One Woman's Voice

Benghazi Brief

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:28:00 +0000

The conspiracy theories and obsession with Benghazi and the Boston Bombing are so ridiculous. Should we get a hearing on the WMD's that we still haven't found in Iraq, ten years later? That debacle cost the country 2 Trillion dollars and catapulted us into the greatest recession since the "Great Depression."

Flip the Script: ...here's a theory. The Republicans are so scared of Hillary Clinton running and winning the next Presidential Race they set in motion an attack on an American Embassy known to have decreased security in order to show that she, Hillary, and President Obama are not as apt at handling our national security--stirring up fear.

Secondly, get the conspiracy cranked up to a level that points out some inadequacy of the President that could be "impeachable." Think they've pretty much given up on getting him on "moral" issues like infidelity because the whole nation can see how in love he is with his wife, First Lady Michelle Obama.

So you stage an attack on an American Embassy, then you stage a small attack on American soil that hints of "terrorism" and slowly but surely you began to erode the confidence in our homeland security measures and began to stir up fears of terrorism plots potentially popping up everywhere and the next thing you know they'll be dragging us off to the next war they feel might potential benefit the profits and security of place in American Society of the elite and privileged 1%. They, the GOP is itching to get us involved in the Syrian civil war. Question, why are they never banging the drums of war to go into the African Congo?

Lest you think my conspiracy theory is too far-fetched just remember that Richard Nixon stopped the peace negotiations for Vietnam because he was running for President. George W. Bush, got this country into the worst war and longest war we've ever known by using false intelligence to say Sadam Hussein had WMD's. He, President George Bush, won a second term. And don't get me started on how he won his first term, now there's a conspiracy waiting to be revealed and I'm sure history will unless of course it's written by "revisionist" partial to the Bush Dynasty and or GOP.

When I was growing up there was this standard come back to any slam, "takes one to know one." Those who see conspiracy everywhere have probably perpetrated; been involved in or aware of an actually conspiracy. I feeling very Julia Robert's like, remember the movie Pelican Brief. We all know real life is stranger than fiction.

Toxic Dispersant used in oil spills

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:42:00 +0000

So Why Is the Toxic Dispersant Used in BP's Gulf Disaster Three Years Ago Still the Clean-up Agent of Choice in the US?

learn more about...

corexit-health-and-environment-risk

guns & background checks

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:39:00 +0000

Assault weapons ban bill fails in US Senate sns.mx/NmvTy9
— U.S. Senate Update (@USSenateUpdate) April 18, 2013

Shame on the US Senators who decided it was more important to get an A plus from the #NRA than a passing grade from their constituents.
— Donna Brazile (@donnabrazile) April 18, 2013

Giffords: 'I'm furious' with Senate gun vote bit.ly/13jPeoI by @jtsthehill
— The Hill (@thehill) April 18, 2013

America, meet the 45 senators who blocked background checks (did your lawmaker make the list?) motherjones.com/politics/2013/…
— Mother Jones (@MotherJones) April 18, 2013

If you are mad as hell .... write your senators and let them know how you feel. Just so you know here's how they voted:

Republicans Who Voted for the Proposal

Susan Collins (R-ME)
Mark Kirk (R-IL)
John McCain (R-AZ)
Pat Toomey (R-PA)

Democrats Who Voted Against the Proposal

Max Baucus (D-MT)
Mark Begich (D-AK)
Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND)
Mark Pryor (D-AR)
Harry Reid (D-NV) (Voted "no" as a procedural move to preserve option to reintroduce the bill.)

