Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Movie Night
Finally the day has arrived, it's movie night! You've been looking forward to this all week. You've looked in the paper, searched the Internet or taken the advice of a friend or co-worker and decided on what movie you want to see. You have made several calls to your friends or that someone special to arrange the date and time. Everything is set and tonight is the night.
You arrive at the movie theatre, you can't miss it as it is the large building surrounded by either a shopping mall or a collage of discount outlets and coffee shops. They are usually located in the center of the building or complex closest to the bus stop, bike racks and handicap parking. You find a parking space where you do not need to traverse past the food court and playground but rather enter one door and walk straight to the theatre. Unfortunately this is the overflow lot and although it has not rained in months the ground is a mixture of gravel and mud just deep enough to engulf a shoe up to the sock level.
You've traversed through the gravel and mud, walked a mile or two past the primer and bondo covered Nissan parked diagonally across three spaces. You've walked past the skate boarders and mall security. You've avoided being run over by an electric shopping cart. You've scrapped off as much of the mud from your shoe as you can and are standing in line...the wrong line.
Now your at the ticket counter and purchasing your ticket. You know this is the right line as you hear those before you balking at the price of admission. You pay for your ticket and possibly those with you thinking the national average of 7 plus dollars isn't that bad and with ticket in hand you go to the concession stand for your drinks, popcorn, candy and other items "essential" to a good movie experience. You can't miss the concession counter as it would make the check-in counter at the Waldorf look like a fishing shanty. It literally goes from the front door to the restrooms and entrance to "the maze" that leads to the individual theatres. The counter is usually decorated with shoe prints from the many children trying to climb up to watch the vendor masterfully pour gallons of butter on their popcorn. This is the place where your money seems to evaporate into thin air, where taking out that second mortgage pays off.
With your 7 plus dollar tickets and 80 or so dollars worth of sodas, popcorn, milk duds and twizzlers in hand you head off to "the maze". I'm not sure if "the maze" is to keep foot traffic moving or to separate families from their children for recruitment into the Merchant Marines. In any event you quickly adjust to the non-logical numbering of theatres and find the one where your movie is playing. You go inside and begin to find your seats. This is the point in the story where the fun really begins.
As you walk towards your seats you have to struggle to keep your feet moving and not lose a shoe along the way. With every step your foot sticks to the floor. How carpet can be sticky is still a mystery to me, especially since your shoe is still wet and covered in mud from the parking lot! You choose your seats, not too close to the screen nor too far in the back. You sit down and wait for the lights to go down and the previews to begin. You wonder which of the types of people you'll encounter this time. Will it be the one who has to get up to go to the restroom 6 times during the film? The one with children who turn around to show you the jelly bean stuck in their nose? Could it be the person who has seen the film before and decides it is their job to say every line out loud for you? Will it be the one who can't go a minute without talking on their cell phone, or the person who leaves it on but doesn't answer it letting it ring the entire time? Or could it be a tall person wearing a hat who out of a whole empty row sits right in front of you? The lights dim, the previews begin and now, now your wait is over...
I can't remember what the movie was about or even who was in it but for 87 plus dollars I can tell you all about the nice tall couple from Brazil and their three children. I can tell you about the lovely hat she wore, that his ring tone was the theme from Rocky. I couldn't see the screen but thanks to him I knew every line or event that was about to happen. Their eldest son's ring tone was a U2 song and apparently his girlfriend missed him so much. I knew she did and every ten minutes I got a reminder as she called once more. I could tell you their little girl was very talented and could get two milk duds in each nostril but couldn't hold more than 4 and a half ounces in her bladder. Their youngest, aah the sweetest little child, actually very quiet, sleeping most of the time. That is she slept quietly until she was awakened by her mother to be breast fed!
Yes, there's nothing quite like movie night.
You arrive at the movie theatre, you can't miss it as it is the large building surrounded by either a shopping mall or a collage of discount outlets and coffee shops. They are usually located in the center of the building or complex closest to the bus stop, bike racks and handicap parking. You find a parking space where you do not need to traverse past the food court and playground but rather enter one door and walk straight to the theatre. Unfortunately this is the overflow lot and although it has not rained in months the ground is a mixture of gravel and mud just deep enough to engulf a shoe up to the sock level.
