A Nice Place In The Sun

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head: What Song Are You Singing Today?

annclemmons@hotmail.com (Ann) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:52:00 +0000

What Songs On Your Mind Today? Or what song is stuck in your head? Have you ever found yourself humming a tune and you haven't the foggiest idea why you're thinking of that particular song? I've asked this question in a post before, and it was so popular that I've decided to alternate my weekly Saturday Movie Moments feature with a post I will call What Song Are You Singing Today?

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head, by Burt Bacharach, is on my mind, and I know why, which is unusual. It's weird because normally, I cannot pinpoint why I'm singing or thinking of a particular song. But today is different, today I have two reasons for singing the same tune.

One, is the threat of hurricane Gustav, whose projected path predicts it's headed straight for my hometown. Therefore, our Governor has issued a mandatory evacuation order for the Louisiana coast and New Orleans. Although, it hasn't entered the Gulf of Mexico yet, we're not taking any chances after hurricane Katrina. The other reason I'm singing Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head is due to my concern for a friend having a tough time.

So, I hope you will forgive me for posting the same video twice. The song is from the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, hence, I used it in a post for my Favorite Movie Moments feature. But, at least it's a great clip for a different reason. In addition, I hope it will help my fellow neighbors and my friend get through a nerve racking period.

Also, I would like to thank a blogging friend who remembers my What Song Are You Singing Today, feature. In fact, he tells me what song he is thinking of when he leaves a comment on a post and I do the same. Thanks again, Eric/Speedy at Speedcat Hollydale Page, you are gobs of fun.

Also, I need to remind Speedy that there is a chicken hiding on my blog. Which, I don't think he has noticed... Although, I hope he finds this chicken soon, because I'm getting attached to him, and I already have one blog pet, (my blog dog Gatsby) living at the bottom of my landing page.

Can you find the chicken? If you can see him, remember he is hiding, so be careful not to write his whereabouts in comments, however, feel free to let me know that you spotted him.

Alright, back to the topic of my post...What Song Are You Singing Today?

As far as hurricane Gustav is concerned we're keeping our fingers crossed and I will do my best to keep you posted. In any case, be sure to sing, dance, laugh, and have gobs of fun this holiday weekend.

I Am An Awesome Blogger Friend ...And ....

annclemmons@hotmail.com (Ann) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:55:00 +0000

Isn't this a gorgeous award? It's was created by Ettarose from ettarose-edge of sanity. com and I am one of the bloggers lucky enough to be nominated. Ettarose is one of the funniest writers and nicest bloggers on the internet, so I couldn't have been happier when I saw that she thought of me, well...actually I couldn't believe it. Thanks Ettarose. You've made me smile once again.

And I took the liberty of quoting some of what you wrote in your award post.

"I created this award because words sometimes are not enough to show how much you guys mean to me. I have “met” so many good people on the internet, and a lot of you have brightened my life in so many ways. "

She also said that the blogs she nominated had the option of either passing the award along to others or posting it, it was up to them. Her only request is that you link your post back to her, the creator. Because when bloggers forget to mention the blogger who created the award we lose sight of where it originated and that's a drag. Therefore, remember the awards creator when you pass it along to your "Awesome Blogger Friends."

Thanks again Ettarose for this magnificent honor...you're the greatest.

And because I think both you and your award are also "awesome" I decided to pass your award along to my special "awesome bunch" of friends. Who are:

Dawn at Twisted Sister
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Ferd at The Best Parts
Eric from Speedcat Hollydale Page
Bud at WTIT Radio Blog
Maunie at her new blog Maunie's World

Farvel Cargo
Paula's Playground

I usually don't place awards on the same post, but I'm been blessed enough to be nominated for a few more by my buddy Sandee from Comedy Plus that I've had for some time now. I love them too and I wanted to pass them along before Sandee thinks I forgot. Both of these awards were passed to Sandee from The Teach at Work of the Poet

One is the You Make Me Smile Award and the other is the Super Commenter Award, both of which I would like to pass to everyone I nominated for The Million Dollar Friend Award I gave out on Monday, so check the list. However, I would like to mention a few bloggers for The Super Commenter Award who frequently leave comments that keep me going on a daily basis. Thank you again Sandee and thanks to all of you~

Nominees for the You Make me Smile Award is everyone on my blogroll and on my list for The Million Dollar Friend Award.

And special thanks to my regular super commenter's:

Dawn at Twisted Sister
Sandee at Comedy Plus
Maunie at her new blog Maunie's World
Bud at WTIT Tape Radio Blog
Chilly at On The Bricks
Daisy at Daisy the Curly Cat

Sue at Farvel Cargo

Paula at Paula's Playground
Ettarose at ettarose-edge of sanity.com
Eric at Speedcat Hollydale page
Ferd at The Best Parts
Jeni at Down River Drivel
Kim at Purple Frogcat
Broadway Matron at Broadway Matron

If you are a regular commenter and I left out a link to your blog, please forgive me and let me know...and I will promptly add you.

Congratulations to all of you and thank you Sandee and Ettarose for nominating me. Both of you made my day, week, and year....

