Paul's Corner

Okay, I'm not sure you are going to make it 3 months, you better be planning a trip home to Andrea and the girls. Or better yet, bring them to Vancouver for a week. It would be a nice vacation for them.

I really do hope that you are journaling all this poetry somewhere for future printing. You really do have a way with words.

Here's a Hug, ((())) You sound like you need one.
Here's Hugs for the rest of you visitiors too.((()))
Sherrlyn

I hesitate to comment. And, Paul, I apologize for talking around you but Sherrlyn, take a look at the last three posts, together. Paul will probably tell me I am wrong but I sense positive vibes not negative.

Dennis

Paul, I'm with Sherrlyn - keep a record of all these thoughts. They are very special.

I'm pretty basic in the way I look at things (well, mostly, though I definitely examine every detail).
What I think is this: You make your journey the best way you know how to. Then, you can stop and look. Not so much where you are, but how far you've come and how you came to be there. What did we discover along the way? Somewhere along the way, we find ourselves, or at least a part.
I'm not sure that we always have to look deeply, but I'm equally unsure that we don't.
I hope you're staying well.

Peter

Oh, Paul, I love the title of this one!
Sorry, I didn't even notice the title on the other one,lol. And you are not a pervert, but I am agreeing with Sherrlyn 100%; a conjugal visit would be a great idea.
Like most people, I have times of deep introspection; and times where too much is going on to do more than keep up!
Keep exploring the layers, and thanks for sharing them with us!

hugs and smiles,
Sally

Paul...Self-revelation is always enlightening - it shines into every corner of your soul. Seperation from those you love is not only painful but bewildering because you rely on all the those little things they do for you and you do for them to get through life.

I agree with Sherrlyn and deltalady, you need lots of hugs!

Linda

Paul, whatever happened to "Second Drill". Was the project simply scrapped?

Dennis

Loneliness can be a terrible thing, Paul. It can fool us into thinking that we are empty.
It also tempts our minds to wander, making us harsh and needlessly critical of ourselves, as if we ourselves are to blame for being lonely. Lonely?...perhaps. Alone, no never.
I hope that you can get home to see your family very soon. I'm sure you're missing them very much.

If you look inside yourself, you are in for a treat, because there are only good things there.

Peter

Ahh, time to yourself.

It can be a blessed thing, yet gone on too long it can become a curse.

It's cool the spin your taking on your time alone. Self discovery.

Keep an eye on the opening of the cave, make sure the light is there. Don't wonder in too far. Caves are beautiful, yet treacherous when you take the wrong step. Concentrate on the wonder of it, not the darkness.

Paul,

You sound like you could use a good book! Mind you, this is a book that will forever change your way of thinking, and could save you and your loved ones from many health problems.

This is by no means a light read.

This is our book. My husband and I wrote it. A labor of love. Inspired by my beautiful daughter, who became a victim of fluoride poisoning.

We decided to write a book of warning to other parents and the research that followed led to even greater discoveries.

Momma Mil, you once asked how do you get a book, well, we have finally finished everything and I am happy to announce that the books are done and ready to roll. The title of the book is "The Slow Poisoning of America".

Please see for yourself, and be sure to click on the "More Information" link.

See our site at www.spofamerica.com

I hope it is ok, putting the site information here. But since I have mentioned our book endeavor a few times, and have been directly asked. This is just me and my husbands way of helping the world become a better place, and helping you become empowered by knowledge.

Feeling lonely is difficult and can be rather uncomfortable, but having this much time to be with yourself is a gift, or can be if you choose for it to turn into that. I hope you find yourself breathless and in astonishment of who you are, of who you have become.

Hello Paul,

Well, this is the first time I've visited this site, and I have to say that your poem on loneliness touched me, simply because it's quite true of humankind. Anyway, I'm sure time will fly, and you'll be back with your family in no time. In the meantime, please keep a copy of all your poems, and try to get them published someday. Oh, and do enjoy Vancouver! Good luck with all.

Devena.

Beautiful.

Welcome Devena and thank you for taking the time to say gidday. Welcome also Suzanne, dont know if you are first time or not but hello anyway.
I am treating this quiet journey as quite a gift. It is not often at home that I am able to explore as languidly as I can at the moment. Whislt I feel lonely at times and realy really really miss my family I know I am not alone. I also have no fear getting lost in this cave no matter how dark it becomes for with in me burns bright a light that is my passion, my love, my joy, my tears, that is my spirit. Oh getting lost is the point actually because then you must find yourself so you my find your way out.

Michelle congrats on finnishing the book! I will look at your web site!

Dennis, 2nd Drill never got the funding to go. Shame as it was a nice story and could have made a good film if some it's weakness were ironed out.

Paul, I can relate to your thoughts on the value of time by yourself. The short periods that I have working away allow me to focus on myself, instead of the facsimile that looks, acts, walks and talks just like me.
From this special time, I am able to see things from a whole different perspective, and I am able to understand myself just a little bit better.
Sometimes we don't realise the heaviness of what we are carrying until we stop to put it down.

On loneliness: We can be in a room full of people, but still be lonely.
Or, we can be completely by ourselves and not feel alone, at least until we allow ourselves to admit what is really missing, then loneliness is allowed in.

I am quite happy to have time alone, to be alone, it is only occassionally that I actually feel lonely.

If you cannot be comfortable alone with yourself, how then can you be comfortable in the company of others? Some people hide from who they are by being part of the crowd and others just hide at home.

There is a fine line to being human.

Paul, great point. I guess if you can't like yourself, then you can't expect others to like you either.
It's a good thing that I reckon I'm OK! LOL

Very good points and questions. I often find when I am alone and/or feel lonely that I discover strengths I didn't know I had.

Peter, true, although at those times, when one is at odds with oneself, and one tells oneself that one doesn't like oneself, it's really good to have others like you no matter what.

Greetings to All!

Thanks for the info on your book, Michelle. I'll look at the web site, too. Welcome, Devena and Suzanne.

I agree with you, Paul, that to be comfortable with others, one must first become comfortable with one's self. The more comfortable I become exploring and expanding myself (not to be confused with expanding my waistline), the more I'm willing to reach out to others. About your "Passions" post, I was going to agree with Peter that it is a perversion to deny our passion. I don't know how Andrea feels about it, but I think it's normal to appreciate the sexiness of another as long as it doesn't take away from the real relationship or become a crutch. Heck, even our President Carter once said he "lusted in his heart".

I find myself with a thinking tendrils problem when I have either no major projects on the horizon or too many that are not yet organized. In both cases, I'm easily distracted, my thoughts become scattered, and I fret about wasting time. In some cases, I am wasting time and energy and I just need to slow down and take smaller steps. But there are also times when I don't know what the next step is and I have to wait for more information. I still find that very unsettling — a sort of limbo. Aaargh!

Be well and happy. Best wishes to Andrea and the girls, Paul.

Diane

Thanks for the welcome.

I was reflecting today how pain is a lonely road to travel, and came back to read your "Walking in Rings". Even though others may sympathize or have empathy for you, when you are in pain, it is a solitary venture.

Have you seen Shrek? There is a delightful exchange between Donkey and Shrek about how ogres are like onions..... Donkey thinks that it would be better to compare oneself to parfaits as everyone loves parfaits.

Take care.

I would like to be a parfait with many layers and lots of chocolate!

Hmm...maybe I mean I'd like to EAT a parfait with many layers and lots of chocolate.

Welcome to my world. I've often read that unspent passion can be directed toward artistic endeavors. Sublimation, I think they call it. I don't know that I'm sublimating, but as the years go by I've become more comfortable with aloneness and focused more on my work. At least you have a family to return to; alone isn't the norm for you. I'm glad you're making money as well as having the time to philosophize. It would be preferable to share this time with sweet Andrea, but think of the interesting conversations you'll have when you get home.

Michelle, thanks for writing the book and sharing it with us. Because of you and your partner a positive thing arose from a very sad one. I hope that completing the project will ease the sense of loss ( we know it never really goes away). This didn't happen in vain if even one child can be helped through your efforts.

Everyone makes such thoughtful posts. And Paul, as always, you write like an angel. By the way, in my opinion, your presence at the sale of an SB dvd is an indication that you're very near, if not exactly on, one of the best possible potential destiny paths available to you. You could have been elsewhere, as you have freewill, but the choices you've made brought you there. It sounds superstitious, but I would look at that as encouragement. By the way, you have another SB fan. I got a pal to watch it on cable the other day and he really enjoyed it.

Love to everyone on Paul's Corner,
Whit

love this poem!
it 'rings' (lol) true for me...

Hugz,
Katalina

Thanks everyone for your support and eagerness to check out our website about the book.

Paul, if you have a snail mail address I can use, I would be happy to send you a copy sans gratis.

Whitney your heartfelt condolences were very sincere and sweet and I am happy to say they were not necessary, at least in the way you thought. Though, my daughter was a victim of fluoride poisoning, we have taken many steps to mend the damage that the poisoning had caused. Luckily it was reversible, though in many cases it is not. This is what started us down the road of research that led to our book.

A warning to all parents, if you see white specs on your children’s teeth, this is the first sign of fluoride poisoning. It can be reversed if you catch in time (though most dentists will say otherwise, we have proven it ourselves). The mottled marks on their teeth are a visual sign of the damage going on in their little bodies.

