Today’s theme is “your favorite TV show.” It can be a current TV show, or one you watched in the past. What was it and why is it your favorite? Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to share about your favorite TV Show.
‘ Lucifer is an American urban fantasytelevision series developed by Tom Kapinos that premiered on Fox on January 25, 2016. It is based on the DC Comics character created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg taken from the comic book series The Sandman, who later became the protagonist of a spin-off comic book series, both published by DC Comics‘ Vertigo imprint. The series is produced by Jerry Bruckheimer Television, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television. The Lord of Hell, Lucifer, became bored with his life, so he abandoned his throne for five years, becomes a civilian consultant for the Los Angeles Police Department while running his own high-end nightclub called “Lux” ~ wikipeida Lucifer finds a way to make whatever case Chloe is working on to be about him in some way. His arrogance is over the top but by the time the episode is over he has discovered things that he didn’t learn in heaven or hell. I laugh every time he does his thing asking people to tell him their deepest desire… and the truth spills out.
“Why do they blame me for all their little failings? They use my name as if I spent my entire days sitting on their shoulders, forcing them to commit acts they would otherwise find repulsive. ‘The devil made me do it.’ I have never made one of them do anything. Never. They live their own tiny lives. I do not live their lives for them.” ― Neil Gaiman
The show amuses me on so many different levels. I find it quite enjoyable that heaven and hell are clearly fucked up not that I ever had any doubt. My early experiences with religion drove me to follow the Wiccan path I am on. My spiritual rejuvenation happens where ever I am outside, preferably under a tree that I can touch not inside some building that has over the top aesthetics. I can’t support religious leaders that protect pedophiles while making false promises of redemption nor can I follow any faith that spews the male-focused crap in bedded in the Bible.
I’ve read the Bible, and yes some practices recommended have merit but unfortunately not enough to sway me.
“Yahweh: You’ve been unhappy because you’ve desired things that cannot be.
Lucifer: That’s what desire IS. The need for what we can’t have. The need for what’s readily available is called greed.” ― Mike Carey
we’re doing the 8 hour private tour and riding a camel..woohoo. Let’s hear what caught your attention? Talk about what you saw and learned about the pyramids or the artifacts or the crafts.
Experience Cairo’s very best on a private, full-day tour that takes in ancient sites, artifacts, and a bustling bazaar. Ride a camel through the sand beside the soaring pyramids at Giza and go toe-to-toe with the enigmatic Sphinx. Pause for lunch before visiting the Egyptian Museum and explore the stunning collection of artifacts, mummies and royal treasures with your guide. Then continue to the Khan el Khalili bazaar to browse vibrant displays of fabrics, handicrafts, and antiques.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do3oFnaoYCM
I’m happy we’re only on the camel a half hour, my last experience on a camel I felt like I was jostled on the camel’s back and couldn’t find a comfortable position for my back. I was happy the camels were trained to lower themselves it made it so much easier than my other experience where there was steps but then you had to pull up and swing your leg over while being quite a ways off the ground. I felt safer not being on the block stand. With that said, camels don’t smell nice either especially when its warm. But once I saw the pyramids I was distracted by the structures I totally forgot the camel’s odor.
Looking at the pyramids I am in awe of the size and the actual structure. Why would anyone want to build such intimidating structures to house their dead. In the video the narrator said, the pyramids were actually the first skyscrapers of history. The structure was 481 feet high, with each side is 755 feet, the accuracy is within 2 inches. That in itself is amazing but then you consider that there is two million blocks estimated to weigh six million tons or approximately sixteen Empire State buildings. Crazy huh?
I loved seeing the different artifacts but when we arrived at the bazaar it was like we stepped into a whole different world. The creative genuis of the craftsman, the food samples even the conversations we overheard were incredible. The words spiraled so fast I couldn’t process half of it especially when the haggling took place.
Neva’s BCoF Prompt: Check out Fifteen best things to do in Cairo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g294201-Activities-Cairo_Cairo_Governora… pick one, and write a story or a poem about it.
I chose walking along the Nile River until I met this interesting character with a huge basket and a sign hanging beside it. Did you ever wonder about the story of Cleopatra’s snake? Foolish me I stepped closer. I greeted the man as recommended when you approach any individual or a group of people for the first time, the best thing to say is the local variation of the Islamic form of greeting “Es-Salāmu-`Alēku” which literally means “Peace be upon you”. This is the most common form of saying “hello” to anybody. But then I heard…
A snake slithered up and I ran… I don’t think he cares if I say goodbye.
Lyn’s BCoF: What is Cairo known for? In the video, it discussed typical etiquette protocol.. What did you think of the etiquette discussion versus what we’re used too before COVID-19 changed things?
What did you like looking at the pictures of thet Nomad Galleries?