Tuesday's Question, Childhood Dreams

annclemmons@hotmail.com (Ann) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 18:07:00 +0000

Readers/Bloggers comments are posted after the main post with a link to their blogs~

Hello, and welcome to the 40th Tuesday's Question posted on A Nice Place In The Sun. All participates answers will be posted today in this post along with a link to their site, but you don't have to own a blog to participate. All you have to do is write your answer in comments and I will do the rest~

In addition, every participate is welcome to a Tuesday's Question Brag Badge posted with a code in my sidebar. The Brag Badge gives you the opportunity to bring your visitors to archived Tuesday's Questions where you can show off your ingenuity from your past comments.

Whether you are participating or reading I thank you for stopping by for a visit. Answers will be posted as quickly as possible throughout the day with a link to the bloggers who commented, therefore, don't forget to visit the participating bloggers blogs. Chances are if you liked their comments you will like their blogs. Have Fun, and remember Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, well, questions off the top of my head anyway. ~

Today’s Question is: If your fairy Godmother appeared to grant three of your childhood dreams or wishes, what would they be? All of us had fantasies and heroes when we were children, what were yours? For example, what if you had the opportunity to magically transform into Batman, pilot your own airplane, dance on Broadway, or star in your own movie, which three would you choose? Which movie star, Disney character, novelist, or songwriter did you admire?

However, those are just examples, you can choose more realistic childhood dreams that could come true with or without the help of a fairy Godmother. All morning, I tried to decide whether to ask what three wishes you would ask a fairy godmother at this time, or what three childhood wishes you would pick. Therefore, if you would prefer to answer the adult form of the question, I suppose it would be fine with your fairy godmother. In addition, one of the main objectives of the Tuesday’s Question feature is to help us learn more about you, and your wishes and dreams are a big part of who you are. Moreover, you never know, a fairy godmother may be listening, especially if you believe in magic, because if you believe in your dreams anything is possible.

For instance, magic has happened before on this blog; for one thing this is the 40th question, and what began as a way to get to know my readers, introduce bloggers to each other, and share link love has created many important friendships for others; and me and I find that pretty amazing.

Also, I would like to offer a special thanks to my regular supporters of Tuesday's Question, (you know who you are) because this feature wouldn't still exist if it weren't for you.

Remember, because your comments are published in real time, (or as close as possible) feel free to comment to each other, copy the links to new bloggers blogs, and have a good time. Are you ready? Here’s the question again,

If your fairy Godmother appeared to grant three of your childhood dreams or wishes, what would they be?

My first comment just arrived from Sandee at Comedy Plus. Sandee took the time to write an answer that is written with an intensity and passion that will blown you away, it did me. Click on the Read more to read Sandee's comment.

Click "Read more" for readers comments:

Here's Sandee Comedy Plus comment... If you haven't read either of Sandee's blogs Blogging by Sandee or Comedy Plus, treat yourself, and click on one or both of these links.

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Sandee's comment:

First, it's great to see a Tuesday's Question. Fabulous.

1. That my parents never got into that awful car accident in the late 60s. It really did kind of end my dads good health.

2. That I could have enjoyed my high school years. We lived on a farm and we milked cows every 12 hours. I was the eldest so I had to help milk cows, along with a million other chores.

When I started high school I was voted to be the princess of the first official dance. I couldn't go. It ended my popularity pretty much.

I attended one football game in all the years of high school. I just wasn't allowed to do anything. I can still hear my parents saying, "You have to do your chores."

3. That my family would have been more loving. It's not that we didn't love each other, but we just didn't show it. We weren't taught to hug those we loved, so we didn't. We siblings are hugging each other now, but it would have been so nice when we were growing up.

Thanks Ann for an opportunity to relive some of my past and mostly for being able to make it better...even if I really can't. Big hug and lotsa lovies honey. :)

August 26, 2008 12:59 PM

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My next comment came from another friend and veteran of Tuesday's Question, Paula at Paula's Playground

Paula always writes the nicest comments. Read this,

Hi beautiful. So glad to see the question today! What a great one it is too. It's hard to remember what wishes I had as a kid but I'll try.

1) I always wished for my mom and dad to be happy and healthy. My mom was sick a lot of my childhood due to a back injury and a bucketload of surgeries. She is good now, but most of my teen years she spent in bed and I hated watching her suffer and be in pain.

2) I wanted to be a dancer or a ballerina on the stage and wished for that. In my dreams sometimes I dance and dance and dance. I think it is such a freeing form of self-expression.

3) I would always wish for lots of kids when I got to be a grown-up. Well, look at that! One of the wishes did come true! :-) I guess I should remind myself of this when they are driving me crazy. (smile)
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Then, my buddy Dawn from Twisted Sister, who always makes me smile...plus, blogging just wouldn't be blogging without her.

Like Sandee said... it's great to see Tuesday's Question again!

1. I desperately wanted to live with the Brady Bunch. I knew it was just TV but I used to imagine it was real. They had a large family and everything was perfect. I had a large family and everything was not!

2. I would lie awake at night and pray that my parents would move back to Toronto. I had a hard time adjusting to country life... although I did in the end :)

3. I wished I would grow. I was the runt of the litter and still am! Although I am grateful for it now... I was teased a lot for my size as a kid.

