I Wonder... Is It Already Too Late?

"There's no money in poetry, but then, there's no poetry in money either."

-Robert Graves

Well, as of this past week, The National Bureau of Economic Research, has made it official... we are in a recession. If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know I have been saying that we were for months and months. But while it didn't come as any surprise to me, it seems like it did to President Bush. I wonder if it really did? How could it have? He had more access to information regarding the economy then you and I did, and yet, we got the same old tired lie... the economy is sound. The economy is doing a fine job. And wasn't that the biggest clue of all? Every time he says everything is ok, I run for cover. I am jaded... I admit it. But how can I possibly avoid it? Time after time we have had to endure his delusions and lies, and the outcome has always been total devastation.

So now we find ourselves with the irrefutable truth, staring us down. What happens next? We have been in a recession since the first of the year, could it be that we are actually in a depression, rather then a recession? Maybe we just aren't saying it. Could that possibly be? There are some scary statistics out there right now. 500,000 more people lost their jobs last month, and if the big 3 automakers fail, it will bring that much more devastation to an already over burdened unemployment system. What a mess.

I wish I knew how to feel about the probable Big 3 bailout. I can see both sides of the issue. If we bail them out, why not keep going with the love? Why not bailout the stores that I love, which are heading down the road of bankruptcy? November saw some mighty dismal sales figures, and while Black Friday posted higher then expected spending, I have seen the empty spaces at the malls here in the Bay Area, and I have to tell you, I don't remember having so much ease at finding a place to park, especially during the holiday season. It's a little spooky. I went to Target last Thursday to pick up some Christmas lights for our tree, and there were only 3 aisles devoted to holiday decorations, as opposed to the 9 or 10 aisles just last year. The prices were at least %30 higher as well. Less to choose from, at higher prices. Not good.

My heart goes out to the autoworkers. Their industry has been hit hard since the 80's. The average guy working a line making automobiles have very little to do with the stupid, greedy decisions being made by the top management. It's heartbreaking. On one hand I support the worker, but on the other hand I cannot support yet another bailout of greed and mismanagement. Alan and I watch the news at night, and we both wrestle with the issue. His point of view is that enough is enough. We have already seen waste of the original money given out to bailout banking. I never thought giving Henry Paulson and Ben Bernanke free reign was a good idea, and I even mentioned that tight oversight and accountability needed to be in place. But do they listen to me? LOL. How would the money given to automakers be managed?

I fear that with a similar bailout of the auto industry, comes the waste we have already seen. It didn't particularly impress me that they drove to Washington to make their case. It didn't really impress me that they are willing to work for a token salary of $1. Nothing about what's happened has impressed me. All I know is that if the auto industry fails, and all those folks are forced out of work, it will be even more devastating for our country. I am beginning to think that we are in a depression, and no one is saying the word. DEPRESSION. If we have really hit bottom, or are about to, the good news is that there is only one direction we can go on from there. Hopefully.

So tell me, what do you think? Did it come as a surprise that we are officially in a recession? Do you think it is already too late to turn the economy around? Do you think we are poised to fall into a financial depression? How do you feel about the proposed bailout of the automakers? Tell me what you think. Opinions, opinions.

-Carly
"The End Of The Day"
Pacific Grove, California
November 15th, 2008
Twilight

The Wars We Wage In Our Own Minds: Rated PG-13

Christmas gift suggestions...
To your enemy, forgiveness
To an opponent, tolerance
To a friend, your heart
To a customer, service
To all, charity
To every child, a good example
To yourself, respect

-Oren Arnold

EGADS! Here we go again! I am not sure where to begin, except to say, that it shocks me that anyone could possible believe that there is some sort of war Christmas! Where does this kind of thinking begin? Go back in your memory to about 20 years ago. Do you remember hearing anything about a war on Christmas at that time? Probably not. Let me tell you what I honestly believe here. I believe that some in America have traded their holiday spirit for selfishness. I see commentators such as Bill O'Reilly insist that there is some kind of war on Christmas, because most retailers choose to display a Happy Holiday's sign as opposed to the more specific Merry Christmas. All of a sudden, Happy Holidays has been twisted into FUCK YOU GOD!