Since covid-19 shaking hands seems to be avoided, which works just fine for me. I never was comfortable with touching other people’s hands. I’ve always been a bit phobic shaking a man or a woman’s hand because of what I’ve seen in public restrooms and the lack of hand washing that occurs. Hopefully, people are more conscious or at least more concerned about germs.
I have to admit it is so nice not to have hear discussions about politics here. Social etiquette says not to engage in conversation hence no difficulties or offense given. We already were warned about public displays of affection since we’ve been in Asia so this was no surprise. It’s fine, I’m good with waiting to hug my hubby once we’re back in the privacy of the hotel after a hot shower and we’re both clean. I’m definitely glad I wore the light clothing but I’m still warm. I’m not doing well in this hot and arid climate.
Overall, the social guidelines to me were reasonable. A simple bowed head acknowledging another’s presence is reasonable. I’m not always sure here in the States that when you join a group or a conversation your presence is acknowledged especially as a woman. And I swear if I hear one more thing about that orangutan posing as a president I’m going to puke so I would be quite happy knowing parts of my day would free of political commentary.
“There is neither water nor air here, its depth is unfathomable, it is as dark as the darkest night, and men wander about here helplessly. A man cannot live here and be satisfied, and he cannot gratify the cravings of affection” ― E.A. Wallis Budge, The Egyptian Book of the Dead
And as imagination bodies forth
The forms of things unknown, the poet’s pen
Turns them to shapes and gives to airy nothing
A local habitation and a name.
– William Shakespeare (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
I was talking with a good friend this afternoon. Our conversation wandered to the different levels of friendships we have in our lives. His role in my life evolved from a poetic ray of sunshine to a very dear friend. Our relationship began because we share the love of language in a very precise manner. I think very highly of his work. He prefers haiku’s and senryu’s where as I prefer writing limerick’s and acrostics and found poetry but I have written haiku’s and senryu’s. We’re both expanding our writing styles. I’m guilty when I’m stressed of falling back on my poetry. It’s my crutch at times.
I appreciate the way his brain. He helped me when I’ve struggled getting just the right word in a poem when I lost my grandson. I needed the exact word in the poem. He was so helpful because when he writes a poem every word is carefully chosen. I knew once he looked at my poem, it would be alright. He’s a master of vocabulary especially for such a young man.
Which reminded me of this old song because at its foundation, it’s a tender love song but it’s actually more than that. It’s a great example what can happen when people collaborate. Did you know the whole morning theme happened by accident because the band was suffering from writers’ block while trying to compose the lyrics. And one of its co-writers, Pete Brown, happened to be gazing out the window at the time and penned the opening line, “it’s getting near dawn”, which gave birth to the lyrical composition of the rest of the track.
It’s getting near dawn,
When lights close their tired eyes
I’ll soon be with you my love,
To give you my dawn surprise
I’ll be with you darling soon,
I’ll be with you when the stars start falling
I’ve been waiting so long
To be where I’m going
In the sunshine of your love
I’m with you my love,
The light’s shining through on you
Yes, I’m with you my love,
It’s the morning and just we two
I’ll stay with you darling now,
I’ll stay with you till my seas are dried up
I’ve been waiting so long
To be where I’m going
In the sunshine of your love
I’m with you my love,
The light’s shining through on you.
Yes,…
I’m truly blessed to have people in my life that share my love of poetry. My friend’s goal is for his poetry to evolve into music whereas mine I want to encourage people to appreciate poetry in all of it’s splendid forms.
Below are two of found poetry pieces. I choose this form of poetry when I am making political or social statements in a more generalized manner. If you’re not familiar with this concept. I take the NY Times Book section and the Arts sections and cut out all the titles and lay them on the table. I stare at them while I drink a cup of coffee. From there I move the titles around until I form a poem. I sometimes add a word to help the flow but sometimes I don’t. In the first poem I added ah. Just cos it felt like it needed something. In the second I added nothing.
Imperfectly Perfect People Saw It at The Time Mismatched Yet Perfectly Paired Idealism And Horrific Brutality Up-close and Unsettled Inspired by What Lies Beneath Purposely Seduced and Betrayed In a Galaxy, Far Far Away We See Belief is Potent Every Angle Mismatched Yet Perfectly Paired We Understand The World Doesn’t Change For Better Or Worse
Once we move ,I’m going to really miss spending time with him at the dining room table writing together. Bouncing ideas of each other. Checking out different poetry submissions and nudging each other to step out of our comfort zone.
I was thinking how lucky I am as a writer to have such great connections with my fellow writers in my area. I recall when I first walked into the group meeting at Panera’s to now. I”ve grown immensely. The critiques, conversations, recommended books and just knowing when I need someone to listen they’re there. Some I’m really close with and they’re more than fellow authors… they’re family.
