http://affiliate.kickapps.com/user/displayAffiliateLoginPage.kickAction?STATUS=MAIN Mike's Writers Network recent activity Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:56:59 GMT Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:56:59 GMT mgeffy@gmail.com mgeffy@gmail.com KickApps Feed Builder 2011-12-21T01:56:59Z list mgeffy@gmail.comnoMike's Writers Network recent activityMikesWritersNetworkRecentActivityhttp://feedburner.google.com http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/ZIgdddx63XA/displayKickPlace.kickAction Stone Butch/Butch loving femme, writer, translator, and HIV/AIDS & LGBT Rights activist, I’m the captain of the AIDS Walk NY Butch/Femme team and co-host of the NYC Butch Femme Socials. Send me your comments, questions or suggestions atmarialapachet@yahoo.com.  ]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:56:59 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2367771&as=30146 2011-12-21T01:56:59Z Mike's Writers Network Stone Butch/Butch loving femme, writer, translator, and HIV/AIDS & LGBT Rights activist, I’m the captain of the AIDS Walk NY Butch/Femme team and co-host of the NYC Butch Femme Socials. Send me your comments, questions or suggestions atmarialapachet@yahoo.com.  activist, butch, femme, lesbian, lgbt, translator, writer nonadult false marialapachet has updated her profile user activist,butch,femme,lesbian,lgbt,translator,writer 105 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2367771&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_D.jpg false 0 0 2367771 0 noStone Butch/Butch loving femme, writer, translator, and HIV/AIDS & LGBT Rights activist, I’m the captain of the AIDS Walk NY Butch/Femme team and co-host of the NYC Butch Femme Socials. Send me your comments, questions or suggestions atmarialapaStone Butch/Butch loving femme, writer, translator, and HIV/AIDS & LGBT Rights activist, I’m the captain of the AIDS Walk NY Butch/Femme team and co-host of the NYC Butch Femme Socials. Send me your comments, questions or suggestions atmarialapachet@yahoo.com. http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2367771&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/ZIgdddx63XA/displayKickPlace.kickAction Stone Butch/Butch loving femme, writer, translator, and HIV/AIDS & LGBT Rights activist, I’m the captain of the AIDS Walk NY Butch/Femme team and co-host of the NYC Butch Femme Socials. Send me your comments, questions or suggestions atmarialapachet@yahoo.com.  ]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:56:41 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2367771&as=30146 2011-12-21T01:56:41Z Mike's Writers Network Stone Butch/Butch loving femme, writer, translator, and HIV/AIDS & LGBT Rights activist, I’m the captain of the AIDS Walk NY Butch/Femme team and co-host of the NYC Butch Femme Socials. Send me your comments, questions or suggestions atmarialapachet@yahoo.com.  activist, butch, femme, lesbian, lgbt, translator, writer nonadult false marialapachet has updated her profile user activist,butch,femme,lesbian,lgbt,translator,writer 105 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2367771&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_A.jpg false 0 0 2367771 0 noStone Butch/Butch loving femme, writer, translator, and HIV/AIDS & LGBT Rights activist, I’m the captain of the AIDS Walk NY Butch/Femme team and co-host of the NYC Butch Femme Socials. Send me your comments, questions or suggestions atmarialapaStone Butch/Butch loving femme, writer, translator, and HIV/AIDS & LGBT Rights activist, I’m the captain of the AIDS Walk NY Butch/Femme team and co-host of the NYC Butch Femme Socials. Send me your comments, questions or suggestions atmarialapachet@yahoo.com. http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=2367771&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/ZT9M_H28oeY/displayKickPlace.kickAction ]]> Tue, 09 Aug 2011 05:13:05 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=33806284&as=30146 2011-08-09T05:13:05Z Mike's Writers Network nonadult false MichelleJanineRobinson has joined the Mike's Writers Network user 15 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=33806284&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_B.jpg false 0 0 33806284 0 nohttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=33806284&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/RUZ4kSBqs90/displayKickPlace.kickAction  Hill Country Thoughts: A Coffee Cup Ministry "Write from the Heart and Walk One Day At A Time with the Lord!!" The Mayor :-)P.S. The Mayor, is a nickname that my friends gave me yrs agoOne heart, laid bare, letting others know they are not alone if they know Jesus. It beats inside Paul Dawn Jr., a prolific writer who created Hill Country Thoughts to encourage people to walk more closely with the Lord. After a battle with cancer, two major surgeries, a divorce, after 29 years, not by choice, the Lord has taken what seemed like defeat and out of the ashes has brought forth life and focused him on what was important, the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul pens his innermost thoughts about his journey as a Christian and all that the Lord is teaching him. His honest and poignant writings tell of his personal struggles, hard-won victories and the joys of learning to trust and follow Jesus Christ. Paul, now lives in Smyrna, Georgia. Moved to Georgia, after nearly 30 years of living in Junction, Texas. Hopefully Hill Country thoughts is a place where people can come and be encouraged online by hearing about the faithfulness of the Lord. My hope is to exhort others, lift them up, to let them know that we are never without hope and the Lord is with us in all that we go through in life. Paul, a freelance writer and researcher, started Hill Country Thoughts in April 2004. The Pinecrest Bible Training Center graduate’s website has attracted more than 60,000 visitors. Many have come from other countries,Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia, to name a few. I see the Lord intertwining His people together.We have been given a great opportunity to use the Internet for the Lord. We need to share and let people to know there is hope in a world that seems to have very little. In addition to his web page, Paul also writes for the website Crossmap.com, as well as several other online e-zines, writes devotionals, was co-moderator of Christian Writers Group (CWG) for ten years and now serves on the advisory board, member of the Christian Authors Guild, in Woodstock, Georgia. Paul has a coffee cup ministry. A lot of his writing is done at various coffee shops :-) A market place ministry that allows Him to meet people of all ages, to have an ear to listen, exhort and hopefully encourage others. Paul attends Cumberland Community Church, Smyrna, Georgia (By Luanne Hunt/Paul Dawn) ]]> Fri, 13 May 2011 05:52:34 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4373458&as=30146 2011-05-13T05:52:34Z Mike's Writers Network  Hill Country Thoughts: A Coffee Cup Ministry "Write from the Heart and Walk One Day At A Time with the Lord!!" The Mayor :-)P.S. The Mayor, is a nickname that my friends gave me yrs agoOne heart, laid bare, letting others know they are not alone if they know Jesus. It beats inside Paul Dawn Jr., a prolific writer who created Hill Country Thoughts to encourage people to walk more closely with the Lord. After a battle with cancer, two major surgeries, a divorce, after 29 years, not by choice, the Lord has taken what seemed like defeat and out of the ashes has brought forth life and focused him on what was important, the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul pens his innermost thoughts about his journey as a Christian and all that the Lord is teaching him. His honest and poignant writings tell of his personal struggles, hard-won victories and the joys of learning to trust and follow Jesus Christ. Paul, now lives in Smyrna, Georgia. Moved to Georgia, after nearly 30 years of living in Junction, Texas. Hopefully Hill Country thoughts is a place where people can come and be encouraged online by hearing about the faithfulness of the Lord. My hope is to exhort others, lift them up, to let them know that we are never without hope and the Lord is with us in all that we go through in life. Paul, a freelance writer and researcher, started Hill Country Thoughts in April 2004. The Pinecrest Bible Training Center graduate’s website has attracted more than 60,000 visitors. Many have come from other countries,Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia, to name a few. I see the Lord intertwining His people together.We have been given a great opportunity to use the Internet for the Lord. We need to share and let people to know there is hope in a world that seems to have very little. In addition to his web page, Paul also writes for the website Crossmap.com, as well as several other online e-zines, writes devotionals, was co-moderator of Christian Writers Group (CWG) for ten years and now serves on the advisory board, member of the Christian Authors Guild, in Woodstock, Georgia. Paul has a coffee cup ministry. A lot of his writing is done at various coffee shops :-) A market place ministry that allows Him to meet people of all ages, to have an ear to listen, exhort and hopefully encourage others. Paul attends Cumberland Community Church, Smyrna, Georgia (By Luanne Hunt/Paul Dawn) brother, cancer survivor, children, divorce, faith, family, father, friend, grand children, grand father, hope, love, marriage, writer nonadult false HCThoughts has updated his profile user brother,cancer survivor,children,divorce,faith,family,father,friend,grand children,grand father,hope,love,marriage,writer 91 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4373458&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_E.jpg false 0 0 4373458 0 no Hill Country Thoughts: A Coffee Cup Ministry "Write from the Heart and Walk One Day At A Time with the Lord!!" The Mayor :-)P.S. The Mayor, is a nickname that my friends gave me yrs agoOne heart, laid bare, letting others know they are not alone if  Hill Country Thoughts: A Coffee Cup Ministry "Write from the Heart and Walk One Day At A Time with the Lord!!" The Mayor :-)P.S. The Mayor, is a nickname that my friends gave me yrs agoOne heart, laid bare, letting others know they are not alone if they know Jesus. It beats inside Paul Dawn Jr., a prolific writer who created Hill Country Thoughts to encourage people to walk more closely with the Lord. After a battle with cancer, two major surgeries, a divorce, after 29 years, not by choice, the Lord has taken what seemed like defeat and out of the ashes has brought forth life and focused him on what was important, the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul pens his innermost thoughts about his journey as a Christian and all that the Lord is teaching him. His honest and poignant writings tell of his personal struggles, hard-won victories and the joys of learning to trust and follow Jesus Christ. Paul, now lives in Smyrna, Georgia. Moved to Georgia, after nearly 30 years of living in Junction, Texas. Hopefully Hill Country thoughts is a place where people can come and be encouraged online by hearing about the faithfulness of the Lord. My hope is to exhort others, lift them up, to let them know that we are never without hope and the Lord is with us in all that we go through in life. Paul, a freelance writer and researcher, started Hill Country Thoughts in April 2004. The Pinecrest Bible Training Center graduate’s website has attracted more than 60,000 visitors. Many have come from other countries,Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia, to name a few. I see the Lord intertwining His people together.We have been given a great opportunity to use the Internet for the Lord. We need to share and let people to know there is hope in a world that seems to have very little. In addition to his web page, Paul also writes for the website Crossmap.com, as well as several other online e-zines, writes devotionals, was co-moderator of Christian Writers Group (CWG) for ten years and now serves on the advisory