SMILE, BABY!!!

The Rogue Speaks:

This is NOT me!!

One of my Thursday posts will be KIDS.  Send me a baby/toddler/youngster photo by email,  and I will post it with a link back to your blog.  This should be fun, doncha think????

Oh, and by the way, that should be a photo of YOU  when you were little!!!

The Jumper, part II

The Rogue Speaks:

Our dear Jenny has given us an excellent prompt, thanks to Nonna's suggestion.  This is a Saturday Centus that is right up my current alley!  To read the first part of the story, go here.

Miriam regained her composure, and called Aaron, at his office. "Get down to Dad's as fast as you can! He's going to kill himself!" she screamed.

By the time Aaron arrived, Miriam had made her way up the elevator, and was standing outside her father's condo. Police, and men in suits were milling around inside. Although the door was open, she was not allowed to enter.
"So it has come to this!" Aaron said breathlessly, as he arrived at Miriam’s side. "We know where all the bodies are buried since 2008, but I never thought it would hit him so hard!!”
“Aaron! What does that mean??” Miriam cried.

THE JUMPER

The Rogue Speaks:

The Jumper

"Jump! Jump! Jump!"

Miriam heard the sound before she heard the words.  A crowd of people in the street chanted, and gazed upward.  Fire trucks and police cars were parked haphazardly.  Miriam was less than a block from her wealthy father's high-rise apartment.  A sad and cryptic voice-mail had prompted her to visit him, bringing with her his favorite deli sandwich for a quick lunch.  The death of Miriam's mother several months earlier had left him lost and lonely, and she was hoping that her surprise visit would cheer him up a bit.

Her eyes followed those of the chanting crowd, up the side of the high-rise, to the twenty-second floor.  There she saw her father, his legs dangling from the top of his balcony, and his snow white hair blowing in the Windy City breeze.

"Dad!" she screamed,  in horror.  The world suddenly became surreal, and her knees gave out.  She dropped to the curb and vomited.

To be continued...


I'll bet you thought you'd have to wade through another of my political or religious rants for Alphabe-Thursday, the creation of Jenny Matlock, our fearless teacher. Well, I'm getting tired of the political process.  It's just so predictable these days.  I'd much rather watch re-runs while eating extra-dark chocolate squares.  I'll show up when it's time to vote, though!!  I made this extra short so you would have plenty of time to read the other students' lessons on Jenny's blog. HOWEVER, first please check out another Jumpers post.  It will kind of take your mind off the sadness of this one.

Now, I'm off to be one of the "ladies who lunch" with my Best Friend Artist.

JUMPERS

The Rogue Speaks:

I guess my first post sounds a little grim and scary, so here are a few more jumpers for you:

I think this is the first post I've ever done like this, especially for Alphabe-Thursday!!

Let's Play Catch-up!!

The Rogue Speaks:

"Hideaway Shores"

Jo-Ann Sanborn, Everglades artist

Santorum really won Iowa after all. Big deal, Rick! Now the “Final Four” is marching through Florida, and Romney hired a fellow to help him with public speaking. He still looks like he has two glass eyes, though. Gingrich is responding to Romney’s accusations of political wrong-doing with the same fervor he used when commenting on the “open marriage concept.” He figured it worked the first time, so why not? Ron Paul, well he’s still just Ron Paul. He always seems to look a little frail up there behind the podium, and I keep expecting him to take a tumble when he leaves the stage. Gotta love his persistence, though.

Oh! I almost forgot! Several weeks ago we learned that the old fellow who predicted the end of the world finally admitted that he isn’t a good predictor after all. Darn! I’ve had my cameras ready for the fireworks since last year. I figured with so many people in the world, I’d have time to take a few photos of the event and post them before the Rapture.

See you on Thursday! I’m working on my “J” post, so be sure to come back and check it out.

MIDNIGHT CALLER*EPILOGUE

The Rogue Speaks:

This little story is a three part Centus.  To read parts one and two, go here first.



“All right,” she said from far off, from the future, from all the years coming up, and from the first night alone in bed."

-James Dickey, “Deliverance”

MIDNIGHT CALLER*EPILOGUE


After the sun disappeared from Drew’s coffin, and mourners began moving away, Lauren spotted a woman, walking alone.


Lauren’s heart jumped in her chest. She sent the boys with Drew’s parents, and doubled back, approaching the stranger from behind.


“I know who you are,” she said, her voice low and gritty. “How dare you come here. How dare you! Were it not for you, my boys might still have their father. Were it not for your selfish disregard for anyone else, our family could be whole, and Drew might be laughing, and playing games with his sons!”


At the sound of Lauren’s voice, the woman spun around sharply, her eyes large with shock. “We were in love!” she responded.


“LOVE?” Lauren hissed. “You think he LOVED you? Drew had an ego as big as Texas! He never loved you. You’re nothing!  Trash!  A whore! You’ll always be an ignorant whore!”


