Sashaying Through Saturday

"The idea that people can live together freely as individuals, equal in principle and therefore responsible for each other, essentially agrees with the Buddhist disposition." Dalai Lama

"The fool who knows he is a fool is for that very reason wise. The fool who thinks himself wise is the greatest fool of all." Shakamuni

It is almost Saturday evening. I've managed to get all the shopping done. Mom hates to shop so I always do hers in addition to mine. I have Elvis in the background singing love songs. I have a very beautiful picture rendering that came to me as I was packing in calories at Burger King. Hey even the healthiest eater finds a need for junk food now and then. I was going to try walking today but we have thunder storms threatening again. Next week's weather plunges back into the forties and down into the twenties at night. Weather in the Midwest is nutso!

Today's second quote reminds me of politicians particularly Newt Gingrich. I think the fact that his first name is the name of a toxic salamander is appropriate. His latest thing is to ban bilingual education in spite of the fact that it is the best way for people to learn English. English is a very difficult language and people need help in learning it. He assumes that people whose first language is not English are just lazy and don't want to learn when the opposite is true. We have many people who have legally come to this country who are trying to learn our language and make a better life for themselves and their families. We should be encouraging them and trying to help rather then throw roadblocks in their way. Then compassion is not something Newt knows anything about. Remember his serving divorce papers on his wife as she was coming out of cancer surgery?

One of the principles of my Irish Catholic heritage is helping others. The fact that a religion from a small European island and the major religion of Asia have the same tenant of helping others shows how much we are alike rather then focusing on our differences. We are one people and one race and that is human. We are coming into the holiest week as far as Christians are concerned ending with the great celebration of Easter. It is a perfect time to reflect on the sacrifice that Christ made for us and realize that the hope he brings with the resurrection can and should bring us the realization that he loved us all and then reflect that love in our ability to really care for others.

The real counter is 4790

Weather Cats

"Contemplation is seeing the here and now." Swami Prajnanpad

Well weather.com has confirmed what the cats woke me up at one, two, and four to tell me that thunder storms are on the way. At least that was what Merlin was whining about I think Pixie wanted me to go downstairs and give her some turkey. Mom got her hooked on turkey breast and now any time someone is in the kitchen she thinks she should be given turkey.

Cats are funny critters. They all have distinct personalities. I like the independent streak in cats because they remind me of me. If I were an animal I would probably be some kind of cat. For all their independence cats still have a need to be loved and cuddled. Both cats are afraid of the really loud storms we get in the Midwest. Merlin cuddles so close that he is practically inside my pajamas at night. Pixie cuddles next to Mom real close.

Sometimes cats will sit there and seem to be contemplating great thoughts. They get this "wise old man of the mountain" look on their face. They are probably contemplating how superior they are to people and dogs. Cats are such a joy to have.

The picture is called I Spy and proves why dogs will never win the game of hide and seek.

The real counter is 4777.

Listen to the Still

"Have much and be confused." Tao te Ching

That is sort of the state of my new computer. It has a lot on it but can't seem to find its CD drives which means of course I couldn't upload anything to it. Oh well I guess I'll just have to wait until my brother comes out in June and fixes his creation. In the meantime I'll continue using my old one. While I'm a bit disappointed I can wait until it is fixed right.

In a way it shows the difference between myself and my older brother. He would have pitched a major class fit because the thing didn't work. I have much more patience then he does. Rather then poking around inside of it and risk damaging something I don't really understand I can wait a couple of months and let the expert look at it. I could take it to the computer repair place in town but I'm not real impressed with the work they have done before so I'll wait.

Patience is a virtue. We have all heard that many times in our lives. All good things come to those who wait. Another proverb we have heard many times. If I have learned anything in the last few years it is patience. I have learned how to wait. I have come to appreciate the fact that rushing into things can lead to disaster like my marriage. I have cultivated patience and it is paying off. I am much more at peace with myself then I have ever been before.

One of the things I do occasionally is meditate. I take the time to listen to the still inside of me. In this hustle and bustle world of sensory overload it is important to sometimes get away and find the silence within. Meditation calms me especially at night when I trying to get to sleep. I focus on relaxing all the muscles and feel the tension flowing away. I work up to the mind and relax it and enjoy the calmness that flows all through me. Try it. It does make you feel a whole lot better and calmer.

The picture is called Paradise and you can reach it when you meditate.

The real counter is 4768

Fireworks

"When a man possess in his being the notion of God, that is the miracle of miracles." Rabindranath Tagore

About 1:30 AM Mother Nature turned on the fireworks and drum corps. Wow it was one storm after another. Man am I glad Mom set my coffee up for me because I really need it. I would just get to sleep when another storm came in and I was awakened by two scared cats. Why Pixie is full of energy this morning I don't know other then the fact she is a kitten.

I had a nice birthday yesterday. I'm hoping to hook up the new computer tonight. Another brother got me a new stereo system so I can listen to music while working on my new computer and the other two brothers called to wish me a happy day. I got a cake from the cats who I'm sure used Mom's debit card to pay for it. Mom paid for a blouse and skirt is purple for me that came and both are really pretty. So it was a great day.

One of the things I need to do once the new computer is up and running is to update my web site again. I got some really nice new pictures with my camera showing the spring flowers coming up. I also have several pictures for the art section mainly in the Guardian category to put up. I have two more pictures there to do one for autumn and one for winter to complete that series of pictures but I'm waiting to do them on the computer to test its speed.

As I enter another year of life I'm in a good mood. I am loved. Family and friends remembered my special day. Mother Nature gave me a light show and I'm glad she didn't do a tornado this time. Most of all as today's quote says I have experienced the miracle of letting God in my life.

The picture is called Midwest Storms and in the upper window just picture a sleepy redhead cuddling two scared cats.

The real counter is 4759.

Hippity Boppity

"To have inward solitude and space is very important because it implies freedom to be, to go, to function, to fly." Krishnamurti

Today is my birthday. I share this day with one of my favorite actors, Michael York. For me he will always be D'Artagnan. The Richard Lester films The Three Musketeers and The Four Musketeers are among my favorite films. The sword fight scene between Michael York and Christopher Lee at the end of The Four Musketeers is among the greatest ever filmed as far as I am concerned.

Today is my late day at work and I was planning on sleeping in except two cats had other ideas. From six o'clock on they took turns coming in to see me, Merlin because his bowl was almost empty and Pixie because she wanted a piece of turkey. Sigh! Kids!

