Thursday, December 27, 2007

I was once a true flaky quirky kind of person but never a zealot

Last night I celebrated my birthday. I wore a silly hat with a great marabou trim. I told stories about myself that reminded me that I was once a true flaky quirky kind of person. Most found it hard to handle that I was MUCH less conservative and that if I did not need to maintain a comfortable standard of living I would still be flaky and quirky.

Those who participated in my birthday toasts all have issues of there own but I must admit I enjoyed every eccentricity, peculiarity and narrative. I find I have been gifted to know people who are really interesting… I also find that I am captivated by gray hair. Another something new to add to the list of penchants.

I awakend to find that I can think clearly and that the large amount of water I drank before retiring worked its never ending magic and I feel pretty darn good. I read my morning prayers, ate a little breakfast and think that all in all I had a great birthday. I then make my first mistake of the day. I check my e-mail… nothing exciting… I read Zits… funny… I check out For Better or for Worse and Liz and Anthony have finally committed… Then I read the news…

“Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated Thursday in a suicide attack”

” At least 20 others were also killed in the attack on a campaign rally where the 54-year-old Bhutto had just spoken”

I am not politically savvy when it comes to politics and even less so when world politics are discussed but I am sure of one thing suicide bombing is not the answer to any issue or disagreement. Bhutto sins may have been many or few. She may have been honest or corrupt but in Gods wisdom (whichever God or higher power you follow) we as people have the ability to communicate and listen.

I am not sure as to why the world has become a plane of anger, hate and self satisfaction but it has. We (this includes everyone) have become so ingrained in I am right you are wrong. My way is the only true path to enlightenment. With my sacrifice “I” will free the world from the sins of others.

I have read many histories and know that imperialism was not the best management of resources, time and people. I also know that incredible aspects of civilizations have been lost due to the perceived superiority of nations, cultures and religious beliefs. When history reflects on this we think not again, in this day and age our society is beyond such things… Apparently humanity is not. It is proven every day with more and more force.

It seems a disgrace that mankind has survived plague, world wide environmental disasters, war, genocide, slavery and disease only to succumb to zealots of differing opinions. We reap what we sow… I have not any idea what type of crop is gained by murder no matter what the cause or belief.

Where does this leave me after a wonderful birthday? Wrapped in a reality of intense negative emotions. At least I did not create these emotions I only must live with and feel their sharp and oppressive sting…

Monday, December 17, 2007

Moon Doggie, a fascination with the regency period and killing hefty arachnids

I know that I will never attend the Ascot Opening Day. I know that the queen will not have me to tea at Buckingham Palace. I also know that I will never dance a quadrille in the ballroom of dazzling manor house. I also know that I will not carry a reticule anytime in the near future. I will miss so much in life. Alas, I will survive.

Why you may wonder do I think of such things? Today I think of such things due to Moon Doggie. She knows who she is. I have a fascination with the regency period. When you get past poverty, the class system, the privileged set, war, inept government and lack of basic morality it was a great time. I wanted to add this so that you will not think me daft in being fascinated with this time period.

Back to M.D. okay so as you may already know I like men. Not just for the obvious reasons… changing the oil, getting the brakes checked, killing hefty arachnids, taking the garbage out and starting my car on cold mornings... Yes, there is the physical too. I do have this rather peculiar penchant. I have this thing for boots. Yes, boots. I am not talking cowboy boots. For those of you who are more outgoing in frame of mind I am not referring to riding crops!

This all started with Mr. Darcy in numerous movies and literature. He is deceptively charming, dark and brooding (but not a bad boy), intelligent and quit handsome. Did I mention that he has a vast fortune? That is an added benefit but not necessary to his appeal.

What he did have that turns my head… Hessian Boots.

For those of you who are unaware of such a boot a brief description: Hessian boots became popular in the 18th century. This style was first used as standard issue footwear for the military officers. The boots become popular after Wellingtons victory to the general public. The boots had a low heel and a slightly pointed toe. Now put that with a pair of breeches, a cut away coat a crisp linen shirt and a well tied cravat and you have something there. I am not speaking of a Beau Brummell I do not admire a dandy.

It seems odd to me that I do not have a fantasy about a man in a double-breasted suit. I will meditate on that issue and maybe I will share the answer. Moon Doggie has assisted me in holding onto a visual that is etched into my mind. I have tried for sometime to rid myself of it but have failed again and again. It is the equivalent to Mr. Darcy in the new millennium.

This image first requires blue jeans. Some men just look really great in jeans some don’t but those who do cause women to sizzle and melt. Sigh… Then a high-quality egyptian cotton dress shirt well pressed and untucked... Hair slightly tousled and then the boots. Add to that a slightly devious smile and I am his without question.

The conundrum…where is such a man? Will he recognize the fact that he is such a man? How do you get him to wear the boots? How do you even work boots into conversation? I can state you look really hot in those jeans but how do you work in boots? Ugh, why can’t I just have some simple fantasy that does not require out of date foot wear, regency novels and a need to be esthetically pleasing. No wonder I do not date much.

