My tummy hurts

Yesterday I had the most terrific dinner ever! We went to Moto, where the food is delicious, creative and fascinating. Our ten-course meal began with an edible menu, personalized in honor of my birthday, included a Greek salad puree served cold and in a shot glass, bbq pork and baked beans (the beans were cooked, frozen in liquid nitrogen, and converted to thin, spaghetti-like strips that melted in my mouth), and a truffle that tasted like -- and, once in my mouth, had the consistency of -- cotton candy. It was all amazing!

But this morning I woke up with the ickiest gastrointestinal malady. DON'T BLAME MOTO! I know exactly what set this off. Yesterday, at lunch in the cafeteria, I tried the fish. As I was placing it in my "to go" container, I actually asked myself if fish from a buffet is ever a good idea. I should have answered "no." OH! How I wished I'd answered "no."

Friday's Feast #24

Appetizer

What is your favorite carnival/amusement park ride? Roller coaster or Tilt-a-Whirl (depends on which one has the shortest line)

Soup
How do you react in uncomfortable social situations? Depends. I either try to dive in and make it better by changing the subject, or I withdraw

Salad
On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being highest, how much do you enjoy discussing deep, philosophical topics? Again, it depends. If the person I'm talking with is interested in exchanging ideas, I'd say 11! If the person is devoted to changing my mind, then a 2. I like learning, not being lobbied.

Main Course
Did you get a flu shot this year? If not, do you plan to? No and no. I'm allergic to thimerisol, which is a preservative used in the shots.

Dessert
Approximately how many hours per week do you spend watching television? A GAZILLION! I'm a news junkie! I have MSNBC or CNN on most of the time. What if something happens and I miss it?

For more information, or to serve your own feast, visit Friday's Feast.

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #43 -- About a Blog …

13 FACTS ABOUT THIS VERY BLOG

I’m hooked on stats! The ones that follow are from Statcounter, Technorati and Blogger. I realize that keeping up with these stats is the geeky, silly, self-obsessed blogger equivalent of Googling oneself, but I can’t help it.

1. My Technorati “authority rank” (the number of blogs that link back to this one) is an even 80.

2. 23% of my visitors are from outside the United States.

3. Most international visitors come to my humble posts from Canada, but I have had five hits from the United Arab Emirates.

4. The visitor who found me over the greatest distance was from Queensland, Australia. Alas, that blogger never returned. (I’m sorry for whatever it is I did or said that offended you! Please come back!)

5. Domestically, I’ve had hits from all 50 states, but I am not exactly hitsville in Delaware. Only one blogger from Delaware has stopped by, and that person left immediately. (After only 1 second.)

6. The keyword used most often (14 times) to find this blog is “Nailah Franklin.” Ms. Franklin is the local woman whose death this past autumn touched me so. I have posted about her 3 times to date.

7. Thursday Thirteens bring me a lot of interaction. The post that earned the most comments (46) was my recent TT on “Tearjerkers.”

8. The oldest post that still attracts folks is my Thursday Thirteen from back in July – “13 women I want to hang with in Heaven.”

9. According to my own labels, I love memes and … BASEBALL!

10. Of my 90+ baseball posts, more than half have highlighted my beloved, future Hall of Famer (and now Padre), Greg Maddux. This surprised me. I thought I was more purely Cub-obsessed.

11. The famous person who has received the next most mentions is Paul McCartney. This does not surprise me. I’ve been in love with him since I was 6 years old.

12. Those little Adsense ads have earned me a princely $10.83 to date. I’m cashing out my 401(k)!

13. And now, in a public display of gratitude, I want to thank the following bloggers for honoring me with awards:

• “Be the Blog” and “The Friend Award” from Misty Blue
• “You Make the Smile Award” from Lori
• “Blogging Star,” “Sweet Treat” and “Community Blogger” awards from Alison
• “Nice Matters” and “Sweet as a Candied Apple” Award from Kwizgiver
• “Smile Award” from Tina
• “Thoughtful Blogger Award” from Mo
• “Rockin’ Girl Blogger” from Gabriella Hewitt

Just because I don’t display these awards all the time doesn’t mean that I don’t catalog, appreciate and remember them. When I began this silly thing, it was merely an online journal. How nice to enjoy back-and-forth with readers! I’m a very lucky blogger.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens.

1. This week, Holly blogs about a subject she's the undisputed expert on
2. Sandee has a not very typical Christmas-themed TT
3. Chelle Y shares her son's Christmas wish list
4. Let Ellen b (and her grandpa) make you smile
5. SJ highlights some unsportsmanlike comments she's received from Ron Paul supporters
6. Nicholas shares highlights of his DVD collection
7. Susie J helps out by sharing 13 great places to hide gifts
8. Works for Mom takes on those dopey holiday letters (it needs to be said!)
9. Lori lists 13 of her favorite movies
10. Malcolm has a cool TT about TV stars and their nationalities
11. Yellow Rose has a very random TT
12. Denise spotlights a little known (at least to this Gal) historical woman ruler
13. Greatfullivin encourages us to laugh
14. Secret Agent Mama gives close examination to peanut butter sandwiches
15. Wylie Kinson competes with People for the best list of the Sexiest Men Alive
16. No Nonsense Girl has a wise and enriching TT
17. Deb puts us in the Christmas spirit with her favorite carols
18. Cordia Amant has a book TT, and I love book TTs
19. Fresh Girl has a musical TT, too
20. Harlekwin -- who did the kitty banner you see above -- takes on the holiday blues
21. She's revealed herself! Grace is my visitor from the United Arab Emerites! And her TT is suggestions of what to do when your lifeline -- I mean, your ISP -- is down.
22. Beth lists the first 13 TTs she visited. This one's not listed, so go there looking for new links to click.
23. Candy's TT is really a love note to her hubby
24. Robin (from Israel!) has a TT about Hannukah
25. LA Day takes us shopping
26. Joy Is My Goal captures the spirit of the season with nativities
27. Carrie Lofty has a musical TT
28. Mom Huebert enjoys 13 simple pleasures
29. I am the diva shares the google searches that brought her readers



Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Heads & Tails #11

This week, the theme is MARK. Ms. Skittles inspired me with a priceless videoclip of Mark Lindsay from Paul Revere and the Raiders, a popular pop band of the late 1960s.

