CAN THERE BE SUCH A THING AS TOOOOOOO MUCH?

Well, of course NOT when it comes to our Idol or our family or our pets. (hhmmmmm?? Is that the right order?) Surely not when it comes to buying clayconcert tickets, or protecting your kids, or pampering your pets??

Oh well, actually the answer to that question is YES. Especially regarding PETS - sorry I didn’t make that clear in the beginning.




CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTO OF OUR DOG FREEDA

DOG SCOUTS

1. “These dog scouts wear scarves, earn badges, do community service, go to summer camps, and learn new skills” Here are some of the badges that can be earned by your dog in dog scouts. (This is from an article in my local newspaper. honest, I didn’t make this up – even I’m not that big a liar)






I especially liked the badges in “therapy” and “back packing”. Do you think the dogs are in therapy, or giving therapy to other dogs? Oh, wait, maybe they’re those dogs that visit senior citizens in nursing homes. I wonder what in the world the one with the musical notes on it is for? Tommy howls a bit. Think that would qualify? Does the dog have to perform before the scout pack (pun intended) or can you just take a recording of the canine virtuoso? Do they play instruments? Wonder if dancing is included?



THIS IS MY MUSICALLY TALENTED SHIZ TSU SUSI

BTW, the dog scout motto is “ Let us learn new things that we may become more helpful.” Wonder if the dogs bark out the motto? Wonder if they have to stand on their hind legs and raise one paw?

These pet pamperers need to get a job or volunteer for a charity or even clean out their closets. And I just have to share this tidbit from my days as “supermom”. When my dd was a brownie I used to staple her badges to her sash. Give me a break! I worked eight plus hours a day, got her to the brownie meeting, in brownie outfit including beanie and sash. Surely you didn’t expect me to sew too. It was a wee bit embarrassing when one of her badges fell off and the smirking scout leader announced that they had found a badge on the floor…..with a staple attached. My innocent dd went and retrieved it while I acted like I was the competent mother of one of the other brownies. My poor dd didn’t know that all mommies didn’t staple badges and superglue hems.



DD is on the right and btw that's why you're listening to Lara's Theme

Well back to the theme of this blog. PET PAMPERING

If your dog barks excessively, the Dog Shrink recommends a Citronella Collar for about $80.(YES, I said dog shrink. This advice comes directly from her magazine column) “Barking will activate the microphone on the collar which discharges a harmless citronella spritz. One problem is that a “genius” dog may learn to turn his head and bark until the spritzer empties and then continues to bark to his/her heart’s content.

The DOG TREAD MILL sounds interesting. Guess that's for owners who are never home or too lazy to ever walk their own dog. Wonder why they got a dog in the first place?

Clothing for dogs is a really big seller now. Paris Hilton has her own line of pet clothes. (I swear on my Clay Aiken Official Fan Club Membership Card that I’m not making this up.)





Here’s some cute doggies in their designer dresses.










THIS ONE MUST BE FOR THAT GENIUS DOG THAT LOVES TO BARK.

Well, MY cocker spaniel, Tommy, just wouldn’t have a thing to do with any of these. He is a boy after all. And he’s so good looking anyway – what does he need clothes for?





It’s just me, geni

p.s. Just in case you didn't know who the aforementioned IDOL was. Here he is with his dog.

(click on the picture to enlarge it)

Something strange happened to me last night. I enjoyed a sports event. I went to my five year old grandson’s T-ball game. I should tell you up front that I am not a sports fan of any kind – not baseball, football, basketball, not hockey, soccer, (boys or girls - live or TV) not lacrosse, not tennis nor golf not Nascar, not even Superbowl, World Series, or the Final Eight or Four or whatever.

I’m not interested in anything where I have to sit for long periods of time and watch somebody else doing spectacular feats that I could never do (or be allowed to try to do when I was the age to do them) not to mention the fact that I ‘m not supposed to talk at any of these things and, in fact, am told to quit talking ….which is very rude of them I think.