Baby Bill, as Keith Olbermann calls him, is waging a war in his own mind. But that's his problem, our problem is the fact that some folks are willing to follow him into battle, and that is what he counts on. The Bush years caused a lot of separation in this country, and imaginary wars on God was one of the religious right's greatest weapons. Speaking as a Christian woman, who found out when she was 37 that she was also Jewish by heritage, I don't offend easily anyway. If someone wishes me a HAPPY HOLIDAY, I smile because someone has just wished me well. If someone wishes me a MERRY CHRISTMAS, I smile, because someone has just wished me well. If I happen to hear a HAPPY HANUKKAH, I smile because someone has just wished me well. GET THE POINT! Wishing someone well is just that... WISHING SOMEONE WELL!

Yesterday I decided to take part in the Blogger's Community Photo Challenge, the topic was Christmas. Sigh. Marie and Vicki are the hosts of the challenge, and it is up to their discretion to decide the topics, just as it is my decision to decide what the Monday Photo Shoot topics will be, and every three weeks it is up to me to pick a Round Robin topic. What happens on my blog, is my business. Period. Photo Challenge memes are voluntary. If someone doesn't want to do a challenge I come up with, for any reason, it's ok with me. As I said from the beginning, participation is appreciated, but voluntary. I feel the same way about other folks blogs as well. If someone wants to celebrate a specific part of the holiday season, I don't really see the harm, because after all, participation is voluntary. If you are offended on some level, sit it out.

I took part in her challenge, because I enjoy Christmas. I am Jewish by heritage, and Methodist by choice. I study about the Jewish faith to find out what I might have missed, and Alan and I celebrate that part of my life by recognizing and celebrating the holidays together. We celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas in our house to learn about each other. Even after 18 years of marriage, we are still taking the time to learn about each other. While I don't speak about my faith much on my blog, make no mistake about it, it is important to me, and guides me in many of my decisions. I don't speak about it because my faith is a personal part of my life that I consider just one more part of myself that simply makes up the whole of me. I don't care for labels, but if you really need to know, I am a, Christian, Jewish, Methodist, Democrat, Liberal, FemiNazi, Photographer, Wife, Fur Baby Mama, Woman, and hopefully friend who tries her best.

There are real wars being waged, with real men and women dying. Why do we need to insist that there is an imaginary one on Christmas as well? There is no war. It all reminds me of Salem, and the witch trials, where one person pointed a finger, and all of a sudden some bored folks who couldn't think for themselves caused an fashionable uproar. A deadly one. Think about it for a minute... do you see a parallel? As for Christmas being commercialized, well, that is also baloney. Look, it's all up to you, the individual, to decide how commercial Christmas is. It doesn't have to be if you don't let it be. You don't have to buy ornaments every year, or loads of presents, or partake in any commercial exercise at all. That decision is one of the easiest to make. Christmas is only as commercial as you decide to let it be.

When I dropped by the Blogger's Community Photo Challenge yesterday, it was to support some friends, and have some fun, and take a little time off from the cares of the world for a little bit, which if I am not mistaken, is the point of Internet memes. What I found in the comment thread was some sniping, and swiping, that really left me feeling a bit sad. I decided to not put my two cents in there, out of respect to those who run the challenge, and those who disagree with the topic. I don't believe it was my place. A question was asked of the hosts, and the hosts offered an answer. End of story. This, however, is my blog, and I felt like I wanted to say a little bit about the general subject, because I do so nearly every year, because nearly every year, the subject of the WAR ON CHRISTMAS comes up.

Sometimes it feels like we haven't really experienced the holiday spirit since 9/11. Remember how it was for a few weeks after that awful day? People looked you in the eye and said "thank you" and "please." They let you cut into traffic, and if you had less items then them at the grocery store, they let you go ahead of them. We weren't taking each other for granted, or wasting time on worrying about who was being politically correct. Suddenly, we were a little less selfish. We were all in the darkest moment of our lives as Americans, after the unthinkable happened, and we were all wondering, could it happen again? One of the most poignant stories to come out of that horrible day, was when two men were running away from the wreckage of a building that had just came tumbling down, one of the men stopped to help a man who had just fallen. One of those men was an Arab, the other man a Jew. "Brother," said the man, "will you run with me?" It doesn't matter who said it first. So I ask you, do we really need to embrace made up wars?

