A Nice Place In The Sun

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 17:12:00 +0000

Every time I watch this cartoon, I wonder why Cindy Lou Who doesn't run screaming into her parents bedroom when she stumbles upon the strange and skinny Santa Claus from Dr. Seuss' classic book and cartoon, How The Grinch Stole Christmas in her living room. But then, I'm one of those people who tries to warn characters on television, and in the movies, of their impending doom. (As if my directions will be taken into consideration, or better yet, that my suggestions will save them from their fate.)

I think we all do this to an extinct, although, I'm terrible about it, particularly when the character is an animal or a child. Hence, you can imagine my reaction when Cindy Lou Who quietly stands before the The Grinch as he slowly removes the entire contents of her home, including the ornaments from their Christmas tree.

The first time I watched the movie with my son, I jumped up and down on our couch trying to convince little Cindy to go and tell her parents, but I knew she couldn't hear me...(Because Rudolph never heard me warn him of the Abominable Snowman either.)

When I finally gave up, my four year old son hugged me, and said with a crooked smile; "Mommy, it's alright, it's make-believe..."

In any event, as far as I'm concerned, Cindy Lou Who is one of the bravest children in American Literature, but then, Dr. Suess created strong characters; for example, Max (Mr. Grinch's loyal dog,) is another brave soul, as well as an excellent reindeer.

Anyway, in closing, I wanted to wish everyone a save and happy holiday, free of The Abominable Snowman, and the "mean one," Mr. Grinch, regardless of my ghostlike disappearance online lately.

I assure all of you that my absence was unavoidable, and I love and miss you terribly- I'm looking forward to returning to a regular posting schedule after, or before the first of the year. Much love to all of you, and again, Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas!

Never, Ever, Interrupt A Daddy Ducks Breakfast

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:00:00 +0000

In CasE You Missed iT ThE FirsT TimE...

Several lakes surrounded the University campus where I went to school years ago; so, the ducks who lived on the lakes, usually walked students to class each morning hoping we would share our breakfast.

We could hear duck wings flapping, and a chorus of quaking, before we opened our eyes each morning, including week-ends. I suppose Roosters were born to wake up farmers, and Ducks were born to wake up students- Or at least that's what I thought-

Because most of the ducks I knew were polite and easy to deal with, but this educated group of ducks were different; they were were loud and aggressive, especially if you didn't offer them something to eat. Hence, the best thing to do was leave the house prepared to feed them, and never, ever interrupt their breakfast. Some students believed that the ducks knew which students were going to fed them, much like a waiter knows a good tipper, so they would immediately start attacking the students who didn't have food, and peacefully surrounded the ones with a bread bag. Incidentally, most students left their house each day with their books, and a bag of bread for the ducks.

It was hard to remember the ducks rules early every morning, therefore, on occasion a student would forget to bring the ducks food. Hence, it just so happened that one students memory lapse, provided a Daddy duck with the opportunity to teach the rest of us a valuable lesson. Plus, in addition to entertaining the campus with the funniest thing most of us ever witnessed in public; this daddy duck also reminded us to never, ever interfere with a ducks breakfast.

On the morning in question, I was sitting by one of the University lakes reading, when I overheard a couple arguing in front of a pair of ducks. The voices of the arguing couple and the gander's squawking sounded like an aggressive duck fight; and one loud enough to wake every creature on earth.

I felt sorry for the ducks, because this duck family wasn't bothering anyone until the couple came along. They were minding their own business, trying to feed their ducklings breakfast and I suppose send them to duckling school, when these people showed up and disturbed their morning. Hence, it's easy to understand why the daddy duck got his feathers in a ruffle over the human couples apparent rudeness and quickly charged in their direction.

When he approached the couple the man realized he was being challenged, so he put his hands in the air as if giving himself up for arrest, but Mr. Gander wasn't having it, and continued to advance upon the guy.

Everyone around the lake, including me, started laughing as this poor man kept shouting for help and backing away from his attacker. While the rest of the duck family squawked, the guy shouted and raised his fists as if demanding a fair fight from the creature, who continued his advance until he chased the guy down the sidewalk. It was the funniest thing I'd ever seen, or at least that's what I thought at the time...

However, later that afternoon, I was in another class in the same building, and I heard squawking again, only this time I was inside a classroom, so the honking, feather flapping argument, must have sounded really loud outside the building.

The classroom had three hundred theater style seats and two double doors at the entrance, so the students, including me, sitting in the seats near the entrance, could hear someone outside shouting, "Let go of me, ouch, let go of me," followed by more squawking and honking, until the double doors to the classroom blasted open, and in came a man running from the same duck I saw that morning.

Then, instead of rescuing their fellow student, everyone began climbing to the top seats to get away from the dangerous creature; who was doing his best to run with his head low enough to nip the man's heels and balance his wings at the same time. -The duck resembled a small airplane coming in for a landing-

The man ran up the row of seats with the daddy duck in hot pursuit nipping at his ankles... while students were shouting, "Did you forget to give him bread?"

Finally, someone latched onto both man and duck, and the situation came to a screeching, honking, feather flying halt, leaving an entire classroom of students laughing hysterically.

This daddy ducks behavior that morning was one of the most valuable lessons I've ever learned without having to pay a penny or endure a consequence.

And the lesson was; there are strict rules when it comes to ducks; you should always bring bread, and never, ever interrupt their breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Judy Garland and Toto)

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:58:00 +0000

Nobody sings Over The Rainbow like Judy Garland...and I've always been amazed at how wonderful "Toto" is in this scene...

I'll be back to my regular posting schedule...soon...I promise. All of you are important to me and I appreciate you stopping by to visit. I will be visiting you soon...

What Is Your Life's Theme Song?

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:36:00 +0000

What is your life’s theme song? I’ve asked this question before, in fact it was almost exactly two years ago, although this year the question is different for me. I wonder if it will feel the same to those of you who answered it before...

I’m not sure why it feels different, but it does...For one thing, I knew when I asked this question the first time that the theme song to my life would be A River Runs Through It, but I didn't know why, so I didn’t mention it at the time.

However, I did give a lot of thought to the fact that the title, A River Runs Through, is a metaphor for all families, regardless of where they live. And, I’ve learned over the last few decades of my life, how much our families shape us into the people we become, or you could say, how much our families “run through us.”

When I first saw this film I cried, like everyone, but after seeing it the first time, I continued to watch it to the point of obsession, and I couldn’t understand why; although, later I realized I identified with the youngest character played in the movie by the then unknown, Brat Pitt. Now, how in the world could a female from South Louisiana relate to a male character from Montana?

When I told my mother how I felt, and asked her what she thought troubled the character about his relationship with his parents... She said, "They were emotionally distant, whereas he was open and warm..."

It struck me as odd how quickly she answered my question, but I was still confused, so I asked, “Well, Mom, did you understand why his parents were emotionally distant, and besides they seemed to love their children.”

My mother looked at me like she was taken aback, but calmly replied, "Well Ann, of course they loved their children, but they were Scotch Irish."

Then, it clicked, because we are Scotch Irish as well...my whole family, with the exception of one Irish grandfather and a German Grandmother. I was relieved to suddenly realize why I strongly related to the character in the book and film, because we were brought up in similar circumstances and shared similar personalities.

Therefore, when I considered how “rivers run through” all families, it changed the way that I looked at what I would consider the theme song of my life. Have you ever strongly related to a character in a book or movie? If you have, I think it will help you answer this question, or answer it for you.

The first time I asked this question I phrased it differently; I asked,“What was your life’s Musical Score?” If you remember answering it, see if you feel differently now, or know more about yourself, or think of another song.

In any event, there is more to think about when answering this particular Tuesday’s Question. And I guess I rattled on more about it as well... Nevertheless, I hope Tuesday’s Question has always been a challenge, in addition to a blast.

Moreover, I know you might not believe me, even if I shouted it from the highest rooftop in your town; but these questions have taught me a lot about all of you, and people in general; I hope you’ve had the same experience.

And I'm Sorry again about posting so late in the day... I'm dealing with Dell’s (my computer) control issues again... One of these days he's going to find his computerized self at the bottom of the Mississippi River...it's sooo frustrating.

Also, I realize this is more like a preamble than the beginning of a Tuesday's Question post. I hope you will forgive me; I just had more to say on this one, and I will leave the post up throughout the day tomorrow.

Now, I want to know the theme song to your life...

Just skip over the next few paragraphs if you're familiar with Tuesday's Question.

Note to first time visitors: If this is the first time you've visited Tuesday's Question, please note, that I'm glad you're here. All participates answers are published (along with a link to their site) within Tuesday's Question's post and you don't have to own a blog to participate.

All you have to do is write your answer in comments and I will publish your comment along with your name. Just leave everything to me~ :0 Everyone's answers will be posted as quickly as possible throughout the day with a link to the participating blogger's blogs, therefore, don't forget to stop by and visit the blogger's who commented.

Chances are, if you liked a blogger's answer, you will also enjoy reading their blog. Have Fun, and don't forget, Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, link love, and friendship, so jump in and let us know your answer. You can read the answers throughout the day by clicking "Read More"

Marley & Me (Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment)

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson star as newlyweds John and Jenny Grogan, in the screen adaptation of Marley & Me. The movie is based on the novel, Marley & Me, by Marley's true owner, Pennsylvania columnist John Grogan; who wrote many columns about his beloved Golden "Laberdoodle", Marley; also affectionately referred to as the "worlds worst dog."

This Saturday, instead of posting Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment without any words, I decided to share a little about the background of Marley & Me, partly because it's a true story, but also because it's based on John's Grogan's moving novel, written in first person narrative.

John's novel, Marley & Me, was published in 2005; after an overwhelming response to the eulogy he wrote for Marley in his column; then, Bad Dog, Marley, a picture book for children, based on his original story followed; Bad Dog, Marley was published in 2007. (Harper Collins)

I loved all three adaptations of Marley and Me, in fact, I read the novel twice, the children's book several times, and saw the movie in the theater and at home.

Marley & Me has something for everyone; moviegoers, readers, or both, in addition to two other children's books I neglected to mention; A Dog Like No Other, for younger readers without the sexual content in the original novel, and A Very Marley Christmas.

The Grogan family had their hands full, but they also had a loving family member who taught them about life and how to love. If you haven't seen this movie, watch it, and if you haven't read it, read it, and if you have small children, remember Marley's age appropriate books.