Dancing with the Stars is as sporty as I care to watch….love those sparkly, low cut outfits, and the shoes are just amazing….but I digress
We grandmothers have duties which we have to fulfill, and I strive to show an interest in any and everything concerning my first grandson. (Barney was a real trial and TeleBabies were an insult to even toddler intelligence and
and let’s just forget the Wiggles, please.) Wait, still digressing, I see.

My grandson’s T-ball game was the subject here. In case you are unfamiliar with T ball – the ball is placed on top of this pipe thingy for the little ones to hit. No frustrating pitching and swinging at air. I laughed out lout the first time, one of the players whopped the pipe itself and sent it flying. From the dirty looks I got, I assumed that was not proper T-ball bleacher etiquette so restrained myself the next several times it happened.





All these three foot boys and girls were being taught the basics, I could tell. The coaches were very positive and patient. My heart went out to the little girl who was just sitting on second base staring into the outfield (she was a runner, btw, not the second baseplayer.) Coach ran out and picked up her helmet (which somehow was quite a distance away) and put it back on her and explained to her that she needed to watch the batter so she could run to third back when they hit the ball. The behind the plate coach was helping the batters with proper stance and bat holding. I loved the kid who had batting gloves on. I gathered he was the head coach’s.

Most of the five year olds, including mine, were more interested in the dirt on the field than the play. Well, after all, baseball is sooooo slooow at the best of times, and T-ball is not a competition. No score is kept. They play for an hour and quit. Everyone gets to swing as many times as it takes to knock that stubborn orb from its throne, ….and not one was put out in this game. (don’t know if that is usual or not) Of course, these kids are too young to have their tender feelings bruised by failure…however, are they in for a rude awakening next year!!!!!

The parents were on good behavior at this early stage in their sports attendance. I’ll quit attending when the yelling and arguing starts and certain more talented kids get to play all the time and others get spinters in their little behinds from the benches. But I already noticed one highly active little guy fighting over the ball to the encouragement of some adults.

I’d say most of the kids were there for the novelty and maybe the uniforms. Standard procedure was to drag the bat through the dirt on the way to the plate. Kicking the dirt occupied most of the fielders attention (it was a windy day). My grandson (always one to investigate anything) was picking it up and letting it funnel through his fist. Not sure if he was testing soil consistency or wind direction and/or windspeed.

Not too sure how enthusiastic First Grandson is about the sport to tell the truth. The only thing he told me initially was that when it was over he got fruit rollups and a Hawaiian punch pouch drink. Well, after all, I’ve toiled for less reward myself.

it’s just me, geni

Hi friends,

Here is the email i received yesterday from UNICEF. Thanks to those of you who joined me in donating to this. Ann is right.( don't forget to read the comments to my last blog.)This is probably the only way we are going to defeat the Taliban and convince Middle Easterners that the United States is a caring nation.

"
Dear Jean,

Last week UNICEF Ambassador Clay Aiken set a goal of raising $100,000 in ten days to help kids in Afghanistan.There are still two and a half days left, but we've already exceeded the goal and I wanted to thank you on behalf of UNICEF for your extraordinary response. Together, we've raised over $160,000!

Please click here to watch Clay's video thank-you on UNICEF USA's Fieldnotes blog.UNICEF is putting your donations to work to save children and brighten their futures. Again, on behalf of the many young lives you've touched, thank you for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Christine Squires, Vice President

U.S. Fund for UNICEF"

Clay Aiken fans are the greatest (if i do say so myself)

In addition to his UNICEF work, you may have heard of this web site that Kevin Bacon started to fund money to chairitable foundations:

"Six Degrees update; Kevin Bacon's Six Degrees challenge ended on March 31st and The Bubel/Aiken Foundation was officially declared a top six finisher and therefore eligible for the matching $10,000 award. TBAF finished in second place with nearly $45,000 in donations from over 2000 individuals."

Life is good.....even in the face of tragedy.....we all go on.

it's just me, geni


“....I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night."

CLAY'S AFGHANISTAN APPEAL - $100,000 IN 10 DAYS





"We can do this. I've just returned from Afghanistan. The children there need our help today. Let's give UNICEF our support." - Clay Aiken

(this is a copy of Clay's letter of April 12)
Hello Friend,

I've been visiting UNICEF field locations in Afghanistan for the past week. Today, I'm writing to tell you what I've seen and ask for your help.

