Paul's Corner

Congratulation again on the honour of having been nominated, Paul!

Being able to pass on experience and knowledge from something you truly love is an amazing and very rewarding experience--well for me anyway, most of the time. :) Enjoy the workshop and sharing your passion with others! I'm sure they are appreciating you and your knowledge, and everything else that makes you so uniquely you!

Happy weekend!

you are amazing,Paul.Congratulations from Spain!

They say winning isn't everything, but it sure does stroke the ego, doesn't it? At least you have had the honor of being recognised in your work and that, too, is a good feeling.

Continued success, Paul.

Be well.
Sally

Dearest Paul,

What an achievement! I have shown the movie, "The Red Shoes" (1948) many times to the seniors, and there is the wonderful Robert Helpmann dancing with Moira Shearer, so we know it is a prestigeous honor also to be nominated, and bless you for being back into dance where you belong!

The Helpmann Award is to dance as the Oliver Award is to theatre in England. We're proud of you! It's a marvelous step up for your career in choreography...the best to you, we'll be waiting for more news!

P.S. Moira Shearer still lives in England. I own "The Red Shoes" video tape, but maybe I will be able to get the DVD. On our new, large DVD screen in our multimedia auditorium everything looks so awesome, including "Strictly Ballroom"! (Yes, I shall be showing it in the coming season, for the 6th time, by popular request, so there!!!!)

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Paul, regardless the outcome, being nominated is not only an honor but will open other doors for you, god willing, and you will continue to be rewarded for your skilled and talented efforts.

Tea

Typo error....it should be the OLIVIER award.

(In my "youth" Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh were the toast of two continents, and were looked upon as the world's most beautiful and talented couple in theatre and cinema..who do we have today...Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie?)

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Last night I saw you for the first time in the "Ballroom" movie. Your talent is special, one of a kind, and like Astaire and Kelly, will never come again in the form of another dancer.

Your carriage, timing and grace set you apart from everyone else around you. And I think your personality and acting talent are in perfect proportion to your dancing.

No amount of dance schooling can teach a dancer "talent." And because talent is something we're born with, we never see it in ourselves like other people see it in us. Therefore, talented people have an inner fear that they don't deserve the popularity and success that they enjoy.

If you feel a little afraid it's because you're unspoiled and you don't take your success for granted. I believe it's healthy to embrace fears and uncertainties because they're part of who we are. No one can take away your talent. So if you fail in one thing, the talent is always there to bring you up again.

Remember when the old lady in the movie patted your chest and said "feel the beat?" Well, I believe your (Paul) inner "beat" is your particular inborn talent, and is the thing that will set you apart from all other dancers present and future.

Hey all,

Not sure if anyone saw my post from the last blog, so thought I would say hi again!

Paul.

You can rest assured that in all of our hearts, you were definately the winner! It never hurts to get your name out there. I wonder what is around the corner for you now since your nomination. Hard to believe just a few short months ago you didn't know what was coming.......
be careful what you wish for!!!

Hi to all,

Love Kelly

Paul, many congratulations on being nominated. It is indeed an honour to be singled out like that.

There is something deeply satisfying in knowing that you are still channeling your dancing talent through choreography and that others are getting the opportunity to benefit from that. Good luck with any future opportunities like this and with all the many other kinds I hope will come your way.

Hi to Sally & Kelly. Hope you are both well.

Hello & love to everyone in PC. Welcome to all the new faces here.

Mary

Hello all.
Jeepers August already , Grandma Millie our emails weren't all that long ago were they ?
Well , I've been head down tail up trying to save some money to get to England in October, so maybe that's where the time went.

Some very philsophical entries, lovely and interesting to read from July till now . I won't contribute after the fact I think that time has passed.

Paul - yay for the nomination , a few people I know went and it sounded like an okay night ( as far as awards ceremonies go )
did you ever get given a copy of " Portraits in Dance by Greg Barrett " you might remember there were some GREAT pics of you and Andrea . I can scan and send them to Grandma Mil and she can pass them on if you like ?
Glad all went well with the flick , peaks and troughs my friend
peaks and troughs.

Abeth- sorry I haven't answered you till now but you asked where I am - Sydney NSW ,Clovelly in fact.
And yes we have our own soaps that the Brits love - one out of Sydney is " Home and Away " , one out of Melbourne called " Neighbours " both of these have been running for YEARS .
A new one is being filmed called " Headland " and is being released this August in the UK before they show it in Australia !

Why oh why is trying to find a place that you can comfortably live, a reasonable living in the vicinity , without sacrificing your life to work forever when your kids are young just so hard in this city . Sydney real estate prices ( rental & Purchase ) are about double anywhere else in this country . Fortunately and Unfotunately it's home and don't want to be anywhere else right now . oooooooooooooooohhhhh ( please read with a frustrated inflection )
Love and peace and finding our selves comfortably off
cheers amanda

Amanda, please email me again. My computer crashed two weeks ago, and it took until last week to get it up and running. I lost most of my recent email addresses, including yours, so would appreciate hearing from you!

Hope all is well! (Thank goodness for PC so we can still reach other when we get screwed up by faulty computers!)

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Paul:

Sorry to hear that you did not win the award, but your talent goes recognized even with your nomination!

Yay! Glad to hear that you are doing a choreographic workshop with the National Ballet! Great dancers have to keep the fire alive and pass on their talents and abilities. To me that is where your greatest contribution rests!

Leilani

To me, a nomination is just as good as winning. It already means that your work is outstanding enough to have the possibility of winning the big prize. Good job!

So I shall say to the BIG KAHOONA, congrads mate!

take care all!

Paul,

Long time no see.
Congratulations on everything that you've done in the recent past. It must be gratifying to be involved in so many wonderfully creative, expressive and positive productions. And fun too, I bet!
I imagine that your creative soul is having a feast with so much going on!

I'm hoping that you and your family are all well.
I suppose your kids are really growing up now.

We've moved temporarily, while our new house is being built.
We're situated not far from your old place. It's on one of my walking routes.
I sometimes glance over at it and remember how you said you liked the smell of freshly cut grass.
There's plenty of green at the moment. We've had rain and things are looking almost normal again.

Time passes. Things change.

A special hello to Gran Millie, Mary, Michelle, Sally C., Tim, Evelyn, and also to the "newbies".

Peter

Hey Paul, it sounds as though life is flowing smoothly for you at the moment, which only follows when you're able to pursue the things you're passionate about! Awards are nice, too, but working at what you love is the best.

OMG! I'm having a purle attack!!! Holy Budgie Smugglers!!! Peter, is that you? Have you been off hiding in your cave, only coming out when needed for super-heroish purposes? I have a sneaking suspicion you HAD to move because your identity had been revealed??? Either that or the cape needed more space? Am I right?

Love to the corner,:)
Michelle in Chicago

OK Michelle, you caught me out.
Yes, it really is me.
As I should know, you are always right.
I could use the excuse that someone cut my finger tips off, but I suppose I could always type with my nose or something, or ask Devil to do it for me.

I had to change caves because I ran out of firewood.
The suit is packed safely away.
I have been following more selfish pursuits, such as earning a living.
Not much super-heroish stuff going on here.

Naturally I shall dust the suit off when the time demands it, perhaps in time for next years City To Surf run.
I missed out this year. The body was just not up to it.
Just look next year for the one dressed in purle, with a noble grin.
I'll probaly be standing next to Batman, Robin, Superman, Spiderman, The Hulk, several gorillas, a host of fairies, a boat, a coke can, a waiter or two, Dracula, and many others.
Oh what joy life is.

Peter

Michelle, well spotted!

Peter, you surely cannot expect us (your loyal purle-obsessed fans) to last a full YEAR without a glimpse, or even a mere hint, of the skintight lycra we have come to ahem... admire so much.

Surely a superhero is forbidden to undertake acts of such wanton cruelty? Isn't that stated in the handbook somewhere??

Please relent...

In anticipation,
Mary

Mary, I think he's toying with us. That threat of making us wait a whole year seems uncalled for. What did we do to deserve that?

Peter, I'm NOT always right. And yes, I did think you were typing with your nose.:)

Michelle

Peter, Michelle and Mary, you guys are so funny!! Nice way of ending an evening of work--laughing out loud at your posts!
I, too, had wondered what happened to the appearances of the purle suit and of course the man in it! Welcome back, Peter and happy cave building... ahhhmmm, that's supposed to be house building I think, not quite sure about that. Where is my non-existing ability that allows me to take a peek at what it is you are doing??? :) Now wouldn't that be fun? Picture bright smile, bordering on grin and definitely with a slight evil glint in the eyes, yep that's me.

Nice to see you post as well Michelle! How are you? And you know what I'm VERY envious of—think October.

Love to all!

Hi Evelyn! It's good to see you, too! Are you preparing for the new school year? My better half was near you last week. Well, slightly. He flew into Minneapolis with a rep and drove on to Watertown, SD. I think they were on Highway 212? They went through Olivia and Granite Falls, does that ring a bell? They had no idea where they were. Thank God for GPS.

Yes! Squeaky and I are going to see Mary! I'm very excited! We leave the 23rd of October and will be in Ireland for two weeks if she can put up with us for that long. We'll see what kind of trouble we can get up to!

Squeaky has been insufferable ever since we got our tickets. He'll only drink Guinness now, and insists I call him "Danny Boy". I actually think he's planning on breaking loose while we're there, finally freeing himself from the so-called "oppression" of Mr.Dunn.
This is likely due to the travel books he's been perusing which have an inordinate amount of photos featuring cows. This, in his mind, means only one thing. Cheese. His ideal life: beer, cheese, and a good distance from a certain man. A tight leash may be in order. Mary, are you ready for Squeaky, because he CAN be a handful?

Hello to everyone else here on PC. Sorry I haven't been around much lately. Life gets in the way sometimes. I've missed you all!

Inn, Linda...I finished the new HP! Still traumatized but moving on. It was really good, just a tough read. Hello Monika! The monkey may just go to Ireland as well. He might be needed to keep Squeaky in order! Diane, how are you? I miss you. Hello to Julie with the magic hands! Beth Ellen, are you still around?

Millie and Ellie, I'm still missing you. Millie, is Ellie still, "waiting...waiting"?:)

Tim, Sally, Sally C., Marge, Dhiana (where are you?) and Kelly. A big "HI!" to you.

To all the newbies, no worries, I'm not crazy! I'm just me. Welcome!

And lastly, to that Purle Wonder from Downunder---you know who you are---suit up! Don't make me come down there and sort you out. I expect some flashy cape swishing to commence very soon. See what you can do about that, will you?:)

Michelle

Look! Peter has managed to bring out some of the old gang with just one post! Goodonya, Peter. We missed you. Glad to hear all is well. Sorry about the purle suit being packed away, but you never know... something just might come up to take it out of retirement. Oh, Wolverine said to tell you he has your back next year.

