#FOWC

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Today’s word is “finish.”

Write a post using that word. It can be prose, poetry, fiction, non-fiction. It can be any length. It can be just a picture or a drawing if you want. No holds barred, so to speak.

https://fivedotoh.com/category/one-word-challenge/

Drying Moment- I Exist

White sterile bland walls
behind the white appliances
make this task even drearier.
At least when the door is open
the heat permeates my body.
While I bend up and down
reaching for one more thing
to fold with my trusty hands.
While my restless mind wanders to
places I long to explore far away.
So many chores left, I’ll never finish
at least, this stack of clothes show
my dull, empty life briefly existed today.
for everything else remains lost among the chaos.©

 

12308288_1034904629895625_3697984245882687863_n

and the finish says it all.

Virtual Continent Hopping- Lalibela, Ethiopia

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Our trip has been customized to meet our needs.We will not be having the down time listed in the beginning.

https://www.safaribookings.com/day/t21782

We’re arriving and immediately leaving by plane to our adventure to Lalibela which is home to the 12th-century hand carved rock churches of King Lalibela (1181 – 1221) whom the town is named after. We’ll have lunch in our hotel, then visit the first group churches of Lalibela (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which are found northeast of a stream named ‘River Jordan’.

In a 1970 report of the historic dwellings of Lalibela, Sandro Angelini evaluated the vernacular earthen architecture on the Lalibela World Heritage Site, including the characteristics of the traditional earth houses and analysis of their state of conservation.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g480193-d7619296-Reviews-Tomb_of_A…

“Lalibela is a town in  the Lasta Amhara Region of Ethiopia famous for its rock-cut monolithic churches. The whole of Lalibela is a large antiquity of the medieval and post-medieval civilization of Ethiopia. The layout and names of the major buildings in Lalibela are widely accepted, especially by local clergy, to be a symbolic representation of Jerusalem. Ethiopia was one of the earliest nations to adopt Christianity in the first half of the 4th century, and its historical roots date to the time of the Apostles. The churches themselves date from the 7th to 13th centuries, and are traditionally dated to the reign of the Zagwe king Gebre Mesqel Lalibela (r. ca. 1181–1221)
The symbolic Tomb of Adam is actually a giant, hollowed-out block of stone next to Bet Uraiel.” wikipeida

I’m glad I read this blog before we headed out so we ladies could travel safely in a country that’s not noted for its ideal treatment of women. Although, the travel data updates say things are improved. Unfortunately, things can happen and do. Even here in the United States things happen all the time to unsuspecting tourists. Lalibela is a centre for pilgrimage for much of the country. It has a population of 15,000.
https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/africa/ethiopia/safety-for-women-in-et…

Like other places we’ve already visited as women we had to dress conservatively. I’m glad I remembered my scarf because by the looks of it head coverings are necessary in the religious sites. I’m glad I brought a second memory card because the churches are amazing considering the period of time they were constructed and how they’ve with stood Mother Nature.

I thought the people were friendly and the guide are well trained and have an excellent working knowledge of the churches and good relationships with the priests.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g480193-d12133587-Reviews-Lalibela…

Discuss what you saw, and the things that you found interesting.

BCoF: Let’s talk about Ethopian cuisine. There’s a few things listed, what would you recommend for us to try and why? Our meals were included but no alcoholic beverages so we’re doing a brew tour.
What did you think about the coffee section? What’s your favorite hot beverage coffee, tea or hot chocolate?

I was very surprised we stumbled across a restaurant owned by a Scottish woman and her Ethiopian partner. Ben Abeba, is a restaurant opened in the autumn of 2011 on the peak of a hill. The building looks very peculiar and is a sight in itself. Apart from the Ethiopian and European dishes you find on many menu’s, the Shepherd’s Pie is a welcome and very delicious change of diet. Food is reasonably priced, and the view is amazing.
Another bonus for us social media addicts to connect with our loved one the wi-fi internet was an extra perk. Sweet!

Before heading back to our hotel it was nice to experience a bar located directly across from the police station so
I did feel a bit safer with that info.. Torpedo Tejbet (Honey Wine) Azmaris are famous for their sense of humor and the perceptiveness of the songs they improvise about their customers, or about social and political subjects are actually quite entertaining. We decided that to stay just until dark and our guide generously escorted back to the hotel. He was quite pleased with our tip for his inconvenience. After seeing what we did today, I’m sure it will help his family for some time. This is not a wealthy region, but it is trying to improve.