board, member of the Christian Authors Guild, in Woodstock, Georgia. Paul has a coffee cup ministry. A lot of his writing is done at various coffee shops :-) A market place ministry that allows Him to meet people of all ages, to have an ear to listen, exhort and hopefully encourage others. Paul attends Cumberland Community Church, Smyrna, Georgia (By Luanne Hunt/Paul Dawn)http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4373458&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/RUZ4kSBqs90/displayKickPlace.kickAction  Hill Country Thoughts: A Coffee Cup Ministry "Write from the Heart and Walk One Day At A Time with the Lord!!" The Mayor :-)P.S. The Mayor, is a nickname that my friends gave me yrs agoOne heart, laid bare, letting others know they are not alone if they know Jesus. It beats inside Paul Dawn Jr., a prolific writer who created Hill Country Thoughts to encourage people to walk more closely with the Lord. After a battle with cancer, two major surgeries, a divorce, after 29 years, not by choice, the Lord has taken what seemed like defeat and out of the ashes has brought forth life and focused him on what was important, the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul pens his innermost thoughts about his journey as a Christian and all that the Lord is teaching him. His honest and poignant writings tell of his personal struggles, hard-won victories and the joys of learning to trust and follow Jesus Christ. Paul, now lives in Smyrna, Georgia. Moved to Georgia, after nearly 30 years of living in Junction, Texas. Hopefully Hill Country thoughts is a place where people can come and be encouraged online by hearing about the faithfulness of the Lord. My hope is to exhort others, lift them up, to let them know that we are never without hope and the Lord is with us in all that we go through in life. Paul, a freelance writer and researcher, started Hill Country Thoughts in April 2004. The Pinecrest Bible Training Center graduate’s website has attracted more than 60,000 visitors. Many have come from other countries,Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia, to name a few. I see the Lord intertwining His people together.We have been given a great opportunity to use the Internet for the Lord. We need to share and let people to know there is hope in a world that seems to have very little. In addition to his web page, Paul also writes for the website Crossmap.com, as well as several other online e-zines, writes devotionals, was co-moderator of Christian Writers Group (CWG) for ten years and now serves on the advisory board, member of the Christian Authors Guild, in Woodstock, Georgia. Paul has a coffee cup ministry. A lot of his writing is done at various coffee shops :-) A market place ministry that allows Him to meet people of all ages, to have an ear to listen, exhort and hopefully encourage others. Paul attends Cumberland Community Church, Smyrna, Georgia (By Luanne Hunt/Paul Dawn) ]]> Fri, 13 May 2011 05:50:28 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4373458&as=30146 2011-05-13T05:50:28Z Mike's Writers Network  Hill Country Thoughts: A Coffee Cup Ministry "Write from the Heart and Walk One Day At A Time with the Lord!!" The Mayor :-)P.S. The Mayor, is a nickname that my friends gave me yrs agoOne heart, laid bare, letting others know they are not alone if they know Jesus. It beats inside Paul Dawn Jr., a prolific writer who created Hill Country Thoughts to encourage people to walk more closely with the Lord. After a battle with cancer, two major surgeries, a divorce, after 29 years, not by choice, the Lord has taken what seemed like defeat and out of the ashes has brought forth life and focused him on what was important, the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul pens his innermost thoughts about his journey as a Christian and all that the Lord is teaching him. His honest and poignant writings tell of his personal struggles, hard-won victories and the joys of learning to trust and follow Jesus Christ. Paul, now lives in Smyrna, Georgia. Moved to Georgia, after nearly 30 years of living in Junction, Texas. Hopefully Hill Country thoughts is a place where people can come and be encouraged online by hearing about the faithfulness of the Lord. My hope is to exhort others, lift them up, to let them know that we are never without hope and the Lord is with us in all that we go through in life. Paul, a freelance writer and researcher, started Hill Country Thoughts in April 2004. The Pinecrest Bible Training Center graduate’s website has attracted more than 60,000 visitors. Many have come from other countries,Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia, to name a few. I see the Lord intertwining His people together.We have been given a great opportunity to use the Internet for the Lord. We need to share and let people to know there is hope in a world that seems to have very little. In addition to his web page, Paul also writes for the website Crossmap.com, as well as several other online e-zines, writes devotionals, was co-moderator of Christian Writers Group (CWG) for ten years and now serves on the advisory board, member of the Christian Authors Guild, in Woodstock, Georgia. Paul has a coffee cup ministry. A lot of his writing is done at various coffee shops :-) A market place ministry that allows Him to meet people of all ages, to have an ear to listen, exhort and hopefully encourage others. Paul attends Cumberland Community Church, Smyrna, Georgia (By Luanne Hunt/Paul Dawn) brother, cancer survivor, children, divorce, faith, family, father, friend, grand children, grand father, hope, love, marriage, writer nonadult false HCThoughts has updated his profile user brother,cancer survivor,children,divorce,faith,family,father,friend,grand children,grand father,hope,love,marriage,writer 91 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4373458&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_E.jpg false 0 0 4373458 0 no Hill Country Thoughts: A Coffee Cup Ministry "Write from the Heart and Walk One Day At A Time with the Lord!!" The Mayor :-)P.S. The Mayor, is a nickname that my friends gave me yrs agoOne heart, laid bare, letting others know they are not alone if  Hill Country Thoughts: A Coffee Cup Ministry "Write from the Heart and Walk One Day At A Time with the Lord!!" The Mayor :-)P.S. The Mayor, is a nickname that my friends gave me yrs agoOne heart, laid bare, letting others know they are not alone if they know Jesus. It beats inside Paul Dawn Jr., a prolific writer who created Hill Country Thoughts to encourage people to walk more closely with the Lord. After a battle with cancer, two major surgeries, a divorce, after 29 years, not by choice, the Lord has taken what seemed like defeat and out of the ashes has brought forth life and focused him on what was important, the Lord Jesus Christ! Paul pens his innermost thoughts about his journey as a Christian and all that the Lord is teaching him. His honest and poignant writings tell of his personal struggles, hard-won victories and the joys of learning to trust and follow Jesus Christ. Paul, now lives in Smyrna, Georgia. Moved to Georgia, after nearly 30 years of living in Junction, Texas. Hopefully Hill Country thoughts is a place where people can come and be encouraged online by hearing about the faithfulness of the Lord. My hope is to exhort others, lift them up, to let them know that we are never without hope and the Lord is with us in all that we go through in life. Paul, a freelance writer and researcher, started Hill Country Thoughts in April 2004. The Pinecrest Bible Training Center graduate’s website has attracted more than 60,000 visitors. Many have come from other countries,Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Malaysia, to name a few. I see the Lord intertwining His people together.We have been given a great opportunity to use the Internet for the Lord. We need to share and let people to know there is hope in a world that seems to have very little. In addition to his web page, Paul also writes for the website Crossmap.com, as well as several other online e-zines, writes devotionals, was co-moderator of Christian Writers Group (CWG) for ten years and now serves on the advisory board, member of the Christian Authors Guild, in Woodstock, Georgia. Paul has a coffee cup ministry. A lot of his writing is done at various coffee shops :-) A market place ministry that allows Him to meet people of all ages, to have an ear to listen, exhort and hopefully encourage others. Paul attends Cumberland Community Church, Smyrna, Georgia (By Luanne Hunt/Paul Dawn)http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4373458&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/7A5X-XdJfDg/displayForum.kickAction Hog killing Time                The weather was so nice on a recent Saturday that my wife and I decided to kind of celebrate the return of spring by firing up the grill and putting on a couple of steaks. As luck would have it, we didn’t have any in the freezer so I went to a nearby chain store, that at one time, advertised with a smiley face floating all over the place knocking down prices right and left.  That happy little fellow must have overlooked the steak I picked out. It was about $6.99 a pound.  There was some writing on the back that listed some additives: “A maximum of 12 percent solution of water, sodium phosphate, salt and other natural flavorings.”            Why does it take all that stuff to make a steak taste like a steak?  And why do you have to pay $6.99 a pound for the “stuff” injected into it. Actually I had to look sodium phosphate up in the dictionary to see what it meant. Sodium phosphates, I found out, was once used as a paint stripper and solvent. Now it improves the texture, color and prolongs the shelf life of meat. It’s amazing the things we have found that it’s good for since our parents’ time.             In the not too distant past, some of the local farmers would butcher their own farm raised, pigs and cows.  They would peddle the cow or hog before it was butchered.  You could go look the live animal over to decide if you wanted a quarter, half or the whole thing depending on its size and age and they didn’t add a thing to the meat when it was butchered. It tasted pretty good without a bunch of additives.            I bought a half of a hog one time from a Flag Pond farmer.  We had to wait an extra month for the weather to get cold enough.  I don’t know the exact temperature it has to be to butcher hogs, but a certain old timer would announce that it was “Hog Killing Time,” and everyone with hogs to butcher would get with the program.            We had our half of the hog processed into sausage, pork chops, tenderloin and bacon. The farmer gave us a call to come and get it.  This fellow had the reputation of making the best sausage in the Tri-Cities area and was generous to a fault.  Often as not, he would throw in an extra 5 pounds of sausage on your order from his side of the hog. This time he was feeling especially generous.            “Wait here,” he said to my wife, Frances. “I’ve got a little surprise for you.”            Returning from his smokehouse, he sat a heavy and fair sized box on the tailgate of my pickup.  “Take a look at that!” he smiled generously.            My wife peeked in the box, let out a shriek and ran back about 15 or 20 feet.  I thought there must have been a snake or something in it.  I looked in the box.  It was the hog’s head—cleaned and everything. It had a ghoulish grin on its face.             “Don’t you want it?” He asked kind of puzzled by my wife’s reaction.            “No-no, you keep it.  I wouldn’t know what to do with it.” She replied.            “Why, you make hog’s head cheese out of it,” he explained.  “I can tell you how to make it.  First you cut off the ears…”            Frances, already looking pale, began to look a little peaked as he continued with the recipe. “I’m sorry,” she interrupted, “but with work and all, I just wouldn’t have time to fix it. But thank you anyway.” She apologized.            That was the best pork we ever bought and I ate most of it.  