Thanks for the therapy Ann! I feel much better now :)-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Then, I was thrill to see that the always hilarious and kind Sue from Farvel Cargo stopped by to give us a laugh.

WooHoo! Three wishes!
Ann how have you been? I've been sending happy thoughts your way!

Dear Fairy Godmother, my first wish is for bigger boobs. This wish can be applied to either back when I was a kid or now.

Dear Fairy Godmother, in the sixth grade I really would have liked to have had the guts to finish cheer leading tryouts. I chickened out at the end and ran to my mother waiting in the car. They said I would have made the squad had I stuck it out.

Dear Fairy Godmother, how about granting me the wisdom to listen to my parents when they said an education is important.

There you have it, now if someone would let me borrow their time machine, it would be swell.

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And another dear friend who also writes good comments, Ferd from The Best Parts

Finally! Geesh! A Tuesday Question! Where the heck have you been!?!
Kidding!!! I'm really glad to see you back!! I worried about and missed you, Annie!

1. Growing up, our family was very disconnected. We still are, except for a very few things that bring us together. It is the reason that today I long for connection. Fortunately, that wish is slowly being granted. I am slowly learning to do that, which does not come naturally to an introvert.

2. Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be a doctor. That wish did come true, and it has been a very important part of my life.

3. I wanted and needed a loving and healthy primary relationship. It took a while, but that dream has also come true.

I guess I have a lot of blessings to count! Thanks, Annie!

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And another blogging buddy, Jeni from Down River Drivel

THe things I wanted most growing up were 1) a brother or a sister; 2) a dad and 3) marriage and a large family -the house with the white picket fence type thing.
I was an only child and hated it -absolutely hated it! My dad died when I was not quite 3 weeks old so I never knew him. I didn't realize that it was the fact I didn't know what he was like, therefore, how I may have been like him and that lack of knowledge created a lot of angst I guess you could say within me as I tried to figure out who I really am.
I did marry -had three children and now, 3 grandchildren -my absolute pride and joy as you know if you've followed my blog for any length of time. Over the past 10 years or so I have slowly come to learn bits and pieces about my Dad, what he was like, what he liked too, as I have been digging in to family tree research. And as to brothers and sisters, over the years I have often done my own brand of adopting brothers and sisters -even quasi-parents too and my kids have adopted many of these people as their substitute grandparents, aunts/uncles, extended families as well. Who knows, maybe someday I will even find someone who accepts me for who and what I am and might even find marital happiness after all. I'm not looking exactly but if someone came along that was comfortable with me and I, with him, I wouldn't walk away from it.

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My next comment is another touching one from Ettaerose at ettarose-edgeofsanity.com

Annie, I am glad you are feeling well enough to do Tuesday's question. My three wishes are as follows;
1 Parents who really loved each other the way I think they should have. My Mom died a quick sad death and my Dad remarried after 8 months. I was told by him that he finally knew what real love was.
2 I wish my children were not harmed by someone when they were growing up. I still have a hard time with this.
3 I have always wanted to be a doctor. More than anything. Being married at 16 I never did.

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And last, but certainly not least Maunie at Mauniejames2 left one of her great comments.

Hi honey,
First congrats on winning blog of the day over at Santa's...

1. I was not the cherished child so I always pretended that I was adopted and my real Mom would came rescue me...I adored my Dad and hoped he and I could just disappear.

2. Most people on one side of the family were very musical and boy I wanted to be able to sing...My son who has a band told me to stop singing to my granddaughters because they may be tone deaf...I sang to them anyway...and taught them many songs...so there.

3. That I went to college instead of modeling school...my parents never listened to me...why in this instant did they give in...I'm the only one in my family who doesn't have a full degree...what a dope...
I've had tons of courses but its disjointed and they don't add up to a full degree.

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Double and triple thanks to all of you who participated. All of your comments were passionate, heartfelt, and most of all honest... It is really impressive to read, and I appreciate all of you~

Cabin Fever

annclemmons@hotmail.com (Ann) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:26:00 +0000

One of these days, I hope grown-ups will learn how to worry less… Besides most of the things we worry about will not happen, and whatever is going to happen is inevitable anyway, so what is the point?

Why is it so difficult when we grow up to throw caution to the wind? Why can’t we spread our wings, and soar over the mountaintops, rivers, and streams without any doubt that we'll land on our feet?

I think I have cabin fever…because although I’ve always been a risk taker, I am not one to throw caution to the wind. I feel like I have the spirit of a wild teenager, and the body of a ninety year old, but maybe that's a good thing. I guess when we get older our bodies start saying, "No, we're not going to get into any kind of trouble, we're too ancient."

Although, I really do have cabin fever. I went to the store for the first time in months this weekend, and the world looked different. Everyone on the road seemed jumpy. Not because of me, or at least I don’t think that’s what it was…Unless other people also have the ability to pick up on how other drivers are feeling.

But, in all seriousness I was the one who felt jumpy, I think. Because for one thing I had to sneak out of the house with my car, since I'm not supposed to drive right now. Well…I say sneak, when actually I had to beg and bribe my son for the car keys.

