Half-Staff 2012

There are loads of fun places to be on a holiday, where the smiles are a mile long, and the laughter is as infectious as the mosquito bites are itchy.

A great part of the populace climb out of bed on Memorial Day, prepared to spend the entirety of it in the company of good friends, with good food, and as much frolicking and festivity as they can cram into it.

Old Glory still leaves me in awe, whether flying at the top,
half-staff or half-mast.
I hope one day it will be able to fly again, in representation
of the free Republic it was meant for.

However, for many, before the festivities begin, they gather every year to spend some time in contemplation and expressed gratitude as they remember to pay honor to the military veterans who have marched their last march, taken their last order, and made their last stand.

Here in the United States many of us are blessed to have privileges we exercise every day because of the sacrifices made on our behalf by our military.  Young and old, men and women, many of those are no longer with us to enjoy the day with family and friends.

Some consider it a responsibility to remember their lives, and their sacrifice, and regard it as time well spent, to remind ourselves to be vigilant in protecting our freedoms, to be thankful for what we have, and to remember that it has cost many their last breath to provide it for us.

For those who gathered this year at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Fort Worth, Texas to honor those who gave so much for the rest of us, I wish to extend my thanks and appreciation to you for being there, and to those who attended every other Memorial Day observance wherever you may have been.

These gentlemen sat in the heat, without shade, for the entire ceremony before giving the gun salute at the end.
Bravo, guys ... you were stunning. :)

It's one of those gatherings that never ceases to choke me with sadness and yet fill my heart with gratitude and pride for our veterans.  With Old Glory snapping in the wind, at half-staff, and the fast jets rocketing over heads, piloted by the 301st Fighter Wing Team of the NAS Joint Reserve Base, I was again amazed at the wonder and privilege it is to be a part of such a great people.



Lt. Col. Lane Beene, USAFR (center - in the jumpsuit)
flanked by attending members of the U.S. Marine Corps
League - Longhorn Detatchment.

Lt. Col. Beene visiting with guest before the
ceremony.

Lt. Col. Lane Beene, USAFR, 457th Fighter Squadron of the Joint Reserve Base Naval Air Station in Fort Worth, shared with us the news of the tragedies involved in heroism that many veterans have succumbed to.  And yet, though tragic, to remind us that they gave their lives selflessly, to save the lives of others.  The Lt. Col. has been deployed to serve in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Italy, Chile, Germany and Spain, and to date, has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours during his service time.

Glenda Rader of Laurel Land, and a member of the
Marine Corps League - Longhorn Detatchment

In about a month, Old Glory will be sharing air-space with cascades of color brought on by fireworks as we celebrate Independence Day.

Amidst the bangs and booms of the larger displays, sparkler-wielding kids, the food on the grill and the ice chests full of favorite beverages ... I hope you won't forget to whisper a prayer for those who have done so much, and those who are still doing so much, to maintain what freedoms we have left.



Mr. Bill Brown - U.S. Veteran - WWII,
And his daughter Wendy Wood.
Mr. Brown is 92 years old.

There's a poster I've seen circulating frequently on facebook that reads, "Support your U.S. military.  You may be needing them if the time comes to overthrow our corrupt government."

If it were possible to pin a gold star on that poster, I'd be one of the first to stick one on it.

I have a great deal of appreciation to the veterans organizations and other participants, who come year after year to Laurel Land Memorial Park to honor those who've served us.  I can't remember a single Memorial Day weekend in Texas that hasn't been hot.  Even though they know they'll be dripping with sweat, and may not find a spot in the shade, people come anyway.  This past holiday, nearly 500 people came for the observance ceremony.



The Cannoneers

They discovered there was a reason they looked
familiar to one another. :)

On behalf of myself, and everyone else there who benefited from it, I'd like to extend a special thanks to the Marine Corps League - Longhorn Detatchment for sharing your ice water.  Never let it be said that our leathernecks aren't generous.  (Grin!) 

Seriously, the Longhorn Detatchment is made up of a great bunch of folks, and they really do set up a tent and pass out icewater for free to anyone who wants it. 

I've included what photos I could fit in the post, but if you would like to view more, they're viewable in the blog's gallery.

God bless you, thanks for the read, and don't forget to thank a veteran at your next opportunity!

femmeflashpoint

In The Line Up

Early voting in Tarrant County, Texas is at an end, and this morning the polls are open for those of us who intend to vote during the "regularly scheduled" hours.

We have some interesting folks running for office this season, a few of whom I'd like to tell you about.