Since that period was important to my youth, I'm highlighting a couple of other Marks from the era:

• Mark Slate was a Brit -- veddy important in 1964 -- and right-hand man to April Dancer, The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. (He was played on the show by Noel Harrison, son of Rex.)

• Mark Lenard was an actor whose name you may not recognize, but whose characters you do. I knew him best as Aaron Stemple, the millowner on Here Come the Brides (1968 and 1969). He was also Spock's father on Star Trek and had a recurring role on Mission: Impossible.

For more information about Heads or Tails, or to play along yourself, visit Skittles' Place.

Point. Click. Give.

The Today Show makes giving to less fortunate kids sooooo easy! With their toy drive, all you have to do is select a gift from their Amazon.com Wish List (I purchased a Rubik's Cube for just $9.99) and it will automatically be sent to the charity. You don't have to wonder what to buy, you don't have to bother wrapping it, you can even do it while wearing your jammies and slippers! Consider brightening a kid's Christmas. Go to the Today Show's website for details.

To paraphrase Gene Kelly, "Gotta Meme!"

Here's today's Manic Monday meme. My boss is reviewing my work from last week, and I'm hoping that a fresh Monday meme will distract me from being nervous.

Which personality trait has gotten you into the most trouble? I can be very insensitive. Like my mom, I blurt. We both say things that we believe are self evident, and later find out they aren't. For example: I once asked a lover, who was about 5'5", if it bothered him that he wasn't tall. He looked completely stricken. I was so sorry.

If you had to gain 10 pounds what would you eat to gain the weight? Burgers. Or pizza. Or perhaps I'd combine them and have a pizza with a ground beef topping.

How is your private self different from your public self? Because I'm pretty deft with words, people think I'm confident. No, I'm just clever. There's a difference. I'm as (or perhaps more) wracked with self doubt as the next gal. Especially about my looks.

For more information, or to join the mania yourself, visit Manic Monday.

If I had to choose today …

… my candidate would be John Edwards. It isn't that I don't care about Iran, Iraq and Korea, because I do. But the other Democratic candidates have allowed foreign affairs to suck all the oxygen out of the debate. Oh, every once in a while we hear about health care and immigration reform, but mostly it's Iraq, Iraq, Iraq.

John Edwards keeps revisiting his "two Americas" theme and reminding us of our responsibility to one another. I especially like his idea about encouraging grocery stores to do business in low-income areas. I recently saw a story on our local PBS station about inner city kids and obesity. There are neighborhoods in Chicago that don't have real grocery stores, just convenience stores with aisle after aisle of chips and prepackaged cupcakes and refrigerator cases filled with frozen pizza. What produce they carry is very expensive and not exactly as fresh as it might be.

Edwards is doing what I believe a statesman should do -- he's using the system to amplify the voices of those we don't always hear.

Of course, when I look at the Democratic field, I am pleased and proud. Our side looks like America -- with a woman, a Black and a Hispanic all still viable candidates. No matter which one my Party nominates, I will be comfortable with my choice next November.

I hate it when this happens

My depression ebbs and flows. When I'm sad, it's a strong emotion, leaving me feeling like this lighthouse: isolated, irrelevant, and with few resources to help me stand up to the powerful forces of nature. Then it passes, and I feel like slapping myself. "What's with the self pity, Gal? This is, after all, YOUR life! If you don't like it, change it!" Of course, that healthy helping self loathing doesn't necessarily help, either.

Today I did do something productive, which gave me some respite from the "pushmi-pullu/I'm so blue-stop whining" whiplash. I took 4 pullovers, 2 purses, a blanket and a dozen plastic hangars over to the Goodwill store. It was not only a good deed, it freed up a little room in my armoire. Now I'm going to FINALLY hem those black slacks.

In addition to distracting myself from my whiny, slothful existence, I should also try some more positive self talk. This is not real, it's hormones. My life is fine. I have a job I'm good at, my finances are in decent shape, I still have my mom, my incredibly adorable cats are healthy, I've got a lot of diverse friends in my life … and my period is almost over.

Now where's that needle and thread?

Brazenly stolen from Kwizgiver

My mood has swung and I'm feeling bleak right now. Knowing it's just perimenospausal hormones screwing with my head doesn't make it hurt any less. "Nobody loves me, everybody hates me. Guess I'll go eat worms." Or perhaps I'll distract myself with this meme, which I found at Kwizgiver's place.