On my trip, I met Fwazia (we’re in the picture above). She is 11 years old. Fwazia attends a unique school where boys and girls from grades 1-9 share classes and study in the open. The school is in urgent need of funding to buy tents and materials to build a new school. This will give more children the opportunity to go to school.

Let's aim high and work together to raise $100,000 in 10 days to support UNICEF's work in Afghanistan. Join me in standing with UNICEF to support the kids of Afghanistan.

Give online with confidence. If you contribute $50 or more by April 22nd, UNICEF will e-mail you my exclusive field report, in a PDF file format, with some of my own photos from the trip that won't appear anywhere else. As my personal thanks to those of you who are able to donate $1,000 or more, we'll mail an autographed copy of my report.

The children in Afghanistan need help now. Please join me in making a donation today

Sincerely,

Clay Aiken,UNICEF Ambassador




P.S. I'm so inspired by the change we can make together. Please pass this message on to your friends and family asking them to support UNICEF's work.

note from geni. Can you believe Clayfans had already donated $40,000 in one day and by April 14 $90,000 had been donated. Here is a link to the UNICEF site if you care to donate yourself. Or just read more about the project when you click below.
UNICEF page.

my life now

i've almost reached nirvana
i remained cool at the the DMV
they said i needed receipts
i wistfully said, i see

i guess i'm finally mellowing
aging like fine old wine
i didn't rant and scream today
i'm learning about time

there's so much we're allotted
there's this and then we're through
i want to laugh and sing my life
before i say adieu.
geni 2007

I've lived a middlin’ amount of time on this Earth and still don’t know jacksh..t about life. Those lists of ”THINGS I’VE LEARNED” are real nice, but usually not real practical and certainly not applicable to everyone. I don’t know who writes those lists (I think they’re usually too embarrassed to sign their name) but I can’t for the life of me figure out why they would recommend some of this. I bet they don’t follow it themselves.

Here’s some advice from others that I’ve gleaned from my “FILES OF USELESS THINGS I’VE SAVED AND WILL NEVER READ AGAIN OR IF I DO READ THEM WILL NEVER FIND A USE FOR THEM”

Smile at everyone you meet. (you could attract undesirables that way, y’know)
Do a good deed once a day. (not advisable – then people come to expect it from you and are ungrateful)
Save your money. (nahhhhh….no fun)
Forgive your enemies. (why? They’re your enemies….they’re not nice people)
Eat a healthy diet and exercise. (yeah, like that’s gonna happen……)
Don’t worry about small things.(no wait, those are the only problems you have the slightest chance of solving.)
Live on a budget. (What’s a budget anyway?)


I’m quite sure I can do better than those people who make those lists. Well, if not better, at least my list is not so hard to do and it’s my list and I can put anything I want on it.

GENI’S THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO DO LIST (maybe)




CLICK ON THE PIC TO ENLARGE
Pet every dog you meet (be sure it’s wagging its tail before you do that, though)
You can try to pet a cat but that’s usually not successful, considering how stuck up cats can be.
Laugh at least once a day.




If the sun is shining, be sure and turn your face to it.
If it is snowing, see if you can catch a snowflake on your tongue.
If it is night, be sure and look at the stars for awhile.
Sing every chance you get and always very loudly.
If you can’t sing, hum.
Don't just smell the flowers, pick all those suckers you can.




Cuss if you want to. Scatologicals are not against the Ten Commandments, y’know.
Eat the things you like to eat, especially if it’s chocolate.
Never give a cheap gift and tip generously. (honest, you often get better gifts in return.)
Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom when you’re away from home.
Go to every Clay Aiken concert you can possibly afford and find transportation to.




Call or email a friend or two just to say hi.
Don’t drink enough to get drunk (it embarrasses your friends)
Don’t take any crap from anyone.


GENI’S THINGS I HAVE LEARNED ABOUT LIFE LIST
(These are the only things I know for certain.)

1. Life is short.
2. Life is good.
3. Do the best you can with what you’ve got to work with.

That’s it folks, works for me.

it’s just me, geni


“I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.”

please leave a comment and tell me what you have learned about life in your years on this planet.