Then, I had to wait until my friends were gone because it would have been harder to talk them into letting me drive. Although, that was fine with me since my son let me drive all by myself. Therefore, for the first time in awhile I felt like a grown-up. Really, all I wanted to do was drive to the grocery store and listen to music on the radio; it is a wonderful remedy for the soul as well as pain, sort of like driving a baby with colic. Anyway, I felt like a kid behind the wheel of my first car when my tires hit the pavement; I was happy, but right away I felt like I was anticipating an event.

It started when myself and another driver were held hostage by the same traffic signal for what seemed like hours. While we waited, I sang along with the radio. I was singing my heart out; until I saw the expression on the other drivers face, and in an instant I knew he thought I was talking to myself instead of singing. He had the blank stare of an animal caught in headlights, or someone who hasn’t slept in days - the man looked bewildered.

I tried to reassure him by tapping my hands on the dashboard as if I were playing the drums, but he looked away quickly. I could tell by his body language that he was tapping his left foot as his hands tightly gripped the steering wheel and he put his truck in first gear. He was actually afraid of me…

I wanted to jump out of my car and say, “I promise I was singing a song on the radio. I’m not goofy or flirting with you or anything, I was just singing to the radio.”

Nevertheless, I missed the opportunity, because the light turned green before I had the chance to redeem myself, and my new friend sped away toward safety as fast as he could.

I haven’t a clue why it mattered to me what this man thought, but it did, so I started following him down the highway. I could see him looking through his rearview window, but all I could think of was another opportunity for a RED light.

That way I could play air drums on my dashboard again; and perhaps this time he would understand that I was not talking to myself at the red light. Plus the radio station was playing another great song and I desperately wanted to sing along, but he was still looking at me through his window.

Then I had an idea, I would roll down the window, sing, and tap my dashboard at the same time, and maybe he would hear me, even though we were still driving down the road.

So that’s what I did, and to my relief, I saw the once frightened man laughing as he looked back at the one-woman band jamming behind him.

I suppose he finally heard me and realized how silly it was of him to worry about me from the beginning; that is, until he saw me drive away like a speed she demon from hell.

Yep, I do believe I have a fever...cabin fever anyway... At least I hope that's what it is...

The Million Dollar Friend Award

annclemmons@hotmail.com (Ann) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 06:44:00 +0000

"You are never a burden.. don't ever think that. Friends need each other to pick them up when they are down and I would do nothing less. "
Dawn Drover~

This phrase was written in an e-mail I received at one of my lowest moments. My dear friend Dawn Drover from Twisted Sister was responding to a comment I wrote to her in an e-mail.

Dawn is a gifted writer with a great sense of humor, but she is also one of those people who instinctively knows what it means to be a good friend; this kind of person makes you look forward to the days ahead and fondly remember the days that have passed.

Therefore, I think her words nicely define the sentiment behind The Million Dollar Friend Award. In the last few months I've been too ill to write much on A Nice Place In The Sun and everyone's support really helped me remember how great people can be.

We remember the value of friendship in times of hardship, so I wanted all of you to know that your actions made a difference- Therefore, in keeping with the spirit of friendship, I decided to bring back The Million Dollar Friend Award, in an effort to show my gratitude. Many of you already have The Million Dollar Friend Award so I made it look a little different, or more childish anyway. Now others will think that you are one terrific friend and you're probably thinking how immature some grown woman can be... (meaning me) but I had to make the graphic different because it's a different award.

Moving on, I've tried to include everyone, but if you have left a comment, wrote a post, or posted a get well wish, and you are not nominated for an award, please let me know. Because I will be upset if I overlooked anyone, especially someone who went out of their way to wish me well. And...if you are not listed here, but you are on my blogroll, it's an oversight and please let me know, because of course you are nominated. Basically, everyone is nominated for this award, however, I wanted to especially recognize everyone who has been supportive over the last few months.

Also, you do not have to receive a Million Dollar Friend Award to nominate other blogs, but please respect the wording in the paragraph and link back to the blog who passes it to you, along with the original links.

If you have some million dollar friends you would like to pass this award to be sure to copy and paste the following paragraph with a link to Twisted Sister to acknowledge her words that touched me in my e-mail and I'm sure touched you.

Also include a link to A Nice Place In The Sun where the award originated. I have included both the links to Twisted Sister and A Nice Place In The Sun within the paragraph to go along with the award.

In addition, if you would like to include what a million dollar friend means to you, please feel free to do so, it will make each bloggers post interesting and exciting to read.

To pass The Million Dollar Award to your million dollar friends, copy and paste the award image along with the original paragraph below~ (click on blog names for the links)

Start Copy---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You are never a burden.. don't ever think that. Friends need each other to pick them up when they are down and I would do nothing less. "
Dawn Drover~ Twisted Sister

A Million Dollar Friend is the kind of person who instinctively knows what it means to be a good friend; this kind of person makes you look forward to the days ahead and fondly remember the days that have passed.

A Nice Place In The Sun

End copy------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, post your nominees and what a million dollar friend means to you. And that's it.

