Disembodied "W" : Revisiting The Curse Of December 10th!

From For Ellipsis

"The function of the imagination is not to make strange things settled, so much as to make settled things strange."

-G.K. Chesterton

It's been a week since December 10th, and I promised to update you about the day, and if anything strange happened. Well, for the most part it was a quiet day. It was windy and cloudy, so there were strange noises all day, but for the most part quiet. I didn't, however, escape the day without strangeness occurring...

The first odd thing happened around 11:00 AM. I was in my office, playing Slingo Millennium when there came a knock at the front door. I got up, walked to the door, opened it... and no one was there! I check up and down the driveway, I looked all around the house, but no one was to be found. It was spooky.

From For Ellipsis

The second thing has to do with the image you see above. I don't know what happened, but suddenly, on December 10th, this strange "W" has appeared in the upper left hand corner on all new windows I try to open online! It is completely annoying, and I have NO idea where it came from! Is this happening to anyone else? I have run my anti-virus software everyday, and it says everything is fine, but if that's true where could this weird little "W" be coming from?

Is it "W" for "Windows?" Is it "W" for "Weird?" Could it be "W" in reference to George Bush? LOL.

I have to admit, the most annoying part about the weird little "W" is that it instantly reminds me of Dubya. Sigh. Yikes. :(

Do you think George Bush made some pact with the keeper of the Curse of December 10th just to annoy me?

LOL.

Nah... I am not that paranoid, but gosh, couldn't we give another letter some airtime... like maybe... K, or C or perhaps... Z?

So tell me, have you been seeing the Disembodied "W?" If so, tell me all about it in the comment thread for this entry.

Yay... The Curse of December 10th Lives on!

;)

-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #68: Holiday Decorations

"Nothing says holidays like a cheese log."

-Ellen DeGeneres





EMPS #68: Holiday Decorations. NOW CLOSED!
It's that time of year again! Time to start putting up decorations for the winter holidays. I know there are a lot of different holidays this month, so feel free to show us whatever decorations you like. It's all good! If you don't have your decorations up yet, show us the public decorations that are around town, in school or in your particular place of worship.

Extra Credit: Show me an heirloom decoration from your collection.

**PLEASE READ**
This Monday Photo Shoot assignment closes next Sunday, at 9:00 PM ET. After that time I close the comment thread and no more entries are accepted, so please do your assignment by that time. You submit your entry for the assignment by getting your photo, posting it to your blog, journal or website, and then leaving the direct link back to it. Please remember, it must be a link which is specific to this week's photo shoot assignment. NO HYPERLINKS ACCEPTED. Also, it would be appreciated if you put in a link back to this entry, so other folks can participate along with us.

Linking List for EMPS #67: People And Places. 12/07/09

NOW CLOSED!

1. Hip Chick

2. Jama

3. Karen

4.Duane


I will see you next Monday with an all new photo shoot assignment!

Dont forget... The Round Robin Challenges returns, for our first outing of the New Year, on January 2nd! There is still plenty of time to R.S.V.P and join us. Visit the Round Robin Challenges HERE for all the details.

Also, If you like the Monday Photo Shoot, you might also enjoy the Weekend Assignment posted each weekend on Karen's blog. This week's topic is "DIY." Pay her a visit HERE for all the details.

-Carly

Happy Hanukkah :)

From For Ellipsis

"May love and light fill your home and heart at Hanukkah."

-Unknown

Hanukkah begins tonight at sundown. Happy Hanukkah to all my Jewish friends. :)

I am getting the Latkes ready for tonight, as well as some Turkey and Rice soup, but in today's edition of my About.com newsletter there were some really delicious sounding recipes for the holiday. Check them out here. I will have to try them out!

It's going to be a low-key holiday around our house. The weather is going to be really bad all weekend, with thunder and lighting promised for tomorrow with record breaking rainfall, but we will have fun at home. Tomorrow night we are making Dreidel cookies! YUM. :) Hopefully we will get over to Union Square next week to see the lighting of the Menorah. Like I said, hopefully. :)


HAPPY HANUKKAH!


-Carly

The Man On The Lima Bean Can Or The Continuing Saga Of Mr. Unknown

From For Ellipsis

"The true mystery of the world is the visible, not the invisible."

-Oscar Wilde

Do you know this man? One day in early December, 2005, this little lost man appeared on the brick fence that lines my drive-way. I have NO idea where he came from, or who he could be, but I know he has a name, I just don't know what it is. There are no children where I live, and no one else on the property has any idea how he got there. It was as if he appeared magically in the night. Perhaps he was a gift from Krampus, or maybe he is a spirit pausing on his journey elsewhere. It's a mystery. I have written about him in December's past, and some have offered their stories of explanation, but the mystery lives on. If you know who he is, please leave me the information in the comment thread, but if you would like to offer a short (2 paragraph) explanation on who he might be, feel free to be creative. If I don't find out who he is, I am considering writing to Del Monte and asking them to put his picture on cans of Lima Beans, my favorite vegetable. He looks like he would enjoy Lima Beans too. ;)



-Carly



You can read some of my past postings about Mr. Unknown by following the links below...