It's a gem; a film that will be watched for years to come. I just had to add all of this...enjoy the clip~

Happy Saturday, and have a terrific week-end.

What Funny Thing Did Your Child Do Or Say Today?

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 12:20:00 +0000

When my son was three or four, I made our living room into a play area to keep him occupied while I cooked. The kitchen was set up with a bar between it and the living room, so I could watch him from the kitchen, while we sang songs and I peeled potatoes.

One of our favorite song's was “John, Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" I would sing and dance around the kitchen peeling potatoes, and adding to the pot whatever I could find from our limited supply of ingredients, while he laughed aloud and jumped up and down to the rhythm of the song. He was a good choreographer, and was sure to show me whatever new move he created as I threw onions, bell pepper and whatever else together for dinner. We sang every night at suppertime.

One night as we danced and sang John Jacob, I turned my back on him, and when I turned around again, he had gone to his room.
He did this sometimes, he would get in the mood to be alone and go in his room and make believe he was pirate or some other popular action figure for hours. But this time was different, and when too much time passed I started to get uncomfortable with the silence. I went in his room and saw him sitting in the corner covering his face, and crying. I said, "Honey what’s wrong?"

He pulled his chubby hand away his face, then shook his head back and forth refusing to come forth with the problem. However, I keep asking until he was more helpful, and after a gulp of air he replied, "You used to like to watch me sing and dance."

I was perplexed, I couldn’t imagine what he was talking about, but I said, "Yes Baby, and I still do. I had a wet kitchen towel wrapped my waist, but I pulled him on my lap anyway, and hugged him while he sucked his thumb, then I said,

"Honey, there isn't anything in the world I would rather do than watch you sing and dance, and not the biggest bear or the strongest Rhinoceros could change my mind about that- So why on earth would you think that I didn't like your singing and dancing anymore?"

"Because when I danced and sang you didn’t clap your hands." he answered.

"Well," I replied, "Taylor, I couldn’t see you, I had my backed turned." His reply is a good example of how literal children are, he said, "Why didn’t you just use the eyes in the back of your head?"

What funny thing did your child do or say today?

Happy Birthday Sandee!

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 09:35:00 +0000

Happy Birthday Sandee

Actually, September the 8th was my dear friend Sandee's (from Comedy Plus) birthday, as some of you already know, however, I thought I knew of a website that made graphics of different flavored cakes, and I was going to send it to her, as well as add it to this post. But, it fell through, and yesterday I tried to write this post, in addition to paying forward the fabulous awards I’ve received this month, but my computer had other plans.

Well, I say it’s my computer, and as for it running slow, it probably is, but have you noticed my font? For some reason, I cannot get the size straight and it’s written in bold.

It’s undeniably frustrating…in addition to my computer stopping every few minutes, and threatening me with it's hourglass. It's as if my computer is saying, your time on earth is running out, especially, if you hit one more button on my keyboard. In any event, I was determined to write Sandee a birthday post, and by golly, I’m doing it.

I met Sandee only a month or so after I started blogging, and I don’t think she had been blogging long herself, but she saved me from the brink of disaster on a daily basis, introduced me to many of her friends and made me laugh.

I remember seeing her first avatar, which was a sleepy-eyed cartoon character wearing big fluffy slippers and holding a coffee cup. At that time, she didn’t have her photo published yet, so I recognized her by the droopy-eyed character with the coffee cup and big slippers.

Anyway, to illustrate what a great person she is, I was looking for the character with the cup this morning on her blog, and to my surprise, I saw a gorgeous sign with a butterfly at the top. The sign said, “Get Well Annie,” which made a huge impression on me, but what really touched me was that she never told me about it.

It’s at the bottom of her blog and it made my day. In fact, to be honest, I wasn’t planning on returning to blogging for awhile, or at least not until my books were on the market, and the publishing market moves as fast as a snail, so that gives you an idea of how long I would have been off-line.

However, because of the fact that she kept writing me comments, along with my touchstone Dawn from Twisted Sister, I returned to blogging sooner.

Sandee, is a true spirit, what you see is what you get, and I see an authentic, compassionate, fun, and caring friend. She is no leaky vessel, and that’s what I love about her- a dependable friend to everyone and special to me-

Thank you, my friend, for sharing your heart, your time, and your kindnesses, in addition to treating me with the same dignity, compassion, and respect you would afford someone you’ve known for years. You exemplify the Emerson quote I have at the top of my blog...and I'm honored to be your friend.

As you always say,
Big hug and lotsa lovies

Note; I’m going to do my dead level best to post some awards today. Although unfortunately, I’m not sure what my computer’s problem is, and on a more personal note, I have a doctors appt. this afternoon, so I’m not sure I’ll make it. However, it’s a promise to those of you who thought enough of me to nominate me for an award; I will post them as soon as possible.
In addition, I know I have my “syster” Dawn to thank for her sign, as well as Ettarose and Bud, and Grace's wonderful comments- All of you touched my heart and healed my soul. I have so many of you to thank for helping me through one of the hardest times in my life, and I will never forget you.

When Was Your Most Romantic Dance? (Tuesday's Question)

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:51:00 +0000

When Was Your Most Romantic Dance? Where were you, who were you with, and do you remember the song?

Hello, and welcome to Tuesday’s Question. If you’re unfamiliar with Tuesday’s Question, it’s my way of spreading weekly link love, getting to know my readers, and introducing you to each other, that is, if you’re not friends already, and in that case, feel free to visit each other through comments.

This is how it works: After you answer Tuesday's Question, I copy your answer and add it to this post, along with a link to your blog. That way, everyone who reads the answers will read your answers as well, and will have a link to your blog, and chances are, if they like your answer, they will also like your blog.

Makes sense, right, plus, it is one of the ways we can get to know each other better, and I can pass along link love to my blogging buddies each week.

Today’s Question again is When Was Your Most Romantic Dance? Where were you, who were you with, and do you remember the song?

My answer:

My most romantic dance was on the beach with my ex-husband. It was dusk, and I was playing in the sand with our son, when my husband who was standing beside us, leaned over and took my hand. At first, I thought he was going to tell me something in my ear, but he pulled me into his arms, and started dancing with me.

Then, our one-year-old son crawled between us, and stood on his Dad’s feet. I’ll never forget it, because we didn’t say a word, we were covered in sweat, sand, and salt water, and we just danced. I laid my head on his shoulder and we hummed while he slowly rocked me and our baby back and forth...the wind blew and the tide rushed in...I don’t remember the song.

Now, it's your turn:

My first answer to Tuesday's Question is from Stephanie from Stephanie's Stories
and if you haven't visited this writer's blog, you're missing out...
She's an articulate writer, Mom, Aunt, Wife, and Therapist, with many an interesting story to tell.

Here's Stephanie's answer:

Hi Annie-
Love your blog!
What a great question. Most romantic dance:
-with my husband I affectionately call "The Bird" on my blog
-dancing in the middle of our living room, fire lit, candles glowing, Frank Sinatra in the background.
-Voted most romantic bc it was impromptu. Straight from a place a pure love.

Song stuck in my head is from Julie & Julia the movie we saw yesterday which is Time After Time...so lucky to be loved by you. (Not sure of the actual title)
xo Stephanie

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My next answer is from another wonderful blogger. Grace from Hugz Before You Go
which I would describe as a treasure box full of honest, intelligent, and funny posts.

Here's Grace's answer:

As much as I love to dance, my brother bought me a sweat shirt that said "To dance is to live, To live is to dance", I've never experienced a romantic dance. Never had a beautiful ball gown, can't think of any thing romantic I've ever been a part of. Now how sad is that?

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The next answer comes from Sandee at Comedy Plus, another nugget of gold in the blogosphere, not to mention funny and kind. She also writes great answers to Tuesday's Question.

Here's what Sandee wrote:

This is an easy one Annie. Of course it's with hubby. We weren't together yet, but we had a work function that had music and dancing after dinner. I'd never even kissed him yet so this is the very, very beginning. Okay, even before the beginning.

He walked over to me, extended his hand, and I of course took his hand and off to the dance floor we went. He folded me into his arms and we just swayed with the music. I felt safe and warm. I felt love. It was a magical moment that I've never forgotten.

The music...Whitney Houston - I will always love you. For everyone else this is not a love song, but for me it is...

Today is my birthday and hubby is making me feel special all over again.

Have a terrific day honey. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)

September 8, 2009 9:45 AM

I left this date here to remember it's Sandee's Birthday...Hence, if you have a chance stop by and surprise her by telling her Happy Birthday. She'll wonder how you know, that is unless someones beat us to it, but still, she will not know how you know. Happy Birthday golden lady. I hope you have a good one.

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The next answer is from a very best buddy in the blogosphere, who, in addition to a being a fabulous friend, is a marvelous poet, who can make turning a spectacular phrase, look as easy as spinning a top. Dawn, is a woman with a big heart and a whole lot of talent. I'm honored to be her friend, and you will be too.

Oh, I guess I have to introduce her blog and leave the link in order for you to visit her blog, don't I? Thank goodness, I'm not running the world, eh?

Dawn is from Twisted Sister, and here is her answer:

Sorry I'm late answering... and you don't have to post my answer. I have had hundreds of dances I suppose but I don't remember one in particular that stands out as the most romantic... Unless of course you count all the times I danced with my cat. Now he was a real charmer... ;)

Luvs ya syster!

Your word verification is Syster! How cool is that?

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The Power Of Imagination

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 10:14:00 +0000

"You can't depend on your judgment when your imagination is out of focus."
- Mark Twain

“Nana, Are you home?” I ran all the way from the end of our street to my grandmother’s swinging dog door on her front porch. I was nine years old. “Nana?,” I called, as I made my way through the dog door I pet Sam, her German shepherd, on top of the head.

He moaned, wagged his tail, and licked me on the forehead, as I roll through the door and onto the porch.

“Sam, stop!” I said, “Where is your Mom?" I asked, and he barked and whimpered the way dogs whimper when they're excited. “Where is she, boy?" I said. I needed her but her house was silent, and the air still from the outside heat. I sat down on the floor instead of a lounge chair, so I could pet Sam, and see the yard from inside the screen. The house smelled like cypress, and I drew circles in the dust on the porch floor. Sam seemed nervous about something and he kept pushing his nose under my hand, forcing me to pet him.

