OMGosh, the past 24 hours has been a wild ride of emotional torment and surprise revelations. Can't articulate it all just yet as I am still processing it, but will try to write it out tomorrow. (In part, I'm still not sure exactly what happened.)
CM
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
4/10/09 All Things Considered...
April 10, 2009
"The be-all and end-all of life should not be to get rich, but to enrich the world." – Bertie Charles Forbes
Bertie Charles Forbes, known as B.C. Forbes, is remembered as the founder of the long-running Forbes magazine, aimed at investors. He was born in 1884 in Scotland. He worked as a reporter for a Dundee newspaper until 1901, when he moved to South Africa and founded a newspaper there; but he stayed just three years before moving to the United States, where he became a financial editor and columnist. His sons Bruce and Malcolm succeeded him as editors-in-chief of Forbes. He died in 1954.
* * *
I've been online this morning searching out a new Nanny for the K family. I'm figuring on making it an expedient and smooth transition. I also hope S & C won't be too upset over the switch if I can be involved in helping solve their dilemma. The ubber good news is I think I've found somebody wonderful for them.
As to writing, I am going to have to channel my energies first into organizing channeling my energies. LOL I have so many projects going, they're starting to run together. Can't have that because then nothing gets my full hundred per.
Behind the Wall muses are over their snit and speaking to me again. Max has offered me his work: Mists of the Mind. He's lost interest in working out the revision, and he knew how much I enjoyed it. So he emailed me the other night to ask if I wanted it. At first I thought he was joking. After some back and forth, however, I realized he was quite serious, so I jumped on it. Currently, I'm going through the muse/writer intro process. Hopefully, we'll get along... uh, if my timidity doesn't put them off.
Further, I'm working on no less than three children stories, and business writing - as in job descriptions and brochure publishing, Letters of Introduction, Resume's, Curriculum Vitaes, and Letters of recommendation. I'm truly swamped!
It doesn't sound like much, but each thing is so important in its own right, it takes me forever to craft and edit each one. Oh, and then there are the daily reviews for WDC and Mainstream (Mainstream has been suffering, and indeed, it is my guilt over that, that has inspired me to compartmentalize my subjects, responsibilities, and assignments.) Hopefully the better organization will ease the burden and make for more polished products in all arenas.
* * *
Easter is Sunday, and that means the family will all be together. *sigh* It's funny. Even though I was so sad when everyone went off to start their own lives, when we all get together, it's, well, it's so wild and crazy (to coin a phrase) that when it's over and the quiet comes, I can't, for the life of me fathom how I lived my every day with such bedlam around me. Say, you don't suppose this means I've gotten used to my oldest four not being here anymore? Naaaaaaaaaaaaah...!
CM
"The be-all and end-all of life should not be to get rich, but to enrich the world." – Bertie Charles Forbes
Bertie Charles Forbes, known as B.C. Forbes, is remembered as the founder of the long-running Forbes magazine, aimed at investors. He was born in 1884 in Scotland. He worked as a reporter for a Dundee newspaper until 1901, when he moved to South Africa and founded a newspaper there; but he stayed just three years before moving to the United States, where he became a financial editor and columnist. His sons Bruce and Malcolm succeeded him as editors-in-chief of Forbes. He died in 1954.
I've been online this morning searching out a new Nanny for the K family. I'm figuring on making it an expedient and smooth transition. I also hope S & C won't be too upset over the switch if I can be involved in helping solve their dilemma. The ubber good news is I think I've found somebody wonderful for them.
As to writing, I am going to have to channel my energies first into organizing channeling my energies. LOL I have so many projects going, they're starting to run together. Can't have that because then nothing gets my full hundred per.
Behind the Wall muses are over their snit and speaking to me again. Max has offered me his work: Mists of the Mind. He's lost interest in working out the revision, and he knew how much I enjoyed it. So he emailed me the other night to ask if I wanted it. At first I thought he was joking. After some back and forth, however, I realized he was quite serious, so I jumped on it. Currently, I'm going through the muse/writer intro process. Hopefully, we'll get along... uh, if my timidity doesn't put them off.