We have researched over 200 medical studies, and were startled to find some food additives that may be the leading cause of ADHD, Autism, Diabetes, and Alzheimer's.

We are very excited about the book and we are getting a great reaction locally, it's just a matter of time (knock on wood) until we see it getting the global attention it deserves.

To sum it up, thanks to our research and prudent actions, our daughter is the beautiful and healthy child she was meant to be.

Michelle-NS I was not aware of flouride poisoning in children, very frightening.
I am starting to change my diet into one with food with no preservatives and additives. I dont eat the most exciting food, but getting pretty healthy. Thanks for the info on your web site.
Mercedes

To quote from an old favorite movie, St. Elmo's Fire. "What is the meaning of life?"
Family? Certainly not the dysfunctional type.
Friends? No the situational type.
Spirituality? Legalistic rituals..nah
Maybe a place to call home where you can relax and unwind and feel loved and wanted. Watch your kids be born and grow into wonderful people. All the while hovering over them to protect them and trying to prevent them from making your mistakes and some of their own.
What else? Ah, to be allowed to be creative. To paint, dance, write, sing, play an instrument, invent something and all the while do it for the sheer joy of it.
And then there's this earth we live on. We can enjoy the mountains, beaches, deserts, caves, and reefs. The changes in seasons and flowers. The wild animals and domestic as well.
To pick a vine ripe tomatoe from the stalk and eat it with a little salt.
To live without depression, codendancy and other diseases.
Have we experienced any of this?
Does our face reflect the meaning of life we envision
or
the one we have riden.
This is what I ponder as I start my 43rd year of life.
What is the meaning of life?

Timmer

Sometimes I feel as shallow and superficial as a water-bug skimming across a child's swimming pool, so I'm often startled and intrigued by the deep personal reflections I've been priveleged to read--not just from Paul, who's amazing, but from all of his passionate "posters". There are times I stare into the mirror, not critically or vainly, but intently, trying to find the inside of my reflection. Do any of you do that?
I do want to share one of my favorite poems with you all - (don't worry, it's short!)
by Robert Frost~

"Revelation"
We make ourselves a place apart
Behind light words that tease and flout,
But oh, the agitated hear
Till someone really find us out.

'Tis pity if the case require
(Or so we say) that in the end
We speak the literal to inspire
The understanding of a friend.

But so with all, from babes that play
At hid-and-seek to God afar,
So all who hide too well away
Must speak and tell us where they are.

~ Take care, all!
Catherine

Tim, firstly a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU. Sorry I am late but I got lost in an onion ring and have only recently reappeared!! As I read your above post it made me at once homesick and it also took me home for a moment to hear the kids laughing, my wife whispering in my ear, the wind in the trees out the back, the sizzle in the fry pan as I cook pancakes with Emily. It was like all those joyous memories of summer holidays and goodnight kisses. Thank you.
When I got to the face reflecting my life, I thought yes it does. I have wrinkles and a spare tyre, I have had challenges, failures and loss but the life that I have ridden is close to the one I have envisioned - they are one in the same, for it is as I have created.
Sometimes the search for the meaning of life is often the search for the answer to the question WHY. Why have I chosen this life, why have I made these decisions, why have I become me, why am I here now. This I ponder with you.
If we are able to journey in the garden you have described above whilst we ask our Why's then we are blessed. I wish you well on your 43rd year as journeyman.

Catherin thankyou for your poem. And yes I often look in the mirror vainly seeking the inner side of what I see. I generally end up having a giggle at the reflection and ecourage him to keep on trying.

ooops, here is the "e" I left off your name.

I don´t know what to say. Can´t find the right words. It is so moving, describing exactly how I feel. Strange. His poems are always a delight.

Hugs and warm wishes to all of you!

Love Manuela

Tim, that last of yours was beautiful. I'm very impressed. "The meaning of life"...boy that's tough one. I'm not sure I have a clue. But I will say, as I work my way thru my 60th year, that living it is a continual surprise. This year has brought physical renewal that is going amazingly well. A whole slew of new friends, some disappointing but all interesting. And, right out of left field and completely unexpected a whole new passion (to keep true to the other thread). Where that is going to go I really have no idea. I only hope that the rest, of whatever is left, is as fascinating.

Maybe that's the answer. The meaning of life is living.

Dennis

Here's another Robert Frost quote that has really stayed with me. It's a little more along the passion thread, but here goes:

Ah, when to the heart of a man
Was it ever less than treason,
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?

As I begin my 25th year of life, I wonder how many of the things in my life I have accepted that I didn't have to, and how many of those things I am still accepting...how many times have I "gone with the drift of things"?

It's a good day for soul-searching. :)

Love to all,
Mysti

I think the meaning of life is that life has no meaning until you give it one, and then that meaning is what ever you want it to be.
I look in the mirror too, I try to see the person that other people see and wonder if that is close to who I am. Some days I think I look good, some days I think I look awful but I've come to understand that how I look to myself is more a reflection of what I feel inside and less about my actual reflection. hmmm.

I've had many thoughts along those same lines, Inn. I look at myself and wonder how different my perception of myself is from how other people perceive me. I wonder how different those perceptions should be. Should they be close to the same? Would that make me a totally genuine person? Or would it mean that I have sold out to the ideals of others? If there is a difference in perception, does that mean that I'm not the person that others think I am, or does it merely reflect the difference between outside looking in and inside looking out? Just my thoughts.

Love to all,
Mysti

Thanks Paul. I'm glad I helped you with a mental visitation home.

I watched the Ben and Jen Primtime show. They bought an estate on Hampton Island near Savannah GA. It's 30 minutes north of where I grew up. They showed pictures of the place on the news later that night and boy it took me home. Lots of marshland and big oak trees. Untouched beaches. Breathtaking. My nose aches for the salty air of the beach and the distinctive smell of the marsh. It's home. No matter where I am, that will always be home. I can sense it as I type.
Glad everyone in PC is doing so well.

peace and love

Tim

Mysti, I think that the difference between how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself often is the result of the fact that you know what your innermost thoughts about an occurence are, what emotions and reactions an event triggers in you that you can choose to portray/project outward or not. Not everyone has access to that part of you. I think we are a genuine person on our own, irrespective of what others think of us. Their interpretation of us are nonetheless valid, but what we make of them is up to us individually.

And yes, I too watch myself in front of a mirror and often find myself surprised when my body language, facial expressions, or perhaps inner self reveal something different than I expect at that moment, And then there is the mental mirror through which I observe myself as well, lately a lot.

Tim, beach, salty air, crashing waves and sea gulls, that conjures up memories of family holidays for me that would take place pretty much right about now. Lovely! :0) The ocean will always be a special place for me, for one because I grew up in perhaps the most land-locked place in Western Europe, and two whenever I am at the ocean it has a very intense soul-cleansing impact on me. It is always going to be one of the three places that I currently call home, no matter which beach and ocean I happen to find myself at.

Be well all and love & hugs!

Evelyn

You're right on about the ocean. It is a soul cleansing place. That's why I loved working in LA. You could work and if nothing else drive along the PCH on your way home and just smell the air. Not as crisp as where I grew up but just the feel of it and the sense of it.

Wish I were there NOW.

take care everyone

Tim

Tim,

I'm going to LA in August. I can't wait. Even more now.

Dennis

Tim-The way you, Dennis and Evelyn find the ocean is the way I feel about the mountains- they are spiritually rejunvenating and soothing to the rough edges of my psyche. In August I'm heading to Aspen, Colorado ~ I try to go at least twice a year-just to breathe and stargaze.(Of course, there are a lot of other diversions, too!) At 8500 feet above sea level on a clear night you can see the outline of the Milky Way. Paul- if you have the opportunity, try and get up to Whistler around Aug. 12 and 13- the Perseid meteor showers are spectacular! Here's a website that has info and viewing tips.
http://comets.amsmeteors.org/meteors/showers/perseidobs.html

Catherine: i know what u mean about finding a place one connects with just to "breathe and stargaze."
I feel that way about the Southwest American desert, specifically in Arizona.
I need open spaces sometimes...and also that crackling, electric, dry heat, red rock and bluest blue sky just did something to my senses -- charged them, woke them up, turned up my vision several notches higher, brighter, enlivened my energies, made me notice things in detail & much quicker..I had a sense of smell which took in beautiful hot, sweet, loamy scents of the land, smoky, salty plant life and air.
One could almost feel every cell humming/vibrating in rhythm with the surroundings. I felt so alive and aware there!

I do love the ocean and seas too, but this place will always be Home (to me).

Hugz to the PC xoxoxoxox
(lifting single Grande Chai tea),

Katalina

Oh, Kat, that is EXACTLY what Arizona does to me too! I was held so raptly by the color of the morning sky one day, I fell off my horse when it stumbled. Woops! My mother called me a Dreamer and I just said, "Yep!", rubbing my backside.

The river and mountains where I grew up speak to me in a different, though equally as forceful a way. When I think of being alone, I think of myself there, where I have the trees and aspen leaf talk to keep me company. In Arizona I felt as if it was just me and the sky...an invigorating feeling in itself. But "up home" I feel like I BELONG to the trees and water. Very different, yet still effective and emotive.

I don't think I could ever be lonely by the river.