I finally have this machine backed up and now all I need to do is get my brother to bring the new one upstairs so I can hook it up. I'm looking forward to using the faster machine that was made to do art on. I'll turn this one into a machine for my Mom since hers is awfully slow and can't hold all the graphics on her favorite card making program. I'll leave the art programs on this machine in case I have two pictures I want to work on at the same time.

I think I have learned a lot in my 29 plus years on Earth. I learned from my Dad to pick an age you like and stay there so we do the anniversary of my 29th birthday each year. ;-) I also learned humor from my Dad who had a definitely off beat sense of humor. He would watch Monty Python with me and roar with laughter. I learned the love of knowledge from Dad, the love of reading. Dad and I would exchange books. We kept each other up to date on the Tony Hillerman Navaho mysteries. I introduced him to Robert Van Gulik's Judge Dee mysteries set in ancient China. We both loved stories of the supernatural and traded books on the Bermuda Triangle and ghosts.

From my mother I learned the importance of family. The number one priority in her life has always been her family. She has always been there for us both emotionally and financially if we needed help. That is why when she asked me to move in with her that I didn't hesitate because she needs me now and after all of the help she has given me over the years I am happy to be able to help her now.

I have been able to indulge my love of science fiction and fantasy in working conventions and even running my own convention. I have met many great people in the business and will always have fond memories of those times and the people I met and worked with. I have experienced some great films. I never thought I would see my favorite book The Lord of the Rings turned into a good movie but Peter Jackson surpassed all expectations and made a brilliant series of movies. I watch them over and over again.

I have learned that the jobs that make me happiest are the ones where I can help people. I made sure that my conventions were geared towards raising money for charity. I find that the greatest satisfaction for myself is the feeling that I get after I have been able to help others. That is the real meaning of life that when you help others you help yourself.

I have found joy in creating whether it is with words, or paints, or computer graphics programs, a sewing machine, or artificial flowers and florist tape. I love creating. It was such a proud moment for me to see my niece coming down the aisle in the Princess Bride dress and veil I made for her while carrying the bouquet that I also made. I will be wearing my Irish green skirt I made today. I will continue with the art that my mentor Dann Lopez has always encouraged me to do. I will find an agent for my book that is dedicated to my Dad who always encouraged me to write.

So on this birthday life is good. There is a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon but at least they aren't predicting tornados. A tornado hit the other side of town the day I was born and my brothers have never let me forget it or the fact that the Alaska earthquake also hit on this date. Not my fault guys. I got my best gift a couple of minutes ago with a big hug from my Mom and a happy birthday wish. I am loved and that is the greatest gift of all.

The picture is called Fly Away and fits in nicely with today's quote.

The real counter is 4750

Assorted Sunday Sallies

"In religion there are no national boundaries. A religion can and should be used by any people or person who finds it beneficial." Dalai Lama

I am taking a break from backing up my old computer in preparation of hooking up the new one. I had underestimated the amount of time it would take to back the old one up especially the art work. I am using the drag and drop method of backing up which mean of course I need to format the discs as I go along.

I took a moment this afternoon to take a walk. Since we have thunderstorms coming up all week I figured it would be my last chance for a while. I took my digital camera with me and it looks like I got some nice shots. The daffodils and crocus are coming up and the trees are starting to bloom.

I also took time this morning to take my mother to church. Daddy always use to go to church with her and she hates to go alone as it is such a poignant reminder that he is gone.

Today's gospel has the famous words of Christ "Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone." During the sermon our Irish priest read a poem about "If I had known I would never see you again."

For me the gospel brings home one of the things I dislike the most about prejudice especially prejudice done in the name of religion. I find it highly hypocritical for someone who is a member of one of the most prejudiced religions around, the Church of England, to preach to me about Christ when I am showing Christian charity towards someone who happens to hold New Age beliefs. Being Roman Catholic I have faced prejudice against my religion all my life. I refuse to allow anyone who shows prejudice to sway my opinions. How can you judge someone else when you are seeing them with the mote in your own eye? Once you cleanse yourself of prejudice and hate then you can talk to me but don't preach unless you are without sin yourself. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

The poem the priest read really hit home. As much as I miss my Dad I have the comfort in knowing I had talked to him the day before he died and on the day of his death he had an email from me. Dad died knowing I loved him. I make sure everyday that I hug my Mom and let her know that I love her. With her bad heart I could lose her at any time and I want to make sure she knows I love her. I don't want any regrets after she passes away.

With the coming of Spring and the advent of the Easter season this is the perfect time for us to take stock of our own lives. We too can renew ourselves and rid ourselves of prejudice and hatred. After all if this were our last day on earth do we really want to face the one God of all and explain why we hated others because they believe differently then we did? S/he isn't going to buy our excuses.

The real counter is 4736

Once More Into the Breach

"Having failed to distinguish thoughts from things, we can fail to distinguish words from thoughts. We think that if we can label a thing we have understood it." Maha Sthavira Sangharakshita

Words can be used that can boomerang on you. Take our English reader who uses words like "crazy" and "ass" to describe myself and my brother. All he is doing is the same as my ex did using words that describe himself and projecting them onto others. Jerry and I are coated with Teflon and stupid attempts to tar us with incorrect labels just slide right off. We acknowledge our real faults and work on them. We are not going to take on the labels from people who have problems of their own and refuse to acknowledge or work on them. Their are people out there who need to work on their over blown and unwarranted egos. You are not the hot stuff you think you are.

I am spending the weekend in pure geek mode. My new computer arrived yesterday. I need to back up the data on this computer in order to transfer it to the new one. My original thought was to just put the current data drive into the new one but the new one comes with two drives and more room then I can fill in the near future. All right for the geeks reading the new unit has:

Athlon 2600 XP
1 gig RAM (PC2700)
2 hard drives 1: 80 gig, 1: 120 gig
128 meg Nvidia video system
8 USB 2.0 ports
new keyboard and mouse
56 K modem
10/100 ethernet (2)
wireless adapter
combo DVD/CD drive
new CD burner
software:
AVAST anti virus
Office 2000
XP SP2
Easy CD Creator 6
DVD player
Adobe reader 7.0
Zone Alarm
Norton Utilities
Bryce 6.1

Of course I need to put on all the rest of my cooking and art software, AOL and whatever else is up there and transfer all my data to the new machine. It will be a weekend long project but I'm really excited about it. I'll fix up this old machine for my Mom to use which means I need to copy over her stuff from the old machine. Unfortunately her machine only has a floppy disk drive so that will take a while to do. Sigh.

