"I'm Gonna Hit It Monday!"

The title to this post was the battle cry of my family every time the jeans got too tight or the reflection in the mirror got too offensive.

Of everyone in the family, Mamaw (my grandmother) used this phrase the most. Of course, there was the scarfing over the weekend that "prepared one to sacrifice" by eating diet food, starting on Monday.

There was no happy medium, it was feast or famine. Back in the day when Weight Watchers demanded you weigh everything before you eat it. They also demanded that you eat a steady diet of tuna fish or canned salmon.

Is it any wonder we would venture off the diet after a short time? I think alot of people relate to this scenario as I remember Oprah lamenting on her tv show one day, "Lord, how many "I'm gonna start it Monday" diets have you been on?"

Too many. But, I'm here to tell you, I'm gonna hit it Monday! Am I going to eat tuna and salmon until I puke? No.

What am I going to do? Practice a little common sense for once.

No fried food, no cream sauces, no sweets and no fad foods.

Monday is coming fast, so I toast my Mamaw and every other woman who has "Hit it Monday" with a big 8 oz glass of water!

Cheers-

More Musings Later-

Alfred Hitchcock is Alive & Well on your local news...

Is it me? or has the News begun using more and more techniques of camera work by Hitchcock?

I was watching my local news station one afternoon, and I noticed that the camera angles were downright bizarre! Let's face it, I'm sure the reporters get bored with their newscasts but at the same time, to me, it just looks stupid and unprofessional.

Local news story - great angle, huh?

What do I mean? Take these photos for examples. All of them are actual news footage.

Do we really need to see these quirky, strange shots? I know that everyday is not a "news day" but how about focusing on good, tight writing to lure the viewer and listener into your story?

That's just me...

More Musings Later-

A Few Words about Rachael Ray...

I posted about Rachael Ray some time ago and I feel that I must do so again. Why? I watched her show recently and I was overcome with sticky, false sweetness of a perky, cheerleader type.


For those of you that adore this sweet little chef with her husky, often hoarse voice and her cutesy expressions (Oh My Gravy, Yummo, Sammies and so on). You have my permission to not read this blog today. Those who adore sarcastic humor: Read on.

First of all, I have come across a hilarious blog called "Rachael Ray Sucks Community". The posts are priceless! One night I sat on my couch and laughed until I cried at some of the observations of this community.


Where else can you get a multitude of reasons to dislike RR? The categories are endless. My favorite though, is the RR Drinking Game:


The Rachael Ray Drinking Game (Here are the instructions)

Rachael Ray has such an abrasive personality, any of her many shows on the Food Network can make a great drinking game. Here are some rules to use when you're up for getting sloshed in 30 Minutes or less.
Note: 1 "sip" generally means a reasonable-sized sip of whatever beverage you have in hand, taking into account its alcohol content.
Sayings:
1 sip
"EVOO"
1 sip
"Guys"
1 sip
"Sammie"
1 sip
"Healthful"
1 sip
"Goin' on" new!
1 sip
"Hang out" new!
2 sips
"Stoup"
2 sips
"GB"
2 sips
"Spoonula"
3 sips
"Fry-o-lator"
+1 sip

any of the above followed by an explanation of what it stands for, thus making the abbreviation useless
+1 sip
any of the above nouns used as a verb (e.g. "I'm just gonna GB this")
1 sip
"Yummo"
2 sips
any exotic variant of Yummo, like "Yummilicious" or "Yummerific"
1 sip
"Delish!"
1 sip
"Awesome"
1 sip
"Beautiful!"
2 sip
"Chop and drop" new!
2 sips
"Shimmy shake"
2 sips
"Worcester-sheer-shire sauce" new!
1 sip
"I gotta take a quick break" new!
1 sip
"It smells good in here already!" new!
1 sip
"How _____ is that?"
1 sip
"I'm all about _____"
1 sips
"Just run your knife through it" new!
1 sips
"Room to groove" new!
1 sips
"You can seriously entertain with this!"
2 sips
... if she's talking about hamburgers.
2 sips
"Some of that action"
2 sips
"Back in the day"
2 sips
"Daddy" (and or "My Daddy's from Louisiana")
1 sips
"Give it feet"
whole drink
creates an all-new and completely unnecessary abbreviation

Stories: new!
2 sips
The one about how she has 5 jars of poultry seasoning new!
2 sips
The one about how she eats so much garlic she "smells like a salami" new!
2 sips
The one about how she ate panzanella every day in Italy new!
2 sips
Any story about Boo new!