I decided not to include any rules since my friends generally aren't rule followers. :)

And speaking of friends, along with an award nomination, I would like to dedicate The Million Dollar Friend Award to a few bloggers who have become dear friends to me throughout my first year of blogging. I've written 448 posts since July of last year, and I thank all of you for helping me survive and enjoy every minute of it. Here are some of my first friends...

Dawn, from Twisted Sister without whose laughter and inspiration I couldn't survive... My dear friend Sandee at Comedy Plus who is a daily ray of sunshine. Sandee's golden spirit shines through every comment she's written on my blog since I've known her, especially lately...and she is another perfect example of a Million Dollar friend. Sandee practically helped me build my blog and is always there to cheer me on, correct me, or give me a pat on the back, and this time she was here to tell me to "Get some rest and do for you," and every comment ended with "Big hug and lotsa of lovies"

So Sandee, Big hug and lotsa lovies back to you honey, everybody loves you, including me.

Another great example is Maunie, whose daily comments made me laugh and kept my spirits up...thanks Maunie- I appreciate you, and big hug and lotsa lovies to you too~`

Ferd, thanks for the words of encouragement. And Bud, I love your repeated comments or your comments when you decided to add something else, but your words became entangled; I don't know if you were trying to be funny but they were hilarious. Speedy, thank you for remembering that I ask my readers every Saturday what song they're singing today, and for being you~ No matter how bad I felt it made me think of a song. Sue, thanks for stopping by to wish me well and make me laugh, Turnip, at Turnip of Power, Mel at Monday Morning Power, everyone at The Blue Ribbon Bloggers, Christy at Christys Coffee Break, Dan at dcr blogs, Aussie at Aussie Cynic, Meleah , Ettarose, Jackie, Chilly,

Special thanks to Dawn from Twisted Sister and Bud from WTIT Radio Blog for creating and displaying their spectacular "Get Well Annie" banners, and to Sandee at Comedy Plus, Broadway Matron, and Ferd from Crazy Medical Cases for posting them in their sidebars.

Also, a special thanks to the bloggers who sent get well wishes in their posts, and again if I've missed anyone please please let me know. We can blame it on technorati, then I will add your post immediately. First, Dawn from Twisted Sister blew me away by wishing me get well wishes and posting the lyrics and video to my favorite song Only Time, by Enya. I was beside myself with gratitude and in tears.

In addition, thanks to e?e, (I tried, but I cannot write the symbol :(

So, let's try it this way, thank you Watching and Writing for mentioning me in your post People in Need.

It was a kind and thoughtful gesture and it helped, also, thanks to Robert at Black Tie and Sneakers for his post Sunday Sing Along.

In closing, I was impressed with everyone who continued to purchase my ads and drop on my Entrecard. I will not forget your kindness, and I'll catch up with my purchases and begin dropping on your cards as often as possible. I've tried to include as many of your links as possible, but if you're an Entrecard member, please consider yourself nominated.

And The Million Dollar Friend Award nominees are...

Sandee at Comedy Plus
Dawn at Twisted Sister
Eric at Speedcat Hollydale Page
Bud at WTIT Tape Radio
(the blog)
Ferd at CrazyMedicalCases
Dan at dcr Blogs
The Blue Ribbon Bloggers
Aussie at Aussie Cynic
Margaret at Travelin' Show
Meleah at Momma Mia, Mea Culpa
Sue from Farvel Cargo
Arv at Thoughts On The Wall
Turnip at Turnip of Power
FeeFiFoto Blog
Robert at Black Tie And Sneakers
ettarose- edgeofsanity
Extremely Funny
The World of Silly Willy And Fluffy
Broadway Matron
Paulas Playground
Christy at Christys Coffee Break
Jackie from The Painted Veil
Mimi from Mimi Writes
Jennifer at Robin's Woods
Abelle at Only In Silence
Kim at Purple frogcat
Sugar Queens Dream
Chilly at On The Bricks
Jennifer at Down River Drivel
Jude at Mature Not Senile
Mariuca at Mariuca's Perfume Gallery
Laura at That Grrl
Kathy at The Junk Drawer
Mo at It's a Blog Eat Blog World
Claire at A Little Piece Of Me
Babs at Beetle Blog
Henson at Henson's Hell
Daisy at Daisy the Curly Cat
OMYWORD! Did I say...
Beeker's Words
Tricia at Tricia's Musings
Deb at Deb on the Rocks
Scott at Wildclips
Mel at Monday Morning Power
AmyOops at AmyOops!
Margie and Edna at Margie and Edna's Basement
Maunie at Mauniejames2.blogspot.com

My cat Simon insisted on being nominated for The Million Dollar Friend Award. (I didn't nominate him for the last one)
I'm sorry, he just doesn't understand, and he threatened to knock down everything on my kitchen counter if I didn't nominate him. I took this photo awhile back for a post. I caught him red-handed in my chair. He kept looking away from the camera like I couldn't see him if he couldn't see me, so he still thinks he got away with it.