So thanks Eric for the great birthday present. Whoo-hoo! A really fast computer made to do art work on.

The real counter is 4714

Fantastic Future

"If you know that someone is speaking badly of you behind your back, and if you react to that negativity with a feeling of hurt, then you destroy your own peace of mind. One's pain is one's own creation. One should treat such things as if they are wind behind one's ear. In other words, just brush then aside. To a large extent, whether or not one suffers pain depends on how one responds to a given situation. What makes a difference is whether or not one is too sensitive and takes things too seriously." Dalai Lama

I am still giggling from an email I received from my baby brother regarding the wind across the pond. Jerry and I both have a weird sense of humor and it helps us to deal with irritating people.

My future in computers should be here any day now and I am really excited about being able to use a much more powerful computer. It will take some work to transfer over things I have on this computer but the end results will be worth it.

The thing about the future is what we do in the present will alter the future just as things in the past altered our present. Time is interconnected. Time flows and if we throw obstacles into that time stream it alters the way it flows.

There are certain things I know will come true in the future. Eventually I will have to face my Mom's passing and dealing with this big house and getting it and the contents sold. I know eventually I'll be changing jobs and probably moving back to the Chicago area. I can't afford California and I fell in love with Chicago when I lived there. I'm just not cut out for small town life.

I know my future will always include my art and writing. Once I get back to where they actually do science fiction conventions then I can go back to selling my art that way. I am taking steps in the present to be able to use my artistic talents in future endeavors and the same with my writing and cooking abilities.

Whether or not their will be a special someone for my later life I don't know. I will leave myself open to a future relationship and see what happens. Some things you can safely leave in God's hands. If s/he wants a special someone in my life then s/he will show me the way to meet him.

I look forward to my future. The possibilities are exciting. The picture is called Guardian of the Future.

Spring Has Sprung A Leak

Achoo! Yes Spring is here and the pollen count is rising. Even the cats are sneezing. Pixie scared herself the first time she sneezed. I love Spring and the profusion of flowers after a cold icy winter. It is the time of year that the antihistamine makers do seem to get a big chunk of change from me however.

The problem with Spring in the Midwest is that it is the start of thunderstorm and tornado season. I had a relative who asked me how I could stand to live in California with its earthquakes. I told her that they didn't put little maps of the state on my TV screen with "earthquake warning" on it. I'll tell you that bleating sound they use for tornado warnings is enough to drive you nuts. If an earthquake happens it happens I don't have to worry about it.

Hopefully the rain will hold off and I can get outside and take some pictures of the daffodils coming up. They are my favorite flower and I would like to get some picture while I can. Unfortunately we have thunderstorms coming up. How do I know? Merlin is freaking out and very vocal. He hates thunderstorms and 12 hours before it hits he starts whining and complaining. Who needs the Weather Channel when you have the Weather Cat.

So here's to Spring allergies an all. It is wonderful to see it finally come. The picture is called Guardian of Spring and of course it is raining just as it is now thunder and all. Sigh.

The real counter is 4682

Precipitous Present

We can't do anything about our past however the present is another matter. There is a lot we can do to make the present better. If we learn from the past then we won't make the same mistakes over again. We can also look to the past to see what was done right and use that as our blue print for the present.

Unfortunately we don't have total control over our lives and things that are out of our control can affect us. I woke up with a terrific tension headache that I know is caused by problems at work and knowing that it will be a very tense day today. A colleague tried to defy the boss and put me in the middle with her shenanigans. I have to protect my job and can not be seen condoning this other woman's actions so I had no choice but to report it. The shit will hit the fan today and I'm not looking forward to being there.

For the most part however I am happy with my present. My Mom is fragile but still alive and I love being able to help her out. I have been able to help two of my brothers through problems they didn't want to handle themselves. Google is your friend in finding sources of information. I have solved many a problem for my family with results of Google searches.

I am very proud of the way my writing and art have improved over the last couple of year. I have learned a great deal in the field of graphic art. I can do things now that I couldn't do before. The art is well received. The writing has become clearer and the stories are growing into an epic myth of the battle between good and evil.

I am fairly content in my job and it does keep Pixie in toys and Merlin in food. You can tell which priority each cat has. We are going into thunder storm season and that means that Merlin will be huddling close to me to protect him from the big, bad storm. I don't know how Pixie is going to react but suspect I may have kitties on either side.

There are some things that I am working on now that will affect my future but that is another post. Today is the first day of Spring. After this winter I am certainly looking forward to Spring. The picture is called Guardian of the Present.

The real counter is 4675.

Rumaging Through the Past

Currently I'm of a Guardian kick with my art expanding the dragon series of pictures. When I originally started it I thought I had covered every topic I could think of only to have 9 new ideas pop up last week. I wanted to incorporate some of the fantastic meshes that other artists have put out there as free domain for artists to use. Thanks to all of those generous souls who like to share their works with us to enrich our own artistic endeavors.

In my dreams early this morning my Dad was alive. I often dream of him as still alive. It got me thinking about the past and how it shapes our lives. I certainly would be a different person if I had different parents, or if I were born in a different country, or had different religious or political persuasions, etc. What we are today definitely depends on what we went through in the past.

I have always been fascinated by history and how it shapes the world I live in today. I think the purpose of history is for us to examine and learn from it so that we don't make the same mistakes over and over again. Unfortunately mankind doesn't always learn from the past and continues to make the same stupid mistakes over and over again.

My past has certainly shaped me. I know the bad marriage has made me less trusting. I certainly would not fall for the lies my ex told me a second time if told by someone else. I am open to a new relationship but it will be on my terms this time. This time I will make sure that it is right for both of us and that we both have a chance for true happiness.

As I make this journey called life I have been through the past and am now in the later part of the middle and reaching towards the future and the end. It has been a strange ride but a rewarding one.

The picture is called Guardian of the Past.

The real counter is 4668.

A Place Called Home

"One of the most powerful visions I have experienced was the first photograph of the Earth from outer space. The image of a blue planet floating deep in space, glowing like the full moon on a clear night, brought home powerfully to me the recognition that we are indeed all members of a single family sharing one little house." Dalai Lama

We have a beautiful home. It is a little blue green sphere orbiting a G type yellow star in one of the arms of a galaxy known as the Milky Way. It isn't the most impressive planet in the little solar system it inhabits. The gas giant Jupiter has it beat there. It isn't the most beautiful because Saturn and her rings claim that spot. It is home however and at the moment the only home we have.

