The Parting Gift

The Rogue Speaks:

A free Saturday morning for me! Yippee! So I have had all morning long to develop a Saturday Centus. I'm not sure about this one--maybe I work better under pressure. In any case, here it is, with Jenny's prompt in bold type:

He had been her first and only love.

Although the traditional gift for a first anniversary was paper, an item that could be torn, burned, flushed, destroyed, what he gave her was a gift she least expected. The letter from the state health department told her all she needed to know about his devotion and faithfulness. Sadly, it all made sense, the many nights away, poker with “the guys.” How could she have been so blind!!

Sitting quietly, she wept, the letter lying in her lap. She now knew why her doctor had insisted on a complete blood work-up. It wasn't the flu. The words in the letter were burned into her brain.."you have tested positive...."

Beetlejuice? or Betelgeuse?

The Rogue Speaks:

Do you remember what Alec Baldwin USED to look like?...back in 1988 when he was young? Well, I do! One of my favorite movies is "Beetlejuice!" Alec Baldwin and Genna Davis played a couple of young deceased ghosts who love their married life in an old house. When the house is sold to Charles Deitz and his wife, Delia, played by Jeffrey Jones and Catherine O'Hara, the dead couple hire a "bio-exorcist" named Beetlejuice, played by Michael Keaton, to remove the horrible two-some and their Goth daughter, Lydia, played by Winona Ryder, from the home that they love. The film was directed by Tim Burton, so you know that it was weird, bizarre, hysterical, etc. But enough about that movie!!

The real Betelgeuse is a star in the constellation Orion. It is the 8th brightest star in the universe!


In the illustration above, you will find it in the upper left side. The constellation, Orion, is a winter constellation and is part of the Winter Triangle. Astronomers think Betelgeuse is a young star, only 10 million years old. It has a very high mass, so it has evolved rapidly. It is quite huge. If it replaced our sun, the surface would stretch out beyond the asteroid belt. All the planets that are no farther away than Mars would be engulfed by it. In the Illustration below, you can see that Betelgeuse has a reddish hue.



O.k., now comes the scary part. Some astronomers believe that Earth could be getting a second sun if Betelgeuse collapses, because it is running out of fuel. If that happens, we would see a second sun! There is also the chance that for at least a few weeks, there would be no night on Earth!! Sounds pretty bad, doesn't it? Well you can relax!

If Betelgeuse does go "super nova" our planet will be showered with particles that would be very beneficial to us earthlings! It actually would provide Earth with elements that are so necessary for our continuity and survival!

Actually, since Betelgeuse is so far away from us, anywhere from 497 and 789 lightyears away, this event could have already occurred. If so, the light just hasn't reached us yet. Stick around, earthlings! It could happen!!

EASTER--THE DAY AFTER, THAT IS!!

The Rogue Speaks:

'Tis the day after Easter, and all through the den,
The dog-candy wrappers are hemming me in!
The dogs, they are lying like two lumps of clay.
I know they’ll be snoozing the morning away.
So stuffed to the gills from their quick Sunday raid
Of all the dog-treats we so carefully laid
In small secret places all over the house,
Tiptoeing quietly, just like a mouse!
I know I must teach them on using the broom
To clean up the mess they have left in this room!!!

But He Loves Me!!!

The Rogue Speaks:

Saturday Centus is here again, and tomorrow is Easter Sunday. Of course our fearless leader has given us a photo prompt as a guide today. We knew she would, and we knew it would have an Easter theme for sure. All those eggs she colored last night have gone to her head, and made her giddy. A BLUE Easter bunny? A bright, electric blue one??? Poor Harvey is rolling over in his grave!! Well, that's our Jenny! Since I have an all-day Guild retreat today, I'd better get on this right away! Here goes:



"But, Mom! He loves me! And I love him!"

"Shelly, please! Look at him! Your father always wanted you to have the best but now..."

"Mom, be nice! Talk to him! Just don’t mention..."