You've traversed through the gravel and mud, walked a mile or two past the primer and bondo covered Nissan parked diagonally across three spaces. You've walked past the skate boarders and mall security. You've avoided being run over by an electric shopping cart. You've scrapped off as much of the mud from your shoe as you can and are standing in line...the wrong line.
Now your at the ticket counter and purchasing your ticket. You know this is the right line as you hear those before you balking at the price of admission. You pay for your ticket and possibly those with you thinking the national average of 7 plus dollars isn't that bad and with ticket in hand you go to the concession stand for your drinks, popcorn, candy and other items "essential" to a good movie experience. You can't miss the concession counter as it would make the check-in counter at the Waldorf look like a fishing shanty. It literally goes from the front door to the restrooms and entrance to "the maze" that leads to the individual theatres. The counter is usually decorated with shoe prints from the many children trying to climb up to watch the vendor masterfully pour gallons of butter on their popcorn. This is the place where your money seems to evaporate into thin air, where taking out that second mortgage pays off.
With your 7 plus dollar tickets and 80 or so dollars worth of sodas, popcorn, milk duds and twizzlers in hand you head off to "the maze". I'm not sure if "the maze" is to keep foot traffic moving or to separate families from their children for recruitment into the Merchant Marines. In any event you quickly adjust to the non-logical numbering of theatres and find the one where your movie is playing. You go inside and begin to find your seats. This is the point in the story where the fun really begins.
As you walk towards your seats you have to struggle to keep your feet moving and not lose a shoe along the way. With every step your foot sticks to the floor. How carpet can be sticky is still a mystery to me, especially since your shoe is still wet and covered in mud from the parking lot! You choose your seats, not too close to the screen nor too far in the back. You sit down and wait for the lights to go down and the previews to begin. You wonder which of the types of people you'll encounter this time. Will it be the one who has to get up to go to the restroom 6 times during the film? The one with children who turn around to show you the jelly bean stuck in their nose? Could it be the person who has seen the film before and decides it is their job to say every line out loud for you? Will it be the one who can't go a minute without talking on their cell phone, or the person who leaves it on but doesn't answer it letting it ring the entire time? Or could it be a tall person wearing a hat who out of a whole empty row sits right in front of you? The lights dim, the previews begin and now, now your wait is over...
I can't remember what the movie was about or even who was in it but for 87 plus dollars I can tell you all about the nice tall couple from Brazil and their three children. I can tell you about the lovely hat she wore, that his ring tone was the theme from Rocky. I couldn't see the screen but thanks to him I knew every line or event that was about to happen. Their eldest son's ring tone was a U2 song and apparently his girlfriend missed him so much. I knew she did and every ten minutes I got a reminder as she called once more. I could tell you their little girl was very talented and could get two milk duds in each nostril but couldn't hold more than 4 and a half ounces in her bladder. Their youngest, aah the sweetest little child, actually very quiet, sleeping most of the time. That is she slept quietly until she was awakened by her mother to be breast fed!
Yes, there's nothing quite like movie night.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Life Minus A Mom
I know a young man (we will call him Nathan). I have only known Nathan for about six months, but during this time I have become quite fond of him. Nathan’s story (where his relationship with his mother is concerned) is heartbreaking. Without going into a lot of detail, several years ago, Nathan’s mother left her family. She chose her happiness and her “new life” over that of her family’s - - chose it at the expense of the relationship with her son and with her daughter. Even chose NOT to have contact with her children during the past several years. It was unexpected and unfathomable – as Nathan had a pretty close relationship with his mother.
I first heard his story at a time when I was going through something very similar in my own life. At that particular time, my fiancé had abandoned me and his two teenage children to be with his new girlfriend. Similarly to that of Nathan’s mother, he chose his “happiness” and new life over that of the family’s - - and chose it at the expense of his relationship with me and with his children (whom he abandoned in the house in which we lived to move in with his girlfriend!). My heart and spirit were broken and I was struggling a great deal just to maintain some stability in my life and emotions. Upon hearing my story, Nathan told me his story about his mother and it was, at that time, that I realized there were situations that were (in my eyes) far worse than what I was going through. Similarly, though, Nathan thought MY story was worse - - in that way, we helped each other see our situations from a different perspective.