Like all homes our planet has its good days and its bad days. It can be quite tempestuous with its hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis, volcanoes, earthquakes, etc. It definitely isn't the most stable of little planets. It is a living and evolving thing however. Its tectonic plates continue to move and shift.

On its good days however there is nothing more beautiful then nature. A walk in the park can show the infinite variety that nature finds to clothe herself with. Spring is slowly starting and the trees will soon be budding. My favorite flower, the daffodil, will soon be poking its head above ground in a flourish of yellows and oranges.

As a science fiction buff I have avidly followed the space program and wish we were doing more. I would like to see mankind reach beyond the boundaries of our little solar system and see what else is out there. I do not believe we are alone. I would hope however that we would travel in peace and leave our war mongering tendencies behind us.

Earth what a beautiful little place to call home. The picture is called Earth Rise and when we get back to the moon we will see this sight again.

The real counter is 4651

Ye Gotta Wonder

May I become at all times, both now and forever
A protector for those without protection
A guide for those who have lost their way
A ship for those with oceans to cross
A bridge for those with rivers to cross
A sanctuary for those in danger
A lamp for those without light
A place of refuge for those who lack shelter
And a servant to all in need.

Dalai Lama

Last year I had discovered a daily calendar with Ancient Wisdom from the Far East. I couldn't find it earlier this year and got the Dalai Lama daily calendar. I subsequently found the other calendar for this year but I find that I am going back and forth between them. I am more and more impressed with the wisdom and humanity of the Dalai Lama

I am going to address this entry to a person over in England. Yes you mister who uses the word ass to look up my little brother and crazy to look up me. You have to wonder about someone who claims to be so successful and has such contempt for those he feels are beneath him yet he would bother to read the words of people he professes to hate. Why bother? Both my brother and I talk about our faith and belief in a God that you claim you don't believe in but yet you blame God for everything, being born poor, having to work at a living, a second rate career. Do you blame God because he gave the talent to Stan Lee instead of you? Maybe Stan Lee really worked at the talent he was given and uses it properly.

You have slagged off my art yet with all your hot air it hasn't changed one person's mind about my art. People still love it and even the work you knock is wildly popular. I get invited to come elsewhere to continue to show it because people love the art and miss me showing it.

Your own stalker has said that you can dish it out but can't take it. Do you have any idea how correct he is? The people who defend you in public forum do not do so privately. Privately they call you a troublemaker and egotist.

You have publicly called me twee for speaking about forgiveness and being decent to our fellow humans. Yet you continue to follow me and my little brother around the net. Why bother? Why read something you despise?

I think we are getting to you. I think you are a phony and the facade you wear is to cover up one miserable human life. You can't get the type of respect you want because you treat people like garbage. As they say in computer programming garbage in, garbage out or in other words you reap what you sow.

I think your atheism is not as solid as you want people to believe. I think you come back to Jerry and my blogs because you are hoping that we can reinforce that God is dead but instead you are finding more and more doubts in your own mind. I hate to be the one to break the news to you but God is alive and well. Today's gospel dealt with the prodigal son and God will take you back. Just have the courage to ask. He is and always has been there for you. Your life would be a lot happier if you let him back into your life. He misses you.

In the meantime you and your friends keep reading the blogs. I hope Jerry and I can make you think. I hope we make you uncomfortable enough that you can turn your lives around. I hope your anti-Irish bigoted friend enjoyed the last three days postings on Ireland in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

The picture is the latest is the Guardian series and is called Guardian of Peace. In the spirit of peace my English reader I'll keep you in my prayers and as I told your friend I forgive you. Whether you blow up like your friend is your prerogative but mine is to forgive and pray for my enemies.

The real counter is 4639

Happy St. Patrick's Day

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

An Irish Blessing

It is probably the most famous of Irish Blessings, certainly you see it everywhere especially this time of year. It is very typical of the Irish which is why it is so prevalent. It touches on the love of the land, of our neighbor and of God. All things important in our lives.

The great English fantasy writer J.R.R. Tolkien decried the lack of myth in English literature and traditions. The only real one they have, the King Arthur legend, was imported from the French. Tolkien felt that the traditions and literature of a people were enriched by the myths and stories that grew out of their earliest times. Ireland is very strong in myth and mysticism. Our traditions and love of land go back to the time of the Druids and the introduction of Christianity didn't alter the basic way we see life.

You hear the word "fey" about many Irish people. You hear the term "second sight". Both of these terms go back to the intuitive belief that the Irish have that we can communicate with our God in a more mystical manner. It is not practical. It is not scientific. We can not go into a classroom or laboratory and prove anything but we know in our hearts and souls that we can and do communicate on a different plane of existence.

I personally believe that this form of communication exists and that it enriches my life. It allows me the comfort of knowing that my Dad is still looking over me and protecting me. It allows me the comfort of knowing that I do have a Guardian Angel and that my angel and the others do care for us and will help us through life.

The Irish have a deep spiritual belief in the land. We consider the land a living entity that needs to be cared for properly. Conservation of our land is something that is very important to me. Mother Earth needs to be respected and cared for properly.

This strong belief in the intuitive gives me more flexibility in my acceptance of the beliefs of others. While I may not personally believe in all of the New Age creeds I do understand where they are coming from. I can and do understand science but I refuse to limit my thinking to scientific methods. I want to use the fullness of my mind and I can't do that if I insist on being literal minded about everything. The intuitive and spiritual are just as important as the scientific.

My St. Patrick's Day picture for this year is called Irish Mist. The picture is a tribute to both the modern and ancient that makes up the Emerald Island. Erin go bragh.

The real counter is 4628

Nature and Nurture

Continuing with reflections of the Irish nature, the Irish love the outdoors and nature. The roots of the love of nature go way back in time to the Druid era where Mother Earth was revered. Even with the advent of Christianity to Ireland the love of nature still remains.

I love walking outside in parks. Where I use to live there was a Wetlands preserve literally in my backyard. I spent many happy hours walking around. We have a beautiful park a couple of blocks from us that I walk in when the weather is nice. There are also a lot of old houses with mature gardens in our neighborhood that I love to look at. With the advent of Spring I want to get out with my digital camera and get some more pictures for my web site.