Here is my wish this holiday season. I am hoping folks will get a collective grip. I am hoping that friends will remember their friendships first. I am hoping that as we more forward in this country, we will remember that commercialism of holidays has more to do with your own values the anything else. I am hoping for tolerance and understanding, especially when someone has gotten on your last nerve. I am hoping that I can write from the heart and it would be understood, and if it isn't, then I hope that you will ask me... and not just come to whatever conclusion best suits your mood. As for me, well, I am going to celebrate the holidays and be happy, how you choose to feel is up to you.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

If I have offended anyone, let me know. If you have something to say, say it! I invite respectful dialog, tell me what you are thinking. Opinions, opinions.

-Carly
"Happy Holidays"
Holiday Fantasy In The Woods
Tilden Park
Berkeley, California
December 4th, 2008
Evening

Blogger's Community Photo Challenge: Christmas

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold everything is softer and more beautiful."

-Norman Vincent Peale

The folks over at the Blogger's Community Photo Challenge have chosen "Christmas" as their current topic! I can do that! So, here is my entry for this challenge round. I took the photo the day after Thanksgiving, while visiting the Holiday Fantasy In The Woods in Tilden park. I like to make my own holiday greetings whenever possible, so this is one of the designs that I am making for this year. :) I think it says Christmas rather nicely... don't you?

Have you played the Blogger's Community Photo Challenge yet? If not, just stop over their place for all the information, and the links to other participating photographers. You'll be glad you did!

-Carly
"Merry Christmas To All"
Holiday Fantasy In The Woods
Tilden Park
Berkeley, California
November 28th, 2008
Early Evening

Goodnight Mr. Unknown, Wherever You Are

"Without mysteries, life would be very dull indeed. What would be left to strive for, if everything were known?"

-Charles de Lint

It's time to once again to ask the question... Who is this guy? I met him on a cold December morning in 2005, when I went out to my car, and found him sitting on the little brick fence that sits alongside my driveway. He is a mystery because no one who lives on the property knows where he came from, or who placed him there. No one that lives on the property has children, so how could the unknown man have gotten there? I have asked everyone I can think of, including a toy expert I used to know, and no one has been able to identify the vagabond traveler. I sure would like to know who he might be. If you have any insight into his identity, I would love to hear from you.

Every year, on December 3rd, I write about him, hoping that someone will finally recognize him and tell me his story. Do you recognize my little stranger? If so, feel free to tell me who he is, and if possible, where I can find another one just like him! See, I don't have the little stranger anymore, because he disappeared just as quickly as he had arrived. He made me smile in the short time I knew him. :) I liked him at "hello." I will never forget him! One of these days, someone will be able to tell me who he is. :)

Last year, in an effort to have a little fun, I asked folks to submit possible names for Mr. Unknown. Let's do that again! If you don't know who he is, but would like to submit a name, feel free to leave a name for him in the comment thread for this entry. :)

-Carly
"Mr. Unknown"
December, 2005
Early Morning

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #14: Autumn Sunsets

"Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better."

Henry Rollins

THIS CHALLENGE IS NOW CLOSED! THANKS FOR PLAYING! :)

EMPS#14: AUTUMN SUNSETS.
Autumn only has a few more weeks left to it, and I haven't seen as much of it as I had planned to. Time moves quickly this time of year, so let's all stop for a moment to enjoy one on the loveliest times of day, SUNSET. Grab your cameras and show me an AUTUMN SUNSET where you live. If you are in an area with a lot of rain and clouds and not much in the way of sunsets, that's fine, show me how it looks just as the light begins to hand things over to the night. Show me as close as possible, the closing light of day. No archives for this one, I want to see this year's AUTUMN SUNSET!

Extra Credit: Show me a silhouette in a sunset!

You have until next Sunday, at 9:00 PM Eastern time, to take your photo, post it to your blog, and submit your link here. Please remember, no hyperlinks, and it must be a link to the entry in your blog specific to this assignment. Not a general link to your blog.

Linking List for EMPS #13: Turkey Day. 11/24/2008

Now Closed!

1. Jama... Sweet Memories

2. Karen... Outpost Mavarin

3. Julie... Julie's Photo Journey

4. Terri... Ways I See The World
WELCOME NEW PLAYER! :)

5. Liz... Visual Counterpoint

6. Tammy... The Daily Warrior

7. Martha... Menagerie

8. Connie... Far Side Of Fifty Photos

9. Mike... Everything Under The Sun
WELCOME NEW MEMBER! :)


We have two new members this week, Terri, and Mike. Be sure to go by their blogs and say hello, and see their entries. It's good to be supportive of each other! As always, I saw some really great photographic creativity this week! You all did a wonderful job with the assignment. I can't wait to see your photos next week! So, GO BE PHOTOGRAPHERS! I will see you next week with an all new photo assignment. :)

-Carly :)

Weekend Asisgnment #244: Black Friday

Carrie: If it hurts so much why are we going shopping?