I have been back from Connecticut over a week now and haven’t had a minute to write…so you know how busy I have been. But last week was quite full of just getting caught up at work, working in the yard trying to find the flowers coming up through all the leaves that didn’t get raked last fall, getting taxes done, and meetings after work, and getting poem books ready for our Show Me Clay Fan Club NotaGala gala.


(CLICK ON THE PIC TO ENLARGE IT)

The visit to Connecticut was great……well, except for the 6 inches of snow and sleet we got one night (while you southerners were enjoying 70 degree weather). Harry had to shovel a path off the deck for their dog go get out to pee.






….and except the day I got deathly sick(sorry no pix of this sight) with my usual migraine symtoms (yes sara….it was the cold air that did it, not the two glasses of wine, I’m sure). Harry’s aunt and I had gone out for an early dinner(as we always do when i visit. she's single and my age) and the poor woman was worried sick and had to get me back to Lara's house and it took the two of them to get me in the house. Poor Lara had to try to get hold of a doctor(who wanted to know my allergies and list of medications I was on…as if I was conscious and could tell her) to get my meds (that I don’t take with me any more cause I never have these attacks any more……hmmmmmm) But, Miss Efficiency that my Darlin Daughter, is,she got the RX, put me to bed and checked on me to see if I was still alive, I guess.

Other than that, I had a great time. Grandson Illeas is growing so fast, scooting around everywhere, and laughing and babbling all the time. He has no problem letting his needs be known.




And wanted to let you know about all the other plans in the works. Darling Daughter and I are planning a trip to Hilton Head in June for some fun in the sun.




In August, Mobama, H2, and I are hitting the concert trail just like the teeny-boppers we have become and are planning a road trip in July to Dallas. Yes, I said ROADTRIP. Does that sound like a second-teenhood or what? Hey, you only go around once….you might as well enjoy it. And we are flying to Raleigh in August to hear our Idol in concert again. As you all know, you can’t get too much of a good thing. Hope you are enjoying your time on this planet as much as I am.




Speaking of the yard (remember….. i have AADD and my mind flits around a lot) I LOVE SPRING AND BEING OUTSIDE. The quince, forsythia, and flowering almond bushes are all in bloom….not to mention the crocus, hyacinths, jonquils, and all the tulips, hastas, hollyhocks, lilies, and irises poking their hopeful (hopeful that the deer don’t find them) heads into the sunshine.

Life is good.

it’s just me, geni

this picture of Little Miss Lara and Illeas is clickable.


HERE’S THE LATEST SCUTTLEBUTT
I’M HEADIN BACK TO CONNECTICUT
The darling grandson is almost one
So I couldn’t resist joining in the fun

I’m gettin lonely and couldn’t resist
Gotta learn what’s new and what I missed
Is he crawling and walking?
Is he singing and talking?

I hear him laughing when I phone
I can’t wait to see how he’s grown
I’ll get to hold him and tell him a tale
With fairies and genies him I’ll regale

Remember that daughter I blogged about
She called last night and did i shout
She’s says we’re going to Hillton Head
In June I’ll be traveling South instead

So don’t miss a blog when I send you a link
It might be more interesting that you think
And do leave a comment cause that’s how I know
That my visiting friends feel like quid pro quo

it's just me,

geni, jeanie, Jean Ann, jeananane,JA,mimi

Do you believe it is possible to hold two diametrically opposing views at the same time? ….to hold two completely opposite faiths in your heart?

I do believe it is possible…….because I do know both of these.

I believe we decide our own destiny.
I believe that God guides our steps.

I believe in reincarnation.
I believe in salvation through grace.

The reason I can do this is because I have a daughter.
I have never been pregnant and yet I have a daughter.

She is mine. I would give my life for her.
I knew when they called and told me they had a new baby girl for us that she had found me.

I believe God sent her to me.
And I believe her soul found a way to find mine.

She has a magnificent soul…..and it is an Old Soul.
I wish I was half the woman she has turned out to be.

I don’t know if she even knows these things. Oh, she knows I love her. I tell her almost every time I talk to her.