Peace, (and an umbrella...constant rain--good for the garden!)
Dhi

Paul, when's the episode of Blue Heelers screening?
It must be soon.

My goodness/Goddess Dhi!! We could be from the same places!!! So you are in a rainy clime now too? Although I must say, latteland is experiencing an 89-90+ degree heatwave now through the end of this week..I am ready to put my head down on my desk here at work and snooze and drool (and it's not even time for siesta)! *grinn* It is pretty here, tho...but I do miss AZ. For some reason (no humidity), I can handle that heat much better, and still move and look alive!! haha

Luckily, I work near the water, so on a lunch break it's entirely possible to rent a kayak or canoe, or find a nearby dock, and take a little dip to cool off and come back refreshed. It's tempting NOT to come back tho - HAHA! All these sailboats, kayakers, etc....tempt, tempt, tempt....I miss my kid job (summer lifeguard/swim instructor) bad right about now! *sigh*

Hey...PCers:
Anyone have any good camping food recipes? Heading out somewhere alpiney/rivery again this weekend. (I've been using those semi-ready made meals in a bag from REI that one just heats up...I feel guilty lol like I should be doing something more from scratch and using my surroundings like making nettle tea or using salmonberries and huckleberries in something...(I think everything tastes great when out camping...lolol, maybe cuz we're all so durned hungry from trailblazing & burning up all our energy.)

latte hugz,
macchiatto keeses,
Katalina

Hello everyone,
The posts have been very interesting, I read as many as I could. Recently, I have not have had the time to keep up:( Tomorrow, is my last dance class, the experience has been amazing. My respect for dancers has went up when I realized how much work even the simplest of moves take.
Just signed up for 16 credit hours of school for next semester, and 6 of those are dance. Thanks again everyone for your support, it made me take the extra step!

Two days ago I met with two friends of the family we have not seen in years. I mention this because they are the only people I have every met who no longer live the ups and downs of life. As they said they live life with ease. It was wonderful to talk to this women, because she spoke with total understanding, but from the perspective of someone who has actaully given up life's suffering. Her message at the moment for me was to have fun in the moment, just get excited to be alive. And when I tried this the results where amazing.
To anyone who is interested in reading some great books, look for the author Michael J. Roads. His books are real eye openers and speak from personal experience so seem so much more alive them many of the "New Age" or "Spiritual" books out there today.

Wake up with love,
Melinda

Kat, a little late but:

This is a He-Man's dinner in a foil-pack (you could sub lighter meat, but the juices from a bit of fat help cook the rest so...go for it!)

Cut up potatoes, onion, cubed beef, and carrots into bite-sized pieces. Add 3-4 pats of butter, salt and pepper to taste and put into a square "envelope" that you fashion out of aluminum foil. Seal all edges of foil tightly, then wrap again in another layer of foil, sealing edges. Put directly into the coals of the fire, or up against the burning wood. Cook for about 30 minutes, turning once. (if you're lucky and don't poke a hole in the foil.) I use a pancake turner to assist in this task.

It's HOT (duh) but really good esp. after hiking in wet boots all day. ;-)

Dhi

Thanks Dhi!!!!!
Have a great day my dear
:D
Kat

Hi. It has been awhile since I left any comments on here.

I recently came back from California after visiting my Uncle Joel. I left on Sunday, July 13 and came back this week on Sunday, July 20. I took a lot of good pics in California. And guess what? My Cousin Lisa came to visit me with her kids Sarah Danielle, Breannah Marie, and 1 year old Dexter Joseph (which in a way is very cool, Paul). During the week I was in California, I went to Balboa Park in which the art mueseum was closed on Monday (auugh), and I went to see a 1 hour presentation of the Coral Reef Adventure at the Rueben H. Fleet science center, which also was in Balboa Park. Last year, I went to the San Diego Zoo, near Balboa Park. Tuesday, I was all by myself for 8 hours, which gave me time to do a little sight-seeing in Coronado. In Coronado, I bought a 16-month calendar for next year, a camera, and I bought a $99 jacket that had a Flamingo on it. Oh, I forgot to mention, I bought 3 new toe-rings and an anklet. Wednesday, Uncle Neil picked me up and I went bowling with Madeline, who is 7. I won three times easily. Later that night, Neil, Kathy, Madeline and me went to a Family Buffet, then when we went back to the house, I gave Madeline her very own scrapbook in which I made. For a while, Maddie and I were reading books and playing Truth or Dare until we were tired. Thursday, Allison picked me up and we drove down to Carlsbad, CA. I saw her apartment. She shares it with two other people. Then, we went to see PIRATES OF THE CARRABEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL which starred Johnny Depp. Then Allison dropped me off at Uncle Joel's condo. On Friday, I helped Joel with the shopping because on Saturday, we had a Barbeque. Friday night came the surprise for me. Let me give you a little bit of background. Last year, I didn't get a chance to see Lisa or her kids. Last Friday was a great surprise. Lisa came to see me. She said that I look a lot like my mother. Saturday came the Barbeque, although I was a little bit moody because I wanted to know Lisa and her kids more and that time was so short that I'd be leaving Sunday to fly back to Orlando, FL. In spite of all that, I saw Neil, Kathy, and Madeline, Bonnie and Harvey. Bonnie made a delicious Key Lime pie with Oreo cookie crust. Of course, I gave Joel $20 to pay my part for the icecream. Then, on Sunday, I left California to go back to Florida. When I was fly back, I saw a good movie called Atwone Fisher. The ending made my cry because it reminds me of family.

Paul, that reminds me of the scene in Joseph in where you said "Is this the one of whom you spoke of"? and then you said, "God to be gracious to you, my son." Then you walked out of the room fast and outside you began to weep silently. On the day that you did the scene, did you miss your wife Andrea and her two girls, Emily and Elise? I hope that you write back in the comments page.

Your Fan,

Sara.

I forgot to add. Saturday, Allison saw me again.

Sara

Katalina and Dhiana, I am a AZ native, born and raised. And right now it's about 100 degrees at 10pm, so trust me we have some nice places, but the weather can be very unkind. Showers are a joke sense anytime you step out for ten minutes your sticky by the time you get back in. Though we all joke that it's a dry heat. Latey its been monsoon (sp?) time, so it has be humid as well as hot. It is actully better to have a dry heat because then the sweat evaporates and any wind feels cool.

From sunny Az,
Melinda

Kat- I've never been to AZ, but I loved your eloquent description of it--then I read Melinda's! LOL. After a spate of t-storms that produced golf-ball sized hailstones, we in Chicago have had a week of sun and 80's-- perfect!
Cath
PS:Dhi-- toss a couple of boullion cubes into the foil packet before cooking- adds salt and flavor.

G'day PC'ers.
It's winter down under and yesterday was bloody freezing. I went to walk out the door around 2:oopm yesterday to go for a walk, but the wind and cold drove me back to my office to do some more work. Mind you, a couple of days ago it was crystal blue skies and warm sun. I guess that's the Highlands for you.

I hope each and everyone of you is doing well.

I wish that I could think of something interesting or perhaps even mildly clever to say, but alas, it all illudes me as I prepare for work this cold winter's morning.
I seem to fall into a black hole around this time of year. It drains my emotions (yes, I have them, despite the rumours) and weakens my desire to better myself. I have come to know that this period on the calendar is the anniversary of something unpleasant. Perhaps that explains it. I'm somehow linked subconsciously to memories that I'm not fully aware of, or even care about, yet they still insist on making their presence felt.
I can't explain it, but it's there. It freezes my will and often my body, and leaves me pondering thoughts that are always just out of my grasp, yet I know that they are held locked somewhere inside my feeble brain. Anyone got a can opener?Fortunately, my eternal optimism (somewhat tested) then rises and I'm new again. No more staleness, just fresh and new. Good thing, that.

Paul, I still have'nt seen THE episode of Blue Heelers. Must be soon. Let us know how you're travelling with life away, and the work (if you please).

If this message has rendered you unconscious with boredom and your forehead has crashed into the keyboard, then I empathise, because I'm a little bored as well.

Have a good day (night), one and all.

Peter

Hi, PCers!
We have had a couple nice days in South Dakota USA, but going to be mid 90's...and humid, tomorrow.
Peter, a nice cool breeze would be great,lol, too bad we can't even out each other's weather!
I saw a piece on "I,Robot" online the other day,too.Get the publicity rolling! ;)
I may be scarce; I had to take my PC in , sigh, the hard drive might be toast. Don't know yet, but if this guy can kick it back into service, we are getting a cd/rw drive and back up stuff til the cows come home.
And if not, we will know how to organize stuff much better this time around, and what NOT to download.
hugs and smiles all,
Sally
PS Thank goodness my local library has computers!

Ahhh Melinda...too true, too true.
A native Northwesterner/Seattlite born/bred...I must say I loved my 4 yrs in Tucson. Maybe we all prefer the "greener grass" (or - be that as it may- for me, caliche (LOL)) on that proverbial "other side," though? LOLOL
Latteland is now experiencing 90+ degrees and humidity to rival these temps, so I do prefer that AZ dry heat because it does keep my energy higher than what I am currently experiencing....I took a 15 minute nap on morning break today cuz I just couldn't keep my eyes open or body awake any longer....lawdy!!! I'd never make it in the Southeastern part of the States...that's for sure.