A big hello to Mary. Gosh, I wish I could come visit. Maybe one day...

Hi to Michelle. How lucky you are to be going to see Mary. Safe trip.

Hey, Evelyn. Good to see you here, too.

Inn, haven't seen you for a while.

Same goes for Brian, Dhi and Kat.

Maybe when the summer is over and we all settle down there will be more posts. Life sure does seem to get in the way sometimes, doesn't it?

Thinking of everyone here at PC. Be well.

Sally

Peter, so good to hear from you, and to learn that you are building a new home! The best to you! We really did miss you!

I can remember years ago when we used to visit the building site of our first home. Neither snow or rain would deter us from watching the house take shape, and how excited we were!

(Then, after 30 years, we "burned" the mortgage, sold the house to a young couple, and went into retirement in Florida!)

Michelle and Mary didn't tell you that the outline of your purle suit is probably still at Deerfield Beach in Florida, where they outlined it in the sand...funny thing about a purle suit, it is not affected by sun, wind, or rain! (I have the photo to prove what they did!)

Michelle, Ellie is still "waiting, waiting..."

(To those that are also "waiting", that comes from Cindy Lauper's song "Time After Time" that Tara Morice sings on the soundtrack of "Strictly Ballroom", when she and Paul start their serious rehearsals against the Coca Cola sign...Ellie and I love the way she pronounces "waiting" in her Australian accent!)

Our children in Israel are not in the area of Gaza, where the disengagement of the settlers has started. Our family lives in Jerusalem, and if the Arabs had their way, they would take over there too, but only in their dreams!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Michelle, I can't understand it. I thought we had handled that little matter of the 'Florida Purle Summons'with the utmost discretion and subtlety. Just goes to show you. And to think that after all that, we didn't manage to entice Peter out of his (previously-owned) cave...well, we really need to get back to the drawing board before we hit the beaches here.

Yes, Michelle is coming to stay with me!! I am counting the days and preparing myself psychologically for the arrival of The Squeaky One (if that's possible.) I can't wait to see her again and to spend time with her in some of my favourite places. It's going to be SO wonderful.

Hi Sally! It's good to hear from you. Yes, I would love for us to get to meet some day. You never know. Anything's possible in this Corner!

Evelyn, hello to you. I hope all is well with you and that you still have some holiday time left.

Millie, I can still hear Ellie serenading Michelle & I with his 'Waiting' theme. You were both so good to us and looked after us so well. Love to you both.

Julie, I hope work is continuing to go well for you and that things are flowing for you. Love to you too.

Peter, I await with bated breath the swishing of the Purle Cape. (You surely cannot refuse Michelle?) BTW, do we need to send out a general alert for that? Sounds like it could be an earth-moving experience to me... Sending love and good wishes to you as always.

Hi to Inn, Diane, Linda, Beth Ellen, Kelly, Tim and everyone else here, old and new.

A special hello & love to Paul. I will forever send blessings your way in thanks for the wonderful friendships that I have found here in your Corner.

Take care all.

Mary

Hello PC Friends,

I just wanted to say that I'll be out of touch next week on vacation!! I'll check back in here before I leave today. Wish me luck-I'm packing for a family of 5. I have off of work tomorrow just to coordinate that effort.
I have a surprise planned for my husband's 50th birthday on the 22nd. I hired a babysitting service for the afternoon. I'm taking him to our favorite restaurant and then canoeing on the sound. We're going to the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I can't wait to see his face/reaction. I'm not even telling my girls because I'm afraid for his surprise to be unsurprised!!
Hope everyone is doing well.

HUGS!
Abeth

Abeth,

How exciting!!! I am so happy for you !! I am so jealous! Have fun, make suer you dont come home with a "bun in the oven" !!

Kelly

Hi Everyone!

Well...Mr. Purle suit man has appeared once again. I promise that I wont many any bad comments about your purle suit. However, your nose is a different story. So if you did type with your nose would you look like those chickens that play the piano?

And Mr. Squeaky and Michelle are going to Ireland to see Mary. Michelle, I can only imagine the pictures you're going to take of your beloved Mr. Squeaky in the cow pastures. Have a safe and fun trip!

Mary, work is going fine. It's a bit slow this week but it should pick up in September. I'm enjoying the break though.

Grandma Millie, as always I give you my love.

Congrats to your mate, and consolations for you, Paul. Still, knowing you love the work is a grand prize in itself. The day one loves no more what one does- it's a heart-sickening revelation.
All the best to all.
XX

Hey, y'all. School is back in so I've been away from the computer more, but you all have been busy! Lots of thoughts from you guys. I have none. Nope not a single thought. For anyone who thought they wanted to live in Florida, THIS is the time you can be glad you're not. The gulf is 93 degrees and too hot to work out swimming in. Well, I am off to take seven teenage girls to THE KILLERS concert. It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Mari-Jean

Sorry Julie, but I haven't seen those chickens!
My nose is fine, I think. Best wishes.

Best to you too, Gran Mill. I hope you and Ellie are keeping well.

Mary, you will have to tell Michelle that the suit is being hung for a while, while I concentrate on all the rest of the stuff thatI have to do. I'll probably get on OK without it.
And of course, best wishes to both of you ladies.

Has anyone seen Dhiana?
She's quite possibly gone off wrestling feral goats, or polishing her wand, perhaps.

Peter

Peter, please know that I love you with OR without the suit.

Without means otherwise appropriately clothed, of course.

Peter, fear not. We are resigned to the hanging up of the suit. Anyway, we have always known you were more than the sum of your purle parts! I hope things are good with you. Love & best wishes back to you.

Michelle, hmmm...now how exactly would you define 'appropriately clothed'?? Just wondering...

Dhiana, when I read what Peter wrote and realised I thought nothing strange about the mention of feral goats and wands, I knew that it really would be good to hear from you! I hope all is well with you too.

Love to all,
Mary

Michelle,
No clarification required. I know that you would never have thoughts about naked men.

Mary,
Love and best wishes in return to you, dear lady from the Emerald Isle.
You're right, it just seems natural to include the words "Dhiana, goat & wand" in the same utterance.

Peter

Ok. This just PROVES that I'm freaking psychic.
It's August 24th (wed) 2:45 pm and I just felt the "urge" to checkin. And what do I find?

Peter's talking about polishing my WAND?!

Holy batshit, Boy Wonder...how freaking hysterical. I LOVE this crazy metaphysical life of mine! This has totally made my week. (Well, that and the fact that I had a dream about a sasquach the other night, then come to find out that our town clerk had been recieving phone calls--three to be exact--of a bi-pedal, hairy, "Bigfoot-type" creature seen in our area...I LOVE it!!!)

So. How's it going? Paul, my dearest, you are such a gracious person. The honour is certainly yours, even though you didn't have to make a speech. (You can, however, whip up a faux acceptance speech just for us, in that handy-dandy notebook of yours. Since you'll have some time on your hands. ;-)

Evelyn, Mil, Mary, Michele, Inn, et al, I am SO sorry I've been MIA. Work has been hellacious, but I;m down to three days this summer, so when Im here, I have to BE here.

But I PROMISE I'll be a better friend and pry into Paul's life more often from now on. ;-)

Oh, and Peter, dahling? I was actually wrestling sheep last week and have a fancy nick under my chin where one little 4month old bugger clipped me with his hind leg. YES, he was clenched between my--well, it's HOW they do it! You live in Australia for jiminy's sake, YOU have seen sheep being sheared, etc, you just lean over then, grab a leg and flip them over onto their back and clench--legs, and apparantly being a neophyte with the hoof trimmers is a sacrelige, if your a sheep. Clamped between my legs. (Gawd...will I EVER live this one down?)

K. This ain;t supposed to be about me, but about Paul, so I'll send, get back to work and I swear to the wool gods, I'll be back soon.

Muwah!
Dhi

Oh, sheepdip: MARY, HELLO!!!!!!!!!!

And, "*if you're a sheep..." that was. (shudders the Englysh MAjer)

Oh, dear Dhi, I was almost ready to drop you a private email telling you that you are sorely missed on PC, but you must have had a vision, and here you are...certainly not "sheepish", thank goodness,and a breath of fresh? air in spite of all the work you did shearing the "buggers".

I know you live in the USA, but you certainly sound like you were in the Outback, "wai-ting, wai-ting" for Peter or Paul to rescue you from the drudgery of your chores.

Everyone, I just spoke to Diane, she's fine, very busy getting ready for the fall term of her
tutoring service. I mentioned to her that every time Ellie and I go into Longhorn, we think of that second special evening, spent with her, Mary, and Michelle. The place has been renovated, and "wai-ting, wai-ting" for the next get-together!

A hurricane is stalking the Bahamas, and by Friday night we may get hit, but not too hard, I pray. Ellie and I live in south Florida, along with Julie and Beth Ellen from the Corner, not far from here.

Shalom and Love,

Gran Mil

Hey Dhiana! You crazy chick, you! Why is it that when I read your post I started hearing that old song from the 70's, "Dancin' in the Moonlight"? Maybe it's because you're a soop er natch-ural dee light? Great song/groovy to dance to!

How are the hens? Are you planning to rig the red light this winter? And the Newf/Newfs? Did you give the poor guy any chicks to guard this summer?

Please, don't tempt Peter into any further discussions about wands. He's not to be trusted with anything pointy. Other than that, he's nice to have around! I think we should keep him.

Sweet Sasquatch dreams, Divine One! (What's up with the hairy dude?) I'll look for you on the Equinox, amongst the fairies!

Millie, please stay safe down there! Maybe head out to the Longhorn before the rain starts. And make sure they don't put your shrimp on skewers! Love to Ellie!

Big Chicago Love to the Corner,
Michelle

Dhi,

Oh, I simply cannot believe it. We have been graced by your divine presence yet again.

As for the clenching....yes, yes...I know...between the thighs. Why did I have to say it?

Michelle has quite correctly pointed out the dangers of pointy things. When I was six I pricked my hand with a (somewhat small) bowie knife that I had lovingly fashioned out of an old lawn mower blade, on my dad's crank driven grinding wheel. I'm glad I cleared that up.

Dhi, sheep and goats can both be trusted, at least to some extent, but please, do not ever trust those red light chickens. They may turn on you, desperate creatures that they are.

Bigfoot huh? Please keep us informed.

Fond waving and gesturing from me,
Peter

Ah...the red light hens, sheep wrestling, hoof trimmers, Bigfoot, clenching of various animal species between the thighs. The stuff of the Goddess Legends...

Dhiana, it's great to hear from you!!

Peter, you brave man to confront the thigh issue head-on! See, you gave me the courage to say THAT word too.

Bowie knife? Would that be a knife that shows musical talent? You Aussies are obviously much further along in knife technology than up this way.

Michelle, I really think you should have to back up that 'anything pointy' claim with some proof. Come on, spill the beans...