Here she is as Mary in the Church Christmas pageant. She seems rather dubious about playing this role perhaps because it was a bit part with no words. She wanted a starring role I think.






Not that she was an angel growing up. Oh no, she broke my heart a few times. We argued about everything from clothes, hair style, eye shadow, to picking up her messes, spending money, boyfriends, etc. just like every other mother of a daughter, I imagine. She was a wild one there for awhile.

But she’s a woman now and a fine one. A bossy one….one who knows her own mind and stubbornly sticks to it. But, then she’s my daughter….my image. She won’t like to read that, I’m sure. But it’s inescapable. It just seeps out in daughters and there’s not much she can do about it. Well, yes, some daughters do renounce their mothers and strive to be just the opposite. And that’s sad for both of them. I see and hear my own mother in myself constantly, especially now that I’ve reached a certain age (which shall remain nameless, of course) and I actually feel closer to her when it happens.

My daughter helped me change my life….made me realize what I was doing and how I was thinking. I had no idea I was full of anger, but she told me it was there. Of course, that just made me even angrier…at the time. It took years, but gradually I realized that she was right. I WAS angry. My mother was usually angry. I came from a troubled home. Loving but troubled.

And I decided I didn’t want to live that way any more. I used to say “people don’t change” but we CAN change….it takes a long time and a lot of introspection, but we can change. I’ve done more in the last five years of my life than all the years before. Things I always wanted to do. Things that make me happy. Maybe it’s the new millennium, maybe the stars are now aligned in my favor. I think it was my daughter. I thank her. I love her. I’m proud of her. She’s mine.

This daughter of mine went with me to my first Clayconcert…..and she is definitely not a fan. (well no one is perfect….) We used to go on trips together before she got married and a lot of plays in NYC.



click to enlarge

This poem, written on her wedding day is one of my best, I think.





LARA ON THE LAWN

Like dried flowers between the pages of a book
She will press these hours into memory
To preserve them for as long as
Books continue to be read and
Love continues to blossom.


And this one I wrote twenty years ago.

MENOPAUSE AND PUBERTY

I know I lost my temper
I know I screamed at you
It’s so infuriating
The teen-aged things you do.

Such fierce antagonistas
At 40 and 14
Menopause and puberty
Revolt in every gene

But I have the advantage
I’ve been to both these lands
Remember adolescence
Remember all my plans

But that’s not such a credit
To see where I’ve come from
I know I’m not the woman
I wanted to become

Plans turn into frustrations
And this you’ll not believe
I know one compensation
In 30 years, you’ll be me
geni

She has a birthday this month and I want to get an early start …


http://www.GlitterMaker.com/ - Glitter Graphics - MySpace Layouts

I love you, Mom

A THOUSAND DAYS FROM CLAY AIKEN'S LASTEST ALBUM - A THOUSAND DIFFERENT WAYS

Here's the link if you wanna watch the video. just copy and paste on your address bar. Prepare to be amazed!

http://www.kgbx.com/cc-common/videos_on_demand/player.php?track_id=11545&s=c&playGateway=exiting#


PERHAPS YOU SHOULD LISTEN FOR AWHILE BEFORE YOU START READING THIS ENGROSSING BLOG THAT HAD ABSOLUTLY NOTHING TO DO WITH CLAY.



Isn’t life strange? And full of strange people? And strange people in the strangest places. Who would think someone would say ”fuck you” at a thrift store?

Very funny, huh? Yes, it did happen today. Now don’t ask what I was doing in the thrift store and not in the food bank where I’m supposed to be. I was helping. Sure I was. Well, I was butting in anyway. But not much bothers me anymore. Actually I thought it was funny.

This lady was really pissed because it was two pm and we were closing the store. (the food bank closes at 1:30, btw) Anyway I was sitting in my office doing my computer work, and I heard the volunteers asking people to quit shopping like they do every day about 1:45. They have a terrible time getting people to leave for some reason. I hear them cajoling people every day.