Goodnight Mr. Unknown Wherever You Are



Mr. Unknown Since 2005





Mystery is the heart of creativity. That, and surprise."


-Julia Cameron

Oh No, Is It December 10th Again?

From For Ellipsis

"Curses are like young chickens, they always come home to roost."

-Robert Southey


It's December 10th. EEEGADDDs! If you have been reading me for a while, you know that I pretty much stay inside, under the covers, each December 10th. Why, you ask? Glad you asked... BECAUSE IT'S CURSED! It's a cursed day in the universe. You see, each year on December 10th something odd happens to Alan and I. One year we were robbed. One December 10th Alan was nearly arrested for stalking, when a neighbor thought a strange man was up on our roof, when in fact it was Alan who was on the roof of our house checking shingles because of a wind storm the previous night. I laughed, but Alan didn't find it funny and the cop didn't find it funny either! LOL. The one year we thought we had beat the CURSE OF DECEMBER 10th, I got a phone call from a rental car agency, the following March, regarding the car accident I had on... you guessed it... last December 10th! I hadn't rented a car that day!


It's an odd day. I really believe it's an odd day for the Universe in general.Don't just ake my word for it, ask Bernie Madoff... he was arrested last year on... December 10th! Now I don't have much sympathy for Bernie Madoff, but I do for his victims. For them, December 10th will always be the worst day in the history of forever. Sigh.



Alan and I kind of watch for the day, kinda like a weird experiment.It's become another of our very own made up holidays. What will happen this year? Will it be something minor? Will it be something silly? Will it be something profound? Only the Guardian of December 10th knows for sure, but whatever it is, it will be interesting. I will let you know how it goes on Friday. Wish me luck.



So tell me, do you believe in curses? Have you ever had something strange happen to you on December 10th? Do you have a different day some time in the year that you believe might be cursed? Tell me what you think!



Good Luck, and beware the CURSE OF DECEMBER 10th!


-Carly

And The Brrrr Goes On...

From For Ellipsis

"Sex is like snow. You never know how many inches you're going to get, or how long it will last."

-Unknown

LOL! Don't you just love that quote? Yeah... me too. As you can see, it's still COLD here in the Bay Area, and it is causing pockets of mayhem here and there. Brrr...

From For Ellipsis

From For Ellipsis

Sigh. All it takes is a little bit of snow to make me a very happy girl. I don't even mind that my arthritis is hurting me just a wee bit. :) Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.


In an unrelated story, the Bay Bridge is at it again. It seems that workers on the bridge "accidentally" found another potential hazard that had gone undetected. Scary. I am not too sure that I feel comfortable using the Bay Bridge any longer. Sheesh. Spooky stuff.

-Carly

Weekend Assignment #296: Scandalized

From For Ellipsis

"It isn't what they say about you, it's what they whisper." -Errol Flynn



Weekend Assignment #296: The press and the public always seem to be obsessed with one scandal or another, from Tiger Woods, to Balloon Boy. Do you eagerly follow such stories, try to avoid them, or something in between? Does the identity of the celebrity (or would-be celebrity) affect how interested you are?



Extra Credit: Have you ever purchased a supermarket tabloid?



-Karen, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin


Scandals... Well, there never really seems to be any short of them... does there? I don't know if it is a much more popular phenomenon in this decade, or if interest in the sordid seems that way because I am now on the Internet, and you can get the scoop in the blink of an eye? My AOL Welcome screen rotates between several sections including NEWS, LIFESTYLE, SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT and sometimes, Travel. Oddly enough, I have seen what would count as "scandalous," on each of these screens! Can one really avoid the scandalous? Well I suppose, but it can be mighty difficult to do so.



I suppose my particular interest in such stories would fall into the "In between" category. I don't think I obsess, but there are some types of scandals that capture my attention more then others do. I tend to follow the political scandals much closer then... say... the latest he said/she said with John and Kate Gosselin. Although I have to admit, there is something about the Gosselin's that intrigues me on some level.



Maybe it is because their bickering reminds me of my own parents, and the horrible marriage they had. I don't know. I do know that I have for the most part shied away from most celebrity tabloids since the O.J. Simpson murder trial back in the mid 90's. That situation was so sad. It was infuriating at times, but most of all it was just plain sordid, and I found it, in it's entirety, completely depressing. Another thing that about tabloids that left a bad taste in my mouth, was the relentless pursuit of Princess Diana. Enough said.



I do glance through the occasional People issue, but I don't know if they count as a tabloid. I have never purchased a National Enquirer, not even for someone else. Once in a while, my pal Beth and I would pick up groceries for each other. We lived in the same apartment building and it was just what pals and neighbors did, but the one thing I wouldn't grab for her at the store was her favorite guilty pleasure, the latest issue of the National Enquirer. Period. Not in my cart! LOL. She reluctantly understood, but I think she considered it my main character flaw! LOL.



