Books and My Generation

I've been thinking about my love of books and that what we read says exactly who we really are. Also, that we display our books for visitors to see, to make the statement of who we are.

I looked at the books on my bookshelves and understood that they really say who I am.

From left to right on my books are as follows:

Barrack Obama:

The Audacity of Hope

Edward Rutherford:

The Forest

London

The Princes of Ireland

The Rebels of Ireland

Maureen Dowd:

Bushworld

Tom Robbins:

Villa Incognito

Jitterbug Perfume

and on my Kindle: B is for Beer

Zen Gardens

Jimmy Buffett:

Swine Not

Salty Piece of Land

Michael Moore:

Dude, Where's My Country

P. J. O'Rourke

Eat the Rich

All The Trouble In The World

Age and Guile

Molly Ivins

Who Let The Dogs In

David Wrobleske

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle

Gregory McGuire:

Wicked

Ken Follett:

Pillars of the Earth

World Without End

Lewis Black:

Me Of Little Faith

John Kennedy Toole:

Confederacy of Dunces

David Sedaris:

Naked

Augusten Burroughs:

Running with Scissors

Ann-Marie MacDonald:

Fall On Your Knees

Frank McCourt:

Angela's Ashes

Christopher Paolini:

The Eragon Series

Wally Lamb:

I know This Much Is True

Now, that is just one bookcase. It is the most prominent one. The one that everyone that would visit my home would see. So what does it say about me?

I believe that it says that I am definitely a left-wing liberal, that I enjoy humor, but that I love history, and just a damn good story.

I have a kindle e-reader and I do enjoy it. However, it has not deterred my love of real Books. I usually get my books from second-hand stores or when the library has a book sale. Some are given to me, there is never a better gift than a book.

I also believe that my choice in books shows that I still believe in a world without war, prejudice, injustice, and equality for all people. Next to my bed I keep a copy of "Zen Miracles" and it is my most valued book. I can look at a page or two and know that I am indeed the Captain of who I am. No one else, no mythic being, no political idealism, just my own mind.

One other thing before I close. I've been listening to all this silliness going around in the country. I think my generation (or at least some) owe our children and grandchildren an apology. We grew up thinking we could achieve a world without wars, without racism or sexism. We failed miserably. Some of my generation have back peddled to the 1950's. Lost their way, or prayed to the almighty dollar sign. I, for one, will keep up the good fight and hope that my kids and grandchildren will know that some of my generation stood for something greater than ourselves.

The Illinois State Fair was just a week ago and I am thinking how much I would love to go to the Fair just one more time in my life.

The State Fair was something that our family never missed. It meant getting everyone together and heading to Springfield for an entire day. We arrived as the gates were opening and staked out a couple of tables and plenty of chairs in the Farm Bureau tent. It was located behind the Dairy Building. This was a good place to meet and always used as the center of the Fair day. Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, or Dad would be there waiting for us at the end of the day for the journey home.

The Dairy Building was a wonderful place. There was always a sculpture made out of butter. Usually, a full size cow made of Butter. I always wondered how long it took to sculpt it and how much butter was used. One other thing about the Dairy Building was the cheese sandwiches and chocolate milk. I have never found a cheese that was that full of flavor, or colder chocolate milk.

After the visit to the Dairy Building we were off to see the cows, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. However, the favorite of Daddy's and mine were the mules. What wonderful animals they are. There is such intelligence in their eyes. I've always wanted a mule not to work, but for a pet.

Next, it was off to look at all the new farm equipment. Shiny new John Deere tractors, the latest combines and corn pickers. You could see the wishes rolling of Grandpa, Daddy, and Uncle Wayne.

There was a visit to the 4-H Building to see all the exhibits of the 4-H kids. Always fun to see the projects they came up with and if you knew anyone who had won a Blue ribbon.

Next, it was off to the Exposition Building. This building contained all the handiwork of the people of Illinois. Pies, Cakes, canning jars full of fruits and vegetables, handmade quilts. Wonderful to see the talent of the people of Illinois.

One year when I was very little, my sister and a friend took me to ride the rides when a huge rain storm came up. We got lost and ended up at the fire station. I remember that a kind fireman wrapped me in his coat and took us to the Farm Bureau tent to find Mom and Dad. I will never forget how scared we were.

In later years, as teens, we would go to the Fair to ride the carnival rides in an area known as "Happy Hollow". Also, to see the Grandstand Show and fireworks that followed. I got to see "Paul Revere and the Raiders", "The Beach Boys" and several other 60's groups there. Always great fun!

I've not been to the fair in over 40 years now, but I sure would like a cheese sandwich, chocolate milk and see a few mules again.

If you get to go to a State Fair don't pass up the opportunity. You never know what magic they really are.

August 11, 2011

The heat continues to zap the life out of nearly everything here in North Florida. The afternoons are timed by the 3 p.m. thunderstorms. Survival depends on air conditioning and fans.

I couldn't find much happening in August of 1951. So, I thought I would ramble on a few things that I have had on my tiny little mind.