Millie, that's wonderful news about Diane! That night in Longhorns was wonderful. I look forward to the reunion!

To yourself & Ellie, Julie and Beth Ellen - stay safe.

Love to all,
Mary

hei paul!!
I am a memeber of your yahoo group and
I wonder how could you make out my messages among all these of your fan ladies!!
anyway i would be keen to ask you if you' re involved in some movement against war.
Yhanks a lot
I have just sent you a letter but you might see this before..thanks for your attention
alfredo venice italy

It's good to hear from you Dhi. Excuse my not paying attention but what state do you live in I don't remember? I have to admit I commend you for the work you do in the sheep shearing business. I 'm not sure what you mean by the "red light chickens". I have no knowledge of farming jargon but I assume that it has nothing to do with chickens roaming a red light district somewhere in farm country.

I'm getting ready for the storm. The hotel I that I work at is closed and all the guests are evacuated. But I'll enjoy the next few days inside, read a few good books and play some board games if my husband is up to it.

The one thing I have to do for the animals is provide a litter box for the cats during long periods of rain (they usual just go outdoors to do their business since they are outdoor/indoor cats). My big red male Apollo (named not after the Greek god Apollo but from the Rocky movie) loves the litter box a bit too much. Last night I woke up at least three times from hearing him scratching in the box. If he could read he would bring a newspaper with him and sit in it all day and night. When my husband and I woke up and peaked into the litter box my husband said to me, "I'll make you a deal,you clean the litter box and I'll do everything else that we need to do to prepare for the storm". So here I sit recovering from the trauma of the awful task and my husband is still out at the grocery store probably in the mist of choas.

Grandma Millie, take care during the storm. At least you have some great movies to watch for the next few days.

Peter, Michelle brought up a good point, I too like you with or without your purle suit.

Mary, Hope everything is green in Ireland!

take care all,

Hi to all from Stormy South Florida!

I am waiting to go home today, our office will be closing early and closed tomorrow.

Haven't been looking at PC lately, too ****** busy at work!

Michelle - wish I were going with you to Ireland. Went to England for 2 weeks a few years back. Toured Wales and Scotland while we were there(and I drove!), but could not make Ireland. Have wanted to go, but am waiting on winning the lottery or a job promotion to have the extra money to go.

Got to go soon - wanted to let everyone know that I still think about you folks.

Love to all
Beth Ellen

Hi Paul
Last night viewed Ballroom Dancing after renting it from Netflix. You're dance numbers and the acrobatics you performed just astounded me.
As a retired widower, it made me feel like a lump of clay. My late wife and I loved dancing, and though I'm certain you are really tired hearing about a movie you made in "92", nonetheless I had to tell you, you have made a fan for life. God speed in your future endeavors.

Hi to all
esp Paul,
I don't see him at all,
*sigh* wish he'd give us a call. :)

Gosh!
Strictly ballroom went on air last night in italy on the first channel !!
alfredo
venice
italy

It is good to know that the banter and relationships continue and although Dhi said this place was meant to be about me we all know that it is a place for us.

Thanks for the contact Peter and for reminding me of the smell of freshly cut grass - I do wonder occassionally how the old place looks. Look forward to one day driving past and having a look see. Good to hear you are well and building on all things.

Now I know that Dhi is truely psychic I may have to start guarding my thoughts!!

Grand Ma Mill, I havent posted for a while but I have been wondering how you and Ellie have been going with the Hurricanes! I certainly hope New Orleans gets through it as best it can and thank you for the news of Dianne

New Post coming so I wont rabbit on now.

Take care all!

It seems that school starting back brings a change of schedule for everyone. There just is never enough time. Some thoughts while reading the site to catch up.

Over the summer, I’ve read a lot of the past postings of the site. It has been really interesting to me to see how this community formed. I gave some thought to the formation of groups and ecommunities in particular. Cat and I emailed some thoughts. Then, as often happens, life gave me an example of the lesson she had sent me.

It is inspiring to me how folks find and support each other as on this site. However, as I read the history posts, I noted who joined and who drifted away. And what I noticed was that an ecommunity is passive. One must come to it, reach out and others must be there with the time and intent to respond or share.

It seems a natural community is extended family units within small villages. It gives us biochemistry (pheromones, etc), touch, eye-contact, heart emf(s), sharing, responsibility, accountability. When someone is in trouble, the word is passed and folks show up – with casseroles and advice and shoulders.

In reading the history, I noticed there were active names that just disappeared. Sometimes it was after expressing a problem. Grandma Mil is a good connector, but there wasn’t a mechanism to make a connection if they didn’t come on-line and interface. I don’t have a summary or suggestion. It just seems that we are increasingly turning to ecommunities or other forms of distance communities that do not necessarily lend themselves to the true needs for belonging and support that humans have.

My lesson example came from someone I had been brought to from several different connections. We talked on phone, primarily emailed and got together for dinner. She owned a Lloyds of London insurance office and was in an area that took a direct hit from one of our hurricanes. She lost her office and home and had 60 homeless clients. So, she was busy, but really neat and I knew we would be friends as time passed. She was president of the Unitarian church, democratic party leader, and a lot of things to a lot of people. We tried to celebrate fall equinox and winter solstice together in her circle, but there were too many hurricanes. We said, “next time”. I was emailing for spring equinox or solstice and just about to call her when I read in the paper her brother had been convicted of her murder.

Because we shared by email, we didn’t have the human contact so that I would have known, would have helped settle her children and family, mourned. Or even have seen the signs of stress and perhaps helped to avoid it. Okay, long story, to summarize my accidental summer lesson from studying this and other sites. Which is I suppose, in reaching out and enjoying the strengths of the www, we still need the human physical/spiritual connection.

I had noticed that Dhiana had not posted as well, so I was glad to see folks ask her back in, and get a response. I have to admire a woman who can wield a sharp wand (athame?), wrestle goats and quote the Charge of the Goddess with abandon.

Michelle, are you the same Michelle that talked about her book, The Slow Poisoning of America? WELL! Coincidentally, or serendipitously, I’ve been looking for the ISBN for our library to purchase it, and emailed the website without any luck. Is it still available? ISBN number?

Marie, I’ve shared your insights about the frozen embryos with so many people, I’ve lost count. Because you were not loud and aggressive, I heard you and we’ve paid it forward. The ripples from the pebble in the water … Namaste.

Paul, I gave you my best attempt at the recipes for good luck in a southern New Year. FYI. My girls say I left out the cheese grits and sweet tea.

A thought on Katrina. I pray that the folks from PC in southeast Florida are safe and well. Hurricane Katrina was only a Cat 1 for us and here in southwest Florida we only saw beautiful weather and the greatest skim boarding waves in memory. Now the satellite shows a monster Cat 5 storm consuming the whole gulf that is normally so peaceful and nurturing. New Orleans is below sea level, with 18 foot levees and looking at a 25 foot storm surge. There are people with things and life tonight that will not have it this time tomorrow. It seems a time for counting blessings and a time for a call to prayer, no matter the faith and whether physical, spiritual or efamily. Blessed be.

Hi all,

Dhi, so good to hear from you!!

It's nice some of the oldies are popping back, what am I saying, I am hardly hear every day myself. I want to change that. I have been handling things so well on my own lately, I a have been so busy selling the house. looking for a new one and stuff like that.

Hope all is well with the Floriday chickies!!

Paige starts Middle school tommorrow,(today, now) I am terrified!! Clay is a sophmore now and is playing football, starting offense and defense. He is 5' 10" and 215 poulds of muscle, no flab
I cant belive it. Paige's "chub" around the middle shifted to her chest and she is a yong already blossumed young lady. I am terrified!

Paul, hope all is well with the family. NOt sure if you are all getting ready for school right now or not.

Love to all, I am off to bed, I must get up in 3 1/2 hours for the first day of school.

Kelly xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

forgot to mention,

I just watched Joseph again, and I really can not figure out how Ben Kingsley got an EMMY NOD, and Paul didnt even get a nomination. Paul is the entire movie and one of the main reasons I have been reading the Bible cover to cover is that I fell in love with this film and craved to learn more. Paul had so much to do with that.
You can beilive what you want, everyone is entitled, but I have had so many questions in my life many answers I am finding in the Bible as I go. I thank Paul for being the outlet that led me to this journey that I am now on and that I am devouring with pleasure each day. Paul, you call it the universe, call it what you will, thanks for leading me where I am today. And thanks to all that have been there for me over the years.

ok, lets not get too deep. Paul, love the film. i wish they had taken just a little farther, though.

love to all

kelly kiss kiss hug hug
I am trying so hard to find the dvd to buy.

Dear Paul,

Thank you for thinking of us!

We made it through a "small" hurricane, named
(Katrina"), but it was "only" a Category #1 when it hit southeast Florida. (Our village just had some branches downed and some trees uprooted, but we kept our power, for the generators are buried in the ground.) I hope Julie, Beth Ellen and Mari-Jean also are okay. We thank our lucky stars!

This #1 hurricane has become a #4-5 hurricane and already making landfall near New Orleans, Louisiana. Areas hundreds of miles around will get the full force of 175 miles per hour winds and unbelievable flooding!

One forecaster said it is the biggest hurricane in recorded American history, and may turn out to be an American tsumi. Prayers are certainly in order for the people directly affected. The hurricane season lasts until the end of November...God help us all!

Mari-Jean, as a newbie, you probably did not know that 10 of our PC writers met each other this past February, in person, for the first time.

They all came to Florida to meet me and my husband Ellie, and each other. I called it the "Strictly Ballroom Convention", for that is how we met, for if it wasn't for Paul and Cat, and our love for you-know-what (and who) this marvelous get-together would never have happened.

These wonderful young people came from California, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Florida, AND Ireland and Holland! All are working people, marrieds and singles, and had been writing to each other on and off PC for years, and even calling each other on the phone

Ellie, my husband, and I met Michelle, who was the first to arrive at the Ft. Lauderdale airport. She said we would recognize her for she was going to wear a light brown jacket and jeans. I told her she would recognize us by my white hair, and Ellie's youthful face!

(I even made a sign with Michelle's name on it, but we didn't need it. Lots of hugs there!)

Then, we three went to Miami International Airport to meet Mary, from Ireland. I had spoken to her also, and couldn't wait to hear her lyrical Irish brogue in person! I recognized her because she had sent me her beautiful picture!

The rest of the group arrived the next two days, and all stayed at a Marriott Courtyard near our retirement village. Two people rented cars, and the weekend was so memorable, with a supper at our condo, plenty of pictures, and trips here and there. Finally, on the Monday morning, before everyone left, my stage show, "Follies 2005" was presented to the group and 500 other people before it was presented to our whole village the next two nights. Evelyn took video footage of the whole weekend, and Inn and Linda took many digital pictures, which I greatly cherish.