Presentation:
1 sip
repeats herself
2 sips
talks for so long without taking a breath that she nearly runs out of air
2 sips
makes an awkward, spastic gesture with her arm
2 sips
voice cracks
2 sips
forces a laugh at something not funny
2 sips
tells a lame anecdote about her family
2 sips
mispronounces "foreign" words such as "paprika" or "tapas"
2 sips
says something that is flat-out wrong
3 sips
is visibly flustered

Cooking:
2 sips
comes back from refrigerator carrying too many ingredients
3 sips
drops something on her way back
4 sips
drops something, laughs, and says something like "potato overboard!"
whole drink
the thing she drops is a knife!
1 sip
fails to provide a measurement and tells you to "eyeball it"
2 sips
provides an obviously wrong measurement, e.g. "about a tablespoon" while she dumps in a half-cup of something
2 sips
suggests a crappy substitution (e.g. parsley for cilantro) new!
2 sips
praises "salad in a sack" new!
2 sips
uses a "secret ingredient"
3 sips
the "secret ingredient" is nutmeg
1 sip
mentions "the thing that makes you go Hmmm"
3 sips
"the thing that makes you go Hmmm" is nutmeg
2 sips
praises the virtues of Worcestershire sauce new!
+1 sip
if she says it contains "secret ingredients", despite the fact that all ingredients are clearly listed on the label new!
2 sips
creates a "healthful" meal that clearly contains over 50g of fat
2 sips
does way more work than is humanly possible during a commercial break
3 sips
makes a "gourmet" dish out of cheap ingredients (e.g. Tiramisu with nilla wafers and whipped cream)
2 sips
expresses how good something tastes while she's still lifting the fork to her mouth
2 sips
takes such a big mouthful of something it takes several seconds before she can talk again
3 sips
ruins something and tries to play it off as no big deal
3 sips
makes a dish with a name more than 10 words long new!

Travelling:
2 sips
leaves a crappy tip
2 sips
shoves her nose in something to smell it
2 sips
claims a dessert by itself is somehow a legitimate lunch or dinner
2 sips
gets something for free (e.g., her boyfriend buys her a sundae) new!
3 sips
wears anything midriff-revealing
whole drink
gets up on stage with a band new

Refill drink as necessary

Quote of the day: ..."I used to give Emeril alot of crap about his 'antics' in the kitchen. All that BAM sh*t. But, I'm over it. He really is a nice guy, he just wanted ratings. But never fear, my dear viewers. I haven't gotten soft. There are others to pick on. C'mon, hasn't anyone seen Rachael Ray?" Anthony Bourdain

Cheers!

It Isn't Easy Being Green

It's been awhile since my last post. My apologies...I've had more work than I can handle and my partner has been ill. So, you do what you can when you can.

Believe me, I've had a ton of musings...just not enough time to write them down. So, I thought I would write down one of my musings now.

As most people know, I am a poker fiend. I count the moments until Saturday night until I go play poker with "the guys". These are a bunch of middle aged to older aged men who are a little and sometimes alot on the redneck side. They normally are very nice men and I've enjoyed playing a friendly game of Hold'em with them.

Last week, I went into the bar to play Holdem and it was different. The men weren't talkative and several of them brought buddies or co-workers with them. I'm usually one of the only women at the table. And, they all "know" about me but never say anything one way or the other.

But, I noticed that several of the guys were being "short" with me or not talking to me at all. Their lack of communication spoke volumes. So, I played until I was out of chips.

I sat at the bar and finished drinking a beer. I knew I had to leave. I wish I fit in better than I do. Whether you are gay, straight, black or white....Kermit got it right when he said, "It isn't easy being green."

More Musings Later-

What was YOUR Childhood Catch Phrases?

These are some of mine from parents and grandparents:

"Don't dispute my word!"

"You are impossible!"

"Go to your room and think about what you've done!"

"Go outside and pick me a switch!"

"Get me a rattail comb, Dippity Doo and V-05. Don't forget the Aqua Net!"

"Your ears are so dirty, you could grow mushrooms in there!"

"If you tattle on your sister, YOU will get in trouble!"

"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush"

"Braid or pony tail?"