republicans Who Voted Against the Proposal

Lamar Alexander (R-TN)
Kelly Ayotte (R-NH)
John Barrasso (R-WY)
Roy Blunt (R-MO)
John Boozman (R-AR)
Richard Burr (R-NC)
Saxby Chambliss (R-GA)
Dan Coats (R-IN)
Tom Coburn (R-OK)
Thad Cochran (R-MS)
Bob Corker (R-TN)
John Cornyn (R-TX)
Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Ted Cruz (R-TX)
Michael Enzi (R-WY)
Deb Fischer (R-NE)
Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Orrin Hatch (R-UT)
Dean Heller (R-NV)
John Hoeven (R-ND)
Jim Inhofe (R-OK)
Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Mike Johanns (R-NE)
Ron Johnson (R-WI)
Mike Lee (R-UT)
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Jerry Moran (R-KS)
Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)
Rand Paul (R-KY)
Rob Portman (R-OH)
James Risch (R-ID)
Pat Roberts (R-KS)
Marco Rubio (R-FL)
Timothy Scott (R-SC)
Jeff Sessions (R-AL)
Richard Shelby (R-AL)
John Thune (R-SD)
David Vitter (R-LA)
Roger Wicker (R-MS)

democrats Who Voted for the Proposal

Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Thomas Carper (D-DE)
Bob Casey (D-PA)
Christopher Coons (D-DE)
William "Mo" Cowan (D-MA)
Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
Richard Durbin (D-IL)
Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
Al Franken (D-MN)
Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Kay Hagan (D-NC)
Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Martin Heinrich (D-NM)
Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
Tim Johnson (D-SD)
Timothy Kaine (D-VA)
Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Mary Landrieu (D-LA)
Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ)
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
Carl Levin (D-MI)
Joe Manchin (D-WV)
Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
Christopher Murphy (D-CT)
Patty Murray (D-WA)
Bill Nelson (D-FL)
John Reed (D-RI)
Jay Rockefeller (D-WV)
Brian Schatz (D-HI)
Charles Schumer (D-NY)
Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)
Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Jon Tester (D-MT)
Mark Udall (D-CO)
Tom Udall (D-NM)
Mark Warner (D-VA)
Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
Ron Wyden (D-OR)

independents
Angus King (I-ME): Yea Bernie Sanders (I-VT): Yea

list courtesy of Mother Jones article: Meet the 45 Senators Who Blocked Background Checks

by Dana Liebelson, a reporter in Mother Jones' Washington bureau. Her work has also appeared in The Week, TIME's Battleland, Truthout, OtherWords and Yahoo! News

A Tale for the Elections

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 07:28:00 +0000

A B 'Banjo' Paterson

(1864-1941)

The Sausage Candidate-A Tale for the Elections

Our fathers, brave men were and strong,
And whisky was their daily liquor;
They used to move the world along
In better style than now — and quicker.
Elections then were sport, you bet!
A trifle rough, there's no denying
When two opposing factions met
The skin and hair were always flying.
When "cabbage-trees" could still be worn
Without the question, "Who's your hatter?"
There dawned a bright election morn
Upon the town of Parramatta.
A man called Jones was all the go —
The people's friend, the poor's protector;
A long, gaunt, six-foot slab of woe,
He sought to charm the green elector.

How Jones had one time been trustee
For his small niece, and he — the villain! —
Betrayed his trust most shamefully,
And robbed the child of every shillin'.
He used to keep accounts, they say,
To save himself in case of trouble;
Whatever cash he paid away
He always used to charge it double.

He'd buy the child a cotton gown
Too coarse and rough to dress a cat in,
And then he'd go and put it down
And charge the price of silk or satin!
He gave her once a little treat,
An outing down the harbour sunny,
And Lord! the bill for bread and meat,
You'd think they all had eaten money!

But Jones exposed the course he took
By carelessness — such men are ninnies.
He went and entered in his book,
"Two pounds of sausages — two guineas."
Now this leaked out, and folk got riled,
And said that Jones, "he didn't oughter".
But what cared Jones? he only smiled —
Abuse ran off his back like water.

And so he faced the world content:
His little niece — he never paid her:
And then he stood for Parliament,
Of course he was a rank free trader.
His wealth was great, success appeared
To smile propitious on his banner,
But Providence it interfered
In this most unexpected manner.

A person — call him Brown for short —
Who knew the story of this stealer,
Went calmly down the town and bought
Two pounds of sausage from a dealer,
And then he got a long bamboo
And tightly tied the sausage to it;
Says he, "This is the thing to do,
And I am just the man to do it.