The other characteristic about the Irish that I love is their generosity of spirit. In Ireland it is bad luck not to be hospitable. I have always been taught to share and care for others. Bono was asked about his charity work and attributed it to "Irish Catholic guilt." He was being partly humorous but it is also a part of how we were brought up. We have been taught from childhood to be nurturers and to give of ourselves to help others in need. The reward is a feeling that can not be bought. Knowing that you have helped someone and made life a little better for them is more rewarding then any material gain. You can't put a price on real love.

The Irish have a strong sense of family which is good because their are so many of us. For me my family is my top priority in life. I have most of my things in storage because my Mom needs me here with her. There is no greater joy then hugging her and hearing her tell me that she loves me. That love is beyond price and as long as she is on this earth I will be at her side caring for her.

I've mentioned Irish humor before and we have in our household what has to be an Irish kitty. Pixie bounded into my room at 12:30 this morning and pounced on me in my bed. "I'll get that monster for you mom," she trilled as she pounced on my legs and feet. Sigh, "silly kitty those are my feet," I told her. "No there not," pounce, pounce. "Pixie, Uncle Mike's light is on why don't you see if he wants to play." "Okey dokey," and she bounds off the bed and runs next door. "Mom, Uncle Mike won't let me in, I'm going to see is Grandma wants to play," and away she bounds down those stairs. Mischievous Irish kitty all the way.

The picture is called By the Rising of the Moon.

The real counter is 4620.

Live Life

One of my favorite holidays is coming up this Saturday, St. Patrick's Day. I love being part Irish. I remember asking writer/sociologist/priest Andrew Greeley what do you call a person who is a mixture like I am of Irish, Scottish, Cherokee, Amish and English and he replied "Irish." Sounds good to me.

I was reading an article in Woman's World magazine about how the Irish in a study of 11 industrialized nation had the lowest rate of depression. Not bad for a people known for their "moody" personalities. There are several factors that would explain this lack of serious depression though.

We Irish are a very vocal people. We like to talk things out. We don't believe in bottling up our emotions. We will let you know how we feel, loudly and long if necessary. If we are happy you will know it. If we aren't boy will you know it. We are exuberant about our feelings. We love to debate and argue. We have no problems trying to persuade people to see our point of view. Shyness is not an Irish characteristic.

We love music and dance. Music is a very big part of my life. A friend is finally going to get around to getting my guitar back to me after having it for several years. I'm looking forward to relearning how to play. I frequently have music going in the background as I write or do art. It helps to concentrate my attention and frees up my imagination.

Irish love to laugh and often the jokes are about ourselves. One of my favorite quotes is from the great Irish writer Oscar Wilde who said, "Don't take life too seriously. You aren't getting out of it alive." I have an off the wall sense of humor that tends to go towards Monty Python or the late great Dave Allen. There is a lot of laughter in life if you are willing to look for it.

In Chicago they have a huge St. Patrick's Day parade every year and they dye the river green. Hey if you are going to celebrate do it right. This picture is called Leprechaun Humor although I doubt that his companions are as amused as he is.

The real counter is 4613

Welcome to Wednesday

"Our contribution to the progress of the world must, therefore, consist in setting our own house in order." Mahatma Gandhi

"It is ironic that the more serious problems emanate from the more industrially advanced societies. Science and technology have worked wonders in many fields, but the basic human problems remain." Dalai Lama

There is a new report being readied on global warming that warns of dire consequences for the world especially in Asia and Africa if we don't get our collective acts together. http://za.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2007-03-14T073121Z_01_BAN427061_RTRIDST_0_OZATP-GLOBALWARMING-20070314.XML

In a world where the most hard hit nations are the ones in Africa and Asia we need to do more to help out. Africa is being decimated by AIDS and Asia is following in their tragic footsteps. It is easy to sit in our comfortable homes far away from the ravages of this disease and poverty and decide that it is someone else's problem. It doesn't affect our lives so why should we care.

If man would stop looking on their fellow man as being different then themselves and start looking at our fellow man as the same as ourselves we could make more headway in the area of compassion. We are all part of the human race no matter what our differences are in terms of race, religion, sex, sexual persuasion, color, creed, politics, etc. We are all made in God's image and we need to remember that. It is time to stop polarizing the world and start uniting to solve the crisis that we are facing.

One place where we can start is D.A.T.A. (http://www.data.org/) that Bono from U2 promotes every chance he gets. It is a way where we can help our fellow human beings. That is the real purpose of life after all to help others as we make this strange, fascinating and sometimes scary journey through life. It is so much easier to do if you are with others.

The picture is called Field of Dreams and let us make today a day to help others achieve their dreams.

The real counter is 4604.

Power of Three

"In order to have genuine faith, you need to have one truth, one religion. But that does not mean you lose respect for those other traditions." Dalai Lama

In one of those moments of fate when I was in high school at the library they had just gotten a book on Japanese flower arranging. Well the cover was beautiful so on a lark I checked it out. One of the things that the book talked about was that traditional arrangements are done on three levels to symbolize heaven, earth and man. That stayed with me and to this day when I do my own art work I am aware of the power of three. For me the art canvas has three threes that need to be addressed. The first canvas is vertical and has left, middle and right. The second canvas in horizontal and has top, center and bottom. The third canvas is three dimensions on a two dimensional frame and has near, middle and distance or background. My most successful pictures address all of those areas.

One of the most stable configurations in nature is a triangle. A three legged stool will not tip over because the pressure on all three legs is the same. I learned that from a math class I was taking in order to go on and take some computer programming classes.

On of the cornerstones of the Christian religions is the Trinity in the form of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The three ages of man are child, adult and old age. In religions that believe in reincarnation there is birth, death and rebirth. The power of three.

I was thinking of three and how I do my art as I went through my pictures and decided what to put in my official portfolio. I needed to narrow down what I show in order to try and sell my work. As I am trying now to find an agent I want to be able to put my best work forth as examples. I ended up picking art that fit into one of seven categories based on the type of art I do and my strength in each. The catagories are space, alien worlds, fantasy, science fiction, landscapes, surreal, and Christmas. I wanted to show my versatility and make clear where my personal interests lie in the science fiction/fantasy genres. I now have the art and writings ready to go.

I decided to go with a science fiction category and display my works in the art of Stargate, Doctor Who and The Prisoner. I am including the pictures that were vilified by three jerks over on a newsgroup because their opinions mean nothing. My work will be shown and popularized in spite of them. They are powerless over me. Three doesn't always have the power.

The picture is called Life Cycle and it is one of the works I have included. You see the same scene from three angles with the newly born planet, middle age, and finally the death throes as the sun goes nova all on the background of a stellar nursery which is made up of the material that had come from stars that have gone nova and died. From death comes rebirth.