I thought about (and still do) Nathan’s story many times after he shared it with me. It caused me to reflect on my relationship with my son. I try to imagine a scenario where I would walk away from him and tell him that I wanted no contact with him. And even IF I could have imagined saying that, I tried to imagine actually being able to carry it out. Try as I might (and as angry as he’s made me at times…LOL), I cannot imagine such a situation! I try to imagine being so “in love” with someone and wanting to make a new life that I would walk away from, and give up, my son…….again, unimaginable! I then turn it over in my mind and attempt to think of the heartbreak and despair it would cause my son were I ever to be able to say that (or do that) to him. I could never look myself in the mirror knowing that I had caused that much pain to my own child. Finally, I think about how I would have felt had MY mother ever done that to me. I cannot imagine my life without my mother’s influence.
After thinking of that scenario from the various viewpoints, I believe that I can empathize with how Nathan feels having gone through such an experience. Nathan and I have become acquainted pretty well and we continue to do so. I’d like to think that, even though his own mother has been absent in his life for quite some time, that he still has someone who will listen and give him “motherly” advice as it’s warranted. To me, his story is unimaginable, heartbreaking, and infuriating all at the same time.
To Nathan I would say: You no longer have to live your life minus a mom. If you need one, you know where to find me.
I first heard his story at a time when I was going through something very similar in my own life. At that particular time, my fiancé had abandoned me and his two teenage children to be with his new girlfriend. Similarly to that of Nathan’s mother, he chose his “happiness” and new life over that of the family’s - - and chose it at the expense of his relationship with me and with his children (whom he abandoned in the house in which we lived to move in with his girlfriend!). My heart and spirit were broken and I was struggling a great deal just to maintain some stability in my life and emotions. Upon hearing my story, Nathan told me his story about his mother and it was, at that time, that I realized there were situations that were (in my eyes) far worse than what I was going through. Similarly, though, Nathan thought MY story was worse - - in that way, we helped each other see our situations from a different perspective.
I thought about (and still do) Nathan’s story many times after he shared it with me. It caused me to reflect on my relationship with my son. I try to imagine a scenario where I would walk away from him and tell him that I wanted no contact with him. And even IF I could have imagined saying that, I tried to imagine actually being able to carry it out. Try as I might (and as angry as he’s made me at times…LOL), I cannot imagine such a situation! I try to imagine being so “in love” with someone and wanting to make a new life that I would walk away from, and give up, my son…….again, unimaginable! I then turn it over in my mind and attempt to think of the heartbreak and despair it would cause my son were I ever to be able to say that (or do that) to him. I could never look myself in the mirror knowing that I had caused that much pain to my own child. Finally, I think about how I would have felt had MY mother ever done that to me. I cannot imagine my life without my mother’s influence.
After thinking of that scenario from the various viewpoints, I believe that I can empathize with how Nathan feels having gone through such an experience. Nathan and I have become acquainted pretty well and we continue to do so. I’d like to think that, even though his own mother has been absent in his life for quite some time, that he still has someone who will listen and give him “motherly” advice as it’s warranted. To me, his story is unimaginable, heartbreaking, and infuriating all at the same time.
To Nathan I would say: You no longer have to live your life minus a mom. If you need one, you know where to find me.
Johnny Cagle is here!
I have now invaded your land! I shall soon CONQUER ALL!!!! Ah just kidding. Hello to all.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Inspiring
There are places in the world that soothe my soul, slow my pace, deepen my breathing and open my mind...of all these places my favorite free spot is Grandma's house! I've got my own room, a pool, am in walking distance of the beach and can drink at any hour of the day with my 2nd favorite person in the world. Sorry Grandma, only Ella could knock you out of the top spot ;) As we enjoy our last champagne vodka cocktail of the day, my emotions ebb and flow to the rhythm of your time strengthed story telling and the relaxing vibe of your company. Here I can come anytime and always be exactly me...you know the worst and believe the best of me...a bond I treasure more than I know how to sufficiently express. You inspire and delight me Grandma...you truly are a classy lady...even if you've managed to cherish such a rebel as I. Because of you I know we need no bond more common than humanity to befriend a stranger and will always feel better when smiling. Some days I worry you'll be abducted by your latest friend, but mostly I rest easy knowing that God created you on purpose and I should listen to you and trust in that...no matter my dogmatic differences from most Christian faiths.