How does M.D. keep this image in the front of my mind? She sends me e-mails with photos of boots, mentions boots in I.M's and mentions men who look really good in jeans. I am not sure if she is a friend or just a master at torture. What is life without an unattainable fantasy?

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Morality... Honesty… Probity… that can fit into a 10 second sound bite without atomic bombs

Morality... Honesty… Probity… Christian… Jew… Muslim… Mormon…. Pro-Life… Pro-Choice…

These are terms that I have heard batted around during the ever so early race to the White House. All terms that I am aware of and are on my mind. Strangely I find that they have little to do with my concerns in the upcoming presidential election. Why you may ask? Simple I have separated myself from the masses that follow the emotional bent. There is nothing wrong about emotions. They are something I hold close and sometimes follow against my better judgment.

My morality is something that I take seriously and have due respect for. I however do not put my overall morality in men and women who hold or run for political office. I look to the personal for my moral and religious stability. I am fortunate enough to live in a country where I can worship as I choose. Wow, now there is a concept I can worship as I choose or not choose too. Anyone else in this country has the same right. What a concept no state sanctioned religion.

Why do I dwell on this? Simple my family, my church and my faith have given me a foundation that has guided me to a firm foundation. I know the top ten… coveting, murder, honor my mother and father and so on… I will not demand that everyone in the country follow the auspices of my beliefs. I do however ask that my beliefs are respected and I will respect theirs.

If you are not part of the moral majority does that mean that you are not a capable citizen or a capable politician or are not capable of following a faith? Is the only issue Pro-Life or Pro-Choice? Are there other issues out there? Maybe two or three or four or several thousand?

Also did you know that someone running for office is human? Human… did you know that they may have made mistakes? Now take a deep breath and look at your life. Did you find drug use? How about substance abuse? Foolish decisions made while very young? Sexual exploits that would best be forgotten? Breaking one or two or more of the Ten Commandments? For those of you who can say no you obviously are not and never will be human. Flawed and blemished is to be human.

When I think of someone representing me in politics they must have many criteria. The first is to make the tough decisions. Yes, taxes, services and infrastructure. Fiscal responsibility too... add to this the need to embrace the constitution and think of the good of the country instead of the special interest.

We as Americans are quick to reach for any type of entitlement but are slow to pay for privilege. Taxes are the cost. There is not a free lunch. Schools must be paid for. The elderly in need of care must be paid for. The armed service must be paid for. Parks, roads, bridges, health standards, agencies and so on… there is a price.

Ah, maybe we need to look beyond the morality issues? I am not putting forth that morality is not important or imperative. It is. Lying cheating and stealing are not acceptable! I however do not have the right to look into anyone’s life to the degree we now feel compelled too.

A simple statement
“those who live in brick houses should not throw atomic bombs”

For those of you reading this who need a little bible “those who are without sin cast the first stone.” Needless to say I have dropped all stones and all atomic weapons. I can’t even raise an eye-brow. Sigh… if only I had remained pure.

So what am I looking for in 2008?

Figure out how to get use the hell out of Iraq. Then pay for it? I mean how much money will the Chinese lend use before they call in the loans? Folks we are talking about billions and billions. I really do not want the Jefferson Memorial taken on a forfeit on a loan default. If as Americans we manage to pay this off it will take generations upon generations…

Next make peace on each side of the aisle and stop polarizing the masses. We have lost the fact that we are Americans. We have moved into “those people” again who are “those people” and why are they so distasteful? Those People!

The environment we are pretty much screwed here. Do not eat the fish. Green House Gas. Gas guzzling monster vehicles. No more to add to that!

Stabilizing the USA in the world economy. I am not Greenspan. I know that the way things were done isn’t going to work anymore. So someone better come up with a few ideas that keep the masses employed and fed. If you look at history when the masses are hungry and without hope you can get a revolution or the barbarians will knock down the gates. Look to history. Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Spanish, Moors, French, Russians. It has happened it could happen again. Is anyone listening?

Last point HEALTH CARE! People are dying. People are sick! People are dying of issues that are and should not be an issue. Wait I know lets be proactive instead of reactive? Screening maybe? Ooooo prevention instead of reaction. That would mean planning ahead.

Ah, we as citizens do not do that. I mean we would need to take responsibility for our actions. Hold ourselves accountable for the state of our country. So very hard. How will I ever deal with that…

I know lets focus on something that can fit into a 10 second sound bite. How about Morality... Honesty… Probity… Christian… Jew… Muslim… Mormon…. Pro-Life… Pro-Choice…
I think that covers it. Please vote. Please examine our representatives in government. Research, ask questions, do not let one issue carry you away from so many others. As Americans we have been giving a great gift and responsibility. Do not let the founding fathers down use it!

I know rant, rant, rant…..