"When Jones comes out to make his speech
I won't a clapper be, or hisser,
But with this long bamboo I'll reach
And poke the sausage in his 'kisser'.
I'll bring the wretch to scorn and shame,
Unless those darned police are nigh:
As sure as Brown's my glorious name,
I'll knock that candidate sky-high."

The speech comes on — beneath the stand
The people push and surge and eddy
But Brown waits calmly close at hand
With all his apparatus ready;
And while the speaker loudly cries,
"Of ages all, this is the boss age!"
Brown hits him square between the eyes,
Exclaiming, "What's the price of sausage?"

He aimed the victuals in his face,
As though he thought poor Jones a glutton.
And Jones was covered with disgrace —
Disgrace and shame, and beef and mutton.
His cause was lost — a hopeless wreck
He crept off from the hooting throng;
Protection proudly ruled the deck,
Here ends the sausage and the song.
__
Notes

The Bulletin, 9 February 1889

Published during the 1889 election campaign for the New South Wales General Parliament

courtesy of: hello poetry

Petition - Shared Sacrifice: Bernie Sanders - U.S. Senator for Vermont

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 01:07:00 +0000

excerpt...

Dear Mr. President, This is a pivotal moment in the history of our country. Decisions are being made about the national budget that will impact the lives of virtually every American for decades to come. As we address the issue of deficit reduction we must not ignore the painful economic reality of today - which is that the wealthiest people in our country and the largest corporations are doing phenomenally well while the middle class is collapsing and poverty is increasing. In fact, the United States today has, by far, the most unequal distribution of wealth and income of any major country on earth.

...go to his page to read more and sign the petition, use the link below

Petition - Shared Sacrifice: Bernie Sanders - U.S. Senator for Vermont

live every moment

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 21:47:00 +0000

Gun Violence

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 21:45:00 +0000

My Gun Control Rant

I grew up in the sixties road in trucks with my dad and others with their rifle racks and have never been aftraid of guns. I served in the military and know how to use an M16 very well. I do believe that people should have the right to own guns; however, I have never seen the benefit of average citizens being able to purchase and carry automatic assault like weapons. Those are weapons of "war" and should be left in the hands of military personnel and law enforcement. Where do you stand on the issue?

Here's some other info I recently found on the web on this "hot-botton" issue:

guncrisis.org -

The Gun Crisis Reporting Project: Seeking solutions to the epidemic of homicide by gunfire in Philadelphia

FACT: 6.6 million guns were transferred in the U.S. last year without a background check. #WeDemandAVote, twitter.com/BarackObama/st…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) March 11, 2013

In my backyard:

BREAKING: Henry County Man is accused of shooting his wife and daughter then shooting himself. Details at 4.
— NewsChannel 5 (@NC5) March 11, 2013

One Million Moms and Dads Against Gun Violence

Enough is enough. We cannot stand by and let our children be killed by senseless violence. We are committed to offering a voice to those who have been silent while so many of our children have been harmed by gun violence. No more.

We are two moms who refuse to do nothing in the face of the massacres that have taken too many of our country's children. No matter what you believe is the issue that has lead to these events--get involved to change the problem. This page is to provide a platform to the voices that have been silent against gun violence for too long. We have done it their way--if more guns meant safety, we'd be the safest country in the world.

We are committed to communication, awareness, support and action. Something has to change to make this country safer for our kids.

(on the other side...)

One Million Moms Against Gun Control

another Facebook Community

We urge you to contact your elected representatives and demand they honor their oath to protect the Second Amendment and the Constitution of these United States of America. Make your voices heard today!

@CissyCrutcher

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Cissy Crutcher:

RT You must listen to this truly breathtaking seamless melting of traditional#Gospel&#classical #Mozart featuring @cissycrutcher
— Desia (@DesiaDesigns) March 9, 2013

Cissy is the baby sister of one of my childhood friends and daugther of my Jr High music teacher. She brings to the table her own tastes which include some smooth, some classical, and some cool, the herbs and spices tossed into the stew of her very unique smooth blend. You will be spellbound as you marinate on her melodious lyrics.