Ella says it's time for bed now so we'll keep this short and sweet...good night and peaceful slumber
~the patio princess
Ella says it's time for bed now so we'll keep this short and sweet...good night and peaceful slumber
~the patio princess
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Pat's Hands
Old hands at birth
Wrinkles and lines spread
Across the tiny hand
Like his father
And father’s father
Gentle hands touch
Wood surface feeling the grain
Sensing direction, warp and cup
Like his great grand father
And fathers before him
Strong hands push
Gently guiding the small
Block plane. Smooth wood curls
Fall lightly to floor from old tool design
Common to great grandfather’s trade
Supple hand glides
Swiftly guiding trombone slide
Vibrato tones true, sonorous sound
New to fathers ears
Calloused hands press
Wound steel strings vibrate
Blue bass guitar hums
Not same old riff moves in
Tempos new to fathers
Steady hands move
Mouse from screen to
Screen, small then detail
Unlike anything known nor
Seen by fathers before
Extended hands flex
Out and clench back
Not understanding pain
Gasping for breath
Father in agony
Tiny hand grasp
Wrapping around
Wrinkled little finger
Miniature muscles encircle
His father’s heart
Wrinkles and lines spread
Across the tiny hand
Like his father
And father’s father
Gentle hands touch
Wood surface feeling the grain
Sensing direction, warp and cup
Like his great grand father
And fathers before him
Strong hands push
Gently guiding the small
Block plane. Smooth wood curls
Fall lightly to floor from old tool design
Common to great grandfather’s trade
Supple hand glides
Swiftly guiding trombone slide
Vibrato tones true, sonorous sound
New to fathers ears
Calloused hands press
Wound steel strings vibrate
Blue bass guitar hums
Not same old riff moves in
Tempos new to fathers
Steady hands move
Mouse from screen to
Screen, small then detail
Unlike anything known nor
Seen by fathers before
Extended hands flex
Out and clench back
Not understanding pain
Gasping for breath
Father in agony
Tiny hand grasp
Wrapping around
Wrinkled little finger
Miniature muscles encircle
His father’s heart
April 6, 2006
John R. Harsha
Monday, August 10, 2009
Roo!!
It took me half of Kathy Griffin's Life on the D-List to figure out how to post
Today I nearly threw my patent leather, peep toe, 6 inch Calvin Klein stilettos over the ledge...literally. If any of the windows in our office building opened, those sexy shoes would've been history! Instead, largely due to my overly indulged vanity, I limped through the day cursing every step...mostly in the peace of my own mind, but occassionally (and sometimes accidentally) out loud within hearing distance of my co-workers...oops. These heels are AMAZING and make me 6 foot 2 inches tall!!! However, I am coming to see that my life-long dedication to fashion regardless of the amount of pain involved may be tempering with age. This makes me a little sad, but mostly angry. Why should we have to sacrifice style for comfort?!?! I think that is a load of crap. Unfortunately, the only designer who attempts to introduce style and comfort to each other prices his shoes in the $150 range...which even I think is ridiculous...for shoes anyway...purses are a whole separate blog...maybe. In my attempt to be more reasonable about comfort, I went shoe shopping this weekend with one goal...find cute flat shoes for $20ish a pair...and although I bought two pairs...I was totally aggrevated by the lack of stylish options. All shoes I find appealing are at least 4 inches tall and no matter how I try to deceive myself, they will all hurt by the end of the work day...crap!
Also to be noted...MEN!! And their distinctive reactions to the same outfit if the shoes change...what is up with that?! Clearly both sexes find heels more attractive, but it's nearly disheartening to be able to see a visible difference in the way men look at me based upon the shoes on my feet. Short men will check me out, but not speak much when I wear my favorite shoes. Yet suddenly, when I get back to regular size in flat shoes they are all eye contact and charm...am I not exactly the same person regardless of what I happen to be wearing at any given moment?!? Tall men however fawn over the heels and will make extra efforts to gain my attention and comment upon my legs, yet in flats you'd think I was invisible. I think I shall test my observations and commit to this week wearing only heels and then next week, I will wear all the same clothes with flats and see if my observations change...I doubt it, but now maybe MJ will help me observe the silliness of men!
I'm irritated and wired so now I think it's best for me to go do yoga and hope to find personal serenity separately from shoes.