Further, I'm working on no less than three children stories, and business writing - as in job descriptions and brochure publishing, Letters of Introduction, Resume's, Curriculum Vitaes, and Letters of recommendation. I'm truly swamped!
It doesn't sound like much, but each thing is so important in its own right, it takes me forever to craft and edit each one. Oh, and then there are the daily reviews for WDC and Mainstream (Mainstream has been suffering, and indeed, it is my guilt over that, that has inspired me to compartmentalize my subjects, responsibilities, and assignments.) Hopefully the better organization will ease the burden and make for more polished products in all arenas.
Easter is Sunday, and that means the family will all be together. *sigh* It's funny. Even though I was so sad when everyone went off to start their own lives, when we all get together, it's, well, it's so wild and crazy (to coin a phrase) that when it's over and the quiet comes, I can't, for the life of me fathom how I lived my every day with such bedlam around me. Say, you don't suppose this means I've gotten used to my oldest four not being here anymore? Naaaaaaaaaaaaah...!
CM
Thursday, April 9, 2009
4/9/09 To Own Thine Self, Be True!
April 09, 2009
"I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be honorable, to be compassionate. It is, after all, to matter: to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all." – Leo Rosten
Nothing special today. Still anguishing over the job situation... I'm not at all sure that the way CD wants me to handle all this is indeed responsible or compassionate. She serves an every-man-for-himself mentality. That is something I have never subscribed to. I was not raised that way, in spite of the years I spent in foster care. I never adopted that train of thought, but rather, I gleaned my lessons from Ronnie, who sacrificed himself on a daily basis to keep me free from harm.
I realize we must put away the things of childhood, but back then, I was convinced (and I guess I still am) he was an angel sent to me. I know it's naive, but I want to be that to others. I want to be the angel who made a difference in a family, to a child, to my friends...
How, then, can I remain true to myself if I turn around at this point in time and act otherwise. How then, can I suddenly become so self serving? There is no glory is manipulating others to serve my need for an income. I just don't think I could ever find happiness again if I use others, if I act like that now when things are bad for everyone. It's not who I am and not who I want to be.
CM
"I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be honorable, to be compassionate. It is, after all, to matter: to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all." – Leo Rosten
Nothing special today. Still anguishing over the job situation... I'm not at all sure that the way CD wants me to handle all this is indeed responsible or compassionate. She serves an every-man-for-himself mentality. That is something I have never subscribed to. I was not raised that way, in spite of the years I spent in foster care. I never adopted that train of thought, but rather, I gleaned my lessons from Ronnie, who sacrificed himself on a daily basis to keep me free from harm.
I realize we must put away the things of childhood, but back then, I was convinced (and I guess I still am) he was an angel sent to me. I know it's naive, but I want to be that to others. I want to be the angel who made a difference in a family, to a child, to my friends...
How, then, can I remain true to myself if I turn around at this point in time and act otherwise. How then, can I suddenly become so self serving? There is no glory is manipulating others to serve my need for an income. I just don't think I could ever find happiness again if I use others, if I act like that now when things are bad for everyone. It's not who I am and not who I want to be.
CM
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
4/8/2009 Muse Abuse... or The mystery of the Wandering Muse!
Quote of the Day
"Passion, though a bad regulator, is a powerful spring." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
About Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson helped spark the transcendentalist movement with the essay Nature, which described his belief in the spiritual essence of humanity and the natural world. He was born in Boston in 1803. He was a Unitarian minister until he resigned in 1832 to become a philosopher and writer. He suffered the untimely deaths of many of his loved ones: three brothers, his first wife at age 20, and his eldest son at age five. Emerson died in 1882.
I chose this quote today because I've been concerned about having seemingly lost my passion for the story I had been living and breathing for this past three years. It's dried up. Gonzo. Kaput!
Yesterday, in lamenting its apparent demise to a friend, I became confused over how it all started in the first place, and I referred back to my online novel journal to jog my memory. I read how the story so vividly came to life in my head, that it awoke me form my sleep and sent me running to my keyboard in the pre-dawn quiet. What an exciting, exhilarating, inspiring moment of enlightenment, and, yes, renewed passion I experienced while tip-toeing through the memories!