I urge all to read the book or, at the very least, to see the movie; "The Help". It is wonderful novel that shows a unique side to "domestic" help, that the majority of people might not think about.

After reading this wonderful book, I got to thinking about how I was brought up to interact with different races of people.

My mother was the original "Archie Bunker". I guess her ranting never took with my sister and I. I tried very hard to raise my boys so that they wouldn't judge folks by the color of their skin, nationality, or gender. One son learned the lesson, one son still has issues with some of different color or nationality, but he would never be mean or hateful to anyone, because he is a kind and gentle soul.

Growing up in a small southern Illinois town didn't give for much interaction with anyone from a different race. There were black families, but due to the time in history, I guess I didn't really give it any thought, until I was in high school. Even then I don't remember thinking about race relations that much.

I knew what was happening in the south was wrong, but like so many folks today, it didn't seem to affect me, so I just didn't think about it.

When the Equal Rights Movement started, that is when I became more aware of all inequalities. The Women's Movement spoke to me in ways that nothing else ever had. I guess I could see how women had been second class citizens and were indoctrinated to believe that we needed to marry, have children, and that was it! The whole Cinderella myth. What I wanted to know was, what happened to Cinderella when her kids moved out, or her husband left her for Snow White? What if Cinderella didn't find a Prince Charming but a frog? What if Cinderella found that she wanted the whole kingdom and to heck with Prince Charming? No one could answer that until the women's movement came along.

Now, I see things like the "Bachelorette, The Real Housewives of (you put in the place name), Toddlers and Tiaras, " etc. What, just what, are we teaching our daughters and granddaughters? Also, what kind of messages are being sent to our sons and grandsons?

Then we have the ultra right-wing, trying to put us all back in the 50's. What the hell is that all about?

Now, don't get me wrong, I am a housewife and I love being at home. However, when I am home, I am not cleaning and cooking for 24/7. I get a lot of art work done, and just have the freedom to do what I want, when I want. I love having the freedom and space. It seems that at 60 I am just discovering who I am. It is a wonderful thing.

I admit that I do still see the colors and nationalities, but I try with all I have to ignore those distinctions. I encourage my grandchildren to see people as just people. I hope and pray that at some point in the future there will be no need to fight for anyone's rights.

Crazy Days

The past week has been really strange. The dog days of summer are upon us, but someone has informed my dogs ( Lilly Belle and Lyle Love-It ) that the best place to be is in the house with Mom. This requires me to become a dog wrangler. Lilly hates Lyle, but Lyle loves Lilly. I have no children, but still have to deal with baby gates.

The dog days of summer also brings daily afternoon storms to Florida. You can nearly set your watch by them. Anywhere around 3p.m. and 4p.m., it will assuredly rain, if not out an out thunderstorm with crazy winds and monsoon rains.

These daily storms also play havoc with the electrical and phone systems of the house. About two weeks ago, my phone started with static and random ringing or not ringing at all. I went to their web site and decided to do an online chat with a tech, to see if I could solve the problem without having someone come to the house. Now, if you've seen the commercial for a credit card company and the tech named "Peggy" then you will know my frustration and the near hysterical laughter provided to me via "Windstream". As I typed my problem into the little slot provided for the online chat, I see this typed: "Hello, my name is Peggy. How can I help you today?". I was laughing so hard that I couldn't type anymore.

Next, thing is that I must call them. So I call from a kindly neighbors house and Windstream sends out a fella to fix the phones. The minute he opens the box several wasps fly out. Wasps have a bad attitude problem. I think they are like Republicans, teenagers, and (yes) old ladies just damn angry all the time.

Finally, phone fixed. Then it is on to a neighborhood meeting about an access road (which no one really cares about) and maybe forming a neighborhood watch. We have had some strange goings on in the neighborhood, so it might be a good idea to know who the neighbors are and just to keep an eye out.

A representative from the County Sheriffs Dept. was supposed to come and relay information on setting up such a watch. Unfortunately, the local Sheriffs Office is about 30 miles away, and there is not a lot of concern about the citizens of our neighborhood. The representative just didn't show up. Makes me feel very safe.

Saturday night, after my husband had gone to bed, I hear what sounds like a loud firecracker go off just outside the back door, thinking someone had some leftover fireworks I just continue watching my television program and then off to bed. The next morning, my husband goes to town to get a newspaper and the required Sunday morning doughnuts for breakfast. Our truck needed a small repair and a tire aired up, so he pulled into the back yard. Low and behold, the entire top of a large tree had fallen out and it just missed our back deck. So, it was not a firecracker, but the tree. Guess, from now on when I hear something out of the ordinary I will take the time and effort to look out and try to determine the source.

This got me to thinking about the neighborhood watch thing. I guess, I wouldn't be very good at it. I don't seem to really care about strange noises and such. The neighbors might not feel any safer with me in their group.