CISSY CRUTCHER was a Semi-Finalist in the Avon Voices Global Singing Talent Search! She appeared in the Mario Van Peebles film, Redemption Road starring Michael Clarke Duncan and Tom Skerritt. Cissy also won Best Supporting Actress from the 2010 Thanet International Film Festival for her role in The New, True, Charlie Wu. Performing since the age of four, CISSY fronts her own band, and shares her vocal talents with the Pat Patrick Showband at venues around the United States. She has performed with Music City Hall of Fame songwriter, Pat Alger, and also has vocal credits on projects for other artists, jingles, and corporate soundtracks.

In 2010, Cissy earned honors from the Tennessee Arts Commission with an Individual Artist Fellowship for vocal performance. She has been a featured vocalist in Nashville’s BB King’s Blues Club All Star Band and continues to perform at the club as a headlining act. Cissy has appeared with jazz saxophonists, Marion Meadows, opened for musical groups such as Cameo and Con Funk Shun, and entertained audiences in England, Australia, and New Zealand. Other notable performances during her career include the Franklin Jazz Festival, the Watertown Music & Arts Fest, Nashville’s Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival, the Montreaux/Atlanta Music Festival, the Sydney Opera House, the World’s Fair 1988, and BET’s Video Gospel, and the Vision Awards. CISSY is a singer/songwriter who has combined her passion of writing poetry, singing, and songwriting to develop a unique musical style. Two of her own compositions are on her debut CD, That Kinda Love, (available through iTunes, her website, and CD Baby) which blends elements inspired by some of her influences: Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Patti LaBelle, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Stevie Wonder. When not on stage, you can find her teaching middle school students, which she has done since earning a Master’s Degree from Vanderbilt University in 1994. CISSY also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

For Management & Booking Information Contact: Artez Crutcher • 615-509-4763 acrutcher1@gmail.com • info@cissycrutcher.com Keep updated by logging on to www.cissycrutcher.com facebook.com/cissy.crutcher • twitter.com/CissyCrutcher myspace.com/cissycrutcher and see videos at YouTube.com/cissycrutcher • AvonVoices.com

NRA Ad targeting minorities

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 22:37:00 +0000

Dear @nra, we don't trust you. Sincerely, Black America... bit.ly/Z3kqGp PLEASE RETWEET
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) March 8, 2013

No golf trips for Obama

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Republican Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert introduced an amendment to the Continuing Resolution that would not provide the White House with any taxpayer funds to transport President Barack Obama to and from any golf course until they resume White House public tours. In a House floor speech, Gohmert said he filed the amendment with the House Rules Committee. “None of the funds made available by a division of this act may be used to transport the president to or from a golf course until public tours of the White House resume,” the amendment reads. Read more:

read more..

Civil Rights ...remembering the struggle

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 02:55:00 +0000

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Why I won't get rid of my refrigerator

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:46:00 +0000

I know (and am certainly glad) that appliances are built to last a long time. thank goodness. who could afford to replace washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves and refrigerators as often as we replace cars or cell phones? i know i certainly couldn't.

but my refrigerator is 15 years old. i think that is probably about replacement time or very near it. but i can't replace it. not only because i simply can't afford such an expense at this time. but i don't wanna replace it.

it was a wedding gift from a very dear friend who has long since gone. unfortunately she died a couple of years after my wedding, she was my maid of honor. Gail. I miss her. she really "got" me. actually we "got" each other. unfortunately the marriage has since ended too. but that's another story.

we purchased it from a local Lowe's that use to be on my way home. she and i shopped for it inquired of the salesman about all the ins and outs of this particular model and brand for you see it' s not a big name brand like whirlpool or Frigidaire no my refrigerator is a holladay.

what we learned as we quizzed the salesman was that this brand was actually a lower cost, economical brand produced by a large well known manufacturer: Frigidaire and it was, according to the salesman, as good a quality as any of their well known brand name refrigerators. turns out he wasn't lying. it's been a real champ.