So thought I would be a good Samaritan and help out. When will I learn…no good deed goes unpunished. So out I go. Actually I have NO problem bossing people around…as my daughter will attest – and I just went up to people and asked them to please go to the counter and check out. Several shoppers were quite elderly and I rather doubt if they had even heard the earlier closing announcements. But I assure you I was quite polite - yes, that is a possibility cause I have mellowed quite a bit in the last few years – undoubtedly from listening to soothing music.... And my friend, Sue, was there volunteering at the check out counter, so she can also vouch for me….although she didn’t hear any of this.

So I’m politely asking people to go…reminding them that we close at two and these workers are volunteers who are just helping out. Everybody was very nice…..except ONE. As I walked away from her, I saw that she just went to another rack and started going through more clothes….so I walked over to her and again asked her to check out. Damn! This is not please her at all….don’t ask me why….maybe she really needed a new shirt…..probably had a hot date. But she gave me a lizard stare, crashed the shirts back on the rack and said, “Fuck you!” and left the store on her broomstick.

I’m so sorry…..i just laughed. Yipper..i did. I seem to find just about everything funny any more. What else can life throw at me, anyway? No much can upset me any more. Certainly not thift store shoppers. Actually everything is grist for my blogging now…aint it…..LOL

oh, yeah.....just remembered i had a leeetle problem with a lady at the movie theater a couple of weeks ago. hmmmm...maybe this is getting to be a habit...well, i decided quite a while ago that i wasn't gonna take any shit from anybody any more. and i don't. now, my friend barb was there and she can attest that i did not start this. (most of y'all have known me for a long time, so i know i have to get back-up for some of this)....anyway, barb and i were sitting waiting for "Dreamgirls" to start and doing a lot of talking when a couple sits down next to me - a memorable woman with an enormous full-lengh leopard coat - and the theater was half empty. The movie starts and barb asks me which singer is the American Idol girl. I am the American Idol Resident Expert among my friends, ya'know. So i proceed to tell her.

This leopard loving lady next to me says, "LADY, WILL YOU PLEASE QUIT TALKING".

Well, obviously this lady had no idea with whom she was dealing....so i looked right back at her and said, "LADY, WHY DON'T YOU GO SIT SOMEWHERE ELSE."

She didn't say another word. Up she jumped. At first i thought she was moving...but no, the man just sat there as she went UP the aisle. Then it hit me...she was going to report me to the management. HA! I was primed and waiting for a pimply-faced teenager to come tell me to quiet down. The lady returned and sat right next to me again....and nobody showed up.. damn

Really, i tried not to talk much, because i really hate it when people talk during a movie....but it was not the most comfortable movie i've ever sat through...but it was a great movie, and there was a lot of talking going on all around us. It's that kinda movie.

So now you know. You can say anything you want to me....i won't be offended....but be prepared to reap what you sow. I'm a survivor....i can not be intimidated.





MY PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE

I believe in surviving
For no reason
With no hope

I believe in going on
With no end in sight
With no plan for success

When all you feel is sadness
When all you see are tears
When all your bridges have been burned

I don’t believe in giving up
Youth and beauty have fled
Friends and esteem are fading

I’m still here
I’ll fight on
Ya’ never know
geni 2007

<
?





Clay didn’t call. I didn't win the poetry contest. Life is bleak.

I have gotta get another hobby. Anybody heard any more about the scandal contest? I’m countin on winnin that! I know my scandal. I’m a scandal junkie (along with the rest of America, obviously). There’s not a detail of jessica/nick, jen/brad/angie, or now anna nicole - that I’m not up on.

Couldn’t resist copying this…….








I am talking to myself now. And am talking to the dog all the time. I’m down to my last neuron….and it’s too tired to synapse even if I had another one available.





Here’s my actual conversation this morning with my Cocker Spaniel.
“Tommy, you have got to quit getting into the wastebaskets. This is beneath you. You are a purebred member of this household. You have your own food ….and beg half of mine….you do not need to search the wastebaskets for scraps. This is a very annoying habit of yours and I am getting just a little tired of cleaning up after you. Now what do you have to say for yourself?”

This was said in a most sincere voice while staring intently into his serious big browns and scratching him behind his long curly blonde ears. I half expected him to answer in complete sentences. Instead, he belched. I think he had found a chicken bone in there.