The dog days of summer have put me in a stupor. Ready for some cooler days or a very large pitcher of Margaritas in the blender, Jimmy Buffett on the stereo, me and Lyle Love-It on the screen porch. This could be one of the reasons for my lack of attention to things in the neighborhood. If nothing else, the margaritas may make me see things to report to the Neighborhood Watch.

Have a wonderful week all my friends and family.

July 27th, 2011

Today is Don and mine wedding anniversary, we have been married for five years. I am always amazed that we seem to make this work no matter what.

We have both had previous marriages that for one reason or another didn't work out. Maybe, those marriages taught us something. I don't really know.

While Don is not my first love. You know the one that makes you hear bells and all that other stuff. He is the one that no matter what, I know will be there for me. He is my rock and my soft place to land when all seems to falling apart.

I guess I really can't ask for more and I really don't want more than he already is: Just my Don.

July 2011

July 13, 2011: Oh My God, it is so dang hot! It is nearly like having a "hot flash", except it just doesn't go away.

I've found that as I get older, it is harder to adjust my inner core to extremes of hot and cold. Living in Florida, anything below 70 degrees is sock and long sleeves for me. Anything above 73 degrees is "strip it all off" weather. So as you can see, I am limited to a few degrees of change. I hope as the years pass that the margin doesn't decrease any more, because I will be very confused about proper attire for the day. I don't want to be one of those old ladies that has to wear socks with sandals.

I have also found that I perspire a lot more than before. As with "hot flashes", my face seems to take the brunt of the sweat. OK, so some time soon, I expect to see myself with socks, sandals, and a terry cloth head band. What a lovely sight that would be!

I just don't remember ever being this dependent on Air Conditioning. When I was little, our family had a huge window fan that pulled cool air into the house. I remember, on sultry summer nights, there would be a pallet made on the floor in front of the front door and we would sleep there. Odd, people don't know what a pallet is anymore, or make them on the floor. I would bet that if you asked anyone under 50 they wouldn't have a clue as to what your were talking about if you said, "I made a pallet on the floor".

The other thing about summer heat is that even though it is unbearable at 60, I still look forward to warm days and nights. I seem to have this fantasy about enjoying the summer evenings on the porch. People just don't sit on the porch anymore. Or there are planned communities that emulate the old neighborhoods, where it is fashionable to sit on the front porch. Disney has one in Orlando. I don't like that you have to plan to have a real neighborhood. It is a shame that folks just don't enjoy their communities, and neighborhoods.

So, grab a glass of lemonade or a beer, and go sit on the front porch and give folks something to talk about. Like, did you see that old woman, with the socks on with her sandals, sitting on her front porch.

July 1, 2011

July has arrived. The heat and humidity is now a fact of life. It seems a good time to celebrate our nation's birthday, however, I prefer to just celebrate my youngest son's birthday. He is much more important to me.

I look at this boy (man) and am truly amazed by him.

Timothy, from day one, has been a smile in my heart. He has always seems to have a smile within him and a sense of goodwill that is unbounded. So, I am wishing him a wonderful day. As, I talked to him this morning, his daughter was hugging him and I could hear her laughter. That is what I remember most from his childhood, the hugs. Nothing better.

So, yes, we are celebrating our Nation's birthday as well. While we have the most wonderful nation, I see that those on the right side of the debate want to destroy all that has made it one of the best countries in the world. Astounds me.

This will be 60 years of enjoying the 4th of July. Mostly, I remember family get togethers. At Grandma and Grandpa Best's farm. There would be the most wonder fried chicken. I don't know how Grandma did it, but the chicken was perfection. At the end of the evening, there was homemade ice cream and a cake. Or watermelon. Now, you have to understand, for 60 years, I've tried to like watermelon. Every summer I convince myself that this will be the summer that I will finally understand the wonderfulness of the melon. Then, I try to eat it. Ugh, the smell, the texture, the taste, is all wrong. Do you think that makes me nearly un-American?

Another 4th memory is with my sister and her family. There were battles with the next door neighbors. They would fly the Confederate flag and we would fly the Stars and Stripes. Whoever, using whatever means possible, stole the others flag won the bragging rights. Now, these battles would get out of hand sometimes, depending on the amount of beer consumed. Also a bit dangerous. Firing bottle rockets at the opposition camp, sent many a running for their lives.

Another 4th memory, is my hometowns fireworks celebration. It was always held at the lake. The "audience" would sit on the rolling hills surrounding one side of the lake and the fire department would be on the other side of the lake, at the Country club to fire off the display. And every year they would catch some part of the woods around them on fire. Almost a tradition in irony.

The celebration still continues in a more calm way now. My niece saves her Christmas tree for the 4th and it is entwined with thousand of firecrackers. Just at the right moment it is set a blaze. Tree recycled for yet another year. I wish I could be in Illinois one more time for the 4th. It is such fun.

My 4th will be very quiet. Probably watch the fireworks on T.V., as most of northern Florida has been on fire for a couple of months, no fireworks are allowed.

I will also hope that this year brings an end to two made up wars, and peace. All we need is love.