I had never seen such displays of forked lightning in the rainy seasons before, either...monsoon season in AZ was a total joy for me, but maybe to nativeborn it's as boring, irritating and commonplace as 191 shades of gray is in Pacific Northwest! But....perhaps you might find our mild, temperate Seattle a treat, mmm??? hee hee
My b/f A..is from San Salvador, El Salvador and he is loving these mild temps which are proving to be a relief from where he is from originally (which I guess I can understand...but I still prefer a hotter, harsher contrasting region and climate. I think I just like the comparison).

Hugs to all PCers today/tonight.
Wishing you sunshine (or shade/rain depending on your preferences...lol) and cool refreshing breezes. Either way..may your gardens grow.

Katalina

Peter
It doesn't matter what months winter fall in, winter stinks. I get very depressed in winter. More so than usual.

And speaking of weather. The SE has sucked this year. RAIN RAIN RAIN. We all joke that if we wanted to live in Seattle we'd move there..no offense. But all it's done is rain and then the humidity sticks to you like molasses and you can hardly breathe it. Warm moist air going up your nostrils is disgusting.

But as has been said we always think the grass is greener on the other side of the septic tank.
But that's only if you don't live IN IT.

Nothing unusual to report here either Peter.

Hope everyone is doing well.

peace and love

Tim

Hello everyone!

Sorry you're feeling out-of-sorts, Peter. You are never boring, though.

I'm with you all on humidity. Never could stand it when I lived in Florida. Now we're getting more humidity in Southern California and in my valley we've had about three weeks of air quality ranging from unhealthy for some people to unhealthy for all. (I've now added asthma to my hot flashes and general heat-induced malaise.) Anyway, I didn't want to spoil Dennis's excitement about visiting L.A. with my disgust about the air problems, the state's budget crisis, etc..

I've just been checking in with the Corner and not posting. Feeling tired and burned out. Between my business research and city/political issues, my head is spinning. I find myself getting caught in the crossfire between opposing sides on at least two hot-button issues, while personally seeking the resolution of a civil rights issue (which may ultimately require that I publicly confront the offending official). Meanwhile, I'm back on the Atkins diet and feeling at the moment as though I'm going through a blood-letting. Just lots of personal adjustments going on.
Oh, yes, and my oldest just got his drivers' learner's permit. Welcome to my high anxiety summer.

Excuse me while I go adjust my attitude.

Love to all,

Diane

Well, Diane, a week from Wednesday, come Hell, high water, heat, humidity or Gray Davis, I'm spending a week in Northridge and environs. And dammit I intend to enjoy myself!

Wave as I go by.

Dennis

Uh...Northridge. I forgot, earthquake.

Dennis

Hi Everyone,

Im kinda with you, Diane. Although I've been so busy I haven't even visited the Corner much. I really liked your note. Folks, I live about 50 miles from Diane, about 3 miles from the beach. It's has been so dogone hot hear. I know, my best friend lives in Morth Carolina, heat hear is nothing. But it IS hot. About 85 with 75% humidity. Today is the first lovely day in a long time. Breezy and cool. Almost forgot what that's like. I'm in for it though, my husband Mark and I are going to Las Vegas on Mon. Damnned if I know why. It's going to be blistering. Oh well, "put on that happy face" and go. My oldest is staying with her best friend. My youngest girl, 7 1/2 is going to camp and my twins are staying with their grandparents. Whoopee!!!! "Hot Child in the City" takes on a whole new meaning....hahhha

Paul, how are you? How much longer will you be in Canada? Bet you're counting the days. Although, a great job in your field of choice has got to be some consolation. I'll bet you have ENORMOUS phone bills!!!

I've missed all of you. I really enjoyed reading. This group is SO diverse. It's really interesting to learn differnt views and takes on life.

I did read Tim's last note. Tim, are you still seeing the Psych? I started seeing a psychologist a couple of weeks ago. Need to sort out my family. My daughter, who's 12 1/2 was "sort of" diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder. We've been dealing with some tough stuff for a long time. Just in this last week we've come to the conclusion that it's probably true. She's been on meds for over a year. She's doing better, but the stress on the familiy has been HUGE!!!

Sorry to end on such a downer, will write more later. Hopefully more up-lifting!!!

Missed you!!

LOve,

Margie

Hi, Margie! Have a great time in Vegas. I do hope for your sake that Nevada is better off than Arizona. I just read an article about the heat in Phoenix. The hotest July since the 1890s — temps up to 111 degrees with the average at 105. Car windows are blowing out or dropping out when the glue holding them in melts. But, hey, you can stay in the hotel, enjoy the shows and drinks, and avoid the heat altogether.

Dennis, you'll be within spitting distance (that's if you have anything left to spit). We're about 20 minutes north of Northridge. I'll wave as you fly over. Don't get me wrong. I still love California. But, for god's sake, don't let Arnold Schwartzenager, Daryl Issa, Bill Simon or any of those other bozo's take Gray's place. I don't think Gray is a fabulous governor, but he doesn't deserve to be recalled and Californian's don't deserve to pay $35 million dollars (we don't have) to steal his reelection.

Diane

Here Here!!!! Diane..
I'm with you on the political strife.

Talk at ya later..

Margie

I'm out of the loop, but I'm still thinking of everyone on Paul's Corner with high regard.

Goodnight Grandma.
Love,
Whit

Good Morning, Dear Whit (and all)

I've been out of this loop too...I posted last on Paul's other thread on "Perverts." One can never be too old...

Peace and love,

Grandma Mil, Momma Mil, Auntie Mil (I forget who I am.)

"You are never be too old for perversion" sounds like a television commercial. Good grief, I think we need Paul, back here, with a new topic.

Fortunately, Mil, we all remember who you are and love you.

Dennis

I forgot Diane (sorry).

I am extremely pleased to announce that I will have absolutely no impact whatsoever on the upcomming California election.

And now if you have any questions...

Dennis

I'm still here too. Hello Dear Mil, and Whit, and Sweet never dull Peter, our latte lovin Katalina and everyone else. I hope Paul is having some fun and not working too hard. Be well everyone!

I love you too, Dennis, and everyone. Dennis, do you know that when you reach California, it is ONLY 14 more hours flight time to Australia???

I have known this fact for months...that's why Ellie and I will probably never get there...from Florida it would be a 24 hr. trip...too long for these old bones!

Outside of PC, I have met some wonderful Aussies over the Internet, through links with Strictly Ballroom...I will have to be content by staying in touch that way.

Peter, hope you're keeping warm..I wish I could send you some sunshine from Florida..it's 92 today.

Dennis, have a safe trip, and a wonderful visit.

Hello, Inn, good to hear from you!

Paul, if you're out there, Will Smith's "Bad Boys
2" is packing the theatres, but I know that "I, Robot" will be the bigger hit when released. Good luck!

Love,

Grandma

Yes, Mil, a mere stones-throw. Were I to make the effort, however, I fear Paul would have posted border guards and I would never get in ("take a step back"). And then there's the language barrier.

Dennis

As with some of the rest of you, been keeping up on the posts but not posting myself.

July has been a bit of a downer. My dear neighbor of 15 years passed away on July 11th, the funeral was the following Monday, he was 82 and was not in good health. On Tuesday July 22, the sitter went in to check on his 79 year old widow to find her dead also. She has been in declining physical health for several years and had been unable to do much except for feeding herself in over a year. They left so much undone, so much artwork, artifacts that she had brought back from her travels in the Orient. They had been together 54 years. It really has been heartbreaking but in their state of health it was probably the best.

Of course on the family front we are getting ready to send another nephew to the Marines for attitude adjustments. One has just returned to San Diego from his tour of duty in the Persian Gulf. Dustin leaves on the 10th of August.

But to all of you I pose this question. Having attended the funerals of these two wonderful neighbors/friends and given the fact that we are getting older and maybe not in the best of health that we should or could be, and that we are not of the "religious community" I've been pondering what will be said about me when I die?
Who will get up and say all those great and wonderfull things about me? Or will they just put my ashes in an old mason jar and write on it with a sharpie, "Here's the Bitch" and let it go at that.

But I've also been thinking about my DH as there is a history of heart problems on his side of the family as well. What do we plan for him, cremation is a givin, but what about the service. What about all his stuff. I don't want his family decending on me like vultures, taking whatever they want that was his(mostly the firearms and a few family antiques). His mom is a member of the Episcopal church in Tempe but he has never been much of one for orgainzed religion and neither have I. But these are the things that have disturbed my sleep and made me, forced me, driven me to distraction to the point that I have done nothing but eat, eat, eat, for three weeks and the scales show it.

Anyway, it's been hot, no rain on the horizion. Taxes still to be worked on, house to clean, and here I sit catching up with all of you, my nonjudgemental cyberspace family. It's comforting to know you are all out there and doing so well; heat, rain, aches, pains, and all.

Hugs to all, one big one for Paul and Andrea. The Canada project should be nearing the 3 month end and Paul can return to wife and daughters.
Oh what a party there will be when he gets home, too bad we can't all be there with them.

Must go find something constructive to do today, I have DH on drugs, he's running a fever, aches and pains all over. Just hope that it is not the West Nile Virus, mosquitos have really been bad this summer. We live close to a playa lake and we have been bitten more that once while out doing yard work.