"If you can remember all these facts about David Cassidy, you can do well in school too."

"The very idea!"

"Don't count your chickens before they've hatched"

"Problems are like white meat...the more you chew on it, the bigger it gets."

"Get up there durn ya, 'fore I eat ya!"

"I see said the blind man to his deaf and dumb dog"

From Me:

"Don't tell me you're broke! You have a box full of checks!"

"I may be little, but my problem is as big as me!"

"I no lady, I Taryn!" (priceless to this day)

"Kiss me you fool!"

"Daddy, what does F**k mean?"

"But Why??????"



Try coming up with your own catch phrases. They'll make you smile.

More Musings Later-

COMING SOON...

Are you ready for a virtual book signing with one author in BEIJING, CHINA and the other in NASHVILLE, TN USA?

Alan Solomon - Beijing, China Taryn Simpson - Nashville, TN USA

Read more about the book here: THE MANGO TREE CAFE, LOI KROH ROAD

STAY TUNED

The Freedom to be Free - Do YOU have it?

Some people are naturally built that way. Are you sitting in your living room or kitchen right now? Boom! The idea of flying to Vegas or going to the Cape popping in your mind? Just like that?

Usually not me. Although, that is what I am working towards. I want to be financially secure enough to wake up one morning and say, "Gee, I want to get into a great poker game tonight....I think I will go to Vegas."

Let's face it, the flights are fairly cheap. With comps, the hotel can be cheap. I just don't think about doing that sort of thing over the weekend. It wouldn't be responsible of me.

Do you fancy yourself lying on a tropical beach? There are plenty of places to go within the US. Namely, KEY WEST, FLORIDA.

The ghostwriting has been very very generous to me these last couple of months. If I can save up enough, I may just try these long weekend trips.

Why not?

More Musings Later-

The Hilarity of Parkinson's Disease

As you may or may not know, I was diagnosed with Young, Onset Parkinson's Disease several years ago. I'm now to the ripe old age of 45, and feeling every year of it cubed.


That's not to say that I don't like to have a good laugh at my own expense! I've invested quite a few dollars in t-shirt collections such as:


"I'm not getting jiggy with it, I have Parkinson's disease",

or another favorite that is short and concise:

"Parkinson's Sucks"


I finally decided to stop wearing the first shirt because all the older people at the mall thought I was making fun of Parkinson's patients. The blue hairs get mighty pissed if they think you are dissing one of their own. I can't wait to be a blue hair!


Here are some of my favorite Parkinson's moments (all true, mind you)

• I'm seated writing...the doorbell rings and I get up to answer it. I open the door and see the mailman and pass out (only for a few moments). When I come to, he leans over and says, "Sign here please."

Now THAT is funny!!!! I couldn't quit laughing and did just that as I continued laying on the floor. (fainting is a PD symptom)

• I'm at the grocery store with my partner and I'm walking like I'm drunk. She offers me the basket to hold onto as I hear a couple behind us whispering very loudly, "Oh dear, she is drunk as a skunk! It's only 1:30 pm! That is shameful!"


• I started talking to my partner rather loudly. "Can we go back to the bar now? My vodka buzz is wearing off."


• I'm at the neurologist's office. He has a sarcastic wit about him and I'm moaning and groaning about new symptoms. I keep waiting for him to say something soothing and he looks at me and deadpans: "Whaddya want? Parkinson's sucks" and he smirks. Ya gotta love'em!


• My neurologist's phone number is programmed in my phone. When I dial it, or he dials me, Michael J. Fox's picture is displayed.


• I went bowling with my partner one time and when I let the ball go down the lane, so did my body.


• When you're drunk, no one knows it.

I gotta go, my neurologist is calling me...Later

Democrats are faced with a very important decision

Hillary or Obama?

What's your take? We are faced in this country with 2 "firsts" in this election. The first woman president and the first black president possibility. And, it appears that the country is really wrestling with these two choices.

Personally, I'm backing Hillary. Not just because she is a woman. Here are my reasons:

She is smart. Dare I say, smarter than Bill Clinton and that is really something.

She has been investigated almost the entire 8 years that she was first lady. There are no more surprises. She's been though it, and we all know her skeletons.

She has a passion to straighten out health care. She tried to overhaul the healthcare industry in 93, but the Washington cronies weren't about to have a first lady tackle such a "Presidential" task.