The truth is, I find pop culture interesting to keep up with, but I have a lot of interests beyond that. I enjoy a bit of a rumor about celebrities from time to time, but unfortunately the rags that start the rumors, or spread the sordid truth, never know when to stop. You know? Sometimes less really is more. I like to pick up a magazine to see what Michelle Pfeiffer is wearing because I love her style, or what the fashion trend will be for the winter and spring, but I don't really care if Chris Brown has hurt feelings because Rhianna doesn't like him anymore. It might be boring, but it's true.



Besides, sometimes real life can give you and up close look at what everyone else is thinking. Just look at this lady's costume from Halloween 2008. It was right before the election and she is dressed as Sarah Palin. This past Halloween the Kate Gosselin wig was all the rage. I suppose if you have a scandal during any given year, and the following Halloween sees a costume representing you, then you have truly made it!



-Carly

A Late Autumn's Daydream

From For Ellipsis

"The first fall of snow is not only an event, it is a magical event. You go to bed in one kind of world, and wake up in another quite different, and id this is not enchantment, then where is it to be found?

-J.B. Priestley

It snowed last night. Come have a look...



South Park Drive at Grizzly Peak Boulevard

From For Ellipsis

Near The Steam Trains (Tilden Park)

From For Ellipsis

Water Fountains In Tilden

From For Ellipsis

There might be a few more snow showers later today, but tonight is supposed to be even colder! Perhaps as low as the high teens. I LOVE it! I am already missing my beautiful autumn leaves, but the snow is so lovely, and so much fun. Is there anything better then grabbing a Hot Chocolate, and watching it snow outside?



;) Carly

Update: My local ABC affiliate KGO 7 published one of my photos on their website slide show! Click here to view it!

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #67: People And Places

"We sometimes encounter people, even perfect strangers, who begin to interest us at first sight, somehow suddenly, all at once, before a word has been spoken."


-Fydor Dostoevsky







EMPS # 67: PEOPLE AND PLACES. NOW CLOSED!

Let's have a little fun this week, by getting lost in a crowd! Grab your cameras and show me PEOPLE AND PLACES! Anywhere you see a people will do. Parks. Malls. Church. Concerts. Art Galleries. Museums. You get the idea. Photographing a crowd is be good, but it can be a crowd of as few as 2. And yes, archived photos are fine, but, as always, I would enjoy seeing something brand new as well! Also, please tell us a little about the place you found the people for your photographs.


Extra Credit: Photograph your favorite place to get lost in a crowd.

**PLEASE READ** This Monday Photo Shoot assignment closes next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM ET. That means you have nearly a week to get your photo, post it to your blog, journal or website, and comeback here with the direct link back to it. PLEASE REMEMBER... the link you leave in the comment thread, must be a link which is specific to this week's photo shoot assignment. NO HYPERLINKS ACCEPTED! PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK THE LINK YOU LEAVE FOR ACCURACY. Also, please link back to the photo shoot assignment, so others can participate along with us.


Linking List for EMPS #66: Under The Hood. 11/30/09

NOW CLOSED!

1. Mike

2. Karen

See you next week with an all new assignment!

-Carly

D*I*V*O*R*C*E California Style

From For Ellipsis

"When two people decide to get a divorce, it isn't a sign that they don't understand one another, but a sign that they have, at last, begun to."

-Helen Rowland

Apparently, there is a movement here in California to ban divorce. Can you believe it? Now I understand that the man behind the movement is doing this as a satirical statement in regards to the passing of Prop 8 last year, but I find it dangerous all the same. You remember Prop 8 don't you? That was the proposition "protecting the institution of marriage" by denying the civil right of marriage to the gay community. The divorce ban's author, John Marcotte, puts his mission this way...

"Since California has decided to protect traditional marriage, I think it would be hypocritical of us not to sacrifice some of our own rights to protect traditional marriage even more."

Marcotte would need about 700,000 signatures by next March to get the measure on next year's ballot. A tall, and very expensive order. If it does make it there however, and passes, it would amend the California Constitution to disallow divorce for married couples, but instead it will allow annulments. So, it seems there is somewhat of an out clause if you find out after marrying your perfect someone that he/she is an adulterer or a spouse beater, or maybe a compulsive gambler or any one of a million things that can range from mildly irritating to completely dangerous.

Ok, yes, I know this is all being done in jest, but I really do find it dangerous all the same. What if the idea actually took off? What then? You can't go back and un-ring that bell. Marriage is wonderful. I love being married. I highly recommend it, but it is not without it's challenges! Every marriage will go through trials, and sometimes even moments of devastation, but if you are as lucky as Alan and I, you can ride them out and actually grow as people. It takes a lot of work to make a good marriage, but I also know that sometimes folks get married who never should have. I saw that with my parents, who fought every day of their 50 year union. As a child I used to pray they would get a divorce, so the screaming would just stop already.