The slogan for the weekend: "We came as strangers and left as friends." Michelle is going to visit Mary in Ireland in the fall, and there is talk about another reunion at my next "Follies 2007" in Febr. 2007. (I haven't even started auditions yet, but we're planning...)

Even though we had never met each other, I can attest to the fact that there was no deranged person in the lot, even though we first met on the dreaded Internet!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

...oops, another guest, Linda, came from Michigan.

These are all called "my chickies", and Linda told me in our living room, that she is my Michigan chickie.

I am the Big Mother Hen, and proud of it! So now I have a California chickie, a Minnesota chickie, 2 Pennslvania chickies, a Michigan chickie, an Illinois chickie, an Irish chickie, two Dutch chickies, 2 Florida chickies,
one Aussie chickie with a purle suit, and one Aussie chickie that dances, and an Oregon chickie who started the chickie pen in the first place!

You should excuse me, I have to go and preen my feather fan!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Hello PC Friends,

Hope everyone is doing well. I returned from vacation on Friday evening. I had a wonderful time. The baby loved the water and my older two girls just had such a lovely time. My husband and I got to spend 4 whole hours by ourselves (I hired a sitting service to surprise him on his "50th birthday). I must say-he looks damn good for 50.

My oldest daughter started first grade today and my middle daughter started pre-school. The baby will be 1 in January. She'll be going to school before I know it. Even though my life can be quite busy at times-I'm always amazed when I look at them. I never want to stop looking at them. They are amazing to me and say amazing things. For those who have children and love being around children-you know the darndest things they say. People say "Wow, three girls-wait 'till they're teenagers". I must be kidding myself when I say "Can't be that bad-I survived being a teenager!"

MARIE-JEAN-I read your post about human contact and the regulars here on PC. I began posting because after viewing "Strictly Ballroom"-I just had to know more about the movie and Paul. I spent a number of months away because I became soooo antisocial during my last pregnancy. But, I'm back. I feel a part of this group. I don't have a cirlce of friends in my life. I love to read everybody's post. You certainly have given food for thought.

Just wanted to say hello!
HUGS!
Abeth

KELLY-Definitely no baby in the oven for me-we are totally so ready to have no more babies!

HUGS!
Abeth

Hmmm, I don't know exactly what I'm doing here, but I'll give it a go anyway. I'm a 15 yearold ballet dancer (I've been dancing since I was 4), aspiring to one day make something of myself. I've been a huge fan of Strictly Ballroom sice my mother took me to see it when I was 2 years old. It was acctually that movie which inspired me to begin dancing in the first place. It was only very recently that I found out that Paul Mercurio was a dancer. I had always assumed that they'd used a double, or trained him or something. I found this site almost by accident, so I went to read his bio. I was blown away by all he's accomplished! Now I'm not just a fan of Strictly Ballroom, but of Paul himself. I'm not sure if Paul reads these, but if he does, I would just like to say that what you have accomplished is what inspires me and what drives me to succeed, and for that I thank you.

Abeth, I know how you feel regarding how your children are growing up. My daughter Elise turns 16 in two weeks!!! I still cradle her on my knee and call her my baby and while she pretends not to I know that she loves it. They never stop being your "baby" but bot do they grow up fast. Emily my 13 year old is getting almost as tall as my wife and I - me first since I am about 1/4 of an inch shorter. As for Erin the 9 year old - I had to take a double look the other day and it hit me she is no longer the little girl of the family - she has blossomed in to a beautiful young lady. Where does the time go??? I still feel 24! Andrea turned 45 last week - I never thought I would be married to a 45 year old chick!!! I still reckon she is 24! Life goes on.

as Written in the desiderata:
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

I like to think we are all ageing gracefully (Ive seen pictures of Mill and Ellie and know they have!)

Marie-Jean, your post was lovely. For all the opportunity of pouring my heart out here or sharing success and joy I often feel the loss of not having a close mate near by. Some one that knows me and someone that I can share things with. I am talking of a friend other than my wife or my Mum. I miss that tactile, intuitive relationship that you can have with a close friend. That sense of knowing when someone or something is not right or some one who understands the small personal triumphs made along the way and knows how to acknowledge them. Yes the internet is a wonderful tool for communication and friendship but it should never replace and could never replace the real and intimate relationship of physicality. Whilst I write this I sit in my office alone, I may laugh alone or cry alone it is in fact just me and a screen and somehow a long long away - you. You made a great point thank you.

Dory, welcome and thank you for your kind words. I am happyto brag that all my dancing in SB was done by me! I am a classically trained ballet dancer since the age of 9 and studied ballroom and flamenco for one month prior to shooting the film. I wish you well for your dancing and hope that you get as much joy from it as I did.

Morning All !
Welcome Dory ( I will be thinking of you as a little fish from Nemo !! ) good luck with your career - from an reluctant ex-dancer stay healthy , guard against injury, explore other avenues
that you can love too and stay passionate !
Wiggles are on , Cleo is in a cinderella dress, crown etc. so here I
am !!!!!
Hope you Southernites are making it through the Storms !!
When you're writing on this site ( at the sake of repeating myself ) you really get to appreciate what a wild old world we live in !!
I feel it more from reading everybody's entries more so than seeing it in the news . The personal touch I'm sure.

Okay , I can say that everybody I know in Sydney has the flu , I'm sick of being sick , our family just seems to pass it around . I suppose that's part of our festy little grommits ( aka kids ) jobs !!! Still no rain here , southern USA must be hogging it all .

Went to get Cleo and my passports the other day - as you may remember I thought they needed my Dad's birth certificate to prove I was born in Australia ( well I got that wrong ) but the beauracracy want photo Id and a previous passport ( even though it is valid for 10 years isn't enough ) So they want me to
get a photo birth certiificate which costs $50 bucks ahhhhhhhhhhh sorry vent vent vent,
Well I've gone a bit blank , wishing everybody safe.

Paul - it's probably all over red rover but as it's about to air again - hope DWTS brings in some more work and please make us aware when your cooking show is airiing
lov to all
Amanda

Amanda, I’m sure that the SE of the US would love to give you all of the excess water that they got with this hurricane. The pictures and video footage just stuns me and seeing places I used to go to often when I lived in Louisiana now so altered, leaves me speechless. I was down there during Hurricane Andrew in 92, compared to what they are facing there right now that was a piece of cake, although at that time it was the most destructive hurricane in US history, if I remember that correctly.

On to the friendship topic, I enjoyed reading your thoughts, Mari-Jean and yours Paul and everyone else who responded. I’ve been a bit in a introspective reflective kind of mood of late and looked back at some things that happened in my life, goals I have reached, still want to reach etc. and one of the areas that keeps coming up is friendships/relationships for me. Ever since I moved down here, out into the country, a year ago for a job, it’s been very lonely for me and good, close friends not really easy to come by. Right now I feel really blessed because two or maybe even three wonderful women came into my life or our paths have criss-crossed, and it’s been amazing for all of us, as the friendships are intersecting with all of us and also in our professional and personal lives. One of them is my new colleague and already in February when she interviewed for the position I felt a very strong connection to her almost as if we’ve known each other all our lives, but haven’t. It’s been wonderful for me on so many levels (emotionally, spiritually, culturally, linguistically) and I mentioned this strong sense of connection and the feeling of having known her all my life to her the other day when we went out for coffee and she had the same experience during the interview and also now.
I find it very interesting how with some people you don’t really get a connection no matter how long you know them or join journeys with them, or maybe take an instant dislike or aversion to them from the moment you meet and with others you almost get run over by this sense of connection before you’ve really met them. What do we pick up on immediately on a more subconscious level?

E-Communities really are fascinating and as long as they don’t replace the physicality of other forms of friendships, they really add an interesting dimension to our lives and often do cover larger geographic spaces so to speak and bring together so many different view points in such a unique place—okay, well they can anyway, but this here really does.

Oh and thank god my least favorite day of the semester is done with, that is the first day of classes. Don’t know why I dislike it as much, but I do, I think deep down the very deeply located shyness of me surfaces with a vengeance :-)

Dhiana, it’s good to see you surface, but man, your spelling … believe me, I laughed so hard, but of course I’m going to write to your degree granting institution, so that they will revoke all the privileges you did receive when they awarded you your English degree :-) hugs and kisses to you!!!

Love to all of you here! You are amazing people! And Grandma Millie, Follies 2005 was awesome!!!

Now i know you often reply...
I will write more soon.
But, Paul, how can you cope with all the poems of these ladies?
alfredo venice
italy

Wow! I've been reading the posts, you seem to have an entire community going on here. I feel like I'm intruding on something... Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks to those who replied to my post, especailly Paul, I shall heed your advice. I only had one more quick question. Paul, I assume you must have taken ballet exams while you were studying, and I was wondering what organization they were with. This year I'm attempting (attempting being the key word, I'm afraid I haven't done an exam in ages) my Grade 6 Royal Academy of Dance ballet exam. The studio I take classes at is a small one, although if I pass my exam this year, I'm hoping to go to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet school next year. I'm so lucky to live in a city with such a great company. Hmmm, I seem to be rambling. Well, the point was to say thanks, and I've done that, so I'll be off now. The start of the new school year looms on the horizon, and I've neglected to practice my flute almost all summer.
Thanks for all the advice,
Dory

Hello All!

I'm glad to finally be back on and on with life during this post-hurricane time. The only real damage Fort Lauderdale, Florida really had was no electricity but in only parts of the city and tree limbs. Nothing more serious than that thank goodness.

What happened in Louisiana is one of the most horrible devastations since 9/11. I was watching CNN this afternoon and after seeing the entire area of New Orleans submerged underwater I panicked wondering what else this hurricane season is going to put out.

My husband and I didn't have power for three days and finally the third day the FLorida Power and Light people came out to fix the one wire that was down in our backyard which fixed the electric for the entire side of our street. The heat was brutal but at least we had water so we could take cold showers to cool off and we wore swim suits for three days. Even my greyhound who hates water didn't hesitate to get hosed off. At least we were prepared this year with our little gas powered camping stove and tons of bottled water.

There was a little miracle that did happen that ended everything on a good note. On Sunday morning the third day that we didn't have power my neighbor across the street invited my husband and I over for dinner. I hated to impose my sweaty, discusting smelly no air-conditioned for three day self on anyone so I told her that I would talk to my husband and we would let her know later on. When the electicity came back later that afternoon I told her that I since our refrigerator was empty and I was too exhausted to go to the grocery store I would accept her invitation. At least I could shower and get dressed and I would feel like a human being sitting at her dinner table. It turned out to be a little suprise birthday gathering of a few neighbors. I didn't tell my neighbors that on Monday I was turning 31 but my husband still managed to get the word out to some of them during out time of electricity crisis. And my husband still managed to sneak out to purchase a cake and hid it in my neighbors refrigerator. It was a nice suprise.

I'm just glad it's over for now...

Take care all!