It was quiet and hot, so Sam went and lay on his designated sheet in the far corner of the porch. I thought of my grandmother’s yardman. Was he home? If something bad happened would he save me? I could barely see his house through the ancient oak trees and foliage that stood in its path. My grandmother's yardman traded yard work to live in the little house, which was better than most houses on the same property, due to its separate driveway and fence. Although, if I needed help, I would have to run through the yard and under two fences, just to reach safety.

I was daydreaming of this when I heard the rustling of leaves...could they be footsteps or was it wind? Suddenly worried was in danger, I wondered if the yardman could even be trusted- What if he had been watching me since I rode up the driveway on my bike? What if he saw me roll through the swinging dog door without my grandmothers permission? Suddenly, I could see him in my minds eye; standing still on the side of the porch, looking through me.

And with this thought in mind, my heart began to ricochet in my chest, therefore, I forgot about the dog door, and I tried the doorknob instead. But my palms were too sweaty to keep my hand on the door handle. I paced back and forth, unsure of what to do, and too afraid to turn my head toward the screen, unlike Sam, who kept turning his head like dogs do when they're trying to understand. I was sure a mad man was watching me, and I wished more than I had ever wished anything before- I wished my grandmother would drive in the driveway and save the day.

My body shook violently on the front porch, but I was too frightened to move or look at the side screen where my minds eye had imagined him before...My voice was making strange noises, and I heard what sounded like footsteps in the side yard, behind the house. I intuitively felt someone’s presence, and with every step they made I could hear leaves crunch. I stood motionless on the front porch, Sam barked, and my heart raced, as the intruder rounded the corner and approached the side yard. I braced myself for the worse...

And felt faint with relief when I saw my uncle walk around the side of the house, and say, "Hey you."

Please read on...

When I was a child my imagination ran away with me constantly, especially when my mind was idle or I was bored, which was several times a day. If I wasn't imagining an event, I was pretending to be something or someone else.

Although a vivid imagination is a great thing, I realize now, that an idle mind can produce negative consequences for adults. Hence, thank goodness, I had a mother who read to me until I could read myself, then supplied me with the endless supply of books we had on our bookshelves at home.

Consequently, reading stimulated my imagination, and books became a great escape for me, and a friend I could rely on through good and bad times. Imagination is power, especially for children, who are the kings and queens of make believe lands, but books continue to take adults to other worlds.

There's nothing like an active imagination, even if it does get the best of you at times. Particularly, when your mind is idle or you're bored, hence, if it starts to get the best of you, pick up a book and get away for awhile.

In closing, always use your judgment and intuition when making decisions or weighting the judgments of others; never solely rely on your imagination to access a situation, especially when your decision may have a negative effect on someone else.

-Put simply, don't let your imagination run away with you-

Hence, we should all remember Mark Twain's invaluable quote, "You can't depend on your judgment when your imagination is out of focus."

As Good As It Gets (Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment )

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 12:11:00 +0000

This is the second scene I've posted from As Good As It Gets. The first scene is funnier, in fact, I almost posted it again, but I remembered I already had it in archives. I guess it's obvious that I loved the movie. It has such a great screenplay I can't help it. You can watch the other scene by clicking the "link within box" below. I hope you enjoy one or both of them...and have a safe and fun Labor Day week-end. Thanks for visiting~

Breakfast At Tiffany's (Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment)

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 00:52:00 +0000

Who Is The Most Vivacious Member Of Your Family? (Tuesday's Question)

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:03:00 +0000

The first Bloggers answers are in, just click "Read More" and enjoy, that is after you join in as well...

Hello, and welcome to Tuesday's Question. This weeks Question is:

Who Is The Most Vivacious Member Of Your Family? For example, the free-spirited charmer, entertainer, dreamer...etc...(I'm trying to avoid, the words "black sheep" because it sounds so cliche' and I've never liked it.) Really, I mean the most individualistic or mischievous member...there's one in every family.

You can use the most lively family member in your immediate family, or the family you grew up in when you were a child.

The above letter is from my brothers second grade journal, and he has to be referring to me, because I am his only sister, and hislittle sister, at that. So...I think my brothers letter answers this question nicely for me, although he was probably making it up...

Anyway, since we cannot ask any of your family members you're going to have to answer this question honestly for yourself.

Who is the most vivacious member of your family?

Note: If you remember this picture it's from a post I wrote about birth order entitled, "My Sister is a Bad Little Girl."

(My brother doesn't know that I've used his letter in either post.) (Smile.)

Moving on, if you are new to Tuesday's Question please click on "Read more," for more information, meaning, I'll explain everything...(Smile)

In addition, all answers will be posted after the "Read more" hack, with a link to the participating blogger's blogs.

Thank you for reading...and I cannot wait to read your responses. I have a doctors appointment this afternoon, but I will reply to your comments and post your answers, as soon as I return.

Until then...have fun! Here's the question again,

Who Is The Most Vivacious Member Of Your Family?

Oh, and one more thing...my brother David made that letter up just to get me in trouble-

What a baby~

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Bloggers answers are after these instructions for new visitors. If you wish to just read how bloggers responded to Tuesday's Question skip over these paragraphs-Thanks

Note to first time visitors: If this is the first time you've visited Tuesday's Question, please note, that I'm glad you're here. All participates answers are published (along with a link to their site) within Tuesday's Question's post and you don't have to own a blog to participate.

All you have to do is write your answer in comments and I will publish your comment along with your name. Just leave everything to me~ :0 Everyone's answers will be posted as quickly as possible throughout the day with a link to the participating blogger's blogs, therefore, don't forget to stop by and visit the blogger's who commented.

Chances are, if you liked a blogger's answer, you will also enjoy reading their blog. Have Fun, and don't forget, Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, link love, and friendship, so jump in and let us know your answer. You can read the answers throughout the day by clicking "Read More"

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The first answer to this weeks Tuesday's Question is from Sandee at Comedy Plus, and it is laugh out loud funny, as well as well written.

Enjoy, and if you haven't visited Sandee's blog, I promise you'll leave smiling if you do...

Here's Sandee's answer:

I remember that note from your brother. Sibling rivalry at its finest.

The biggest pain in the behind huh. Gosh that list is so very long. Bunch of clowns in our family for sure. There's me, but I don't want to go there. Let's see...How about my cousin. Oh he was a character. The rules of physics didn't apply to him one bit.

My uncle owned a towing service which of course meant that he had lots of totaled cars in the yard. You know those places with old cars stacked everywhere. Well when my cousin was in his early teens he started rebuilding cars to drive. He did a fine job too and they were always souped up vehicles.

He outran just about every cop on the force and that gave him great pleasure. We were a small town and the cops knew where to find Billy. He got into trouble often over cars. That's not what bothered his parents of the rest of his family.

We were worried that he'd kill himself in one of those cars. He had so many car accidents that totaled out his car that we lost count. He would always just walk away from the accident. Then he'd go back to the yard and start building the next car. This went on for years.

He was so proud of his accomplishments concerning his driving and totaled cars. He always had pictures of the before and after cars. My uncle came out and towed in car after car that Billy crashed. Speed was always the issue.

Billy finally grew up some and met the love of his life and settled down to raise a family. I've often wondered if he still feels the thrill of taking some high performance vehicle through its paces. I'm betting he still does. Our family is just happy he always walked away from those horrible accidents.

What a fun question Annie. Made me relive a part of my childhood/teenage years that I thought I'd forgotten. Thanks for that.

Have a terrific day honey. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)

Thanks again, Sandee~

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The Next answer is from my hilarious friend, blogger, and marvelous poet, Dawn from Twisted Sister. Here's another blogger whose blog you should check out, that is, if you haven't already.

Here's Dawn's answer:

I remember the note too Annie. Brothers are real pest aren't they?

I'm gonna go with my daughter Justine. She has always been center stage since she was born. She's always saying or doing something to make me laugh. She's a bit like Phoebe on "friends" and provides me with more than enough entertainment.
Great question!
Luvs ya,
Dawn

Thank you Dawn, and luvs ya back~

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The next comment is from Grace at Hugz Before You Go

Read this...

It would have to be my baby brother Skip. That he did not become an actor or a stand-up comic is a total waste of talent. He was the most beautiful baby and beautiful child and he got away with murder because of his big beautiful brown eyes. This kid oozed charm from the minute he was born. And he still can when he wants to. My father used to say that Skip and I should become lawyers and open our own firm - I would be the brains and Skip would be the mouth. He'll be 56 next week and still a mouth...

Thanks Grace~
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My next commenter is Anita from Anita C. McCants, Another blogger whose blog you ought to visit, if you've never read it before. I thought it was interesting and well written.

Here's Anita's comment~

That would be me. :~)
I was the entertainer and dreamer.
I would sing, dance, and do comedy
for my family.

Thank you Anita~

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The next answer is from LaShan at A Lil Enchanted, another great blogger to visit.

Read this answer,

I would have to say in my family this character would be my oldest daughter Sarah. She is a very unique individual and you either love her or hate her... she's loud and brash and she can be hilariously funny... and sometimes majorly annoying... she has an amazing voice... and a talent for thinking fast and improvising to come up with the most off the wall funny things. She reminds me of a combination of Janis Joplin, Ozzy Osbourne, Robin Williams and Gilda Radner all rolled into one. I have told her many times that she is wasting her talent.... she needs to pursue a career in music and acting.... she would be amazing on Saturday Night Live.

A Lil Enchanted,
~LaShan~

Thank you La Shan.
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Thanks to all of you who participated in Tuesday's Question, which is my way of sharing link love each week, in addition to getting to know other bloggers...

I hope everyone had fun, and if you did come back next week and play again, O.K.?

And feel free to come and visit in the meantime. :))

Have a great week~

Annie

Message In A Bottle (Favorite Movie Moment)

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:26:00 +0000

The You Cheer Me Up Award Is Back

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 11:19:00 +0000

Hello, and welcome to A Nice Place In The Sun.

I created the You Cheer Me Up Award in January of 2008, because I wanted to pass out an award that made people laugh, and I couldn't think of a better image than the one on the front of a I Love Lucy magnet I had on my refrigerator door. I knew the image of the scene from I love Lucy would be perfect, and I envisioned people laughing at their desks and at home at this talented comedian, who has been out of our lives for too long.

Hence, I scanned the image on the You Cheer Me Up Award off of one of my favorite treasures; a refrigerator magnet that I bought at a shop in the French Quarter a long time ago.