Sweet November (Favorite Movie Moment)

annclemmons@hotmail.com (Ann) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 22:30:00 +0000

Welcome to Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment. Actually, I've posted this movie before, but I'm hoping you will not remember and if you do remember, I hope you will enjoy it again. It's in honor of my dear friend Dawn from Twisted Sister who posted Enya's video of Only Time, for me during my absence. Can you believe she did that?

Not only did she write a post for me, she made a "Get Well Annie" banner. I was deeply touched and blown away by the bloggers who posted it on their blogs.
For example, another cherished friend, Sandee, at Comedy Plus and Bud at WTIT The Blog (Tape Radio)who made his own version. I would also like to thank Ferd from Crazy Medical Cases for posting Dawn's banner and the great comments. The banners were excellent prescriptions and I will not forget them. All of you have been wonderful, and I'm working on a surprise post for you. I have so many of you to thank for your support. Your laughter keep me in stitches along with your comments; you've secured a place in my heart forever.

Thanks for hanging in here with me.

Moving on, this movie clip includes all of my favorite moments in the movie Sweet November, and it's accompanied by one of my favorite songs, Only Time from Enya. Sweet November, stars Charlize Theron and Keanu Reeves, and an array of great looking dogs.

An excellent film, Sweet November reminds us to stop and remember the gift of life. Keanu Reeves character discovers through the lead character (Theron) the true meaning of friendship and our God given potential to give compassion, experience joy, and understand love.

There are no words or seconds to waste while we're alive and yet we waste so many, hence this movie reminds us to make every moment count.

Soak up every laugh, smile, glance...from the ones you love and others, and give every part of yourself possible. Because what we give to the world and others will remain a part life itself always...

Live for and in every dance, hug, song, and person...with an imaginable mind and open heart.

Have a fun week-end, and don't forget about my surprise, o.k.?

Loving Her Was Easier (Kris Kristofferson)

annclemmons@hotmail.com (Ann) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:50:00 +0000

I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair

annclemmons@hotmail.com (Ann) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:34:00 +0000

I looked in the mirror after showering today, and saw the first few strands of old lady hair, well actually, white grays that were once blond. I think of things out of the ordinary in the shower and today wasn’t any different. I sang the song, “Gonna Wash That Man Right Out Of My Hair” from the movie South Pacific, and thought about my past. And my past includes my ex-husband, who I think about every time I hear that song. I imagine washing him out of my hair then watching him swirl with the water down the drain in circular motion.

I considered other song titles that would have worked nicely for that South Pacific song, such as, "I ’m gonna cram that man right down the tub drain," or "toss his bags right out the front door"...I’ve come up with a few more, but I don’t want to bore you...

This morning, I contemplated how joyful it would be to have magical powers, like Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery)Stevens had on the Bewitched Show. A few minutes with super power is all the time I need to shrink him to the size of Stuart Little, like "Endora" Sam’s mother did to Darin (Dick York) on the show. I laughed to myself at the thought of my downsized ex-husband.

Whose name I can’t use, by the way, because it's redundant and he may sue me for Simon. (My cat) (Or worse yet, all my money.) Hence, I will call him "Dagwood."

I love the Bewitched Show because is about a woman witch. Anyway, I hope you are familiar with the comedy. If you're not, the leading characters mother referred to her daughter's husband as "Dagwood" instead of "Darin" and I've always loved that.

Moving on, today I thought about my "Dagwood" as I looked in the mirror at my "new" grays. You see, I blame him for them. Yep, it's his fault I have gray hair. Oh, I wish I could magically twinkle him into a tiny little man and watch him go down the drain.

I can see him swirling in a tiny tub tornado. But, that's not the best part. The best part is the thought of him calling out to me in a small voice...."Help me Annie, hon----ey, wha...in-the... "Annie?"

To be frank, I can’t wash any of the Dagwoods out of my hair, head, or heart.
I don't have dreams about past relationships often, or at least I don't think I do, if I do, I don't recall them. Besides, whatever I dream at night sticks in a corner of my brain and blends into a daydream the following day. (Or at least, I think it does.)

Sometimes I awaken with a weary subconscious. I feel I'm still dreaming. That's what I did this morning. I was hit by waves of nostalgia. I felt drenched in memory- soaked- far away from now and the future...

First, I thought about watching my "Dagwood" twirl...

Then, I remembered driving our two-year-old son to the park and pretending I was talking on his plastic toy phone in the car when we stopped at red lights- just to make him laugh. This was before cell phones, so people didn’t see each other using a phone in the car often, although, I’m sure all the super heroes and spies had phones, like Batman and Robin.

My little boy loved to watch me talk on the phone in the car and a few grown-ups laughed too when we stopped at a traffic lights. Then, we went home to eat, read, and sleep- our golden retriever between us- but that was also yesterday.

O.K. what was my topic? Oh yes, yesterday, and washing men out of my hair. I'm sorry, I was half awake when I started this post. That is what I love about blogging. I don’t think you ever get pass some loves. And sometimes more than one love will remain transfixed in your head awhile. I do have someone to break up with now and then... I wash him out frequently. I suppose I could look at him as conditioner.

Let’s see, what should I call him? Driftwood? Yes, from now on the new man going down the drain shall be "Driftwood." The last man to bite the dust, spin in the wash, and encircle a drain.