Samantha: I have a broken toe, not a broken spirit!

-Carrie Bradshaw & Samantha Jones, Sex in the City

Weekend Assignment#244: Black Friday.
The day after Thanksgiving, in the U.S. is widely believed to be the biggest shopping day of the year. Do you typically shop for holiday gifts on that day? If so, why? Is this year any different in that respect?

Extra Credit: Is there a particular bargain you are pursuing this year? If so, what is it?

Karen Funk Blocker, of the blog, Outpost Mavarin

Ahhhh... Black Friday! That unofficial, in fact no where near a real holiday, holiday, that we look forward to every year! Alan and I have been getting up early to go out on Black Friday and watch people for years, in fact we weren't even a couple the first time we decided to do it. We were just two good friends who enjoyed watching people go crazy at the malls. We have seen a lot of strange things over the years, and even participated a little ourselves, but mostly we watch others in their quests for the perfect bargain gifts. Union Square has become our favorite place to go. It's always beautiful in the city, and there is just a different vibe there. I was afraid that it might be a little sparse this year, given all the problems folks are having just making ends meet, but we weren't disappointed. It was a great year for shopping. It seems all those great discounts were enough to get folks into the square. Shopping bags were everywhere!

That is a good thing I think. I have seen too many wonderful little stores go out of business in recent years. More then one that I loved dearly. You get to know people who run small stores, and it is a nice feeling. When a small store goes under because of the economy, everyone loses. It started with the small stores a few years ago, and now even the big stores are in need of a little loving this holiday season. Sigh. Alan and I have decided to do $50.00 for each of us, plus whatever ends up in our Christmas socks. As for the boys, well, they will be getting a new fun Mouse in a Bag game, and some assorted catnip play toys, plus a new sweatshirt. I found some cute little teddy bear clothes at Michael's for about $4.00 each, so, they should be the warmest, best dressed kittens on the block!

We pretty much know what we will be buying this year, and where we will be buying it. I don't really need that much, but I could use some new cds and there is a great bathrobe I saw at Costco. Yummy, soft and warm. I smile when I think about that robe... hear that hubby? LOL. I am also asking for a Starbuck's gift card, there is nothing, nothing better than a tall hot chocolate with a pump of pumpkin spice syrup, on a cold December day! Unless it is a Venti/Shaken/Iced Tea Lemonade w/Passion tea... unsweetened! Yum! I also have a couple books on the wish list, and there is a Cuisinart that we are giving each other. We both like to cook, so we will both get a lot of use out of it together! Chop, Chop, Chop! :)

I will admit that we did do a little shopping on Black Friday. We always buy an advent calendar. It is a tradition. I know, I know, grown 40 - something people still toying with advent calendars, but Alan never had one as a kid, and we have so much fun guessing what might be behind each door. Hey, the one who gets it right most often, gets to pick the pie we will have at New Years! Wooo Hooo! LOL. So we bought the calendar, and I bought some things at... you guessed it... Old Navy! I had a $10.00 gift certificate and there were some really good bargains. I got an off- white sweater skirt for Christmas, and there was a sale on v-neck sweaters, so I got an off-white one to go with it. I have been waiting for that skirt to go on sale for months! Originally it was $32.50, but I got it for $8.50! I also bought 3 boat neck t-shirts and a green light weight sweater, plus a couple sweaters for Alan. He looks really good in sweaters!

As great as it was to find some bargains, the best part, as usual, was spent sitting at our favorite cafe in the square, watching people. I had hot chocolate with raspberry syrup, and he had an espresso. We watched folks having fun at the skating rink, we watched folks jamming the streets and singing along with the street music. We stopped to take a picture of the Christmas tree in front of Macy's and noticed that there were only men sitting on the steps facing the store. Hmmm. Click on the main picture at the top, and you will see. Those men are facing Macy's, where one by one, they got up to leave, as their wives/girlfriends/and significant others came back with their bargains. LOL.

Here are a few other sights from the day...