I laughed so hard the first time I saw the magnet in the store, that I nearly wet my pants, and from that moment on, I had to have it. My ex-husband drained his wallet, and I collected change from the bottom of my purse to purchase it, which for me, only increased its value.

And now, I'm grateful every time I see the image on my refrigerator. Hence, as a result, I smile when I get milk for my coffee in the morning, and grin again when I take out ingredients for dinner.

In addition, believe it or not, the award helped me make it through a few difficult times, by reminding me of how silly life and people can be, in addition to how much fun it is to laugh. (That is, if I happened to be in the process of raiding the refrigerator.)

Hence, I began passing out my first blogging award, and I was pleased with myself.

Although, after passing out the award, I was surprised to discover that some people didn't know anything about the I love Lucy show. Therefore, I decided to post a clip of this episode and others, each time I passed out the award, and I passed out the award for several months. I also began an awards list on a special page, and was planning on starting a You Cheer Me Up Award blogroll.

However, one unfortunate circumstance followed another, and the awards list and blogroll never happened, and this made me sad. Especially, when I saw new blogger's who deserved it, and others who would have liked the benefit of a blogroll.

Moreover, I remembered how much the award meant to others, as well as myself, therefore, now that times have changed, I've decided to bring it back to life.

For one thing, the award fits the blogosphere nicely, because like Lucy, many blogger's are in a class by themselves. There are plenty of blogger's in the blogosphere, and more starting blogs each day, who cheer their readers up with their unique voices and original writing styles that I would love to see receive this award and others.

Hence, I put the old posts in draft, and began working on the first post of the You Cheer Me Up Award for 2009, and this is it.
Watching someone funny is addictive that's why my original list in January consisted of forty six and eventually grew pass a hundred... Note:(Unfortunately since this post, the list has been discontinued, but, with your help, the award will go on...)

Plus, it's important to note, that this is the first time I've passed the award along since the original post in January, one in March, and one in April of 2008, the rest were passed out by award recipients.

Hence, I salute them for continuing to spread the cheer~ They're the coolest people in the blogosphere.

Moreover, if you're nominated again, please bear with me, it's only because you're still a great blogger, therefore you may receive plenty more. Hence, I suggest you keep a spot on your awards mantel for the You Cheer Me Up Award, that is, as long as you're going to continue sharing your charms with other bloggers, and and making the blogosphere a nicer place-

Moving on, I want to be honest about another reason I wanted to bring the award back to life. Besides the fact that I wanted to share it with a new set of bloggers, I also wanted to express how impressed I am with my blogging buddies who remained loyal readers and friends when I was ill and frequently off-line; your kindness will be remembered always.

When I think of the bloggers who made me smile, and the friends who've stayed loyal to me and my blog, I think of one of my favorite quotes by author and poet, Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel~"

That said, I have posted a video of the scene that’s on the magnet, or I should say Award, to cheer you up in return. In addition, to remind you of how valuable you are, not just to me, but to all of the readers you cheer up everyday; readers who feel better after they'll left your blog.
Therefore, I hope the following nominees will accept the You Cheer Me Up Award as a token of gratitude, appreciation and friendship from me to you- I will never forgot how you made me feel.

Okay, that's it, you survived the introduction...now, about the nominees.

The You Cheer Me Up Award doesn't have any rules, however, please leave a link to this post so your nominees can copy and paste the code for the image, or if they wish to copy and paste the image instead, please request that they link back to A Nice Place In The Sun when nominating other blogs- Thank- you

Also, if you wish to pass this award to others, think about posting a scene from the I Love Lucy show, which you can find on You Tube, in addition to the following paragraphs about the You Cheer Me Up Award. However, if you wish to post the award in you sidebar, or do nothing with it at all, that is fine too. It's your award to do with what you wish...

Feel free to use any or all of the following paragraphs in your post if you decide to pass the award along to the bloggers of your choice.

"The blogger's nominated for the You Cheer Me Up Award are among the best in the blogosphere. Maybe, it's due to the fact that there are so many people communicating in one place, but I'm impressed by the character of so many of the people I've met since I've been blogging.

So many of you are brave enough to write with an open heart and sense of humor. I can tell by what you choose to write about, in addition to your reaction to what others are writing in the blogging community.

You Cheer Me Up Award winners are also among the things I hold in the highest esteem, such as Charlotte, from Charlotte's Web, a box of Peanut Butter Panic Ice Cream, the image above of Lucy and Ethel, and of course, children, animals, and books. (Recipients feel free to fill in this paragraph to your liking.)

I wish I was in the position to give an award to Lucy and Ethel for the whole idea of them on the job at the Candy Company - trying to eat candy as fast as the conveyor belt delivered it...but that dream is simply out of the question...

For that matter, so is the opportunity to award E.B.White, the author of Charlotte's Web, and many other writers, directors, poets, painters, and photographers, who contributed so much to my life, my character, and my choices...

However, I can pass this Award to the blogger’s who make me laugh until my face hurts, and the blogger’s whose writing voice comforts me when I'm feeling lost, teaches me about others, and inspires me to move forward... That I can do...and I can promise that the following video is so funny it will make you laugh out loud..." (You can use any example scene from the show, or take out the last line.)

And...the nominees are....

Dawn from Twisted Sister
Sandee from Comedy Plus
Grace from Hugz Before You Go
Eric from The Speedcat Hollydale Page
Sue from Sanity On Edge
Daisy, Harley, and Mom from Daisy, The Curly Cat
Maunie James from MaunieJames 2
Tina from Crazy Working Mom
Mushy from Mushy's Moochings
Jackie from The Painted Veil
Robin from Robin's Nest
Bud from WTIT Tape Radio (The Blog)
Babs from Beetle's Humour Memories 'n' Ramblings
The Retired One from The Retirement Chronicles
Connie From Connie's View
Kim from PurpleFrogcat
Margo from Life In The Short Lane
Sue from Farvel Cargo
Chilly, from On The Bricks
King from King of New York Hacks
LaShan from A Lil Enchanted
Rebecca from Freaky Frugalite
Harriet from Harriet
Wanda from A Blog With Two Sides
Jodi from Jodi's Journey
Emila from Emila's Illustrated Blog
Henson from Henson's Hell
Valerie from Thinking Out Loud Blog. com
Mimi from Mimi Writes
Ferd from The Best Parts
Mel from Attitude, The Ultimate Power at Monday Morning Power
Theresa from Sleeping Kitten- Dancing Dog
Anne from Life Just Keeps Getting Weirder
Leigh from Inside My Head
Margie and Edna's Basement
Russ, from Grampy and You
Jill from Creative Cafe'
The Muse from A Diva's Hammer... Wielded By The Muse
Kathy from The Junk Drawer
Maitri from Maitri's Notes, Quotes, and Flashing Thoughts

In closing, I'm looking forward to passing more awards out in the future... so if anyone was accidentally passed over, look-out, because Lucy and Ethel may be on your blogstep next month or the one thereafter...either by me, or one of the recipients nominated here today.

Have You Ever Laughed Out of Place? (Tuesday's Question)

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:06:00 +0000

Brace yourselves folks, for the funniest answers I've had to Tuesday's Question in some time. I've been laughing myself silly, just click on the "Read more" hack, and you will too. Plus, join in , it's fun.

Hello, and welcome to Tuesday's Question. Today's question is:

Have You Ever Laughed Out of Place?

Or rather, have you ever giggled at the most inappropriate times, or moments when one wouldn't dare to smile, let alone bust out laughing. Moreover, the more unacceptable it is, the more you cannot seem to stop, especially if you're in the company of a close friend, and they start laughing as well.

I'm not sure, but I would be willing to guess we've all had a bout of nervous laughter at least on one occasion, and if you're anything like me, it may even be more.

In fact, just the other day I joined my mother on a trip to Pet Smart at our local mall. If you're not familiar with Pet Smart, it's a pet supply store that allows their customers to bring their pets shopping with them, in addition to many other amenities.

For instance, they have an obedience training class you can watch in the middle of the store. So, my mom and I stopped for a minute to watch the class, which must have been for mixed breeds, because the dogs/students were all shapes and sizes.

In any event, I felt sorry for them, because their teacher had a loud authoritative voice, which I guess obedience trainers are supposed to sound like, however, one little dog keep looking from me to his owner, as if he wanted to be rescued.

Although, every time the little dog looked at me he would widen his eyes, and when the teacher spoke, he opened them more- It was the funniest thing- I felt like the little dog was trying to
say, "Jeez...she means business, doesn't she? Why can't I go home? She's hurting my ears."

Consequently, I started laughing and I could not stop...the more the teacher spoke and the longer the little dog looked at me, the more I laughed, plus, with the exception of the teachers voice and my laughter, the room was silent.

I was standing next to my mother, who was giving me a dirty look, but there was a crowd behind me, so it took me a while to get out of there, and believe me, I couldn't get out of there fast enough.

However, when I did get away, I realized that I must have disrupted the class (What's new?) because I could hear all of the dogs barking, and I saw my mother marching toward me. Incidentally, my Mom grabbed my arm, like I was about six, and lead me to the cash register, mumbling something about growing up...

But, when we got in the car, I grilled her, I said,

"Oh, come on Mom, I know I'm immature, but you cannot pretend you've never laughed in an inappropriate moment."

She smiled, and said, "That teacher was a little bossy, wasn't she? But, you know, I told myself to avoid going anywhere near a classroom with you again after we had a class together at the YMCA. "

(Don't ask.)

Hence, you see, it's happened to me more than once, so feel free to share...

Have You Ever Laughed Out of Place? And since we know you have, where were you and what happened?

Note to first time visitors: If this is the first time you've visited Tuesday's Question, please note, that I'm glad you're here. All participates answers are published (along with a link to their site) within Tuesday's Question's post and you don't have to own a blog to participate.

All you have to do is write your answer in comments and I will publish your comment along with your name. Just leave everything to me~ :0 Everyone's answers will be posted as quickly as possible throughout the day with a link to the participating blogger's blogs, therefore, don't forget to stop by and visit the blogger's who commented.

Chances are, if you liked a blogger's answer, you will also enjoy reading their blog. Have Fun, and don't forget, Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, link love, and friendship, so jump in and let us know your answer. You can read the answers throughout the day by clicking "Read More"

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The first answer is from Sandee at Comedy Plus, and when I read it I could barely stop laughing long enough to respond to her comment.