Jennifer Hall is running for re-election as Tarrant County Republican Chairman/woman/person (however you wanna say it, and feel politically correct, if it's important to you - I'm open for suggestions), and she's already made an impressive mark her first time through.

She's not one of those folks who are Republican in name only, aka a RINO, she's actually constitutionally adherant.  (That's become my new favorite term lately.  If they don't qualify for that, I won't vote for them.  She does, so I will.)

Jennifer Hall

Jennifer has been the only candidate not just willing, but committed, to working full time as the County Chair, and has maintained incredibly gruelling hours during her time in the position thus far.  In only five months she brought the County party from being in debt, to being $45,000 banked and debt free.  She also restored the Lincoln Day fundraiser from planned cancellation to a sold-out event and won the fight to preserve the traditional Republican delegate election process in Tarrant County.  Also, she was the only County Chair who fought for the Precinct Conventions to be maintained rather than being skipped, and going straight to the Senate District conventions. 

She's not only demonstrated fiscal responsibility, she's worked hard to unify Tarrant County Republicans to work together toward their common goals, and is still striving to restore values amongst the administration of the party.  For more information on Jennifer Hall, go to Jennifer Hall Tarrant County GOP Chair

Jonathan Stickland

Jonathan Stickland is another one in the line up.  He's running for Texas State Representative and he's set the bar high.  Jonathan desires to maintain a pro business environment, and get rid of frivolous lawsuits, as well as reduce regulation, effectively getting big government out of the way and making room for employers to actually employ.

Jonathan believes there should be no new taxes implemented due to revenue not being a problem, but wasteful government spending being the problem.  That should make him really popular with voters, and very un-popular with a whole lot of folks currently holding elected office. 

He advocates family values and, as a Christian, is markedly pro-life.

Jonathan wants to stop the drain of illegal immigration on our state budget and increase the quality and efficiency of education by getting monies back into the classrooms and out of the hands of bureaucrats. 

Campaigning during early election: Cedron Garrett,
Taylor Shaw, Mia Hutchens and
Jonathan Stickland.

He's not a socialist, and is not in support of socialized medicine.  He also plans to protect the constitutional right to keep and bear arms.  For more information on Jonathan and his views on conservative leadership, limited government, family values and personal responsibility, please go to his website at JonathanStickland.com.

Craig Bickley is running for Tarrant County Commissioner and has plans to return local government to the taxpayers.  He's been active in politics since high school and from there has served as a precinct chair, GOP state convention delegate, and on the SD12 Platform Resolutions Committee.  He's also served as the VP of Communication with the Tarrant County Republican Club and on the Northwest Independent School District Long Term Planning Committee.

Craig Bickley

Craig is also wanting to require fiscal responsibility with tax payer's dollars and government transparency.  It's the citizens government, and the citizens monies that are being spent.  Craig believes the citizens have a right to know where their money is being spent and the reasons behind the decisions to spend it.

The Commissioners Court oversees a budget that is HUGE!!  It's nearly half a billion dollars, and it's largely funded through property taxes.  For more information on Craig, go to craigbickley.com.

Giovanni Capriglioni and family

Giovanni Capriglioni is running for State Representative.  He wants to strengthen the Texas economy with a "Pro Job/Pro Growth Strategy."  He's the only candidate in this race who has signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer's Pledge, and is committed to not raising taxes. 

Giovanni's website reports that in Texas alone, over 80,000 unborn children are put to death.  (I term it that way because a fetus has it's own unique DNA.)  I find that number to be staggering.  Giovanni has been a champion in the right to life for these children, and wants to ensure that ALL taxpayer money is stopped from being funnelled to Planned Parenthood and other orginizations with similar practices.

He's an advocate of the U.S. Constitutional right to bear arms by a free citizenry.  He's pro increasing government transparency, is a member of the NRA and active in the fight for the right of U.S. citizenry to bear arms.  For more information on Giovanni, go to http://votegiovanni.com/issues/.

Matt Krause and family

Matt Krause is running for the Texas House of Representatives in District 93.  He's opposed to implementing a state income tax, wants education monies actually put towards educators and students, and is an advocate of the right to bear arms.  Per Matt, "A well armed citizenry is a good check and balance against and over-zealous government.  The 2nd Amendment is a catalyst of a society of freedom and liberty."

Matt wants Texans to stop relying on the federal government for funding and assert their own state sovereignty as well as keep Washington D.C. out of citizens personal lives and other areas, such as healthcare and the EPA.  For more information on Matt, go to http://texansformattkrause.com/issues/.