The Macy's Tree...
A gorgeous gown by Caroline Herrera at Saks Fifth Avenue. I LOVE it!That is definitely my taste! But my favorite designer will always be Vera Wang!

The holiday ice rink looked like fun. I will be visiting the ice rink at Justin Herman Plaza in a few days. Maybe Tuesday or Wednesday. It's gorgeous at night. :)


Anyone want a wig for Christmas?

It was a lot of fun, and good exercise to walk around the square and down all the streets surrounding it. It was nice to be one among the crowd. It was a pretty day, and for the most part, folks behaved themselves. Every year you hear on the news about someone getting injured or killed on Black Friday. This year was no exception, and I expect as things in the economy get worse, people will get more desperate. Sigh. As always, I am hoping for the best. Black Friday is more then shopping for us, it's another of our unofficial holidays we count as special. Later that day we went to the Holiday Fantasy In The Woods, in Tilden park. But I will save that for a different entry! :)

Extra Credit: Nope nothing specific. As I said, we pretty much already know what we are getting and how much it is. :)

-Carly
"The Men Of Black Friday"
Union Square
San Francisco, California
November 28th, 2008
Afternoon

Round Robin Challenge: On My Table

"High - tech tomatoes. Mysterious milk. Super squash. Are we supposed to eat this stuff, or is it going to eat us?"

-Anita Manning

For this Round Robin Challenge, my pal Steven asked us, "What's on your table." My answer to him is probably a pretty common one this week. It's a turkey. A 25 lb. naked Foster Farms turkey in a bag to be exact! Why is there a turkey all naked on my table? Well, you see, I am short, so short that sometimes, when I want to make sure that I am seasoning a dish properly, I work with it at the table, as opposed to the counter which is a little high for me. It's not easy being 4 ft. 11. LOL. I swear the older I get the smaller I get. I think it might be true, you do shrink as you get older. Next year I will be needing a step ladder to reach the table. Holy TOLEDO... I am the INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WOMAN! LOL.

Here are a couple more photos that followed!

Thanks for the challenge Steven, that was fun. :)

Linking List

Steven... (sometimes) photoblog
Posted!

Carly... Ellipsis
Posted!

Martha... Menagerie
Posted!

Karen... Outpost Mavarin
Posted!

Jama... Sweet Memories
Posted!

Liz... Visual Counterpoint
Posted!

Wammy... The Ellis Family Cincinnati
Posted!

Connie... Far Side Of Fifty Photos
Posted!

Sandra... Strong Chemistry
Posted!

boliyou... Endomental


Teena... It's all about me!
Posted!

Terri... Ways I See The World **Welcome New Member**
Posted!

Monica... Family Affair Photography
Posted!

Sherrie... Sherrie's Stuff
Posted!



Be sure to come by the official Round Robin Challenges blog on Sunday, to find out the topic of our next challenge! See you then!

-Carly
"The Naked Turkey On The Table"
Berkeley, California
November 26th, 2008
Afternoon

Shhhhhh... Don't Tell Mom & Dad (Feline & Furball Friday)

"I always say, shopping is cheaper then a psychiatrist."

-Tammy Faye Bakker Messner

Shhhhhh. Hi, it's me Hendrix. Don't tell mom and dad that we are cuddled up in their bed! Today is something called "Black Friday" so they will be out all day. Oh they don't go shopping, they like to sit and watch other people go crazy at the malls. Whatever that means! Mommy always takes her camera, because there is always something to see! This year, however, they might be back home sooner then usual. There might not be as many people to see as in other years. That makes mommy sad. She likes to see other folks happy, and having fun. Sigh. Mew. It will be ok, when they get home we will play the "chase game" and the "catch the mousie" game. I won the last time we played, but Dylan is really good at it too! I After we play, we eat dinner. We get crunchies, but mom and dad get turkey. If we are good boys we might get some turkey too. I had my first turkey tasting just yesterday, and I must say, I LIKED IT! So please... don't tell mom and dad that we cuddled up in their bed! MEOW! :)

Now that you have read my Feline & Furball Friday entry, be sure to visit the host, Steven. You can see my pal Pickle, and find the links to my other furry pals. Steven says, Friday is the day for pets!

Note: As of today, I have been living with my new mom & dad 1 month! Wow! Dylan came after me, his anniversary is on December 5th!