Jenny tried to make amends by giving us 150 words this week for our Saturday Centus, and I made use of every single one!  Whittling down can be difficult, but I am a firm believer that "less is more."  Remember the words of William Shakespeare--"Brevity is the soul of wit."   I try to live by those words whenever I can.  It really makes one think twice, sometimes, before running off at the fingers (notice that I said "sometimes").

Hope over to Jenny's, now, and read the offerings of the other Centusians.  I'll race you!!

I is for IDIOT

The Rogue Speaks:

In Monday night's Republican debate, Gov. Rick Perry was asked a question regarding Turkey. His response was that Turkey was ruled "by what many would perceive to be Islamic terrorists." So today, Turkey is not happy with the remarks of the Texas governor. "Rick Perry: What an idiot," said Mustafa Akyol, a news columnist for Hurriyet Daily News.

It seems that Perry is totally ignorant of the fact that Turkey co-chairs the Global Counterterrorism Forum with the United States. It has been a member of NATO since Perry was only two years old!

Sadly, not one of the other candidates stood up for Turkey, a strong American ally. It just could be that they don't know the role Turkey plays in the fight on terrorism either. He insulted Turkey further by stating that the U.S. should cut off foreign aid to that country. Actually, Turkey doesn't receive foreign aid from us. If you don't know something, then just say you don't know. Don't make a total ass of yourself on national television. Perry's handlers should be pleading with him to quit the race, before he starts another war.

We all heard how Romney strapped his dog to the top of his car to go on vacation with his family. Romney said he knew that sounded bad, but the dog was actually in "an airtight container" on top of the car. AIRTIGHT CONTAINER?? REALLY?? Now we all know that Romney didn't mean what he said. It was just a poor choice of words, ON NATIONAL TELEVISION. But his poor choice of words scares me. It's not the first time this has happened with Romney. O.k., so he was nervous--I get that. But what if he made a poor choice of words while speaking to a foreign dignitary? What then??

Romney, a multi-millionaire, is so out of touch with the American people that he hasn't a clue as to just what it takes for us to keep ourselves afloat right now. He has screwed himself up many times while trying to convince America that Bain Capital was a GOOD company who tried to SAVE American jobs. He recently stated that he pays less taxes (15% tax rate) than others do. He's definitely one of the 1%, so PAY UP, BUDDY!! I guess he said that because he's being forced to release his income tax returns like the other candidates. Romney is just the kind of guy that OWS is talking about--His company made millions by bankrupting businesses and firing the employees. The last thing this country needs is a one percenter like Romney in the White House.

The people of South Carolina may be out of work, but they're not stupid. Newt Gingrich's remarks about food stamps was clearly racist. And he called Obama "the food stamp president." Does he realize just why so many people are on food stamps right now? Does the word "unemployed" ring a bell? Gingrich has the idea that the poor students in schools should clean the toilets there to make extra money for their families. Yes, he actually said that!! Just which poor students is he talking about?? I think we all know. Gingrich may be highly educated, and may know a lot about history, but when it comes to people skills, when it comes to compassion, Gingrich falls way short. And let us not forget the reason he lost his last job in Washington. "The meek shall inherit the earth," Newt, and that rules you out.

The words "fool" or "ignoramus" are probably a better choice of words to use in this post, but the word "idiot" just seems to have a nice ring to it when referring to the Republican candidates. Besides, Mustafa used it!

Oh my gosh! I almost forgot! Congress has a DISAPPROVAL RATING of 84%!! I propose renting a backhoe and cleaning those halls out! Those men and women are supposed to be working for US, not for themselves. Clear 'um out, America!!

Please hop on over to Jenny's blog and read the other lessons for Alphabe-Thursday. They're probably a lot nicer and more interesting than mine. Sorry, but the political process is kind of getting on my nerves. I feel compelled to keep up with it, though, because it is producing some pretty good laughs!!

I have left "The Way We Were/Memories" playing to accompany this post. It just seems apropos, because I definitely remember the way we were.

p.s. I have been trying to respond to a comment on MY OWN BLOG and Blogger won't let me do that, so I am adding that comment here:

Kerri, at the very beginning of this political
mess, I found myself getting so angry! I knew that was'nt healthy so I have tried to crank it back a few turns, and even though I still have a little of that ire left, I was mildly successful. Now, I am seeing some humor in these debates, and I hope the American people are seeing it as well.

