Martha's A-Z Photo Challenge: "Q" Is For Quince Blossoms

"Faith sees a beautiful blossom in a bulb, a lovely garden in a seed, and a giant oak in an acorn."

-William Arthur Ward

I love spring, all the beautiful blossoms, and one of my very favorite is the Quince. :) The Conservatory of Flowers usually has a nice display of colorful blossoms in place toward the end of winter, which makes those drab, cold, gray days of winter at lot easier to take. I have never tried eating a quince, but I understand they are really delicious. Maybe that will be something new to try for 2009. We'll see. Anyway, my pick for "Q" is Quince Blossoms. :)



Have you played the A-Z Challenge yet? Drop by Martha's blog, Menagerie, for more information.


-OndineMonet
"Quince Blossoms"
Conservatory of Flowers
San Francisco, California
Spring, 2006
Afternoon

Steven's Feline & Furball Friday: Dylan's Story

"With their qualities of cleanliness, discretion, affection, patience, dignity, and courage, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of becoming cats?"

-Fernand Mery - Her Majesty The Cat

Here, as promised, is the story of how cat Dylan came to live with us. I already told you that when we adopted Hendrix, we had tentative plans to also adopt another cat that was in the care of a sweet lady named Donna who had been Hendrix's foster mother. It was a beautiful cat, and it played really well with Hendrix, but somehow the adoption couldn't take place. Sigh. It is a very long, ugly story. One that left me devastated. I am not exaggerating about that. I actually cried for a most of the weekend. It left me wondering if I had any business being a mommy to a cat. I wondered about whether I had hurt Elvis? I thought he had been happy, but what if I had actually subjected him to a life of misery, and he just couldn't tell me? After losing him the way I did, I had to then consider if I had made his life a living hell. It was a question about declawing.

I intend to have my cats eventually declawed. Now, there are a lot of opinions about this, and a lot of passion on both sides of the issue, but based on the experience I have had with declawing, which was a positive one, it seems like the best thing for our kitties. When I had Elvis declawed, it was because he was living with my mother who was elderly, and rather frail. Elvis didn't have a mean or destructive bone in his body, but accidents do happen, so I felt it was best for her at the time. I took him to Dr. B. the procedure was done, we followed all of the doctor's recommendations and Elvis was as good as new in a few days. No sign of pain or discomfort... ever! In fact, he could still grab things and hang on with nearly the same fierceness he had displayed when he played with his catnip toys, prior to being declawed. He ran, he played, he smiled, he saved animals in the backyard, he jumped, he did everything he did before he was declawed. That was my experience. It didn't hurt him. I am positive of that.

Ok, fast forward to the present, and what happened with the cat that was not to be. Donna fosters kitties for a Bay Area shelter, and when they come into the care of the system, they are assigned a tracking number. Once you find a kitty you want, you go to the shelter and get approved for the official adoption. Alan and I went to the shelter, and filled out the paperwork, and of course we told the truth about our intention to have the cat declawed. That is when it all fell horribly apart. The shelter grilled us for almost an hour about the declawing. They wanted to know who our veterinarian was, and told us more then one horror story about how my cat would come home from the declawing a different cat. It would hate us for the rest of our lives, it would turn to biting, rather then scratching, and the cat would be in devastating pain forever. They stopped just short of telling us that the cat would plan our murders! It was so bad, that when I asked to hold a little orange cat that was waiting for adoption, the shelter volunteer said, "NO!" It would be better that it was put to sleep, rather then adopted by me. We called Donna, told her what happened, and told her we were sorry about not being able to take the kitten, but we couldn't lie.

I was in so much pain I could barely breathe. I just quietly walked out of the shelter. So much went through my head. Had we just caused Dr. B a lot of hassle. Where they going to put him on some mean veterinarian list? But what to do? The truth was already out there. Neither Alan or myself was willing to lie to get what we want. So, there we were. We may have just caused a ton of problems for Dr. B and no second cat. Sigh. It was a terrible feeling, but I resigned myself to simply owning Hendrix, after all, he is a beautiful cat, full of fun, and life, and he loved me so much, so, I began to move on. It would be ok. Don't get me wrong, it would have been just fine owning one cat, but I did know that Elvis was terribly lonely after we had to get rid of his brother Jack. That is why he tried to adopt everything that came into the yard. LOL. He loved everyone so much, and it was that memory of him that made me not want Hendrix to be lonely, but what were we to do? The day after election day, a call came. It was Donna, who had found an orange kitten, whose mommy and sibling had been hit by a car and killed. It hadn't been placed into the shelter system yet. "Would we be interested?" You bet!