-Hendrix & Dylan
"Cuddled Up"
Berkeley, California
November 28th, 2008
Early Morning

Happy Thanksgiving

"Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace, the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk - festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seed time and harvest, the ripe product of the year, and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God."

-Ray Stannard Baker (David Grayson)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Always,

Alan, Carly, Hendrix & Dylan

On The Day Before Thanksgiving

"If the only prayer you ever said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice."

-Meister Eckhardt

Everything is all ready for tomorrow. The turkey is prepped, the pie is baked, and all that remains is the quiet reflection of the joys and sorrows of 2008. I am happy to be able to say that, given everything that has happened, Alan and I are still happy, and healthy and going on 19 years of marriage! We are thankful for what we have in each other. We work on our marriage, it doesn't just come easy, believe me. Sometimes I have no idea why he is still with me, given some of my mistakes, but he just laughs and gives me a hug and brushes all the mistakes away. I am thankful for Alan and his ability to forgive.

I wish everyone was as lucky as me. I worry about the world. The economy is so bad, and there are so many folks going without this year. It feels good to donate food to the shelter in Oakland, but it feels horrible to know it isn't enough. And we get told that things will get worse before they get better. Sigh. Christmas will be slight for most households this year, not only will gifts be hard to come by, but so will food and shelter. Every time I get fed up with this tiny cottage I live in, I stop and remind myself of how lucky I am to have it! It's not just a roof over my head... it's home. I am thankful for my home.

I have two new little babies this year. Hendrix is my little comedian, he is a laugh a minute. Adventurous, and brave, loving and feisty. Dylan is my love bug. He is elegant in his movements, and if given a choice, he would sit in my lap all day long. He greets me in the morning with hugs and kisses, and soft kitten whispers, and then his brother joins in. I have never seen two kitten who were more affectionate. They are my boys! :) I share them with Alan because it's the thing to do! LOL. Actually, Hendrix considers his daddy, his personal property, and I apparently belong to Dylan. The truth is, I think we all belong to each other. :) I am thankful for my baby family.

Along with all the personal things I am thankful about, I am also thankful to be able to say I was wrong. YEP... I WAS WRONG! I really wanted to see Hillary Clinton become our next president, and to be honest, I had very little if any faith in Barack Obama. I told you that before. But I also told you that just because we wouldn't be seeing her on the democratic ticket, it didn't mean I would lose my mind and vote for McCain because of it. I promised to try to find something to believe in when it came to Obama, and I did. Not just a little bit mind you, I completely believed in him on election day, and now more then ever!. He has acted more like a president since November 4th, then Bush has his entire time if office. I had almost forgot what it was like to have a competent individual in the White House. I am thankful for Barack Obama. I am thankful I can admit when I have been wrong!

I am thankful that our extended families are well and safe. I am thankful that my MIL is at home, resting after a recent heart attack. The doctor told her that the damage he thought was there, wasn't nearly as bad as he had originally thought. Thanks for all your kind thoughts and prayers. They reached her just fine. :) I am thankful for all of you who take a few moments out of your day to see what I am up to with life and photography. Friends on and off the net make my life a lot less lonely. I am thankful for you. If you are reading this, please know... I am thankful for you!

There is so much more I am thankful for. Little things. Rain, chocolate, spooky movies, stuffed animals, chilled pears, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, a good sale at Old Navy, my therapist, music, Dr. B... . The list is endless. Mostly, I am thankful for life and whatever comes my way. Anyone can do the easy times, it's the hard times that build us. I don't automatically think about giving up anymore. I deal. I feel good about that. No hiding. No running away. No pretending something that hurts me doesn't exist. I feel it, give it it's due, and move on. Ok, sometimes I do better about moving on then other times, but I do eventually move on. I am thankful for inner peace. And oh yeah... autumn! :)

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

-Robert Casper

-Carly

"Thanksgiving"
Berkeley, California
Autumn, 2006
Late Afternoon

Let's Talk Turkey: Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

"When baking, follow directions. When cooking, go by your own taste."

-Laiko Bahrs

I am all set. Thanksgiving is good to go in our house. I gave Alan two different menu choices, and here is the one he chose...