For some reason, my wife never had much of an appetite for it.            The weather is forecast to be as nice this coming weekend as it was earlier this month and I’m looking forward to firing up the grill again. Now, if I can just keep my mouth shut about that pig we bought in Flag Pond, there will be pork ribs on the grill come Saturday. ]]> Sat, 07 May 2011 01:27:30 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayForum.kickAction?as=30146&w=111452 2011-05-07T01:27:30Z discussion 90 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4627788&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/30146/photos/PHOTO_2479374_30146_4627788_ap_160X120.jpg false 663318 4627788 0 noHog killing Time                The weather was so nice on a recent Saturday that my wife and I decided to kind of celebrate the return of spring by firing up the grill and puttingHog killing Time                The weather was so nice on a recent Saturday that my wife and I decided to kind of celebrate the return of spring by firing up the grill and putting on a couple of steaks. As luck would have it, we didn’t have any in the freezer so I went to a nearby chain store, that at one time, advertised with a smiley face floating all over the place knocking down prices right and left.  That happy little fellow must have overlooked the steak I picked out. It was about $6.99 a pound.  There was some writing on the back that listed some additives: “A maximum of 12 percent solution of water, sodium phosphate, salt and other natural flavorings.”            Why does it take all that stuff to make a steak taste like a steak?  And why do you have to pay $6.99 a pound for the “stuff” injected into it. Actually I had to look sodium phosphate up in the dictionary to see what it meant. Sodium phosphates, I found out, was once used as a paint stripper and solvent. Now it improves the texture, color and prolongs the shelf life of meat. It’s amazing the things we have found that it’s good for since our parents’ time.             In the not too distant past, some of the local farmers would butcher their own farm raised, pigs and cows.  They would peddle the cow or hog before it was butchered.  You could go look the live animal over to decide if you wanted a quarter, half or the whole thing depending on its size and age and they didn’t add a thing to the meat when it was butchered. It tasted pretty good without a bunch of additives.            I bought a half of a hog one time from a Flag Pond farmer.  We had to wait an extra month for the weather to get cold enough.  I don’t know the exact temperature it has to be to butcher hogs, but a certain old timer would announce that it was “Hog Killing Time,” and everyone with hogs to butcher would get with the program.            We had our half of the hog processed into sausage, pork chops, tenderloin and bacon. The farmer gave us a call to come and get it.  This fellow had the reputation of making the best sausage in the Tri-Cities area and was generous to a fault.  Often as not, he would throw in an extra 5 pounds of sausage on your order from his side of the hog. This time he was feeling especially generous.            “Wait here,” he said to my wife, Frances. “I’ve got a little surprise for you.”            Returning from his smokehouse, he sat a heavy and fair sized box on the tailgate of my pickup.  “Take a look at that!” he smiled generously.            My wife peeked in the box, let out a shriek and ran back about 15 or 20 feet.  I thought there must have been a snake or something in it.  I looked in the box.  It was the hog’s head—cleaned and everything. It had a ghoulish grin on its face.             “Don’t you want it?” He asked kind of puzzled by my wife’s reaction.            “No-no, you keep it.  I wouldn’t know what to do with it.” She replied.            “Why, you make hog’s head cheese out of it,” he explained.  “I can tell you how to make it.  First you cut off the ears…&rdqhttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayForum.kickAction?as=30146&w=111452 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/PT0BRauMaEw/30146.html Reconnect with your honey tonight.  No, really. That sweet, syrupy stuff that’s sat in your cupboard for the last two presidencies is still good and just waiting for you to pay some attention to the little bear shaped bottle. For some, the presence of honey in the house conjures images of old Aunt Sylvia pretentiously sipping her tea, or that last odd ingredient for a turkey glaze that you ended up not making after all. It’s true that while growing up, honey was a distant second sweetener to most of us; preferring to dump numerous tablespoons of sugar atop our healthy oat cereal. While we no longer dump mounds of sugar on our cereal (mostly), honey has remained the unchanged champion of healthy sweeteners. That’s right, healthy. From its status as a natural antibiotic to a fine antioxidant and homeopathic cure-all, honey has been the sweet choice of humans since prehistoric times. The moment humankind discovered the first hives; only slightly before they discovered the first sting treatment, we have been in love with honey. According to the National Honey Board, honey contains antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage. While the amounts may not rival fresh fruits and vegetables, it makes for a guilt free drizzle onto your oatmeal or toast. Researchers at Purdue University have also concluded that honey aids in calcium absorption, and that the rate of absorption increases with the amount of honey consumed. Want strong bones? Grab a smoothie in one hand, a bear in the other and have at it. While we’re combining dairy products with honey, let’s talk prebiotics.  While probiotics help put the good bacteria in your gastrointestinal track, prebiotics bring peace to your good bacteria that have already set up housekeeping. Since prebiotics are not absorbed by the body, they pass into the intestines and become a buffet for Bifidobacteria who keep bad bacteria and yeast at bay. By mixing some honey into a cup of yogurt, you can have the best of both worlds; sending some good bacteria into your system and, essentially, packing them a lunch as well. Got a tot with a cough? Before you run out to the local drug store, you may want to reach for the honey. A study conducted by the Penn State College of Medicine in 2007 suggests that honey soothes a child’s cough better than the leading over-the-counter cough suppressants. Worried about recent news concerning the effects of cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DM) on children and the recent FDA recommendation that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children under six, researchers set forth to re-examine the medicinal uses of honey. Considered to have healing properties throughout the ages in different societies, doctors sought a revisit of honey to provide a safe alternative for parents of young children. In a double blind study, children were given honey, honey-flavored DM, or no treatment while the parents were asked to answer five questions the following day. Each time, the DM results were only as good as children given no treatment while the honey showed dramatic improvement in both cough reduction and improved sleep for child and parent alike.  The only side effect mentioned in the honey group was a few cases of hyperactivity. Apitherapy anyone? No, it doesn’t involve stinking up the room with candles or humming while someone tunes your Chi with a singing bowl. Apitherapy comes from the Latin apis or bee. Apitherapy has been around for perhaps millennia before someone came up with a catchy name for it. It involves a little bit of homeopathy, a little bit of bug, and a little bit of faith, as some of these home grown cures involve bee venom. The American Apitherapy Society claims that Hippocrates touted bee venom as a valid treatment of joint disorders, although the ability to run from an angry bee is hardly the kind of proof the AMA looks for. Apitherapy is not all about nature’s little acupuncturist. Many of the treatments involve honey, pollen, wax, and royal jelly. Although Apitherapy is an ancient concept, it has found a modern niche in America’s organic obsession. The apothecary section of any natural foods market will probably carry some form of Apitherapy, whether it’s bees wax lip balm, or an unfiltered honey beauty mask, no part of our little friend’s labors are put to waste. All the research is still mounting to prove what we already knew; honey is good stuff. We can love it for its antibacterial qualities, because it helps keep our bodies in working order, and because we no longer have to depend on potentially damaging medicines for our children. Or, we can drizzle on a healthy serving regardless of what we’re eating, relish the flavor, and be glad we’re not piling on tablespoons of sugar. ]]> Sat, 23 Apr 2011 03:03:35 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Tennessee-has-commented-on-Poor-Chef-Magazine-article-Honey/blog/193468/30146.html 2011-04-23T03:03:35Z Mike's Writers Network Reconnect with your honey tonight.  No, really. That sweet, syrupy stuff that’s sat in your cupboard for the last two presidencies is still good and just waiting for you to pay some attention to the little bear shaped bottle. For some, the presence of honey in the house conjures images of old Aunt Sylvia pretentiously sipping her tea, or that last odd ingredient for a turkey glaze that you ended up not making after all. It’s true that while growing up, honey was a distant second sweetener to most of us; preferring to dump numerous tablespoons of sugar atop our healthy oat cereal. While we no longer dump mounds of sugar on our cereal (mostly), honey has remained the unchanged champion of healthy sweeteners. That’s right, healthy. From its status as a natural antibiotic to a fine antioxidant and homeopathic cure-all, honey has been the sweet choice of humans since prehistoric times. The moment humankind discovered the first hives; only slightly before they discovered the first sting treatment, we have been in love with honey. According to the National Honey Board, honey contains antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage. While the amounts may not rival fresh fruits and vegetables, it makes for a guilt free drizzle onto your oatmeal or toast. Researchers at Purdue University have also concluded that honey aids in calcium absorption, and that the rate of absorption increases with the amount of honey consumed. Want strong bones? Grab a smoothie in one hand, a bear in the other and have at it. While we’re combining dairy products with honey, let’s talk prebiotics.  While probiotics help put the good bacteria in your gastrointestinal track, prebiotics bring peace to your good bacteria that have already set up housekeeping. Since prebiotics are not absorbed by the body, they pass into the intestines and become a buffet for Bifidobacteria who keep bad bacteria and yeast at bay. By mixing some honey into a cup of yogurt, you can have the best of both worlds; sending some good bacteria into your system and, essentially, packing them a lunch as well. Got a tot with a cough? Before you run out to the local drug store, you may want to reach for the honey. A study conducted by the Penn State College of Medicine in 2007 suggests that honey soothes a child’s cough better than the leading over-the-counter cough suppressants. Worried about recent news concerning the effects of cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DM) on children and the recent FDA recommendation that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children under six, researchers set forth to re-examine the medicinal uses of honey. Considered to have healing properties throughout the ages in different societies, doctors sought a revisit of honey to provide a safe alternative for parents of young children. In a double blind study, children were given honey, honey-flavored DM, or no treatment while the parents were asked to answer five questions the following day. Each time, the DM results were only as good as children given no treatment while the honey showed dramatic improvement in both cough reduction and improved sleep for child and parent alike.  