It was indeed passion that stirred the cup of inspiration on that warm summer evening back in 2006, and gave birth to Logan and Cassie et al. And it was indeed passion that caused them to quiet in my mind and appear to run off perhaps to take up residence with someone else's muse. Now, albeit faintly, I can hear them chuckling. "You shouldn't have taken us for granted. If you behave, we'll come back and tell you the rest of the story..."
I'm deciding... LOL
CM
"Passion, though a bad regulator, is a powerful spring." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
About Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson helped spark the transcendentalist movement with the essay Nature, which described his belief in the spiritual essence of humanity and the natural world. He was born in Boston in 1803. He was a Unitarian minister until he resigned in 1832 to become a philosopher and writer. He suffered the untimely deaths of many of his loved ones: three brothers, his first wife at age 20, and his eldest son at age five. Emerson died in 1882.
I chose this quote today because I've been concerned about having seemingly lost my passion for the story I had been living and breathing for this past three years. It's dried up. Gonzo. Kaput!
Yesterday, in lamenting its apparent demise to a friend, I became confused over how it all started in the first place, and I referred back to my online novel journal to jog my memory. I read how the story so vividly came to life in my head, that it awoke me form my sleep and sent me running to my keyboard in the pre-dawn quiet. What an exciting, exhilarating, inspiring moment of enlightenment, and, yes, renewed passion I experienced while tip-toeing through the memories!
It was indeed passion that stirred the cup of inspiration on that warm summer evening back in 2006, and gave birth to Logan and Cassie et al. And it was indeed passion that caused them to quiet in my mind and appear to run off perhaps to take up residence with someone else's muse. Now, albeit faintly, I can hear them chuckling. "You shouldn't have taken us for granted. If you behave, we'll come back and tell you the rest of the story..."
I'm deciding... LOL
CM
Thursday, April 2, 2009
4/2/2009 Happy Days are Here Again?
Quote of the Day
"I have learned, as a rule of thumb, never to ask whether you can do something. Say, instead, that you are doing it. Then fasten your seat belt. The most remarkable things follow." – Julia Cameron
About Julia Cameron
American author Julia Cameron has become an icon in the creative community for her best-selling self-help book, The Artist's Way, which guides people through a series of simple but profound exercises to awaken their creativity. She grew up in Chicago and has been writing seriously since age 18. In addition to her 28 books, she has written plays, screenplays, and songs. She was married to film director Martin Scorsese and has one daughter. She currently lives in New York.
Well, this appears to be an affirmation that at least one of my ideas is a go! LOL
Oh hush! I did not need this to tell me that, but it's nice to open one's email first thing in the morning, all sleepy-eyed and groggy and read such a lovely, positive thought to start the day!
As if that's not enough, new neighbor, Jim Cramer, was on Morning Joe telling us all the worst is over and the Depression was short lived. Phew! I am so glad to know this!
CM
"I have learned, as a rule of thumb, never to ask whether you can do something. Say, instead, that you are doing it. Then fasten your seat belt. The most remarkable things follow." – Julia Cameron
About Julia Cameron
American author Julia Cameron has become an icon in the creative community for her best-selling self-help book, The Artist's Way, which guides people through a series of simple but profound exercises to awaken their creativity. She grew up in Chicago and has been writing seriously since age 18. In addition to her 28 books, she has written plays, screenplays, and songs. She was married to film director Martin Scorsese and has one daughter. She currently lives in New York.
Well, this appears to be an affirmation that at least one of my ideas is a go! LOL
Oh hush! I did not need this to tell me that, but it's nice to open one's email first thing in the morning, all sleepy-eyed and groggy and read such a lovely, positive thought to start the day!
As if that's not enough, new neighbor, Jim Cramer, was on Morning Joe telling us all the worst is over and the Depression was short lived. Phew! I am so glad to know this!
CM
Monday, March 30, 2009
3/30/2009 Well, duh!