J. Kevin Carey

J. Kevin Carey is running for 153rd District Court Judge.  Mr. Carey states he believes, "the constitution clearly defines the role of judges as deciding disputs, not making laws."  He wants to ensure that laws passed by Texas Legislature are constitutionally adherant, to stop the waste of taxpayers' monies being spent on frivilous lawsuits and ensure that the courtroom is a place where all who come there are treated fairly by bringing common sense back into the courtrooms, where peoples' lives are directly effected by the outcome of the courts' actions.

These are the ones that I'm in support of, and believe their interest lies with "we, the people."

I hope you'll make an effort to get out and vote today.

God bless you!  Thank you for the read, and don't forget to thank a Veteran at your next opportunity!

femmeflashpoint

Stockyards for the 48th

"Oh what a night ... !"

For about a decade (or a little more), Riscky's in the Fort Worth Stockyards Train Station has been the gathering point for my birthday party.

Yesterday evening, the Texas crew came piling in, smiling through the sweat, and waiting patiently in line until they could clear a spot on the patio large enough to accomodate everyone.  This year I turned 48, and the older I get the more appreciative I am of their efforts to keep in good spirits about the numbers in my birthday climbing higher and higher.

I received more smiles and hugs than I could count, and was thrilled to get to spend the evening with some of the  most wonderful folks in Texas!  Several of them go out of their way each year to ensure my birthday is a memorable event, and help to keep the homesick-blues for Kentucky-ana to a dull thud.  Thanks gang!  I totally appreciate you!

My tech-mates from U.T. Southwestern Transplant Services Center started the tradition way back in 2001 and over the years it caught on to become the annual birthday bash that we get together for, on every Memorial Day weekend.  Folks showed up from U.T. Transplant, Laurel Land Funeral Home of Fort Worth, Agero Company in Irving, and for the first time, two of the Muscle Next Door, along with Elizabeth were able to join in.

Sadly, and much to my dismay, I somehow dropped the ball on taking photos.  I got so wrapped up in all the hugs, smiles and chatting that I forgot to ask one of my camera-packing compadres to get pictures.

But, before it was over S.Elf managed to get a couple of shots for me.  Thank you, S.Elf, for coming to the rescue.

And, my thanks to Bobby D. (Bobby Debenport - Funeral Director at Laurel Land) who is exceptional in eagerly greeting new friends.  He shakes hands and introduces himself and makes a big effort to ensure they feel comfortable while they're getting acquainted with new faces.

Torres is the main coordinator for this event.  This year, she finally crossed the line and made arrangements for that one thing that she knows makes me grind my teeth.  The restaurant staff showed up and climbed on benches to sing loudly and present a Riscky's birthday cake.

I'd managed to escape that sort of thing up 'til last night, and Torres was totally cheesin' when the grim look of, "Oh noooooo ..... " came over my face. 

(Sigh ... )

Torres is one of my best friends, and I love her dearly, but now .... I'm obligated to get even.

Tony and Conquistador

We had an unplanned surprise at last night's gathering, that was just the coolest sight!  Tony, and his beautiful horse, Conquistador, put on an impromptu performance, taking several turns up Exchange Street, and they were awesome to watch!  Tony was also kind enough to come back and do it one more time so I could get a video of them.

My apologies to Tony's friend who also allowed me to get photos of him and his horse as well.  Unfortunately, I blurred the shots too much to be able to incloude them in today's post.  But, hopefully, I'll be able to get substitute pics of them to add later on.

They received applause and enthusiastic cheers from our group, and Tony said he'd be happy to bring Conquistador back next year to dance for the party again.

Tonight Torres and I plan to be at The Grotto, to see a debut perfomance by local songwriter, vocalist and classic guitarist, Sam Gross.

Several of my friends and colleagues have already attended various performances by Sam, and I've heard very positive reviews on him.  Tonight will be my first time to catch one of his gigs, so I'm going with high expectations!

Sam's a very cool guy, who's easy to get acquainted with.  He's also a U.S. Veteran, so you know how high that rates with me. :)  I'm looking forward to tonight's event.

That's it for this one!  I'm headed to Laurel Land Memorial Park to cover their annual Memorial Day observance.

God bless!  Thanks for the read and don't forget to thank a Veteran at your next opportunity!

femmeflashpoint

The scorpion was the cherry on the cake ...

Two weeks ago, a few of the Agero gang (formerly ATX) headed to Oklahoma for a cabin-in-the-woods get-away.

I went for two reasons; my friends asked me to come along, and they promised there were off-road bike trails.

Tailing Kimy-Jo up I-35 to find some
Oklahoma dirt to ride on.

It's true.  Lake Murray does have off-road trails.  As for riding them .... you can read about the trail-adventure-fiasco on the Trail Challenges - Pack Rides blog.  It was rough, and that's an understatement.