Hugs to all,
Sherrlyn

Sherrlyn,

It's understandable that you would feel low; funerals do tend to make one think about one's own mortality. But some thoughts having been through a few of these myself. For whatever comfort it brings, your enemies, if you have any (and I doubt that you do) will find that their venom has evaporated. Because, well, what's the point. Your friends and family, those people that love you, will be devastated. No matter how fast or slow, they will not be prepared. They will say only good things and mean every word.

As to a service. When my business partner, of 35 years, died suddenly and tragically (does anyone ever die comically?), about a year and a half ago, he had no family. Some of his friends and I just got together to talk, reminisce and be sad. It was one of the nicest funeral services I have ever attended.

Property. You should both have wills. You can do it yourself, but it usually sticks better with a lawyer. Lay out in detail who gets what and that's that. The family can go...

Finally, for pete sake stop stewing and take some positive action. You're both still here. Enjoy it.

Dennis

Oh, Sherrlyn, dear, no sharpies or mason jars for you...I am laughing so hard I think I hurt myself...in 100 years you will be fondly remembered as one who made the PC world a little brighter one Sunday afternoon!

Love you,

Grandma

Sherrlyn, I hear you. The heat is enough to slow you down and then with life concerns pounding on your brain, you can feel like a real slug. My senior friend in Florida has been relocated by his nephew (who took over power-of-attorney), and now I don't know how he is or where he is. I fear he's been "drugged and inventoried" and it makes me so sad. I'll keep trying to find him, though.

Perhaps your husband should have one of those special tests to rule out any heart problems. As for the mosquitos, do you have a good repellant? I know I get kind of lazy about those things, but it's important to protect yourself. On the funeral topic, maybe you could get your DH to tell you who he would want to pass his valuables on to and then get your attorney to add that list to his will. I haven't been sleeping well either and I think it's because there are things I have to do that I'm avoiding. As always, Sherrlyn, I wish you and your DH, the best. My thoughts and prayers for your nephews, as well. Every time I complain about our weather, I think of our poor soldiers in Iraq.

Grandma, you and Elliott could get to Australia by degrees. Visit California first, then hit Hawaii, then New Zealand, then Sydney. When I win the lottery, I'll send you some loot.

Okay, Dennis, fair enough. You can totally ignore the impending implosion in California. Come out here, have a good time, help prop up our economy, and then return to the relative sanity of your own state. I would recommend, however, that you remain vigilant about the possibility that "government by recall" could spread to your home state. Some of the people who instigated this recall have stated that it's just the beginning. This kind of chaos also appears to be the objective of neoconservatives like Karl Rove's good buddy, Grover Norquist, who has said he would like to see several states go bankrupt. (Hm, let's see... would those be states that voted for Al Gore???) Alright, now... think good things about California... uh, Universal City Walk is fun on a weekend night. Um...the Getty Museum is wonderful... Old Town Pasadena is a fun walk and there are some good restaurants in that town. I gather you'll be staying with friends, but if I think of any other good ideas, I'll post them, sans the political commentary. I promise.

Love to Paul and all my friends here!

Diane

Okay, Diane, you have a deal with the lottery...

We would prefer to go first class to Sydney, if you don't mind..5 star hotels, of course, and a driver to take us to Melbourne to visit Paul and family, and to take us around the talent agencies to find Tara Morice! Thank you in advance!

By the way, I just found out that my posters are on the site...go to the archives area, scroll down to "Fan work" just below "Guestbook" and find Grandma Millie's 3 posters...one of Gia Carides, Paul, and then Tara and Paul..."New Year."

Cat, thank you for making this possible. I didn't know about it until today. Three weeks ago my computer crashed, and I had to have a complete "Restore" where I lost just about everything except my tons of artwork, thank goodness. It was saved by the technician. I was able to make the posters with a digital camera and a printing program some time ago.

Love,

Grandma

Dennis no matter what you'll have a great time. Pasadena is a lovely town to visit. There's a place with lovely gardens in Pasadena. I think it starts with an H..can't remember. It's beautiful with all types of gardens. Not too far from the Ritz Carlton.. Just can't remember the name of it...Help anybody?
Drive down to Santa Monica too...3rd street promenade is so cool and the pier. You just have to do it. There's so many excellent things to do there. If only I could go myself...I'd go to shabby chic, Melrose, Manhattan Beach, Century City Mall...great theatre there. West Hollywood. Beverly Center. "SIGH"

Wasting tax payers money to do a recall is absolutely ludicrous. Just b/c one is a public icon as a result of being in a movie does not a good public official make. Although at this point I don't really trust anyone.

About the funerals. My mom's was not what I wanted. It was my dad's thing. What I got the biggest thing out of was when we put her ashes out at sea at the pier. I said goodbye and watched her ashes form a huge cloud and then disappear into the night. It looked like an angel floating away. I'll never forget it.

The most touching memorial service I went to is where people just took time to speak of that persons great and memorable qualities and what we would all take with us. It was very touching and beautiful. Nothing bad broughtup...I mean everybody has some shit in their closet but you're there to commemorate this person for their achievements and what they did for those around them. And unless your Jeffrey Dahmer I think everyone has some good qualities.

Great to see Whit and Momma Mil on the board. Missed you guys.

Love to everyone.

peace and love

Tim

Tim,

Let's see, there's the Huntington Hotel (Ritz-Carlton) gardens, yes? So much to see, so little gasoline.

Dennis

Tim, you're thinking of the Huntington Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino (adjacent to Pasadena). I can't believe I didn't suggest it myself. We love it so much that we purchased an annual family pass. It's absolutely gorgeous. You can spend the entire day in the museums that house both permanent displays (including some Shakespeare folios) and traveling shows. You can spend hours wandering through the gardens (Japanese, Rose, Cactus, Herb, Camelia, etc.). If you can arrange to go, try to book reservations for lunch at the tea room. Even if you can't get in there, you can have a delicious lunch at the cafeteria. Dennis, let me know if you need the phone number and directions.

Good night, All.

Diane

Today I heard "A Flock of Seagulls" on the radio.
The scary part was that I knew all the words.

"...and I ran...I ran so far awayyyyy..."

;-)

Good Day PC!
Going on week 4 with our 85-90+ degree weather..
what a summer!! (Seattle's best kept secret!)
We all joke to outsiders that "Yes it does rain here almost the whole year." (we have gotten so much growth from people moving here, especially from California, one of the sunniest states even!)
Out of all the years I've lived here, it really seems that in the last few years that our springs/summers are getting nicer, hotter and it feels somewhat tropical (which is hard on me, as I do terrible in the humidity). This place is amazing when it's nice outside tho...

Hope everyone is doing well, & had a fun weekend.
Back to the grind again.....
lifting an iced latte laced with coconut!
Cheers,

Katalina

Hi everyone!

It's been a while since I last posted. I had been out of work for a few months but now I have a new job which keeps me really busy. My husband has bought a new flight simulator for the PC so he and my son are flying around the world every evening so they monopolise the computer! He's now gone out for a ride on his new motorbike so I'm playing catch up with the happenings on the site!

I became a grandma last Friday 26th. My stepson's girlfriend had a beautiful baby boy. He weighed in at 9 lb 2 oz and they've called him Kian. I believe it's an Irish name, but I think the Irish spell it with a 'C'. Young people today seem to go for unusual names. Whatever happened to names like 'John' or 'David'! I expect I'll have to keep myself available for babysitting duties now!

We're off on our hols next week. We're going to Cornwall in the south of England where we'll be staying in a country cottage. Hope the weather holds out.

How are you Paul? Hope everything is working out in Canada. 3 months is a long time to be away from your family. Not long to go!

Love to everyone

Jean
xx

Dhiana (Oh celestial one):
Phew,...I thought I was the only one.
Trapped in the eighties?
Does anyone remember Spandau Ballet? (True)
Ah, an oldie but a goodie.

Jean, I've noticed the thing with the names, too.
Mind you, I'm all for innovation and modernisation, but once people start naming their children after capital cities, natural phenomena, hallucinatory drugs, Korean cars and household appliances, well, I'm not too sure anymore.
Maybe I'm just old fashioned.

Peter

Katalina,
I've given up coffee - 7 weeks now.
Pretty weird, huh?

Did anyone expect me not to get in on this name discussion? I was born a few..decades ago and I do not posess what your average person would consider a traditional name but that really depends on your tradition doesn't it? My maternal grandfather's family is Welsh and there are many a Blodwyn and Ioan in the group. My paternal grandmother's name is Leocadia. We are a family of strangely named folks. My kids are Dallas and Alaetra. My sibs? Deborah, John, Brenda and Ruth. I am the only redhead of the bunch too. Destined to be a stick out from the beginning I guess.
Hope everyone is well.
Inn

On top of all that I spelled my own name wrong!!

Peter, I gave up coffee too. I don't seem to miss it now that the migraines stopped. I only drink soda when I eat out. Of course I still love my beer.

Grandma and Ev, I'm temporarily unable to retrieve email. Don't worry; camp's going well.

Good night.
Love,
Whit

Innussiq, I should not have mentioned capital cities!! (apologies for my lack of sensitivity).