it only had to move twice (including the trip from the store) since it was purchased. i'm sure that helped. however, it does has a few aging characteristic quirks. sometimes when you close the door, it somehow eases open. sometimes it's just a hair, but sometimes it's as if you never shut it at all.

i've cringed a couple of times thinking about the coming month's utility bill because i've come home from an 8+ hour work day to find it standing ajar. needless to say i've had a few jugs of milk and some leftovers to go bad before their time because of this gate keeping problem

i think i know the reason. it seems like this actually occurred when it was relatively new too. if memory serves me right it has some pedestal type levelers underneath and when it is not level the door will not shut properly. i wonder if it because the house is aging and settling as well. or maybe it's the change of season but strange door behavior comes in fits and spells.

it does not happen all the time. in fact once when it was going through one of these periods i realized i had some things sitting on top (my overflowing spices that wouldn't fit on the spice rack). a huge heavy glass jar filled with my favorite cereal--cheerios, a nice ceramic bowel with beautiful clusters of grapes (grapes--my kitch motif) that my mom gave me--filled with plastic fruit. i guess i would get a little wobbly too, if i had all that on my head.

i think i won't get rid of it just yet. i'll call my son or brother over to try and get the levels readjusted. i'm not ready to buy another refrigerator. not ready to toss that memory of me and Gail's shopping experience aside. sure i know the memory of her lives on in my head and heart. but still i kinda like having something tangible of her to hold on to.

sooo...that's really

Why I won't get rid of my refrigerator.

Social Entrepreneurship

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 02:22:00 +0000

Here's a topic that's been on my mind an aweful lot lately,
Social Entrepreneurship.

Do a search on social entrepreneurship and the results will undoubtedly yield this name: Muhammad Yunus.

Known as the "banker to the poor," Yunus, winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, has helped people rise above poverty by giving them small, usually unsecured loans through his Grameen Bank.

Now Yunus has written about his next big idea in Creating a World Without Poverty: Social Business and the Future of Capitalism. He calls his vision "social business" — a model where entrepreneurs can apply their creative, social and altruistic vision to the world's most pressing problems, such as poverty and homelessness.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia For the Indian diplomat, see Mohammad Yunus (diplomat).Muhammad Yunus, (Bangla: মুহাম্মদ ইউনুস, pronounced Muhammôd Iunus) (born 28 June 1940) is a Bangladeshi banker and economist. He previously was a professor of economics where he developed the concept of microcredit. These loans are given to entrepreneurs too poor to qualify for traditional bank loans. Yunus is also the founder of Grameen Bank.

Youtube

NPR

Do the Right Thing," focus on the purpose

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:30:00 +0000

Stimulus package:
Pass this already. Time is ticking. Democrats and Republicans, just do the "right thing.” Look at what will put people back to work, give us some confidence in the stability of our economy. This package can't be all things for all people. Fund the programs that have teeth; this is no time for "pie in the sky" wishlists.
Keep the focus on the purpose--to Stimulate the Economy.

Compassion, the "new" black

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:52:00 +0000

Faith based initiatives: Good idea. It’s American. At our core this is who we are. I like what the Ba hai faith says about different religions “that all spring from the same source.” I believe this. I grew up in a very religious family. At various times and stages in my life it has been a bit inconvenient. However, having experienced a mighty unseen hand at work at some of my most perilous, frightening moments, I holdfast to my abiding faith in a higher power. My foundation is still that of a 12 year old humbling accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. That said, I have also seen the inner workings of many “organized” religious institutions and it was not always pretty. So I can understand how the best and highest ideals of man can fall short with flaws. While not perfect most religious followers will do well as long as they remember and honor the concepts of caring more for others than themselves. Just “caring” is a giant step in the right directions. Thanks, President Obama for bringing “compassion” back.
I think it’s great that we have a leader who has and outwardly exhibits compassion and humility yet remains strong and Presidential. Keep up the good work. It does matter to people like myself. I’ve never been one of those people who wanted my President to be “someone I would have a beer with.” I want a President who is smarter than me but can also “relate” to me and my situation with compassion. What if, compassion becomes the “new” black, where average service oriented people become our heroes. Imagine a time and place where service is honored over greed.