“Shelly, we taught you that people are created equal-- you can't judge a book by its cover. We never thought it would come to this, though.”

"Mom, he’s sweet, kind, and cuddly! He’s generous! He makes me happy!"

" O.k., Shelly. Too late now, I guess. Oh, those beautiful pastels! He's going to clash with the bridesmaids! Why couldn't he have rented WHITE???"

THE ALPHA DOG

The Rogue Speaks:

This is a departure from my usual Alphabe-Thursday offering because I am not feeling very intellectual today. The bathroom remodel is going on, the house is filled with the sound of an electric saw, and to add to that, I am constantly chasing after Liz, who snapped up a plumbing "U" joint and chewed holes in it. There is plaster dust everywhere, as well as little white dog footprints in every room. I am trying to remain calm, however, because as the saying goes, "children will be children." Bearing that in mind, please enjoy my offering, "A is for Alpha Dog."

There is a battle raging in my home, and it happens on a daily basis. It is a battle for power and respect, and it is going on between Mulligan and Little Liz to become the Alpha dog. Mulligan thinks because he is bigger and older, he should be the Alpha dog. Little Liz thinks because she is petite, cute, fearless, and completely self-absorbed, that she should be in charge, or in her own words "Queen of the World."

Here's the latest argument between our two dog-children:



Liz: "You're not the boss of me! I have papers!"

Mulligan: "WTF!!! Just because I'm undocumented doesn't mean that you can just ride roughshod over me! I've worked hard to survive! Before Mom and Dad adopted me, I was dissed and beaten up on a daily basis by a Sheltie! I had to fight for my food, and when I tried to escape, those people would always drag me back! You've never had to work a day in your life, you little..."

Liz: "I'm tellin'! You called me the "B" word! Mom! Mulligan called me the "B" word!"

Mulligan: "That's right, you little tattletale! Go on! Do it! I dare you! Go hide behind Mom like you always do!"

Liz: "Mom loves me the best!"

Mulligan: "Does not!"

Liz: "Does too!"

Mom: "What's going on in here? You two are playing on my last nerve!! Take that screaming and fighting outside before I put you both in "time out! Mulligan, watch out for your sister so the raptors don't get her!"

Mulligan: "I hope they do! It would serve her right!"

Mom: "You don't mean that! Your sister loves you! Aren't you ashamed of yourself?"

Liz: "Mom! He hates me! He's always trying to get me in trouble!"

Mulligan: "Hahaha! That's a joke! You're the one who pees on the floor! You get in trouble all by yourself! Stop acting like such a baby!"


Does this exchange sound familiar to you? Well, it certainly does to me! I have been hearing it now for more than 40 years! It all started after my first two human children became old enough to talk, and it has been going on ever since. Our vet is always reminding me that one cannot attach human emotions to animals. He doesn't live in this house, though.

We always took the first two dog-children to Atlanta with us when we went to see our parents. We were visiting my mother one afternoon, when the dog-children got into some mischief involving a squirrel on the patio. I was lecturing them when my mother walked into the den.

"You're talking to those dogs just like they were people!" my mother declared.

"What dogs??" I asked.

As I write, the battle for the spot of Alpha dog rages on. But tonight, when the lights are turned out and we are all in bed, those two dog-children will be cuddled up together. They look so sweet and innocent when they are asleep. Does that sound familiar??

>p.s. If you have not read my post from Sunday, then please continue reading. Bloggers Unite is a very important group that needs your support. Join today. It is so easy to do. Together, we can make a difference.