The "crashing" disappointments encountered during cycling aside, the company was really good.  I felt my neck and shoulders relaxing not long after I unloaded and stowed my gear, and it felt really good to be far enough away from traffic to not hear it. 

I had hoped to post a blog one evening from the cabin, but I couldn't get a data signal on my mobile, so I was unable to set up a hotspot to access from.  I actually felt good enough to write while I was there.  That doesn't mean I want to spend another night in one of their cabins.  No wi-fi access and a scorpion in the bathroom heading towards my bare feet, first thing in the morning while I was still muzzy-headed with sleep was a permanant turn-off to doing it again.  I can't remember moving backwards so fast, while trying to pull up my pajamas, wash my hands and open the door, all at the same time.

These three were MUCH more fun to spend time with than
the scorpion!  My thanks to S.Elf for wading through
the tall grass to take their pic.

I'd include a pic of the little creepy-creature that was heading for my toes, but .... well, I was at my maximum multi-task limit just trying to get away from the thing.  S.Elf and Kimy-Jo were more awake and far more brave in dealing with it.  They had it cornered, squashed and flushed in under two minutes.

If I head back for a cycle trip, I'd either go for the day and come home later to a scorpion-free house, or find a hotel room, and stay in a room no lower than the second floor, even if I have to haul my bike up a couple flights of stairs.

It wasn't "all" bad.  The scenery was great.  This is at the
bottom of the first trail Kim and I rode.

Kimy-Jo and S.Elf packed enough clothing and paraphanalia to be away from home for about a month.  Allison, Amy and I threw a minimum of almost everything we needed for a two-night stay, and thankfully Kimy-Jo and S.Elf were able to pick up the slack and loan us what we'd forgotten.

I was sure it would take them an entire day to get everything repacked and loaded when we left, but no kidding, they had every bit of it packed up in under an hour.  I was impressed ... really!

My bears, Hugs and Cinnamon, helping S.Elf
remain incognito.

Also, no kidding aside, people should PAY S.Elf to go with them on camping trips (even if you're camping in a cabin - so to speak) because having her along is like travelling with a personal Five Star Chef.  She remembered everyone's food preferences and diet restrictions, and managed to fix food that everyone could eat, and she made enough to feed our group of five, and at least 10 more.  It was magnificient!





The first evening there, Amy, the resident Girl Scout Leader, built a fire in the pit outside.  I'd been out earlier, and heard something coming through the woods towards the cabin, and hauled it as quick as I could run, back inside to the screened-in porch.

Kimy-Jo on the first leg of the first trail.

Later, when Amy got the fire going, I went inside for supplies, and when I came back out the door, she'd left the fire for the safety of the porch too.  She said, "What's light colored, feline and bigger than house-cat?" 

My only guess was a young bob-cat or cougar.  She said she looked up, and there it was, looking back at her, and it wasn't nearly as frightened of her as she was of it.  She did the same thing I'd done earlier, ran inside to the porch.  When she looked back through the screen to see it better, it was leaving for more inviting digs. 

One of Amy's photo contributions. :)

So, no.  We didn't get a pic of the cat either.

I woke up with the migraine-nemesis the next morning, so Kimy-Jo went trail-snooping alone.  She found some decent riding trails that we'd missed the day before (figures), and found some big cat prints in the dirt.  She got some pics, but I haven't gotten copies of them yet.  If they turn out to be viewable, I'll post them in the next blog.

Allison piloting the speed boat.

The lake and the forest at Lake Murray were beautiful, but the water was still a little too cool to be romping in it.  Amy and Allison decided to take a boat out instead of renting wave-runners.  They offer those, as well as pontoon party boats, and the prices were reasonable.

They also have floating cabins that come equipped with their own little swimming areas.  I'm not interested.  I'm thinking I'd be trading scorpions for snakes in the bathroom, and neither one seems appealing.

They have a HUGE lodge, with rooms, suites and wi-fi, so that might be an option if I ever go back there for an overnight trip again.

Amy - displaying her dead-racoon ensemble.

To give you a heads up, soon I'll be moving my weblog to my own website.

I'll keep the blogs posted here intact because I can't move the comments with them.

Amy and Allison found these little guys heading for the lake.

The content from the other pages here will come with me to the new site when I have it set up.  I'll let you know when I complete the transition.

The move will be good.  I'll be free of contention with Google Ad Sense, and I'll have more content options.  The Veterans Honors page will get it's new additions, and a face-lift as well, and ... all around it's a good idea and I'm regretting that I didn't decide to do it sooner.