She comes with a built in advisor, former president Bill Clinton. Our country is in such disarray, she is going to need all the resources available to her.

She has pledged to take away corporate america's tax incentives if they ship jobs overseas.

It took a Clinton to clean up Bush Sr's mess and it will take a Clinton to clean up after Jr's mess.

During the Clinton years, we had a paid off debt with a surplus of funds to boot. People were employed, the stock market was booming and people weren't worried about losing their home.

Hillary and Barack

I'm not sure about Obama. The press is reluctant to expose his skeletons. I'm not sure why...the probing questions just aren't there like they were for Hillary. He's a talented orator to be sure, but I just have a nagging feeling there is more to the story than he lets on. Yet, he is doing the traditional politics crap that they all do. Yet, he isn't called on it. Why?
Either way....do the right thing and vote for your choice.

More Musings Later-

Some Nashville Musicians are getting "Too Big for their Britches"

At least, that is how my grandmother would sum things up.

For those of you that live somewhere other than Nashville, Kix Brooks, 1/2 of the popular Country duo Brooks and Dunn made some comments that Fan Fair (CMA Fest) is in danger of losing Nashville as it's hosting city.

Why? It's absolute greed on the part of these musicians. Believe me, I'm all for artists getting paid for their work. But these artists, especially the more well-known acts are pitching a fit because they won't be paid to perform at Fan Fair.

Brooks's argument is that the Country artists are having to turn down paying gigs for that one weekend that pay $600,000 in order to perform at Fan Fair for free.

He goes on to say that he realizes that Fan Fair is a chance to "give back to the fans" but Gee Whiz, "Every day is Fan Fair for our fans...we are constantly signing autographs every day..."

Kix Brooks performing before thousands of adoring fans - What a hardship.

Hmmmm...let me see. So, Mr. Brooks is claiming hardship due to signing autographs. That tells me one thing. Mr. Brooks is totally out of touch with the public. I don't know what hardship he could be talking about...C'mon, every act in Nashville is missing out on $600,000 for that one weekend?

Mr. Brooks gave us the cons for appearing for the few hours designated for Fan Fair, but here are the pros:

1. The artists live in Nashville, they wouldn't have to travel

2. It's great publicity for their upcoming album

3. FREE exposure

4. They get to meet the people that put food on their table, pay their bills and basically allow them to enjoy the lifestyle that they do.

5. See #4

6. See #4

7. See #4

8. See #4

9. See #4

10. It takes so little to make the fans happy. A few minutes of conversation, shaking of hands and a 5 song set isn't too much to ask.

What a grind it must be to meet your fans.

You should be ashamed of yourself, Kix Brooks. Perhaps you should earn the same living that your fans do to learn how fortunate you really are.

More Musings Later-

Of COURSE! A Beagle WON!

I watched the news today and hooted when I saw that Uno, the beagle won the Westminster Dog Best in Show!

I have proudly owned 2 beagles myself, and I will tell you, they are noisy, mouthy, hilarious, full of personality, loving and good with people and kids. Oh, and Stubborn....did I mention that? Not just stubborn. I'm talking S T U B B O R N!!!!!!

That's ok, now the beagle will have renewed popularity as America's favorite dog.

Now, I ask you, here is a shot of Uno. He's beautiful, I know. Perfect in every way. But which is cuter? Uno or my beagle, Baby?? You already know my vote.

Uno the champion beagle on top, and My Baby Simpson below!


More Musings Later-

Barry Piggott, Barry Piggott, Where For Art Thou?

Okay, sue me. I was trying a little Shakespearean prose without much success!

You're probably wondering just who in the hell is Barry Piggott? You're also probably wondering if that last name is real. I mean really....Piggott?

To answer your first question: Barry Piggott was a childhood friend of mine that I met through my sister. She had a little band that consisted of keyboards (my sister), Bass (a friend of hers, Bob) and drums (Barry Piggott). I remember they would rehearse in our living room and I thought it was so cool when they played together.

The reason Barry made such an impression on me is that he was the youngest in the group, he was awfully cute, and he was a drummer, the same as me. For a teenage boy of 14 or 15, he was exceedingly easy to talk to. So, we grew into fast friends although I kept my huge crush on him a secret!

So whatever happened to Barry Piggott?