Completely, Ridiculously Random

What is the single largest item in your house? Bed
How well can you write your name with your non dominant hand? Not well at all
What color is your bedroom? Blue
What type of computer mouse do you use? None -- touchpad
What is your earliest memory? Leaning on the ottoman, looking out the window at "the old house" (I was about 3)
Have you ever jumped off of a high dive? No
Do you take vitamins? Yes
Do you like to color inside the lines? At times
What do you have set as your home page? AOL
Do you have your own radio? In the shower
Where would you hate to have to work? Food service
Who is on your speed dial? At home: nobody. On my cell: voicemail, cab company, work, my best friend, my theater buddy, work and the vet
Do you prefer lightbulbs or candles? Bulbs
How much money did you spend today? Less than $50
What are you sitting on right now? Sofa
Do you look at yourself when you pass by reflective surfaces? Yes
Would you ever get plastic surgery? No
Did you play with shaving cream when you were a kid? No
How big is your bed? No
Do you like the smell of axe? I don't know
What is your favorite flavor of lifesavers? The white mint. Is that spearmint, wintermint or peppermint? I'm confused.
Have you ever seen a volcano? Yes, but it wasn't currently active.
What is the best halloween costume you have ever worn? Harpo Marx
What kind of soap do you use? Tiramisu liquid soap
Can you snowboard? No
How many icons do you have on your desktop? Three
What is the biggest amount of money you have ever had at one time? $200
Do you understand how telephones work? Can I dial it? Yes. Do I understand the inner workings, or the satellite towers, etc.? No.
Do you write notes on your body? No
What is the prominent color in your closet? Blue
What is sitting next to you right now? My cat, Charlotte Anne
Do you believe in lots of conspiracies? No
Do you own any really old video game systems? No
Are you good at baking? No
Have you ever made your own clothing? No
How many doors does your house have? 1 (it's a condo)
Do you prefer tootsie pops or blow pops? Tootsie
Do you sneak into movie theatres? No
Are you a really fast text messager? No
Do you have anything you keep on you 24/7? Light in the dining room
Do you usually write in print or in cursive? Depends
What was your first job? Babysitting
Do you prefer crushed ice or cubed? Cubes
What print is on your plates or cups in your kitchen? Solid blue stoneware
Have you ever made a mixed cd for someone? Yes
What do you want to buy from an infomercial? the nifty "green" bags that keep produce forever
Do you believe that animals have souls? Yes
What word/phrase do you find really annoying? "Walk the walk"
Do you have a lava lamp or a black light? No
Do you find yourself not having enough electrical outlets? No
What is the longest you can wait patiently? With iPod -- forever; without iPod -- 10 minutes
Have you ever been under anesthesia? Yes
Are your fingernails long or short? Short
Are you afraid of bright colors? No
Has anyone ever accused you of being gay? Yes
Can you tell people honest things to their face? Yes
Would you rather eat grits or oatmeal? Oatmeal
Do you own a kite? No
Have you ever run down and up escalator or vice versa? No
What do you think of clothing for pets? Depends on how the pet is reacting. Sometimes dogs look miserable or embarrassed, and I hate that.
Do you tend to want things you cannot have? Yes, yes, yes
Is it true that you can be anything you want to be? No.
Were your parents honest to you about serious things when you were little? As well as they understood the issues at hand.
Would you ever dye your hair purple? It was called eggplant when I did it, and hey, it was the 1980s
Who do you think should play you in a movie? Carrie Fisher
Would you ever kill someone? I can't imagine a situation where I would
Do you prefer stripes or polka dots? Dots. Stripes make my ass look soooo big.
Do you dot your is and cross your ts? Yes.
Are you double jointed in any way? Just my index fingers
What kind of super power do you wish you had? Flying
Are you easily offended? Today, yes!
How often do you watch the news? Constantly
Do you have nightmares very much? No
Which power ranger was your favorite? Don't remember any of them
Did the movie Jaws ever scare you? No
Have you ever cried to get away with something? No
What do you think of feminists? Well, I am one, so I can't be objective
Are you friends with anyone famous? No
Do you lack common sense sometimes? Yes
Are you afraid of snakes? No
Do you use recycle bins at your house? Yes
How hot do you like the water in your shower? Closer to hot than warm
Do you ever walk around your house naked? All the time
What is your favorite art form? Words
Do you want to be bilingual? No
Is energy wasted on little kids? No
Do you lie to make people feel better? Yes
How many times a day do you look at the clock? Lots
Do you like to organize things? No
Are you going to have smile lines or frown lines when youre older? WHEN I'm older? Baby, I'm there. Mostly it's wrinkles around my eyes.
Do you floss your teeth every day? Yes
Do you like the game red rover? No
Which is better, thick crust or thin? Yes
How good are you at keeping secrets? No
What stupid little thing really stresses you out? Being waited on by that sullen, rude bitch Vicki who works at the local post office
Can you remember what you wore yesterday? Yes, jeans and a gold/green/brown sweater
Which Disney parks have you been to? World and Land
What do you think the drinking age should be? 18
Do you like to wear socks? Sure
What is the last cartoon you watched? I truly can't recall
What does your bed comforter look like? I have a nice, blue floral bedspread instead

Well, that certainly was completely, ridiculously, random, wasn't it? If you do it, let me know so I can check out your answers.

Why, you'd think I was a Cub fan or something!

Birthday gift tally:

Cub-related presents lead the way. I've received a Cubs glow-in-the-dark pen (selected by my second-grade nephew and paid for with his own money), a Santa-is-a-Cub-fan (of course he is!) ornament from my Mom, and a book about Cub fandom from my friend "John," who knows nothing about baseball except that it's healthy young men looking fine in tight pants.

Paul McCartney is a close second: I guess that's because it's hard to tell which I've loved longer -- my romantic troubadour or my heroes in blue. So far I've received a Beatle book from my oldest friend and a set of McCartney (solo) concert DVDs, also from "John."

Non-themed gifts include Robert the demonic doll, an afghan, various skin lotions, a book about evading zombies, the roses from my niece and nephew in California, and a gold and black watch (also from my mom).

I believe I still have two gifts left out there somewhere … unless I'm a greedy, presumptuous gal who should just be satisfied with birthday booty already received.

Is it OK if this doesn't exactly fill me with sorrow?

Do you recognize this man? His name is Joe Francis. He made a fortune getting dumb girls drunk, encouraging them to flash their boobs, and videotaping the results. Yes, he's Mr. Girls Gone Wild.

Poor Joe has had problems lately. First he was sued by underage girls for making money off of their … er, um … "images." They were not legally old enough to drink, nor old enough to enter into contracts. There were allegations that he physically took advantage of these girls, as well. That suit was settled, then there was a drug charge. Now he's in jail regarding tax evasion.

I am shocked … SHOCKED! … and horrified to learn that he's had a hard time in prison! He charges that guards forced him to be naked -- in public!

No one should abuse their power. That's always bad. Whether it's a prison a guard with a badge, or a millionaire with a videocamera.

If November 22 is your birthday …

… then you share it with ME! And here's our horoscope, courtesy of the Sun Times: "This year presents many lessons in love. Your heart will have so many reasons to feel fulfilled, but you are also learning that you don’t need a reason — love is always there for you when you are open to it. December brings a financial windfall. There’s a chance to showcase your talent in July. You share a special connection with Gemini and Aries. Your lucky numbers are 30, 1, 4, 33 and 15."

Celebration update:

• Tuesday was dinner with an old friend, Linda. I'm pleased she remembered because her life has been hectic (good and bad) lately. She's broke, so we went to an all-you-can-eat buffet. It IS the thought that counts, though, and I hope I was able to convey that to her.

• Wednesday I received my very own Robert the Doll from my friends in Key West. The original Robert is a local hero, a demonic doll who did the evil biddings of his owner (including pushing people down stairs and locking them in wine cellars). Now that his owner is long gone, it is rumored that Robert can still make mischief (throwing shadows, moving drapes, etc.). I'm a big fan of both the doll and his legend and visit him each year, safely behind glass at the East Martello Museum. Naturally I am thrilled to have one of my own!