Dylan was all alone in the world. He had just saw his very own mommy and brother or sister struck by a car and killed. He needed to have a new mommy, and I was so happy to be that for him. It was a nice fit, because I was a mommy, who just lost her little boy to cancer. We both had holes in our hearts that we could fill for each other. :) The first time I picked him up, he was shaking, but within a couple moments he stopped, and laid his head on my shoulder. He liked me, and felt safe. We became family before we left Dr. B's that day, and he has been my constant companion ever since. He adores his brother, and he lavishes love on his daddy when he comes through the door, and we are a family. :) It was a long road to each other, and there were some bumps, but it doesn't matter, what does matter is we are together. Forever.

Have you played Steven's Feline & Furball Friday? If not, you should. Write up your own pet tale, and then leave the link for Steven. Here is where you find all the information. :)

-Carly
"Dylan's Story"
November 5th, 2008

Caption Me Winner!

And the winning caption is...

"Who said mischief didn't leave you with a hangover!"

-Indigo

Alan, as you may know, is the official judge when it comes to contests and MadLibs, and he didn't have an easy time! We really enjoyed all your entries very much. Thanks so much for playing along! I will be having more Caption Me contests coming up, so stay tuned, or better yet, try to play along! :)

Indigo, hon, I have a your prize waiting for you, but you have to send me an email so I have an address to send it back to. :) You can reach me at ...

Ondinemonet@aol.com

:)

-Carly
"Who Said Mischief Doesn't Leave You With A Hangover"
Berkeley, California
November, 2008
Evening

Pacific Grove Monarchs

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."

-Nathaniel Hawthorne

Yesterday, Alan and I made our annual trip, down the coast to Pacific Grove, also known as "Butterfly Town USA." It's called that because each year thousands of Monarch butterflies choose this small coastal town to do their overwintering in. Actually, the monarchs can be found in giant clusters all along the pacific coast, but this is one of the largest colonies. It is estimated, this year, that there are about 15,000 clustered in this grove alone. It is nothing short of majestic!

I have been going to see the butterflies in Pacific Grove for years, but this year is perhaps one of the best in terms of numbers of Monarchs. It's most peaceful way to spend a November day as I can think of, and that's why I go there, to find some peace and quiet beauty. I wish autumn never had to end, I look forward to it all year long, and it seems like it never lasts quite long enough. Sigh. If you enjoy photography, and you live in California, you must go see the butterflies of Pacific Grove!

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty."

-Maya Angelou

"Once I read a story about a butterfly in the subway, and today, I saw one. It got on at 42nd and off at 59th, where I assume it was going to Bloomingdales to buy a hat that will turn out to be a mistake - as almost all hats are."

-Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) You've Got Mail

-Carly
"Butterfly Town USA"
Pacific Grove, California
November 19th, 2008
Afternoon

In The Hands Of Dr. B.

"Cats are dangerous companions for writers because cat watching is a near perfect method of writing avoidance."

-Dan Greenburg

Hendrix weighs 2.2 lbs! So does Dylan. We are off to a good start!

Everything is coming up cats! LOL. Ok, let me explain. The new kitties, Dylan and Hendrix, had to go for a visit with Dr. B. yesterday. It was time for a weigh-in, and a check in the ears, and for Dylan, a look at a yucky mouse which had occurred under one of his eyes. That one had me worried. Had he been fighting with his brother Hendrix? Did Hendrix hate his brother? Were we going to have to... gulp... separate the brothers by getting rid of one of them for their own good? There were some questions to be asked, but the last one worried me the most. I am hopelessly in love with my new two sons, but if I had to give one up for their own good, I would do it, as long as they could live a happy life. I have to admit, however, it would have hurt like hell.

Getting a start on leash training, our first session went very, very well! :)



As it turns out, I was being an overly cautious mommy. Their play is just fine, and the mouse under the eye wasn't the result of hostility, it was something that happens when kittens play. I think I have been a little hypersensitive lately, as I struggle to let go of Elvis, who is still in my thoughts each day when I wake up. It's hard not to miss him, considering that each morning for the last 10 years he woke me with paw pads and kisses. Sometimes I can almost feel him, asleep at my feet, and I just want to not open my eyes, because then I have to face another day without him. I still love him so, so, so much. But within a couple seconds I hear some bells in the other room, and I know that Dylan and Hendrix are playing, and if I call their name, they come running, jump up on the bed, and kisses happen! It feels good to have them greet me with love at the beginning of the day, it's almost as if Elvis somehow whispered in their ears, "Mommy really needs you, so give her kisses when she wakes up." Well, it's a nice thought anyway! :)

Hendrix stalks the invisible mouse!