The real counter is 4598.

Reflections

"When we apply our reason in addressing a problem, we have to be vigilant in ensuring that we remain honest, self-aware, and unbiased; the danger otherwise is that we may fall victim to self-delusion." Dalia Lama

I just finished Andrew W. Greeley's newest book Irish Lace last night. As was usual I enjoyed the story very much. He is one of my favorite writers. It was his latest in the wonderful story of the fey Irish singer Nuala Anne McGrail. As he does is all of his books about her he brings in a second story going back in time. The story this time came from Nazi Germany and had the story of Claus Graff von Stauffenberg who tried to assassinate Adolph Hitler. In his afterword Father Greeley talked about the American Presses attempt to blacken the name of this patriot. He spoke about how morally repugnant it is to assume that the deaths of German civilians and the rape of their women was justified because 'they brought it on themselves.'

We see this same moral justification used in today's society with respect to people of Islamic or Arabic persuasion. The press and politicians feel they are morally justified in vilifying an entire group of people because of the actions of a few. They ignore the fact that the vast majority of Muslims do not believe in a jihad to destroy all infidels. They ignore the fact that a vast majority of Muslims are like you and me and just want a decent life for themselves and their families and that they do not support the violence done in their name. Their voices are ignored because it doesn't make good press.

In our everyday lives how many times have you heard that all Mexicans should go back to their own country. They are thieves, gang members, lazy, pick your slur it has been thrown at them. It is ignored in the rhetoric about immigration that a majority of them are decent, religious, hard working people who are trying to make a decent living for themselves and their families.

The real abomination is prejudice. The ability of man to condemn a fellow human because they are somehow different. Mankind has a tendency to wrap itself in the flag of patriotism or religion and use it to justify their bigotry and hatred towards their fellow man. They are different and we refuse to learn about their culture or religion or beliefs. We are afraid to take a real look and see that they are just human beings like the rest of us. They are afraid to see that God made them too and God doesn't make junk. They are afraid to look too closely for they may discover that their own views and prejudices are flawed and they are the ones who need to grow and mature before thay can truly say they walk in God's Light.

The real counter is 4587

Nice Surprise

I got an email from one of my brothers. A few months ago he had offered to sell a computer he built to me after he had built a new one for himself. I couldn't afford to buy it although it would have been quite a bit faster then the one I have now. The person he sold it to decided she couldn't handle it and asked him to buy it back. So now he has decided to give it to me as a birthday present. It will be great to have a faster computer. That has been one of my biggest complaints about the one I have now that it is really slow when it comes to graphic art. This is going to be a big boon to my art production.

I finished the Bryce preset project last night and now I am planning on redoing my portfolio of my artwork. The one I have is several years old and I really need to update it so that I can show my artwork. I may do a modification of what I did for my Mom a couple of years ago for Christmas.

I have several new picture ideas that I plan to work on in the next few days. I was really pleased with the one I did last night. I came across these incredible wings and I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do with them when the idea of a fairy in a garden came to me. The picture is called Magic Garden. We all have some "magic" in our lives and I hope you find yours.

The real counter is 4580

Sleepy Time

"We should not be too concerned with our fame or what people say about us, either bad or good because in reality fame could not make any serious difference to one's life. Therefore, we should have our priorities right, and seek what is truly of value, what is truly of meaning to our life not just mere fame, which is, after all, empty sounds." Dalai Lama

Celestial Seasons makes a wonderful tea called Sleepy Time. I think I'm going to get some at the store today and come home make a big cup and hit the sack. It was one of those wonderful nights where it was four in the morning before I got to sleep. Then Pixie and Merlin bounce in all bright eyed and bushy tailed at seven wanting to know if mommy wants to get up and play. Uh no not really kids. Today is Sherlock Holmes Day and I'm hoping to track down the elusive control that will convince kittens to let you sleep in.

It will be a quiet weekend. I still have enough of the headache left that I really don't feel like tackling too much. Last night I finally got through the Bryce sky presets on 6.0 so I only have one of each up there. I'm in the middle of putting the names down on a list so I can find them easier as there are certain presets I like and this way I'll know approximately where in the page they are at. It's a geek thing having stuff organized so it is easy to find them on the computer.

As is often the case I find that I really resonate to the words of the Dalai Lama in today's quote. Over the years I have worked with stars in the acting, art, and writing fields. Some of the people are big stars and some not so big except in their own minds. Their are some people I love working with and some I refuse to work with ever again. George Takai and Peter Davison I would work with again in a heartbeat as they are lovely, lovely people and so sweet and generous with their time. They care about their fans and care about the people who are working hard putting on the conventions. William Shatner, let me check my calendar, sorry busy that night, got to wash my hair.

From experience I have found that the big stars are usually easy to work with. It is the smaller celebrities who are the most difficult. People who make minor in-roads to fame are the ones who let it go to their heads. They puff up their egos to make themselves more important then they really are because they will never accept the fact that their talent is minor and they will never make the upper rungs of success. They are incapable of understanding that they are minor talents and instead of being thankful for the talent they do have they have to try and throw their weight around and pretend that they are so important. The big picture however tells another story and they will never be among the greats. Is it any wonder that these type of people have very vocal critics that mock them and make fun of them? They can scream and point their fingers at their critics crying "loser, loser" but they are incapable with their massive egos of realizing that they are losers too. Their critics see them for what they really are.

The older I get the less tolerant I become of egotists and bigots. There is one race and that is the human race. Christ said "love thy neighbor as thyself" and didn't put any qualifiers on it. I have become more convinced as I go along in life that we must see individuals as they are and not as they are perceived through the eyes of prejudice. As strongly as I believe in God I am also aware that some of the worst prejudice is done in the name of religion, not that atheists are any better. They are just as bigoted as the believers.

I know I have people who read this Journal every day and I welcome you to my world. I know their are people who love my art work because they tell me so and I appreciate those fans of my work. I hope that I may continue to provide the art and writing that you enjoy. I am under no illusion however that I am the best but I do try my best. That is all I can do.

Today's picture is called Perchance to Dream because after I face the madding crowd at Wal-Mart I am hitting the sack for a nap.

The real counter is 4572

Panic Day

"It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding." Kahil Gibran

When I put together my art calendar for the year I always try and find all the holidays I can to liven up the pages. I found several sites that would give me the wacky holidays and today is "Panic Day." The illustration on my calendar is a cat going gonzo which is appropriate since Merlin panics over the slightest little thing. He is 15 1/2 pounds of pure cowardice. Pixie on the other hand is 8 pounds of fearlessness, nothing scares her.