• I also had dinner last night with my friend Kathleen. I was happy to go, but she did not have to give me anything. After all, she's the one who took me to my one and only CUB PLAY OFF GAME last July. That meant soooo much to me! In a way, I wish we'd left it at that, because I drank a couple of pear cosmos and woke up this morning with a headache. I've drunk more than two cosmos in shorter time with no ill effects, so I think I should stay away from the fruit flavorings.

Gotta get dressed so I can head over to my mother's for my birthday with her, and then the Big Bird. Wish me luck. Family celebrations don't always go so well …

Thursday Thirteen #42 -- The Secret Word Is Groucho

THIRTEEN OF MY FAVORITE
MARXISMS

Since Thursday is Thanksgiving, let me give thanks for film, kinescopes and videotape. Without the magic of media, I couldn't be as familiar with Groucho Marx. What a loss that would be, because everything about the man cracks me up. His silly, painted-on mustache. The stooped walk. His wonderful, goofy songs (Lydia the Tattooed Lady, Hello I Must Be Going, Hooray for Captain Spaulding). His timing and delivery. Even the names of his movie characters: Hugo Z. Hackenbush, Rufus T. Firefly, Otis B. Driftwood.

Here are 13 of his quotes. As you read these lines, imagine them spoken as only Groucho could.

1. If you want to see a comic strip, watch me take a shower.

2. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

3. Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read anyway.

4. Last night I shot an elephant in my pajamas. And how he got into my pajamas I’ll never know.

5. Don’t gulp that poison! It’s $4 a bottle!

6. Any man who can see through women is missing a lot.

7. I don’t want to belong to any club that would have someone like me as a member.

8. I have here an accident policy that will absolutely protect you no matter what happens. If you lose a leg, we'll help you look for it.

9. I intend to live forever or die trying.

10. I’ve known and respected your husband for many years – and if you’re good enough for him, you’re good enough for me!

11. Here’s to our wives and our girlfriends … May they never meet!

12. I could dance with you until the cows came home. On second thought, I’d rather dance with the cows until you came home.

13. I wish you’d keep my hands to yourself.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Holly recommends drinking mimosas and 12 other non-football endeavors for Thanksgiving.

2. Susie J takes us into the kitchen and shares the secret to really great cornbread

3. Ellen b sings the praises of New York

4. Tink fills us in with 13 facts about her life today

5. SJ introduces us to 13 of her ancestors

6. Nicholas returns to his bookshelf with his TT

7. Yuriko shares 13 Thanksgiving wishes

8. Lori has a thankful TT this week

9. Get to know Ms. Nononsense a bit better through her TT

10. Susan Helene shares Thanksgiving lore from her town of Riverview

11. Janet has a dreamy Thanksgiving menu


12. Shesawriter has a literary TT

13. Fresh Girl pauses to be thankful with her TT

14. Wacky Mommy shares "a little about us."

15. Grace lists 13 momentous events that happened on 11/22 -- her birthday!

16. Sassy Lucy is thankful today, and here's why

17. Amy's TT is a how-to about reaching your goals

18. Geek Betty is a thankful one, but from her one-of-a-kind POV

19. Adelle's TT is filled with fascinating facts

20. Aline PROVES she exists!

21. Di shares her iPod playlist with us.

22. See why Leslie enjoys Fall

23. I Am the Diva is suspicious, and here's why

24. Harlekwin's TT is beautiful

25. Denise introduces us to 13 fascinating characters

26. Tina Kubala is thankful, and here's why

27. Damozel gives us 13 profiles in courage

28. DriverAA is thankful, too, and shares 13 reasons






Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



My sixth birthday

Jenny McB asked me what I recall about November 22, 1963. In Brookfield, IL, I turned 6. In Dallas, TX, the world changed. I think my indelible memories of those days all these years later may serve to help parents understand that when major news events happen (Columbine, the death of Princess Diana, 9/11), children are very, very aware of it.

It was a Friday. My teacher's name was Mrs. Kroch. Because it was my birthday, I got to pass out a special treat (round milk chocolate discs individually wrapped in red/black aluminum foil and glued to black paper "feet" so that they looked like lady bugs).

The loudspeaker came on suddenly but it wasn't our principal, Miss McCann. Instead it was a scratchy radio broadcast that I couldn't understand. (I still can't understand announcements over loudspeakers.) Mrs. Kroch seemed confused and upset and sent a classmate next door to see "if it's true." I still didn't know what "it" was.

I realize now that at this point, no one knew JFK was dead, but that he had been shot. The teachers conferred in the hall for a while and then we were all sent home -- not just for lunch but for the whole day. I don't remember what we were told, but what amazes me about this today in 2007 is that (1) we were all allowed to walk to and from school; no one got a ride and (2) the school was confident that we each had a stay-at-home mom who would be there waiting for us.

When I got home, my mom was sitting on the coffee table, staring at the TV and crying. I remember that she was sitting on the table because we got yelled at for doing that. I think she wanted to be as close to the TV as possible. By now it had been announced that the president had died. She told me she'd heard the news at the grocery store and was so upset she just left her cart and came home. This part of the story is highly significant for me because it meant I WOULDN'T HAVE A BIRTHDAY CAKE AT DINNER THAT NIGHT! Remember, I'm a six-year-old first grader. I barely knew who JFK was, but I sure as shit knew it was my birthday and I wanted a cake.

Still, I'd never seen my mother cry like that before so I kept quiet. She was kinda scaring me. This was the first clue that there was something very wrong in my world.

My older sister (second grade) came home shortly after and informed me I was NOT going to have a birthday party the next day . She has always enjoyed whipping me up. This couldn't be true! I confronted my tearful mother about my party. She took me into my room to help me change into my playclothes and confirmed that yes, she was going to call all the moms that night and cancel my "kids party." I would still have my "family party" that night, but you just can't have a "kids party" when the president has been assassinated.

I don't recall if I argued with her or not. I just remember her crying and crying and crying. I realize now, looking back, she was half in love with JFK. My mom was 26 years old, and loved that the Kennedys had two kids and she had two kids (Caroline and I are just days apart). She had been terribly upset when Jackie had a miscarriage earlier that year. And JFK was just too cool. And now he was dead. She kept mentioning "those two kids."