The only side effect mentioned in the honey group was a few cases of hyperactivity. Apitherapy anyone? No, it doesn’t involve stinking up the room with candles or humming while someone tunes your Chi with a singing bowl. Apitherapy comes from the Latin apis or bee. Apitherapy has been around for perhaps millennia before someone came up with a catchy name for it. It involves a little bit of homeopathy, a little bit of bug, and a little bit of faith, as some of these home grown cures involve bee venom. The American Apitherapy Society claims that Hippocrates touted bee venom as a valid treatment of joint disorders, although the ability to run from an angry bee is hardly the kind of proof the AMA looks for. Apitherapy is not all about nature’s little acupuncturist. Many of the treatments involve honey, pollen, wax, and royal jelly. Although Apitherapy is an ancient concept, it has found a modern niche in America’s organic obsession. The apothecary section of any natural foods market will probably carry some form of Apitherapy, whether it’s bees wax lip balm, or an unfiltered honey beauty mask, no part of our little friend’s labors are put to waste. All the research is still mounting to prove what we already knew; honey is good stuff. We can love it for its antibacterial qualities, because it helps keep our bodies in working order, and because we no longer have to depend on potentially damaging medicines for our children. Or, we can drizzle on a healthy serving regardless of what we’re eating, relish the flavor, and be glad we’re not piling on tablespoons of sugar. nonadult false Tennessee has commented on Poor Chef Magazine article: Honey text blog 146 1 4.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4839825&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/30146/photos/PHOTO_2479374_30146_4627788_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 193468 4839825 0 noReconnect with your honey tonight.  No, really. That sweet, syrupy stuff that’s sat in your cupboard for the last two presidencies is still good and just waiting for you to pay some attention to the little bear shaped bottle. For some, the presReconnect with your honey tonight.  No, really. That sweet, syrupy stuff that’s sat in your cupboard for the last two presidencies is still good and just waiting for you to pay some attention to the little bear shaped bottle. For some, the presence of honey in the house conjures images of old Aunt Sylvia pretentiously sipping her tea, or that last odd ingredient for a turkey glaze that you ended up not making after all. It’s true that while growing up, honey was a distant second sweetener to most of us; preferring to dump numerous tablespoons of sugar atop our healthy oat cereal. While we no longer dump mounds of sugar on our cereal (mostly), honey has remained the unchanged champion of healthy sweeteners. That’s right, healthy. From its status as a natural antibiotic to a fine antioxidant and homeopathic cure-all, honey has been the sweet choice of humans since prehistoric times. The moment humankind discovered the first hives; only slightly before they discovered the first sting treatment, we have been in love with honey. According to the National Honey Board, honey contains antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage. While the amounts may not rival fresh fruits and vegetables, it makes for a guilt free drizzle onto your oatmeal or toast. Researchers at Purdue University have also concluded that honey aids in calcium absorption, and that the rate of absorption increases with the amount of honey consumed. Want strong bones? Grab a smoothie in one hand, a bear in the other and have at it. While we’re combining dairy products with honey, let’s talk prebiotics.  While probiotics help put the good bacteria in your gastrointestinal track, prebiotics bring peace to your good bacteria that have already set up housekeeping. Since prebiotics are not absorbed by the body, they pass into the intestines and become a buffet for Bifidobacteria who keep bad bacteria and yeast at bay. By mixing some honey into a cup of yogurt, you can have the best of both worlds; sending some good bacteria into your system and, essentially, packing them a lunch as well. Got a tot with a cough? Before you run out to the local drug store, you may want to reach for the honey. A study conducted by the Penn State College of Medicine in 2007 suggests that honey soothes a child’s cough better than the leading over-the-counter cough suppressants. Worried about recent news concerning the effects of cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DM) on children and the recent FDA recommendation that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children under six, researchers set forth to re-examine the medicinal uses of honey. Considered to have healing properties throughout the ages in different societies, doctors sought a revisit of honey to provide a safe alternative for parents of young children. In a double blind study, children were given honey, honey-flavored DM, or no treatment while the parents were asked to answer five questions the following day. Each time, the DM results were only as good as children given no treatment while the honey showed dramatic improvement in both cough reduction and improved sleep for child and parent alike.  The only side effect mentioned in the honey group was a few cases of hyperactivity. Apitherapy anyone? No, it doesn’t involve stinking up the room with candles or humming while someone tunes your Chi with a singing bowl. Apitherapy comes from the Latin apis or bee. Apitherapy has been around for perhaps millennia before someone came up with a catchy name for it. It involves a little bit of homeopathy, a little bit of bug, and a little bit of faith, as some of these home grown cures involve bee venom. The American Apitherapy Society claims that Hippocrates touted bee venom as a valid treatment of joint disorders, although the ability to run from an angry bee is hardly the kind of proof the AMA looks for. Apitherapy is not all about nature&rsqhttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Tennessee-has-commented-on-Poor-Chef-Magazine-article-Honey/blog/193468/30146.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/fxHsDrKroWM/30146.html Reconnect with your honey tonight.  No, really. That sweet, syrupy stuff that’s sat in your cupboard for the last two presidencies is still good and just waiting for you to pay some attention to the little bear shaped bottle. For some, the presence of honey in the house conjures images of old Aunt Sylvia pretentiously sipping her tea, or that last odd ingredient for a turkey glaze that you ended up not making after all. It’s true that while growing up, honey was a distant second sweetener to most of us; preferring to dump numerous tablespoons of sugar atop our healthy oat cereal. While we no longer dump mounds of sugar on our cereal (mostly), honey has remained the unchanged champion of healthy sweeteners. That’s right, healthy. From its status as a natural antibiotic to a fine antioxidant and homeopathic cure-all, honey has been the sweet choice of humans since prehistoric times. The moment humankind discovered the first hives; only slightly before they discovered the first sting treatment, we have been in love with honey. According to the National Honey Board, honey contains antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage. While the amounts may not rival fresh fruits and vegetables, it makes for a guilt free drizzle onto your oatmeal or toast. Researchers at Purdue University have also concluded that honey aids in calcium absorption, and that the rate of absorption increases with the amount of honey consumed. Want strong bones? Grab a smoothie in one hand, a bear in the other and have at it. While we’re combining dairy products with honey, let’s talk prebiotics.  While probiotics help put the good bacteria in your gastrointestinal track, prebiotics bring peace to your good bacteria that have already set up housekeeping. Since prebiotics are not absorbed by the body, they pass into the intestines and become a buffet for Bifidobacteria who keep bad bacteria and yeast at bay. By mixing some honey into a cup of yogurt, you can have the best of both worlds; sending some good bacteria into your system and, essentially, packing them a lunch as well. Got a tot with a cough? Before you run out to the local drug store, you may want to reach for the honey. A study conducted by the Penn State College of Medicine in 2007 suggests that honey soothes a child’s cough better than the leading over-the-counter cough suppressants. Worried about recent news concerning the effects of cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DM) on children and the recent FDA recommendation that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children under six, researchers set forth to re-examine the medicinal uses of honey. Considered to have healing properties throughout the ages in different societies, doctors sought a revisit of honey to provide a safe alternative for parents of young children. In a double blind study, children were given honey, honey-flavored DM, or no treatment while the parents were asked to answer five questions the following day. Each time, the DM results were only as good as children given no treatment while the honey showed dramatic improvement in both cough reduction and improved sleep for child and parent alike.  The only side effect mentioned in the honey group was a few cases of hyperactivity. Apitherapy anyone? No, it doesn’t involve stinking up the room with candles or humming while someone tunes your Chi with a singing bowl. Apitherapy comes from the Latin apis or bee. Apitherapy has been around for perhaps millennia before someone came up with a catchy name for it. It involves a little bit of homeopathy, a little bit of bug, and a little bit of faith, as some of these home grown cures involve bee venom. The American Apitherapy Society claims that Hippocrates touted bee venom as a valid treatment of joint disorders, although the ability to run from an angry bee is hardly the kind of proof the AMA looks for. Apitherapy is not all about nature’s little acupuncturist. Many of the treatments involve honey, pollen, wax, and royal jelly. Although Apitherapy is an ancient concept, it has found a modern niche in America’s organic obsession. The apothecary section of any natural foods market will probably carry some form of Apitherapy, whether it’s bees wax lip balm, or an unfiltered honey beauty mask, no part of our little friend’s labors are put to waste. All the research is still mounting to prove what we already knew; honey is good stuff. We can love it for its antibacterial qualities, because it helps keep our bodies in working order, and because we no longer have to depend on potentially damaging medicines for our children. Or, we can drizzle on a healthy serving regardless of what we’re eating, relish the flavor, and be glad we’re not piling on tablespoons of sugar. ]]> Sat, 23 Apr 2011 02:41:50 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Tennessee-has-rated-Poor-Chef-Magazine-article-Honey/blog/193468/30146.html 2011-04-23T02:41:50Z Mike's Writers Network Reconnect with your honey tonight.  No, really. That sweet, syrupy stuff that’s sat in your cupboard for the last two presidencies is still good and just waiting for you to pay some attention to the little bear shaped bottle. For some, the presence of honey in the house conjures images of old Aunt Sylvia pretentiously sipping her tea, or that last odd ingredient for a turkey glaze that you ended up not making after all. It’s true that while growing up, honey was a distant second sweetener to most of us; preferring to dump numerous tablespoons of sugar atop our healthy oat cereal. While we no longer dump mounds of sugar on our cereal (mostly), honey has remained the unchanged champion of healthy sweeteners. That’s right, healthy. From its status as a natural antibiotic to a fine antioxidant and homeopathic cure-all, honey has been the sweet choice of humans since prehistoric times. The moment humankind discovered the first hives; only slightly before they discovered the first sting treatment, we have been in love with honey. According to the National Honey Board, honey contains antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage. While the amounts may not rival fresh fruits and vegetables, it makes for a guilt free drizzle onto your oatmeal or toast. Researchers at Purdue University have also concluded that honey aids in calcium absorption, and that the rate of absorption increases with the amount of honey consumed. Want strong bones? Grab a smoothie in one hand, a bear in the other and have at it. While we’re combining dairy products with honey, let’s talk prebiotics.  