Two abusive people one marriage license.

Sigh.

Sometimes it's best to stop while you are behind. At least it gives you a chance to stop, catch your breath, think things through, and move forward for the good of everyone.

Prop 8 was a hateful thing. I support Gay marriage, because I can't see any real reason not to. I hope one day the people of California will grant that right to the Gay and Lesbian community. I will be right there supporting them all the way! This, however doesn't seem like the way to go, if anything, it's a big sarcastic distraction from the real issue... civil rights.

Marriage should be about love.

Period.

If it's about anything else, it won't work. Just ask the 50% of straight couples who divorce each year.

-Carly

Movement Under Way In California To Ban Divorce

Krampus... Is That You I Hear Rattling Those Chains?

From For Ellipsis

"Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!


-Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836



Imagine a cold, early December night. You are out for a stroll, when suddenly you hear the distinct rattling of chains. You know you heard them... or did you? You shake your head and continue on with your stroll, chastising yourself for being nothing but a nervous Nelly. After all, there is a big full moon in the sky to light your way, and you have walked in this park before, many times in fact. You can even hear the distant sound of Christmas music wafting from the charming Carousel in the park. There's nothing to worry about, and yet, that nagging feeling remains that someone, or something is watching you!


The air is bitter cold. Why did you even think to take a walk in the woods on this bone-chilling cold late autumn night? Why did this sound like a good idea? Do you even know how far you have walked? A lot of thoughts can pass through your mind when you are out for a walk, and your only companion is solitude. Perhaps it's time to turn back, and head back home for a hot cup of tea to warm your thoughts. As you walk you begin to smile as you hear the Christmas music playing louder, and you hear the sounds of the children laughing. You feel at peace and completely comfortable as you continue along that road back home.


You smile to yourself as you glance up the hill to see the beautiful holiday lights that surround the Carousel. So pretty. What could there possibly be to fear?


Suddenly from behind you hear something running toward you, and you turnaround to come face to face with the Krampus! Your mother always warned you to mind your manners because if you didn't, the Karmpus would appear and thwack you one with his hefty chains, and now he has!With a deep evil laugh, he strikes out at you, striking you on your bum, and without so much as a "Hi, how are ya," makes his way into the darkness!


As you stand there stunned, rubbing your freshly spanked bum, you now know... some legends are true!


Beware of the Krampus on the night of December 5th! The eve of the Feast of St. Nicholas!

LOL.

From For Ellipsis

Like my little cautionary tale? I hope so. I absolutely love the legend of the Kampus. I came across the it a few years ago, while looking for something new about the holidays. How can you not just thoroughly enjoy a Christmas legend that has just a hint of Halloween to it?

While America doesn't do much about Krampus day, in Europe it is a huge deal. According to Wikipedia, in the town of Schlaming, Styria, over 1200 "Krampus" (actually men dressed as Krampus, from all over Austria), attend a huge holiday gathering in honor of the mischievous fella, and carry with them chains, and sticks, and wave huge cowbells to warn of their approach. His purpose is to punish children who were bad during the year, by stealing their Christmas packages and spanking them on the rear. So, I suppose if you have been a good little boy or girl you have nothing to worry about... right? LOL. One day, I would love to visit Austria so I can see this festival for myself! Doesn't it sound like great fun?


Were you a bad boy or girl this year?


Will the Krampus be showing up at your house?


(Insert the sound of rattling chains here) ;)

-Carly

Krampus (Wikipedia)

Santa's Not So Little Helper (The Morning News)

Weekend Assignment # 295: Keep Me Warm!

From For Ellipsis

"When you are special to a cat, you are special indeed. She brings to you the gift of they're preference of you, the sight of you, the sound of your voice, the touch of your hand."


-Lester B Pearson


Weekend Assignment #295: Even in Tucson, things can get a bit chilly on December nights. What is your favorite way to keep warm?


Extra Credit: What is the temperature setting on your thermostat?


-Karen, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin



What is my favorite way to stay warm? Well, you see it all right there in the picture! Dylan is my little cuddle buddy when it's time for bed, he just loves to sleep alongside me, between myself and Alan. When I sleep alone, on Sunday nights, he sleeps on a pillow right next to me, and sometimes, he cuddles on my right shoulder. Not only is it heartwarming, but it is body warming as well. He takes care of me, and I always feel loved.



My boy Hendrix sleeps on a chair near the bed. He will sometimes wake me for hugs and kisses, which is just fine. He is my little boy as much as Dylan is. It's cold outside, but it's warm in my house, with Dylan and Hendrix around!



Extra Credit: My thermostat currently reads... 70 degrees inside and 52 outside. But that won't last for long. The weatherman says tonight will be a very cold 32 degrees, and there is rain in the forecast for this weekend, with possible snowfall early next week! If there is, you can bet I will post photos so be sure to check my blog next week!



-Carly

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #66: Under The Hood

"It takes 8, 460 bolts to assemble an automobile, and one nut to scatter it all over the road."