Very few people actually know how the government operates. If they did, they would be a lot more thoughtful when they vote. I believe that we should think very strongly about a candidate's character when we go to the polls. What I don't believe in is voting for a person because of religious beliefs, if that candidate tries to force his beliefs on others who are not of his faith. I don't care if Romney is a Mormon. I have many Mormon friends, and our neighbors are Mormons as well. What I do care about is that he has money in offshore accounts where the US government can't get to it. I care about the fact that his company, Bain Capital, made financial gain from laying people off and trashing companies. I don't care if Gingrich is a Catholic. What I do care about is the way he treated his first two wives. Some people think that doesn't matter, but if he would cheat on someone whom he professed to love, and even SAID he wanted to have an open marriage, so he could continue to have sex with Calista, just how would he treat the American people?? He left his first two wives when they were at their most vulnerable. Would he hit us while we are at our most vulnerable if he were elected president? You bet!!

My Mismatched Life

The Rogue Speaks:

Well, that title could apply to me, since I should have been a brilliant artist, but instead I am sort of a jack-or-all-trades-master-of none. But this post isn't about me--it's about my friend CJ, who is trying to get her latest blog off the ground. "My Mismatched Life" is about delving into the world of the on-line dating sites. CJ's husband, the love of her life, died several years ago, and she's lonely for some male companionship. She joined an on-line dating service. So far, her matches have been less than stellar, and the same ones keep showing up over and over again. If it were me, I'd be asking for my money back.

When I first read her new blog, I thought it would be an instant hit. Who wouldn't like to read about some dufus who says,

"I have the most perfectly shaped lips that long to be kissed. My ears are eager to hear the whispers of your secrets. But more than anything, my heart longs for laughter. Would you be my Fred Astaire and dance with me in the rain?....enjoy fajitas and drinks on a veranda? I love to travel, laugh, sail open waters, and shop for Antiques. I'm easy going with an eye-catching smile."

Personally, I think this guy spends way too much time in front of the mirror. He should just date himself.

Another mismatch is looking for

"a good person that can be satified wih the simple goodness of life.icecream is great however it comes.when life hands you lemons ,make lemonaid. not to be critical,things can change for the better!realize that its a precious thing to have the love of a good soul,allways be there for them,allways It would be nice if she enjoyed coffee and talk,snugling,spontanious lovin,holding hands,watching t v on a daybed,or making love on a sandbar on a new moon night at low tide,I LOVE CLOSENESS,AND I DONT CHEAT!!!, when a woman shows she would like me to stick around I DO!
currently separated - materialistic
40" hd tv"

I think this letter speaks for itself!!

So if you have ever tried on-line dating sites, or know of anyone who has, or even if you have heard some wild story about on-line dating, please contact CJ by clicking on the yellow link above. As I said, I thought her new site would be an instant hit, but it's not getting enough hits! If it did, she would be off and running with her mismatched life!!

p.s. Have you ever noticed that Blogger always screws us up when we have a post we really want people to read and comment on? I know Blogger is just trying to make things better for us, but do they have to make things worse to do that? If you were unable to load my Alphabe-Thursday post, H is for HEATHEN, could you please try again? As my friend Tony says, "comments are like crack to a blogger."

MIDNIGHT CALLER, PART 2

The Rogue Speaks:

It seems like I just finished my Alphabe-Thursday lesson, and now it's time for part 2 of Jenny's Saturday Centus. I guess I had better explain this process, since not all my blogging pals participate. Jenny gives us a prompt, which I put in bold type in my offering, and we have 100 words with which to complete the assignment. Sometimes Jenny is really nice to us, and other times, not so much! She only gave us fifty words to complete the story, a "cliffhanger," this week!! Here is the story in its entirety:

MIDNIGHT CALLER

Lauren felt as if she were hanging on a cliff. Carefully, she replaced the phone, and her eyes filled with tears. She could hear her heart beating wildly in her ears. It had never occurred to her that something so devastating might happen, something that would tear her world apart.

She arose quietly, and tiptoed down to the kitchen. After pouring a generous drink, she sat down at the kitchen table, and stared into the darkness of her living room. Fear and anguish gripped her, and she felt herself spiraling out of control. How could she tell her children? HOW??

The words of the caller still echoed in her head.

“I am sorry to tell you, but your husband suffered a heart attack in his hotel room. His sister called 911, but it was too late.”

“His SISTER??”

“Yes. She left, though.”

“But Drew doesn’t have a sister!”

“Sorry, ma’m.”

H is for HEATHEN

The Rogue Speaks:

When Rod and I were in grammar school, our families were members of Emory University Methodist Church (that was before "United" became part of the name). Our mothers taught Sunday school and we were there whenever the doors opened. We were confirmed together, and went to MYF every Sunday night. We also went to all the church night suppers on Wednesday night.

Over the years, things have changed. I no longer feel the same way that I did when I was young. Too many things have happened in the world that have changed my views on church membership. Things are happening with churches today in America that have made me not want to be a part of any church. Mega-churches have huge, expensive sanctuaries, with state of the art sound systems. Churches seem to always be asking for money for building funds or remodeling funds. The minister who spoke at Rod's dad's funeral drove a Cadillac and wore a diamond pinky ring. That upset me greatly, since his salary probably paid for those items. I think Jesus would probably have been more than satisfied with a used Pinto!!