Have also been thinking about past lives and time-machines. ( Oh, it’s really lonely here in bleak-snowsville. ) Would you go to one of those “past-life regression” mystics? I would. How fascinating! And the only way I’ll ever see CA in person, I’m sure. Oh yeah…you people can post all you want to recapping your trips to Kimmel and Martha and Tyra. I can only dream.

Naturally, if I did come up with the money to pay for a “reading” I’m sure I wasn’t Cleopatra. Undoubtedly, I was one of those poor slobs pushing granite blocks up the ramp to the top of the pyramid. It probably got loose and slid right down and squished me. Well, at least I was thin for once.







People are always talking about going back in time and meeting famous people or changing history. Personally, I would want to go forward in time. I wanna know what’s gonna happen. Will Clay ever call? Will we every get out of this war? Will we ever colonize space? I want to walk on Mars or better yet a far solar system with an eden-like third planet. I want to see Earth from space. I want to meet creatures of another species. I want to cure cancer and Alzheimer’s.






Of course, this brings up the interesting question of - has the future already happened? And are we just in some parallel universe?

And the even more disturbing question. Has geni finally completely lost that last neuron….and her mind?

It’s just me, what’s left anyway, geni
P.S.but then again...where could i find a finer hobby

PPS here's the poem that didn't win.

I HOLD FAST

I hold fast to the promise
That hearts will not lie
That faith won’t let go
That love fights for a soul

I hold fast to the dream
That loving means reaching
Believing means winning
It’s enough for beginning

I hold fast to the vision
Of life full of purpose
Of love in all ways
Of stars set ablaze

The voice that soothes my soul
The smile that heals my heart
The eyes where moonglow shines
I hold fast to what is mine
geni 2007

ANNUAL EXAM
YES, DEAR READERS, IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN. DON'T FORGET TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TO VISIT THE SHRINE OF THE GREAT WHITE STEEL PLATED PRESSURE GOD




THIS WEEK’S CRAFT SPECIAL: FUN WITH STICKERS
How to start a thrilling and inexpensive hobby using stickers -

CAUTION: This hobby is specific to women over 40. Younger women probably would not have access to needed materials and equipment or expertise in usage - and probably shouldn’t be reading geni’s blogs anyway. You can take my word for it….or just ask around.




CRAFT #1: FASHION DESIGN
BEACH WEAR – Depending on desired style, size, and modesty of individual
FASHION TIP A: You can easily add interest to the neckline of your existing swimsuit using stickers.




FASHION TIP B: You can add an artistic flair by adding polka dot stickers to plain suits.




FASHION TIP C: For the more daring beachcombers or those wanting to eliminate those tacky strap lines, wear stickers alone. Recommended only for those readers currently in Europe.


CRAFT PORTRAITATURE: Easily make drawings of favorite storybook or cartoon characters using stickers. Also useful in doodling and caricature




CRAFTS FOR THE LESS ARTISTIC;
Attach the stickers as eyes on the outside surface of those little magnet face games with the bbs. It’s easier than trying to get the little bbs in the eye slots.

CRAFT EXTENTION:
Tassels are always a nice entertainment item and can easily be affixed to stickers with duct tape or elmers or superglue (on second thought, skip the superglue in that area of the body). These can be made of fringe from ottomans, left-over Christmas tinsel, or old cheerleader pompoms. Shredded bank statements from your office wastebasket are colorful (often red) inexpensive and usually abundant (however, do not attempt to assemble said tassels at workplace) Used tassels from Shriners’ hats are a possibility for those employed in the hotel or convention center business or perhaps along parade routes.
BONUS POINTS: These can be awarded to those who actually use the tasseled stickers in an exercise regimen. Oh wait, I think that may require something called “pasties”……nevermind.

Serious hobbiests could delve into their tribble collection. well, those would be more puffy and harder to twirl, wouldn't they...but so cute. (this suggestion is only for trekkers, like you Naomi)

It’s just me, geni




P.S. You know you might have a problem when you return from your pilgrimage to the Great White and Steel Plated Pressure God Shrine with three of these.(now "digitalized", the latest in imaging, i am told by the uniformed Shrine attendants.) Animation can't be too far in the future. Watch out Pixel and Lucasfilm....