-Unknown






EMPS #66: UNDER THE HOOD. NOW CLOSED!
Here's one I think most of our male participants might enjoy. Simply lift the hood of your automobiles, and photograph the your vehicles inerds! Show me the engine, the spark plugs, the oil filter, the fan, you know, whatever you find UNDER THE HOOD! For those of you who don't own a vehicle, show us a part of your bike, skateboard, or even photograph your favorite pair of shoes to walk in!

Extra Credit: Choose a specific part of the engine, and point to it. Label it using your photo editing software. You know... like you see above.

**PLEASE READ**
This Monday Photo Shoot closes next Sunday, at 9:00 PM ET. Please be mindful of the date and time because I will close the comment thread right at 9:00 PM, in order to prepare for the following week's assignment. You have nearly a full week to get your photo, post it to your blog, journal or website, and comeback here with the link. PLEASE REMEMBER... the link you leave must be specific to this week's photo shoot assignment. NO HYPERLINKS will be accepted! It is a good idea to double check the link you leave, as it will be the one I use for the Linking List. You are responsible for it's accuracy. Also, if you play, please link to the assignment so others can find it and participate along with us.

Linking List for EMPS #65: Giving Thanks! 11/23/09


NOW CLOSED!

1. Fredamans

2. Suzanne

3. Karen

See you next Monday with an all new assignment!

-Carly

Scenes From Black Friday...

From For Ellipsis

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."

-Burton Hillis

From For Ellipsis

The storm that came through the Bay Area yesterday, brought an all new meaning to the phrase, "Black Friday." LOL. Can you believe I took this photo at 4:10 PM? LOL. I love rain, especially in late autumn. It makes the leaves on the trees seem even more vibrant! It was cold, dark, and wet, and I was grooving to the sound of Christmas music as I went to the Mall. I was a happy girl. Black Friday is one of our favorite days of the year, Alan and I just love to go and people watch. One of our favorite sights from years past, was two women who brought a shower curtain rod to hold all their shopping bags on! LOL. They were obviously shopping geniuses, they new a good bargain, and how to get that bargain home! LOL.

Our favorite haunt on Black Friday is Union Square in San Francisco, but alas Alan had to work, so we decided to go somewhere closer when he got home. We chose the Hacienda Crossing mall in Dublin. There wasn't much to see, and there were plenty of parking places, so I wonder how that will bode for holiday sales figures. :( Not good methinks. But I did my part. I got a beautiful new sweater and purse at Old Navy, and then went home for Thanksgiving dinner PT2. After wards Alan and I went to "Christmas in the Woods" at the Carousel in Tilden Park.

From For Ellipsis

We love it there, it is amazingly beautiful, and too much fun! Alan talked me into riding on the Carousel, the little round bench that goes around and around. I was surprised at how fast it went, it totally made me dizzy, and of course Alan laughed, and yes, we shared a nice kiss. Gosh, that man is still romantic after 19 years. He loves me I think. We will comeback a lot before it closes just before Christmas. We have a tradition of picking out ornaments for each other, and the cats, from trees at the Carousel. They have a wonderful selection. Some handmade, some a little more commercial. There is something for everyone. I even found a beautiful mermaid ornament! That made me smile.

How was your Black Friday? What did you do? Did you go shopping? Did you stay home under a nice soft blanket? Did you watch sports? Tell me everything!


:)

-Carly

You can read more about Tilden here. If you live in the Bay Area, consider coming to the Christmas Fantasy In The Woods. It's a blast!

It's Black Friday...

And Girls Just Want To Have Fun! That's why this girl is off to the mall to have a day all to herself. Bliss.



"Some boys take a beautiful girl and hide her away from the rest of the world. I wanna be the one to walk in the sun, oh girls they want to have fun. Oh girls just wanna have fun!"

-Cyndi Lauper (Girls Just Want To Have Fun)

It's Black Friday, do you know where your deals are? Are you going shopping for bargains today? Did you LOVE the 80's as much as I did? Tell me everything!

-Carly

Happy Thanksgiving

From For Ellipsis

"Thanksgiving comes to us out of the prehistoric dimness, universal to all ages and all faiths. At whatever straws we must grasp, there is always a time for gratitude and new beginnings."

-J. Robert Moskin

I have so much to be thankful for...

Little Orange Cats Asleep On The Kitchen Window Sill

From For Ellipsis

Little Black Cats With A Goofy Sense Of Humor

From For Ellipsis

A Tall Yellow Poplar In My Yard

From For Ellipsis

It's Beautiful Falling Leaves

From For Ellipsis

And Gulf Fritillary Butterflies That Pause For A Rest In The Autumn Leaves.

From For Ellipsis

Friends. A Husband Who Loves Me. My Blog. My Photography. My Health.

I am a lucky girl indeed!

From Our House To Yours...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

-Carly

Do We Need To Take Up Donations For Gov. Schwarzenegger?