A DAY OF COMPASSION

The Rogue Speaks:

My friend, Cher Duncombe, sister of my heart, blogger-extraordinaire, who, along with her husband Rich, writes AskCherlock, has been invited here today to talk to you, all my blogging friends, about a most important charity event. Cher is one of the most compassionate and loving individuals I know. She is so tender-hearted that she cries at Halmark commercials.
I hope that you will take some time, and read her post here, and give serious consideration to donating even $1 to this most important international charity event. Thanks bloggers! Now here's Cher:


International Day of Compassion in Honor of Dr. Patch Adams

On May 15, 2011 Bloggers Unite is honoring Dr. Patch Adams by uniting Bloggers everywhere to help Dr. Patch Adams build the hospital of his dreams. The event is called International Day of Compassion in Honor of Dr. Patch Adams. This is an event to celebrate this man of compassion and joy whose journey as a doctor has lead to healing which, along with treatment, also embodies love, compassion, hope, laughter, hugs, clowning and yes, joy. Dr. Patch Adams is a shining light in the world of people who are ill and often can see nothing but darkness. He has learned, and now teaches us that compassion, love and laughter are often the best prescriptions to help in any healing process. Bloggers— unite, and join us in this celebration of Dr. Patch Adams. We are looking for donations to help Dr. Adams build a hospital, the foundation of which will be compassion for every person who enters. What can you do?

JOIN BLOGGERS UNITE, sign up for this event, post an article, and request donations through the link to Dr. Adams. Also get a badge to put on your blog and do what bloggers do best: make the world a healthier, happier, place by supporting an effort such as this. Dr. Patch Adams offers sentiments from which all of us can benefit. If you had a family member who was ill, what better care could you want than to have people trained by Dr. Patch Adams?


Please join us at Bloggers Unite today, and prepare to participate in this event on May15th. You may also go to http://www.patchadams.org/ to read more about Patch, his compassionate works. To donate, please visit: Patch Adams
Grab this badge to post on your blog:


Some people make this a better world by being selfless, kind, and offering love and compassion. What better cause to which we could donate?

Cher Duncombe, AskCherlock.com

A Literary Review

The Rogue Speaks:

I'm not too sure about this week's Centus. Jenny has asked us to write a review of another blogger's offering from last week, and I had to do the eenie meenie minee mo thing to pick one to review. Ames, of Girl Raised in the South ended up being mo, so here is her Centus from last week:


LACK OF CONCERN KILLS PLANET
by Ames


“What is it? Can we eat it?” asked Ollie

“I wouldn’t.” Myron said in a matter of fact tone.

“Is it a flower?” asked Ollie

“Maybe it’s from one of those genetically enhanced seeds.” Myron looked around at the apocalyptic devastation.

“Well you know that old saying…April showers bring May flowers!” Chimed Ollie.

“I hardly think acid rain constitutes an April shower. Keep walking!” Myron grumbled.

“I’m hungry!” Ollie whined as he rubbed his concave stomach. “Where are we going? I hope it isn’t much further, my feet hurt. I wish it was 2011 again.”

“You can’t undo greed, once everything’s already gone. Keep walking!”

My Review
Ames' grasp of reality in today's world comes through loud and clear in this cleverly composed piece. In only 100 words, she manages to touch on three important factors that work in 2011 to determine our fate. The last line of her story accurately depicts life in one small segment of the population in America today. Ames knows full well that greed, the battle for power, and a general lack of concern could well be the downfall of our nation.

I give Ames a A+ for this sensitive Centus.

B is for Blowing Bubbles!!

The Rogue Speaks:

It's Alphabe-Thursday at Jenny's Blog and here is my contribution for this week. Since the theme is Alphabet Soup, it was suggested that we re-print one of our favorite letters from the last 26 weeks. I am choosing the letter "B." If you have already read this, do me a favor and read some other bloggers' offerings from Jenny's site.

I just love those little bottles of bubble stuff with the wands in them! I could sit outside for hours and blow bubbles! I actually have several bottles in my closet in case I need a bubble fix.

I was three years old when the bubble craze exploded in the U.S. The photo above appeared in Life Magazine in 1945 (Oh, CRAP! No rocket surgery to figure my age!). The gentleman on the left happens to be my grandfather. The photographer was my father, who worked for Time/Life.

