Dirty laundy....

For cryin' in the night, is nothing sacred any more? I am referring to the constant exposure to peoples personal lives. I am particularly annoyed by a recent trend to announce ones sexual predilections to the world. Who the hell cares? Lately it seems everywhere you turn there is "news" about some "stars" sexual preferences. Chargin' out of the closet. I can't believe that anyone feels the need to identify themselves and that they are disillusioned enough to think anyone cares. A friend of mine describes himself as "a guy who is gay"--not a gay guy. This is because it is not what defines him as a person. And I have never felt the need to say that I am a heterosexual female. I label this as "oversharing". And this is deemed newsworthy, why? I don't give a rats ass if you have sex with your parakeet, as long as it's consensual. This constant disclosure is getting on my nerves. These train wrecks are almost impossible to turn away from, but leave me feeling about as deep as a mud puddle. It seems we waste so much valuable time concentrating on what diets people subscribe to, who's designer wear they are sporting, their religious and political beliefs, what they order at Starbucks, and what they do in their every waking moment. Who is in rehab and what is their poison, be it drug, alcohol, eating disorders, etc. An actor has just confessed to a sexual addiction and is seeking council. Sad, but not really my business. It's the nothing left to the imagination thing. I happen to like imagination. Especially mine. It allows me to see things in my own naive way. I prefer my ignorance over the raw exposure of every truth. The mystery of people is far more appealing. And what about those one sided cell phone calls we are forced to endure everywhere we go? Some loud lout " allowing" you do be in on all their trivialities. At least turn on the speaker so I can get the whole story. You can go on t.v. and have your babies paternity finally discovered. Real classy. Your messy house can be displayed in all it's filthy glory while someone else cleans it up for you. Nice. People are getting weighed on live t.v. Yes, WEIGHED!! No freakin' way. You can even sign on your poor, unsuspecting dog for a contest and judication. Judges can insult you while you sing or dance, style hair or design something. Yes, she COULD be a model but she is just too "pedestrian." Huh? Much of these competitions actually house the contestants together and interview their bitchin' about each other and the forming of "alliances". Or any number of real judges will hear your case in court--ON TV! Preside over your divorce? No problem. More "over sharing." And then these same people get the honor of ELECTING A PRESIDENT!!! I've got about a million pay channels to divert me--thank God and Mary. I can almost always find a good movie that serves as an escape when I need it. A pile of books lays in wait, too. And I like to think of it as a little less mindless. Now that I've got that off of my chest, I just need to warn you of something. After I've been "overserved", I tend to "overshare". And I won't mind if you tell me so. Gotta go now to watch the "Sex and the City" movie that I just purchased. Must stay enriched, you know.... xoxo

More than a feeling........

Musings about the wonderful city of Boston. Bean town. Home of the marathon and the tea party! Ah, the lobsta! The chowda!! The beeya!!! Did the touristy thing and strolled thru Feneuil Hall and the Haymarket Square. Haggled with street vendors. Traveled thru "The Big Dig." Took a romantic horse drawn carriage on a midnight tour and fell in love with Nugget the horse. (I fall in love with ALL horses--no offense, Nugget!) Strolled cobblestone streets, (damn, my high heels), and saw the original "Cheers" bar. Ate fresh seafood outside while viewing various buskers ply their trade. Saw rabid Red Sox fans cheering on their boys. Historical Boston is cosmopolitan yet intimate with stunning old and new architecture. I love a walking town--again, damn my high heels! And I must share the BEST thing! There is a Dunkin' Donuts on every corner. Sometimes two. For a pathetically addicted person, this is truly nirvana. After a day and night, we moved the party to Rockport, Massachusetts. Noticed that gas prices were 25 cents cheaper than here! Not really knowing what to expect, we were pleasantly surprised to find a charming, picturesque, artsy, seaside town. Our bed and breakfast was everything it should be-- and more. Typical, gorgeous, large old New England style home with a beautiful ocean view. Our hosts were indulgent and accommodating. Wonderful breakfasts including yogurt parfaits and fresh croissants started our days. They thoughtfully even had a cat--named Blue--so I could get my dose of pet love. After walking and exploring the various shops and galleries, and stuffing ourselves with local delicacies, we would amble back "home". Many hours were spent on the large front porch, in rocking chairs, enjoying the view of the harvest moon over the bay, while sipping our nightcap(s). Among the most stunning sights we witnessed were children. Playing. Outside. It even seemed as thought they WANTED to. Real kids at the beach. Climbing on boulders, digging clams, searching for shells and snails and RUNNING. And not just to Blockbuster to rent a video game. Glad I didn't see one READING, cuz that would just be too much. Little Rockport chilluns' playin' and yellin' with that cute little accent. Should label them as a bona fide tourist attraction in the AAA guidebook. But, I rave. Then, more of the usual--fresh, whole lobsters and local brews to round out this lazy getaway. The new McNamara Terminal at Detroit Metro Airport eases the re-entry by being modern, efficient and clean. Back up 94 to home, I can only hope that visitors to Detroit can find the unique beauty in our fair city to take back with them. Be it ever so....um, well.....humble, it's still ours to call home. P.S. check out the groovy lid I purchased in Rockport. And, yes, Dad, I actually paid them for it!! xoox

Simply the best.....

