ever since I kept the one in my basement. His name was Sugarfoot. He was pale brown with white hooves. I rode that thing day and night, his rusty springs squeaking beneath me, until they finally gave out. Then, sadly, he was put out to the curb for the trashmen to pick up. I miss that horse!

I am always surrounded by horse people. My boss has 17 on her farm and is a devoted fox hunter. So, I figured this was the perfect opportunity to give the sport a try.
(BTW- these are shots of a few of her horses, pretty aren't they)

I haven't been on a horse since I was about 15. And I have this terrible fear of trying to mount such a massive (hopefully gentle) creature. I envision myself putting my foot into the stirrup and hoisting myself into the saddle- only to slide completely over the other side of him and land on my back in the sand, like a Carol Burnett skit.

I mean, really, I managed to fall out of an office chair just the other day. I only fell about 2 feet but, you should see the massive bruise on my arm. And, for some reason, I think I can stay on top of a horse?
I can see it now, it will be like my yoga class where I have yet to be able to do a handstand (headstands I can do). I honestly think it has something to do with my backside.

How to ride a horse:
Step One - Mount the horse.
Step Two - Stay mounted.



Did I mention I was scared to death?
I sure hope this goes well, otherwise I'll need to return the cloak.

When God wanted to create the horse, he said to the South Wind, "I want to make a creature of you. Condense." And the Wind condensed.
- Emir Abd-el-Kader

Wish me luck!

Imagine All the People.......

....Living Life in Peace


Blogbast for Peace Day.




Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one

Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will live as one

John Lennon

TAGGED!!!!

I was tagged by Akelamalu at

Everything and Nothing

for this post.
Sorry it took me a while to get around to it. She tagged me again for another one- I'll get to that one soon.

1)How did you get sucked into the blogging whirlpool?

I was told about blogging by a woman I was attending Weight Watchers with. There were 3 of us attending the meetings together. We began to discuss how we could keep ourselves motivated and encouraged. She suggested we start a team blog so that we could all post our progress and check up on each other. I, being ever up for a challenge, ran right home to look into this insanity.

2) How long ago did you start?

I began that blog last January 2006.

3) Who introduced you?

See question 1. Honestly, I do not even recall her name right now. Needless to say we do not attend Weight Watchers together. And, it's not because we don't need to.

4) Who was your first visitor and do you still visit each other?
My first visitor was another Weight Watchers team member, Kathy. And, no, she does not blog so she no longer visits me.

5)How has your blog changed from your first posts, and did you envision it developing the way it has?

It first started as a weight loss journal. Only one other team member ever contributed to it however. I deleted that particular one several months after it was begun. That one was entitled No More Junk In The Trunk

I began a second blog that next summer. That one was a place for me to experiment with a little bit of writing... Get my thoughts out. It was a bit more private so I only shared that one with a few friends. That is where I began to post some of my photographs and get a bit more creative. I deleted that after a major heartbreak, in anger and frustration.

This blog I began this past December 29th. It was therapy for me,after the above mentioned heartbreak. I needed a place to put my thoughts down so that I could analyze what was going on...and hopefully find some HEALING. This, too, has changed quite dramatically in the past few months. It is less a place to analyze my pain and fear and more a place to share my photos, my garden, and some thoughts.
Most importantly- I have been fortunate enough to find a very close-knit group of friends somehow.

I used to post as Hag in the Jag. When I began this one I felt I needed a brighter, sparklier persona- thus, Gewels.

6) Have you any other blogs and, if so, what is their purpose?

No other blogs. I can barely find enough interesting things to write about to keep one updated.

Thanks for making me think Akelamalu. If you're reading this consider yourself tagged and Let me know you've played.

Once you've played go back to Annelisa's site and let her know.

Words That Flow

WHAT IS ART?

Today's theme is ART- Thanks to TNCHICK.

The following are shots that I took of glass artist- Dale Chihuly's work at the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. Most of you may be more familiar with his work on the ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

I love how he combined the blown glass with the natural organic textures of the foliage and plants in the garden. This is art.

FOR SWEET MELISSA

Melissa

and Steve got married!!



This is for you,girlfriend, because you so love peonies. The bouquets were lovely with the stargazer lilies added. My peonies were blooming profusely for your day. Unfortunately the lilies are waiting until later in the summer to rear their lusty heads.



Let Your Love Flow


There's a reason
for the sunshine sky
there's a reason
why I'm feelin' so high
must be the season
when that love light shines
all around us

So let that feeling
grab you deep inside
and send you reeling
where your love can't hide
and then go stealing
through the summer nights
with your lover

Let your love flow
like a mountain stream
let your love grow
with the smallest of dreams
and let your love show
and you'll know what I mean
it's the reason

Let your love fly
like a bird on a wing
let your love bind you
to all living things
let your love shine
and you'll know what I mean
that's the reason

So let the wonder
take you into space
and lay you under
it's loving embrance
feel the thunder
as it warms your face
you can't hold back

Bellamy Brothers

Sounds like a perfect day- Glad I could share it with you!!!