My mother's name is (was) Mladenka. My father's was Frane (pronounced "Frar nay", more or less).
I would probably have been an Ivor, Simun, Dragoslav, Mijo or Petar if I had've stayed.
I'm happy with Peter John.
I once had a cat named Bruce. Odd?
Oh, I had another cat named Saturn. The reason for that name was that it liked to hang around people's backsides. Close to Uranus. Get it?...Uranus?
Perhaps someone else would like to lift the level of conversation back up to something approaching decency.

Whit, Nice to hear from you. I did not suffer any headaches or anything. I gave it up while I was in hospital with my back problem, so the other drugs masked any caffeine withdrawal.

80's music? Not my favorite decade for music. Take On Me, Wake Me Up Before You Go Go, Karma Chameleon...

My son has been playing Purple Haze and Stairway to Heaven on guitar. What a trip! He just learned London Calling which is cool. Love the Clash. I can do without Metallica's Master of Puppets.

I've been thinking about the "pervert" thread for quite some time, and here is what I've come up with. I'm known by those who love me to be somewhat of a pacifist by nature. So why did it turn me on when one of the Cub's relief pitchers (after being rushed by a pissed off batter) opens up a can of whoop-ass on another player? OK, I admit I had noticed his fine form before, but this bad boy scene really did it for me. What kind of primal mojo do I have floating around in my head?

Did everyone finish Harry Potter 5? Without giving away any of the plot, let me just say that I love the scenes when Dumbledore gets to really show why he is THE MAN.

I just realized that I liked violence again, but this was Good kicking Evil's ass.

And that last statement sounds a little too Bushy if I do say so myself. Who am I?

Hi to Peter, Dhiana, Kat, Inn, Whit, Mil, Diane, Evelyn, Dennis, Tim, Jean, Margie, Sherrlyn and everyone I forgot. Hey Linda, are you there? Bluedog? And of course, a big hello to Paul!

Love to you,
Michelle/Chicago

Peter, my dad's name is Legouri. He was hoping one of the grandsons would be named after him.

Sorry Dad!

Michelle/Chicago

Michelle: Origin of your Dad's name?

Dear Paul

I don't really know where to start - I work with people, waking them up to a real life - I guess I am like a human alarm clock. I was thinking about new clients, the sort of people that I want to work with and I put a question into my search engine - who are my new clients and how do I start work with them? The search came back with your site! So I am trusting that the universe has something to tell you and me.

I then read your latest posting and thought I would talk to you from where you are up to in life -

"The longer time I spend alone
the larger the cave of my thinking becomes
Loneliness expands.
The tendrils of my thinking extend beyond reason
exploring the hidden
discovering the obvious
and all the while growing larger and darker and more
cavernous with each moment left alone
in the dark my voice echos off unknown and unseen surfaces
thrown back at me in a guise oft unspoken
oft not listened to
Thats the thing, the longer you stand alone
the more you discover there is to discover
the longer you wander
the deeper you will find yourself going
and eventually you come face to face
with yourself
but do not be fooled
for like the rings in an onion (and the tears they bring)
or the rings that denote the life of a giant oak
so to the self that you meet
is but one peeling of who you are
the further you step within this unkown infinite space
the more layers you may discover to peel away
and the more intimately you may come
to understand your own self"

Paul -
When you are on the journey of true self discovery you go through the valley of ego and intellect - the mind takes you into a foul, lonely place. It goes there because in that place you find the truth and the next step to evolution. You find self, you find spirit. Out of that place you can come forwards or backwards. Backwards is into the patterns that you know (or don't know) of your life. Forward is into a new life. You then learn Self / Separateness: learning that we have control over our thoughts and that we can choose how we perceive impressions throughout our lives. We can then travel into transformation: recognising duality and the ability to choose and change perception by loving self and creating new thoughts. The next step is Spiritual Self: recognising that each of us have control over our own lives and can choose our own path from love. The next step of our evolution is oneness / knowing: coming to a place of knowing that we are all one, free from the need for impressions, a place of infinite unity where we want for nothing, where we know happiness and purpose.

All of that is what I teach. I look forward to your next step in the journey.

Regards,
Sara (Sydney)

Sara, Welcome.
You are fortunate to have stumbled upon this site. There are many terrific "souls" here, each offering their support to others. It is often a truly inspiring and comforting place.

I like your description of our journey through self discovery. I have also been on such a journey, and today has (coincidentally) been a landmark in revelation. I have been searching for an explanation as to purpose and it has suddenly dropped into my lap this very day. At last.

Please tell, what specifically is it that you teach?

Peter,
Southern Highlands, NSW

Peter, no offense taken. You crack me up, Saturn. I had a dog named Kilo in my younger years.
Michelle, one of my co-workers LOVES 80s music and when she works it's on all day. I've gotten used to it, somewhat but still not my favorite. I wear my sunglasses at night..I mean really!
Sara, welcome and I'm eager to hear your input on some of the things we come up with around here.
Peace

"Mind you, I'm all for innovation and modernisation, but once people start naming their children after capital cities, natural phenomena, hallucinatory drugs, Korean cars and household appliances, well, I'm not too sure anymore."
Peter- I hear ya~ my daughter has two friends named Chanel and Dior, and another family named their kids after cheeses- Lorraine, Brie and Colby. What's next- gorgonzola???

hey gang, i'm still around, still reading...

vacation and all the fun things of summer are intruding.. I read the posts, think i'm gonna post and then my brain shuts down...hell!!

and what was i thinking when i named a dog Orbit!!! - never could get that dog to come when called...hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

later all

Peter, my dad's side of the family came from Quebec, French-Canadian Catholics. I'm not sure why they named my dad after an Italian saint. Dad's name is Legouri Alphonse, after St. Alphonsus Ligouri.

I guess my name is a bit French, Michelle Renee. Otherwise, we all got fairly standard names. Wait, my brother's middle name is Duchene. Named after some other Catholic Monsignor. My dad's first cousin is Archbishop of Denver. Are we sensing a theme? Hmmmm.

And here's me, breathing deeply. Om mani padme hum, om mani padme hum...

Michelle/Chicago

Michelle, You have a very interesting family background. Quite, saintly, too!
My birth father's family were all fisherman.
The men on my mother's side were mostly all fishermen too!
Would you believe that I have NEVER been fishing?
Perhaps if I visit Dalmatia, then one of them might teach me.
Dream on.

Peter, I'm not sure there are many saints in the bunch. As for me, I know the family tree definitely forked in an entirely different direction when I sprouted.
Fishermen, huh? Have you ever wanted to fish? Would you consider going to Dalmatia?

Michelle/Chicago

Michelle, No, I have never wanted to fish, but then, I really don't know what I'm missing. I might try it and end up getting hooked (sorry).
I do plan to go to Dalmatia some day, but I want to ensure that my father's family would accept me in the way that I would be hoping. So far, all indications are positive, but I haven't heard anything first hand, so I'm a bit reluctant.
Apparently my story has become well known in the village and I am seen in a good light. Let's hope.
I have a feeling in my bones that as soon as I arrive there, all will become clear, in a spiritual sense, that is. Wait and see.

Peter

omg..."Saturn"...that's rich!

Dear Lars-I-mean-Peter,
-No coffee eh? I'd rather decompose on the spot (sorry, too much Harry Potter, and Michelle, don't you DARE give it away! I am on chapter 31, listening to the audio tapes in the car on my 50 min. one-way trip to and from work..eek!)

-Spandau Ballet...of course we always called them "Spandex Ballet" (sorry, Paul).

-Good luck on your Dalmatian (is that correct?) endeavor. I'm sure you will arrive and spread your peacefulness. ;-)

Michelle - primal mojo...oh my! That reminds me...We were just at a Native American festival here near Rochester over the weekend and I got my son a medicine bag. He's put his special rocks, a dried flower, and...a part of a dog biscuit in it. (The dog biscuit is because he wants to carry around the love he has for his dog. This kid is 4. Isn't that a trip!?)

Ok, I have a confession to make...my cat's name is Evinrude. After the motor. (HEY! It could have been worse, KIA for instance!) I couldn't HELP it~she had a stupid name, "Jet", when I got her (presumably because she was jet black) and that just did not fit. After three days at our house, I was carrying her around while doing the dishes (I know, I know...but this was before kids ;-) and her stuccato purring reminded me of something. When I closed my eyes and concentrated I could hear it...my Dad's motor boat! My Dad would always arrive (in stealth) up at our camp after working all day. We'd be on the beach and wouldn't hear his car, so that's how we knew "Dad's home!" as he'd creep down to the water's edge, remove the boat cover, prime the pump and "BrrrRRRRRrrrrrr..." we'd hear what we were waiting for!

Actually, Eve has turned out to be a totally traitorous bitch (she actually SLEEPS with my husband...who doesn't even like her!), so the biblical "Eve" sticks. ;-)

Poof!

Peter: i sure wish i had your fortitude to give the coffee beast up....slurrrrrrrrrrp. but now my b/f, who works for Starbuck's gets a pound per week free as a perk....tempt, tempt, tempt....
on the other hand...one of the physician-scientists at my work got so scared reading some new journal research articles on the effects of coffee/caffeine, that he immediately stopped his long-ingrained java habit...he would not disclose what he learned, nor would he point us to the particular journals......so that was pretty bizarre...!!! But the fact that he immediately gave it up was a powerful thing in and of itself!
Oh well...I'm chasing it with water now....and limiting self to 1-2 per day if even that, and do not really drink it at all on weekends.
..But GOOD ON YOU, mate!!!!!!