He is living in the Beaumont/Port Arthur Texas area and he is a professional musician. He plays a variety of instruments with his main instruments being keyboards and harmonica (or harp) as well as singing lead. He favors R & B and Rock-n-Roll as is the tradition of music in that area.

Barry Piggott

C'mon, you know the musicians to come out of the Golden Triangle: Janis Joplin, Edgar Winter, Johnny Winter, songwriter Don Rollins (It's 5 O'clock Somewhere) , George Jones, Clay Walker, Mark Chesnutt, Tracy Byrd, Jerry LaCroix and a host of others.

Barry with Jerry LaCroix, former lead singer of Blood Sweat & Tears

It's funny, I found out that Barry has a 15 year old son now and my God, it's like looking at his father 30 years ago. Right down to the hair-do! He even plays a shiny blue set of drums. History is repeating itself!

The Piggotts are a talented family. Barry's father, Johnny Piggott is a lifelong musician in his own right and plays a mean guitar. He often sits in with his son and sings backup. I can remember many a weekend spending time at the Piggotts' house watching Barry practice and Johnny coaching his band. Oh, and there is one more Piggott musician, little brother David who was 3 years old when I knew him. He now plays bass for Monte Montgomery and travels all over the world.

David Piggott all grown up!

Another shot of David

Question #2: Yes, Piggott is their real name! I was always so glad all the guys were thin...Porky Piggott is such an unkind nickname.

I've tried to hook up with Barry several times, but it just hasn't worked out as he doesn't have internet connection.

Thanks for the memories, Barry.

More Musings Later-

I'm Taryn Simpson, and I approve this Message

Is anyone else getting sick of the politics that are going around yet? Jeez my knees we're in February and we got 9 more months of this crap. Thank God for "I love Lucy" reruns and "Golden Girls" on Lifetime. Sheesh.


It must be really intense though to be a political candidate for the President of the United States, though. The power trip must be the big allure....I know it's not the money. You can't hardly be president unless you have a decent bankroll. Even though I hate politics of any form, I still try to picture what I would do if I were a candidate.

I envision George Stephanopolous grilling me on ABC news.


George: So, Taryn...what made you decide to join the presidential race?

Taryn: Well, I was driving along the coast of California and it was so beautiful...the sun was just starting to set and I thought how lucky I am to see this magnificient scenery....


George: Uh, Taryn? you haven't answered my question.


Taryn: It worked for Reagan, didn't it?


George: What would be the first thing you would do if elected to office?


Taryn: I would ban everyone from wearing suits. Sneakers would be the shoe of choice and Fridays would be "PJ Day". No exceptions.


George: What would be your foreign policy?


Taryn: When a dignitary visits from another country, we would sit down and play a game of poker. Texas Hold'em preferably. That's to show I mean business. Then, when I win, I would split a hot fudge sundae with them. Just so there's no hard feelings.


George: Are you up for the grueling hours it takes to be President?


Taryn: Absolutely not. I'm old. I need naps. And beware to the Secret Service agent that wakes me out of a sound sleep. If something happens in the middle of the night, I'll deal with it in the morning.


George: I'm guessing you would utilize Camp David for working vacations?


Taryn: Working and Vacation don't belong in the same sentence. My vacation spot would change from Camp David to Key West.


George: I know you're a Democrat....what do you think of Obama and Clinton?


Taryn: Obama seems like a nice dude. He's very clean cut and smart. But, I don't know that I agree with his opinions. I'm afraid he is tarnished in my mind because of the way he danced when he appeared on the Ellen show. He was pretty lame.


Clinton? I think she is one tough broad. She has her hands full being married to Bill. I really like Bill and think he is very smart....he's just what my grandfather used to term as "Life stupid and Book smart". I think Hillary is "Life smart and Book smart." I like Hilly. Sue me.


George: Are you always this blunt?


Taryn: Duh, what do you think??? (I'm sarcastic too).


I'm Taryn Simpson and I approve of this message. You can take a hike now, George.




More Musings Later-

Can Anyone Help?

It's been awhile since I last posted. Can anyone say "Stomach Flu"??? Oh My God.....I can't remember the last time I was that sick. It was NASTY. And, I do mean N-A-S-T-Y. Ugh.

But, I got over it as we all tend to do, which brings me to this current post.