I was disappointed not to have time to see a coffee plantation or to see the process involved. I do enjoy Ethiopian coffee, it’s sensitive and delicate; I looked up what floral sense and was surprised it was jasmine complimented with bergamot and blueberry in aftertaste. The body of the coffee is not very strong and acidity level is mild and pleasant which I find quite satisfying at night. Yup I’m one of those crazy ones that drink coffee day and night..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian_cuisine

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_production_in_Ethiopia#:~:text=%22Ethiopia%…

#Song Lyric Sunday L’s

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“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.” ― Mary Oliver

img_0406

This week we have some general words that are used to describe colors, being Clear/Dark/Light and hopefully everyone will be able to find a song that utilizes one of these prompt words in the title or in the lyrics.  There’s a lot more to this I suggest reading Jim’s original post.

https://jimadamsauthordotcom.wordpress.com/2020/08/15/pronouncing-ls/

There’s always a story behind a song and John shared this one.

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/john-legend/darkness-and-light#:~:text=The%20song%20finds%20the%20duo,the%20album%20after%20this%20tune.

 

Fire and the ice colliding
I wanna go deep and dive in
It’s heaven on Earth but hell of a night
To melt into one
She’s never been afraid of sirens
Head down but keep drivin’
Damn we might crash moving so fast but baby
Don’t stop, I need it
Release me, it’s too hard for me to hold
My heart beating
Your touch
It thrills me to the bone
Oh Lord! Forgive us
Alas, we’ve lost control baby
Nothing can stop this love
Nothing can stop this love
Never gon’ get enough
Nothing can stop it, oh
Darkness and light, streaming
The end of our life beginning
No longer alone, my will become gone
We melt into one
Both hands on the floor, you go low
Who was I before? I don’t know
And who am I now? Your body shows how
The past just has no meaning
Don’t stop, I need it
Release me, it’s too hard for me to hold
My heart bleeding
Your touch
It thrills me to the bone
Oh Lord! Forgive us
Alas, we’ve lost control baby
Nothing can stop this love
Nothing can stop this love
Never gon’ get enough
Nothing can stop it, oh!
Yeah
Oh, oh!
Don’t stop, I need it
Release me, it’s too hard for me to hold
My heart bleeding
Your touch
It thrills me to the bone
Oh Lord! Forgive us
Alas, we’ve lost control baby
Nothing can stop this love
Nothing can stop this love
Never gon’ get enough
Nothing can stop it
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: John Stephens / John Henry Ryan / Will Oldham
Darkness and Light lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Domino Publishing Company
What works for me about this song is the undercurrent of desire between them. As a writer trying to find the right words to describe passion often falls short for me. Yet, songs like this make it seem so easy. I’ve begun collecting songs and creating my own soundtrack when I’m writing.  I looked at my list today to see what song I had that would fit Jim’s prompt to discover I have quite a few song by  John Legend and written by John Stephens.
 Conversations in the Dark~
Talk
Let’s have conversations in the dark
World is sleeping, I’m awake with you
With you
Watch
Movies that we’ve both already seen
I ain’t even looking at the screen, it’s true
I got my eyes on you
And you say that you’re not worth it
You get hung up on your flaws
Well, in my eyes you are perfect
As you are
I will never try to change you, change you
I will always want the same you, same you
Swear on everything I pray to
That I won’t break your heart
I’ll be there when you get lonely, lonely
Keep the secrets that you told me, told me
And your love is all you owe me
And I won’t break your heart
On
Sunday mornings we sleep-in ’til noon
Well, I can sleep forever next to you
Next to you
And we
We got places we both gotta be
But there ain’t nothing I would rather do
Then blow off all my plans for you
And you say that you’re not worth it
And get hung up on your flaws
But in my eyes you are perfect
As you are
As you are
I will never try to change you, change you
I will always want the same you, same you
Swear on everything I pray to
That I won’t break your heart
I’ll be there when you get lonely, lonely
Keep the secrets that you told me, told me
And your love is all you owe me
And I won’t break your heart
When no one seems to notice
And your days, they seem so hard
My darling, you should know this
My love is everywhere you are
I will never try to change you, change you
I will always want the same you, same you
Swear on everything I pray to
That I won’t break your heart
I’ll be there when you get lonely, lonely
Keep the secrets that you told me, told me
And your love is all you owe me
And I won’t break your heart
I won’t break your heart
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: John Stephens / Gregg Wattenberg / Jesse Fink / Kellen Pomeranz / Chance Peña
Conversations in the Dark lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Another beautiful song about the connection between lovers.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.