Read this:

Oh I've done this one so many times I've lost count. I'm not sure it was a nervous laugh, mine have been more the 'that's so darned funny I can't help myself' kind of laughs. My first thought is what I'm going to go with. It's a bit off color, but you ask for it.

Years and years ago when I was a young lass I met a really cute guy that was built. I mean this guy was in terrific shape and he was very handsome. All the girls would do a double take when he was around. Well, we started dating and one thing led to another and well you know we ended up in the bedroom. When the clothes came off I busted up laughing. Here's the most handsome man ever with the perfect in shape body and he has the smallest (you know) that I'd ever seen. I just busted up laughing. I couldn't stop. It was awful. No it was funny to me and awful for him.

No we never went out again. I hope he's recovered. Just saying. I just want you to know that I've busted up laughing over this all over again. Bwahahahahahaha. Poor guy.

Have a terrific day honey. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)

August 18, 2009 3:46 PM

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Then, before I had time to catch my breath after reading Sandee's comment, along came Dawn from Twisted Sister And those of you who know Dawn, know I never had a chance to stop laughing.

Here's her comment:

If I was at the pet store with you... your mother would have been dragging both of us out of there!
You crack me up.
Seriously Annie... I do this all the time. I laugh at people laughing.
When I was a kid, all my parents had to do was say "no talking at the table". That was enough for my siblings and I to have fits of stifled giggles.

Sandee:
That was hysterical and the visuals were great!
The poor guy was probably scarred for life! What a great post that would make ;)

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After which, comes Grace from Hugz Before You Go. By this time my side hurt from laughing...

Here's Grace:

Oh yeah - nervous laughter (And BTW Sandee - Been there, done that).

We were at the funeral home picking out a coffin for my father, my elder male sibling picks out this satin-lined ruffly really tacky looking thing - my reaction? "Daddy wouldn't be caught dead in that thing" - there was a moment of silence and then we all burst out laughing - hysterically, tears rolling down our faces, doubled over - the funeral director looked in, shook his head, and closed the door.

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Then, the King Of New York Hacks keep me laughing with his contribution...

He wrote:

Every day until they come and take me away in that special white jacket LOL

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Then, Daisy's Mom stopped by from Daisy The Curly Cat

Read this:

Daisy's "mom" here:

When my dad passed away a few years ago, we were at the small memorial service for family members the night before the funeral. Sitting on the podium, there was a stuffed bear dressed in an aviator outfit complete with goggles, jaunty scarf and leather flying helmet (my dad was a pilot). My mom leaned over and whispered to me that the aviator goggles were actually "swim goggles" that someone put on the bear. I don't know why but this struck me as hilarious and I couldn't stop laughing whenever I looked up and saw that bear.

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Then, Jackie from The Painted Veil
and wrote a touching experience she had with laughing inappropriately or out of place...which is good, because many of us have done this as well...

I am guilty of having the same problem whenever Pam and I go anywhere shopping.

Pam is my oldest and if we get started laughing there is just no stopping.

My weirdest experience was when I was a child and I still feel terrible about this.

The entire family was at the hospital. My grandmother was very old and very sick. Please remember I was only six years old when this happened.

But, the DR. came out and informed everyone that she had passed away. Now she was the only grandmother I had ever had a relationship with and I loved her dearly.

But, for some strange reason, instead of crying I started laughing and laughing quite hard.

I was so embarrassed and also very confused. I just couldn't figure out why I was laughing and why I couldn't stop.

Needless to say I got in trouble for this. But, no as an adult I do understand. I have heard that many times our sensors get crossed in our brain, which happens to me everyday, and we may actually display outwardly an inappropriate response to situations.

Like I said I still feel remorse over this and I do so hope my grandmother knows how very much I loved her.

Oh it's a terrible tale to to tell on myself. but, it was the worst and most embarrassing time I laughed in my life.

Sorry I am late Annie, but, I fell asleep yesterday afternoon and still wound up going to bed early too.

I hope you have a great day!

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That's it, so far anyway. Thanks to all of you who participated in this weeks Tuesday's Question. All of you made my heart sing, and my stomach hurt from laughing...Have a great week~

Finding Nemo (Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment)

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:31:00 +0000

Summertime

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 02:42:00 +0000

I guess I should start this post with an apology to Louisiana, because I'm going to complain about how hot it is here, and it's hot everywhere, Louisiana just happens to be one of the hottest places in the world. For instance, it's hot enough to fry an egg on my sidewalk at the moment. Nevertheless, Louisiana deserves praise for remaining a lady after all she’s been through, particularly the city of New Orleans.

However, Louisiana summers are just too hot for anything but alligators and water moccasins. I think we ought to leave it to the critters in the summertime, where the "Livin’ may be Easy," but the fish are jumpin' because the waters boiling hot. One of the reasons life is so slow in the South, is the fact that it’s too steamy to move. Moreover, when you mix a passionate people with a sweltering environment, tempers flare, and out come the muddy water attitudes, which you'll see in this post.

The day started out like any other in August, which meant I was dripping with sweat when I went to get my haircut last week. I felt like my face was melting sideways, much like a candle burning down to the wick...I could feel mascara streaming down my face. I’m certain I looked like a combination between Elvira and a member of the seventies rock group, Kiss.

(I tried to save money by washing my hair before I left, but it was pointless.)

It really doesn't matter though, because I think the beautician would have washed my hair anyway. Because, I’m not sure if it’s me or them, but hairdressers do not appear to be listening these days, and I know they hear me. There is a difference, I think, between hearing and listening, however, I’ve never heard of anyone who could do both at the same time.

In other words, they cannot possibly listen to me, and have a conversation with their co-workers. That would be humanly impossible, and if they can talk to two people at once, they might as well retire from cosmetology all together, because they would be the first to do so.

But, I guess the truth is they could care less, hence, as a result, I've spent most of this year searching for a decent hairdresser.

And I thought I found one- I was so excited about my appointment, I sang while sitting in traffic on the way to the salon, then pulled into the parking lot and parked. However, when I looked in the rear-view mirror, and saw my face, I was horrified. I looked like a raccoon with a wet mop on its head- My eyes had black rings around them, and my hair was as limp as a wet rag.

I wanted to make a nice first impression, so I sat in my son’s car for five or ten minutes wiping off my make-up, before I finally gave up and went inside. (Do not ask where my car is.)

Then, upon entering the salon, my new hairdresser took it upon herself, to spout the first of many insults...

She said,

"Hello, did you come for a haircut?"

(No, I thought to myself, I came to admire myself in your mirrors.)

Then she cocked her head slightly to the right, and said with a mannequin-like smile,

"Oh, my goodness, my dear you are soaking wet. Is it raining outside?"

All right, I thought, this is not going well...How can someone live in South Louisiana in August, and ask me a question like that? Particularly, when her salon has two gigantic windows in front?

I just smiled, and prayed that her hearing was better than her eyesight, then responded in a traditional lady-like way,

"No, it’s obviously not raining outside, and with all due respect, if you haven't noticed, I’m sweating. It’s about a hundred degrees out there. Have you been outside today?" (On the other hand, maybe she slept in the salon.)

Ignoring my comment, she replied, "So, I guess you will need a shampoo?"

I wanted to say no, I had just washed what little hair I have, but of course, I didn’t, instead, I said,

"Yes, I suppose I do, thank you." (What in the world, was I thanking HER for?)

After which, I obediently followed my new hairdresser to the back of her salon, where I would lay my head backwards over a sink, and stare into her mean eyes as she washed my hair.

It must have been obvious by my body language that I felt vulnerable, because she flashed her fake smile at me again, before gently pushing my head against the back of the sink.

As she smacked her gum and hummed, I watched her face from a different angle, and I know it sounds weird, but she looked like a different person- I’ve lived long enough to know that her attitude toward me had little to do with me personally, so why was I so defensive and frightened?

She was just a silly hairdresser with nothing better to do, but lay her troubles on someones shoulder, and I knew if I tried harder, we might become friends, but it was too hot.

What I mean is my face started sweating profusely from the heat in the shampoo room, in addition to the hot water she was pouring over my face. Why was she pouring water over my face? She was supposed to be washing my hair, not my face. Then, I suddenly wanted to kill her again, but I reined myself in, and thought she must have a ton of stuff going on at home.

Hence, instead, I talked to myself silently, "That’s alright Annie, you’ll get her back in the fall. Before entering her salon again, you will wash, comb, and blow dry your hair, go for a pedicure, and waltz in there wearing a white linen suit."

Whereupon, you will politely declare, "I cleaned up for you. You were so nice the last time I was here, that I wished to spare you the hassle of having too much to do at one time."

If that sounds passive aggressive, it’s because it is...Most southern woman are passive aggressive when the gloves come off, and hers were off the minute I stepped through her glass door.

I cannot stand mean people, and I really cannot stand confrontation, but she was backing me in a corner.

But, at least I learned from an early age how to sprinkle my words with enough sugar to cover a plate of beignets. (Louisiana's State donut)

However, I still wanted to avoid any kind of conflict, so before losing my cool, I reminded myself that her attitude had nothing to do with me, so I continued talking to her in my head one way, while I laced the words I spoke with sugarcane.

And it worked. Suddenly, her rock hard expressionless face changed from pensive and unforgiving to warm and regretful, and when I sat in her barber chair to get my haircut, she said,

"I’m sorry, Ms. Clemmons, I’m having a really bad day, and I believe I’ve taken it out on you."

"Really, it’s alright, I said, we all have bad days."

Although, I wondered if she was really thinking about tip time, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt anyway, because, after all life is not easy anywhere, and it’s particularly hard in a hundred degree weather.

Consequently, I suppose I was right, people are living in their own heads most of the time, thinking about their own troubles and doing the best they can with what they have.

Moreover, from that day on, I will have be happy with a bad haircut, that is until it grows out, and hope we do not have another hurricane this year.

In addition, I was happy with myself for changing my way of thinking as I walked to the car. I thought about my good fortune, for one thing I was born in Louisiana in the days of air conditioning, and deodorant.

In closing, I tipped the mean/nice hairdresser, who was not sweating like the rest of us that day...and I cannot help but wonder why...

I cannot shake the feeling a splash of water would have melted her into a water puddle. (Because mean witches melt, whether they're from the east, south, or west.)

In any event, I still believe there's nothing like Southern hospitality, you just have to avoid the hot sauce in the summertime.

When Did You Tell Your First Lie, and What Was It? (Tuesday's Question)

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:38:00 +0000

We have four blogger's answers...just click "Read more"
Are you next?