Whatever, it doesn't matter, I’m fine on my own- I have Simon, my business partner (the computer) the fax machine and many friends.

I am a little worried though, because they say married people live longer than single people, and that if you remain single too long...well...

-I’m sorry excuse me a minute- my Microsoft Paper Clip just reshaped himself into what looks like a exclamation mark, then quickly acted as if it didn’t move...cheap trick-

I wonder why the Paper Clip is mad at me now? I guess it’s just another way to attract my attention. "Hey you up there, I’m trying to write down here, some of us have to work.."

You see Clippy Clip thinks I can’t write without him and gets mad when I ignore him. I remember writing the first draft of manuscripts in a notebook then typing the final draft on a typewriter. Where was "Mr. Clippy Clip" then?

I know you can't see him, but he's looking at me with his beady eyes because he realizes that people did write without him at one time, and it actually wasn’t that long ago- and I might add some still do- Moving on again, I'm trying to convince you that I’m fine and dandy, except that my undependable business partner (the computer) began to moan- groan- freeze and crash...this morning again. (His update said he was shutting down, because he didn’t feel good.) Hey, who does feel good, especially when they have three gray hairs…? Jerk.

And my computer is such a baby he will not try to work through it when he feels bad- (some dedication) It’s sad, but my Computer, Clippy Clip, and the Scanner are my only co-workers and I believe two are males- I can tell that the scanner is a female because she can do more than one thing at a time.

That's another thing, if I did have another male here, he would probably be in my way and my world would drive him bonkers. Have I convinced you? Besides, I'm not that lonely yet, when that happens maybe I'll think about joining some kind of dating service. (I'm hoping you won't believe that.)

Oh my gosh, Clippy Clip is rolling himself into a ball, like a doodlebug. All I see are eyes...oh he's strange ...now, it looks like he’s scratching his nose, and...wait...oh my gosh, what is he doing, oh I see, he’s putting on a pair of pants.

I don't know why he's back. I thought I deleted "him" long ago.

Have you ever seen your paper clip do this? O.k. now, I really do have to end this post because my cat Simon is squeezing his body through the window I left open upstairs- I can see his behind, but it looks as if the front of his body his halfway through... I better go get him...

By the way, don't you think my life's exciting?

Link to Dick York Image from google images.

Are We Born To Fulfill A Destiny? Readers Comments in Post-

annclemmons@hotmail.com (Ann) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:33:00 +0000

Readers/Bloggers comments are posted after the main post with a link to their blogs~

This group of Tuesday's Question Participates had some interesting opinions about whether we're born to fulfill a destiny. What do you think?
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Hello, and welcome to the 38th Tuesday's Question posted on A Nice Place In The Sun. All participates answers will be posted today in this very post along with a link to their site, but you don't have to own a blog to participate. All you have to do is write your answer in comments and I will do the rest~

All participates are welcome to a Tuesday's Question Brag Badge posted with a code in the sidebar. The Brag Badge gives you the opportunity to bring your visitors to archived Tuesday's Questions where you can show off your ingenuity in past comments

Whether you are participating or reading I thank you for stopping by for a visit. Answers will be posted as quickly as possible throughout the day with a link to the bloggers who commented, therefore, don't forget to visit the participating bloggers blogs. Chances are if you liked their comments you will like their blogs. Have Fun, and remember Tuesday's Question is a weekly post of original questions, well, questions off the top of my head anyway. ~
My answer: When I was in the first grade I remember staring at the word author in a book we were reading. I don't know how to explain how I knew, but I knew I would write books or be a writer some day.

I remember it like it was yesterday, because I didn't want to write books; I wanted to be a veterinarian.

I've heard others say the same thing about their professions. An old friend of mine used to say she knew she would be a doctor. We've known each other since childhood, and all she did was talk about becoming a physician, the opposite of me, who avoided a scholarship to study English Literature at L.S.U.

Anyway over the years, my friend and I took many twists and turns that were taking us down an altogether different highway. I never dreamed that she would make it through medical school, or that I would live to write about anything. But she did become a doctor and I continued to turn down the wrong roads for awhile, until something miraculous happened- I grew up- and turned down the highway that brought me back to my passion- writing.

I took many chances and made some major mistakes that kept me away from writing for a long time. Although, I always wrote something down on paper, I didn't understand that what I was doing meant something deeper. And I didn't appreciate the gift I'd been given or what it meant... I had short stories, magazine articles, poems etc, stashed away in dusty piles in my mother antic-

In closing, I believe we are born with a destiny and as time marches on we either bump into it by accident, friendship, or opportunity.

It is up to us to keep our eyes open for the signs that help us make the right choices. Because fulfilling a destiny is what many call the road less traveled- if you're following the road your authentic self should be traveling, it will be a challenging, if not rewarding experience. However, if it's easy and comfortable, something is wrong with the road you're on - and you need to turn around~

Now, it's your turn: Is it determined before we are born what we will contribute to the world, or is it left up to chance?

My first comment is from my dear friend Dawn at Twisted Sister

"I don't know how to explain how I knew, but I knew I would write books or be a writer some day."