#FDDA 16

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https://fivedotoh.com/category/dog-days-of-august/

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 fantasy television 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

#FDDA-15 & #FOWC- Edifice

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https://fivedotoh.com/

https://fivedotoh.com/category/dog-days-of-august/

Today’s theme is “your hobby or hobbies.” Do you have a hobby? Do you collect things? Do you work on model airplanes? Do you whittle things from wood? Do you paint, take photographs, make pottery, create homemade greeting cards? Are you a Twitter troll? Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to share about your hobby or hobbies.

DSC_0349

This is my current crochet project for one of the writers who’s having a boy in about six weeks in our writing group. I’ve chosen sky blue and cobalt blue as the colors for him.  I enjoy crocheting in the evening before I go to bed. I prefer not having any electronics on so my mind can simply unwind.

I love making hats and infinity scarves, I’ve been thinking about opening an etsy store to sell my work but then I think about all the ones already out there and talk myself out of it again especially with all the people staying home. Crafting is a hot commodity.

I’ve crocheting since I was 12 years old, yup fifty two years. It’s not the first craft I learned but it’s one I’ve done the longest. My grandmother was left-handed so I learned everything left-handed then right. I wish I had continued doing both hands but I didn’t. It would have made it easier on my wrist being able to switch it up.

I take way too many photographs at least according to my kids. I have 4 external hard drives full of pictures and one that’s a quarter the way full. In addition to crocheting, and photography, I embroider, quilt, garden, cook, and from time to time even sew/make clothes from a pattern.

I collect seashells. I love going to the ocean and gather shells. All of my shells have beach where I collected them on the back. I told my grandchildren when I die they need to return the shells to the beaches as part of my memorial service. I would like them to do it together, spend time and remember all the times we went together.

When I go for walks I always grab a rock and add it to my flower garden. My flowers like having added visual stimulation.

My moon flowers are blooming right now. They smell so good. I love working with flowers, herbs, and veggies. There is nothing more soothing than having my hands in the dirt. I’ve shared my roses and lilies in other posts.

I forgot my song of the day in my letter-c post and stream of consciousness so I’m adding it to this post.I’m going with some James Brown, I Feel Good. I do feel good after the surgery. I’m a little leary about being to excited because they removed the malignant cells on Thursday. Part of me says never trust anything that feels too good. And the other part of me remembers this is the 4th time I’ve been diagnosed with cancer. I know doctors tend to be over cautious too. I’ll feel a bit more confident once the biopsies return from Thursday’s procedure.

Live in the moment and take each day for what it is. So here we are living in the moment until the next scope in three months.  Let’s get down with some James. Can’t you just feel that awesome beat ….

 

Today’s word is “edifice.”  Write a post using that word. It can be prose, poetry, fiction, non-fiction. It can be any length. It can be just a picture or a drawing if you want. No holds barred, so to speak.

FOWC with Fandango — Edifice

One of the most popular edifice’s in NYC is the Empire State Building. It looks intimidating when I stand on the sidewalk but in the bigger picture , it’s simply one of many buildings filling our skyline. Yet most us of don’t think about it but the pyramids were actually the very first skyscapers. They may only be 481 feet high but each side covers 755 feet with only a two inch margin of error considering when they were built is amazing. I realize today’s structures are a lot bigger but they weren’t constructed in the same back breaking manner the pyramids were.  But then think about the fact the pyramid has 2 million blocks that equate to 6 million tons and it was done without all the equipment we have available now. Plus if you factor everything one pyramid equates to 16 Empire State Buildings.

I found the word edifice amusing Fandago because in my virtual continent hopping blog post we’re in Cairo today looking at the pyramids so it gave me the opportunity to share what I learned.

Now If I want to take the word edifice and use it another way. I could say the Unites State’s Capital was once considered the most impressive edifice but everything connected is now tarnished by the ignorance of this administration. I would name the responsible party  but even speaking his name is gagging to me. Our country is no longer a shining edifice to the world.  I think we need some more James ….

 

Stream of Consciousness

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socs-badge-2019-2020

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “pro/con.” Talk about the pros and cons of anything. Enjoy!