While probiotics help put the good bacteria in your gastrointestinal track, prebiotics bring peace to your good bacteria that have already set up housekeeping. Since prebiotics are not absorbed by the body, they pass into the intestines and become a buffet for Bifidobacteria who keep bad bacteria and yeast at bay. By mixing some honey into a cup of yogurt, you can have the best of both worlds; sending some good bacteria into your system and, essentially, packing them a lunch as well. Got a tot with a cough? Before you run out to the local drug store, you may want to reach for the honey. A study conducted by the Penn State College of Medicine in 2007 suggests that honey soothes a child’s cough better than the leading over-the-counter cough suppressants. Worried about recent news concerning the effects of cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DM) on children and the recent FDA recommendation that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children under six, researchers set forth to re-examine the medicinal uses of honey. Considered to have healing properties throughout the ages in different societies, doctors sought a revisit of honey to provide a safe alternative for parents of young children. In a double blind study, children were given honey, honey-flavored DM, or no treatment while the parents were asked to answer five questions the following day. Each time, the DM results were only as good as children given no treatment while the honey showed dramatic improvement in both cough reduction and improved sleep for child and parent alike.  The only side effect mentioned in the honey group was a few cases of hyperactivity. Apitherapy anyone? No, it doesn’t involve stinking up the room with candles or humming while someone tunes your Chi with a singing bowl. Apitherapy comes from the Latin apis or bee. Apitherapy has been around for perhaps millennia before someone came up with a catchy name for it. It involves a little bit of homeopathy, a little bit of bug, and a little bit of faith, as some of these home grown cures involve bee venom. The American Apitherapy Society claims that Hippocrates touted bee venom as a valid treatment of joint disorders, although the ability to run from an angry bee is hardly the kind of proof the AMA looks for. Apitherapy is not all about nature’s little acupuncturist. Many of the treatments involve honey, pollen, wax, and royal jelly. Although Apitherapy is an ancient concept, it has found a modern niche in America’s organic obsession. The apothecary section of any natural foods market will probably carry some form of Apitherapy, whether it’s bees wax lip balm, or an unfiltered honey beauty mask, no part of our little friend’s labors are put to waste. All the research is still mounting to prove what we already knew; honey is good stuff. We can love it for its antibacterial qualities, because it helps keep our bodies in working order, and because we no longer have to depend on potentially damaging medicines for our children. Or, we can drizzle on a healthy serving regardless of what we’re eating, relish the flavor, and be glad we’re not piling on tablespoons of sugar. nonadult false Tennessee has rated Poor Chef Magazine article: Honey text blog 146 1 4.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4839825&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/30146/photos/PHOTO_2479374_30146_4627788_ap_160X120.jpg false 1 0 193468 4839825 0 noReconnect with your honey tonight.  No, really. That sweet, syrupy stuff that’s sat in your cupboard for the last two presidencies is still good and just waiting for you to pay some attention to the little bear shaped bottle. For some, the presReconnect with your honey tonight.  No, really. That sweet, syrupy stuff that’s sat in your cupboard for the last two presidencies is still good and just waiting for you to pay some attention to the little bear shaped bottle. For some, the presence of honey in the house conjures images of old Aunt Sylvia pretentiously sipping her tea, or that last odd ingredient for a turkey glaze that you ended up not making after all. It’s true that while growing up, honey was a distant second sweetener to most of us; preferring to dump numerous tablespoons of sugar atop our healthy oat cereal. While we no longer dump mounds of sugar on our cereal (mostly), honey has remained the unchanged champion of healthy sweeteners. That’s right, healthy. From its status as a natural antibiotic to a fine antioxidant and homeopathic cure-all, honey has been the sweet choice of humans since prehistoric times. The moment humankind discovered the first hives; only slightly before they discovered the first sting treatment, we have been in love with honey. According to the National Honey Board, honey contains antioxidants that may help protect against cellular damage. While the amounts may not rival fresh fruits and vegetables, it makes for a guilt free drizzle onto your oatmeal or toast. Researchers at Purdue University have also concluded that honey aids in calcium absorption, and that the rate of absorption increases with the amount of honey consumed. Want strong bones? Grab a smoothie in one hand, a bear in the other and have at it. While we’re combining dairy products with honey, let’s talk prebiotics.  While probiotics help put the good bacteria in your gastrointestinal track, prebiotics bring peace to your good bacteria that have already set up housekeeping. Since prebiotics are not absorbed by the body, they pass into the intestines and become a buffet for Bifidobacteria who keep bad bacteria and yeast at bay. By mixing some honey into a cup of yogurt, you can have the best of both worlds; sending some good bacteria into your system and, essentially, packing them a lunch as well. Got a tot with a cough? Before you run out to the local drug store, you may want to reach for the honey. A study conducted by the Penn State College of Medicine in 2007 suggests that honey soothes a child’s cough better than the leading over-the-counter cough suppressants. Worried about recent news concerning the effects of cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan (DM) on children and the recent FDA recommendation that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines not be given to children under six, researchers set forth to re-examine the medicinal uses of honey. Considered to have healing properties throughout the ages in different societies, doctors sought a revisit of honey to provide a safe alternative for parents of young children. In a double blind study, children were given honey, honey-flavored DM, or no treatment while the parents were asked to answer five questions the following day. Each time, the DM results were only as good as children given no treatment while the honey showed dramatic improvement in both cough reduction and improved sleep for child and parent alike.  The only side effect mentioned in the honey group was a few cases of hyperactivity. Apitherapy anyone? No, it doesn’t involve stinking up the room with candles or humming while someone tunes your Chi with a singing bowl. Apitherapy comes from the Latin apis or bee. Apitherapy has been around for perhaps millennia before someone came up with a catchy name for it. It involves a little bit of homeopathy, a little bit of bug, and a little bit of faith, as some of these home grown cures involve bee venom. The American Apitherapy Society claims that Hippocrates touted bee venom as a valid treatment of joint disorders, although the ability to run from an angry bee is hardly the kind of proof the AMA looks for. Apitherapy is not all about nature&rsqhttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/_Tennessee-has-rated-Poor-Chef-Magazine-article-Honey/blog/193468/30146.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/ZWxUsQQPcaA/displayKickPlace.kickAction my name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girl ]]> Thu, 06 Jan 2011 07:41:30 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29831398&as=30146 2011-01-06T07:41:30Z Mike's Writers Network my name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girl nonadult false cynthias has updated their profile user 27 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29831398&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_E.jpg false 0 0 29831398 0 nomy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice loomy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlhttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29831398&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/ZWxUsQQPcaA/displayKickPlace.kickAction my name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girl ]]> Thu, 06 Jan 2011 07:38:23 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29831398&as=30146 2011-01-06T07:38:23Z Mike's Writers Network my name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girl nonadult false cynthias has joined the Mike's Writers Network user 27 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29831398&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_A.jpg false 0 0 29831398 0 nomy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice loomy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlmy name is cynthia, i am a nice looking girlhttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=29831398&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/UBrts4oUXFI/displayKickPlace.kickAction ]]> Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:49:16 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20195599&as=30146 2010-02-04T14:49:16Z Mike's Writers Network nonadult false alysiam has joined the Mike's Writers Network user 64 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20195599&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_E.jpg false 0 0 20195599 0 nohttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=20195599&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/NjXKgwM42mo/30146.html The Anderson Sisters               The invitation had been delivered matter-of-factly enough “I was talking with my sisters, and we were wondering if maybe you would like to come over for our little monthly get together.” It was Kristi Anderson; one of three sisters from the church and perhaps the only regulars there about my age.             “Sure.” I replied to the voice. “Should I bring anything?”             “Nope. Just yourself. We have food and drinks all ready.” It sounded a little pre-rehearsed, but Kristi struck me as a shy person to begin with. Besides, being the oldest sister and the only one with a house of her own, she was no doubt nominated to be the one to extend the party invitation. Anyway, I was tired of my own company and Sasafrass hasn’t been herself lately; barely eating and laying around whining.             The first encounter I had with the Anderson Sisters was Easter a few years ago. After presiding over the Easter service Lois, their mother, had her youngest daughter, Alicia  invite me to dinner, with the instructions not to take no for an answer. Alicia was about twenty two years old, and a student at the University in Presque Isle. Although a student there myself, I only really saw her at weekly choir practice at the church.                    