"Laws control the lessor man, right conduct controls the greater one."

Mark Twain












I am beginning to think we here in the state of California need to be gathering up donations of food, warm clothing and a little pocket change for Governor Schwarzenegger and his family, because apparently they have fallen on hard times! That must be the case, because just yesterday, the governor's wife, Maria Shriver, was caught yet again thumbing her nose at the law. Yesterday morning, while out for a muffin, she was caught on camera by TMZ breaking the law not once but twice.

First she was caught red-handed by a traffic cop for not feeding the meter. But as the cop began to write her a ticket, her personal band of merry men, AKA the CHP Dignitary Protection Unit, quietly and apparently efficiently, talked the meter cop into NOT issuing her a ticket. It's all discretionary after all. Now, as if that wasn't bad enough... she then proceeded to drive off without buckling her seat belt. Illegal since the mid 90's.

It's embarrassing.

On the other hand...

I am going to try to remember that perhaps they have fallen on hard times. It might be entirely possible the Schwarzenegger's might not have even a little pocket change to spare, a situation I can relate to quite well. The economy has been hard on everyone, maybe they aren't any different. In the spirit of the season, maybe the rest of us should gather up a turkey, some bread, some canned vegetables and maybe a pie or two and deliver it to the steps of the capitol, to our governor who has apparently fallen on the same hard times the rest of us have. You know... in the spirit of THANKSGIVING.

Really Governor? Really?

SO sad. SO embarrassing. SO unnecessary.

Hang in there folks... I will be thinking the best for you!

:(


-Carly

View the video here.

A Fond Thanksgiving Memory, But First, A Word From Our Sponsors...

And Now A Fond Thanksgiving Memory...


A True Holiday Classic!

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal,it's a way to live."

-Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear

-Carly

Disclaimer: Obviously Ellipsis isn't sponsored by any entity other then my weird sense of humor. No celebrity or corporate endorsement is implied. LOL. It's just me, having a little holiday fun. Really... I tease the blogger Sarah Palin. Really... it's just a little harmless goofing. Really... I promise. WINK!

An Open Letter To Governor Schwarzenegger...

"Integrity is what we do, what we say, and what we say we do."

-Don Galer









Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

Dear Governor Schwarzenegger

:)

You have the opportunity to do the right thing. Have the California Highway Patrol issue you a citation for parking in a red zone. You did it. You know you did it. You were caught... ahem... red handed by TMZ. How cheesy is that? You should have known better, now you need to set an example and step up! You have a real chance to show what you are about, now is a really good time to show your fellow Californians, and anyone else that might be watching, what your values are. Do you value the law Governor Schwarzenegger?

You looked the other way last month, as your wife was caught talking on her cell phone while driving, you signed the law into place prohibiting that, and was she issued a ticket like any other California citizen? No. She donated her beloved cell phone to charity as her fine. Hmmm... shouldn't she be issued a ticket for breaking the law? Lame, very lame. And when she was caught also parking in a red zone last month, nothing at all was mentioned as a fine for that violation. Really Maria? Really?

Shame.

Shame on both you!

Are you above the law?

Do you get to drive drunk also?

Do you get to park in the blue Handicapped Parking zones?

Step up Governor Schwarzenegger, and pay your $90 parking violation like everyone else has to.

Show some integrity.

The state could use the money.

"I love Thanksgiving turkey. It's the only time in Los Angeles that you see natural breasts."

-Arnold Schwarzenegger

-Carly

If you want to see our beloved governor getting caught red-handed click here to visit TMZ. If you want to sign this open letter to the governor, feel free to do so in the comment thread.

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #65: Giving Thanks!

"Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day."

-Robert Caspar Lintner











EMPS #65: GIVING THANKS! NOW CLOSED!
Next Thursday, we here in the U.S. we will be celebrating Thanksgiving, so I thought that would make a nifty easy assignment for us, but even if you don't live here, this is an assignment anyone can participate in! Let's share with each other what we are most thankful for. Family. Turkey dinners. Animals. Photography. Dessert. Pets. Your photography. It's all good. If you want to be specific to the holiday that will be fine, but if you simply want to show what you are most thankful for, well, that's great too. It's completely up to you!

Extra Credit: Show me a Turkey. Frozen. A turkey sandwich. Turkey noodle soup. Any old turkey will do, but please folks, don't post photos of turkeys being harmed... ok?

**PLEASE READ**
This Monday Photo Shoot assignment closes next Sunday, at 9:00 PM ET. You have until then to get your photo, post it to your blog, journal or website, and comeback here with the direct link back to it. PLEASE REMEMBER, it must be a link which goes back to an entry which is specific to this week's photo shoot assignment. NO HYPERLINKS ACCEPTED! Please double check your link, as that is the one I will use to link back to you. You are responsible for the accuracy of the information you leave me. OK? Also, please link back here so others can participate in the assignment.

Linking List for EMPS # 64: Trains. 11/16/09

NOW CLOSED!