Another thing, if you're a Tarrant County, Texas voter, and prefer a candidate who maintains constitutional adherance, I urge you to vote for Jennifer Hall for Republican County Chairman.  She's not a member of the Republican "Old Guard and Good Ol' Boys Club" who like to prattle on about the fight to maintain personal liberties for Americans, yet have track records which are the total opposite of what they boast about in their campaigns.

Jennifer Hall - Republican County Chair
Tarrant County, Texas

Do a little digging on her and you'll see what I mean.  And, for the record, the rumors that her husband, Jonathan (aka McGuyver) is a multi-millionaire, as well as the one that Jen's running for office to gain power, is not only a hoot, but totally untrue.

My family has lived next door to the Halls for nearly 20 years.  They are some of the most honest folks I've ever met.  They're well versed with the U.S. Constitution, and are giving up massive hours of their own time, without payment, to ensure it remains alive and well. 

I hope you'll check her out, and cast your vote in her favor, because she's the only candidate running with her communities' desires in mind.

That's it for this one!

God bless, thanks for the read, and don't forget to thank a veteran at your next opportunity!

femmeflashpoint

Ringling Bros. - providing smiles for the crowds and cries from the animals.

For me, writing isn't like riding a bike.  When I don't stay consistent with it, I get rusty.  And, rusty would be a good description of how it's feeling today, attempting to put a blog post together after being 'off the page' for a few weeks now.

The reason for the absence is a migraine-storm, that hasn't let up long enough to get much of anything done on the literary front.

Since I haven't been reading as much as the norm, I've been dependent on getting most of my information regarding current events from my friends.  Some of it's been good and some of it's been disturbing.

One of the articles S.Elf informed me of last week was regarding Ringling Bros. circus and the incredible animal abuse being practiced by their animal handlers. 

Before you plan a visit, when the Ringling Bros. circus is in town, I'd advise watching this video.  There's also an affiliated website you might want to have a look at, with further information of the behind-the-scenes atrocities committed against these animals before they're paraded in front of adoring audiences packed with kids, who have no idea what these poor things go through before they make it to the entertainment ring.  The website is http://www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com.

I'll warn you now, if you've any heart at all, this will make you cry, and it will make you think twice before going to the circus.  After seeing this, until I'm convinced that this sort of thing isn't happening behind the scenes of all circus groups, the last one I attended will be the last one I attend.

Since this blog started on a dark note, I'd like to lighten things up a little before closing it.

Dos Molina's is a restaurant in the Fort Worth Stockyards that's been around for a long time.  My friend Torres has been going there for years, and she's the one who introduced me to it.  The restaurant recently went through a face lift, and they've got the place looking great!  Stained glass windows, and a new festive interior came together beautifully, and they're still not finished.

The Double-L funeral service crew met there on Monday for our monthly get-together, and we weren't disappointed.  The company was wonderful, and the food was excellent, and it isn't exorbitantly priced.  We left with smiles on our faces and without our wallets feeling pinched. 

L to R: Kit, Bobby D., Torres and D.J.

Kit had just returned from a cruise and was filling us in on what it was like to swim with dolphins.  No sun-screen, no sun glasses, and no jewelry.  Just you, the water and the dolphin, and it's totally worth it.  I've added it to my bucket list. 

This was the first time Molina's has hosted the Double L. gang, and thankfully, they didn't ask us to leave and not come back after a great deal of high-volume laughter.  (I'm always relieved by that.) 

They get two thumbs up for tolerating us, without pressing their fingers to their lips and warning us with a "Shhhh!!"

Thankfully, the other patrons didn't complain either. 

April-May-June, striking a pose. :)

My friends at Agero haven't let me down either, in bringing on the smiles.  One of my friends and colleagues there is April (known to us as April-May-June, because we can't NOT call her that) is forever trying her hand at new projects.  Sometimes it's hooking (as in yarn on a loom), other times it's a new manicure style, and then there are the hand-made with personal flair clothing items she designs.

Her most recent project was a purple tu-tu, which she was kind enough to model for us on the night shift.  She's positive minded, good hearted and as funny as they come.  She not only modeled it for us, she took the time to turn a few poses down our makeshift runway as well.

Camera flashes were going off throughout our whole section, and we laughed at her antics until the tears rolled.  She was a good sport about it and decided the tu-tu was a hit.

Sheriff Mack

Other good news is, Sheriff Mack (Richard Mack) is running for Congress.  Applause!  Applause!!

I'm impressed with this guy.  He' a constitution stickler, and has spent a great deal of his time educating other sheriff's in their constitutional roles, and the importance they play in the protection of the communities they serve.