It is perfectly okay to write garbage—as long as you edit brilliantly. – C. J. Cherryh
and have great writing friends double check those edits. 🙂
Kayaking, swimming on the beach. learning how to make Vietnamese spring rolls and after dinner squid fishing.
Let your imagination get carried away, discuss what fun things you’ve experienced.
It’s a good thing they allowed us to buy the vacancies so our cruise didn’t get cancelled. That would have been heartbreaking. It’s sad we had 18 responses of yes but only 8 participants regularly respond. I guess it is what it is. I remember the first year I did this virtual traveling we had 17 regular participants in Maine and then we went back-packing across Europe and we had 34 participants. South America had 20 participants. It’s sad to me that blogging seems to be falling out of favor. Anyway, that’s my thoughts on the matter.
In our cabin was posted this list of do’s and don’t’s in Vietnam. I’ll definitely have to rein Vic in, he’s always showing public displays of affection. Apparently, their frowned upon here among other things.
It’s hard to believe its been ten days since I was last in a kayak. It’s one of my ultimate favorite things to do on the water. So once I drained the coffee pot, and emptied my bladder for yet another time I hit the water racing initially just to stretch my arms out. My legs got quite a work out yesterday climbing around the falls and the day before pedaling my butt off on the bike.
I can’t help but wonder if my eyes are playing tricks on me but the guide assures Hạ Long Bay, is known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rain forests. He suggested I check out the islands Stone Dog and Teapot islets. He said, I would know by their shapes.
I navigated my kayak around to both islands.They’re indeed beautiful, but I was disappointed when I was told out that I cannot swim in the water. But once I learned why, I was glad I passed. The party boats and cruise ships dump their waste in the bay.
I learned later there are beaches that offer swimming that don’t have the same issues and are tested regularly for swimming safety. Carly raved about how nice the water was. Dang, I wish I had known. Oh well, maybe tomorrow since we’re here for two days.
I don’t know about you ladies but my tummy is growling, those rice cakes didn’t hold me after all the paddling. I’m hungry.
Lunch was banh xeo, it’s origin was from a French dish, the iconic crepe. The name banh xeo translated to English literally means “sizzling cake”. Banh xeo is made from rice flour mixed with coconut milk and seasoned with turmeric which creates the yellow color. Inside, the crepe is packed with slices of boiled pork, shell-on prawns, bean sprouts and sprinkled with a handful of mung bean.
To fully experience banh xeo, you’ve got to be a vegetables lover and ready to “get down and dirty”. The reason is because you will be wrapping these slices with some fresh herbs and of course use your hands to eat. After wrapping, you will be dipping it in watered down fish sauce. Unlike cha ca or bun cha, banh xeo is widely popular in Southern Vietnam.
Since we’re all gathered in the kitchen we went onto our afternoon lesson of creating spring rolls. Yummy. more veggies for me.
The afternoon slipped away and it was time for our squid fishing. Yup, we’re fishing for part of our dinner. I did ask what happens if we don’t catch any the guide laughed said you eat veggies. I’m good with that. I do like batter fried squid occasionally but actually catching and killing it… not my cup of tea. Maybe after it’s cooked I’ll change my mind, I do tend to be fickle.
I was fascinated with learning more about The legend of Trinh Nu (Virgin) Cave. It’s a tragic love story. The cave is located on Bo Hon Island which is also where Sung Sot (surprise) Cave is located.
“The story goes as follows: once upon a time there was a beautiful fisherman’s daughter. She came from a poor family but one day a rich man, upon seeing her beauty, proposed to marry her. The girl was already engaged to another fisherman whom she loved dearly, so she declined the rich man’s proposal. Outraged by her dismissal, he banned her and her entire family to a desert island.
The girl’s fiance scoured the bay trying to find his long lost love but all to no avail, and on a rainy and stormy night, starving and exhausted, the girl turned to stone.
The fiance, who was still searching for her, got caught in the storm and his boat capsized. He washed ashore on the same deserted island and in a glimpse, he saw her. He tried reaching out to her, to talk to her , but it was no use: the wind swept away his words. He tried to get her attention by slamming rocks into a cliff, all to no effect. The boy tried and tried until he was too exhausted and he himself turned to stone as well.
The place where the girl turned to stone was Trinh Nu Cave. Nowadays there is a natural statue of her in front of the cave. The statue of the petrified man facing the Trinh Nu cave is also still there to this day. Since the two lovers never had a chance to marry, locals decided to call the cave ‘Trinh Nu’ or ‘Virgin’. ”
Siem Reap is the capital of the province Siem Reap in Cambodia. One of their most famous sites to visit is the Angkor Wat temple. Besides that, they have many more temples, museums, the Old Market and the Cambodian Cultural Village.
Explore the different options and discuss. Make us envious.