Just as the little "black" dress forms the basis of any descent wardrobe, compassion should form the basic character of any descent human being from the less to the greatest. Thank you President Obama for being a role model not just in words or deeds but the very essence of your being.

The Bailout: "...like I'm a four year old"

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 02:24:00 +0000

The Bailout: I'm really tired of the political game playing that's going on in Washington. We all know they are going to pass it. Hopefully sooner rather than later. I think it is needed but like most Americans I'm interested in how it will affect me. What's in it for me? That's what every American really wants to know.

Congress and the media should work on explaining that a bit better. Explain it to me like I'm a 'four" year old because this economic stuff makes me feel like one. Go ahead, it won't hurt my feelings at all. I want to "understand."
My sarcastic voice: Our representatives on the hill should have no problem doing this since their behavior has been pretty much on that level. It's like they just learned to play "psych."

Decorative Altered Box

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:48:00 +0000

This was a gift box I made for my mother's Birthday, Ground Hogs Day, February 2nd.

I repurposed a pair of linen pants to cover a small square USPS priority mail box. Accented this with bits and pieces of ribbon, wire mesh, vintage buttons, feathers, swvaroski crystal chips. Four matching wooden beads were glued to the base for pedestals.

The box contained two small potted plants: African violets and jade. Beautiful and colorful. It also holds a "handmade" pillow box containing a small kitchen gadget. The pillow box is a floral fabric covered repurposed manila folder.

Yes, she loved it. Mom loves cooking and gardening so anything dealing with those interests lights her up. She and my sister immediately thought of a useful purpose for the box: holding mail.

So this decorative altered multi purpose container can be used as a gift box, flower box , mail holder,.

Passionate about Jewerly making

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:22:00 +0000

My creative passion at work. Visit me on etsy: http://www.dbdesign.etsy.com

Winter of Hope

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 02:02:00 +0000

Blogging--as active engagement

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:02:00 +0000

Engagement--my new watch word. As you can see I haven’t posted for sometime. Although I haven’t posted here I have been very busy posting on other interesting blogs. I’ve wrestled with how to manage my time and still be involved while not comprising my own need for creativity. I’ll devoted my focus here first. One Woman’s Voice will be the eternal well from which I draw.

When I first became interested in blogging, about two years ago, I quickly set about to create all these elaborate blogs; each focused on a different area of interest. According to all the blog-cology, this was the way to go. Was I doing it for fun or profit? Well it depended on which day I was blogging.

Let’s face it. The human being is a wonderfully complexed creature. Add a bit of creativity and trials of life to the mix and you’ve got one interestingly whacky unpredictable character. That’s me--Interesting, whacky and unpredictable. So what kind of blog(s) should a whacky chick like me create? Where do my passion and interests lie?

Creativity--I love making things. As a veteran coming from a large family of veterans I am politically impassioned. I like to say, I was patriotic before patriotism was cool. As a member of a very large loving southern family with a small family of my own, I continue to share in and experience the joys and sorrows of daily living in this tribe. I oten attempt to capture these moments through photography. Being equally moved by the joys and sorrows, drives me to activitism. So what's a whacky unpredictable chick to do?

One woman’s voice is the heartfelt expressions of engagement. I am engaged with life. It leads me in many different directions. This is simply the place where I record my impressions along the way. It is with this singleness of purpose this blog exist. It is one woman's engaged prespective on the business of living. Doing it My Way!

What a Loss...What an example

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 12:28:00 +0000

What a Loss for the NBC network but also for America. Tim Russert's death on yesterday June 13, 2008 has left a great void in American journalism and politics. Why am I blogging about it? Because Tim Russert was One Man's Voice that we all listened to and whose "take" we greatly valued. Why? Because his sincerity, enthusiasm and integrity shone through every interview. He has set an example for journalism forever. I admired him and feel a sense of personal loss although I only met him vicariously through the miracle of TV.