HP fans/muggles/squibs:
Just finished Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix...

OMG, OMG, OMG!!! I want MORE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>!!!!! I could have read a 1500 page book and still be left wanting/craving more. This has really got me on edge of seat ready for next book now.
I loved the secret DADA mtgs and the directions the storyline is going with the Order and all...

and...okay...a few links to the 80's
Shattered Dreams, Domino, the Ghost in Me, Mary's Prayer, Say a Prayer for Me Now, That's What I Like About You, Pale Shelter, I'll Stop The World and Melt With You, Borderline, Hopelessly Devoted To You (haha/GREASE)...

humm....I'm dating myself..hahahah!

Have a great hump-day/eve...(already ready for
the weekend...we have some cool hydroplane races
coming up this Sunday and a nice airshow for Seafair - Seattle's Annual summer festival. I think we're gonna check it out this year, for a change...crowds, noise and all...)

Hugz to the PC,
Kat

Hi Inn, Whitney, Peter, Dhi, Michelle, Paul, Sara, Grandma Mil, Tim, bluedog, Catherine, Jean and anyone else I missed.

*wink & a grin*
Kat

Ah..Harry Potter. I got on the waiting list at the library before the book came out and ended up buying...and finishing it before they called me. Sometimes I have no patience. I loved it, I hated it, I can't wait for the next one. I'm even eager to see the next movie. I hear that it won't be coming out until next summer, I was looking forward to another birthday at the movies. Too bad.
I rarely drink coffee but when I do it's Starbucks or Gevalia. I love them frozen. Well tons of stuff to do today, my daughter is off to camp tomorrow.
Peace.

Paul, please don't be confused. Now we have two Saras on the comments page. From this point forward I am going to put a W after I space with typing my first name.

That goes for everyone else too.

Sara W

Dhiana, Lars? Please explain. That one zoomed over my head. Sounds Norwegian.
As for the eighties music, there was some real crap and very silly bands, but amongst it there was also the odd bit of good stuff. I don't think anyone really took a lot of the costumes, hairstyles and general imagery terribly seriously.
Ah, but then Australia had "Skyhooks" way back in the 70's, so I guess we were acustomed to men with make-up making good music. Oz also had some fantastic rock/pop bands in the early 80's: Cold Chisel, Midnight Oil, INXS, Divynals, Mental As Anything, Men at Work,...All home grown and indigenous.

Katalina, Hi back to yu. Here's a tip for giving up coffee. Wait until you have a really lousy cold or flu, then stop drinking it immediately. You're going to feel like crap anyway, so how will you know the difference? It really works.
"That's what I like about you" - terific!
(Grease was released in the 70's - what were you doing?)

PAUL!!! I saw it last night, Blue Heelers that is, THE episode. Sonia called out to me; "Paul's on TV!!" I bolted. Didn't want to miss it!
Well, mate, I've got to say,...you're poor old character! Fancy being victimised by two hormonal women (not a good situation - quite frightening).
Seriously though, (in my humble opinion) you played the character exceptionally well. You captured the quirkiness, the frustration, the deep sorrow and sense of loss that he felt.
A very convincing, colourful, moving and all round enjoyable performance. You really are a man of many exceptional talents.

Peter

Hi Peter

I teach people the truth - their truth and then how to move forward from that. Most of us kid ourselves about so many things in life, don't take responsibility for their lives and while they want to make a difference to others, they stuck in the mess of their own backyards. I teach people the joy in keeping their own backyard clean with ease and bliss so that they can also make a difference in anyone else's backyard. Life is so perfect, no matter what is happening - and when people really experience that, their whole perspective changes, things come to them more easily because they understand that they are inviting them in.

I work with individuals as well as running a course in Sydney for groups. The course is all about -

taking command of your life
knowing your truth
seeing the perfection in life
healing the world
knowing what is right
embracing life as an opportunity
knowing who you are
experiencing divinity

I shine my light in so many areas of my own life and I show people how they too can shine their light.

Have a great day - when you have a realisation it feels incredible doesn't it!

Sara

Hi everyone!
Dhiana, you could always look at Eve this way: She has incredible taste in men! =) at least she's not attacking your hubby and scratching, biting, crying all night as my friend's cat did with her last boyfriend. Moe just hated him and used every opportunity to show it. Now that he's gone, the cat is his usual happy, go lucky self.

Peter, if you have the money to go to Dalmatia, just do it. You can't control their reactions or your own, wether or not you will like each other, etc. I met some of my American relatives a few years ago, I like them well enough, but it bugs the living crap out of me that they think they have the right to force their religious fundamentalims on me and attempt to convert me each and every time I see them, which is not very often, my choice, not theirs. I didn't expect that, but that's what happened and in a way that's okay.
Oh, and why would you give up coffee???? Did you also drop tea and other caffeinated beverages? I think I like is mostly for the smell and taste and it's such a nice way to start the day or take a break in the afternoon. Also a very good companion to reading-nope, not a pleasure I'm willing to give up. I'm with Katalina on this one. Yeah to good coffee!
And Peter, did you tape THE episode for the rest of us? Totally envious!

Sara, welcome and your teaching sounds interesting and there's a lot for me to think about what you posted, some of these things I'm discovering, learning on my own journey.

Hello to everyone--okay, too tired to list everyone-- but I really do mean you. Paul, I hope you are doing well, having fun and in high spirits.

Hi everybody. Just checking in.

Thanks Diane. Huntington Gardens. THAT'S IT. I adored it. My apartment was off N Buena Vista off the 101. Not that far to drive and anyway I just loved it. All those different gardens. And the VIEW..OMG. Truly a slice of pie.

Have a great day everyone...

peace and love

Tim

Sara, It must be wonderful to be able to touch others in that way and make such a positive difference to their lives. Very noble, exceptionally gracious, incredibly fulfilling.
Good on you.

Evelyn, Nice to hear from you. Yes, I have the money to go, but I want to wait until the smoke settles. I have requested that two of my (assumed)male cousins provide DNA samples for Y chromosone identification. That will narrow it down beyond any reasonable doubt. I want there to be no doubt whatsoever as to my ancestry. I need full credibility before embarking on such a journey. All I have now is anecdotal evidence as to the actual identity of my father (although the timing and circumstances are compellingly conclusive).
The description of him on my "Record of Adoption" is undeniably accurate. Incidentally, he died in 1998 in a car accident. He did not know of my existence since my mother did not tell him, despite having visited her hometown and meeting him in 1996.
I would really love to go there. Check out "Tucepi" on the net. It's really beautiful.

I'm with you on the aversion to fundamentalist beliefs. I feel that I should cut about half of my brain out just to pretend to be interested. No thanks.

I gave up coffee because it makes me too hyped.
I start to feel a little nervous anxiety if I drink too much. It also exacerbates the chemical imbalance in my brain that keeps my survival response triggered and my adrenal system flattened. I just can't relax. Understandable?
I love the taste, but I like feeling good a whole lot better.
You just know that I couldn't provide a simple answer don't you?

Sorry, I didn't tape the show (cringe).
It was really good (cringe some more).

YOU DIDN'T TAPE THE SHOW.....ARGH!!!!!!!
YOU COULD HAVE MADE A MINT ON GETTING THOSE OUT TO US. Do you think they'll replay it?

Wow what a day yesterday was. I should still be sleeping I'm so wiped out.

Yesterday morning started a 7am. I left my house a little later for a trip to Pill Hill (the hospital haven on the Northside of town). I had a second shot to recieve in my neck. It's only 12 miles. At that time of morning should have taken about 25 minutes. Alas it was raining. I got there at 9. I had called from my cell telling them i was running late b/c of the rain and they said come in anyway. I got there and anxiously departed my car. I recieved the epidural and then because it was a profound one the doctor wanted to observe me about an hour. I had an appointment at 10 with my pysch. So the nurse called my psychiatrist and told them what was going on so I could re-schedule without getting charged for the visit anyway. So I'm casually waiting around and then they check my blood pressure 106/60 and say you're free to go. I get to my car...my keys are "IN" the car. I try to use my cell phone....It's dead. I call my 11:30 hair cut and tell him we'll have to reschedule due to the circumstances...no problem. The day is beginning to get a little frustrating. I call my wife about the extra key she is 25 miles away at the kids dentist. She finally makes it to the doctors office with the key at 12. I have a new client 30 minutes north of there. She needed cut, color, highlights and a gloss. $160. I was running late, so I called her. I sped like a maniac to her house with a quick stop at Wendys for a 99cent burger. I got there at 1:05. That all went well. Wonderful client we got along famously. Now to my next client. We had a 4pm appointment. But I had already told her it may be 4:30. Again it should have only taken about thirty minutes...NOPE. I didn't get to her house until 5. Couldn't call. So Iwent in hopes that she would forgive me and just let me do it anyway. She did! A full foil $100. It seems to be winding down. 7pm I hit the freeway going home. I'm 30 minutes north of my house. I'm two exits down the freeway and about a 1/4 mile from a rest area and my car makes this big explosion. Smoke starts coming out of the hood and going nuts. I coast into the rest area. It looks like it's shot to hell. I call home on a pay phone to find out about a tow. No problem should be about an hour. This is about 7:30. So I wait and smoke and wait and smoke. Time passes. 9pm I call tocheck. They're on their way. 10pm, 10:30pm, call again..they dropped the ball. They'll have to contact another tow could be 2 more hours. Meanwhile I'm about to have an anxiety attack. It's starting to drizzle outside and the male prostitutes are lurking everywhere. I got to watch an entire show going on in a van next to me. I'mlike holy shit..at least get in the van. About 11:30, a nicely dressed gentlemen comes up to me and thinks I'm lost, Isay no just waiting for a tow. Well where do you live? Need a "lift." Oh shit. I'm all for doing what you want, but that's not my cup of tea. So I'mlike thanksbut I'm really quite fine. So he goes to his next prospect. I'm weary and tired of the peep shows and want to get the hellhome. I call again. Where the hell is the damn tow truck? Are there NONE in Atlanta???Hello!!!!
Finally they show up...I got home at 12:15. Finally got to eat something. I was starving. Then I couldn't go to sleep. I took anextra xanax and it didn't do shit. Thought I could sleep in today but nope up at 6 am.