Hey all y'all! I am on a long weekend in Boston with more deets to follow. However, let me take this moment to introduce you to a very special person. My sister-in-law Cheryl has joined the blogosphere! Pause for round of applause, whoo hoos, and wolf whistles!! With encouragement, she has started a sort of advice column for anyone with a question or problem. For as long as I have had her in my life, she has been simply the best listener and problem solver, margarita maker and secret keeper. All excellent skills to be shared with the world. I am lucky enough to use her multi tasking (usually a concept I hate) skills to advise me WHILE fixing me a cocktail! Now, that's a talent I can get behind. Her blog further explains her intentions, so I urge you to ask or comment away. You won't be sorry--girl has got it goin' on! xoxo P.S check her out at consultry-cheryl.blogspot.com xoxo

Black Betty R.I.P....

So, I have retired my old girl. After 5 years of faithful service, my dear Black Betty has been traded in for a newer model. (see 06/01 post for more deets on B.B.) Unlike women, the car version does not get better with age. She was tired and I had worked her hard. She has done her job well and deserves a rest. I hope she gets purchased by a caring person, who will treat her like the old queen that she is. Plenty of oil changes and visits to the auto spa, with only the top shelf "cocktail " at the gas pump. Rest well sweet girl. That said, there's a new sheriff in town! Meet Ruby Dee, my latest and greatest. She is a HOTTIE! My brother, Steve, at Dean Arbour Ford in Alpena, really hooked me up this time! Candy apple red with a black cloth convertible top. Tires and rims that are extra special, and will keep the dudes at Belle Tire from tryin' to upgrade me! The 45Th anniversary year warrants cool, limited edition 'stang symbols on floor mats, dash, etc. Many bells and whistles that I am still figuring out. The upgraded stereo bumps with Sirius radio and my ipod has a built in. Bigger body frame makes the front seat larger overall. Slick matte chrome fixtures and black leather, HEATED seats. Whoo Hoo! And she smells delicious! Mmmm.m.m.m Eau de new Mustang!!! She purrs like my my dear Lola on her faux cashmere blankie! And she is a ROCKET. The 350 horses plus engine gets outta bed quicker than Betty did, and makes merging and passing even more fun. For most of my driving life, I drove used, dependable, gas conserving cars that I could barely make the payment on. They served me well and were cost appropriate at the time. I've only had a few new cars in my life, so I realize my good fortune now. The fact that Ruby cost more than the first house I purchased, most definitely gives me pause. I don't ever take this luxury for granted and even feel sort of guilty about the money. Sort of. As an old hippie, this kind goes against my grain. How to justify? Decadence wears well on me? I am a "car person"? Okay, I really can't justify--only recognize. So keep and eye out for the Ruby chariot with myself and a little Bengal cat ridin' shotgun. Comin' to a city near you, soon! xoxox

Tattoo you...

I have a tattoo. Yeah. I had always wanted one, even growing up. But in Northern Michigan the only tattoos I had exposure to was some biker peeps and my uncle Jim's traditional Navy one--you know--the girl with the sailor hat. Thank the Lord, it was before excessive body piercing, because you can be sure, I would be the girl with all things pierced as well as probably too many tasteless tatts. I now realize that too much of a good thing is well, just too much. I love body adornment, but too often it can appear like body mutilation. My son, asked for a tattoo for Christmas when He was 17. I told him, that yes, I would be happy to pop for it as long it was something I approved of. How about a heart with a "Mom" banner on it? Perfect, in my opinion. Needless to say, He got his bass clef tattoo on his bicep, on his own. Playing the bass guitar inspired his choice, so it was a thought out idea that meant something to him. I doubt He will ever regret it. It gives me pause to see so many people employing this form of self expression--and the things they must be trying to express. Children's names, memorials of loved ones, assorted Disney characters, butterflies, roses, the usual barbed wire arm band, favorite bands, pets, and the such. I could only guess the impression that these themes must have had to prompt someone to have them permanently inked on. So, giving myself permission to get my own tattoo, gave me something to really think about. It had to be something profoundly meaningful. But what? I had no idea offhand. One evening at yoga class, I studied a poster explaining the 7 chakras. Upon reading, the second chakra hit me right between the eyes. It was an explanation that suited me EXACTLY!! So much that I instantly knew that I had found my tattoo. In a nutshell (I promise), the second of the seven energy centers is known as Svadhisthana--meaning sweetness. Awww. The chakra is located 2 inches below the bellybutton on the soft, vulnerable underside. It is the sign of creativity and sensuality. It's color is orange, and it's sense is taste. The element is water and it is ruled by a blue, crescent moon. When meditating, the chant is "Vam'--which is also my maiden name. This all perfectly coincides with my astrological sign of Cancer. I am a true cancerian with a tough exterior and a soft side, too. As a water sign and a moon child, the parallels continue. I love the 6 petal lotus shape of the symbol. So, this is it. Within days I had my appointment at Eternal Tattoo. A few glasses of wine made the whole thing go almost painlessly. My lower back (yeah, I know, a "tramp stamp") sports my yogic i.d. and I love it. It was the first chakra symbol that the artist had ever done. As a recently released guy, his practice on the "inside" did not include many yoga symbols! Imagine that. I only occasionally consider another, but probably will stay with just the one. Please let me know if you have a tatt or how you would represent if you were to get one. Happy thoughts. Peace. xo