He reminds me of Davey Crockett, who pretty much told Washington to take a hike when he said, "I bark for no man."  Sheriff Mack is an ongoing reminder that elected officials are public servants, and meant to do exactly what they're elected and paid to do;  protect and serve the taxpayers who foot their bill, not be lords and masters over them.  That was supposed to have ended with the Revolutionary War, but some folks have forgotten that it's representatives we're paying for, not leaders.

That's it for today.  Barring headaches, I'll be back soon. 

I have a trip coming up next week with some friends from Agero to check out some mountain bike trails and a castle at Turner Falls Park in Oklahoma.

I may have to ride wearing an ice pack strapped to my head with a bandanna, but I'm determined to at least get to ride my Schwinn in the dirt, and see a castle up close that I've only seen from a distance before.  It looks very cool and I'm anxious to check it out.

Thanks for the read!  Hope you have a great week!

God bless, and don't forget to thank a veteran at your next opportunity!

femmeflashpoint

S.Elf's Easter Ears & The Magic Cup

Easter greetings, gang!

Amongst the varied religions of the peoples of the world, this day is observed for different reasons.

For me, it's a commemoration of the morning an empty tomb was found, and noting the absence of the most famously selfless and perfect individual whoever lived.

Jesus.

Such a simple and common name, for the most extraordinar person who ever graced this planet.

Author, Rev. Max Lucado once advised, that for all the people of whom parents can teach their kids to look up to, and model themselves after in areas of bravado, forgiveness, and a life well-lived, there is only One who did it perfectly.

In reference to another of my favorite author's, who penned Kipling's Thousandth Man, Rudyard Kipling wrote, "One man in a thousand, will stick closer than a brother, but the Thousandth Man will stand by your side, to the gallows foot and after."

For those of us who have a relationship with this Man, that's exactly how it is.  For those who go through adversity without Him, I can't fathom how they do it.  He is the greatest friend and comfort I have ever encountered, and I'm very thankful for Christ and His grace that has reached me in some incredibly dark and low spots in my life.  Even when I pushed Him away, He remained faithful to me, always with His hand out, calling my name.

I've done some incredibly stupid and selfish things in my life, but, because of Him, I'm recovering, and each day is another opportunity to do better, and be closer to Him, following in His footsteps along a path I should have never abandoned so long ago.

This holiday, like all the others, brings back memories of time with family and friends that I couldn't be with this year.  Some have passed from this life, and others are far away.  But, the memories still bring a smile to my heart.

S.Elf, with a little ear-propping assistance from
Amy Dawson, colleague and friend.

Last night, S.Elf, true to form and fashion, put a MASSIVE smile on my face as soon as I walked into the response center.  She never lets me down during a holiday observance.  And, her clever craftiness for Easter Eve wasn't an exception. 

When I saw her get-up, I laughed out loud.  I LOVED it!!

Of course, I spent a good amount of time moaning that I wasn't getting an Easter Basket from my sister this year.  Nee's made baskets for me, in absence of our mother, great-grandmother, and great-aunt, every time I've been in the area with her during Easter holiday. 

S.Elf - Easter 2012

Nee's baskets are spectacular, but honestly, it's not the great mix of stuff she puts in them, it's the fact that she bothers to do it.  They're always "signature" gifts, selected according to stuff she knows I'd like, but never think to get myself.  She's good with that sort of thing.  An example would be those great little dipped-in-something-wonderful coffee spoons or stirrers that I go bananas over.

As much as I missed my kith and kin, S.Elf's special Easter attire cheered me up hugely!

If you're going to be stuck working nights during holidays, it's a whole lot better to do it in the company of good friends, who go out of their way, to keep things in an upbeat emotional tune.

The response center is huge.  But, regardless of where any of us were sitting, we could easily see S.Elf's cap and ears.

I meantioned a magic cup in the title of today's post.  I mentioned it, because I have one.

It was a gift sent from my sister a few months ago, and it came with written instructions to activate it.

The outside of the letter has my name, below that is written, "Be blessed", and below that, a green wax seal.

The inside reads like this:

femme's magic cup and prayer cloth.

A Cup of Inspiration 

1.  A day washed in the sun.

2.  A night spent under the stars, "Heavenly Host."

3.  Washed in open water.

4.  Wrapped in a prayer cloth.

5.  Touched by a servant of God.

6.  Held in the hands of a good friend.

7.  A day of rest, with a white feather to rest in the saucer.

Now, before you jump to the conclusion that my sister is a practitioner of magic, hold up.  That isn't the case.  What she was practicing was appealing to my love of adventure, and my issues with missing her company.