1. Jama

2. Liz

3. Karen

Thanks so much for your participation last week. Wonderful photos as usual. We have some terrific photographers among us. Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! See you next Monday with an all new photography assignment!

-Carly

By the way... When you get the chance, be sure to drop by Greg's website. He has a great monthly "Tips and Tricks" feature which I know you will learn a lot from, and he could probably use our feedback as well, so, when you get the chance drop by and have a look around and let him know what you think. This month it's all about using a Polarizing Filter :)

TipToe Through The Archives...

From For Ellipsis

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. The acoustics of this season are different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air."

-Eric Sloane

It was cold and rainy here yesterday, so I decided to spend the day looking into my archives to see what I did in autumns past. Here are some of my favorites. I am thinking about reviving my photo gallery blog, Ellipsis... Vignettes Legeres D' Ambiant (Ambient Light Vignettes). I don't know, we'll see. For now I have the following photos, hope you enjoy the look back with me.

Old Sacramento, November 22nd, 2006

From For Ellipsis

Golden Gate Park, October 9th, 2007

From For Ellipsis

Tilden Park, September 21st, 2007

From For Ellipsis

Pacific Grove, October 18th, 2007

From For Ellipsis

Cambria, California October 12th, 2006

From For Ellipsis

Bodega Bay, California, September 26th, 2007

From For Ellipsis

Golden Gate Park, October 9th, 2007

From For Ellipsis

The top photo was taken at Susan's Spot, Cisco Grove Gould Park, Placer County California, October 22nd, 2009

-Carly

Hi... Whatcha Doin?

From For Ellipsis

When I look into your eyes
I can see a love restrained
But darlin' when I hold you
Don't you know I feel the same
'Cause nothin' lasts forever
And we both know hearts can change
And it's hard to hold a candle
In the cold November rain

-Guns N Roses, November Rain

I love walking in autumn, you can experience the most delightful things, completely unique to the season. Animals, leaves of every imaginable shade and hue falling silently to the damp earth. Mist. Shadows that make you think you are being followed by a phantom. And to make it all come together, the air is filled with the scent of the first lighting of fireplaces, and the sound of birds seeking shelter from the coming storm. I love autumn.

From For Ellipsis

From For Ellipsis

Is there anything better then a long, deep soft kiss on a cool autumn day?

;)

-Carly

That's Me... Over There

From For Ellipsis

"It's not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory."

-W. Edwards Deming

Forgive me, I am feel introspective today.

I am a silly girl... well... woman. LOL. I haven't been a "girl" for a while now... but anyway... I live for autumn, yet I resist change at all cost! LOL. It's so strange, autumn is all about change. It exists to teach us that change is not only inevitable, but something that shouldn't be feared or resisted because change brings renewed growth if you just have a little patience. I bubble with excitement each September as the leaves on the trees transition from shades of healthy green, to the earthy reds, yellows, deep purples and browns, yet I rarely allow myself to think too long about what it all really means. Change.

It seems that everything changes too fast. But then again, is there any other way to move on but one day, no, one minute at a time? Time. Something else I will never understand. One day I am petting Elvis and putting his little chef's hat on him as we write up the menu for Thanksgiving dinner, and the next I am missing him to the point I am sobbing... and he has already been gone over a year! I miss him. I miss his little habits. I miss his insisting that there should only be 4 plastic bottles per recycle bag. I miss his kisses first thing in the morning, and I miss his whiskers, which he would rub on my knees as I sat typing at the computer. That was change I could have done without, and yet I love my two little boys Dylan and Hendrix so deeply, I wonder how I ever lived without them. Does that make sense?

I have had other changes in my life recently, changes which are a little less profound. I am probably the last person on the Internet to finally get a Twitter account. LOL. Yes, I am now a TWIT. LOL. I don't know... I guess I shy away from new things on the net because I don't really want to be found by folks I would rather not know any more. Does that sound mean? It's not that I hold any bad feelings, it's just that why reopen doors that aren't good for you?

I signed up for Facebook earlier this year, and it's kind of fun, but again I tend to keep myself in a small space by not adding every single person who asks me to. I don't know why, I am just not comfortable with adding the whole universe to my list of "friends." I was pleasantly surprised to get some invitations from some of my buddies from the old AOL days. Hi again Vince, Robbie and Amy. :) You guys always make me smile. But when I went to hit the "find friends" feature one day, someones profile came up that I haven't spoken to in at least 3 years... and it was difficult.

It's not that we parted company on bad terms, we didn't, we just didn't part as friends. Sigh. Sometimes there is a strange sort of limbo in relationships, and yes, it gets to me sometimes. I had forgotten this person was even in my Internet address book, and then POP there they were. I could have sent an invitation to be a friend on Facebook but why? 3 years seems like a long time, too long methinks. After all, I did the best I could to deal with the change presented to me at the time, and did a really good job of adapting, so why go back? Still, it's November and I always think about Mr. November when the leaves change.

Enough said.