Dr. B is the best veterinarian in the world, or at least the San Francisco East Bay! I know that in his hands, and those of nurses Mary and Donna, my kitties have the best care available. We knew that when he was caring for Elvis during his cancer treatments. There was so little that could realistically be done for Elvis, in fact, a lot depended on hope. Dr. B. gave us that, and from that hope came the miracle of having the world's best cat, longer then we originally thought possible. Alan and I have joked many times that sometimes we wish be could give up our personal doctor, and just go to Dr. B. for our medical needs. LOL. It's just that in his hands are our children, our boys, and he takes very good care of all of us, in one way or another. :) Thank you Dr. B., once again, for your understanding and generosity. :)



The next two photos tell you why the bed rarely gets made these days! :)



Look, Dylan smiles when he sleeps! :)



-Carly
"In The Hands Of Dr. B"
Castro Valley, California
November 18th, 2008
Late Afternoon

Note: Friday I will share with you what Dylan's story was before we became a family! Tune in then for my Feline & Furball Friday entry!

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #12: Hot Beverages

"Love is like swallowing hot chocolate before it's cooled off. It takes you surprise at first, but keeps you warm for a long time."

-Unknown

THIS PHOTO SHOOT ASSIGNMENT IS NOW CLOSED!

Hi folks, we have several new players this week, so be sure to drop by and say hello!

EMPS #12: HOT BEVERAGES.
Brrrrrrr! A November chill is in the air, and what could be nicer on a chilly November morning then a tasty HOT BEVERAGE? Ok folks, this is an easy one, so pour a big cup of your favorite HOT BEVERAGE and photograph it! My favorite HOT BEVERAGE is Starbuck's Hot Chocolate w/ raspberry syrup, but I also love hot Caramel Apple Cider. Some folks would rather have a big mug of soup, then coffee or tea, but that's ok, because all three would do just fine for this assignment! So many wonderful HOT BEVERAGES to choose from, so little time! This week, it's all about HOT BEVERAGES!

**PLEASE READ**

**You have until next Sunday evening, at 9:00 PM Eastern, time to find your HOT BEVERAGE, photograph it, post it to your blog or website, and comeback here with the direct link back to it. Your general blog address will not work. It must be a link to the entry specific to this challenge! NO HYPERLINKS! It is your responsibility to leave the link correctly. The link you leave me is the one I will post! Please folks, you MUST remember to submit your link correctly! Also, please remember to link back here so other folks can find the challenge and play along! :)

Linking List for EMPS #11: Windows. 11/10/08

NOW CLOSED!

1. Vicki {Welcome New Player}

2. Lisa

3. Karen

4. Jama

5. Wammy

6. Em Dy {Welcome New Member}

7. Connie

8. Sherrie {Welcome New Player}

9. Laurel {Welcome New Player}

10. Martha


Nice photography everyone! See you next Monday with a new assignment! :)

-Carly

In The Photo Trek Spotlight

"Photograph: A picture painted by the sun, without instruction in art."

-Ambrose Bierce

You meet such extraordinary folks through blogging. A couple months ago, a really fabulous photographer came by to play along with the Round Robin Challenges, and through that meeting I asked him to join in with the EMPS. I had no idea how much I would be learning from him. His name is Greg Kiser, and at that time he had the AOL Journal, Photo Trek. As we all know, AOL suddenly pulled the plug on the entire community, and when it did so, it destroyed a lot of hard work that folks had put into their journals and links through Google. Greg was one of the people hit the hardest by the loss of AOL Journals. He had spent a lot of time and creativity to create a special place to share his unique and beautiful photography. I know what felt like to put a lot of time and energy into a blog to make it a special place that represents my creativity. Greg not only did that with Photo Trek, but he went a step further by showcasing the photographic creativity of others as well.

Once a month he wrote a special article spotlighting a different photographer, who he felt advanced the art of photography. I am so honored to be one of the people he has chosen to spotlight. Yesterday, he wrote an article about me, and my love of photography, at his new website on the Internet, 446 Photography. Greg is a predominently a landscape photographer, who does some really wonderful things with water and movement in particular. He had a wonderful journal on AOL, but since leaving there late last month, he has created something even better with the new site. I will be following him in his new adventure, and continuing to learn wonderful tips about photography from him. He not only shares his personal gift for photography, but encourages others in their pursuit of the craft as well. He is a great guy, and I am honored to be featured this month.

Thanks so much Greg, for the kindness you have shown me. It means a lot. :)

Always, Carly :)

446 Photography

Photographer Spotlight: Carly Gordon

"Golden Gate"
January, 2005

Round Robin Challenge: Two Halves Don't Make A Whole

"What is life? An illusion, a shadow, a story. And the greatest good is little enough; for all life is a dream, and dreams themselves are only dreams."

-Pedro Calderon de la Baraca

WOW Nancy, this challenge really put me through my paces! LOL. "Two Halves Don't Make A Whole" was suggested by Nancy, who authors the blog, "Nancy Luvs Pix," and boy oh boy was it challenging to me! It had me completely stumped, so much so, that I very nearly didn't participate, but in the end, I decided to step up and meet the challenge. After all, that is what a challenge is supposed to do, challenge us! To wussy out wouldn't be a very good example to set for the Robins, now would it? So, without further delay, I present to you my examples of photographs, or rather two halves of photographs put together, which just don't quite seem right.