She's been one of my most faithful fans in my writing endeavors, since high school.  And, she's also been the source of a great deal of inspiration with literature projects I work on.  I'm often telling her I wish we could be closer, so that we could work together, because things flow so much faster and easier when she's with me, and filling out the lacking parts of my imagination.

The magic I was referring to is the magic of love, from sister to sister, friend to friend.  This cup has a twin.  And, the twin belongs to Alicia, who went through the same steps with hers that I've done with mine, with exception to the white feather.  We both love feathers, but I'm without a white one, and refuse to pluck one from Jade (my love bird).  So, the white feather should be arriving in the mail soon.

Her purpose was for both of us to have identical cups, that have gone through this commemoration process, that we could both be drinking from while we're working.  It was her way of bringing us together, while we're apart.  I keep the prayer cloth it came wrapped in, on a magnetic wall-board near my desk.  In fact, I have two of them.  One was sent to me several years ago by a minister whom I've never met, but by all accounts of friends and family who know him, he's a wonderful man with a very special ministry.

It's worked.  I can't sip my coffee from the magic cup without feeling like Alicia's closer, which helps me keep my thoughts clearer and my priorities straight with whatever project I'm working on.  Amy Dawson likes to tease me about sleeping with teddy bears, which didn't deter me from my habit of maintaining their spots in my bed.  Hugs has travelled with me on nearly every trip I've ever made, inside and outside of the U.S.  And, Cinnamon stays home and guards my pillows while I'm away.

The cup is a link to my sister, and keeps me from missing her, at least a little, while I'm working.  And, of course, I still have my Dragon Laffs mug nearby to use when I'm browsing or reading other people's work.

See?  It's all good, and didn't involve any chanting, burning of black candles or drinking of chicken blood. (Grin!)

Hope you've had a wonderful Easter holiday.

God bless you, thank you for the read, and please don't forget to thank a Veteran at your next opportunity!

femmeflashpoint

Breakfast Pop, Frog Prince, Dallas Thompson, Old Poolman and Wayne Brown - just to get you started ...

I've calmed down, and climbed down from that high-horse I was riding a few days ago.

I can't seem to maintain a furious frenzy for long.  A smile always manages to break through, causing the storm to dissipate.

That's a good thing.  I'd hate to be one of those bitter, angry people who live out their lives wearing a perpetual frown and scowel, never finding anything to be happy about.

That's just not how I want to spend the majority of my time, but as I told Lethal, my fed-up-with-the-Fed, reprehensible RINOs (Republicans In Name Only), and their partners in crime, and the free-loader-is-the-way-to-go Liberals, I'd simply had it.

There is a gentleman who lives in our neighborhood.  He served 13 years in the U.S. Military.  He's disabled, and receives less than $900 a month to pay his bills with, and less than $18 a month for food stamps.

And yet, we have hundreds of people living in the same city, who've done nothing more than sneak into our state illegally, have never contributed to the welfare of this country, and yet they receive HUNDREDS of dollars in food stamps every month, as well as breaks on housing, education and medical fees.  Not only do they get this assistance, compliments of the We The People Paying Taxes, they invite their friends and family to come on over and get their "free government benefits" too!

The U.S. Government has no money!  WE THE PEOPLE have the money, which Uncle Sam is quite liberal in taking from us, and dispensing it at our expense, to those who haven't contributed a thing to maintain even an adequate economy, let alone a flourishing one.

On the bright side, while there's still time to hope, pray and at least TRY to turn things around, we have an opportunity to bring about change, starting at the bottom.

I urge you to pay attention, be involved, let your voice be heard.  Get to know who's representing you, starting with your local precinct chair-people.  What's their agenda?  Do they have the people's best interest at heart?

They have these great little pocket-sized copies of the United States Constitution.  Get one.  Read it.  Know you're rights, and be willing to fight for them, while we still have something to fight for.

There are also loads of free resources to help you keep your ear to the ground, so to speak, and hear what's rumbling down the tracks right your way.  Several of those resources are writers, who are not involved with the mainstream media, or on the bandwagon simply to be entertainers with great ratings.

Here's a list of a few to get you started: Breakfastpop, The Frog Prince, Dallas Thompson, Old Poolman, and Wayne Brown.  Simply click on their names, have a read, and you'll see what I mean.  They'll break it down for you nice and easy and in small enough amounts to digest without taking an antacid.  At least five of the six are U.S. Military Veterans.  That alone should warrant a read.  All of them are patriots, all of them are adept at their craft in wordsmithing, and all of them care about maintaining freedom for citizens of the U.S.A.