I received a nice email the other day from a friend asking me to join a moderated newsgroup talking about one of my favorite shows. He especially wants me to be sure and continue to show my art work. I took a quick look at the place and the moderators are people whom I respect so I will go ahead and join in.

I am planning on a quiet weekend. I have been battling a massive headache for the last couple of days partly because of all the stress at work. If it is stays on the warm side I'll try and get out walking and take my camera with me. Now that I have an accurate pedometer I can plan my walk program as my major exercise. It is the one form of exercise that I really enjoy.

I was amused at the news today with Newt Gingrich trying to justify having an affair while prosecuting Bill Clinton for having an affair. I really think double speak was done much better in George Orwell's 1984. Is it any wonder that their are very few politicians that I really like?

The picture is called Birth of a Galaxy because the explosion is sort of how my head feels.

The real counter is 4564

What's Up Wednesday

"With right attitude, life is very simple and very easy." Paramahansa Yogananda

We have made it to hump day. Half way through the very long week. Now with the right attitude we can make it through until Friday, of course they don't say what the right attitude is but I suspect smacking a coworker who is messing up everything she touches is not what the Yogi had in mind. Some days I think maybe I should follow Yogi Bear instead he isn't as forgiving. ;-)

I am doing some cleanup work on my Bryce. Somehow when I put the new Bryce on I doubled and tripled in some cases the sky presets so I'm having to go through and delete the duplicates but it has to be done one by one. I figure a couple of more evenings and that will be done. Then I can go back to haunting the 3D Cafe site to see if they ever manage to get their "free stuff" back up and running so I can do some pictures that I have in mind that I don't have the software to build the models for.

I'm beginning to think that Pixie probably has the best attitude for life in this household. She is always cheerful and life for her is one big round of playing and affection. Mom hasn't been feeling well so she cuddles up next to her in the chair or sleeps with her in the bed. She plays little nurse maid. I should probably get her a little nurse's hat to go with her hot pink collar. Her toys are scattered all over the house and she will bat them somewhere she can't reach and run upstairs and get more out of the toy box. I think this weekend I'm going on a toy hunt and use something with a long handle and get all her toys out from under furniture and see how long it takes for her to bat them all back under.

I'm alternating wanting to emulate the cat with her cheerful attitude and being like Marvin the depressed robot in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and moan "life, don't talk to me about life." I'm frustrated at work and feel like we have the wrong sign on the door. It says Business Office but it should read Kindergarten since that is how my coworkers act most of the time. One of my coworkers is barely speaking to me because I reported several major mistakes to our boss that she had made while supposedly helping me out. She refuses to take notes and does stuff how she feels like doing them whether it is the way we are supposed to do them or not.

Right now my biggest concern is my Mom's health. She has been so sick for so long. She catches every little thing that comes around and the stress at the hospital is really getting to her. I wish I could convince her to just quit and use the retirement she has saved up for herself. I'm going to try again tonight and she if I can talk some sense into her.

The picture is Chaos and it is how I feel today.

The real counter is 4546

Sneaking Up

"Live your own life. That is to say, where you are, with what you are, and with who you are." Swami Prajmampad

"It doesn't matter whether you are a theist or atheist, what matters is sincerity, forgiveness, and compassion." Dalai Lama

I think Spring may be trying to sneak up on us. At least it looks that way but of course this is the Midwest and the temperatures can change in minutes and we could get more snow. I would like some warm weather so I can go out walking again. I would like to get some pictures of Spring to go with my Fall picture collection.

I like the two quotes on my calendars today. Too often people are so busy pretending to be someone they are not and the only person they are fooling is themselves. We are each unique individuals and we need to find out who we are and what are talents are. The core of who I am never changes. I think we all tend to put on masks in life. I know I have my Customer Service mask when I am at work. It is a certain mind set needed to get the job done right. The first rule is the customer is always right. When the customer is wrong see rule one. My job is to take care of the customer the best way I can without giving away the store. I think the thing that irritates me the most about the person who is supposed to be helping me out while I am doing special projects is that she isn't doing the best job she can. She assumes she knows but she doesn't take the time to find out. There is a very good reason why the word ass is in assume because people who assume make an ass out of themselves.

I like the quote by Dalai Lama because I have had to deal with several atheists in my life. On the whole my experience has not been good with them because the ones I have dealt with have thrown the morality out with the belief in God. I am sure that their are some atheists out there who do show forgiveness and compassion I just haven't met them yet. It doesn't matter whether you believe in God or not that is up to you however you still have an obligation to treat your fellow human beings in a decent manner. Morality is not just the providence of religion it is supposed to be part of the core of what makes us humans and not just animals who walk on two legs.

The picture is called Masquerade because we do wear masks when we have to but it doesn't change who we are. Behind the business like Customer Service Rep is a free spirited artist and writer.

The real counter is 4537

Accomplished

It was amusing last night as Mom and I tried to figure out what I got from whom. The final decision was that from Dad I got the brown eyes, nose, chin, fair skin, and fine hair. From Mom I got the eye shape, high cheekbones, and hair color. Well that takes care of the Irish, Cherokee, Amish, Scottish and English all right. Heinz 57 variety that's me.

Over the weekend I accomplished one more goal and have one more thing crossed off of my to-do list. I now have the short story book put together in one file and ready to print off and get out to agents. The stories had been individual files and saved as I had written them. I now have them in a single publishable form.

While I have made a conscious decision to place my life in God's hands I don't see any harm in helping out. I have always been told that God helps those who help themselves. I can hardly expect him to find an agent for my stories or a gallery to exhibit my art work now can I? That part of what I would like to accomplish is going to be up to me to see what I can do.

My next major project is finding an agent and maybe a gallery for my art work. I really want to pursue my writing and art this year and get it out there. I could use the extra cash to help around the house more. Mom is worried about the house repairs and not being able to retire and I really would like her out of that job completely. Her health just isn't up to working even part time any more. As much as I want my writing and art to succeed my Mom is my main concern.

I wish I had the day off today to help my Mom out. She is having the roofer over to check the damage that is done on the carport roof. I am afraid that they will try and take advantage of her and she wishes I could be here also because no one gets by with shoddy customer service for my Mom when I'm around. Just ask J.C. Penny and Sprint. They found out the hard way that I mean business where my Mom is concerned.