In 1945, people frequently made their own bubble stuff, and used an empty thread spool for a wand. Ivory Soap flakes made the best bubble stuff. I don't even know if it is still on the market. One can still make bubble stuff with liquid detergent and a little glycerin. You can pour the stuff in a plastic dish pan, expand a coat hanger, and make GIANT bubbles! I prefer the little ones, though. The stay aloft longer, and give dogs and little children something to chase!

I hope you have enjoyed revisiting my letter "B" post. Next week, we begin with the letter A again. Hmmm--What should I write about?? Oh, well I know I'll come up with something!!

Rainy Day Centus

The Rogue Speaks:

Jenny's Saturday Centus always makes us put on our thinking caps, and sometimes causes sparks to shoot out of the top of my head. Occasionally the wheels start grinding too fast. My hair even caught on fire a little, but I needed a trim anyway. I always have to take two aspirin when I am finished writing. In case you don't know, Arizona is suffering a drought. We really do need rain, and the chance of rain today is 40%. I am torn! I would love to see the heavens open up for a couple of hours, just to wash the dust away, but Liz and Mulligan are not at all happy about going out in the rain to do "their business,"
and Rod is playing in the final day of a big tournament at our club. But enough about MY day--Here's another woman's day for you to read about:

"April showers bring May flowers," she kept repeating to herself. The rain had been relentless for days, and her garden had literally washed away. Good thing she had ordered extra seeds! It was too wet, and even the geese had come inside to dry off.

The cacophony had become unbearable with all her pets inside. Fortunately they were not fighting with each other, but it was definitely crowded, and she kept bumping into them whenever she turned around.

Finally she just couldn't take it. "Noah!" she screamed, "Get in here and help me! This wasn't MY idea, you know!!"

ZITHER!!!

The Rogue Speaks:



Hurrah for Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday! We have really stretched our minds today, haven't we, students! So many Zs to pick from! Hahahaha! Well, here is what I know about the ZITHER:

Who can forget that poignant scene in Dr. Zhivago where the young girl (Zhivago's daughter by Lara) is walking away at the end of the film carrying her zither? Did you know it was a zither?? Well, it is also called a dulcimer, or an autoharp.

The zither is Germany's national instrument. If you have ever seen the classic noir film, The Third Man, the entire score is played on a zither, by a gentleman named Anton Karas.

The strings on a zither are the same length as the sounding board, a flat shallow box. It is played with the left hand on the frets, while the right hand plucks the strings using a thumb piece called a plectrum. The zither can be played on a table, or across the player's knees.

The zither is a very old instrument that is actually mentioned in the Bible, in the book of Daniel. The earliest form known is a Chinese instrument dating from 433BC.


"Mother" Maybelle Carter, of the famous Carter Family, was a zither player. Daughters, Sara and June(the wife of Johnny Cash)were also very accomplished on the zither.

The zither is not an easy instrument to learn to play. It takes real dedication, hours of practice, and a GOOD teacher. I don't think I want to try it! I play the piano, the recorder, and the harmonica, but my favorite instrument is the COMB!!

I hope you have enjoyed my "Z" post. Next week we start over with "A"! Oh, the possibilities!

Road To The Future

The Rogue Speaks:

Well, I made the mistake of reading the first five entries for Jenny's Saturday Centus before I began composing my own. OMG! I was blown away by the incredible poetics of those entries! Frankly, I don't think I can compete, and that's the truth! I'm not a quitter, though, so here goes. The prompt is in bold type.



The pains were coming quicker, stronger now. Beads of sweat formed on Cerise's brow, and her hands felt icy. She glanced over at Edward, eyes intent on the road ahead.

"Don't let him know just how bad it is!" she screamed inside her own head.

The patchy fog swept over the four-lane and Edward strained to see road markers that would tell him just where they were. Suddenly a road sign appeared out of the ghostly swirl, "Exit 181, 1/2 mile ahead."

"Thank God!" Edward cried, betraying his stress and fear. "Don't push, Cerise! The hospital is only minutes away!"