Dear Paul and everyone,

I log on daily to read your new posts, and am deeply touched by the community built here. Paul, you are blessed and privileged to have been a magnet for all of the dear hearts in your community.

Mari-Jean, I read your post about your friend who was murdered by her brother. How awful for their family. And, how awful for you who felt powerless to help. I have had an Uncle and Cousin who have committed suicide. It has been extremely difficult to understand, frustrating to never know why, and lonely without them. My prayers are for her family.

Sunday, September 4th, I turn 50. How did that happen? I feel as though I am still 25. Paul, I read your post… you’re right, life goes on, and isn’t it great!!!

Namasté
I honor the place in you
in which the entire universe dwells,
I honor the place in you
which is of love, of truth,
of light and of peace.
When you are in that place in you,
and I am in that place in me,
We are One.

Namasté everyone.

Sue L-K

Dory, I studied and did exams in BBO - British Ballet Organisation. Later when I just studied Ballet and didnt do examss and then went on to be a student with the Western Australian Ballet Company I trained in RAD as you do. Training in Ballet is very hard, it is strict and requires a lot of discipline. I wish you lots of luck - I am sure you are a hard worker (apart from doing your flute lessons!!!:)Enjoyinhg it is a pretty important part too especially when you get a mean teacher - I had plenty but I had plenty of good ones too!

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet have a very good reputation it would be great if you could go to the school and then get into the Company! I will be sending you lots of good thoughts!

Susan L-K, 50 hey? You dont look a day over 24! Namaste`.

Charter school applications are due Thursday in Florida, so I am brain dead and can only think in terms for alternative education. But, the night of Katrina, I wrote the most brilliant thoughts in response to all your thoughts ... and we had another mini black out and it was all gone. I mean it. It was brilliant. Perfect. Never to be repeated. After Thursday I can sleep then think again and tell y'all how much I appreciate your spirits. But, for now, Paul's comment to Susan reminded me of a line from a country song

..."You don't look a day over fast cars and freedom".

That applies to all of us, right?

Mari-Jean

I NOTICED THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT HURRICANES IN U.S. THEY BRING ACTUALLY LOTS OF PAIN AND DEATH.
BUT WHAT ABOUT U.S. POLICY ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING?
THEY ALWAYS REFUSED TO FACE THE PROBLEM AND THIS MAYBE THE SAD CONSEQUENCES OF THEYR BLINDNESS WITH ITS GREAT TOLL OF DEATH AND PAIN FOR PEOPLE.
IT IS VITAL FOR ENVIRONMENTALIST GROUPS TO INVOLVE PEOPLE IN THE ISSUE.

ALFREDO
VENICE
ITALY

Hi, Alfredo. My family is fifth generation Floridians and we are concerned about hurricanes. And global warming. And $3.00 gasoline and a rabid war. But most of the time individuals don't have direct impact on our government. Only in small, long vision increments usually. Sometimes there are Cindy Sheehans who with great heart can bring focus on an issue. Our Presidents latest idea is to not stop polluting, but develop technology to fix it after the fact. Not my choice. Not my president.

I do think these hurricanes are a new breed. In all my life, hurricanes were just something to be aware of. An aggravation that might make me miss the football game. Now our family has a constant awareness of the next storm ... canned goods, water, batteries, camp stove, medical records for humans and animals, crates to transport animals, horse kits to right contact information on the side of the horses that have to be left behind, plans if separated ... We have incorporated this into our life where it did not exist before.

Mari-Jean Melissa

ALFREDO-My husband and I watched a show about global warming and the effect of the CO2 level. We truly believe that's why we are experiencing the weather changes-drastic changes. We will continually see larger and devasting hurricanes.

I agree about the disaster of Hurricane Katrina being on the same level of 9/11. But, Americans will rebuild. What upsets me is that we are not receiving the help from the rest of the world. We are the first to jump to other countries' aid in time of need. I guess the damn war has left a bad taste in most of the world's mouth.

I am speechless when I see pictures of the devastation. I have family in New Orleans and we have yet to hear from them.

I gave blood yesterday through a blood drive that Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center was having. It's something small that leads to something big.

And, welcome to all newbies!!

HUGS!
Abeth

Flute's just my hobby, I quit lessons last year and now I just take it in band class. Besides, band class is way better than art class :). Anyway, I don't know exactly what action the American government has taken on Global Warming, but I do know that the Canadian Government is starting to stand up and take notice. Granted, it seems we've always been better at protesting a matter than acctually comeing up with a solution. However, when I go to the university, all you see now are booths everywhere selling high efficiency light bulbs, or pamphlets explaining how to cut down on your electricity and gas use. Change takes more time than people like to admit. The grander the movement, the more opposition it will meet. To get the greater majority of people to agree on one decision would almost take a miracle.

Dory

I wish I could take George W’s hand in mine, place it on the Kyoto Treaty, and make him sign it. It’s time he shares the awareness of the rest of the World – and a majority of the American people – that global warming is far more dangerous than fictitious weapons of mass destruction. The hurricane survivors need the help of the National Guard. Where are they? They’re in Iraq. Alas, George’s priorities are all screwed up. Well, I guess all his oil buddies are going to get richer. I did not vote for the man and cannot understand the thought processes of those that did. I bow down to Cindy Sheehan and all that she’s doing to kick start the peace movement. I’ve donated blood to the hurricane survivors, not voted for George W., and listen to Air America (progressive radio). America cannot survive another neo-con stealing the White House.

Mari-Jean, I own three horses and was wondering how victims of hurricanes take care of their horses. What are the horse kits? Are they something you attach to their halters? Our horse community in Oregon has been praying that all the horses and their partners are reunited, soon.

Okay, now I feel better. Thanks for allowing me to rant. I guess as I turn 50, I’ve earned the right to my opinion. Hey, this 50’s thing isn’t so bad! Thanks Paul and Mari-Jean, you’re right, I look great for 50.

Namasté everyone!!!

Sue L-K

I haven't written in a while. Here's what's up, Paul.

I finally have an apartment where I live with my roommate Kathy. She's my best Christian friend. I lived at the apartment since July 8, 2005. The rent is $660/2.

Also, do you remember when I broke up with Kirk back in 2003? Well, in October 2003, he got back together with me. But that was short lived. July 27, 2004, I finally broke up with him because he continued to have sex with me before marriage. I'm glad I'm single right now. God will send me a good husband.

On another note, how much is the gas prices in Australia? In the USA, I have to pay 2.69 per gallon now. Argh. Why is Erin growing up so fast? My cousin Madeline is 9 also and she's in the fourth grade already. I hope you blog soon.

Sara W

Sara W,

Petrol prices in Australia are currently running at around $1.25 per litre.
That's around $5.60 per gallon for regular low octane unleaded.
Premium petrol costs aroung $6.10 per gallon.

My thoughts go out to all those currently affected by the hurricanes.

Peter

I generally enjoy lurking here, especially during raging conversations involving sheep and purle suits, but the recent spat of partisan politics has me rethinking whether I belong here. Many, many very normal people voted for President Bush (hence he is still our president), including my husband and I. We are not wealthy, we are not religious, and we really dig, like, the arts and stuff :) I voted for the guy who seems to do what he thinks is right for the country (as much as a politician can) most of the time. Whether you agree with him or not, I think this is obvious. Personally, I think his education reforms are crap and will only serve to make things worse in our schools. I wish he were more proactive when it comes to our borders. And it sure would be nice if he could figure out how to pronounce "nuclear". After 9/ll I was grateful that George W. was the president and not that other guy that got the popular vote. One last thing, (truly I'm controlling myself here) The Kyoto Accord is based on questionable science at best. At least 17,000 US scientists signed a petition in 1998 urging the government to reject the accord. It is widely held that "global warming" is part of the natural arc of warming and cooling that our planet has been operating under for billions of years. Seems we are at a peak in the cycle and then we'll cool on our way to the next ice age. The Kyoto accord would be a huge burden on the United States (and other devoloping, as opposed to underdeveloped countries) in an effort to do what? Mainly reduce CO2 emissions (everyone stop breathing so much) in an effort to hold off the next ice age(?). The president has an environmental policy (we'll see what good it does), he doesn't have to hold hands with the rest of the world to "make nice".

My heart breaks watching the news reports from our gulf coast. Hurricane Katrina is truly a disaster, with much random death and destruction, that was an act of nature. 9/ll was the result of 19 twisted souls who boarded our airplanes with a plan to murder as many innocent americans as possible. Big difference.

Sara I can't believe your blaming your sex for having sex with you before marriage. What we're you unconscious and unable to speak for yourself? I'm sorry if that sounds bad tempered but your post smacks of lunacy.

Janelle,

If that "other guy" had been elected by the popular vote, Osama Bin Laden would have been killed or captured, and Iraq would have been under control with fly overs and sanctions, instead of the over 2000 young men and women killed and maimed in a pre-emptive war that has no end.

15 of the 9/11 highjackers were Saudi Arabians.
Mr. Bush and his father have been hand-holding the hands of the Saudi royalty for years..why was not Saudi Arabia attacked also?

Those National guard troops in Iraq are now needed in Lousiana to quell the lawlessess that is breaking out because of desperation, hunger, and disease.

The breakage of the levies that caused all the horrible flooding was predicted long ago, and funds were needed and requested, but the Bush administration cut the budget for the funds.

Your wonderful faux president finally got himself
back to Washington, cutting his vacation by 2 days...I guess he finally finished reading "My Pet Goat" finished his bike rides, and decided to get back to his "hard" work.

Grandma Mil

Susan- on horses during hurricanes. We thankfully don't have horses right now. We just ride other peoples. Our ranch school had 23 before, so it has been important. After Hurricane Andrew, there was research and analysis and the government put forward the suggestion that by far, horses were more likely to survive if left out. Most horses died from the barn collapsing or injuring themselves in the stall. Very few from lightening or falling trees.

The kit has a waterproof tag for halter and another for ankles. Then there is a glow in the dark waterproof marker to write a cell phone or out of state contact number down the entire side of the horse on both sides. This helps if they are in the road in the dart as well. A matching kit for the owner to take along with them in evauation that has pictures of the horse, medical information and so forth.

For Charley, there was something over 200 horses killed and I heard they were all in. Now however, folks are quickly trying to bring barns up to hurricane standards. Lots of folks moved their horses to these barns or a state approved bunker. But you can't be on the road in winds over 35 mph, so you have to go early. Still in all a judgment call I suppose based on your facility.

Segue. In Florida last year, emergency management learned that many older folks stayed home when they should not have because they would not leave their pet and the evacuation facilities would not take them. So, each county set aside one or more facilties approved for pets. Now I see in the other gulf states just hit, that change was not made and many, particularly older, people stayed home and drowned with their pets. Such a shame that lesson was not passed on.

Susan, what kind of horses, what kind of riding? I've loved Walkers and Arabs. Our dream horses - those "when we win the lottery" dreams, are Friesians. Jesse Sage (16) rides dressage on her way to be a large animal vet and the rest of us trailride. We go to the state quaterhorse show tomorrow.

Hello PC Friends,

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina is heartbreaking. Please, if you can, give what you can-no matter how large or small-it all counts. These are our fellow human beings and are in desperate need of our help. I can not say anymore because if you've seen the pictures and reports-you know the saddness of it all. And, no matter who you choose to pray to-say one for those who were affected.

HUGS!
Abeth

Janelle,

If that "other guy" that got the popular vote had been our President, Osama Ben Laden would have already been captured or killed, and the over 2000 young men and women that had to serve in a pre-emptive war, would not have been killed or maimed in a war started because of fake intelligence about WMD, which never materialized.

The National Guard now serves in a strange country when they were desperately needed to help our American citizens when the levies broke.

Now, death, hunger, and lawlessness in the southern states is growing with each day.

I guess Bush finished reading "My Pet Goat", got tired of falling off his dirt bike, and decided it was time to cut his vacation short by 2 days.

Tomorrow, days after the calamity of the hurricane, he is going to fly over the suffering
of the southern states in Air Force One..looking out the window of his million dollar plane will never help one person suffering on the ground.

I hope he remembers that it was his decision to cut funding for levy building that he was warned about years ago.

About 9/11: As 15 of the suicide highjackers were
Saudi Arabian, why did not we attack Saudi Arabia
first? Bush loved holding the hands of the Saudi royalty, and wanted to stay in their good graces because of OIL, which we sorely miss today, as prices of gas are going through the roof, and no one dare talk about the cost of heating oil this winter.

Only the rich, like Bush and his supporters, are going to make money on this "shortage". Just think of that when you fill up in the coming weeks and months.

You don't have to apologize for supporting this
person, but according to the polls, his support among the American people is the lowest since Richard Nixon...great company, when Bush would like to think he is more like FDR!

Grandma Mil

Hey all,

I can't believe the devistation in the south. I just can't listen to the radio anymore!

Fats Domino is missing. along with his wife and daughter. How sad. How very very sad. He is diabetic, too. All those people packed together like hamsters, but then they were the lucky ones that made it, so far anyway. Thousands dead they project. I can't believe it.
What is coming of this world and Mother Nature. The biggest tornadoes ever, the biggest hurricanes and earthquakes, mud slides and bush fires. We are definately being warned by someone or something. We need to take better care of our enviroment. I don't know what to say.

As for the Bush thing. It doesn't matter how we got there, we are there. I hate all the protestors downtown every weekend. I oppose this war but am the first to praise and support the soldiers over their giving their loves for what they must proclaim is a worthy cause, otherwise, how could they do it each and every day. I am glad we got Sazdam, that was great, but were is Bin Laden, EVERYONE wants a peice of HIM.

Love to all.

Kelly

apparently I dont know how to spell Sadam......

ok, i dont really know how to spell many words these days...... hehe...

Paul, no spell check jokes.... please :D

Paul, reading your postings about life, love, happiness, fighting fear, and the constant struggle to make life fulfilling and meaningful, is what draws me here. Thank you for building this community. I’m very sorry to have ranted on about my political views on this blog. This is not the place to do that. I’m sorry, Paul, to have made one of your community members question whether this is the place for them. For that, I apologize. But I still feel Bush is not the right President for America, nor the right American ambassador to the World.

Mari-Jean, I have a Paint, Quarter Horse and Arabian. (I’m an equal opportunity owner.) My Paint is 21 years old with bad arthritis in her front right knee. She is retired and living the life of leisure. My Quarter Horse is 8 years old and a grandson to Zips Chocolate Chip. He’s gorgeous and trained for Western Pleasure. I, however, don’t show, so we ride on the miles of trails at the stable I board them at. The Arabian is 3 years old, is of Crabbet breeding and has 5 crosses to Bask. His father was a racing Arabian, so Prince flies like the wind. His Egyptian breeding is very obvious when you look at him – dished face, large eyes and big jowls. He’s gorgeous. Thank you so much for your information. I will share it with my horse friends and pray for everyone and their pets.

My parents have a condominium on the west coast of Florida – Bonita Springs. I pray for Florida and the Gulf States throughout the entire hurricane season.

Namasté everyone!

Sue L-K

Grandma Mil....

Didn't ya know Bush should be compared to FDR?

FDR (administration) had plenty of warning and knowledge about Pearl Harbor, but let it happen because he needed the American Citizens to rally behind the U.S. entering WWII. Also who was the first and only president to unleash the A bomb on innocent civilians.

Just as Bush (administration) had plenty of knowledge and time to stop 911 but didn't because he wanted the American Citizens to rally behind his Irag attack, but first he had to pretend that Afganistan was the target.

Sign me
Military Brat,
Military Wife,
and Ashamed American

Hello, Paul!How are you? And about your health? In the last months I was doing lessons of sing again. My teacher is from Argentina and she is wonderfull! Well, I felt than I can't to live with out music! In october I will go to Rio de Janeiro to study dance with good teachers and this is very important to me! I will to send more informations for you about my city "Garopaba", because I wish you see: this is a wonderfull beache, so beautifull! I will send to "Cat" and I hope you see my photos with informations in English.

My dear Grandma Mill, how are you? You wrote to me about this linguage: the English. Well, I think is so easy to learn English, but in Brasil we study much litlle in school, and I have litlle time to learn in this moment. Brasil is a nice place, but it is difficult to live in here because the people work very much and receive much little money. Well, many kisses to you and your family.

Much hapiness to Paul and all in "Corner"!

Carol

Hi everyone--

I just got this notice from MoveOn, and I hope those who are able will pitch in:

Tens of thousands of newly homeless families are being bused to a stadium in Houston, where they may wait for weeks or months. At least 80,000 are competing for area shelters, and countless more are in motels, cars, or wherever they can stay out of the elements. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross are scrambling to find shelter for the displaced.

This morning, we've launched an emergency national housing drive to connect your empty beds with hurricane victims who desperately need a place to wait out the storm. You can post your offer of housing (a spare room, extra bed, even a decent couch) and search for available housing online at:

http://www.hurricanehousing.org

Thanks,

Cat

Dear Me,

Yes, I remember the dire forcasts of another World War that FDR got. Since 1933, (the year of my birth) that monster, Hitler and his friends were already planning for the extermination of European peoples as their armies started their march across Europe in 1939.

The American public was not impressed that London was being bombed each evening, during the early 1940s. Japan was an ally now of Germany and Italy, as the Japanese army marched on the continent of Asia. Their ambassadors were in Washington haggling with FDR's cabinet, all the time that the Japanese planes were headed for Pearl Harbor. THAT finally convinced the isolationist American public that we were at war, with Japan, Germany, and Italy.

The atomic bomb was being hurridly produced, for U.S. intelligence said that Hitler's scientists were working on one too.

It was Harry Truman that finally made the decision to drop it, ending the war against the Japanese, and protecting the lives of our service men and woman who would have had to invade Japan with high losses.

Now Mr. Bush loves to equate himself with the great presidents. He is the first to unleash a pre-emptive war, and the first to send young men and women into harm's way against enemies that we do not understand, with poor equipment, and no plans for getting out of the quagmire.

Now, his mettle will be sorely tested with the horrendous floods and human suffering, reminiscent of the suffering during World War 2.

He is not up to the job, for all our monetary resources have been paying the daily bill in Iraq. He insisted that we are fighting for freedom and democracy, and that is the biggest lie yet. He wants to "stay the course" as long as his daughters are partying here in the United States, and no one in his Cabinet or in the Republican Congress has anyone serving in Iraq.

Everyone pitched in during World War 2. We admired FDR's personal and public courage, and he was elected 4 times. We, as children, saved the silver paper from our gum wrappers, collected tin cans, helped with Victory gardens, and lived through the rationing of foods that our parents were facing.

A lot of the veterans of World War 2 are living in our retirement community. They are now elderly, but on patriotic holidays, don their military hats and join the parades. If you talk to them about "Commander-in-Chief" George Bush, the chickenhawk, they scoff...and curse!

Grandma Mil

For phucks sake, I have to say,why does every single Gawd Dam tragedy have to involve a Bush bashing? I don't get it.

God bless those individuals in New Orleans as well as those along the south region. I look at my area of living and I cannot imagine the pain the horror and the deep loss they are feeling. I pray that I never will have too. May God shed is light and love onto them and carry them through this horrendous time. Peace out.

Also a big warm hello and greeting to Andrea! Happy Birthday to Paul's lovely, chic wife!

Everybody is entitled to their opinion and to share it here especially as I dont have a topic going at the moment.

To belong or not is a choice made on wether you can spell..... I mean a choice based on what you get out of being a part of this community.

We dont have to agree with each other - our politicians dont, and besides that would probably get pretty boring! But we can give each other room to express thoughts and feelings in a respectful way and not take those expressions as attacks on our own beliefs systems.

Each and everyone of us has something to contribute to this corner of the world and each and every one of us has some thing positive to gain from being here - if they chose to.

I never really got involved with politics when I was younger. Yes, I voted, but now that I'm older, I realise my vote really doesn't count when it comes to electing a president. Unfortunately, we're stuck with what we have for another three years.

I am heartbroken at the suffering and chaos now going on in the South. This disaster shows us, once again, how unprepared we are to deal with events of this proportion. I thank my god that I'm not one of these unfortunates when the only inconvenience to me is sitting in a gas line counting my change to pay for it.

The big question now is, what is the president doing to help these people? I don't watch much tv, so I don't know if he went on and made any announcements. But, out of common courtesy, if I were in his shoes, I would go on national tv and speak to the country about what I was going to do to help. In any other disaster around the world, we are the first to offer assistance and money. What about taking care of your own?

Oh, yes... send out the national guard. Do we even have a national guard left? As far as I know, they're all in Iraq getting killed for nothing.

Grandma Mil, you are so knowledgable. Your history lesson was spot on. How soon we forget, eh?

Please forgive me ranting, as I usually lurk, but I couldn't let the topic of the hurricane slip by without comment.

Hope all are well. Do we have any friends from the corner in the areas affected?

Sally C.

Ok fair enough Paul.

Bush has become the target of so much hate it sickens me to tears. Everyone assumes so much about what he is doing being those white gates, eh? But none of us have a clue. No one is perfect, including Mr. Bush. I don't believe Bush is this horrible mean awful human being, so greedy for money he'd conduct a war to get it. I think he may be surrounded by individuals who are,but that's where we need to put some faith in him that he'll do what is right. Sure, he might not and we can critize him on the actions that we know (not guessestimate) that he is a part of. But to spew on and on about how awful, terrible and evil he is, I have to say, how the hell does anyone really know? The presidency is not a tryannical position. Thank god, we got a country that believes in checks and balances. It seems that all that America is founded on is thrown to the side in search to make Bush look bad and evil and greedy and it's to me a mute point that is detracting us a way from the real source of problems we must address as a nation.