I don't remember much until that evening, my "festive" party with no birthday cake. By now the Zapruder film was on TV. Over and over and over again. The same film! (Though the goriest frames had been censored.) My dad, still in his 20s himself and a gearhead, was just THRILLED to see that we had the same model Lincoln Continental convertible as Kennedy was shot in. "Look at the doors! Those are our doors!" My mom already hated that car because riding with the top down gave my older sister earaches. Anyway, every time my dad mentioned the convertible, my mom got this look on her face and I knew that car was gonna be gone soon. (It was. We got a nice blue Cadillac sedan after that.)

My icky grandparents (my mom's side) were guests. I was so happy that I got the one gift I'd really, really wanted. Ordered from the Avon book, it was a pink whale filled with baby shampoo. Press his tail and the shampoo comes out his blow hole. I showed it to my icky Grandma, who snapped, "Can't you see I'm watching TV?" That's all any of the adults did that weekend -- watch TV.

I have no memories until Sunday, when my dad took me to my good grandparents' house to get my birthday gift from them. My grandpa (one of my favorite people ever) was playing Lincoln Logs with me, showing me how to make a fence, when my dad started yelling at the TV. It was the first time I heard the word "lynching." Oswald was dead now, too. Being a budding wordsmith, I remember thinking that "assassinate" and "lynch" were very fancy words for "shot."

Since the next week was a short week anyway (Thanksgiving), school stayed closed until the following Monday. My mother wouldn't let us ride our bikes or play with other kids because it would be disrespectful to the President, so my sister and I stayed inside and fought. My mom tried to explain to us that we should watch the funeral, that this was history and very important. But she was still crying a lot and making me uncomfortable.

About four years later, my kid sister was a toddler and very ill. My mom explained to my older sister and me that our sister was staying in the hospital for a few days but not to worry -- SHE WAS NOT GOING TO DIE. Mom kept emphasizing it so we wouldn't be scared, but she needn't have. I remember thinking, "She's not crying like when JFK died, so it can't be bad." Same thing when the Apollo astronauts were lost in space. I figured they'd be OK because my mom wasn't crying like when JFK died. Or when she herded us into the basement because a tornado was sighted not far from our home. How close could the tornado really be? She's not crying like when JFK died. That remained my measurement for bad news for years: How hard is Mom crying compared to 11/22/63?

Most important to me at the time: while my party was never rescheduled, I did eventually get most of the gifts from my classmates. I know it sounds shallow, but remember, I was 6!

Most important to me now: Jackie managed to throw a third birthday party for John-John after the funeral on 11/25/63. I am completely in awe of her for that. I remember my own mom -- and every adult in my world -- confused, mournful and almost non-functioning between the assassination and the funeral. Yet somehow Jackie, at the center of it all, managed to suck it up and host a party for her little boy. That woman must have been made of very strong stuff.

The Gal's Gala

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving, the 44th anniversary of the Kennedy assassination, and my birthday!

Since my birthday falls on a holiday, it's hard for people to celebrate what Elvis would call "the wonder of me" on the anniversary of my arrival. So instead it's a festival, which began last Friday with a trip down to Springfield with my oldest friend. We rode Amtrak, which made it an event, visited Lincoln's home (shown), law office, tomb and Presidential Museum. And my friend gave me my first birthday gift of the season (the Beatles book, Yesterday).

When I was a little girl, Abraham Lincoln was my first hero. I think part of that is because I've always been embarrassingly, geekily patriotic. But it's also because I was born and raised here, in the Land of Lincoln. We learned about Abe early and often and reverence for him is imprinted on me, just like my vaccination scar. Even though I spent the weekend in search of the man, he's still more mythic than real. Like Santa. I know he suffered depression, I know he lost his mother at an early age and buried two of his sons. He was smart as well as wise, literate, compassionate and decent. Even in wartime. It was impossible for me not to draw comparisons to the current, all-too-human resident of the White House -- who seems to have none of those attributes. Wouldn't it be wonderful if I'm wrong about Bush #43, and that 100 years from now, schoolchildren will be studying him along with Lincoln?

And then, the Lads. Black and white photos -- many that I've never seen before! -- of them in 1964. How young they were! Ringo, the oldest, was just 24. It's fascinating to see them at the beginning of Beatlemania, before drugs and Yoko and Apple dragged them down. It's also a little sad to see how much they smoked, especially when you consider what ultimately happened to poor George.

This afternoon, a dozen roses arrived. On the card, my niece and nephew in California refer to me as their "cool aunt." That I am. Even at 50. Of course, I've met my competition in the "cool aunt" category and it's not exactly tough. But still, the flowers are pretty and it's good to hear.

Heads & Tails #10

Today's theme is NEVER. As in, "Never Say Never: What is something you thought you'd never do or say, but now you do?"

I'm stealing this one directly from mememistress Skittles, but it applies to me, too. I never thought I'd be this B-I-I-I-G. My size 12 jeans are now tight, and in the good old days (my 30s) I was a 6.

This can be blamed on a slower metabolism, drug interaction, and the fact that for years I had the worst diet on the planet. I am attempting to make a change, though. So, if you'll excuse me, I'm heading off to the health club.

THIS JUST IN: No, I'm not. Because some work needs to be done NOW! Damn job interferes with my working out, my blogging, my TV watching …

For more information on Heads or Tails, or to play along yourself, visit Skittle's Place.

What a nice thing to return to!

I went away for the weekend and came back to find that I AM AN AWARD WINNER! Misty Dawn has presented me with a pair of blogging trophies.

(1) The Be the Blog Award because my musings "really sum up what a successful blogger does. And what I mean by successful is that they make it their own, stay with it, are interactive with their readers, and just plain have fun."

(2) The Friend Award. What a lovely gift this is.

I just began this blog as online journal. I didn't expect to have readers or receive praise. This is fun and very satisfying. Thank you, Misty Dawn!

Friday's Feast #23

Appetizer
What was your first “real” job? A secretary (we were called "secretaries" back then) in the Newspaper Advertising Dept. at Sears Corporate Office in Sears Tower.

Soup
Where would you go if you wanted to spark your creativity? The tub. I seem to get my best ideas while I'm bathing or showering, and can't write them down!