Our guide was insistent that the temples were unlike any other in the world. Well, he’s right about one thing no other temple have we explored cover 390 miles. The artwork is beautiful. We didn’t land in time to get the best photographs at sunrise but I’m happy with the ones I did get. Neva, Judy, and Sand seemedy very happy inside the temple whereas I needed to be outside more. Fresh air is good for the soul.
But I’m ready to check out the landmine museum. I don’t know much about Cambodian history so this is fascinating to me. I try to focus but my tummy is rumbling. The guide recommended the bugs at the market but I think I’ll stay with the vegetarian options. Yup, I’m whizzing out. I did take him up on the fish massage. I couldn’t stop giggling. Guess, I’m more ticklish than I knew.Wow, my feet look a newborn babies now. I feel surprising engerized going to take in a little of the pub scene before hitting the hotel.
I decided a quick dip in the pool before sleeping.
That bed looks so inviting but knowing our blog guide Lyn, (me) we’re off to another country tomorrow.
BCoF:Educate us about famous musicians from Cambodia. I’ve given you one resource, feel free to expand with more information for us. Make us want to see one of the artists.
I didn’t have any trouble opening the link but I did see Willie did. There’s some interesting songs performed by Cambodian artists which are lovely. I liked Sinn Sisamouth because he experimented with his sounds. Melissa said, “Sinn paved the way for a modern wave of music, Sinn traded in the traditional wind instruments that accompanied Cambodian music, experimenting instead with blending Western sounds with Khmer music.” Though I don’t agree with the author of the blog link, Melissa about Sinn’s voice being equal to Nat KIng Cole. I can’t help but wonder what his musical career would have been if he hadn’t been killed under the Klmer Rouge. Artists were part of their genocidal regime. Wikipedia said Sinn’s stage presence was similar to Frank Sinatra. According to Wiki,”Many of Sinn Sisamouth’s master recordings were either destroyed by the Khmer Rouge regime in its efforts to eliminate foreign influences from Cambodian society,] or were lost due to decay. However, collectors and entrepreneurs located and reproduced copies of some of his recordings after the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979.
Shopping Siem Reap can be as rewarding as exploring Angkor Archaeological Park’s exquisite temples—and there’s no need to wake at the crack of dawn. Siem Reap is home to craft markets, stylish boutiques, artisan workshops, and artist’s ateliers, all filled with treasures that you can take back home. They’re open well into the night for those who made it to Angkor Wat at sunrise.
I did enjoy exploring the craft shops with Helen, I took lots of pictures much to the disappoint of the vendors. I decided to get a necklace, out of recycled trash in shades of blue and green. I don’t wear as much as jewelry as I used to do. The style of necklace is similar to what my friend, Char makes. I wonder if she saw these markets when she was in Cambodia. The people are so energetic in their pursuit to get tourists to shop. I’m a tough sell which she soon discovered and moved onto another tourist.
“If a picture is worth a thousand words, why did God invent captions?”
― David Mellonie,
Today’s theme is “Monday.” Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to about your Monday. What do Mondays mean to you. Do you hate Mondays? Love them? Do you not care, one way or the other, about Mondays? It’s up to you. #FDDA or Fandango’s Dog Days of August.
I’ve never been a fan of Monday especially when I was working outside the home. I had lots of nicknames for the day Mundane Monday, Maniac Monday, Moving Monday, Make Me Monday…sometimes even Musical Monday or Magical Monday all of them were the result of my weekend whether I hoped it wouldn’t end, or there were just too much or too little to make me want to participate. I know its all about attitude but when you’re young and naive you don’t see yourself as having attitudes and after awhile all those Motivational Monday quotes run together.
In this stage of the game Monday is just another day, they tend to run all together now especially with COVID and being retired. They’ve simply become Montage Monday.
I’ve chosen to share a Dr. Suess style acrostic poem I wrote called Nonsense. I enjoy writing acrostics because they force your brain to think outside the box and tell a story differently in a poem. Acrostic Poetry is where the first letter of each line spells a word, usually using the same words as in the title. If you read it out loud you’ll hear the Dr. Suess’s voice creep in.
Nickel Jefferson jumps up Only the FDR dime lies flat No, no we count, count Says, says who, who Everybody at the bank Nay says Washington quarter Smiling Kennedy flips up Every Lincoln copper penny!
What is happening today for me. I’m mulling over lots of things like what I want to sell to reduce the clutter before our move. A lifetime of stuff, guilty as charged because when I left my old house I didn’t downsize very much I simply took it with me which unfortunately is now biting me in the butt as I look around. We combined two households into one and now it’s got to go to reduce the cost of move. So another m word comes into play must go or sell.