This is from: Quote of the Day
"It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something." – Franklin D. Roosevelt
About President Roosevelt:
Four-term American president Franklin Delano Roosevelt, known as FDR, pulled America out of the Great Depression and led the country during World War II. He was born in New York in 1882. His political career halted when a bout of polio paralyzed him from the waist down, but after learning to walk with leg braces, he became governor of New York and then president of the United States. His New Deal initiatives included Social Security, jobs programs, and collective bargaining. He died in 1945.
"It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something." – Franklin D. Roosevelt
About President Roosevelt:
Four-term American president Franklin Delano Roosevelt, known as FDR, pulled America out of the Great Depression and led the country during World War II. He was born in New York in 1882. His political career halted when a bout of polio paralyzed him from the waist down, but after learning to walk with leg braces, he became governor of New York and then president of the United States. His New Deal initiatives included Social Security, jobs programs, and collective bargaining. He died in 1945.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
3/28/2009 Odds and Ends!
As always, or most always, I am writing about yesterday because I write in the morning.
Said farewell to Barb as I was leaving for work, and she for the Paramus Container Store to meet up with Joan. She was planning to meet up with another friend who is also her accountant, Annette, I think, and concluding her journey back to P-Town by stopping at Paul and Al's to help celebrate Paul's birthday.
I was sorry to see our visit end, but glad to get back to normal - and gladder that I wasn't the one doing the driving for a change. Had a very productive day with SJ and O, as he is coming around nicely. Hysterics and bad behavior are being replaced slow and sure by fun and frolic and good behavior. It's good for everyone and most satisfying for me. (Who wouldn't savor being the catalyst for positive change in a situation?)
At 4pm I left telling Steve Sr., that I needed to get home to welcome Soph back from her trip to Disney World. What I left out was that she was not scheduled to arrive until around 10pm. I did that because I had a week's worth of chores to whip into shape before Soph and CD arrived.
Walked into the house with clear motivation and mission - like a tornado, if you must know. By 4:30 I was ironing full-tilt. I managed to wrap up all the laundry for the week (including my own - and the guest room bedding washed, ironed, and bed made) by 8pm. It was exhilarating to work that hard, that fast! LOL
Later, I phoned what I refer to as an eyore-friend to confirm a weekend get-together and she unceremoniously regaled me, for over an hour, with a new-improved reprise of her favorite chant from the 80's: the my-life-sucks-but-I'd-rather-complain-about-it-than-actually-do-anything-about-it chant.
Not for nothing, but I'm having a rough go of it too. Uh, so is everyone I know, at least in some capacity. I have sympathy for anyone and everyone who is being victimized by this scandalous mess we're in -- except for those who refuse to do anything to make their lives better. To work as hard as they have to in order to manage their situation. We're ALL doing things we don't want to do. Poppy-cock! Enough about this.
Today, I'm going to stay home and have some peace and quiet. Enjoyed the week with Barb here, but it took a lot out of me. (In a good way, but I am tired.)
Blast! I am out of my heart meds. Called the doctor to refill my prescriptions. I'll have to venture out to collect them. Pfffffffft! LOL
Say, I've got a great idea! While, I'm off to the pharmacist, why not read this interesting article (by Matt Taibbi) that I received from a friend of mine. The Big Takeover. You owe it to yourselves to give it a look-see. Taibbi writes for Rolling Stone and is a frequent guest on Bill Maher and Jon Stewart. That my Republican friend is the one who forwarded it speaks volumes. This piece of writing is a major examination of what has gone wrong in the economy and really explains the situation in very understandable terms.
It's long. Take a bathroom break and get a beverage.
All for now.
CM
Said farewell to Barb as I was leaving for work, and she for the Paramus Container Store to meet up with Joan. She was planning to meet up with another friend who is also her accountant, Annette, I think, and concluding her journey back to P-Town by stopping at Paul and Al's to help celebrate Paul's birthday.
I was sorry to see our visit end, but glad to get back to normal - and gladder that I wasn't the one doing the driving for a change. Had a very productive day with SJ and O, as he is coming around nicely. Hysterics and bad behavior are being replaced slow and sure by fun and frolic and good behavior. It's good for everyone and most satisfying for me. (Who wouldn't savor being the catalyst for positive change in a situation?)