I started with the picture at the top. I could have put the two halves of the Orange Nemesia in a more wacky fashion, but I thought it would be kind of nice to show the two different parts of the same photo, just taken with different settings on my digital camera. The same, but not really.

Look! Is that one wacky Scarecrow or what?

Hmmm... Is there something wrong with that tomato? Is it organic? Inquiring minds want to know!

Actually, it was an organic tomato, and it was delicious! Is there anything better then home grown vegetables? (Insert evil laugh here: BWAHAHAHAHA)

This challenge was fun! And hey, we are always looking for new ideas, so, if you have a good idea for an upcoming challenge, please send it to either Karen, Steven or myself, and we will add it to the RRC pool. You can find our email addresses on the sidebar of the official RRC blog. Now, to see what Nancy, and all the other participating Robins came up with, just follow the links below. You'll be glad you did.

:)


Linking List

1. Nancy... Nancy Luvs Pix
Posted!

2. Jama Hameed... Sweet Memories


3. Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

4. Sherrie... Sherrie's Stuff
**Welcome New Member** - Posted

5. Gina... Gina's Space
Posted!

6. Martha... Menagerie
Posted!

7. Connie... Far Side Of Fifty Photos
Posted!

8. Steven... (sometimes)photoblog
Posted!

9. Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

10. Gattina... Keyhole Pictures
Posted!

11. Liz... Visual Counterpoint
**Welcome New Member** - Posted!


If you enjoy the Round Robin Challenges, you might have fun with the Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot as well. Check back here at my blog on Monday, for a new EMPS assignment!

-OndineMonet
"Orange Nemesia"
Berkeley, California
Summer 2008

Rock The Vote!

"I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art, but if you set out to make art you're an idiot."

-Steve Martin

I bet when you saw the title of this entry you thought it would be yet another long, boring rant about politics. Well, NOPE. See, this girl, thankfully, does not live by politics alone. I love entertainment. Not that politics can't be entertaining. Just try to sit through a Sarah Palin press conference, without breaking out into laughter! How many exclusive interviews did she do last week? 12 was it? And to the wicked, biased, liberal media! Go figure. Oh well, that's her/their problem. As for me, well, I am doing some stress busting, even as I type this, by listening to the soundtrack from Mama Mia!

La La La La...

You are the dancing queen, young and sweet only 17
Dancing queen, feel the beat from the tambourine
You can dance, you can jive, having the time of your life
See that girl, watch that scene, digging the dancing queen.

-Dancing Queen by Abba

I think Mama Mia was my favorite movie this past summer. Look, it wasn't Meryl Streep's best movie, and it was a little funky with some timing, but it was fun, and that was important when I went to see it. I just wanted something to ease my terribly broken heart. Elvis's diagnosis was tremendously hard on both of us, so a momentary break was just what the doctor ordered. :) I sang along with the movie, and danced a little bit, and clapped along with the rest of the audience. It was nice. That is what entertainment is supposed to do, give you a temporary break from the harshness of reality. Right?

So, this morning as Regis & Kelly were discussing the People's Choice Awards, I wondered to myself how might an average person such as myself might be able to vote for my favorites? I had never voted before, but with the click of my mouse, I found the website, and for the first time, actually voted for my favorites to win a PCA! It was fun! In a few minutes, hopefully by the time you read this, you might see a little widget I picked up at the People's Choice Awards website, installed on my (work in progress) sidebar! :)

So tell me, have you ever voted for a movie, or song, or actor/actress to win a PC award? If so, have you voted this year? Who are you rooting for among this year's contenders? Do you have a favorite movie? Song? TV Show? I would love to know who you vote for. Go vote, then come back here and share!

Tell me everything. :)

People's Choice Awards

-Carly

Martha's A-Z Photo Challenge: N - O - P

"I take photographs with love, so I try to make them art objects. But I make them for myself first and foremost - that is important."

-Jacques Henri Lartique

Oh my goodness, where has the time flown? It seems I looked away for just a moment, and a month has gone by. The last letter I played for Martha's A-Z Photo Challenge was the letter M, and now she is up to the letter p! YIKES! So, in an effort to get caught up, and keep my promise to support her in her photo challenge, here are my entries for the letters, N, O, and P! Thanks for being so patient with me darling Martha. I am back on track now, and I should be on time from now on! And thanks again for helping me the other day, get all up to speed with things!

The large photo you see above is the letter "N." N - is for NEW YORK TIMES! I took that picture on Tuesday, November 4th. Election Day. After Alan voted, he and I kicked back at our favorite Starbuck's. I am hopelessly addicted to the news, politics and Starbuck's to the point I could use a support group for all three! LOL. My favorite warm morning beverages are the Caramel Apple Cider and the Hot Chocolate with Raspberry syrup. OMG! YUM! I don't indulge often, but on Election Day, with my nerves in tatters, it seemed like the thing to do. :) After I drank the warm, comforting beverage my blood glucose number was 89! :) Now that is the way to chase the bad blood away!