Thinking of another m word, memory. Back when I was married to my first husband we didn’t have a lot of money for furniture. So we had bought two Adirondack chairs that we sat in at night outside in the yard because we didn’t own a television so our entertainment was cribbage around a fire in the yard. If it was rainy, we’d sit at the kitchen table. Once the nights started getting cooler we lugged our chairs inside for the winter. They became our living room furniture. You make the best of what you have. I remember how excited we were when we bought our 19 inch black and white television the chairs ended up being inside more than out. We ended up getting inside and out Adirondack chairs because they cost a lot less than a living set. We saved up and bought the living set, we eventually owned for 20 years.
Which reminds me of a song from those old days by William DeVaughn, Be Thankful for What You Got. I’ve come a long way from those days but reality is certainly reminding me that Gratitude will only get me so far. I’ve got to get rid of these material excesses and move on. Will I really re-read all of these books? Stop mulling girl and Make it Happen.
Culinary addition should be meatloaf Monday to stay with the m theme but I’m craving Mexican so I’m going with enchiladas… I have lots of freshly picked banana peppers to add some heat. Mexican Monday, yummy!
Garden:
I picked a colander full of tomatoes and peppers so the tropical storm doesn’t damage them. I was pleasantly surprised to find cucumbers ready to pick so I grabbed them too.
Cancer toolkit additions today:
Quinoa is anti-inflammatory.
Radishes are also anti-inflammatory and improve digestion but did you know the sulfur goes right to the liver and gall bladder increasing the flow of bile to aid in detoxifying treatments. I’m all for getting toxic crap out.
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” – Ambrose Redmoon
In my virtual travel blog on WDC, we’re now in Sydney Australia. I’ll be posting that in a separate entry.
Guess my Monday isn’t as mundane as I originally thought when I set down to write this post. I didn’t dwell on the letter c or let the rescheduling of my primary care doctor’s appointment become the focus of this entry. Life is what it is. Magical ❤
“Once cancer happens it changes the way you live for the rest of your life.” – Hayley Mills
So the references make sense I’m a leader in three different blogging groups on Writing. com. In 30 Day Blogging Group, I’m only a leader in August because I host this crazy travel adventure whereas in the other two groups I send out writing prompts along with Neva, Joy, and Megan. We’re an awesome team.
The August adventure I compile all the research and then send out everyday, the prompts for each group, which are broken down into sections so each blogger has the option of doing one or both.
Day 1
30 day Activities :Kayaking with the whales and watching penguins and sampling local cuisine.
30 day Camping in Antarctica isn’t an activity for everyone — cozying up on the frozen ground in sub-zero temperatures isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you’re willing to sacrifice the luxuries of a comfy bed surrounded by four walls, you’re in for one of the coolest sleepovers you’ll ever have. While every boat tour company’s “campground” varies, one option could be Hovgaard Island on the west-facing side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Some outfitters provide tents while others opt for a more au natural experience of only a waterproof, cold weather sleeping bag (bivy sack) and thermal mat. Sleeping under the infinite number of Antarctica’s twinkling stars is a surreal experience and knowing there’s nothing between you and all of Antarctica’s frozen glory is truly a magical feeling. I’ve chosen the au natural for us. https://www.2foodtrippers.com/antarctica-food/#:~:text=Oh%20Pemmican%2C%20the%20…
Men need to increase their caloric intake to 4500 and women to 3900 to handle the temperatures. I’m assured we won’t gain weight.
It’s exciting to see what I’ve missed on my unlikely to do bucket list at my age. If I was younger and this was in my price range for vacations, oh I would have definitely done this. Being a Mainer, cold didn’t deter me so sleeping under the stars is extremely appealing especially with aurora borealis or actually since we’re in the south aurora australis as a backdrop. Southern auroras are not often seen as they are concentrated in a ring around Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean. So this experience is beyond amazing for me. Did you know the name Aurora in Roman mythology means Goddess of the Dawn> Many cultural groups have legends about the lights. “In medieval times, the occurrences of auroral displays were seen as harbingers of war or famine. The Maori of New Zealand shared a belief with many northern people of Europe and North America that the lights were reflections from torches or campfires. The Menominee Indians of Wisconsin believed that the lights indicated the location of manabai’wok (giants) who were the spirits of great hunters and fishermen. The Inuit of Alaska believed that the lights were the spirits of the animals they hunted: the seals, salmon, deer and beluga whales. Other aboriginal peoples believed that the lights were the spirits of their people.” ~
My experiences in a kayak until now were always on a lake or river. I’m not worried about navigating the kayak only the possibility of being that close to a whale. Part of me says, Oh yeah and the other part says no f-ing way. But then you’re also talking with the girl who met a moose that had just surfaced in the middle of the lake. The moose was devouring the green algae from the bottom of the lake and came up for air right in front of me. I did some serious back stroking, and it kept on munching totally unfazed. Yes, they can swim and do go under water quite frequently to get food especially during the heat of the summer.