Remember my friend, Jason Walker? Yep, he is the co-author of "Missing My Body" and he and his family are in DIRE need of a Full Size, Wheelchair Equipped Van. As you may remember, Jason has Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and I do believe he is the oldest living MD patient if I'm not mistaken.

Anyway, as you can imagine, living with this horrible disease is very costly and in order to transport Jason anywhere, his family must have a van.

So here is my plea: IF ANYONE KNOWS OF A VAN DEALERSHIP THAT WILL DONATE A FULL SIZED, WHEELCHAIR EQUIPPED VAN, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

You can contact me at TSIM681157@aol.com.

Any help you can provide would be appreciated.

More Musings Later-

FAMILY T R A D I T I O N

The title almost screams the refrain of the song from Fiddler on the Roof, doesn't it? I think it is an interesting concept though...

How many traditions do you and your family past or present have? I'm sure we share some of the traditional ones (like holiday celebrations). But some... I'm willing to bet some of mine are unique! Especially as I was growing up...

For Example:

* The parents have just announced that we are going out to dinner.

TRADITION: My sister and I dance the celebratory "Food Dance" in the kitchen.

* You are at a party and someone asks if you do any impressions of celebrities

TRADITION: If your sister is there, you break into a complete with choreography, a spirited rendition of "I'm a little bit Country, I'm a little bit Rock and Roll" by Donny and Marie.

* You and your sister decide you are going to go out clubbing

TRADITION: You eat a Sonic Burger to sop all of the alcohol you will ingest later.

* You and your sister get to the club and one forgets the order in which to switch alcohol.

TRADITION: The other sister reminds you that "Drink a beer first, then any kind of alcohol you want except for wine." Why? This hypothesis is a proven fact for sibling stomachs.

* You go to eat Mexican Food

TRADITION: Both of you use the tortilla chips in the basket by dipping them in the refried beans and then dipping into the fried rice. Because a man that looked like your Uncle did it a million years ago in a Monterey House restaurant and he took the time to school the both of us in fine dipping of Mexican food. It somehow tastes more delicious than eating it the regular way.

* You watch people on TV that have unusual facial expressions or speaking habits.

TRADITION: Both you and your sister begin to make fun of them.

~~~~

I love family traditions, don't you?

More Musings Later-

Things Everyone Should Do At Least Once In Their Life...

1. Take a Chance - on whatever it is that inspires or spurs your passion.

2. Go to New York City

3. While in New York City, go to a neighborhood pub and strike up conversation with the locals.

4. While in New York City, dine at Tavern on the Green.

5. Keep a Journal...and One day, it will keep you.

6. Make a point to say "Thank You" at least once a day.

7. Sing Karaoke and have fun with it.

8. Go Skinny Dipping...you'll never forget it.

9. Pay off all your debt, you will feel so powerful once you do.

10. Travel to a tropical island

11. Take a weekend trip with yourself.

12. Take a bubble bath, light candles and play relaxing music.

13. Get a massage

14. Go to Barnes & Noble and browse through all the books for an entire afternoon

15. Do whatever it takes to finish this sentence: "I'm so glad that I decided to __________ when I had the chance."

Make your own list, you'll be glad you did.

More Musings Later-

Deer in the Headlights

Last night we were traveling down Old Murfreesboro Road where the blackness of the night hung in the air as thick as pea soup fog.

I spotted a couple of cars that had stopped on the side of the road that had appeared to be in a fender bender situation. I slowed the car down and asked if we could help...a young man was visibly upset and told us that everyone was ok, but he hit a baby deer and it was hurt.

In the meantime, another young man was trying his best to grab the deer so that he could finish it off and proclaim the poor animal as "dinner". I yelled at him to ask if anyone called animal control or the ASPCA. He gave me a sour look and dropped the deer and left.

We quickly called the police and animal control and the 3 of us, strangers to all, stared at this beautiful deer in the night, trying to talk and soothe it's shattered nerves. The deer finally stopped struggling and watched us as much as we were watching it.

I could see the shallow panting and the blood on the ground that was spilled as he darted into traffic, smack dab into a Pontiac Vibe. I noticed the deer's tongue was soaked with blood and knew that it wasn't looking good for this little doe-eyed beauty. Hopefully, the animal expert would be here to sedate it and take care of it.

The swirling colors of blue, white and red filled up the sky as the cop soon arrived. He didn't say much except to check on the animal expert. The deer by now had grown accustomed to our faces and had a sense of trust that we were trying to help him.





The animal expert showed up and flashed a light on the deer. We offered ideas on how best to move the deer and asked if he was going to sedate it first.

He looked at us with disdain as he spoke to the cop quietly. "What are you going to do?" my partner asked. "Maam, step away from the animal." is all he would say. He had a huge bulbous stomach that had stretched out the ragged polo shirt he was wearing. He went to his truck and got a revolver.

We all 3 were incredulous. My partner demanded his badge number, to which he replied:

"Maam, step away from the animal. If you try to interfere with my job, I'll take you downtown." So there we had it...she had been threatened by the poster boy for "Hunters R Us". We all 3 looked at the doe again and began to cry. The little guy trusted that we were going to help him.

I can only hope that the gunshot ended his pain quickly. I know that for me, that gunshot is still ringing in my ears and isn't likely to stop my pain anytime soon.




More Musings Later-

Something to Share....the Intrigue Goes On...

Last night I was reading my emails that multiply faster than rabbits and decided to check my Gmail account.


There he was, Alan Solomon was online just starting the next day's work while I am winding down with mine from trom the previous day. That's how it is in China and Nashville.


So, I am reading my email and a new email with an attachment pops up suddenly. It's from Alan. I read it, and I am taken with it. I have a huge crazy grin on my face as he types out his proposal.

Yes, we are collaborating again on another book. Can we do it again? Stay tuned...

If you Build it, They will Come

What a nice early birthday gift.

More Musings Later-

The Bucket List

Loi Kroh Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand

The most mystical road in the world.

I've already walked it in my dreams, but would love to experience it in person.

The other day I saw an advertisement for a movie with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman's latest movie, entitled: "The Bucket List". Apparently, each of them are ill and want to experience adventures before they "Kick the Bucket". Hence, "The Bucket List."

It got me to thinking about my own Bucket List. I haven't really made one, but I have thoughts and ideas tucked away of things I would love to do and accomplish. So, without further adieu:

My Bucket List

1. Win the Pulitzer Prize for Best Fiction

for "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road"


2. Write a One Woman Show for Broadway
Subject is in my mind, but yet to put pen to paper.

3. Create an Invention, Patent it and Sell it.

In progress (beginning stages)

4. Play in the World Poker Tour

In progress (beginning stages)

5. Travel to Thailand to actually walk Loi Kroh Road

We'll see, not sure I could fly for that long.

6. Create a Creative Writing Camp for Kids

Would love to take those "odd ducks" and have them realize how unique they are.

7. Have "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road" made into a film.

Anyone know how to contact Sir Anthony Hopkins?

8. Learn how to fly an airplane

I think that would be so cool!

9. Be Invited to Oprah's show to discuss "The Mango Tree Cafe, Loi Kroh Road"

C'mon, you knew that was coming didn't you?

10. Tour Ernest Hemingway's home in Key West, Florida.
I want to see his 6 toed cats too!

11. Last but certainly not least, Before I die, I want to belly laugh.

Really laugh where the tears come and you are holding your stomach.

I want to appreciate the greatest of gifts as well as the smallest.

Lesbian Killers

The other evening, my partner and I had just finished a job for a client and we both hadn't eaten all day. Needless to say, we were starved and since we were out, we decided to get some dinner.

We found a restaurant that we both liked and decided to have dinner. We bellied up to the bar and ordered an appetizer and had a couple of drinks. The bar area was packed, mostly with young professionals after attending their office Christmas parties. So you could say....uh.....they were a tad tipsy.

As my partner and I were talking, I heard a fellow behind me say rather loudly, "I'm a Lesbian killer". I turned around and gave him an irritated look and he changed the subject with his companions. The minute I turned around, he started again, "I'm a Lesbian killer".

I looked at my partner, shook my head and wondered to myself: Do we really live in the year 2007, almost 2008 and have to contend with people that are ignorant and dare I say afraid of differentness? I guess it will always be that way.

So, instead of making a big deal of it, I turned around and continued talking to my partner who I adore and love to talk to. We giggled, laughed and talked about our day. And, suddenly, I wasn't so aware of when the boob behind me was "threatening" that he was a Lesbian killer.

Actually, I began to feel sorry for him. He must feel awfully insecure both as a person and as a man. No one should feel that way.

Not even a "Lesbian Killer."

More Musings Later....you can count on it.