Salad
Complete this sentence: I am embarrassed when my stomach growls during a meeting.

Main Course
What values did your parents instill in you? I learned from my mom that pets are members of our family, too, and must be treated with love and respect.

Dessert
Name 3 fads from your teenage years. (1) TV was dominated by cheesey variety shows -- Donny & Marie, Sonny & Cher, Tony Orlando & Dawn; (2) Girls wore their hair long, straight, and parted down the middle; (3) CB radios

For more information, or to whip up your own feast, visit www.fridaysfeast.com.

Oh no I don't!

I've been just laying down for a minute, just resting on the sofa, and then waking up at 2:00 AM. While I'm wide awake at 2:00 I do a few chores and find myself crawling into bed at 4:00 … to be awakened by my alarm clock at 6:00. So I start my workday exhausted, with vague memories of bad dreams.

It's almost 9:00 and I feel that lethargy coming on. So I'm getting UP OFF THE SOFA! I'm going to pack my overnight bag for my weekend trip with my oldest friend. I'm not going to sleep until 10:30. And when I do go to sleep, it will be in my bed. Tonight it stops.

Thursday Thirteen #41 -- 13 Tearjerkers

THIRTEEN MOVIES THAT
ALWAYS MAKE ME CRY

I do not cry in public. Never have. Unless I’m watching a movie. Then the faucets open up. Perhaps it’s because I’m so in love with the movies that it’s easy for me to get drawn into their world. Or maybe we each get a certain number of tears to shed in life and the ones I don’t weep in “real” life, I cry in “reel” life. But I’m not sure it really matters. I love a good tearjerker, and here are 13 reliable ones.

1. Titanic. (1997) Poor Jack, who perished. Poor Rose, who persevered without him. “Jack Dawson saved me in every way a person can be saved.”

2. The Wizard of Oz. (1939) I agree with Dorothy. The Scarecrow was my favorite, too, and I believe I’d miss him most of all.

3. Gone with the Wind. (1939) Damn that Civil War! But don’t you worry about Miss Scarlett O’Hara. She’ll never be hungry again. Not her, nor any of her folk. If she has to lie, steal, cheat or kill, as God is her witness, she’ll never be hungry again.

4. Casablanca. (1942) Damn that World War II! But thank God for men like Rick. He was wrong, you know. He was “good at being noble” after all. That’s why he sacrificed his great love so that right could prevail.

5. Shenandoah. (1965) Damn that Civil War! When Jimmy Stewart visits his wife’s grave and tries to explain how it decimated her family, how it took her sons, how only the politicians and undertakers and old men won, I just dissolve.

6. Mr. Roberts. (1955) Damn that World War II! It took a good and decent man like Doug Roberts, broke his spirit and then took his life. Some consider this movie a comedy, and it has its moments, but its portrayal of mundane reality of war and what it does to the soldiers and sailors who live it day to day breaks my heart.

7. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner. (1967) OK, so it’s well-meaning but dopey and dated and at times even insulting. But if you can get through that scene near the end without tears … that scene where art imitates life, when an aging Spencer Tracy, in his last movie, publicly tells Katharine Hepburn – the woman he secretly loved for decades – that his passion for her is still there, that he remembers how it felt to first fall in love with her … then there’s something very, very wrong with you.

8. Splendor in the Grass. (1961) When a grown-up, married Bud tells Deanie he doesn’t think much about happiness anymore, and she gets back in the car to go home, impossibly beautiful in her white hat and gloves, and recites to herself, “nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass or glory in the flower, we will grieve not but rather find strength in what remains behind,” I ache for them both.

9. To Kill a Mockingbird. (1962) I know young Scout has no idea why her neighbor tells her to stand up because her father is passing. But I also know that some day she will, and she’ll be a proud woman because her father was Atticus Finch.

10. The Way We Were. (1973) Yes, I know Hubbell is a shitheel – a man who knowingly squanders his talent and refuses to stand up for what matters. Yes, Katie probably is better off without him. But how she loved him and believed in him! It’s so hard to let go of such a beautiful dream. Who hasn’t felt this romantic, impossible longing?

11. Breakfast at Tiffany’s. (1961) That scene in the alley in the rain … am I happy because Holly reunites with Paul, or with Cat? Oh, what difference does it make? Just so all three live happily ever after.

12. Brian’s Song. (1971) A male buddy of mine says that there are only 3 acceptable reasons for a real man to cry: Pain, extreme pain, and Brian’s Song. Maybe it’s a Chicago thing, but I know of no one over 30 who can be in an elevator when the theme comes on without choking up. There are many movies about romantic love, but few that tackle (pardon the pun) the powerful, platonic love of friendship. This is the true story of enduring Bears hero Gale Sayers and his brave, doomed teammate Brian Piccolo. The shy, private Sayers really did accept the Halas Award saying that “I love Brian Piccolo. And tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him, too.”

13. Old Yeller. (1957) I can’t even look at the DVD cover without welling up. Was he a great Yeller Dog or what? Capable of so much joy, so much love, so much courage. This movie introduced me to one of life’s toughest lessons – our furry friends never live as long as we need them to, and they depend on us to do right by them when they’re suffering, even if it breaks our hearts.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Nicole Austin has a seasonal TT with a great banner

2. Chelle Y. has a warm and lovely list of things she's thankful for

3. Susiej's TT is an important one -- safe toys

4. Tink shares facts about her favorite jungle cat, the black panther

5. Sandee asks Why? 13 provocative times

6. Malcolm takes us down memory lane with 13 terrifically sleazy quotes from my favorite nighttime soap, Dallas

7. Crimson Wife shares 13 yummy recipes

8. WorksforMom shares bumper sticker wisdom

9. Hard-hearted Nicholas lists 13 books with cities, states or countries in their names

10. Susan Helene Gottfried sings the praises (as it were) of the rythm guitar

11. Janet gets down to basics with her TT

12. Sandy Carlson shares fascinating facts about her family tree

13. Greatfullivin has a TT that will leave you feeling warm all over

14. Leeann shares some amazing pregnant lady cravings

15. Lori offers up lovely quotes on love and friendship (and a really cool banner, too!)

16. Nononsense Girl lets us read the thought bubble over head

17. The Head Gaggler comes clean and names the worst bands

18. Journeywoman has a wise and sensitive TT about IVF

19. Jenny McB is back and funnier than ever!

20. Open Grove Claudia was kind enough to do a TT that makes me feel better about myself

21. Fresh Girl has a birthday coming up. Swing by and wish her well.

22. Wakela's TT was is all about hyperthyroidism

23. Megan is a frustrated book-a-holic

24. Morgan Leigh shows off her beautiful family

25. Heads up! Crazy Working Mom has a birthday coming up, and her gift list is her TT

26. Mitchypoo has 13 one-liners about weight loss and diet

27. Becka muses about 13 imponderables

28. Visit Grace for 13 facts about dates (as in tasty food, not men nor the calendar)

29. MomG has funny courtroom anecdotes

30. Raggedy takes us back to airforce in 1920

31. Xakara gives us insight into her creative process

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Heads & Tails #9

Today's theme is ROAD.