Kayaking in a group is novel to me, my past experiences have been with one person or alone so I’m enjoying myself. I have to agree about getting a camera out of a dry bag isn’t easy. I’m so glad I opted for the disposal water proof cameras. Hopefully, I don’t drop it in the water, too dang cold to want to make a dive for it. I tucked one of my cameras inside my wet suit on a neck chain so I could get to it quicker so I could get pictures. The seals are amazing thus far, really hoping we do see a whale. I didn’t know how playful penguins are until now, we’re the least of their concerns today. I still can’t get over how clear and smooth the water is when we sit still, it’s like we’re looking a large glass windows with our reflections.
I’m not familiar with any of the authors but after glancing at the list, there’s a couple I have added to my reading list. First would be, Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage, by Alfred Lansing. I can’t imagine the horror Shackleton must have mentally endured knowing his ship was stuck in the ice. Just thinking about how does one motivate one’s self to keep doing everything possible to stay alive versus simply accepting death. His actions set the pace/ mindset for his crew.
According to wikipeidia, “Disaster struck this expedition when its ship, Endurance, became trapped in pack ice and was slowly crushed before the shore parties could be landed. The crew escaped by camping on the sea ice until it disintegrated, then by launching the lifeboats to reach Elephant Island and ultimately South Georgia Island, a stormy ocean voyage of 720 nautical miles (1,330 km; 830 mi) and Shackleton’s most famous exploit. In 1921, he returned to the Antarctic with the Shackleton–Rowett Expedition, but died of a heart attack while his ship was moored in South Georgia. At his wife’s request, he was buried there.” Shacleton was never at ease at home with his family. Antarctica was in his blood.
“Difficulties are just things to overcome, after all.”― Ernest Shackleton
The second book that captured my interest was Alone by Richard Byrd. In 1928 Byrd’s photographic and geological studies got him promoted again to Rear Admiral. He had already earned that rank in WWII but had taken a demotion to be involved in the Cross-Atlantic studies being conducted by the Navy. He was hooked, his love for Antarctica continued forward. However according to wikipeida, this is where the story gets dangerous and became the base for the book. “On his second expedition in 1934, Byrd spent five winter months alone operating a meteorological station, Advance Base, from which he narrowly escaped with his life after suffering carbon monoxide poisoning from a poorly ventilated stove. Unusual radio transmissions from Byrd finally began to alarm the men at the base camp, who then attempted to go to Advance Base. The first two trips were failures due to darkness, snow, and mechanical troubles. Finally, Thomas Poulter, E.J. Demas, and Amory Waite arrived at Advance Base, where they found Byrd in poor physical health. The men remained at Advance Base until October 12 when an airplane from the base camp picked up Dr. Poulter and Byrd. The rest of the men returned to base camp with the tractor.[3] This expedition is described by Byrd in his autobiography Alone. It is also commemorated in a U.S. postage stamp issued at the time, and a considerable amount of mail using it was sent from Byrd’s base at Little America.”
I’m looking forward to experiencing these men’s journey through their eyes. I wonder what they would think about what is happening now with climate change.
“Half the confusion in the world comes from not knowing how little we need.”― Richard E. Byrd
If you’re interested and want to respond, feel free to join in. Just put the link to what you’ve written in the comments.
My snarky humor can’t let the number slide by without some comment.
“There were a number of particularly delightful incidents. There is, for example, the physicist who introduced me to one of my favorite laws, which he described as Murphy’s law or the fourth law of thermodynamics (actually there were only three last I heard) which states: If anything can go wrong it will.” — Anne Roe
I bet you were expecting a kinky quote or some story recalling an experience. If you’re an adult you got your stories to recall, you don’t need my help.
I asked in the Blogging Award the question about a color to describe one’s self. I would describe myself with blue. Not your bold electric blue but like the ocean. For example, dark blue can be seen as elegant, rich, sophisticated, intelligent, and old-fashioned, whereas royal blue can represent superiority which is something I never see myself as, and light blue can mean honesty and trustworthiness which I do pride myself on being. Typically, when I think of blue I feel inspired, intuitive, happy, and confident.
I’ve been enjoying the interaction with other bloggers here on wordpress. I look forward to reading the different posts. I never know what’s going to be there.
Culinary:
Tonight we’re having Atlantic Salmon, with mashed cauliflower and a side salad. I can’t wait to enjoy more of the tomatoes I picked from the garden, they were so good with our blt’s last night. Yeah, I decided to toss the bacon on the grill, pick some swiss chard in lieu of lettuce and to use the tomatoes that were ripe. So technically we had bsct’s on wheat. So good! Better yet, we split the night on cribbage, I won the first one and he won the second.
For your cancer toolkit:
Oranges are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. They’re especially helpful against throat,mouth and stomach cancer.
Oregano is a digestive aid, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Oregano helps our taxed immune systems recover.