MENU B

Lunch
~~~~~~~~
Warm Potato Leek Soup
Toasted Havarti & Pear sandwiches on Sourdough

Mid-Afternoon Munchies
~~~~~~~~
Assorted fruit, cheese, and pumpkin bread platter

Thanksgiving Dinner
~~~~~~~~
Turkey (roasted with herb butter) & Gravy

Cornbread stuffing w/ dried cranberries

Homemade Cranberry relish

Baked Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
(stuffed with apple/raisin/pecan compote)

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean Bake

Brown & Serve Rolls

Dessert
~~~~~~~~
Fruits of the Forest Pie

(Everything is prepared so it is Diabetic friendly) It's easier then you think!

I know, I know... it sounds like a lot of food for two people, but I have gotten very good at learning how to cook portions for two people. LOL. Although, I will be making turkey leftovers for quite a while, in that Alan bought us a 25lb turkey! LOL. OMG, there is enough turkey this year for each of us to eat 12.5 pounds! LOL. Oh well, I am looking forward to developing some new recipes, and it keeps well in the freezer, when stored properly. (INSERT BIG SMILE HERE). I like that I have become an expert at making a fancy meal, that is nearly guilt free! It just takes a little bit of planning. It's a lot of work, but I look forward to it so much.

I am spending the rest of the day today shopping for those last minute prep needs, such as the fresh herbs and garnishes. I am also heading down to my favorite cheese shop to purchase 1/4 lb. of about ten different cheeses for the snack platter. I will use whatever we don't eat in the leftovers I am already planning for. There is only one hitch to everything... lifting the prepared turkey into the oven for roasting. I will be on my own for most of Thanksgiving day, because Alan has to work. He has promised to help be prep the turkey Wednesday night, which is most of the work, but the lifting of a 25 pound bird, plus the wight of the baking pan, is something I am not looking forward to. Darn old torn rotator cuff injury! Sheesh, I hurt that thing way back on Thanksgiving day in 2006, and yet it is hurting today as if I just injured it. I am afraid at this point it is as arthritic as my knees are.

It will be ok. I will put a heating pad on my shoulder, and take my codeine like a good girl, and all will be fine. Heck, maybe I should just stuff the codeine in the bird then everything will really be fine. LOL. Nah, it will be ok, Alan will be home to take it out of the oven when it is done, so I only have to worry about putting it in to roast. In all seriousness, the hardest part is going to be not having my little sous chef, Elvis, to help me prepare the food. He used to sit on a kitchen stool and watch everything I did, when I was making a meal. I even had a little chef's hat for him. Our routine was a simple one. We cuddled up and watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, because nothing officially starts until we see Santa arrive in Herald Square, then we donned our hats, and cooked up a storm in the kitchen. Sigh. I am so sad. It's the first Thanksgiving without him, and I miss him terribly. But I do have two new assistant chefs, who have already shown a great fondness for food! LOL. Things will definitely be interesting in my house this Thanksgiving!

So, that's what I will be doing Thursday. How about you? Tell me, what traditions do you have for the holiday? Are you having a big fancy dinner, or are you playing things low key this year? Do you prepare your feast with any special health needs in mind, or do you "take a break from healthy" for one day? Tell me everything!

-Carly
"Here Turkey, Turkey, Turkey"
Costco
San Ramon, California
November 19th, 2008
Afternoon

Ellipsis Monday Photo Shoot #13: Turkey Day

"A two pound turkey, and a fifty pound cranberry. That's Thanksgiving at Three Mile Island."

-Johnny Carson THIS CHALLENGE IS NOW CLOSED! THANKS FOR PLAYING!

We in the U.S. will be celebrating Thanksgiving this coming Thursday, so let's have a little fun with the holiday... shall we?

EMPS #13: Happy Turkey Day!
Even if you don't live in America, you can have fun with this photo assignment. Here's the general idea. Photograph anything TURKEY! TURKEY thawing in a pan, or roasting in the oven. You can use a stuffed TURKEY (as in stuffed animal) or a stuffed TURKEY ( as in dinner) as your subject. A paper TURKEY or plastic TURKEY used in a centerpiece would be interesting. TURKEY sandwiches, or TURKEY soup would do nicely, as would a TURKEY TV dinner. Live TURKEYS gathered in the wild, or at a petting zoo works, or if you can't seem to find a fowl TURKEY, but you know a real live human TURKEY, feel free to take their picture and post it. But don't forget to get their permission, if you don't they might think you are the TURKEY! I will even accept a photo of TURKISH coffee! If it refers to TURKEY it's perfect for the assignment! One thing... PLEASE remember, this is a family friendly photo assignment. No harming animals folks. Let's show our appreciation for the beautiful bird the TURKEY!