As soon as I saw it, two songs from two very different performers popped into my head. All these two have in common is that they are both deeply romantic and fiercely independent American originals … and they're both from New Jersey.

We're drinking, my friend, to the end of a brief episode. So make it one for my baby, and one more for the road … Frank Sinatra of Hoboken, "One for My Baby"

I know you're lonely for words that I ain't spoken. Tonight we'll be free, all the promises will be broken … Bruce Springsteen of Asbury Park, "Thunder Road"

For more information about Heads or Tails, or to play along yourself, visit mememistress Skittles.

I'm it!

Kwizgiver tagged me for the 7 Random and/or Weird Facts about Me meme.

First the facts …

1. Mary Jane peanut butter kisses are my favorite non-chocolate candy.

2. I hate doing laundry, but it's the only domestic chore I'm really good at. I can get just about any stain out of almost any piece of clothing.

3. I suck at the Pogo game Turbo 21, yet I play it compulsively.

4. I must like Tom Selleck. I don't consciously think of him often, I'm not sexually attracted to him, and I've never seen him on Vegas, but I must like him because I have a recurring dream where he rescues me from a burning car. I wish I knew what/who he represents to my subconscious.

5. My cat Charlotte is named for Charlotte Anne from the movie A Soldier's Daughter Never Cries.

6. I think just about every man is more attractive in a jacket and tie.

7. I still believe Patsy Ramsey killed JonBenet.

Now the rules:
1. Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
3. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
4. Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Boho Rap
Cupcake
Mo
Jenny McB
Misty Dawn
No Nonsense Girl
Candy Minx

Give Me 5 Monday -- #2

This week's theme: GIVE ME FIVE FAVORITE AMUSEMENT PARK RIDES

1. Roller coaster. I especially like the old-fashioned wooden ones because the clacky sound as you ascend toward the top is louder and scarier.

2. Disney Monorail. Yes, I know it's not as exciting as the other rides, but it gives you a chance to look out onto the entire Magic Kingdom.

3. The Scrambler. I love how thrillingly helpless I feel as I'm flung from one side of the car to the other.

4. The Tilt-a-Whirl. Just the opposite of the Scrambler. I enjoy coordinating with my ridemates in an attempt to achieve the perfect tilt and whirl.

5. The Log Ride. Where you splash down into the water. These are great for cooling off on a hot day.

For more information, or to play along yourself, visit mememistress Becca.

Unconscious Mutterings #17

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Treadmill :: Health club
   
2. Stroke :: High blood pressure
   
3. Exclusively :: Especially
   
4. Lash :: Mascara
   
5. Red carpet:: Paparazzi
   
6. Credit card :: Interest rate
   
7. Points :: Airline miles
   
8. Domestic :: Beer
   
9. 21 :: Black Jack
   
10. Inject :: Shot

For more information, or to free associate yourself, Unconscious Mutterings.

In praise of provocative artists

In Redford's Lions for Lambs, Senator Tom Cruise presents a pro-military governmental approach to the War on Terror in articulate, global terms while Professor Robert Redford tries to convince a lazy and disillusioned but bright and gifted student to use his talents for the greater good. It's a talky movie, but it's good talk. Why does it seem that it's always the young people who enjoy the best of what this country has to offer who skip military service for advanced degrees and big paydays, while defending the American Way often falls to those kids our society ignores? What is our responsibility to one another? How can we each use our individual talents for the greater good? If you want fun, buy a ticket to Seinfeld's bee movie. If you want to examine your heart and conscience, go see Lions for Lambs.

On his new CD, Magic, Bruce Springsteen sings lyrics that are seared into my soul:

"You know that flag flying over the courthouse
Means certain things are set in stone
Who we are, what we'll do and what we won't"

Who are we? I don't know anymore. It feels like our standards are no longer set in stone. Abu Gharib. Water boarding. Lying about WMDs. Demonizing gays. "Swiftboating" veterans. It's all so, so very ugly and I don't LIKE thinking about any of these painful topics. But when "Long Walk Home" comes through my headphones, The Boss forces me to confront them. As we approach another election, we must confront them. It's irresponsible and immoral not to. Thank God Bruce is there to remind me.

Springsteen and Redford have released deeply patriotic, thoughtful art that celebrates who we have been and who we can be again. I am better for it.

It was a very good week

I've missed this photo. So I'm glad I have two such terrific reasons to run it!

1) My beloved future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux signed a one-year contract with the Padres. So I get another season to watch the Professor at work!

2) He won a record 17th Gold Glove award for for fielding excellence. His comment upon hearing the announcement? "It's cool to win again. I'm fortunate to still be pitching at this level and honored to be recognized with this prestigious award."

I love you. Sigh.

This must STOP!

I want to put a halt to middle-aged women who say, "Many talk the talk but …"

"I speak the truth." (Star Jones on CourtTV)
"they don't walk the walk." (A friend of a friend on her blog.)

I know these 40+ women think it makes them sound legitimate and "street," but it doesn't. It's cliche, it's not age appropriate … and it annoys me.

If you hear and read any middle-aged women who use this phrase, first issue a citation that includes a fine. Next time, take them into custody. PLEASE!

(Ah! I feel better now.)

Friday's Feast #22

Appetizer
Which snack do you like to get when you go to the movies? Snocaps or Raisinettes. (Yum!)