Come dinner time, the girls were all lectured about being on their best behavior for the arrival of the minister in training. There was only one flaw in that plan; the third sister, Erica. Erica was in her mid twenties; about five-ten, and built like a pro linebacker. Her untamed growth of red hair rested uneasily across her broad shoulders, accenting an already chiseled jaw line. She was big, boisterous, and commanded the full attention of any room. It were as if at an early age, when she had begun to realize that she could not easily blend into a room, she would do her best to become the centerpiece. In the setting of a stoic Swedish colony, it did not take much to stand out in the crowd.            Dinner was served with all the trappings of rural Americana. Lois constantly ran from dining room to kitchen, anticipating the needs of the extended Anderson clan. It would seem that the only Anderson who was on edge that day was Aunt Norma, who was inexplicably terrified of cats. Every so often, she would quickly shift in her seat and grow wide eyed before asking someone to go check to make sure that the family tabby was still locked up in the bathroom. Shortly after dinner, she was so certain that there was a cat loose in the house that she jumped up and retreated for the relative safety of the screen door. The one thing that made this scene all the more hilarious to me was that there were at least seven other people in the room who did not find it in the least bit humorous. Aunt Norma eventually lost her nerve and went home before dessert, which consisted of no less than five different pies to choose from.            Feeling ever so grateful, yet not without my sarcastic side titillated by the whole Aunt Norma episode, I surveyed the pies; guessing that Lois had not slept much last night for all of her preparations. When asked which one I would like to try, I let out a sigh and feigned disappointment noting  my disappointment that Lois had not prepared a watermelon pie; my favorite. Ever so slightly, Lois deflated against the wall before I could hold it no longer. I smiled and the sisters chimed in; Erica letting out a hearty guffaw that even a lumberjack would be proud of before slapping the table and laughing some more. The illusion was broken. The minister had a sense of humor, and the sisters had found an accomplice.             Upon arriving at Kristi’s house, all the makings of a civil get together were underway. Erica was pouring Pepsi over some chicken in a pan while reassuring me of the flavorful outcome. Kristi was showing me where the beer was, as well as the other booze planned for later on. I cracked open a Killians while Kristi fiddled with her stereo; cuing up her collection of eighties classics and not-so-classics. The kitchen door opened and in walked Norma-Jo, who, by her appearance, I took to be a cousin to the Andersons. Introductions were made as Norma-Jo sipped at a beer. She had the same red hair as Erica and Kristi that was tied back from her face in a red kerchief, giving her face in a kind of Scandinavian peasant look. Soft spoken and unsure, she spent most of the evening sitting on the couch watching everyone else.             The next to arrive was another red headed cousin, Penny. Penny looked a lot like Norma-Jo with a pony tail and glasses. Looks, however, were where the similarities ended between the two. “Oh, it’s preacher boy!” She exclaimed from across the room, beer already in her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you!” She sang out, this time with a sly smile before knocking down most of her beer. I wandered out to the living room while taking a mental head count; five to one. The girls were laughing hysterically out in the kitchen with Erica leading the chorus when, much to my relief, another male appeared through the door. It was Gus, a friend of the Andersons and master of the fry-o-later at the Caribou Burger King. Gus was short and stocky with a sense of humor that hadn’t reached much beyond his high school education.             Before the chicken was ready, I had already been served two Long Island Iced Teas by Kristi; effectively eliminating any possibility that I could ever attest to the wonders of cooking with Pepsi. I was getting hammered way too fast, so I switched back to beer and settled down on the couch to watch a movie. Penny noticed me alone on the couch and dramatically flopped down across it, placing her stocking feet squarely in my crotch. “Having fun, preacher boy?” She asked in a sleepy, drunken tone. “It’s nice to take it easy, for once.” I replied, never flinching at the now-searching heels of Penny in my lap.“If it’s easy, take it twice!” Shouted Erica from the other room before laughing at her own attempt at cleverness.             Not satisfied with her efforts, Penny swung her legs to the side and sat up, slamming the side of her posterior as tightly against mine as possible before dropping her hands at her side so that her left hand came to a tactical rest in my lap. Now, for the first time since crazy Aunt Norma ran from a cat that wasn’t there, I was truly amused, and vowed to myself to make the most of this. Letting Penny’s hand just lay in my lap both encouraged Penny and left her perplexed with what her next move should be, considering I had not reacted in the least. Finally, little by little; almost imperceptibly, she started inching her face toward mine; never letting her hand either leave my lap, or letting her put too much pressure on that hand so as to nullify the “accidental” nature of its presence there. I was amazed by her balance and wondered when she would tip over, squashing my bits with her errant hand before finishing me off with a head-but. Watching the movie, I could hear laughter and banter from the kitchen. “I’m not an alcoholic, I’m a drunk. Alcoholics go to meetings!” Another tidbit from the Pez dispenser of funny that is Erica. Finally, I could feel uneven breath on my cheek. She was within two inches of my mouth and holding. Letting this go on for another minute, I quickly leaned into her, almost touching her lips, and departed the couch for the booze in the kitchen. Mission accomplished.             “We’re out of mixer.” Kristi slurred at me, holding up a handle of Long Island Iced Tea mix. “This is all we have left. Wanna do shots?” Famous last words never to be acted upon once the clock has turned over to morning.            Two small juice glasses were placed on the table and filled, and refilled, and filled again. At some point, Penny rejoined the group in the kitchen; pressing her body against mine as I threw back another shot.             “You’re not going home tonight, are you?” She leaned into me as if to whisper, but the liquor had already affected her volume control, causing her to bark her request into my ear. “You need to stay here tonight.” She continued. “I’m sleeping here tonight… right over there.” Her head lolled back and she pointed toward a wall while attempting to reenact her sober sly smile.            The world slowed down and faces blurred. Gus suggested that we go for a walk to clear our heads a little. It seemed like miles to the first neighbors driveway and I fought the urge to curl up on the roadside and take a nap. Finally, that metallic taste invaded my mouth from under the back of my tongue. The blood rushed to my head and then fell back out of it and into my stomach, causing me to projectile vomit from a standing position across the width of the neighbor’s driveway. After three waves of alcohol exited my body, it was time to call it quits and walk the miles (thirty yards) back to Kristi’s.  Once safely inside, Kristi stumbled toward the stereo as Erica and Penny called out in a form of chant for the “party song”. The nearest I could tell, the song was an old Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ditty about a boy and a girl fishing in the dark. The revised lyrics, however, complete with the Anderson sister dance moves, were more of an adult nature. Through the one eye that would focus, I could see all the girls across the living room country line-dance style, dancing and singing, “You and me go fuckin’ in the ditch. Drop your drawers, you skinny little bitch. And we’ll do it slow…”              “Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your Holy name, Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.” If I appeared to be extra penitential while giving the brief order for confession and forgiveness, it was mostly due to my pounding head and troubled stomach. Certain that I reeked of alcohol; I had stuffed three Altoids in my mouth prior to the bell ringing, so that the closest faithful in the fifth pew could not smell me. The service ended and I snuck out early in order to add to my three hours of sleep.             Rolling into the meadow, I felt every bump; rolling from side to side in the Cavalier’s interior. Exiting the vehicle, the sun glinted in my eyes; causing a kaleidoscope of silvery diamonds to encircle my vision; a halo I walked through to my front door.             Falling upon my mattress, I could not attain the euphoric pass-out effect I had envisioned on the drive home. It was difficult to put my finger on what was wrong; especially in my hung over state. I was feeling the sting of guilt. Was I feeling bad because I delivered the Mass half in the bag? Surprisingly, no; considering nobody even suspected that I wasn’t quite myself. They got what they came for; didn’t they? I said the prayers and the liturgy, gave a brief homily, and sent them all home to Sunday dinner. That’s all they ever wanted from a minister in the first place. Hell, if I did that every week, the ladies group would probably sign up to get me good and soused every Saturday night.             Where were my kids, I wondered? What were they doing this Sunday morning? Were they having fun? Were they thinking of me; even when I wasn’t thinking of them last night. Uneasiness crept over me as I entwined my feet in the unkempt covers. I felt cold and exposed in my empty little room. I was a terrible father. Why didn’t I think of them last night?             I had spent the entire night thinking only of myself and my own good time. I had managed to block out my kids while Penny groped me and the thought made me sick. It’s not that I hadn’t already sufficiently distanced myself from them in one way or another. I went from calling them every night, to every other night. Soon, just to keep my phone service connected, I had to call weekly. Sometimes the phone got shut off anyway. Sometimes I called less; taking every missed call as another personal failure. Years later, it would be easy to pat the old me on the back and say that I deserved my own life apart from the kids; that I deserved some adult fun. This was not years later, though, and failure compounded upon failure; even if perceived, was another reason to feel utterly defeated. But now I failed not only myself, but my children as well.             I rolled off the mattress and slumped down the ladder to tend the fire that had also been neglected by my night out. Sheba’s claws ticked out of the kitchen and a wet nose met the back of my calf as I descended into the living room. Ears back and tail swishing low, she offered her freckled muzzle to me as I reached the floor. I gave her furry cheek a scratch but would not look at the pictures on the wall; only the fading glow of coals in the center of an ashen pit in the stove. ]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:36:02 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/_flyfishlake-has-commented-on-Please-Critique-Anderson-Sisters-from-Broken-Homilies/blog/222539/30146.html 2010-01-23T15:36:02Z Mike's Writers Network The Anderson Sisters               The invitation had been delivered matter-of-factly enough “I was talking with my sisters, and we were wondering if maybe you would like to come over for our little monthly get together.” It was Kristi Anderson; one of three sisters from the church and perhaps the only regulars there about my age.             “Sure.” I replied to the voice. “Should I bring anything?”             “Nope. Just yourself. We have food and drinks all ready.” It sounded a little pre-rehearsed, but Kristi struck me as a shy person to begin with. Besides, being the oldest sister and the only one with a house of her own, she was no doubt nominated to be the one to extend the party invitation. Anyway, I was tired of my own company and Sasafrass hasn’t been herself lately; barely eating and laying around whining.             The first encounter I had with the Anderson Sisters was Easter a few years ago. After presiding over the Easter service Lois, their mother, had her youngest daughter, Alicia  invite me to dinner, with the instructions not to take no for an answer. Alicia was about twenty two years old, and a student at the University in Presque Isle. Although a student there myself, I only really saw her at weekly choir practice at the church.                    Come dinner time, the girls were all lectured about being on their best behavior for the arrival of the minister in training. There was only one flaw in that plan; the third sister, Erica. Erica was in her mid twenties; about five-ten, and built like a pro linebacker. Her untamed growth of red hair rested uneasily across her broad shoulders, accenting an already chiseled jaw line. She was big, boisterous, and commanded the full attention of any room. It were as if at an early age, when she had begun to realize that she could not easily blend into a room, she would do her best to become the centerpiece. In the setting of a stoic Swedish colony, it did not take much to stand out in the crowd.            Dinner was served with all the trappings of rural Americana. Lois constantly ran from dining room to kitchen, anticipating the needs of the extended Anderson clan. It would seem that the only Anderson who was on edge that day was Aunt Norma, who was inexplicably terrified of cats. Every so often, she would quickly shift in her seat and grow wide eyed before asking someone to go check to make sure that the family tabby was still locked up in the bathroom. Shortly after dinner, she was so certain that there was a cat loose in the house that she jumped up and retreated for the relative safety of the screen door. The one thing that made this scene all the more hilarious to me was that there were at least seven other people in the room who did not find it in the least bit humorous. Aunt Norma eventually lost her nerve and went home before dessert, which consisted of no less than five different pies to choose from.            Feeling ever so grateful, yet not without my sarcastic side titillated by the whole Aunt Norma episode, I surveyed the pies; guessing that Lois had not slept much last night for all of her preparations. When asked which one I would like to try, I let out a sigh and feigned disappointment noting  my disappointment that Lois had not prepared a watermelon pie; my favorite. Ever so slightly, Lois deflated against the wall before I could hold it no longer. I smiled and the sisters chimed in; Erica letting out a hearty guffaw that even a lumberjack would be proud of before slapping the table and laughing some more. The illusion was broken. The minister had a sense of humor, and the sisters had found an accomplice.             Upon arriving at Kristi’s house, all the makings of a civil get together were underway. Erica was pouring Pepsi over some chicken in a pan while reassuring me of the flavorful outcome. Kristi was showing me where the beer was, as well as the other booze planned for later on. I cracked open a Killians while Kristi fiddled with her stereo; cuing up her collection of eighties classics and not-so-classics. The kitchen door opened and in walked Norma-Jo, who, by her appearance, I took to be a cousin to the Andersons. Introductions were made as Norma-Jo sipped at a beer. She had the same red hair as Erica and Kristi that was tied back from her face in a red kerchief, giving her face in a kind of Scandinavian peasant look. Soft spoken and unsure, she spent most of the evening sitting on the couch watching everyone else.             The next to arrive was another red headed cousin, Penny. Penny looked a lot like Norma-Jo with a pony tail and glasses. Looks, however, were where the similarities ended between the two. “Oh, it’s preacher boy!” She exclaimed from across the room, beer already in her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you!” She sang out, this time with a sly smile before knocking down most of her beer. I wandered out to the living room while taking a mental head count; five to one. The girls were laughing hysterically out in the kitchen with Erica leading the chorus when, much to my relief, another male appeared through the door. It was Gus, a friend of the Andersons and master of the fry-o-later at the Caribou Burger King. Gus was short and stocky with a sense of humor that hadn’t reached much beyond his high school education.             Before the chicken was ready, I had already been served two Long Island Iced Teas by Kristi; effectively eliminating any possibility that I could ever attest to the wonders of cooking with Pepsi. I was getting hammered way too fast, so I switched back to beer and settled down on the couch to watch a movie. Penny noticed me alone on the couch and dramatically flopped down across it, placing her stocking feet squarely in my crotch. “Having fun, preacher boy?” She asked in a sleepy, drunken tone. “It’s nice to take it easy, for once.” I replied, never flinching at the now-searching heels of Penny in my lap.“If it’s easy, take it twice!” Shouted Erica from the other room before laughing at her own attempt at cleverness.             Not satisfied with her efforts, Penny swung her legs to the side and sat up, slamming the side of her posterior as tightly against mine as possible before dropping her hands at her side so that her left hand came to a tactical rest in my lap. Now, for the first time since crazy Aunt Norma ran from a cat that wasn’t there, I was truly amused, and vowed to myself to make the most of this. Letting Penny’s hand just lay in my lap both encouraged Penny and left her perplexed with what her next move should be, considering I had not reacted in the least. Finally, little by little; almost imperceptibly, she started inching her face toward mine; never letting her hand either leave my lap, or letting her put too much pressure on that hand so as to nullify the “accidental” nature of its presence there. I was amazed by her balance and wondered when she would tip over, squashing my bits with her errant hand before finishing me off with a head-but. Watching the movie, I could hear laughter and banter from the kitchen. “I’m not an alcoholic, I’m a drunk. Alcoholics go to meetings!” Another tidbit from the Pez dispenser of funny that is Erica. Finally, I could feel uneven breath on my cheek. She was within two inches of my mouth and holding. Letting this go on for another minute, I quickly leaned into her, almost touching her lips, and departed the couch for the booze in the kitchen. Mission accomplished.             “We’re out of mixer.” Kristi slurred at me, holding up a handle of Long Island Iced Tea mix. “This is all we have left. Wanna do shots?” Famous last words never to be acted upon once the clock has turned over to morning.            Two small juice glasses were placed on the table and filled, and refilled, and filled again. At some point, Penny rejoined the group in the kitchen; pressing her body against mine as I threw back another shot.             “You’re not going home tonight, are you?” She leaned into me as if to whisper, but the liquor had already affected her volume control, causing her to bark her request into my ear. “You need to stay here tonight.” She continued. “I’m sleeping here tonight… right over there.” Her head lolled back and she pointed toward a wall while attempting to reenact her sober sly smile.            The world slowed down and faces blurred. Gus suggested that we go for a walk to clear our heads a little. It seemed like miles to the first neighbors driveway and I fought the urge to curl up on the roadside and take a nap. Finally, that metallic taste invaded my mouth from under the back of my tongue. The blood rushed to my head and then fell back out of it and into my stomach, causing me to projectile vomit from a standing position across the width of the neighbor’s driveway. After three waves of alcohol exited my body, it was time to call it quits and walk the miles (thirty yards) back to Kristi’s.  Once safely inside, Kristi stumbled toward the stereo as Erica and Penny called out in a form of chant for the “party song”. The nearest I could tell, the song was an old Nitty Gritty Dirt Band ditty about a boy and a girl fishing in the dark. The revised lyrics, however, complete with the Anderson sister dance moves, were more of an adult nature. Through the one eye that would focus, I could see all the girls across the living room country line-dance style, dancing and singing, “You and me go fuckin’ in the ditch. Drop your drawers, you skinny little bitch. And we’ll do it slow…”              “Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love You and worthily magnify Your Holy name, Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.” If I appeared to be extra penitential while giving the brief order for confession and forgiveness, it was mostly due to my pounding head and troubled stomach. Certain that I reeked of alcohol; I had stuffed three Altoids in my mouth prior to the bell ringing, so that the closest faithful in the fifth pew could not smell me. The service ended and I snuck out early in order to add to my three hours of sleep.             Rolling into the meadow, I felt every bump; rolling from side to side in the Cavalier’s interior. Exiting the vehicle, the sun glinted in my eyes; causing a kaleidoscope of silvery diamonds to encircle my vision; a halo I walked through to my front door.             Falling upon my mattress, I could not attain the euphoric pass-out effect I had envisioned on the drive home. It was difficult to put my finger on what was wrong; especially in my hung over state. I was feeling the sting of guilt. Was I feeling bad because I delivered the Mass half in the bag? Surprisingly, no; considering nobody even suspected that I wasn’t quite myself. They got what they came for; didn’t they? I said the prayers and the liturgy, gave a brief homily, and sent them all home to Sunday dinner. That’s all they ever wanted from a minister in the first place. Hell, if I did that every week, the ladies group would probably sign up to get me good and soused every Saturday night.             Where were my kids, I wondered? What were they doing this Sunday morning? Were they having fun? Were they thinking of me; even when I wasn’t thinking of them last night. Uneasiness crept over me as I entwined my feet in the unkempt covers. I felt cold and exposed in my empty little room. I was a terrible father. Why didn’t I think of them last night?             I had spent the entire night thinking only of myself and my own good time. I had managed to block out my kids while Penny groped me and the thought made me sick. It’s not that I hadn’t already sufficiently distanced myself from them in one way or another. I went from calling them every night, to every other night. Soon, just to keep my phone service connected, I had to call weekly. Sometimes the phone got shut off anyway. Sometimes I called less; taking every missed call as another personal failure. Years later, it would be easy to pat the old me on the back and say that I deserved my own life apart from the kids; that I deserved some adult fun. This was not years later, though, and failure compounded upon failure; even if perceived, was another reason to feel utterly defeated. But now I failed not only myself, but my children as well.             I rolled off the mattress and slumped down the ladder to tend the fire that had also been neglected by my night out. Sheba’s claws ticked out of the kitchen and a wet nose met the back of my calf as I descended into the living room. Ears back and tail swishing low, she offered her freckled muzzle to me as I reached the floor. I gave her furry cheek a scratch but would not look at the pictures on the wall; only the fading glow of coals in the center of an ashen pit in the stove. divorce, drunken, faith, guilt, nonfiction, party nonadult false flyfishlake has commented on Please Critique. Anderson Sisters from Broken Homilies text blog divorce,drunken,faith,guilt,nonfiction,party 221 1 4.