For the letter "O" I chose yet another photo of the new ORANGE tabby kitten in the house, Dylan. He is very patient, and extremely photogenic. It seemed like a purrfect fit! LOL.


And finally we come to the letter "P." Considering the time of year, I just had to show you a PUMPKIN don't you think? LOL. I love photographing pumpkins, I swear each one has a soul. Gourds are good people! Tee Hee.

:)

Martha is a sweetie, and her photo challenge is great fun. Have you tried it yet? If
not, you really should. Just drop by her place for all the details!

-Carly
"N Is For New York Times"
Starbuck's
Berkeley, California
November 4th, 2008
Morning

Caption Me! (A Contest) 11/12/08

"A new kitten will turn your house upside down, and at the same time make everything feel right."

-Unknown

I am working on the sidebar this week, and doing a lot of cleaning for Thanksgiving, which is creeping up faster this year then it did last year, so no deep political ranting today, or gourmet recipes, or any of my usual subjects for that matter, but what I do have is an impossibly cute photo of new kitten Dylan, just waiting for a clever caption. What do you think? Care to make a caption for the photo? Oh just go for it! The author of the winning caption will receive a mighty hefty pimping of their blog, and an original photo by me via email. You have until one week from today, November 19th, to submit a caption, along with your first name and the link to your blog. The winner will be announced on Friday, November 21st! Good Luck!

Note: All those who enter, will be listed on a Linking List, just for playing along. :)

-Carly
"The Wining Caption Goes Here"
Berkeley, California
November, 2008
Late Evening

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #11: Windows

"Our senses are indeed our doors and windows on this world, in a very real sense the key to unlocking of meaning and the wellspring of creativity."

-Jean Houston NOW CLOSED!

EMPS #11: WINDOWS.
Windows. We look out of windows hoping to see something interesting. We look into windows hoping to see something interesting, although we have to be careful how interesting that something might be! LOL. We decorate windows inside and out with lights, and drapes, and shutters, and mannequins and flower boxes and political signs. We call the eyes "the windows of our soul." Some of us use the Windows operating system on our computers. Windows almost always need washing. Sometimes we get food from a drive-thru window. We roll down the windows in our cars to let the wind blow through our hair. Sometimes, it is a good thing to have a, "window of opportunity" to act on. We all have windows in our lives, so, for this week's photo shoot assignment, let's photograph them. :)

Extra Credit: Show me your world through your car window!

As always, you have until next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM Eastern time to submit your EMPS entry. All you have to do is post it to your blog or journal, and comeback here with the direct link to your EMPS entry. Please do not leave a general link to your blog, the link you leave must be specific to your entry.

Linking List for EMPS #10: Feet. 11/03/08

NOW CLOSED!

Judi shows us some beautiful feet, in some beautiful brown shoes. LOVELY!

Jama photographed the feet of her favorite niece, in her favorite shoes. :)

Karen shares the paws of her dog, the feet of her barbies and her feet next to her favorite shoes. A nice group of pictures to fit the theme! :)

Laura shows off some FABULOUS purple pumps, and her feet in them! GORGEOUS!

Connie, and her pal Chance, show us paws that don't need shoes, and feet that do, in boots! Brrrr... it's getting cold out there! :)

Martha photographed her feet, and the feet of others, in black & white! Very Arsty!

I really enjoyed seeing all those feet & paws! Good job everyone! :)

Ok, Go Be Photographers. Go Get The Photo. I will see you in one week, with a new assignment, and the links to all your WINDOWS!

-Carly

Getting My Act Together, While Chasing Leaves

"The secret of all victory lies in the organization of the non-obvious."

-Marcus Aurelius

I have been a bad little blogger lately. October, and the first part of November, have completely slipped away from me. But I am back now, and playing catch-up. Thanks for being patient with me, as I meandered my way through the loss of a pet, vacation, a nail biting election, a second AOL Exodus and the acquisition of two new kittens. It has all been something of a whirlwind! But now it is time to catch my breath, and get back to some serious blog jogging. My blogging plans for the coming weeks include some very overdue blog jogging, the posting of new photography, the major pimping of my favorite memes and the revamping of my sidebar.

I am thinking about completely changing my sidebar, so it reflects some of my newest photography and interests. I know my blog roll could use some work, so if you are a regular reader of mine, and you would like to be listed on my blog roll, leave me a comment with your name and blog address. If you are one of those who were a part of the AOL Exodus of 2008, I would appreciate it if you left me your new information, even if you think I already have it. It would be a big help in getting things organized. My goal is to have my sidebar done by the end of the year. Yikes! Can you believe it, we only have about 7 weeks left in 2008! Can you believe it? Ten, nine, eight, seven, six...