Sometimes I wonder if there is such a thing as Internet Claustrophobia? I really like keeping my Internet life small, and yet I LOVE getting comments and seeing that my "Followers" list is up to 41! LOL. It's not a lot of folks, but I am happy to see each one that's there. I even get excited when I see "anonymous" has been by. Hi Anonymous! LOL. I sometimes click on the "next blog" feature and visit new folks just to say hello, that's how I met Suzanne, and yet I shy away from really getting to know people. I have some really strong walls built, and I can't help but wonder... why? When you add it all up it doesn't really equal claustrophobia, but it does have name, I am just not sure what it is.

Is it because it's easier to be lonely in a crowd? Is it because I don't want to get close to too many people because ultimately change will happen? I still miss my friend Pam. She died too young. So did my friend Frank. They were there when I really needed a friend, and now they are gone. I think about both of them during the holidays, and I miss them, but I am glad I got the chance to be on the path with them, if only for a little while. Sometimes I wish I could get an IM from Frank just one more time, asking to borrow some peanut butter. LOL. That guy!

At least I can see the next really big change coming. In today's news I read about AOL cutting back it's entire workforce by 1/3. That's big! I wonder how much longer it will even be in business? I haven't been a paying AOL customer for over 6 months, but I still log into it every morning because I prefer the way it looks to my current ISP Comcast. AOL always did have a nice look about it, but looks just aren't enough, so I finally made the big move, years later then I should have, and yet I have kept my email account, and still use it as my main contact information. LOL. Sing it with my now...

You put your left foot in,
you pull your left foot out,
you put your left foot in and you shake it all about.
You do the hokey poky and you turn yourself around,
that's what it's all about.

LOL.

One day AOL will be gone too.

Stuff happens.

Change happens.

But for now...

I am over here and here and here... and I am doing fine.

AOL Offers Buyouts To 2,500 A Third Of It's Workforce.

-Carly

"The View From Mt Tamalpias"
Mt Tamalpais, Marin County, California

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #64: Trains

"Research has proven: Trains do not run on time, but on electricity."

-Loesje







EMPS #64: TRAINS NOW CLOSED!
WooooWoooo! All aboard! Grab your cameras and photograph TRAINS. As always, the type of TRAIN is entirely up to you. Thomas The Tank, or an old Western Pacific railroad car, it's all good! An abandoned railway station works, as does a modern subway. Anything relating to TRAINS will do nicely.

Extra Credit: Show me a conductor or engineer along with your TRAIN photos!

**PLEASE READ**
This Monday Photo Shoot assignment closes next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM ET. That means you have nearly a week to get your photo, upload it to your website, blog or journal, and come back here with the direct link back to it. Please remember, the link you leave must be a link which is specific to this week's photo shoot assignment. Please double check the link you leave, as that is the one I will be adding to the Linking List next Monday. It is your responsibility to make sure the information you leave is correct. Also, please link back to this entry, so other folks will be able to find the assignment and play along. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Ondinemonet@aol.com.

Linking List for EMPS #63: Downtown. 11/09/09

NOW CLOSED!

1. Suzanne

2. Shari

3. Mike

4. Karen

Thanks so much for your continued participation. See you next week with an all new photography assignment!

-Carly

Weekend Assignment #293: When Do The Holidays Begin?

From For Ellipsis

"Nothing says holidays like a cheese log."

-Ellen DeGeneres

Weekend Assignment #292: Halloween is behind us, Thanksgiving ahead, and Christmas advertising has begun. So how about it? When do the holidays begin for you? Do you avoid thinking about Christmas and Hanukkah until after Thanksgiving, or is any time after Halloween okay? Is it time for Christmas lights in your neighborhood, and do the neighbors agree with you? How about Christmas music? When does that become okay, if ever?

Extra Credit: Have you bought any holiday presents yet? If not, when do you think you'll start?

-Karen, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin.

Holidays begin for us all the way back in May. You see, there is a small rodeo parade here in the East Bay, which is held every Mother's Day weekend, and it is kinda the unofficial kick-off of summer, or at least it is for us. Two weeks later comes Memorial Day, and then my birthday and well, you get the idea. We don't really stop celebrating until January 1st. But if we are talking about the holidays... holidays... then I would have to say, they begin with Halloween.

That is when I get into our storage room and get out all the autumn/winter decorations. I get all of it out at the same time, because it just makes more sense then to lift the boxes over and over every month. Autumn is just one big celebration with Christmas and Hanukkah only barely official winter holidays. I love it. Life is too short to not put up colored lights. Tee Hee. And this year seem especially festive, as all the towns have put up the "Happy Holidays" banners. It's been really cold, so it's really all coming together nicely.

Extra Credit: No, no gift shopping yet. I think gift giving going to be a little sparse this Christmas, which is ok, I am at the age when I have everything I want. Although I am eyeing a "Monster in A Bag" for the boys. They will need something to keep them occupied during the rainy season this winter.

-Carly