That was the day from hell. I believe we'll need a new car. I'm just so exicited I could shit a brick.

Just had to share my blissful day. Some days I think are bad...but this one just drained me of all possible energy. But I still have a great sense of humor. When I got home, my wife and I talked about it and I just started laughing...I mean what else can you do...It reminded me of that old Steve Marting movie. Planes trains and automobiles. As much as I hate "where" I live, I've never been so happy to see Fulton Circle in my life.

We got a new puppy. A golden retriever. She's wonderful. The kids were all asleep so she and I just cuddled up in my chair for a little bit while I tried to wind down. Dogs are wonderful.

Cheers to everyone...and here's to a great NEW DAY

peace and love

Tim

Peter: lololol: you know, I wasn't sure about that one....i entered secondary school in 78 at 13, so maybe it was that summer between that I saw Grease...those years blur together somewhat in memory for me (now)- so looooooong ago (old lady! Haha..nnnnaaaaa!). But i totally love INXS, Midnight Oil, let's see...who else? i was a big Rush fan, Scorpions, Def Leppard I think Heart and Pat Benetar was also in there,(ok closet metal girl),and
now i like groups like Creed, Evanescence, L. Park, stuff like that...plus a very eclectic mix of other sounds/styles.
Ye....i didn't partake in those interesting 70's in the way you mean...hahahahah - my memory just blurred that youthful era together for me i think! hummmmmm Let's see..what was i doing in the 70's? growing up, rode BMX bikes, skateboards (building jumps and trashing our bodies falling), rollerskated every weekend, did swimteam every summer, learned guitar & joined the large church folk group choir playing and singing, took skiing lessons, got my first radio and started getting into music, watched space program take off, news on war, Nixon getting impeached/pardoned, got rapped on knuckles for talking by very strict nuns (once in while)...lol, watched Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman, kid cartoons in Saturday mornings, kissed a boy, went to dances in church basements and learned to slowdance and dance to disco (yuk!), wore silly clothes and to walk in high heels (not very gracefully), traveled in girlpaks (of 6-8 to 10 of us) to movies, learned to play and sucked (then) at girls softball, begged for later bedtime/curfew...etc., etc., etc.

I liked your advice on giving up coffee while already sick..good idea! So do you think it's true about headaches showing up as a withdrawal symptom? ....? Oh well as you said, if one is already feeling krappy, who cares, right?!

Hugz to the PC today.

Katalina
(ok one, ONE cuppa coffee Blah ah ah ah!)

Tim, What can I say? I hope today is a far better day. Somehow, I don't like the sound of that neighbourhood. Hmm.
Again, sorry about not taping the show. Life is often hectic for me. I just didn't think of it.

Katalina, That sounds like quite an interesting time you had. Although, I can't imagine you getting in trouble for talking. LOLOL
I was already 19 in 1978. I was working and studying. I never leared to slowdance.

Caffiene withdrawal can be really tough for lots of people, but it doesn't last forever. I guess if you like it (coffee), then enjoy it, as long as there are no adverse consequences, as in my case. Enjoy your coffee.

Sounds as if we have some similar taste in music. It's hard to ignore the good stuff, isn't it.

This afternoon I'm going to watch my daughter's school athletics carnival. It will be yet another reminder of how fortunate a person I am.

Peter

Hi Paul and All. I visit less often so rather than try to participate, I find myself rereading your thread Paul and letting it speak to me again.

I must agree that I've noticed time and age, like the onion skins, are meant to be experienced in a special sequence. I sense my thinking patterns changing. I want ot add that for that reason, I think some books are best read at a certain age.

Did anybody read the Box Car Children, Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, Treasure Island, Tom Sawyer, The Hobbit, the Trilogy, S is for Space, R is For Rocket? If you know a ten year old it's safe to encourge them to read "The Phantom Tollbooth" and "The Neverending Story".

I read for knowledge now. College sort of ruined reading for me, though I love learning (about the things I'm interested in). Now if I read fiction, I'm not in the moment. Or am I? What about movies? Am I living in the moment when I watch this movie?

By the way, I'm watchin' "Time Machine" staring a fellow Aussie: Guy (drool) Pierce. Look where "Pricilla Queen of the Dessert" took him and I can't even remember him in it! Hind site is 20/20, eh? I can't help thinking this could be you Paul. I'd certainly be interested in the name of Pierce's agent. "Momento" kicked ass too.

You rock as ever Paul and I'm keeping you and every one at your Corner in my thoughts still.

Good night to all. A special good night to Grandma:) , Ev and Tim.
Love,
Whit

Hello Paul:

I'm a huge fan and stumbled upon this site whilst searching for more of your work.

Greetings from Canada....Try the Creemore Ale brewed in Northern Ontario.

Enjoy Vancouver, it's my favourite city in Canada. Stay away from Hastings Street though...

Regards,

I don't know about coffee but I had to stop drinking Coke while pregnant the first time and it was a rough ride. First thing I asked for when I woke up was the biggest Coke anyone could find...mmm it tasted so good!

Whit..

I LOVED the box car kids. I dreamt Iwas them. I thought that was Sooooo fascinating.

peace and love everyone

Tim

I think I'm a box car kid still. My eating utensils are certainly assorted enough and my apartment is about the size of a box car. I really enjoyed those mysteries. Do you remember the one where the kids found a hidden room full of toys? It doesn't get much better than that!

Wake up everyone and know that I love you.
Special good morning to my Millie.
Love,
Whit

Good morning right back to you, dear Whit,(and to everyone.)

I wanted to say welcome to Sara from Australia. If Diane keeps her promise to send Ellie and me to Australia if she wins the lottery, I have two more wonderful Aussies to contact...Peter and Sara! Diane, maybe you'll come with us...we'll find Paul, Tara, Peter, Sara, the whole office staff of the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney, and we'll visit the Mortons of Creswick, who were hosts to all the actors and actresses that were in the cast of "Salem's Lot" which was filmed there.

Tara Morice is in the cast, and it will be a 4 part mini-series on TNT in the fall! The book is by Stephen King, and it is about vampires, etc., and stars Rob Lowe, Donald Sutherland, and Samantha Mathis.

It seems that the small town of Creswick, near Melbourne, was made over to resemble a New England town for the film. The filming ended in May...here's a chance to see Tara...she's never been in anything that has reached the states...all her TV work remained in Australia!

Paul, hope you soon will be heading home to your loved ones...

Have a good weekend, everyone,

Love,

Grandma

Peter, I love your non-simple answers. Keep them coming! :-) And Tucepi does indeed look like a wonderful place. That rugged coastline appeals to me. I'm sorry you are never going to meet your (biological) father. I'm sure he would have loved to meet you, how could he not? You are a great and amazing person. I truly hope that you find what you are looking for in searching out your relatives.

Hello Whit, is your email still not working? How come you can post here but are having problems with email? Hope you are well and survived kid's camp in one piece.

Tim, are things better again? You have such a vivid way with words, I could picture that day every step of the way and then I laughed with you at the end. Great attitude!

Have a great weekend, each and everyone of you!

Peter, it's never too late to learn to slow dance. Maybe you could practice to an 80's tune. Let's see, maybe Lady in Red would be good?

Happy Weekend,
Michelle in rainy Chicago

I missed something here. What is a "box car kid"?

Greetings to everyone in the Corner!

I like a lot of others have been caught up in summer activities. It seems that everyone here is still thriving.

Because I loved the movies, I plunged into the Harry Potter books this summer. They are enchanting on many levels. Michelle, I am about halfway through the Order of the Phoenix. Up to almost this point, this book seemed very negative. Poor old Harry was really getting it from all directions. Now that he is teaching Defense against the Dark Arts, I hope he can be somewhat vindicated.

Linda

There's something that has stumped me for days and days! I've been trying to find the answer to this question about the meaning and origin of a specific
name. I've tried searching the Internet, but it just keeps getting harder for me. So I'm wondering if you can help me with this. Do you know anybody with
the name Evinrude? The question that has struck my mind about this name is, what is it's meaning and origin? My Uncle Bruce said it was Norwegian, but he was not sure of the origin or meaning. Can you help me with this, please?