Soup
What year did you start using the internet? 1995 perhaps? AOL was the only game in town.

Salad
What is your first name in Pig Latin? Al-gay

Main Course
Name something you are picky about. My face care. I've learned that the most expensive moisturizers aren't necessarily the best for my skin.

Dessert
Fill in the blanks: I worked out yesterday and I will again today. (Hopefully!)

For more information, or to whip up your own feast, visit www.fridaysfeast.com

It's not Robertson endorsing Giuliani that surprises me …

It's Giuliani accepting the endorsement that has me shaking my head. "America's mayor," the man who proclaims his love for New York City and insists he will never forget 9/11, has apparently chosen to forget -- or perhaps overlook for political expediency -- how Pat Robertson behaved after that ugly attack on America.

It was Robertson who gave Jerry Falwell a platform on his 700 Club just days after 9/11. When we were all reeling with shock, disbelief and pain. How did these two men of the cloth help us heal? By blaming ME for what happened to the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Quoth Falwell: "The ACLU has got to take a lot of blame for this. And I know I'll hear from them for this, but throwing God successfully with the help of the federal court system, throwing God out of the public square, out of the schools, the abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked and when we destroy 40 million little innocent babies, we make God mad. I really believe that the pagans and the abortionists and the feminists and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People for the American Way, all of them who try to secularize America. I point the thing in their face and say you helped this happen."
Added Robertson: "I totally concur, and the problem is we've adopted that agenda at the highest levels of our government, and so we're responsible as a free society for what the top people do, and the top people, of course, is the court system."

Yes, this gal has contributed money to the ACLU and People for the American Way. It's because of hate-mongering, demonizing creeps like Robertson and Falwell that I want government secularized. I want my country back. I want my Christian religion back. I want people like Robertson to have less power and influence.

And Rudy, how could you?
How could you allow yourself to be embraced by a man who used the horror of 9/11 to advance his regressive social agenda?

I know Robertson apologized for the above comments, saying later that Falwell's comments were "totally inappropriate." No shit, Pat.

Thursday Thirteen #40 -- With apologies to Julie Andrews …

THESE ARE THIRTEEN

OF MY FAVORITE THINGS

It’s no secret that I love The Sound of Music. But I just don’t like raindrops on roses. Roses lose their petals too quickly and have thorns. Bright copper kettles mean nothing to me. The USPS won’t even accept a brown paper package tied up with strings anymore. So thinking of that stuff when the dog bites or the bee stings doesn't really help. Instead, here are a few of my very own “favorite things” …

1. Blue. My favorite color. Cobalt, aqua, navy, robin’s egg … I love them all. Denim is my favorite-most favorite.

2. Eggs benedict. My favorite breakfast. To order at a restaurant, of course. It's too much work to prepare myself.

3. Okapi. My favorite zoo critter. Imagine a giraffe with a short neck and a soft, shiny coat.

4. Office supplies. I love my pens and pencils and pencil sharpener and personalized notepads.

5. A cat’s purr. The most comforting sound there is. Especially from the throat of my big old fatcat, Joey. He tries to meow and purr at the same time and it sounds like a gargle. Too cute!

6. “I Don’t Break Easily.” My favorite Barbra Streisand song that was never a hit. (It’s on her “Songbird” album, if you want to check it out for yourself.)

7. The Cubs starting infield, ca 1969. Ernie Banks, Glenn Beckert, Don Kessinger and Ron Santo. I grew up on these guys and, for me, they will always personify fielding excellence.

8. Shea Body Butter. My favorite moisturizer is luxurious, thick and almost fragrance free. Available at The Body Shop.

9. Bruce Springsteen. My favorite concert performer. Ever.

10. The Law & Order cast, ca. 1995. In the courtroom: Adam Schiff, Jack McCoy, and Claire Kincaid. On the streets: Lt. Van Buren, Rey Curtis (I even named my cat after him) and, of course, Lennie Briscoe. I’m always happy when a rerun comes on and it’s this lineup.

11. The manicotti at La Cantina. Manicotti is a good comfort food under any circumstances, but OMG! Does this restaurant do it great or what?

12. MSNBC. If you really want your news “fair and balanced,” you should watch the newschannel that gives a daily platform to everyone from Tucker Carlson and Joe Scarborough to Keith Olberman. I positively gorge myself on the divergent opinions. Oh, and I have a crush on Dan Abrams.

13. The Slowskys. The commercials with these Comcast turtles always make me smile. Bill and Karolyn, you’re my favorite married couple.

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1.Ellen B has an uplifting post about friendship

2. Nap Warden serves up a delicious but high-cal TT

3. Forgetfulone takes us on a lovely trip into reruns

4. Sandee has 13 provocative thoughts

5. Nicole completely cracked me with her cowboy TT

6. Holly offers up 13 movies she can watch and watch and watch …

7. Malcolm lists the 13 best B sides of all time (including one of my faves)

8. Greatfullivin explains where our words come from

9. Nicholas celebrates his 100th TT with a list of DVDs

10. Impworks takes us "bird watching," and it's hilarious


11. Susan Helene Gottfried lets Kerri Voss share her observations of fall

12. Susie J has a unique culinary TT

13. No Nonsense Girl doesn't have a TT this week (or does she?)

14. Heather was busy today with these 13 things

15. Celebrate with Lori and wish her a happy birthday!

16. Joyismygoal takes us down on the farm

17. Harlekwin, who created that gorgeous banner you see above, wishes to celebrate some highly inventive holidays

18. Sorry, SJ, but I just couldn't find your TT. Here's a link to SJ's site.

19. Candyminx has the coolest TT ever!

20. Xakara teases us with compelling quotes from her work in progress


21. Yen takes us along as she remembers her childhood

22. Secret Agent Mama spills the beans on beans

23. Raggedy has a TT that every cat wants you to read and commit to memory

24. Maria's TT is important for flu season

25. Gabriella doesn't have a new TT this week, but if you're feeling brave, check out last week's Halloween/scary movie list

26. Mo's TT shines the spotlight on her favorite authors

27. Paige passionately rants

28. Carrie Lofty lists 13 favorite recipes inherited from Mom

29. Ann Aguirre is very excited about her new collaborator

30. Vixen has a TT about her blog that's interesting and creative.


Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants