Random Rambles

Saving Batteries

2007-10-15T18:48:53Z

My son laughed at me; he says I have the world's smallest solar farm. We generate solar power in the back yard, and use it in the front.

We put a dozen solar sidewalk lights in a little array, in the back yard. Every day at dusk, we pop off the top part, flip them upside down, and use them to light up the Jack O Lanterns. The batteries last for years, and they don't take any juice to recharge. And those LEDs glow all night. You just have to remember to put them back at bedtime, or first thing in the morning.

They also make nice emergency lights during power outages.

JMM

Chapter One is done!

2007-07-23T16:50:26Z

I have finished the first chapter in my book. Ok, so it's only 7 quatrains. But it's finished. Now, on to chapter two....

Poetry Workshop

2007-06-13T19:52:37Z

I wish I could remember who recommended this book to me. The author seems to think that the only legitimate reason for writing poetry is to describe repressed memories of childhood abuse. The lessons are awful. Here's what I wrote instead:

A Narrative Poem

Dust rose from the book in my hands;
My palms sweated on the sturdy vinyl cover.
Cut open your soul, the book commanded,
Lay it bleeding on the page.
But I want my soul to spew light and beauty,
Rather than darkness and pain.

I look up from the small, dusty book.
I am awed by the rows of shelves, groaning with
books. Tall books, short books, thin ones, fat ones.
Old books, new books, true books, books filled with lies.
Hundreds of years, and thousands of voices, captured in these books.

I want my voice captured here. I want people to read my words.
I want them to smile, and sing. I want them to imagine themselves
bursting with greatness.
I want them to write and sing and dance and draw.
I want poetry to go on forever.

I want to be part of it.

Religion Wanted

2007-05-07T20:21:55Z

Anybody know of any earth-based religions that allow physically disabled people to join?

The latest group I investigated requires 'movement meditation' I can't even push my own wheelchair. I can move in water; maybe I could win the lottery and put in a heated pool....

May Day Picnic

2007-05-02T17:20:26Z

We had a nice picnic in the park yesterday. It was our biggest turnout since the initial Meetup.

I learned something new. Everyone was supposed to bring something to share, and Peace Owl brought a May Day basket. It's to be used at events where a May Pole is not practical. Nifty!

If I can keep attendance up, we'll do a ritual for Summer Solstice.

Hello, it's me

2007-04-25T21:27:47Z

When I was a little girl (back during the Civil War, or thereabouts), I never wrote letters to anybody. I was convinced that my life was of no interest to anyone not living it. I've never blogged, for pretty much the same reason.

Several people have invited me as friends on this site, so here I am. If you want me to update this, Ask Nosey Questions.

I guess I'll start at the beginning:

I was born in 1961, in a little town called Carrollton, Illinois. It was formed when 2 boatloads of farmers came over from Europe (my dad's grandparents among them) Pig farmers from Germany, and grain farmers from England. The doctor who delivered me, also delivered my dad. We also had the same kindergarten teacher, and second grade teacher. (my dad worked at the PO; we also raised beef and pork) I have an older brother, an older sister, and a younger sister.

When I was in the 3rd grade, my folks split up, and I moved to Michigan. Moved around there a few times, graduated from high school, moved around some more (Ohio, West Virgina, Michigan). Joined the Air Force, moved around some more (Texas, Colorado, California) Got married, had 2 kids, moved some more (Turkiye, New Mexico) Currently stranded in the Land of Enchantment.

I warned y'all this was boring....