-Carly
"Golden Leaf"
Tilden Park
Berkeley, California
October 31st 2008
Afternoon

How Do You Solve A Problem Like Sarah?

"Politics is the art of postponing a decisions until they are no longer relevant."

-Henri Queuille

The election is over, but Sarah Palin isn't going away. I am betting that we will be hearing more and more from her as the next four years progresses. I don't know that it would be a bad thing, especially if what we see is the real SarahPalin . See, I don't think we ever really got to know the real Sarah. How could we have, when all we saw was the odd... and I mean... odd... interview? From the very beginning of her introduction to national politics, she has been, if not the butt of the joke, the secret. As long as I live, I will wonder, what was John McCain thinking? It has been well substantiated that he meet with her only once or twice, before choosing her as his running mate, and then rarely spoke with her as the campaign progressed. And now, I can't help but wonder about the bitterness from within the McCain/Palin camps.

For a long time I have held the theory that Republicans eat their own, but now with all the mudslinging back and forth, it appears I have been right. That doesn't necessarily bring me any happiness, after all, while the Republicans implode, their constituents sit back and wonder which side to believe in. Or even whether or not to take sides. I think it would be difficult to be an average American Republican right now. With the election having just gone to Democrats by a landslide, and the Republican party in tatters, who do you look to as the clear leader of the party that represents your ideals? I really want to step into the shoes of the Republicans for a moment. If I were a Republican, would I be sitting back right now, wondering what just happened?

It's clear that in the beginning of the campaign, Sarah Palin excited things. Conservative women probably felt like for the first time they had a voice for them. And what a voice she was, when she was allowed to talk. I don't think the republican party did her any favors by keeping her hidden most of the time. As for the media, well, they simply did their job. Charles Gibson, Katie Couric , even Fox News! Honestly, you can't really blame the media in this case, they asked the questions they would have no matter who had been chosen, although it McCain had chosen someone with more foreign policy experience, some of the nonsense could have been avoided. So, if the picture seemed less then perfect, well, it's because it was. But how many of their own problems did the Republicans bring on themselves?

"Joe The Plumber" might have been one of the biggest mistakes of all time! I still don't understand that one. The only thing that keeps me from thinking that he was some kind of plant by John McCain to give him something to talk about, is the fact that he won't go away! Weird. Very Weird. Another seemingly large misstep was John McCain running back to Washington to work on the bailout... I mean rescue... I mean bailout of the American financial system. The Republicans clearly didn't want him there, and had no problem telling the media that. Weird. Very weird. And then there is the little problem with the "coast to coast looting of Neiman Marcus." You know, the spending spree that apparently took place on behalf of Sarah Palin. Wow... what a mess!

You know, I kind of felt sorry for the governor the last night. Yesterday, as she returned to her day job as the governor of Alaska, the press were asking the questions they should have been asking, and she seemed a little sad as she answered them. It has to have been hurtful. Fractions of her own party have thrown her under the bus. But yesterday, she seemed a little more believable as she tried to find the right words, or the correct words, or whatever words it took to make it all stop. Sigh. I felt sorry for her. It made me want to sit down with her, one on one, with a hot cup of Green Tea and some fat-free cookies, and talk to her woman to woman, about boys, hair and make-up. You would be surprised how many problems I have solved while discussing those three subjects. Call me a bad Democrat, but I can't kick someone when they are down. You know?

So tell me, if you could sit down with Sarah Palin, one on one, what would you ask her? Would you discuss politics, or do you have something else you would like to know about? Do you think she will make another run for the White House in four years? Do you think she will succeed Sen. Ted Stevens, if his felony convictions stand? Sing out. Tell me what you think. You know you want to!

-Carly

Steven's Feline Friday... Oops We Did It Again!

"There is one order of beauty which seems made to turn heads. It is a beauty like that of kittens or very small downy ducks making gentle rippling noises with their soft bills, or babies just beginning to toddle."

-T.S. Eliot


Introducing Dylan, as himself! LOL. Yes, it's true, Alan and I made the wacky decision to adopt a second kitten. Why you ask? Well, see, Hendrix was lonely for feline company. Mommy's legs made great scratching posts, but her tights weren't much fun to climb! Especially when she squealed! LOL. Just joking there, actually we had planned to adopt two kittens all along, but after a really bad experience at a local shelter, one I will never forget or forgive, we changed our minds and settled in with our new baby Hendrix. But in this ever changing world we live in, fate decided to step in an unite us we our new orange baby Dylan. :)

How did we find Dylan? Well, the phone rang early last Wednesday morning, it was Donna, from Dr. B's office, and she said there was a little orange kitty who had been through a traumatic experience, and he was all alone in the world. LOL. Well, I am paraphrasing, but basically Ms. D, who had helped Hendrix find us, had an orange kitten for us, if we were interested. Hmmmm... was I interested? You bet! It was a sunny day, the election was a landslide for Obama, democrats were very close to taking a 2/3 majority in the senate, and I slept better the night before then I had since the Clinton years! LOL. Holy cow... the planets have aligned! Yes, give me that cat! Tee Hee.