Extra Credit: If you do serve TURKEY for Thanksgiving, show us the WISHBONE!

You have until next Sunday, December 1st, at 9:00 PM Eastern time, to get the photo and post it to your blog, and then comeback here with the direct link. I cannot accept hyperlinks. It must be a direct link to the entry specific to this challenge. And don't forget to link back here so others can join in the fun!

Linking List for EMPS #12: Hot Beverages! 11/17/08

NOW CLOSED!

Jama says, "Tea for me, coffee for the hubby." :) Just like in my house!

Karen shows us some unusual hot chocolate, in some unusual mugs!

Liz shares soup and a poem!

Wammy likes to drink a big mug of peppermint tea, but sometimes "just to switch it up," enjoys some peppermint coffee as well!

Connie has a favorite hot cocoa recipe, which she shares with all of us!

Martha also enjoys hot cocoa, especially in a pretty mug!

I think we hot chocolate drinkers have the coffee drinkers beat this time around! :) VERY well done everyone! I will be looking forward to your turkey photos this coming week!

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! See you in one week with an all new photo assignment!

-Carly

We Share Butterflies

"A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie."

-Tenneva Jordon

This year has certainly had it's moments. At times it has seemed jammed packed with bad news, if not for America in general, then for us, on occasions. I knew 2008 was going to be a bumpy ride, when the pipe in the wall behind the toilet decided to become hopelessly clogged on January 1st! LOL Whew... what a way to start a new year! LOL. But then February brought the untimely death of Alan's wonderful brother, and March began with the death of our friend, and landlord P. Elvis was diagnosed with Cancer in April, and that hit us just as hard, if not harder, then all the previous bad news. Alan and I had a lot to deal with over the summer, but we came through just fine, on the prayers of friends and family. October came along, and it was mixed with sorrow and joy, as we lost our Elvis, but gained Hendrix and Dylan. Our new fur babies, that make us smile every single day.

Life is a roller coaster, I keep forgetting that. With the sweet comes the bitter. Yesterday, I got a call from the pastor of my parents-in-law's church. It seems my MIL suffered a heart attack a couple days ago! She is in the hospital right now. The doctor performed a, Cardiac Catheterization, and found that some minimal damage was done, but he isn't doing anything for it. Apparently whatever damage that happened will either fix itself, or doesn't need any additional repair. Either way, I am thankful she is resting comfortably. My MIL means a lot to me. She has always treated me like a daughter, rather then some strange creature that lured her son into the depths of HELL! LOL. Over the 19 years we have been related, we haven't had one single argument. Have we disagreed? You bet! Was it ever so bad that we couldn't agree to disagree... NEVER!

We have shared many things over the years. We sent books back and forth, and compared and shared recipes. Which, let me tell you is completely intimidating, because she is a chef and nutritionist! Yikes! And yet, I managed to impress her with a couple recipes of my own. At least she said she was impressed. LOL. We sent photos back and forth, and she was so enamoured with Elvis, that she actually began her very own, Grandma's Baby Book, to share with all her friends the photos of "her cat" Elvis. She is a lovely, strong, impressive woman, and I felt cheated when she and Dad moved away from the Bay Area just a year after Alan and I wed. I worry about them both, so far away, but fortunately they have a lot of folks around to take care of them and look out for their needs. I just wish I lived closer.

It sounds like she will be coming home from the hospital early next week, and I know someone will have them over for the holiday, but I wish Alan could spend Thanksgiving with them. You never know what can happen, and in that he has always had a happy and healthy relationship with them, it just seems like he should be there. We took a hard hit, financially, after Elvis's illness. We wouldn't change a thing, we have no regrets about giving him chemo, but the cost of everything has made traveling way to expensive to just pick up the phone and book a flight. Hopefully, the economy will get better in time. We'll see. For now, while going back east is out of the question, we are close in our hearts. Please keep my MIL in your thoughts and wishes. I just know if you could meet her, you would love her as much as I do. One of the things we share most often, was our mutual love of butterflies. Every time I see a lovely butterfly I think of her, so the picture above is just for her. :)

-Carly
"Beautiful Butterfly"
Conservatory of Flowers
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
Spring, 2008
Afternoon

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