Sweet dreams from the Patio Princess
Also to be noted...MEN!! And their distinctive reactions to the same outfit if the shoes change...what is up with that?! Clearly both sexes find heels more attractive, but it's nearly disheartening to be able to see a visible difference in the way men look at me based upon the shoes on my feet. Short men will check me out, but not speak much when I wear my favorite shoes. Yet suddenly, when I get back to regular size in flat shoes they are all eye contact and charm...am I not exactly the same person regardless of what I happen to be wearing at any given moment?!? Tall men however fawn over the heels and will make extra efforts to gain my attention and comment upon my legs, yet in flats you'd think I was invisible. I think I shall test my observations and commit to this week wearing only heels and then next week, I will wear all the same clothes with flats and see if my observations change...I doubt it, but now maybe MJ will help me observe the silliness of men!
I'm irritated and wired so now I think it's best for me to go do yoga and hope to find personal serenity separately from shoes.
Sweet dreams from the Patio Princess
Sunday, August 9, 2009
But a Dream
I walk softly trying not to make a sound for fear of waking those around me. My friends are deep in slumber yet I am wide awake. The TV is on but turned down to the point I can barely hear it. I watch it but could not tell you what the movie is about for my thoughts are elsewhere. Thoughts of past, present and future, of family and friends. These thoughts and more come to me each night but they are not the source of my insomnia. My thoughts arrive each night in the silent darkness and keep me company. Each thought taking its turn, working its shift if you will. They are here helping me to pass the time until either I eventually fall asleep or the sun comes up. Many a time the latter has been the case. I do not wager on which it will be as the cost of playing negates any possibility of proffiting from winning. I shall not dream this evening. No, tonight sleep itself is but a dream.
A Proud Moment
I have a son. He has grown into a fine young adult. The other day someone told me that he seemed like a nice guy and how he seemed genuine. Immediately following I was told, "Good job." As most mothers would, I thanked the person and felt proud. I have been told this over the years by several people and each time my reaction has been the same. My feeling of pride was due to the fact that I felt I could take some credit in the kind of person my son had turned out to be.
For some reason, however, this most recent occurrence had me thinking.......as he has gotten older, I realize that it's not just about me raising him "right" - it's about HIM and his decision to be that person. Kids can "go the wrong way" even when raised "right." He decided to carry on the values he learned growing up - for that HE deserves the credit. He could have decided not to do that, could have decided to live his life a different way - his decision to be a "nice guy" is now why I am proud.
For some reason, however, this most recent occurrence had me thinking.......as he has gotten older, I realize that it's not just about me raising him "right" - it's about HIM and his decision to be that person. Kids can "go the wrong way" even when raised "right." He decided to carry on the values he learned growing up - for that HE deserves the credit. He could have decided not to do that, could have decided to live his life a different way - his decision to be a "nice guy" is now why I am proud.
Friday, August 7, 2009
A New Beginning
An Excerpt from Courage, A Little Book of brave Thoughts
"Out of the dark a shadow,
Then, a spark;
Out of the cloud a silence,
Then, a lark;
Out of the heart a rapture,
Then, a pain;
Out of the dead cold ashes,
Life again."
John B. Tabb.
"Out of the dark a shadow,
Then, a spark;
Out of the cloud a silence,
Then, a lark;
Out of the heart a rapture,
Then, a pain;
Out of the dead cold ashes,
Life again."
John B. Tabb.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
HTML
Seeing as we altered a Blogger template and have NO idea how to work in HTML, I'm thinking it might be a pretty good investment if I bought a book on it - maybe "HTML for Dummies." Do they even have that? Wait, I just checked Amazon - they DO have that! I'll put that on my To Do List.....lol
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Looking Good!
I havent been able to be on here helping with the creation of the site these past few days but the site has been left in good hands. My partner in crime as it were is dong an excellent job with the design and layout. Kudos to Her!
Now the real trick will be to get her to show me all she has learned - LOL
And yes, I am pleased!
Now the real trick will be to get her to show me all she has learned - LOL
And yes, I am pleased!
Sunday, August 2, 2009
A New Template
I've been working with the templates trying to find something that Pat will like......this is my most recent attempt to please him.....LOL.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
The First Post
Having FINALLY decided on both the blog site to use and the title for our blog we've gotten this far. Ok, now what?
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