Dylan has a story, and I will tell it next week. I have been so cat heavy lately on Ellipsis that I bet you think I have gone all things cats, so don't worry I am not going to only speak about felines, I have plenty to say about politics, and humor, and cooking, and holiday madness, and general madness, and photography, so please don't go running from my blog in a fit of cat allergies, there's more to come I promise!

Now, this is an entry for Steven's Feline and Furball Friday, because Friday is the day for pets! Go post your own pet photo and play along. It's fun!

;)

-Carly
"Introducing Dylan As Himself"
Berkeley, California
November 6th, 2008
Afternoon

Hendrix's Story

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece."

-Leonardo da Vinci

The vacation is over. The election is THANKFULLY over. As of today, I am settling back into a normal routine. LOL. I laugh because I just used the words "normal routine." Why you ask? Well, see, there is an unstoppable energy in our house. It's name is Hendrix! Hendrix came to live with us just last week, so you might think we haven't much time to get to know one another, but to the contrary, he has planted himself firmly and completely in my heart, in fact, I am a goner! I have already told you that he is quick, and bright, and full of fun, but he is also cuddly and very, very kissable. He insists on it! LOL. Yes, I am in love. But you know all this, now let me tell you about what his life was like before he came to live with us. He has quite a story.

First, I have to go back a little ways. Back to the day my Elvis passed away. I was in shreds that day. I had such mixed feelings going on. On the one hand I knew Elvis was dying, and his little body had put up a good fight, but it was apparent that all the joy was draining out of his life. He didn't want to play with his toys, and food was refused, unless it was Oscar Meyer Turkey lunch meat, and the worst part of all, he was beginning to feel pain. I made a deal with my boy a long time ago, he would have a happy life, but if the worst should happen, and it did, I would say goodbye while he had some dignity left. He was my child, how could I not promise him that. So, I said goodbye.

Dr. B., who clearly felt as sad as we did that day, helped us let go of Elvis, and then reminded us that one day, when we were ready, there are tons of cats who will be looking for someone to love them, and who they could love. "Especially the black cats," he said. It seems most folks don't think of them as special enough. Weird. A good cat is a good cat. Don't get me wrong, my heart belongs to the Tuxedo cats, I have owned two in my life, and both of them were dreamboats, but I know the joy that cats bring us and it is available in all cats, regardless of the packaging. If you own a kitty, then you already know all the attributes that escape people who swear that dog's are man's or woman's best friend.

Cats can be fiercely loyal. They aren't as aloof as people seem to believe. They will chase your feet by day, and keep them toasty warm by night. They are gentle. They are kind. They have their likes and dislikes as all God's creatures do, but if you love them, you will always be a hero in their eyes. Stubbornness is a virtue, it can be depended on. Each cat is born with a quirk. Something special in their personality that is uniquely theirs. With Elvis, it was his ability to love first. Animals, people, rabbits, birds, squirrels, opossums, and even dogs in his last few months of life. After having lived with a cat like Elvis, who could I possible love again?

The answer is Hendrix. (Insert smile here). A couple weeks after Elvis passed away, Alan and I noticed how quiet the house was. No putty pads running across the floor, no sound of bells, no funny little conversational mews. We had already decided that one day, perhaps after the holidays, we would look for the next great cat, but we were both now in tears. Tears of great sorrow, and longing. It was clear, we needed that energy back in our little house. After all, a cat makes a home... right?

So, we made the call to Dr. B, and asked that a meeting be set up with the nice lady who fosters the cats. Ms. D., and later that day, we met her, and Hendrix at Dr. B's. At the time we adopted him, his foster name was "Moose." It suited him perfectly. We liked the name Hendrix for him better, but his official nickname will always be Moose. LOL. He had a rough start to life. He was left in a box, all alone, in front of a different veterinarian's office, late on a Saturday night. The doctor came in the next day, and saw that tiny, wee abandoned baby and asked Ms. D. to take him in for foster care. She said yes, but she keeps the legal limit of kitties at all times. Her love for cats is endless, she is an angel on earth who tries her best to unite lonely humans, with wayward kitties. She will always be our angel, for bringing us together with Hendrix. It's a perfect fit.

There is happiness in our house again. Happiness runs, and eats like a moose, plays with my feet, and picks at my tights, and sometimes turns his bed over, and falls asleep in my arms. Happiness has a name, it's Hendrix. Elvis is in my heart, and I still wish I could hold him once more, or feel his paws on my face when I wake up in the morning, but somehow I just know that Elvis would approve of Hendrix. Elvis hated it when I cried, he would pat my tears away, and sit by my side until I stopped crying. Hendrix has made me laugh for a solid week, and somehow I can almost hear Elvis laughing too, all the way from Heaven. :)

There is some additional news to share. BIG, BIG, BIG news. Tune in tomorrow for my entry for Steven's Feline And Furball Friday. The fun just keeps coming!!!