When Did You Tell Your First Lie, and What Was It?

Hello, and welcome to Tuesday's Question. If this is your first visit, welcome. I have posted a note with more information on Tuesday's Question for all newcomers, after the introduction paragraph. It's fun, so read on...

I know this will probably be a hard question, (especially for Americans) seeing how most of us have suppressed our youthful untruths on account of George Washington- I kind of believe it's his fault-

George should have left that cherry tree alone-period. In addition, I wonder, what in the world he was doing with a new hatchet at his tender age? I mean the image above is a pretty good example of why young boy's should not own a hatchet, saw, knife, etc...

In any event, after hearing the following words read aloud by our teachers, parents, friends, and other grown-ups...words that were (supposedly) uttered by dear George, (the goody-goodie)to his father when asked about butchering his father's cherry tree, "I can't tell a lie, Pa; you know I can't tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet."

Now, help me understand how a child who heard that story, or rather had it drilled into their brains, could ever live with themselves after telling a lie, much less admit their falsehoods to anyone else?

However, in all fairness, George is not completely to blame...What I mean is, he didn't go around bragging about his flawlessness, in fact, he didn't tell the story at all. It was written by Mason Locke Weems, and you can read about it here. Hence, do not feel guilty about the fibs you told when you were a child.

On the contrary, you can feel good about telling your friends about your dishonest youth. Your friends will not judge you, and believe me, we all have a story to tell. After all, George Washington did believe in honesty, and would be proud of you for confessing your childhood fabrications. Hence, let's hear your story...

Alright, I'm moving on without George, because I wanted to tell you something else too... I could have sworn that I had already asked this question, but when I searched through my archives I didn't see it listed. Instead, I found a post I wrote two months after I started blogging, entitled When Young Children Lie For Approval. Hence, there is proof a few hundred years later, that a little fibbing is part of growing up.

Anyway, I found it odd that my writing style was so different then, or maybe it's because I originally wrote for it for a different audience. An audience that wasn't as cool as you bloggers are... In any event, I decided to make it one of my first posts. I cannot believe I've been blogging since June of 2007, and I still have so much to learn. But, I met some of my best friends at the same time, which means we've known each other for two years, and you know who you are.

Anyway, I've thought of this question a few times but haven't posted it, therefore you are the first audience to answer this question:

When was the first time you told a lie, and what was it?

Note to first time visitors: If this is the first time you've visited Tuesday's Question, please note, that I'm glad you're here. All participates answers are published (along with a link to their site) within Tuesday's Question's post and you don't have to own a blog to participate.

Click on Read more for more information on Tuesday's Question, and to read the answers from a talented group of bloggers...

All you have to do is write your answer in comments and I will publish your comment along with your name. Just leave everything to me~ :0 Everyone's answers will be posted as quickly as possible throughout the day with a link to the participating blogger's blogs, therefore, don't forget to stop by and visit the blogger's who commented.

Chances are, if you liked a blogger's answer, you will also enjoy reading their blog. Have Fun, and don't forget, Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, link love, and friendship, so jump in and let us know your answer. You can read the answers throughout the day by clicking "Read More"

Here's the question again: When Did You Tell Your First Lie, and What Was It?

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The first brave blogger to answer this question is Grace from Hugz Before You Go, and it's hilarious.

Read this:

Let's see for close to 2 - 2 1/2 years my vocabulary consisted of Ma, Pa, John and No. I was told my first sentence was "I don't want to, make John do it" and I then proceeded to go out the door and slam it. I think my first lie would have been shortly thereafter. It was a matter of survival. The mother always said "Don't lie to me. If you tell me the truth I won't hit you" - She lied.

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And the next answer is from a extremely funny blogger and a veteran of Tuesday's Question. Sandee from Comedy Plus, who wrote:

The first lie? The first? I've told so many lies and many for a very good reason, but the first lie? Haven't a clue.

I've lied to my parents, my son, my boss, just about everyone except my husband. My first lie? I haven't a clue. I had to have done that as soon as I could talk. Just saying.

Have a terrific day Annie. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)

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The next answer is from my longtime buddy, and another great blogger, Speedy from The Speedcat Hollydale Page
You fellows out there ought to be able to relate to Speedys answer...

Well, I am not if this was the first, but I vividly remember breaking a window on the house as a young child. It was one of those small basement ventilation windows on the side facing the park.
As you might guess, I said that some other kid went by and broke the window.

TO MY SHOCK ... my folks called the police department. NOW I was having some butterflies in my stomach. I hid behind the bushes when they arrived. It was a valuable lesson obviously, because my guilt still feels strong now just writing about the incident.

I broke more windows in my childhood, and fessed up to the accident. They WERE all accidents you know, even though home plate was in front of them ..... (( smile ))

Big hello to my friend Annie!!!!!

song of the day???

"THAT'S LIFE" ;-)

August 11, 2009 4:50 PM

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This next answer cracked me up...It's from Ettarose from Sanity on Edge

Read this:

Hi honey, how are you feeling today? Great question here I must say although a tough one to answer. I don't remember my first lie but I do remember one that sticks out in my mind. I was running down the sidewalk when I was about nine and I had a button in my mouth. Somehow I swallowed it and was terrified. I think I was more afraid to tell my mom I had a button in my mouth than the fact I had actually swallowed a foreign object, so for years my mother thought I was scared of birds. That is what I told her when I went home crying. So silly.

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Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment: I'm Singin' In The Rain, with Gene Kelly

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 04:13:00 +0000

Have you Ever Had A Dream That Made You Change Your Mind About Something? (Tuesday's Question)

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Hello, and welcome to Tuesday Question. This weeks question is:

Have you ever had a dream that made you change your mind about something? What was the dream, and what happened as a result of it?

For example, look at the image above...If the image was this poor man's dream, what do you think his subconscious may be trying to tell him? I'm surprised I haven't had this dream myself, except my cat Simon would be sitting in the chair.

Alright, you read my dream yesterday, and now you've seen the image of the cartoon man's dream, now it's your turn...

Excuse the interruption, but we've got four talented bloggers comments posted...Just click read more...Because, chances are, if you like their answers you'll love their blogs...

Note to Tuesday's Question's first time visitors:

If this is the first you've read or heard of Tuesday's Question, please note that I'm glad you're here. All participates answers are published (along with a link to their site) within Tuesday's Question's post and you don't have to own a blog to participate.

Click on Read more for more information on Tuesday's Question, and to read the answers from a talented group of bloggers...

All you have to do is write your answer in comments and I will publish your comment along with your name. Just leave everything to me~ :0 Everyone's answers will be posted as quickly as possible throughout the day with a link to the participating blogger's blogs, therefore, don't forget to stop by and visit the blogger's who commented.

Chances are, if you liked a blogger's answer, you will also enjoy reading their blog. Have Fun, and don't forget, Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, link love, and friendship, so jump in and let us know your answer. You can read the answers throughout the day by clicking "Read More"

Our first comment is from Dawn at Twisted Sister,
(Plus, click on the link to Dawn's blog it's hilarious...)

I'm sitting here mulling over about a thousand dreams I've had but you know... I cannot come up with one that made me change my mind about something. Let me think some more ;)

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You're not going to believe this second comment from Sandee at Comedy Plus. It's an absolutely chilling account of how a recurring dream made her change something in her life. Read this:

Hi Annie - It sure is nice to see a Tuesday's Question. Just saying.

Okay, here's my dream. I was a very young adult and kept having the same reoccurring dream. I was in the front passenger seat of a yellow car and there was a man driving. In the back seat there was a little boy. I didn't have a boyfriend or a little boy at the time. We are driving along and everything switch's to slow motion. I then realize that we are going to have a car accident. There is the impact and I can hear the metal of the cars crumpling and the glass is flying everywhere. In slow motion of course. I am screaming and then I wake up. The dream never changed one bit for about five years or so. I would have it several times a year. Always exactly the same dream.

I married and had a son. I refused to have a yellow car. I refused to ride in a yellow car. Here I was with a husband and a small boy. I took this as a warning.

I'm now a grandmother of two beautiful girls. My son just turned 39 and all is well with the world. I truly believe that I was not to have a yellow car. I'm forever grateful that that dream is no longer reoccurring.

Have a terrific day Annie. Big hug and lotsa lovies. :)

August 4, 2009 4:26 PM

Isn't that incredible? Thanks Sandee, alright the rest of you...put on your thinking caps...Smile

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The next answer came from Grace at Hugz Before You Go which is another sensational blog that you should definitely visit, if you haven't already. All of these blogs are popular, so forgive me if you've visited them before, or know them for that matter.

Anyway, here's Grace's comment:

I would like to say I have, and maybe I have but I don't remember. I have very vivid dreams, the most annoying are the ones with people I don't know in them, but I only remember them for a short time after I wake. I have had prophetic "dreams" while I was awake, but that may be something else altogether.

BTW - HI ANNIE!

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If you haven't visited Dawn at Twisted Sister yet, you need to, because she's not only talented, she's thoughtful. She was the first blogger to answer Tuesday's Question, but she couldn't think of anything, remember? Well, she thought about it, and still nothing came to her, but she came back and left another comment anyway. Isn't that cool? And there's not enough cool people in the world anymore, so we have to take care of the ones we have...right?

Here's Dawn's answer:

Sorry Annie but I cannot come up with one dream that I felt was a premonition. I have had several recurring dreams that reflect my fears... but nothing that worried me enough to change my mind about something. For example I've had dreams about the dog dying since she was a puppy and now she's almost 16.
I've also had very PROFOUND dreams... but again they did not influence a decision.
Sorry!

Luvs ya,
Dawn

Thanks again...Dawn...;)))

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Away From Nowhere

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 22:55:00 +0000

The color of the water in the gulf changed from dark blue to black at nightfall, so my vision was hazy, but I held my son tight as our raft bounced on the waves.

My stomach felt weak, and I braced myself for what may be a trip to the edge of the world. I gently stroked my son’s wavy brown hair, and rocked him against my chest. His hair smelled like the day we had before nightfall...full of sunscreen, salt, and sweat. The droplets of water on his hair gave off the only light, except for the fish splashing through the waves, and the tiny white stars twinkling in the distance.

We were a part of the stars and the distance between us, suspended on our raft in rough deep water, miles above the ocean floor, and so far from land that we couldn’t see a line in the horizon, or where the sky ended and the body of water began. Disoriented, I prayed I could hold my head up while our son slept on my chest sucking his thumb, knowing I would bring him home safely. Nevertheless, all I knew was that I was waiting for you.