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Aug. 15/2020

This week has certainly been interesting in so many ways. The pros of getting the covid swab done was I got the procedures I needed on this cancer journey in addition to some other procedures so I would be under anesthesia only once. That’s another pro.

The con of that was having to drink that nasty tasting gavilyte , the solution that cleanses your colon for the colonoscopy. I had my last one 13 years ago and it tastes just as nasty now as then. If more researchers had to drink it themselves, the taste would have improved.Taste testing 101 that would definitely be pro/con moment debating the flavor.

The next pro was the removal of the cancer area in my bile duct. Woohoo. The con is I’ll be monitored for another indefinite period of time. I know in the grand scale of things that’s a mild con versus a huge one but I truly dislike the medical system especially how it works and all the political undertones involved.

The pros of having a cancer toolkit are helping your body and your food intake work together.

Salmon is anti-inflammatory but there is controversary about it’s helpfulness.

Eat your salmon: study shows fatty fish aids in cancer prevention

https://www.cnn.com/2013/07/12/health/salmon-cancer-time/index.html

Sea salt is an appetite stimulant unlike table salt that is stripped of minerals and has iodine added. Sea salt has calcium, magnesium and potassium. But there’s also the risk of having too much sodium in one’s diet.

Sea salt: A healthier salt?

Spinach is an anti-oxidant

https://www.webmd.com/cancer/features/seven-easy-to-find-foods-that-may-help-fight-cancer#1

Squash is also an anti-oxidant but it also helps regulate blood sugar.

Squash (Winter): Compounds Support the Immune System

I can’t think of any cons except if you have allergies which I do to iodine. If everything one eats needs to be moderation. A pro would be that all food consumption was awesome and one never gained weight. Con, I’m a dreamer.  What can I say, I’m guilty of enjoying food.

 

Virtual Continent Hopping – Cairo

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We’re staying at Heliopolis Towers Hotel. I’m hoping for some pool time after we check out the pyramids.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294201-d754516-Reviews-Heliopolis_Towe…
30 day
https://travel.usnews.com/Cairo_Egypt/Things_To_Do/Giza_Pyramids_62479/

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.

https://www.viator.com/Giza/d23032-ttd/p-8243P13?eap=ttdpw-cairo-15861&aid=v…

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.

We’ll be dining at the hotel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqTSB9I5_FU

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…

Cleopatra’s basket with a snake
Rattles and shakes hoping for a break
my neck recoils in fear
I’m not happy it’s near
reality check, it’s not a fake *Rolling*©

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?

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g294201-d7370603-r454066213-Nomad_Ga…

I was too tired to really enjoy the art hopefully before we depart tomorrow I’ll have a chance but knowing our crazy tour guide probably not.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Cairo#:~:text=It%20is%20also%20the%2019th,Coptic%20sit…

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

 

“May I look upon my soul and my shadow?”
― Anonymous, The Egyptian Book of the Dead

 

#FOWC

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Welcome to August 14, 2020 and to Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (aka, FOWC). It’s designed to fill the void after WordPress bailed on its daily one-word prompt.Today’s word is “verbal.” Write a post using that word. It can be prose, poetry, fiction, non-fiction. It can be any length. It can be just a picture or a drawing if you want. No holds barred, so to speak.

FOWC with Fandango — Verbal

Verbal means to use one words

Verbal irony is a figure of speech. The speaker intends to be understood as meaning something that contrasts with the literal or usual meaning of what he says

Verbal abuse (also verbal attack or verbal assault) is the act of forcefully criticizing, insulting, or denouncing another person. Characterized by underlying anger and hostility, it is a destructive form of communication intended to harm the self-concept of the other person and produce negative emotions.

My initial thought when it comes to verbal is thank Morrighan I escaped his onslaught of cruel and hateful spew. I was married to a verbally and physically abusive man for 31 years. I’m not glutton for punishment, but I was raised to believe marriage for life. I had children and they needed to be safe. Our court systems in Maine always gave joint custody so allowing them to be alone with him was risky and toxic. So I stuck it out and was able to diffuse a lot of the crap. Once my youngest graduated college, I divorced him and haven’t looked back.  Thankfully, I met and awesome guy who is verbally delightful.

He’s encouraging,  and very loving.

I wrote a poem demonstrating what I endured with his verbal tirades.