:)

-Carly
"Hendrix In Autumn"
Berkeley, California
November 3rd 2008
Afternoon

Yes We Can... And Yes We Did!

"If you are walking down the right path, and you are willing to keep walking, eventually you will make progress."

-Barack Obama

Say hello to the future, and what a bright one it has the potential to be! Now it's time to roll up our sleeves, and get to work! Hopefully, we will remember to be patient. We didn't get into this mess overnight, and we won't emerge from it overnight either, but we will emerge. And we will be great again! Doesn't it feel amazing to have HOPE back once again?

-Carly

Vote Baby Vote

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

-John Quincy Adams

Let's have a little fun... shall we? If you voted today, leave me a comment that says "I Voted!" You don't have to say anything else, just "I Voted!" Of course, if you want to say more you are welcome to, but for one day I thought it might be nice to simply share something all American's have in common. THE RIGHT TO VOTE! Is there a better way to spend the first Tuesday in November?

:)

-Carly
Note: Laura has written a very touching entry about accompanying her daughter to the polls, as she voted for the first time! Go read her entry. :) You'll smile!

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot # 10: Feet

"In life, as in dance: Grace glides on blistered feet."

-Alice Abrams

NOW CLOSED!

EMPS #10: Feet.
Feet. They take us here and there, and to and fro. Let's share our hardworking feet this week. If you are a ballerina, you dance on the tippy-toes of your feet. If you are scared, you might say, "feet don't fail me now!" If you are running away from a big bully, it is your feet that will whisk you to safety. You use your feet for pedaling your bike, and for driving your car. If your toes are webbed, you are probably a decent swimmer, or a duck, which means you are still probably a decent swimmer. It is your feet that encourages you to purchase high fashion shoes, and fuzzy wuzzy slippers. You can photograph your own feet or someone else's feet, just be sure to get permission first! Just show me feet with shoes or without!

Extra Credit: Show me your favorite shoes, sitting next to your favorite FEET!

Ok folks, as always, you have until next Sunday evening at 9:00 PM Eastern time to participate in the EMPS. All you have to do is take your photo, post it to your blog or website, and comeback here with the direct link to your EMPS entry. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE A GENERAL LINK TO YOUR BLOG OR WEBSITE, IT MUST BE A LINK SPECIFIC TO THE EMPS!

Linking List for EMPS #9: Happy Halloween 10/27/08

NOW CLOSED!

Karen... Outpost Mavarin

Vicki... Maraca

Judi... Talking To Myself

Laura... Adventures In Juggling

Tammy... The Daily Warrior

Martha... Menagerie

Connie... Far Side Of Fifty Photos

Me... Ellipsis (I played along this week too!)

Go Get The Photo... Go Be Photographers! See you in one week, with an all new Monday Photo Shoot assignment!

-Carly

Wink Baby Wink

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics, is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."

-Plato

On Halloween night, at Starbuck's, I saw witches, and a lot of little cowboys, and Snow Whites, but by far my favorite Halloween costume had to be the lady dressed as vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin. She had the character down pat. She had a sash that said "Caribou Barbie" and various political buttons that pretty much explained it all. My personal favorite was the one that said, "Ask Me What The Bush Doctrine Is." Need I say more? Well, probably not, but I will anyway. See, here's the thing. The Halloween costume this lady wore was scarier then any ghoulish, bloody, Frankenstein-ish getup anyone could possibly come up with, because it was a pretty accurate depiction of someone who could very well be the next V.P. of the United States. Sigh. And that is the scariest thought of all.

It shocks me that there is still a percentage of folks who haven't made up their minds about who to vote for, even as we are just two days away from voting. It also shocks me that John McCain can run a campaign that basically played out as an object lesson in how not to run a campaign, and still be doing as well as he is in the polls. Choosing Sarah Palin was probably the worst choice he could have made. It has been LOL funny at times, watching her try to be vice presidential material. It has been amusing to watch the campaign implode from within, and I ask you, if you never hear from "Joe The Plumber" ever again, will you be disappointed? Good Lord, if it weren't all so absurd... it would be, well, scary. Wink Wink.

Opinions, Opinions...

You all know how I feel at this point, but truly, I want to know how you feel before we go to the polls. If you think I am dead wrong... tell me. If you think I am absolutely right... tell me that. If you are still unsure who to vote for, tell me why you still can't decide. What is your number one concern, whether or not you have already made your mind up. Speak up. Tell me what's on your mind!

-Carly
"Wink Baby Wink"
Starbuck's
Castro Valley, California
October 31, 2008
Late Afternoon