Updated on the Fur Babies:
Both cats chowed down their treats last night and devoured their breakfast. So whether it was something in the wet food that set them off I don’t know for sure but they’re definitely full of piss and vinegar today, especially Macavity. He’s been batting his bouncy ball around the dining room for a while now.
Song Choice:
My song choice today is by Scorpions, Wind of Change. My thoughts went with how different things are now. Probably, didn’t help I just got off the phone with my doctor’s office reviewing my medical and what medications I can’t take prior to the procedures like my migraine med Diclofenac which is used to relieve pain, and swelling. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), so that’s a big no-nobefore surgery.
Between the phone call and what is expected of me and then seeing the children on our street playing wearing masks. I thought how their world is so different than mine or my children’s. Will they ever remember the magic in the moments when their my age or will this virus shroud all the joy of being a child. I know my eight year old granddaughter hates the mask.
“But in the end one needs more courage to live than to kill himself.”
― Albert Camus
“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”
― Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Who knew this virus would make us question so many aspects of our lives? I know I didn’t expect to have think about my daily interactions before this anymore than you did.
“Wind of Change” is a power ballad by the West German rock band Scorpions, recorded for their eleventh studio album, Crazy World (1990). The song was composed and written by the band’s lead singer Klaus Meine and produced by Keith Olsen and the band.
“I follow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
An August summer night
Soldiers passing by
Listening to the wind of change
The world is closing in
Did you ever think
That we could be so close, like brothers
The future’s in the air
I can feel it everywhere
Blowing with the wind of change
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away (dream away)
In the wind of change
Walking down the street
Distant memories
Are buried in the past forever
I follow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow share their dreams (share their dreams)
With you and me
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night…”
Me, Myself and I
Sought a new direction yet
unable to conquer our fears
because those haunting fragile songs
from our bewildered youth
defy all whimsical promise
love exists.
Those seductive lyrics linger
like decrepit dust
coating passionate shudders
embracing our woeful remorse.
We’re tossed into a sea of uncertainty
or insanity
because love rendered us fearful
with knotty nightmares
that only the wild things answered
with masses of memories
suppressed into life’s book.
An alleged illumination
filled with earth born eruptions
as the wars waged into
composed silent paths
with declarative signs.
Paradise denied
Me, Myself, and I frozen
in shackled lurid pages
always the same in our storied land of woe.
Buffalo wings and buffalo cauliflower… yummy. I took the prilosec an hour before dinner as instructed. I thought the chicken and cauliflower came out delicious on the grill. Vic liked the chicken but not the cauliflower. He thought the seasoning was to strong on the cauliflower. I agree that the seasoning was more intense on the cauliflower but I liked it. It’s been two hours since dinner and the only discomfort is in the shoulder but no reflux or vomiting. YAY!
We did an early morning run to the grocery store. I dread going because everything has increased in price. We stopped at customer service to complain about the still missing inventory. Why is there still no decaf tea? The clerk said that inventory issues are because of the virus. I asked why other stores are not having trouble getting tea. She said the suppliers are causing the issue. Why would distributors select one grocery store over another? Did she bother to write down the items that are missing on the shelves. Hell no, she just kept nodding her head. Maybe she’s hoping her brain will fall in place. Sorry, I’m tired of not finding the products I enjoy on the shelf or the clerk taking our request seriously. So screw it, I get my coffee in the mail by subscription now I’m going to get my tea the same way. Twinings has a website and there’s a larger selection than Wegman chooses to offer. Unfortunately, Wegman pushes so much of their own brand that variety is lost when the customer seeks it. https://twiningsusa.com/collections/decaffeinated
I’m really fond of Nightly Calm and the Peppermint that Twinings carries which have totally vanished from Wegman’s shelves. Did you know Mint has some great qualities to help fight cancer?
Mint is a digestive aid as well as being antimicrobial. I love that relieves indigestion. But did you know it’s rich in vitamin c and beta carotene.
Mushrooms are anti-inflammatory but did you know mushrooms help our immune system, some say it helps us resist cancer.
I ‘m glad its been raining. I’m not happy about the wind and the hail. The hail broke a lot of my cucumber and zucchini leaves. The rain pelting and the wind whipping in the last three storms have broken my rose bushes and my gladiolus beds. Gladiolus I was able to bring in and put in vases. But the rose bushes required some major pruning. I did some on the biggest bush but I still have two to go. Rome wasn’t built in a day. But’s that okay.
Did anyone get to see the Comet Neowise? Our sky unfortunately had so much cloud cover the last three nights it hasn’t been possible. If you don’t know about Neowise I’ve included a link. I love looking at the night sky.
The storms are raising havoc on my migraines and disrupting the little sleep I’ve been getting so this afternoon Macavity and I grabbed an afternoon siesta. I enjoyed the warmth of his little body wrapped around my legs. The nap helped take the edge off the migraine today and with the meds… I’ll make it until my nerve block on Tuesday. Which leads me to my song choice for today. Another Alice Cooper song. Welcome to my Nightmare.