If I Wanted an Opinion©

You’re finally home, your lover didn’t need you.
If I really wanted an opinion…
Or you couldn’t find another man to do?

Who asked you to speak, sit there!
If I really wanted an opinion…
I would have asked the kitchen chair.

Clothes don’t improve how ugly you are.
If I really wanted an opinion…
Where did you take my car?

Who asked you to speak, sit there!
If I really wanted an opinion…
I would have asked the kitchen chair.

I own the car, the house, everything!
If I really wanted an opinion…
I fucking own you, you’re nothing!

I can rip those slutty clothes right off you!
If I really wanted an opinion…
I own you, I can do anything I want to!

Who asked you to speak, sit there!
If I really wanted an opinion…
I would have asked the kitchen chair.

STOP!
I wasn’t with anyone!
I didn’t do anything!

If I really wanted an opinion…

Virtual Continent Hopping, Agra India, letter-c update

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We’re staying at the Grand Imperial while we’re in Agra, India
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g297683-d671997-Reviews-The_Grand_Imper…

30 day:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g304551-d15008778-Taj_Mahal_…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taj_Mahal

Everyone says this is the gem of India, what are your thoughts?

We’re dining at Tea’se Me a recoomended place to see Agra at night from the roof top restaurant.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g297683-d7789920-Reviews-Tea_se_Me…
India borders seven countries. I knew it was large, I just didn’t think about the borders until now. My second thought is there’s a lot of huge buildings that once were castles or monasteries that are now tourist traps but there’s a voice in me that asks how could anyone build such a huge monstrosity while everyone lived in poverty around you. There’s no mistaking the reality of their caste system.
“The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the southern bank of the river Yamuna in the Indian city of Agra. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (reigned from 1628 to 1658) to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal; it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself. “~ Wikipeida. All I can say looking at the huge building, I felt angry. I can’t believe the arrogance of the emperor.
Looking at it from an art perspective, it has exceptional architectural aspects because the Taj Mahal incorporated and expands on design traditions of Persian and earlier Mughal designs. I was fascinated with the outside exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal. They are among the finest in Mughal architecture. “As the surface area changes, the decorations are refined proportionally. The decorative elements were created by applying paint, stucco, stone inlays or carvings. In line with the Islamic prohibition against the use of anthropomorphic forms, the decorative elements can be grouped into either calligraphy, abstract forms or vegetative motifs. Throughout the complex are passages from the Qur’an that comprise some of the decorative elements. Recent scholarship suggests that Amanat Khan chose the passages”~ Wikipedia

I have to admit it was worth seeing but my tummy says time to move on.

I’m quite hungry after yesterday’s procedure. Many of you were unaware that since January I’ve had issues initially with the gallbladder, that was removed but the problems continued and a second procedure was done this time by an endoscope which discovered a gall stone blockage. They put a stent in hoping to allow the bile duct to heal because it was inflamed. They removed the stent 6 weeks later but the bile duct was still inflamed. They cleared the sludge and sent it for a biopsy. This came back cancerous. I had all the tests for the pancreas because pancreatic cancer runs in my family history. No mass in the pancreas or liver just the area in the bile duct. Yesterday, they removed that section of my bile duct that was cancerous and since was going to be under anesthesia recheck my esophagus ( I had cancer there already back in 2000) and do a colonoscopy too. So yeah, yesterday was a fun day. I will be under observation for quite some time but at least it is gone from my body. At least the doctor believes he successfully removed it all.

I had more energy yesterday than I do today. It is what it is. So I’m going to focus on some good food. My fellow bloggers mentioned a few chicken dishes … I wonder if they’re spicy I have to go easy right now.

Tea’ se Me odd name but we didn’t come for the name. I chose this location because it was near to the Taj Mahal and our stragglers could catch up easily. All the food was amazing, I ordered dal, tikka massala, naan and a few other items to share with the group. I decided to have a bottle of seltzer water. I so apologize for the burping. I didn’t expect to have left over gas after all the walking we did.

BCoF.. discuss the different types of entertainment that are popular in India. Is it different than what we’re used to and why? Would this type of entertainment work in the U.S. or the U.K. or where our friend Petra lives?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_and_entertainment_in_India

Wow, India has 22 recognized language and some of literature written is considered to be oldest in the world. With that said I noticed interesting music so I wandered outside. On my goodness there were people gathered aound listening to what I was told a Carnatic music concert. I hope my fellow bloggers hear this. It’s so busy here I’m having trouble finding their faces. I don’t want to yell out Petra, Sandra, Carly, Neva, Blue, and Judith where are you?