At 4pm I left telling Steve Sr., that I needed to get home to welcome Soph back from her trip to Disney World. What I left out was that she was not scheduled to arrive until around 10pm. I did that because I had a week's worth of chores to whip into shape before Soph and CD arrived.
Walked into the house with clear motivation and mission - like a tornado, if you must know. By 4:30 I was ironing full-tilt. I managed to wrap up all the laundry for the week (including my own - and the guest room bedding washed, ironed, and bed made) by 8pm. It was exhilarating to work that hard, that fast! LOL
Later, I phoned what I refer to as an eyore-friend to confirm a weekend get-together and she unceremoniously regaled me, for over an hour, with a new-improved reprise of her favorite chant from the 80's: the my-life-sucks-but-I'd-rather-complain-about-it-than-actually-do-anything-about-it chant.
Not for nothing, but I'm having a rough go of it too. Uh, so is everyone I know, at least in some capacity. I have sympathy for anyone and everyone who is being victimized by this scandalous mess we're in -- except for those who refuse to do anything to make their lives better. To work as hard as they have to in order to manage their situation. We're ALL doing things we don't want to do. Poppy-cock! Enough about this.
Today, I'm going to stay home and have some peace and quiet. Enjoyed the week with Barb here, but it took a lot out of me. (In a good way, but I am tired.)
Blast! I am out of my heart meds. Called the doctor to refill my prescriptions. I'll have to venture out to collect them. Pfffffffft! LOL
Say, I've got a great idea! While, I'm off to the pharmacist, why not read this interesting article (by Matt Taibbi) that I received from a friend of mine. The Big Takeover. You owe it to yourselves to give it a look-see. Taibbi writes for Rolling Stone and is a frequent guest on Bill Maher and Jon Stewart. That my Republican friend is the one who forwarded it speaks volumes. This piece of writing is a major examination of what has gone wrong in the economy and really explains the situation in very understandable terms.
It's long. Take a bathroom break and get a beverage.
All for now.
CM
Friday, March 27, 2009
3/27/2009 We've Got History!
Worked all day and met up with Barb and Judy for dinner at the Skyline Diner in Wanaque! What a hoot!
We arrived from three very separate directions and were settled by 5:30. Left there at 11pm after having made cozy friends of our waitress, Meghan, as well as the diner's owner and other staff.
They admired our collective demeanor and audibly acknowledged their enjoyment of our enjoying one another's company. The owner stopped us as we were leaving to share that he was honored we chose the Skyline to have our tri-state get together.
It was really sweet and a terrific memory which we agreed we'll talk about on future such meetings.
All for now... more to come.
CM
We arrived from three very separate directions and were settled by 5:30. Left there at 11pm after having made cozy friends of our waitress, Meghan, as well as the diner's owner and other staff.
They admired our collective demeanor and audibly acknowledged their enjoyment of our enjoying one another's company. The owner stopped us as we were leaving to share that he was honored we chose the Skyline to have our tri-state get together.
It was really sweet and a terrific memory which we agreed we'll talk about on future such meetings.
All for now... more to come.
CM
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
MArker 3/25/2009
Barb and I decided to wing it and chance seeing a play today. Joan allowed as to how she had the day off and agreed to meet us at the Ticketrex in Times Square. I'd stated I was only interested in something that was going to entertain and lift spirits. The gals nodded their approval and we set out to obtain entry to either a Comedy or a Musical.
Lucky us! We snagged 7th row tickets for "Blithe Spirit" currently starring Broadway legends, Angela Lansbury, Rupert Everett, and the wonderful Christine Ebersol! (I was beside myself!) The Schubert Theater, like most Brodaway houses has no bad seats, but once again, we got wonderful!
Written by Noel Coward, the script was witty and filled with quips, double entandre and innuendo. Once placed in the hands of theater royalty such as these, it was molded into a thing of classic beauty! Slapstick beauty, that is. Angela Lansbury is regal and absolutely timeless. She moved around the stage completely belying her years, and every syllable she uttered was shear delight! Combine her eloquence with the impeccable comedic timing of Everett and Ebersol and you have struck gold.
I was so grateful for their talent and the laughter they gave us, I wanted to hug them all!