When we moved to Tucson, we looked around for a church and were very unsuccessful. One minister was sooooo boring that I felt myself dozing off. He was talking a lot about money. Another church we tried was a beautiful little stone church in the foothills. We were the youngest people there. The second time we went, we discovered that the minister had run off with the choir director. The third church sang show tunes instead of hymns, and one member wanted to discuss masturbation during the service. We had Rod's mother with us. Fortunately, she didn't hear a word that was said, because she confessed to us afterward that she had left her hearing aids at our daughter's house in New Orleans.

Then there are churches whose members love to spout out hatred for people who are not like them. I guess if Jesus showed up at that church one day, with long hair, a long robe, and sandals, they might just try to kill him, thinking he was a Muslim.

Then there are churches who believe that the Bible is "God-breathed." Whenever I talk to my evangelical relatives about just how the Bible was written, and what was taken out because some Pope or King didn't like the way the passage sounded, their eyes glaze over and they just stop listening, even though I can give them a VERY LONG bibliography that solidifies my point. That makes me a HEATHEN in their eyes.

So I am done with organized religion, and so is Rod. We are perfectly content to have coffee and read the paper on Sunday morning. I guess that makes me a HEATHEN. I believe in the Golden Rule, though, and the 10 Commandments, and I believe in being kind and helpful whenever I can. But I guess I am still a HEATHEN. I'd like to think that I am spiritual. I give to charities, but only if I know that the money I give is going directly to people who need it the most, and not to the CEO's of the charities as some sort of bonus. But since I believe in evolution, I guess I am a HEATHEN.

I have a very good friend who is also a HEATHEN. His name is Tony. Tony is smart and funny and genuinely caring of others. He has a cool girlfriend, and a really neat and loving family. He also writes a blog that sometimes makes me wet my pants from laughing so hard. He's definitely a HEATHEN, and has no problem letting people know that! He goes by the name "Bluzdude," and his blog is "Darwinfish2." We decided to get together to write a post about HEATHENS. Click on the yellow link and read what my friend has to say! You will become a follower for sure!!! Heathens make the best friends, and Tony will tell you why. Then head on over to Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday and read the other students' lessons!!

Midnight Caller

The Rogue Speaks:

Midnight Phone Call


Lauren felt as if she were hanging on a cliff. Carefully, she replaced the phone, and her eyes filled with tears. She could hear her heart beating wildly in her ears. It had never occurred to her that something so devastating might happen, something that would tear her world apart.

She arose quietly, and tiptoed down to the kitchen. After pouring a generous drink, she sat down at the kitchen table, and stared into the darkness of her living room. Fear and anguish gripped her, and she felt herself spiraling out of control. How could she tell her children? HOW??

Jenny has done it to us again, Centusians! Just when we think she might calm down and let us slowly work ourselves into a new year of her Saturday Centus, she throws us a curve ball! Well, we Centusians must show her that we will successfully tackle ANYTHING she comes up with. And if you don't believe me, just check out the other offerings!!

Girls' Game Night - How one elderly woman spent New Year's Eve

The Rogue Speaks:

I left Rod in front of the t.v. with a steaming bowl of something that I created from the last of the standing rib roast we had for Christmas dinner, some onions, peas, carrots, some wild rice, a little sherry, and the last of the gravy. When I clean a cooked roast, there's nothing left but very clean bones, so I hope he didn't mind a little gristle in that stuff. I kissed him good bye and headed for my BFA's house (Best Friend Artist) for Girls' Game Night. Di's sister, Devon, has a friend in Phoenix who always comes down to join us for these grand affairs.

When I arrived, the table was already laid in great holiday fashion:



Yes, that is Frida Kalo by the curio case, and she's a chair, but we don't sit on her out of respect for her divine talent.

First, we had a little pre-game game that Diane created. It was loads of fun, but I can't tell you what it is because you might try to steal the idea and make a bunch of money on it. Let me just say that there was a LOT of off-key singing, and some pants-wetting laughter. A die that we're sure was loaded was involved as well.


Di's sister, Devon, either laughing or singing, or BOTH!



Linda, giving us a task/clue.



Di, thinking and singing at the same time. She's really clever that way!!



Time for one more drink before dinner. Diane ADORES bacon, so in case you can't read that label, it's BACON FLAVORED vodka! BLECH! and BLECH again! Not for me, sister!!!


I was too busy eating fondue to take any photos during dinner. That game made me soooo hungry!! After dinner, we went outside to light a paper lantern and watch it fly up into the night sky, but that's a post for another day!

Be sure to head on over to Jenny's blog, and read the other assignments for Alphabe-Thursday. This post took me so long to compose that I am ready for a NAP!