The real counter is 4527

Stop and Smell the Roses

I'm planning on a quiet day. Mother is still sick so I'm keeping an eye on her. Pixie still has her kitty cold so I'm keeping an eye on her. I woke up with another sinus infection so I just dumped medicine down me. I can't afford to be sick again.

I am planning on working on some art today and maybe on trying to format the short stories into a cohesive whole so that I can try and find a publisher. Other then that the ironing for the week and that is all that 'has' to be done.

It is kind of a blah day. We got a dusting of snow yesterday that may or may not melt. The weather hasn't decided what it really wants to do. Personally I don't feel like doing much of anything. That's all right though I don't have to accomplish something every waking moment.

Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves. We have been brought up with the Puritan work ethic that we must be doing and accomplishing every waking moment. This leaves precious little time for a person to just relax and enjoy life a bit. How can you see beauty if you are so busy doing other stuff that you don't have time to look?

Sometimes I feel like the Energizer Bunny as I keep going and going. There are times when I have to make a conscious effort to stop and smell the roses. Sometimes we just have to give ourselves permission to goof off for a bit. So today I've given myself permission to goof off. After all if Pixie can play so can I.

The real counter is 4520

Scratch That

Well I was thinking about writing about Spring and how it is just around the corner but it is snowing again. Sigh. It was in the 50s and the 17 inches of snow and ice was finally starting to melt yesterday and when I woke up this morning the ground is white again. Thunderstorms yesterday and snow storms today, yep I'm in the Midwest.

I was planning on driving out to a shopping center about an hour away but with this weather it looks like a quick trip to Wal-Mart to get Mom's shopping done and then I'll spend the rest of the day at home. I'll probably work on my St. Patrick's Day picture. I was thrilled to discover yesterday that my special St. Patrick's Day skirt I made a few years ago fits again and I can wear it this year. Finally the excess weight I put on after my divorce is coming off and staying off. Yeah!

I'm going to encourage Mom to rest this weekend as she hasn't been feeling well. If she rests in Daddy's chair then Pixie will cuddle up next to her and stay with her most of the day. Pixie is down with a kitty cold and sneezing her little head off so I'll have the two sickies in one place so I can keep an eye on them.

I was debating whether or not to even address Ann Coulter's latest remarks but what the heck it's my blog so I'll do what I want to. Has the Republican Party really stopped to think what this woman is doing to its image? Come on folks calling a man who has been married for 30 years to the same woman and who has four children by this woman a 'faggot' is insane. Do you really want to play the homophobic bigot card this election? She is making you a laughing stock but then again maybe you just don't care. Oh well I guess you didn't learn anything from the last elections.

Well hi-ho, hi-ho it's off in the snow I go. In the photo Pixie is looking out at the snow from the warmth of the dining room window.

The real counter is 4515

TGIF

"I always say that people should not rush to change religions. There is real value in finding the spiritual resources you need in your home religion." Dalai Lama

Thank God it's Friday. It is also payday for me so that helps some. After all I do have two cats to support in the style they have become accustomed to.

My Mom told me the other day that the handyman really thinks I'm special, smart and sweet. I guess he liked the fact that I was able to help him MacGyver together something to hold the door shut until he got the part to fix it using a rubber band and a paper clip. See I wasn't spending seven years lusting after Richard Dean Anderson I was learning how to fix things using the resources at hand. Now if you believe that I have some prime Florida real estate you might want to ask me about and of course I'm still trying to unload that bridge in NYC.

Today is officially World Day of Prayer. I found the quote from the Dalai Lama interesting because I did check other religions during one period in my life and ended up coming back to the Catholic faith of my childhood. I am aware that there are problems in my church but that is true of any organized institution. Nothing can ever be perfect but the bottom line is that my church does fulfill my personal spiritual needs.

I think one of the reasons I am more tolerant of the more mystical beliefs is that there is a great deal of mysticism in my religion. I can understand the draw of New Age or the Kabalah. To believe in God is to believe in something that can not be scientifically proved. After all God is there before science is thought of. It doesn't invalidate science to believe in God and it doesn't invalidate God to believe in science. In my mind they coexist just fine.

Freedom of Religion is one of the cornerstones in the founding of the United States. The great American artist Norman Rockwell did a series of four pictures showing the Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear. All four of these are important in our lives. We should be able to speak of our religion with out the fear of ridicule. We should be able to practice our beliefs as long as we don't use our religion or speech to harm others and to try and prevent their right  to worship and speak. Freedom has responsibilities attached to it.

If you haven't offered a prayer recently to God, however you perceive Him/Her to be, then today is a good day to do so. S/he has been waiting for you.

The picture is called Guardian of Freedom.

The real counter is 4505.

Books

"Be kind whenever possible ... It is always possible." Dalai Lama

Today is World Book Day. For someone like me who loves to read this is a great day to celebrate. I look around the room and I am surrounded by books, some my late father's and some mine.

This shelf will take me around the world with food. I love cookbooks and will often spend an evening reading them or cooking magazines. These books will take you into the realms of taste and smell as you try new recipes. It will teach you how people eat in other parts of the world. You can explore the wonderful world of spices.

Over here is your ticket to outer space. Both my Dad and I are space buffs. We have everything here from the solar system to black holes. This is your ticket to Mars and beyond as we explore that mysterious and wonderful entity called space.

History coming up. Dad was fascinated by so many things from the political to the historical. You will find books on Vietnam and Watergate. What was San Francisco like during the turn of the 20th century? Right here is a fascinating book on the Tongs in Chinatown.

Need a good laugh? On this shelf we have Erma Bombeck and her wry observations on everyday life. Snoopy will tell you his story of a "dark and stormy night." Seriously demented bird watchers need to see these "guides" to very unusual birds.

All right "who done it?" The world of mysteries is right here and we go from ancient China and Judge Dee to cozy England with Agatha Christie to the Navaho reservations with Tony Hillerman. I love mysteries and must admit I'm not real good at figuring them out but I read for the pleasure of them not to try and out guess the sleuth.

Your portal to Middle Earth is right here. The worlds of fantasy and science fiction are among my favorite places to be. Mars as seen by Arthur C. Clarke is here. Darkover's red sun is here with the worlds of magic and science clashing as created by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Want multiple worlds then here try Roger Zelazny's Amber series.

Bond, James Bond is over here along with Clive Cussler, John LeCare and other thriller writers. They have the license to thrill.

Books! Wow! The picture is called Guardian of Knowledge.

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