Again peace out, have agreat day everyone and I gotta get to work.
Tea

Hello PC Friends,

PAUL-Kudos to your country for stepping up to the plate by giving money to help aid the funding needed to help the United States overcome this catastophe.

According to reports and video coverage-it is a war zone. Survival of the fittest-so it seems. The citizens of the USA see this type of behavior in other places in the world-not here. Just like 9/11-we are not immune from being vulnerable from tragedies.

I get filled up just thinking about the suffering and death. We thought we'd never be the same after 9/11-we'll always be different because of Hurricane Katrina.

HUGS!
Abeth

I really don't have time to post but I just gotta post one more thing.

I think what annoys me most about all this is that we are in Iraq and we are not leaving any time soon. I think it's good we have the critics because they help restrain us from bulldozing our way into other countries (Iran example) and starting other wars. I do believe this administration is more apt to start a war than others so for that I'm grateful for the protests. However, the armchair protestors. Boy you know what we could really use your passion and your guts in other areas. Help us as a country pass laws to protector the children here in American and abroad from the damned and wicked individuals who will hurt them. For example, Jessice Lunsferd. If a list was required we all know I could come up with one quickly and a long list at that.

HI Abeth, welcome home. good to see your sweet spirit on the board again :)

Thank you, Paul, for your clarification, I feel comfortable to freely express myself here.

I live in Sandy, Oregon (hop, skip and a jump from Cat). I’ve always wanted to visit Australia, but the closest I’ll ever get are my two Australian Cattle Dogs – Sandy and Matilda. In a previous life, I worked in recruitment advertising and was an IT recruiter (I hired computer professionals.) I burned out. Recruiting and advertising are very fast paced activities.

Now I work with a dear friend of mine, Alla Renée Bozarth, who is a world renowned poet, gestalt therapist and one of the first 11 women ordained into the Episcopal priesthood. I design a line a cards highlighting her poetry, as well as her poetry books. Google Alla, I think you’ll be amazed.

Paul, she’s world famous in assisting people through loss and grief. She has a book "Life is Goodbye/Life is Hello: Grieving Well through All Kinds of Loss". I would love to share with you. It was a Godsend while I was working through my Uncle and Cousin’s suicides. Her wisdom taught me to transform my pain into acceptance, gave me a greater compassion for myself and others, and renewed my desire for new beginnings. I also have a card that would be just perfect for Andrea as she gracefully glides through her forties.

I would love to send you the book and the card for Andrea. What would work better for you? Sending it directly to you or working through Cat. If you’d like me to send it directly to you, feel free to email me at kanne@europa.com. Or, if you like me to work through Cat, let me know through one of your postings.

I send prayers to everyone affected by hurricane Katrina.

Namasté everyone,

Sue L-K

TEA-Thank you for the welcome back-what a lovely compliment.

Our office is closing at 12 to start the long holiday early. I plan on spending some one-on-one time with my middle child, Kathryn, today. I need it and so does she. I spend quality time with the baby (I will be doing so tomorrow morning-the other two will be fishing with my husband). My oldest daughter is just growing too quickly. I try to make time for each individually. After spending a week with all three-I miss them this week.

Argh-sorry to rant on about my children-actually-I'm not sorry-they are precious to me and very special in their own special way.

How is your son?

Talk at everyone next week-do take care!!

HUGS!
Abeth

Note to self: Mandatory 24 hour waiting period before responding (especially when I have that "my heads about to explode" feeling. I can definately agree to disagree. I'm used to that as a lone conservative in a sea of loving family and friends who think I'm cracked.

I would like to agree with Tea...How anyone could (with a straight face) blame this natural disaster on any human is beyond me. As far as this being a test for the president, I see it more as a test for the entire country.

Did you know that the Venus Flytrap has a nervous system? Little tidbit from my 9 year old.

By the way, there are more than enough Nat'l Guard across this country to support the recovery on the gulf coast. They will be needed for some time to come. My husband will be deployed with his Air Nat'l Guard unit out of Spokane,WA on Sep 26 for 45 days in the New Orleans area. I'm sure many, many other units from across this nation are deploying as well.

I will definately continue to lurk here, I enjoy this site too much. Maybe I sould werk on throwing in sum speling errers tho. :D

Janelle

Welcome, Dory! And don't worry--we're not so tight that we can't have spats and disagreements and "such the like". (Evelyn, that's for you, lovey! as I slap your hands away from my degree...)

I'm in the Rochester,NY area and gas is *gulp* 3.39US as I type. It jumped .25 in an hour. Ah well...we'll just test our tenets of life and see where the 1970's conservation ideals that SOME of us have been trying to put into place in our lives, gets us.

Red Light Chicken clarification: In upstate NY, temps drop below zero for weeks, and a heat lamp is sometimes required for livestock. My heat lamp bulb happens to be red, and I can see it about a mile away from my house when I am approaching on a dark snowy eve...thus, the "Red Light Girls" of my chicken coop. They actually have two "men" now to oversee their wantonness, so...AND I have three 2mo old babies from the "big guy" so they're doing their jobs. (and yes, the male Newf still goes out there to babysit and whine at the little fluffballs. One pecked his nose through the chicken wire and you would have thought the baby had slapped the nanny! ha! It was hysterical. Poor Brutus. ;-( No respect.)

No more news on the sasquach--we have a large family of coyotes and a SCREAMING bobcat to deal with. Gawd, sounds like someone's ripping out someone else's throat at 3:30am. Niiiice quiet farm life. NOT!

Kisskiss
dhi

I find George Bush nothing short of morally reprehensible. I didn't come to that opinion based on any assumptions or guesstimates. It is based solely on the man's words and actions.

I read the newspaper everyday and try to keep up with all pending legislation/investigations/appointments, etc. I don't make decisions lightly, believe me. Knowing what I know, I could never trust him. So...we'll just have to agree to disagree!

People have been dying in the streets the last few days and I think we're all seeing the horror of what could happen to any of us should a disaster of this magnitude befall us. While I don't blame the hurricane on anyone, the government's slow reaction to the suffering is deplorable. I'm sure we'll get another congressional investigation into "why" aid took so long in coming. This, of course, will cost millions and bring us no closer to the truth. Money better spent on helping the poor.

One last thing. My nephew recently returned safely from a long haul in Iraq. The story he tells is much worse than the one our government puts forth. Things aren't always as they seem.
And for what it's worth, I'm very much anti-war but OF COURSE I support the troops. I don't know any anti-war people who don't! I want them all to live! They've been sent to do someone else's bidding, and I'm sorry for that.

Thanks, Paul, for letting us express our opinions!

To all those here, whether we agree or disagree, I DO believe we're all connected in this big, beautiful Universe. I'm glad to know you're all here in the world with me. Have a great weekend!

Wishing you Love and Light,
Michelle

Dhi! There you are! So...you let that red light shine and no one asks questions? Watch out for traveling salesmen! Sounds like the girls are in for a happy winter with the new boys.

Gotta love Brutus! He should be here with my two Goldens. One of them has been making herself sick eating pears. When she's not eating them, she's rolling on them. It's such a fun season to be a dog! The other one eats crab apples.

Too bad about the Sasquatch! Has he been replaced in your dreams? Anyone we know?

Take care!
Michelle

Hello all.

It's been a long time. I still lurk from time to time, but never seem to be able to find the time to respond.

Mari-Jean, I believe that you are getting "Michelle from Chicago" confused with me "Michelle in NS". Since I've been slow in responding there has been little need to identify which Michelle is posting. (Hey Michelle in Chicago) Thank you so much for your interest in our book. I wanted to give you the ISBN number. It is 0-9741993-0-3. I have read through your well written posts and must confess there are many things that make us sympatico.

Grandma Mil, thank you for your insightful history lesson. I could easily join in on the Bush bashing, but the fact of the matter is, it is his administration that is to blame. Bush is nothing more than an ignorant, stupid puppet who handles fairly well with strings. Oh, did I say he was stupid yet? It bares repeating.

I'm in need of an opportunity to vent. Thank you Paul for making this corner available to everyone. (You too Cat)

I'm very very sad today. We have just buried our prize Morgan "Hadrian". He has been murdered. Someone killed him in cold blood with a bow. We are quite sure who it was and are taking steps to bring the nasty murderer to justice. We have four other horses (our girls, momma and three daughters)and we are finding a safe haven for them, for now.

We moved to this small community and have been met with nothing but hostility and bullies. We fight the good fight, and know that we are on the honorable side. (long story short, junk being dump illegally on our land, creating envoronment hazards,being lied to and bullied by the Minister of Highways, and trespassers) However, the bullies here are cowards and have taken to murdering our defenseless animals. We have lost a beloved cat to a murderous Rottweiller next door, and now this. My love for Nova Scotia is turning to hatred as we discover how currupt the government is and their various branches of "government bullshit" Expect an expose on the crime committed,endorsed and overlooked by the Nova Scotia Government. I don't know if I expect to change anything. But letting the truth be known is a good step and very cathartic.

I would go into more detail, but I am too exhausted. The tears I cry never have a chance to dry as they are covered by new ones.

Peace to you all.
Michelle E

Michelle, I'm so, so sorry for your loss. I love my animals so much, I can only imagine the pain you're going through. My heart aches for you. I wish you peace.

The stress in your life sounds as if it's becoming too much. Please take care of yourself and come and vent whenever you feel the need. I don't know how you're doing it, putting up with everything they're throwing at you. But as you say, you know you're fighting the good fight. That means a lot! I hope the clouds clear and that life becomes easier very soon.

Be Well,
The Other Michelle:)

Hello again. It would seem this place has become a political hot house since I was last here. Not to contradict what Paul said in any way, I feel an honest opinion is a great thing, but perhaps we should try keep this a little more open minded. Even though I am a Canadian, you'd be surprised how much of an interest Canadians take in American politics. Truely, the pickings in the last election were a little slim. It was the same here in Canada, though a little different (the selection was not entirely lacking in number, but in brains :D). Controversy is an amazing thing, in perspective. It can turn those who would be amicable friends into enemies. What we need to remeber to keep everything in proper proportions is that common ground is one of humanities greatest inventions.

To all those hit by the hurricane, my deepest sympathies and love. Not only the storm itself, but the desperation of the people following it make me question the future. If something of this magnitude can happen in the States, what disaster lies in store for Canada? What will we be confronted with? Will we pull together, or will this break the fragile bond that even now are straining to hold our country together?