I don’t see people gathering like this in many parts of the states. Though I may be wrong. We have so many ignorant people that want all foreigners sent home. The music is very soothing to me and definitely different than my usual exposure. I’m a very eclectic listener and would add this to my collection in a heartbeat. I’m sure where Petra lives they would be more open than here in the states under this leadership that has encouraged the maggots to surface from the cracks. Knowing by what he has shown thus far, he would send his henchmen if people were gathered peacefully as he has done with #blacklives matter.

A beautiful group of young women began dancing what we were told is classical Indian dance. They seem to float in the air, their body movements are mesmerizing to watch with the lovely silks swaying.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_classical_dance

The second act was examples of the Indian folk dances. Very interesting performance. They’re barefoot yet they bounced effortlessly across the floor.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Indian_folk_dances

Phew, I’m really tired even after taking three naps today. I just don’t have any energy.

l- c day 81, # one liner Wednesday, #FDDA

/ lyncrain / 2 Comments

I know I’ve maintained a pretty good attitude thus far but today this crap, gavilyte deserves a huge thumbs down. It tastes nasty and has made me feel bloated and uncomfortable all day. I understand why I have to drink it but seriously it doesn’t taste any better than the last time I had it. Come on with all the improvements in medicine they couldn’t improve on this. Just because you’re older and they insist you have colonoscopies on a regular basis doesn’t mean they should punish you with this crap.  All of the procedures are tomorrow. Okay vent over.  I’ll give you a one-liner instead

 I used to have a handle on life, but then it broke.  

One-Liner Wednesday – Strength

 I always take life with a grain of salt, and a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila.

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Today’s theme  by Fandago is “something that brings you joy.” Is it your family? Friends? Your job? Your religion? Share a story, a poem, a photo, a drawing, some music, or whatever you wish to share about something that brings you joy.

I can safely say gavilyte doesn’t bring me joy.

My family and my friends bring me immense joy. I’m the proud mom of 4 adult children, 6 living grandchildren and sadly 3 deceased grandchildren. My heart is full with memories good and bad.

What brings me the most joy everyday besides that first cup of coffee in the morning are my fur babies. W.B Yeats and Macavity. They make mundane days exceptional. Like for instance, this morning I went to slip my foot into my shoe because I had an appointment for blood work. If you could have seen me spring my foot back when I felt something inside that tickled my skin. (I’m either blessed or cursed with very sensitive skin, today I felt blessed I’m not overly fond of crawly things. They have their place just not in my shoes.)  There was indeed something unexpected inside, a pretty fair sized cricket. How it got inside my shoe is beside me, it must have came in when I was watering the plants on the deck. But the humorous part came next. Macavity sprang on top of my shoe wrapping his paws completely around  like he was engaged in a battle while the cricket watched on the floor a short hop away. I slid the sliding door open and nudged the cricket out. While Macavity snarled at my shoe. God only knows what war he was waging. I decided to go get a different pair of shoes and leave him to his mission. When I returned home from the blood work about twenty minutes later, (the lab is a block from my house) he was sleeping on top of my shoe. When he finally did move from my shoe I looked inside, there wasn’t any other guests.

Vic the other night discovered a praying mantis staring at him on his desk.  We released him back outside. However in the morning, it was looking in the window hanging on the screen while Yeatsie was studying it.  Macavity came over and immediately tried to swat it but the praying mantis had the advantage and moved out of his reach.

Who needs television, my daily entertainment doesn’t cause stress like the nightly news.

I don’t suffer from insanity—I enjoy every minute of it.

 

My song choice for today is one that makes me giggle whenever I hear it. I had a yellow polka dot bikini way back in the day.  It looked really nice on me until that oopsie moment. I had gone water skiing with some friends from high school. I took a nose dive skiing but when I surfaced my top was no where to be seen. I didn’t have another top to slip on so when I went to get back into the boat there were lots of giggles from my girl friends and lots of very direct oogling from the boys. The skiing belt didn’t do much for coverage either. Unfortunately, I didn’t find my bikini top.

I really liked that suit a lot.

After that day whenever I did go skiing I learned to bring a tee shirt with me or to wear one of my boring one piece suits.