These kind of statements have always fascinated me because I have never felt that in my life. I often wonder why some people know what their calling is while others of us have no clue.
I missed the boat on this one Ann! If I'm here to fulfill some kind of destiny then I wish someone would let me in on the secret :D
I think this is one of your best questions so far... I only wish I could have answered it!

June 24, 2008 4:49 PM

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Next, another great friend Ferd from The Best Parts
gave a very well-written and articulate response:

I don't believe there is a pre planned destiny. But I know that each of us is blessed with a set of skills and talents, and cursed with a set of character defects. None of us are perfect. And then there are the factors of the family and socioeconomic conditions into which we are born, providing us with nurturing and opportunities or lack thereof. What we do with our lives comes out of all this.

As we develop as people, and come into our own, we do stuff. This stuff we do affects other people, in good ways and in bad. We do have a lot of choice in that matter. The facts and consequences of these actions become our "destiny."

I do hope that wasn't just a bunch of BS. I read it over and it sounds a little weird. I almost deleted it, but here goes.

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Then, Dawn remembered that she did look for her destiny once:

Ann,
I often thought I must have hidden talents and I just need to find them... but I didn't have a map!
You're not the only one who wasn't born to perform brain surgery.LOL!

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Then, my other dear friend Sandee at Comedy Plus gave us her opinion and another well-written perspective:

I think I was destined to have each different position that I had through the years and would grow to the end of that and realize that there was more that I could or needed to do.

When I was a waitress I thought that was the best job ever. Then I ran cocktails and that was even better. Then I was a bartender and I thought that would be my last job. Of course it wasn't, but you get the idea.

The last 25 of my working years I was truly doing what I was meant to do. So yes, I do think destiny plays a part in what you end up doing. There are many jobs, but when you find what you love destiny has shined on you. :)

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My next comment came in on Wednesday from Maunie at Spring Wonderful Spring

Ann, honey, I still don't have a clue...In girl scouts we had to write letters to various people for different reasons..my letters were always chosen but my penmanship was so bad someone else would have to copy it over for me...my leaders said I would be a great comedy writer some day...
yeah sure..
anyway I too have tried many different things but still haven't found what I'm looking for...I think I was made to work with children in some capacity but what do I know...as usual I am rambling..I hate that about me..hope this gives you some insight...laughing...

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Well, Maunie, you haven't just given me insight, you given me laughter~ Thank you~

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Special thanks to all of you for letting me get to know you a little better each week~ In some special way, I truly care about each of you, and thank you for sharing a piece of who you are individually with me each week~

Cheers and see you next week, if not, before...wait a minute...I don't suppose I will see you...anyway you know what I mean~ Cheers, until we meet again~ Bye~ Annie

Anyone else who would like to still comment I will be happy to post your answers, and share some link love- Also if you answered a comment you are eligible for a Tuesday's Question brag badge displayed in my sidebar.

Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

annclemmons@hotmail.com (Ann) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:47:00 +0000

This Saturday's favorite movie moment is my favorite scene from the film adaptation of Tennessee Williams Pulitzer prize winning play by the same name Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

The film stars Elizabeth Taylor as (Maggie "The Cat") and Paul Newman as (Brick Pollitt,) whose marriage is falling apart, although, as long as Maggie has anything to do with it, their marriage will appear just fine to the rest of the world, including family. The play centers around Maggie and Brick's visit to his families home in Mississippi to attend the birthday party of Brick's father "Big Daddy." (Burl Ives)

Tennessee Williams felt some parts of Bricks character and a High School friend's suicide bowdlerized or toned down the adaptation of the play, however, I enjoyed the film version and the written play. Brick Pollitt is an extremely complicated character, therefore both the play and the film adaptation are engrossing work.

This scene in the film depicts Maggie's unconditional love for Brick, and although Brick is conflicted, and angry, he does love Maggie as well- The movie and screenplay are made the way movies used to be filmed: that is, this finely tuned cast's acting is understated, yet passionate; and they perfectly time the melodramatic flare-ups common in a Southern household -

To wrap up my professional review (which gets three scoops of peanut butter fudge swirl: the highest rating) I listed some of my favorite dialogue...

The dialogue begins with Maggie, which is also in the clip:

Maggie:

Maggie: You know what I feel like?

I feel all the time like a cat
on a hot tin roof.

Brick: Then jump off the roof, Maggie.

Cats jump off roofs and land uninjured.
Do it. Jump.

Maggie: Jump where?

Into what?

Brick: Take a lover.

Maggie: I don't deserve that!

I can't see any man but you.

Even with my eyes closed, I just see you.

Why can't you get ugly, Brick?

Why can't you get fat or ugly or something,
so I can stand it?

Brick: You'll make out fine.
Your kind always does.

Maggie:I'm more determined than you think.

I'll win all right.

Brick: Win what?

What is the victory
of a cat on a hot tin roof?

Maggie:

Just staying on it, I guess...

...as long as she can.

Thank you Drew's Script-o-Rama for excerpt of Dialoque, and Wilkipedia for information about the play and movie. Link is in post

I hope you enjoyed this Saturday's Favorite Movie Moment, and that you're having a fantastic week-end.~