Here's to you Tim--like tulips in the spring reminding us of the simple beauty and greatness of something bigger than ourselves in the world.

The Internet --Brave New Political World

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 04:57:00 +0000

We are in a brave new world. Senator Hillary Clinton said
The internet is changing the political arena. She is right. She also said that we need bloggers reporting on political issues and processes. And I say, Thank God, Finally, it's about time. It's about time the common man's voice is able to be heard.
This the foundational belief of this blog. One common "wo"man's voice--here to engage and inspire anyone who is interested. It doesn't matter whether you find my banter interesting, engaging, irritating, stupid or brilliant--I have a voice and here in America. I have a right to be heard. I believe it is important to express our personal beliefs and views. It's even OK when we disagree. Tonight I hosted a watch party in my home for Senator Obama. I spoke on the phone to other people about the S.C.Democratic primary and the campaign in general. It felt good. I felt good to be able to believe in the possibility of change again. I was elated to realize I am a key component of the process and I believe most American's feel the same.

Sustainable Lifestyle Practices and Communities

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 04:54:00 +0000

The time has come for everyone to have more Eco-friendly sensibility

Eco-fact: Commercial car washes are better than washing your car at home in the drive.

Commercial carwashes reuse/recycle their water. They are also required to treat their water. Using a commercial carwash eliminates potential chemicals and toxins being added to your lawn or the neighborhood drain.

Like many people these days, I'm trying to become more educated about the environment and eco-friendly practices. Periodically, I will be sharing some of the knowledge and resources I find with you here.

One information source is Sara Snow, a Natural Living Expert who host the Discovery-Home show, "Get Fresh with Sara Snow." It is very informative, entertaining, and covers a myriad of topics including cooking and fashion. "The Green" is another such program hosted on the Sundance Channel.

Eco-Practice (fashion):

1. Wear vintage clothes and recycle old clothes by finding new uses.

2 Buy clothing that uses sustainable textile fiber. These can come from organically grown (chemically free) crops or unusual plants that are not normally used in the fiber and textile industry like bamboo. Bamboo is now being used in textile industry to produce very fashionable fabrics and garments.

On your next shopping trip, don't just like at the price tag but take a closer look at the fabric content label. Or instead of heading to the mall or big chain store, try visiting and sampling the wares of a local vintage clothing or thrift store.

Make it point to began educating yourself and incorporating more eco-friendly practices in your daily life. We can no longer afford to leave this task to a few "tree-hugging" nonprofit organizations. I believe it's vital we all began to take a more active personal role in sustaining the planet earth. Although we're making more frequent trips to the moon, so far, we're still only living here on earth. Let us all pitch in to preserve it. Start today, if not for yourself--then do it for your grandchildren and our future generations.

Cafe Reconcile

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:50:00 +0000

Wynton Marsalis, jazz musician and reknown chef John Besh were featured on one of my favorite Sundance Channel programme's "Iconaclast." Both these artist have volunteered and sponsored many benefits to help the city they grew up in--New Orleans. During the the program I learned about Cafe Reconcile, a nonprofit oganization that helps at-risk youths of New Orleans. Cafe Reconcile provides a safe supportive place for the youth to have the option of receiving the life, work and educational skills necessary to turn their lives on a productive path toward thriving and complete citizens of the city.

Tribute to a Lifetime of Work

noreply@blogger.com (Desia) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 02:12:00 +0000

My Mother recently retired from Nursing after 34 years of service to the same hospital. The hospital where I bore my first child. While there was no gold watch, there were many well wishing co-workers bearing gifts and well wishes. Amidst a myriad recanting of past shared work experiences came the repeated question of how she would spend her new found free time. It was most surprising when she really had no answer. After a lifetime caring for others she didn't know what would come after that. She will have to learn the new art of caring for herself and relaxing--a difficult task for a "born" nurse. I've always said that my mother was a nurse before she ever went to nursing school.