I could see your bright eyes and brown wavy hair sprinkled with water and sand from earlier in the day. I could see you paddling in the dark directionless water, toward us and our future lives together. However, the raft started spinning fast, then faster, as if we were disappearing from land.

My heart raced as we spun backwards and further away from what appeared to be nowhere...the night got darker, and I could not open my eyes. Realizing it was a dream, I tried to force myself awake while my heart pounded inside my chest, until I finally opened my eyes.

The first time I had this dream my son was a baby, and his father and I kept separating for short periods.

Mainly because, I refused to admit how frightened I was of someone I dearly loved- I was young and tormented by my situation. Nevertheless, I was obviously more afraid of changing my circumstances than I was of him or anything else.

My mother has always said that "there is nothing as constant as change," and it’s true. Yet, so many of us will do anything to avoid changing what feels comfortable and predictable in our lives, when in truth, without change, you cannot do so many of the things that make life valuable, or in some cases bearable.

In any event, I decided this dream was a subconscious awakening for me, and there are few things more precious than awareness.

Today is Monday, (as if you didn’t know) and tomorrow I’m bringing back the first Tuesday’s Question I’ve asked in forever- or a long time ago-

I’m starting over again for like the hundredth time in my life, but this time I’m excited about what a new reality will look like, and I’m glad I had the dream that changed my life long ago. Anyway, I was thinking about how sometimes a dream or an event can change the course of our lives, or change the way we view a situation.

This dream changed the direction of my life. I was in a scary relationship, although, I wasn’t consciously aware of it at the time. In fact, I kept wondering why I was having nightmares, and why I kept dreaming different variations of the same dream, go figure.

In any event, I believe the dream opened my private eyes, to the troubles in my private life, and in so doing, helped me bring about the changes that more than likely saved my life, in addition to our sons’ future well being.

Now, I bet you cannot guess what Tuesday’s Question will be…can you. I hope you will forgive me for not writing a humorous post, in addition to not writing many posts at all for a while.

Moreover, I want to thank all of you who diligently checked on me for months.

There is little doubt how much all of you have contributed, and still contribute to my health and happiness. I know who you are...and I have a surprise for you before this weekend. Tell then, you'll have to deal with Tuesday's Question- Which will probably be the hardest one to guess this year.

So...put on your thinking caps...

Note: Since my computer thinks HIMself the boss, this post was published later than expected, therefore, the electronic egomaniac has not only set us behind for today, but now to allow for more time, I will also post Tuesday’s Question later in the day tomorrow- I hope that's alright.

My Friends Buttons

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:39:00 +0000

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alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"
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Cowboy Curtains

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Cowboy Curtains

I felt tears behind my eyes before I opened them this morning...then I thought, here come the tears again...

It was an early December morning, my favorite season- so I wondered why I had tears behind my eyelids again- But, I knew I didn’t want to open them-

I recognized this feeling...as one I had known before- this was not my first wagon ride.

I wanted to keep my eyes closed and continue to think of the cowboy curtains on my grandmothers drapes, her azalea bushes in bloom, and my golden retriever...

Besides, if I opened my eyes, I might lose the ability to smell honeysuckle-
I wished I was nine again and I squeezed my eyes together tight, that way I could stay in the moment longer, although I knew I had to open them sometime.

For one thing, I had to wipe the tears before they drew lines on my face...I hate to cry- And this morning, it was a surprise I decided to brush off and rationalize as tired, confused, lost, or "just one of those days."

I lay in bed feeling as if an unwelcome visitor had returned to my door. Nevertheless, I told myself I was strong and thought of good things until I felt better.

After all, it was an early morning in December, my favorite season-
So I shrugged off the feeling and decided to focus on secure moments and new beginnings before opening my eyes.

I always project myself into the future during the fall season and on Sundays-

For example, on Sunday I think of Monday, and during the spring months, I remember hot summers.

Only, on this day in winter, I didn't think of the summer, I thought of cowboy curtains...

I remembered the cowboy curtains that hung in my uncle’s boyhood room at my grandmother’s house. They smelled good, probably because they dried clinging to the clothesline on breezy afternoons.

It felt good to think about the smells and sounds rich in a Southern environment- in addition, to the lasting impression my grandmothers five hundred year old Oak tree left on my soul.

The agricultural climate in the Deep South blends into your senses and becomes a part of who you are, and what you remember.

Sometimes, I draw upon my southern heritage for comfort when I’m having trouble with life's harsh realities. And I’m happy I can still smell the honeysuckle vines I pulled from my grandmother’s Azalea bushes, as well as hear the crickets' sing at night.

The sound of crickets are entrenched in my mind, chirping in a rhythm I miss when I'm away...

I remember crickets singing when I opened the window in my uncle’s room before going to sleep at night- and watching the moonlight shine on the shadows as the drapes floated on the breeze away from the window...

It was as if the moonlight showed up to tell a story of cowboys and their horses. The cowboy drawings looked alive when the wind wiggled the drapes back and forth-Therefore, it was easy to imagine real cowboys roping, laughing, and branding cows, behind what would be a dusty curtain. I wished the tiny wranglers I envisioned were really alive, and sometimes I gave them names, histories, and character.

A glimpse inside the life of horses and cowboys who share the heart and spirit necessary to win any race, cross any countryside, or rope any calf, gives me courage- these imaginary cowboy's horses kicked dirt toward the sky until the end of every day- and so will I...

Only today, I let my minds eye watch horse and rider gallop to the rhythms of life inside the breezy drapes of long ago.

After all, I recognize this feeling...I've felt it before- this is not my first wagon ride, remember?

I will worry with the details tomorrow...I haven't the time today- time is too precious...

I will think of cowboy curtains, honeysuckle vines, my grandmother, my retriever...a cool drink of water... tall clover...and you-

Then I'll open my eyes...and begin a new day-

The Craziest Experience of my Life: Number two

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 06:04:00 +0000

I had one of the craziest experiences of my life on the same night I graduated from high school. Therefore, at every high school reunion or when I run into someone who witnessed the event, they tell me about it as if it didn't happen to me, because I think they're embarrassed. In fact, an old friend did just that the other day. Except, he suggested I write about it, hence, here is my article about the craziest thing that ever happened to me in my life- which happened to be on the same night I graduated from high school:

Aside from my weird experience, the evening we graduated started out magical; the weather was breezy, and the sky was as dark as the deepest part of the ocean.

Although, I did have a case of graduation jitters. My stomach felt ticklish and jumpy, like it had when I was a child, and my parents drove our car over a steep hill, or when I rode certain rides at the fair.

Hence, as a result, I held my hand on my abdomen throughout the ceremony, and thought about how close I was to graduating from high school. In addition, I couldn't wait to leave and listen to the radio in the car with my friends.

Because, after all, it might be the last time we would be together for awhile, since some of us would be going to college out of state. I thought about the future and daydreamed about the past as I sat in my hard chair throughout the ceremony...

I could not believe all the things we did...

We drove down the Mississippi River road to our states capital building nearly every week-end during our high school years. The courtyard that surrounded the capital building was full of rolling hills, azalea bushes, and moss covered oaks- It was our home away from home, stomping ground, pop-stand, cool place in the shade, or nice place in the sun-

On dark nights, we imagined the trees shadows were ghostly southern belles dancing in moss stitched dresses; the sight of which sent shivers down our spines. We decided the shadows were the images of Southern belles who refused to leave the ball. My friends and I created characters from the shadows at night, like a clown shapes animals from balloons during the day. There were so many shadows from the giant trees, because there were so many trees on the capital grounds. Therefore, at night, a vivid imagination could shape the trees into an array of images, much like you can with the stars on a starry night.

On the week-ends we couldn't wait to drive to the State Capital grounds. The minute the car stopped in front of the courtyard, we flew out of the doors, jumped the well kept hedges, turned cartwheels on the clover, played touch football, rested under the trees, and kissed under the stars until daylight.

I was having a nice time daydreaming about the past, when my daydreams collided with the present shrill voice of our class president speaking into a microphone.

I was relieved that I managed to hold my stomach in place while I was daydreaming, and through the rest of the ceremony, but afterward, it felt wrapped as tight as a ball of rubber bands. I guess I had a case of graduation jitters. For one thing, I was worried about what would happen to us in the future. I wondered how the world would react to our southern accents and muddy water attitudes, but I quickly shrugged it off like a typical southern girl; a girl who had an evening to enjoy in spite of it all.

After graduation, we piled into whatever car the ferryboat captain wouldn't recognize, (my mothers) and headed toward the river road for one last ride on the ferry.

But, as I drove down our driveway, my eager foot pressed the accelerator too hard, and I smashed my mothers car into her well nurtured apple-pear tree, knocking apples and pears onto the windshield.

Our house sat on a tiny hill, therefore, the driveway became the most exciting setting in our house, and the most talked about subject in our household. It was because the driveway tempted you to zoom your car up or down it, depending on what direction you were going, and the speed at which you traveled illustrated your mood to others, a lot like a mood ring.

Truly, others could tell when you were mad, happy, excited, scared, or, in our case, in a mad dash to get out of there, by how fast you drove up or down the driveway. Whereas, in the case of a mood ring, your mood is determined by the changes in color.

Anyway, we borrowed my mothers car in an effort to fool certain ferryboat captains, who may not let us board the ferry if they recognized one of our cars.

Because, for some reason, when it came to us, the captains had a short fuse. Maybe, because we had a tendency to get out of the car and ride the ferry all night, or it could have been the fact that I used to stand on the front of the boat and sing the Barbra Streisand song On A Clear Day. I sang my heart out on the front of the ferry, imagining I was on the boat in the movie, Funny Girl.

In retrospect, I don't blame the ferryboat captains for having a short fuse, and kicking us off the ferry, but I do sort of admire our ingenuity when it came to showing up with different cars. I remember one of our parents saying, "But, honey you have your own car. I don't understand...And I'm sorry, but, you will not borrow my car, not under any circumstances." Actually, when I think of it, I'm not sure how we managed to get my mothers car down my parents driveway either-

Anyhow, after hitting my mothers apple pear tree, singing and getting kicked off the ferry again, we pulled the car over, parked and climbed to the top of the levee to get a better view of the river. From the levee, we could hear the river wind howl through the trees, but it was gentle; the wind from the river sounded like the roar of a mighty lion, when in fact, it felt as gentle as the whiskers on a kitten.