That's at least a few to get you started.  I'll add more names to the list soon.  I simply didn't want to be overwhelming.

It used to be that little by little our freedoms as Americans were being taken from us.  Now they're falling away in large chunks, and day by day, we are becoming slaves to a corrupt governing body that affects nearly every single aspect of our day to day lives.

Even if you can only do a little, a little is much, MUCH better than nothing at all.  If you're doing nothing, then you're part of the problem.

Just something to think about.

If you think you don't have time to get involved and be informed, it comes down to this ....  How important is your freedom to you?

God bless, thanks for the read, and please don't forget to thank a Veteran at your next opportunity!

femmeflashpoint

Feeling the flashpoint ...

I've often acknowledged that I'm a creature of habit, at least most of the time.  I've even written on this before, but I HAVE to do it again.  After last night and this morning, it's warranted compulsory behavior.

I'm in habit of stopping by 7-11 on my way to work, where I buy a couple of extra-large, zero-cal Monster Blues, and/or coffee, put gas in the Tracker and squee-gee the windows when the tree sap's been falling.

I'm also always in a hurry because I've spent too much time at my desk at home before I head into my workout, which makes me late into the shower, and dressing, and mane-blowing and combing, and so on and so forth.

It almost never fails that when I arrive at 7-11, they're either in the middle of a drawer count, or they've got customers lined up in front of me, waiting to be checked out.  Why so many people are out after 2200 on a weeknight, shopping at 7-11 is beyond me.  I used to think, "Don't these people have jobs to go to in the morning?"

via google images

Apparently, that was a sensible question, because it seems like a whole lot of the folks shopping at night in 7-11 DON'T have jobs, and don't NEED jobs, because those of us who WORK are paying their shopping bills!

Last night, again, I was stuck behind two women, while the shop-keep filled THREE BAGS for them, with cupcakes, chips, candy, sodas and juice drinks.  Super-sized juice drinks, mind you!  Not the small sized ones.  And, guess what they paid their $30-plus bill with .... a Lone Star debit card. 

A Lone Star debit card is what folks here use for food stamps.  It's white, with a white-star-wrapped-in-blue, logo on it, with the majestic slogan, "Lone Star", laced in cute graphics across the top of the card's account number.  You know, the identification number that allows the card-holder's account to receive monies from our (as in those of us who work and pay taxes) accounts, the middle-men/women citizens' funds handlers being the U.S. government employees. 

When I finally got to purchase my own stuff (after whatever portion of my taxes paid for theirs as well), I saw them drive away in a vehicle at least ten years younger than mine.

I was so angry, if someone had touched me with a match-tip, I'd have ignited it with epidermal heat overload.  I was fuming mad.

via statesman.com

This morning, to add wood to the femme-fire, I had to stop by the most dispicable place to shop near my neighborhood.  Wal-Mart.  Not only did I have to spend my money in there, I had to bag my own groceries because at that time of the morning, the 24-hour-fast-and-friendly-service-Super-Center refuses to have actual PEOPLE operating their checkout stations.

Between the non-English-speaking Lone Star card-wielders and the looser-lanes at the Wally-World-
Super-Center, home of the Mexican imported food extravaganza, which provided the cherry on the cake to my content on Hubpages being pirated earlier this week by Indian-operated plagiarists, BigEzine.com ... I finally made it home, packing a very bad attitude.

But, God is good.

He hosed me down with some Heavenly Rain in the form of a notice that Lady Joyce McCool is doing very well after her surgery.  I'm relieved and totally thankful for that.

The other bit was in the reading of one of the freshest and funniest bits of artistry in literature I've ever come across, written by poetry-master, ahorseback on Hubpages.  If you don't like poetry, read it anyway.  It's a short, epic adventure, and not a poem.

I've cooled off enough to prevent hitting flashpoint and suffering death, or serious injury, due to spontaneous combustion.

I couldn't help but smile and say a prayer of thanks that Lady J. is doing so well.  And, when I read the article, The Night Riders of the Hubpages, I nearly threw myself into a tachycardia and arrhythmia episode while I tried to keep my laughter outbursts to a minimum.

As I said,  God's good, and He knows best how to bring my mood out of a quagmire of a temper-tempest and back into the Light where I can breath without spewing flames.

Good thing.  Going up in a puff of smoke is not the method I hope to make my exit in.

Thank you for reading my rant.  I feel much better after telling you how I REALLY feel about it ...

God bless, and don't forget to thank a Veteran at your next opportunity!

As the sign says, we'll NEED them to overthrow this corrupt, sleazy-swindling-sidewinding government we've let grow up around our ears and into our wallets!

femmeflashpoint