Welcome to my nightmare
I think you’re gonna like it
I think you’re gonna feel you belong
A nocturnal vacation
Unnecessary sedation
You want to feel at home cause you belong
Welcome to my nightmare, whoa-whoa-oh
Welcome to my breakdown
I hope I didn’t scare you
That’s just the way we are when we come down
We sweat and laugh and scream here
Cause life is just a dream here
You know inside you feel right at home here
Welcome to my breakdown, whoa-whoa-oh
You’re welcome to my nightmare, yeah-yeah-ah
Welcome to my nightmare
I think you’re gonna like it
I think you’re gonna feel you belong
We sweat and laugh and scream here
Cause life is just a dream here
You know inside you feel right at home here
Welcome to my nightmare, ooh-ooh-ooh
Welcome to my breakdown
Yeah
Did you Alice Cooper’s real name is Vincent Damon Furnier and he’s 72 years old. It;s hard to believe his music career has spanned 50 years now.” In 1968, the band learned that Todd Rundgren also had a band called Nazz, and found themselves in need of another stage name. Furnier also believed that the group needed a gimmick to succeed, and that other bands were not exploiting the showmanship potential of the stage. They chose the name “Alice Cooper” largely because it sounded innocuous and wholesome, in humorous contrast to the band’s image and music. The legend that the name came from a session with a ouija board was later discredited. In 1975, Furnier adopted this stage name as his own to avoid legal complications over ownership of the band’s name.[19] Furnier, now known as Alice Cooper, later stated that the name change was one of his most important and successful career moves.”~ Wikipedia
My connection to his music began with School’s Out. But I was more familiar with How You Gonna See Me Now It was my ex-husband’s favorite song, he’d sing it to me after he hurt me, guess he thought it was a good apology.
“Dear darlin’ surprised to hear from me?
Bet you’re sittin’ drinkin’ coffee, yawnin’ sleepily
Just to let you know
I’m gonna be home soon
I’m kinda awkward and afraid
Time has changed your point of view
How you gonna see me now
Please don’t see me ugly babe
‘Cause I know I let you down
In oh so many ways
How you gonna see me now
Since we’ve been on our own
Are you gonna love the man
When the man gets home” Lyric Find
My reaction to his drunken behavior mirrored another one of Cooper’s song. Never Cry.
If there is a tear on my face
It makes me shiver to the bones
It shakes me, Babe
It’s just a heartache that got in my eye
And you know I never cry, I never cry
Sometimes I drink more than I need
Until the TV’s dead and gone
I may be lonely
But I’m never alone
And the night may pass me by
But I’ll never cry
Take away, take away my eyes
Sometimes I’d rather be blind
Break a heart, break a heart of stone
Open it up but don’t you leave it alone
’cause that’s all I got to give you
Believe me Babe, it ain’t been used
My heart’s a virgin, its never been tried
And you know I’ll never cry
And you know I’ll never cry
And you know I’ll never cry
Never cry, I’ll never cry
Break a heart, break a heart of stone
’cause that’s all I got to give you
Believe me Babe, it ain’t been used
My heart’s a virgin, its never been tried
And you know I’ll never cry
Never cry
I’ll never cry
Source: Lyric Find
I hid the pain all the time. Unfortunately, I still feel the need to mask my pain, my sadness. Letting people in I’ve learned invites more pain. It’s easier for me to write it, doesn’t matter who reads it or doesn’t. But I don’t actually have to maneuver the questions.
You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice.” – Bob Marley
”Challenges are part of life; We weaken our spirit, when we act in fear and lose hope. But we strengthen our spirit, when we fearlessly with faith and hope, rise up to meet and conquer the challenges.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita
Alice Cooper reminded me of a poem I wrote a while back about illusions.
Debonair in a black tuxedo and top hat,
he entered the room with a haughty confidence.
Dashingly handsome in his borrowed finery
men and women alike envious of his allure.
Oblivious to all, his eyes scanned the room
seeking the vain wealthy woman in flaming red.
He strode with determined arrogance but
she did not turn but continued with her story.
Entertaining all the handsomely attired men
with her amusing tale and seductive voice.
Sensing his presence but wanting to hold him at bay
the ambitious young carpenter knew he must make a move.
The rules of upper class society be damned, only wanting his prey
he spun her to him in a forceful manner, sweeping her away.
Arousing the tempers of her youthful entourage,
she fluttered her fan holding them at bay
He pressed his hard muscled body against her while dancing
knowing the effect he was having on her, eager to score.
Whispered words of endearment and encouragement, he hopes
success is within his reach, however, remembering his last bitter failure
he knows, he must slow down and make the illusion last.
We all have our illusions, some would say they’re more like delusions.
©
lyncrain 