If you live near the City, hurry and get your tickets for this timely shot in the arm. You'll have your first laugh within seconds of Curtain with no let-up until standing ovation and final bows.
What a perfect way to spend the day!
All for now,
Cm
Lucky us! We snagged 7th row tickets for "Blithe Spirit" currently starring Broadway legends, Angela Lansbury, Rupert Everett, and the wonderful Christine Ebersol! (I was beside myself!) The Schubert Theater, like most Brodaway houses has no bad seats, but once again, we got wonderful!
Written by Noel Coward, the script was witty and filled with quips, double entandre and innuendo. Once placed in the hands of theater royalty such as these, it was molded into a thing of classic beauty! Slapstick beauty, that is. Angela Lansbury is regal and absolutely timeless. She moved around the stage completely belying her years, and every syllable she uttered was shear delight! Combine her eloquence with the impeccable comedic timing of Everett and Ebersol and you have struck gold.
I was so grateful for their talent and the laughter they gave us, I wanted to hug them all!
If you live near the City, hurry and get your tickets for this timely shot in the arm. You'll have your first laugh within seconds of Curtain with no let-up until standing ovation and final bows.
What a perfect way to spend the day!
All for now,
Cm
Sunday, March 22, 2009
3/22/2009 The Way Things Go!
Today did not go the way it was supposed to at all.
Thursday, I received a phone call form a woman in Madison needing after school help for her three little ones. (I love these stay-at-home-moms who have no clue how to balance their time and handle their kids.)
Anyway, we set up a tentative meeting for today and she was to phone me this morning to organize the time and place.
This morning when I awoke, there was a message on my gmail account that I have some mail at Sittercity. I figured it was Tiffany from Madison, but I was incorrect. Instead it was a pet sitting inquiry from some folks in Colonia, just down the road from where Eddie and Helen used to live. After several emails and a delightful phone conversation, we agreed to meet this afternoon. Holy cow! I met some soul mates! We had so much in common, it's a wonder we've never met before! What a fun afternoon! For a minute, I considered offering to watch their 7 pets (1 old beagle mix, named Katie and 6 seriously laid back felines) for nothing. But I snapped out of it. I'm not stupid. Money is money, and right now I'll take it where I can get it. The hours will tie me up, so I had to ask for my top scale. The family name is Dubin, Ross and Susan. They seem wonderful, and the pets are a delight. It's going to be a good thing.)
Taking Carol D. and Sophie to the airport in the morning. Barb will arrive late afternoon / early evening. We're going to meet up in Wanaque at our favorite restaurant up there - for old times' sake. I'm really looking forward to this visit!
Otherwise, today was quiet. Tiffany, the stay-at-home-mom in Madison, never phoned. Just as well.
All for now,
CM
Thursday, I received a phone call form a woman in Madison needing after school help for her three little ones. (I love these stay-at-home-moms who have no clue how to balance their time and handle their kids.)
Anyway, we set up a tentative meeting for today and she was to phone me this morning to organize the time and place.
This morning when I awoke, there was a message on my gmail account that I have some mail at Sittercity. I figured it was Tiffany from Madison, but I was incorrect. Instead it was a pet sitting inquiry from some folks in Colonia, just down the road from where Eddie and Helen used to live. After several emails and a delightful phone conversation, we agreed to meet this afternoon. Holy cow! I met some soul mates! We had so much in common, it's a wonder we've never met before! What a fun afternoon! For a minute, I considered offering to watch their 7 pets (1 old beagle mix, named Katie and 6 seriously laid back felines) for nothing. But I snapped out of it. I'm not stupid. Money is money, and right now I'll take it where I can get it. The hours will tie me up, so I had to ask for my top scale. The family name is Dubin, Ross and Susan. They seem wonderful, and the pets are a delight. It's going to be a good thing.)
Taking Carol D. and Sophie to the airport in the morning. Barb will arrive late afternoon / early evening. We're going to meet up in Wanaque at our favorite restaurant up there - for old times' sake. I'm really looking forward to this visit!
Otherwise, today was quiet. Tiffany, the stay-at-home-mom in Madison, never phoned. Just as well.
All for now,
CM
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