I watched my friends lean against the barbed wire fence with their faces to the sky, and their arms out to their sides, like the wings on a plane; I could hear the sleeves of their jackets clap against the speed of the wind, as if the river were returning a farewell embrace.

We stood speechless as the generous Mississippi sashayed beneath the silver stars, and honey colored moon, sharing its amenities with people, tug boats, barges, ferries and teenagers, year after year...

And as we stood there on graduation night, I think we realized how small we were in the grand scheme of things, in addition to how little we knew about ourselves and the world. It was the first time in all the years we spent on the banks of the Mississippi River, that we felt in awe of its presence. It's funny how we take what we love the most for granted, especially the most precious to us...I will always wonder why...

In conclusion, it began to get late, so we rode down the river road, like we had a million times before, singing and talking on our way to the State Capital grounds, only this time, we listened to my boyfriends eight-tracks, instead of the radio. He had a ton of them, but he was bossy about what songs we could play.

His eight-tracks were a big thing then, and listening to them was something I hated to interrupt,(a lie) but I needed to use the bathroom bad. Hence, I asked my friends, and Mr. Congeniality, if they would mind waiting in the car when we stopped on the grounds, so that I could pee under one of the Oak trees-

Hence, my southern gentleman began to drive around the grounds looking for a place to park, where he could keep an eye on me in the huge courtyard.

I remember asking him to play I’m a Believer by The Monkees, over and over again, but he kept saying he lost the tape. The conversation went something like this:

"I know you didn’t lose the tape, Steve, because I saw it in your glove compartment last week," I said, while the rest of my friends laughed, including him.

"Annie, you've heard that song at least a thousand times, will you please give it a rest? You are the only person I know who would listen to a broken record-" he said, with a smile that I didn't think was cute at the moment.

Then, a friend of ours interrupted the conversation:

"Oh, Steve, she’s not the only one who wants to hear that song, and you know it. Stop picking on her and play the tape."

"I’m telling ya'll the tape is gone and I don’t know where it is," said the most generous man on earth.

At which point, I said, as I glared at him with a dirty look,

"Oh, for crying out loud, I know I'll find it, and I know you hid it...but at the moment I don't care,(I lied) because I have to go to the bathroom, so will you please stop and park? Because, like I said, I know where the tape is anyway...and I'll show you when I get back..."

Steve smiled and said, "Don't count on it."

Rolling my eyes, I spouted back, "I'm going under the oak trees in the side yard. I’ll be right back, mean jerk man."

Then, off I went into the same dark night, that didn't seem as kind as it had earlier. Therefore, my pulse quickened as I searched, and then found, the perfect spot beneath an oak tree branch to do my business...(like my golden retriever.)

As I started to pee I could hear The Monkee's tape playing from the car. That jerk, I thought, then I heard what sounded like birds chirping in the branches.

They were chirping loud and it was nighttime... I thought, this is bizarre, what kind of bird chirps at night? I sensed they were flying close to me and around the tree...then the chirping grew louder...thinking I felt something close to my face, I put my hand on my head, and began to pull up my pants, while the chirping got louder.

I couldn't tell if they were in the tree, or literally flying around my head...and I still understand why these birds were awake in the middle of the night. I kept mumbling to myself, while I looked at the car still parked for my safety, "Golly, these birds are too friendly." In addition, I could hear them chirping in bird talk in the trees branches, then pieces of tree limbs began to fall on me-

Okay, this is it, I said to myself, and at the same moment I sensed the presence of something over my head- My hands started shaking so bad forgot how to pull my pants over my knees, which obviously made one bird really mad. Because I heard a shrill chirping over my head that sounded like an aggressive shriek for a bird, even a really mad bird.

By this time, I was so petrified I tried to run, but I'm not sure if I even moved, then I put my hand on my head and something hard and feathery was fluttering around in my hair, so I started running straight to the car, pants down or not-

I kept trying to put my pants on, but something was still on my head, and when I tried to hit it, I fell down...so I just picked myself up and ran, in addition, to screaming to the top of my lungs with my pants around my ankles.

I believe I made a mistake hitting the mean bird the first time, because after I tried to slug it, the monster was so furious it started zooming around my head like a bully with wings. I could feel it zoom past my ears, like a gigantic fly, screaming its earsplitting squeals.

I was afraid it was going to grab a chuck of my hair, or poke my eyes out, like in the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Birds.

I looked in the direction of the car, and I saw Steve and my friends laughing...and I couldn’t understand why... It didn’t occur to me at the time that I was running with my pants to my knees and bats, yes BATS, chasing me-

I dismissed their laughing, because I didn't have time, what with birds chasing me and all, plus, I felt like I had cobwebs on my face, so I kept wiping my face as I ran.

I couldn’t coordinate my legs with my pants to my knees, so I ran like a penguin until I fell, that is, until I saw the bats shrieking and encircling the sky above my head, then I managed to get one leg out of my pants and wobble without my pants at all.

Then, I was free to run faster, even if I was dragging one pants leg behind me, to the safety of the car. Nevertheless, the bats were still encircling me from the sky and screaming these awful otherworldly calls for help from their bat friends in the trees.

While my human friends stayed locked in the car laughing...and every time I approached the car door, Steve drove a few feet forward, hoping the bats would fly away...(or so he said...)

In the meantime, I could see my friends in the car laughing hysterically, because I was trying to grab the car door with my pants down, and every few minutes I could feel a bat zoom past my face.

After the incident was over, and I had calmed down, I told Steve not to feel bad about driving forward the way he did, because I understood he was thinking about their safety. After all, I knew they didn’t want the bats to get inside the car-

Well, he smiled and said, "Annie, the bats were long gone by the time you reached the car. We just thought it was funny watching you try to catch the car with your pants down. We were laughing so hard to tell you that what you were feeling were small branches still on the top of your head."

"The bats flew off a few yards before you reached the car, well...that is, after you beat the daylights out of the one on your head. We could see you waving your hands trying to knock the branches off after that, but we couldn't stop laughing. I'm sorry honey, I thought you knew, and I hate to laugh, but that was the funniest thing any of us have ever seen."

Well...it was the craziest thing that ever happened to me, but I'm glad my friends got a kick out of it. We still laugh about it to this day...And I suppose that's a good thing, right?

And after writing this I guess the second part of the night is a better story...but the next time someone tells me about it, I'm going to say, "Oh, you thought that happened to me? Oh no, are you kidding? That happened to Steve, and it was the funniest thing I've ever seen in my life. "

Authors note: This article was originally written in blog form for Bobbarama's Humor Carnival in 8/07, so it was a little shorter then. However, when I rewrote it for a local magazine I wrote a longer version, so I apologize for the length. I think it's probably too long for a blog post, so bless all of you who are reading this note. Because, if you're reading this, you either skipped a few paragraphs to find out what the 'Craziest Experience of my Life' actually was, or you read it all the way through to the end. Thank you for doing either one.

I decided to post this version after accidentally deleting the one I wrote for the Humor Carnival and posted on A Nice Place In The Sun. Plus, to be honest, I've been busy being ill for so long, I wanted to post something for you to read. My apologies to those of you who have already read the other version, but I'm hoping you'll forgive me, because at least the story is a little different this time... :)

Thanks to all of you for your patience and support. And I promise, I'm working on publishing a brand new post real soon.

All of you are the greatest...:))

Love,

Annie

At The Mercy Of My Bathroom Faucet

writtentales@gmail.com ("Annie") — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:55:00 +0000

First published, 8/19/07

New post coming soon...

My cat Simon insists on eating the instant I open my eyes, so this morning, like every morning, I crawled out of bed the minute Mr. narcissism began to wail for his breakfast-

And like every morning, I fumbled around in the kitchen with my eyes barely focused and my mind in a dreamy haze, searching for the cat’s breakfast while I listened to him sing his chorus of MEOW, MEOW, MEOW.

I have always wondered why cats pretend we cannot hear their repeated meowing? They just keep meowing, oblivious to the fact that you are moving as fast as you can, which I also do every morning. However, there was one thing different about this morning. This morning I decided to I give up thinking until Simon finished meowing his ear-piercing demands, and opened a can of cat food without thinking or looking.

Which is why I didn't discover the blood pouring out of the back of my hand until after I poured my self-centered feline his breakfast- then it took a few more minutes for my brain to register the pain-

I stared at the back of my hand awhile before I realized the effect this accident could have on the rest of my day, and my pulse began to quicken with fear. There is nothing scarier than the unknown, and suddenly my future was a mystery. So at first, I was terrified, but after I ran to the bathroom faucet and put my hand under running water, I was relieved to find that the cut wasn't serious.

However, mothers cannot have cuts on the top of their hands, regardless of how old their children are, we simply do not have the luxury of an injury, even a small injury. Families depend on Mom in special ways, yes, even Mom's with adult children. Therefore, I envisioned my house of cards tumbling down and my family crumbling to pieces, all because of a small cut on the back of my hand.

Anyway, while I ran water on my injured hand, I searched the medicine cabinet with my good hand for a band-aid, but I couldn't find one. I tried to move the injured hand away from the running water, but the bleeding was still profuse, so I quickly put it back under the faucet. I couldn't believe I was stuck at the mercy of my of my bathroom faucet because I couldn’t find a band-aid.

Sentenced to live my life over a bathroom sink, in bondage forever with my hand under water, unable to live my life because I forgot to get band-aids at the store. Sometimes, I really don't understand what is wrong with me...I mean, speaking of motherhood, what kind of mother cannot remember band-aids?

I have always had a problem remembering to get things from the store that bore me, like band-aids, and now I was paying the price. I began to panic, but continued the search while holding my hand under water, until thank goodness, I found one lonely band-aid crumbled in the back of the medicine cabinet- a case of pure serendipity.

I was so grateful...because now I was free to drive an hour to my mothers, (that is after I let Simon out) wash the endless supply of dirty clothes one college student can dirty, work on a book proposal, write tomorrows post, oh, and try to remember everything I need from the store, including the ingredients for what I’m going to cook tonight.

Although...it's strange, I feel like I'm forgetting something again... But, if it was important, I would remember, wouldn't I?

Oh well, it's probably just from all the stress I've had today and besides I don't have any mundane items on my list...That is, I don't think I do...I think I just need groceries...