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=4839825&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_C.jpg false 2 0 222539 4839825 0 noThe Anderson Sisters               The invitation had been delivered matter-of-factly enough “I was talking with my sisters, and we were wondering if maybe you would like to come The Anderson Sisters               The invitation had been delivered matter-of-factly enough “I was talking with my sisters, and we were wondering if maybe you would like to come over for our little monthly get together.” It was Kristi Anderson; one of three sisters from the church and perhaps the only regulars there about my age.             “Sure.” I replied to the voice. “Should I bring anything?”             “Nope. Just yourself. We have food and drinks all ready.” It sounded a little pre-rehearsed, but Kristi struck me as a shy person to begin with. Besides, being the oldest sister and the only one with a house of her own, she was no doubt nominated to be the one to extend the party invitation. Anyway, I was tired of my own company and Sasafrass hasn’t been herself lately; barely eating and laying around whining.             The first encounter I had with the Anderson Sisters was Easter a few years ago. After presiding over the Easter service Lois, their mother, had her youngest daughter, Alicia  invite me to dinner, with the instructions not to take no for an answer. Alicia was about twenty two years old, and a student at the University in Presque Isle. Although a student there myself, I only really saw her at weekly choir practice at the church.                    Come dinner time, the girls were all lectured about being on their best behavior for the arrival of the minister in training. There was only one flaw in that plan; the third sister, Erica. Erica was in her mid twenties; about five-ten, and built like a pro linebacker. Her untamed growth of red hair rested uneasily across her broad shoulders, accenting an already chiseled jaw line. She was big, boisterous, and commanded the full attention of any room. It were as if at an early age, when she had begun to realize that she could not easily blend into a room, she would do her best to become the centerpiece. In the setting of a stoic Swedish colony, it did not take much to stand out in the crowd.            Dinner was served with all the trappings of rural Americana. Lois constantly ran from dining room to kitchen, anticipating the needs of the extended Anderson clan. It would seem that the only Anderson who was on edge that day was Aunt Norma, who was inexplicably terrified of cats. Every so often, she would quickly shift in her seat and grow wide eyed before asking someone to go check to make sure that the family tabby was still locked up in the bathroom. Shortly after dinner, she was so certain that there was a cat loose in the house that she jumped up and retreated for the relative safety of the screen door. The one thing that made this scene all the more hilarious to me was that there were at least seven other people in the room who did not find it in the least bit humorous. Aunt Norma eventually lost her nerve and went home before dessert, which consisted of no less than five different pies to choose from.            Feeling ever so grateful, yet not without my sarcastic side titillated by the whole Aunt Norma episode, I surveyed the pies; guessing that Lois had not slept much last night for all of her preparations. When asked which one I would like to try, I let out a sigh and feigned disappointment noting  my disappointment that Lois had not prepared a watermelon pie; my favorite. Ever so slightly, Lois deflated against the wall before I could hold it no longer. I smiled and the sisters chimed in; Erica letting out a hearty guffaw that even a lumberjack would be proud of behttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/_flyfishlake-has-commented-on-Please-Critique-Anderson-Sisters-from-Broken-Homilies/blog/222539/30146.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/4R2o1GV5Gg4/displayDiscussionThreads.kickAction I am looking at the discussios and last posts seem to be from a year ago. I am wondering if this is still active?I write for kids, picture books, MG novels and I am writing a YA novel too. My name is Robyn and hope I haven't gotten in too late. [image] ]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:23:43 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayDiscussionThreads.kickAction?as=30146&w=111104&d=334115 2010-01-23T15:23:43Z reply 156 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18902242&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_E.jpg false 334115 18902242 0 noI am looking at the discussios and last posts seem to be from a year ago. I am wondering if this is still active?I write for kids, picture books, MG novels and I am writing a YA novel too. My name is Robyn and hope I haven't gotten in too late. [image]I am looking at the discussios and last posts seem to be from a year ago. I am wondering if this is still active?I write for kids, picture books, MG novels and I am writing a YA novel too. My name is Robyn and hope I haven't gotten in too late. [image]http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayDiscussionThreads.kickAction?as=30146&w=111104&d=334115 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/xOgRtBMJDAU/displayKickPlace.kickAction ]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:12:58 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 2010-01-23T15:12:58Z Mike's Writers Network nonadult false flyfishlake has updated her profile user 110 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_B.jpg false 1 0 19578945 0 nohttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/xOgRtBMJDAU/displayKickPlace.kickAction ]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:11:34 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 2010-01-23T15:11:34Z Mike's Writers Network nonadult false flyfishlake has updated her profile user 110 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_D.jpg false 1 0 19578945 0 nohttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/xOgRtBMJDAU/displayKickPlace.kickAction ]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:10:44 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 2010-01-23T15:10:44Z Mike's Writers Network nonadult false flyfishlake has updated her profile user 110 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_A.jpg false 1 0 19578945 0 nohttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/xOgRtBMJDAU/displayKickPlace.kickAction ]]> Sat, 23 Jan 2010 15:04:46 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 2010-01-23T15:04:46Z Mike's Writers Network nonadult false flyfishlake has joined the Mike's Writers Network user 110 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_D.jpg false 1 0 19578945 0 nohttp://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=19578945&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/B22XzC79WIw/displayForum.kickAction I am looking at the discussios and last posts seem to be from a year ago. I am wondering if this is still active?I write for kids, picture books, MG novels and I am writing a YA novel too. My name is Robyn and hope I haven't gotten in too late. [image] ]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:15:41 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayForum.kickAction?as=30146&w=111104 2009-12-20T15:15:41Z discussion 156 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18902242&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_A.jpg false 334115 18902242 0 noI am looking at the discussios and last posts seem to be from a year ago. I am wondering if this is still active?I write for kids, picture books, MG novels and I am writing a YA novel too. My name is Robyn and hope I haven't gotten in too late. [image]I am looking at the discussios and last posts seem to be from a year ago. I am wondering if this is still active?I write for kids, picture books, MG novels and I am writing a YA novel too. My name is Robyn and hope I haven't gotten in too late. [image]http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayForum.kickAction?as=30146&w=111104 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/pLrWuER1SHo/displayKickPlace.kickAction I write for children. Picture books, middle grade and young adult novels. I am traveling into the world of querying agents. It is an exciting yet fearful time. I am a christian and home-schooling mom. We live on a farm near where the setting of my MG novel takes place, the Blue Ridge of Mountains in NC..I want to be published! [image] ]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:47:36 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18902242&as=30146 2009-12-20T14:47:36Z Mike's Writers Network I write for children. Picture books, middle grade and young adult novels. I am traveling into the world of querying agents. It is an exciting yet fearful time. I am a christian and home-schooling mom. We live on a farm near where the setting of my MG novel takes place, the Blue Ridge of Mountains in NC..I want to be published! [image] nonadult false Robyn has updated their profile user 89 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18902242&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_A.jpg false 0 0 18902242 0 noI write for children. Picture books, middle grade and young adult novels. I am traveling into the world of querying agents. It is an exciting yet fearful time. I am a christian and home-schooling mom. We live on a farm near where the setting of my MG noveI write for children. Picture books, middle grade and young adult novels. I am traveling into the world of querying agents. It is an exciting yet fearful time. I am a christian and home-schooling mom. We live on a farm near where the setting of my MG novel takes place, the Blue Ridge of Mountains in NC..I want to be published! [image]http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18902242&as=30146 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MikesWritersNetworkRecentActivity/~3/pLrWuER1SHo/displayKickPlace.kickAction I write for children. Picture books, middle grade and young adult novels. I am traveling into the world of querying agents. It is an exciting yet fearful time. I am a christian and home-schooling mom. We live on a farm near where the setting of my MG novel takes place, the Blue Ridge of Mountains in NC..I want to be published! [image] ]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:22:05 GMT http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18902242&as=30146 2009-12-20T14:22:05Z Mike's Writers Network I write for children. Picture books, middle grade and young adult novels. I am traveling into the world of querying agents. It is an exciting yet fearful time. I am a christian and home-schooling mom. We live on a farm near where the setting of my MG novel takes place, the Blue Ridge of Mountains in NC..I want to be published! [image] nonadult false Robyn has joined the Mike's Writers Network user 89 0 0.0 http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18902242&as=30146 http://media.kickstatic.com/kickapps/images/user/defaultImage_160x120_C.jpg false 0 0 18902242 0 noI write for children. Picture books, middle grade and young adult novels. I am traveling into the world of querying agents. It is an exciting yet fearful time. I am a christian and home-schooling mom. We live on a farm near where the setting of my MG noveI write for children. Picture books, middle grade and young adult novels. I am traveling into the world of querying agents. It is an exciting yet fearful time. I am a christian and home-schooling mom. We live on a farm near where the setting of my MG novel takes place, the Blue Ridge of Mountains in NC..I want to be published! [image]http://affiliate.kickapps.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=18902242&as=30146 en-usnonadult