Dory

To Michelle in NS:

Sorry I know I just wrote something, but I just read Michelle's post. My deepest sympathies to you. I know I can't apologize for what's happeneing to you, but I really wish I could. I like to think that I live in a wonderful country where everything is good and peaceful, but even I know better than that. Hatred is a confusing thing to me. There's no excuse and there is no explanation for it, I simply don't understand why it exists. I suppose that is what makes me young and naieve. I still believe, despite all the awful things I hear happening all over the world, that there could still be peace. It is one of the childish fantasies that I have been unable to outgrow as of yet. It is so frustrating when people take their anger out on the innocent. In neighbourhoods it's children and animals. In war it's civilians. The powerful choose to target those who cannot retaliate. It's a sign of cowardise. It's horrid and awful, and I wish I could say they'll be punished, but that probably isn't true. There's simply nothing to say to comfort a hurt like yours. Seek peace, if you can, and please be careful. We will all be here for you if you need anything. You have but to ask.

Dory

Dory...did you say you're 15 years old? I'm mightily impressed by your depth of thought and your ability to express yourself. If there are more like you out there, I'm sure our future will be in good hands.

Janelle

Tea: Grandma's words of wisdom for George Bush:

"If you can't take the heat, get out of the
kitchen." (Anonymous, or maybe Laura Bush)

"The buck stops here."

(The sign on President Harry Truman's desk)

As far as checks and balances in our government today, with this administration, they are gone.

The House of Representatives has a majority of Conservative wackos, and the Senate is not far behind. Now, the Supreme Court is in dire danger of becoming almost all Conservative if John Roberts, the closet arch-conservative is confirmed.

To Dory: I always knew that 15 year olds are very special!

"In spite of everything I believe that
people are good at heart..."

Anne Frank, from her diary, as she hides 2 years in a small attic with her family during World War 2. (A short time later, the family was discovered, and sent to concentration camps where they all perished, except for her father, who survived and found her diary.)

Michelle, from Nova Scotia, it's been too long since we last heard from you, and welcome back! I'm sorry to hear of your situation..our love and best wishes to you!

I met the "other" Michelle in person, for she was one of the "fabulous ten" that came to Florida last February, to attend the first "Strictly Ballroom Convention" here in Florida, and to meet Ellie and me, and each other.

This convention was so special, marvelous, and unforgettable. 10 writers from PC, came from all over the United States (and Florida) and from Ireland and Holland also.

They had a chance to bond with each other, and everyone was absolutely delicious. The "other" Michelle is going to visit Ireland in the fall to meet one of the other attendees again!

Carolyn: Your written English improves each time,
keep up the good work! Did you ever look up the
actress and dancer, Carmen Miranda? She was born in Portugal, but lived in Brazil, where she became a famous dancer and singer.

The Brazilian people did not like it when she went to America to be in Hollywood movies. She was not welcomed again in Brazil, but in the U.S. she became a big star in the movies!

Love,

Grandma Mil

I wanted to pop in for just a minute and say hello to all the Newbies. Sorry I didn't do that yesterday!

Janelle, welcome! I hope you'll keep un-lurking:) We have a lot of fun around here!

Dory, your posts are amazing! Keep writing, I enjoy your words!

Mari-Jean, sorry I didn't get to you about being the "other" Michelle. Think of the confusion if I should ever write a book! God help us. I think we're safe in that regard.

Susan L-K, I'd like to hear more about your job. Your boss sounds like a wonderful person. Namaste right back atya!

Abeth, I know you're not new!:) I just wanted to tell you to keep talking about your kids. It's always good to read loving words written from a mother's heart!

A special note to Kelly: Don't sweat the spelling! I have Google spellcheck now, which is really cool, but I forget to use it half the time. At the end of the day none of that matters. (And besides, Paul and Dhiana set the spelling standards for the entire board!;) I just like reading what you write! Is Clay playing football this year?

Has anyone seen or rented any good movies lately? I'd love to hear about them before I venture forth and take my chances. Inn wouldn't happen to be around, would she? (hey, Inn!:)

Okay, that's all for now. Hello to everyone around the Corner!

Love and stuff,
Michelle (Chicago)

P.S. Michelle, I hope today is better for you. I'm thinking of you.

Janelle:
Thanks for the compliments! I work hard to try and give people a good first impression. I'm glad to hear that in this instance, it worked! I find very often people automatically assume that because I'm young I have nothing to say, but that simply isn't true. I've spent most of my childhood as an only child surrounded by intellectual adults (university proffessors, graduate students, etc.) It has made me strive to be mature for my age. It takes a lot of work to get in an intelligent contribution to the conversation before an adult tells you to go play with the little kids. My family are wonderful about it. I've never felt like a childish nusance around them. Strangers are usually harder to convince, though. Thank you for giving me a chance to prove my worth to you.

Michelle, if you're looking for movies, I saw a good one recently called Vanity Fair. It stars Reese Witherspoon, but don't worry, it's not another Legally Blonde flick. It's an historical romance. I don't remember when it's set, but it's mostly about a woman trying to climb the social ladder. I found the ending a little dissappointing, but overall the movie is fantastic. It's out for rent now.

I think that's about all I had to say for now. Cheers, everyone.

Dory

Thank you for the welcome, Michelle Chicago. This is a great community!!!

Michelle NS, I couldn’t imagine loosing one of my horses the way you lost yours. Oh my goodness. I was never able to have children (many, many horrible miscarriages), so my animals (horses, dogs and cats) are my children. Loosing one of them– especially so violently – would split my heart in two. I’m so very sorry for your loss.

Namasté,

Sue L-K

first to Cat, THANK YOU! I was walking my dogs and realized how stupid that post I wrote was, and how reckless it was. I really appreciate you help cleaning that up for me :)

Grandma Mil, I respect your views and I will be opened minded as I read them. But I just have to say one thing that came to my mind recently. What if, this whole mess in the wake of Katrina was due to the fact that neighboring states did not want to join in helping relocate those left homeless and in need of help. Perhaps they are willing to give the money to the effort but where were their hearts when it came to finding homes to these desperate individuals. And look where they are ending up, in Texas. My point is maybe there is more going on behind the political curtains than we know about. Love to all of you. Sorry for my candid and bad tempered posts but I was so upset by the news everday from New Orleans in made me ugly. Take care all!

Hello to everyone in the Corner. I hope all is well with each of you.

I can't seem to find any words to offer to all those affected by the hurricane. But my thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected.

Michelle NS, it's really good to hear from you. But I was very sad to read of what you are having to deal with at the moment. I'm so sorry to hear about your pets. There's no point of understanding for behaviour like that. I offer you and your family my love & support as you continue to fight the good fight. Hang in there.

Evelyn, how are you doing? That's great news about finding these new people in your life. That feeling of just picking up the pieces with someone you've just met feels so good, doesn't it? I think it is a confirmation for us that all is well. I wish you and your friends many good times together.

Julie, belated happy birthday wishes to you!

Kelly, it's great to hear that Clay is back in full swing again and that Paige is moving on too. I hope you are well too and that things are flowing for you. Love & best wishes to you.

Hello Sally! How are things with you? Don't do too much lurking, will you? I always love to see your name here.

Abeth, I agree with Michelle. I love when you speak about your girls. Your love just shines through! I'm glad you all had a such a good holiday.

Dhiana, I still find it hard to picture you on a farm. Please tell me it's a very exotic farm at least? Hope you are very well.

Hello & love to my friend in Chicago. Hope you are feeing good today Michelle.

Love to you too Peter. I hope all is well downunder.

A warm welcome to Dory, Mari-Jean, Janelle and Susan. I've enjoyed reading your posts.

Hi and love to Paul, Cat, Millie, Inn, Linda, Diane, Tim, Beth Ellen, Monika (are you there?)and to all in the Corner - old & new.

Mary

PS I wonder where Brian is these days??

Dear Tea, you have nothing to apologize for. I think a lot of us on PC are angry, disgusted, and yes, SAD.

Those poor unfortunate people are the victims
of bad planning, inept leaders, and neglect.

Now it has a become a race problem...2/3 of the people of New Orleans are black and poorest of the poor..here in the USA! They had no means to evacuate the city at the first warning. It is a disgrace, and the whole world is watching. We are now being called a "toothless tiger" by our enemies, and our friends are slow to help us so far.

I think there are good souls who are opening their hearts and homes, all over the south, and maybe all over the U.S., but I wonder where our billionaires here in the states are in this hour of need: Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, the Walmart family, Hollywood, and all the corporations that gave big bucks to elect George Bush.

(I got an idea the other night...why not set up trailer parks on unused land, and use the ranch at Crawford, Texas, as a starter?)

We as a nation are in for some rough times because of the economic challenges of the Iraq war,and this American tragedy in the south.

Unfortunately, we are not out of the woods as far
as future hurricanes go...we here in Florida escaped this time, but the season won't be over until the end of November, and I remember we had a biggie in October last year. Then, there is next year...

What can I say, but keep laughin', keep dancin', keep lovin' and keep writin' to PC!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Grandma Mil,

Thank you for your wisdom, insight and teachings.

Namasté,

Sue L-K

Aw, shucks, gee willikers, thank you Susan L-K.

When one reaches my age, we may seem wiser and more insightful, but you young'uns aren't so bad yourselves!

I must admit that when it comes to show biz, especially the old film classics, I know a bit more than some of my colleagues, and if I am sometimes stymied, I go to Google or IMDB.com and become a genius!

It's raining cats and dogs, and, as you animal lovers know, "I just stepped into a poodle" (I just had to repeat that. As a kid, I thought that was hilarious, but that was long ago...

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Hi Paul and Everyone,

Here is a new poem from my friend, Alla. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Being Brave

Not a trespasser in your own life,
you are the bravest of the brave,
a mere creature consenting
for one more day to being here,
despite the occasional horizonless night
that is our human condition, despite
the vicious tendencies of this passionate
animal we are to devour itself
and each other, despite all,
you are here, in this sorrowful mystery
of being, sweetened only by the daily
spiritual tea of our shared love for it all ~~
reassured in the undenying gifts
of Nature, as in the sheltering
smiles of stranger and friend.
Do not forget, then, how essential
you yourself are to the courage of others.
Thank those who smile from the heart
for doing so, and smile toward those
who may lack heart, which means
everyone. For this courage to be
lasts only a few seconds and must find
fuel for more in the faithful surround
of blessed spirits and buoyant companions.
Every day, agree to be one of them.

Alla Renée Bozarth

Namasté Everyone!

Sue L-K

Greetings, dear PCers...Sadly, I too have been MIA for a while. Mary sent me an email this weekend which brought me back to the Corner. I couldn't believe that when I logged on today, I found I had been away ALL summer! I can't believe so much time has gone by. Family concerns, work and, of course, political activism has kept me away. It is strange how time goes so quickly. Inn and Michelle...I just begin HP6 - that should tell you my priorities have been skewed!!

I was thrilled to learn that Paul was nominated for Helpmann Award. Regardless of the outcome, your work was recognized for its excellence. Kudos to you big time!

Darling Millie...I am glad you and Ellie were safe from Katrina. I watched its trek