A  True  Southern  Woman

Compared to times past, a southern woman was a Celtic woman. She would work the fields, give way to child birth, rest a day, and start all over with her busy life of planting, canning, tending to all the needs of the home, garden, and yard stock. She was also just the trainer of great men with a special romantic quality befitting her life.

           


It was once thought she was a delicate little flower like those who sat on her veranda day after day, while being waited on hand and foot.  She would swoon at the first drop of a hat! (That was probably because her corset was way too tight!)

Late last night, as I was looking at photos of the ladies that I knew; it all of the sudden occurred to me that I am a southern woman, crazy through and through.

~~But ~~

What about the other southern women that I knew? I took the time to really look at some of them? Wow! I was amazed. I have spoken with so many I admired and never realized it until this moment; they are really surprising women – each to their own accord with talent, sophistication, beauty and forcefulness that would equal more than an army worth of intelligence; they are the creators of our future generations; they are the rulers of men; they are the saving grace of what is to become. Women like these set an example of how our world will be saved because they are fast becoming the majority.

A true southern woman equals if not becomes better than a man at any undertaking such as the 

“wild world of sports.”

Each of these ladies is successfully professional as a highly motivated student, a jewelry designer/culinary gourmet, a chef, and a specialized operating room registered nurse. 

                A true southern woman whether at play or at work can be beautiful and elegant; they can command aristocracy with a firm or soft hand of their choosing in any situation with a confident smile.

Oh, but beware of those smiling eyes because they know their business very well. 

We have two relentless negotiating business women, a leading trend setter in education, and an international public relations specialist.

A true southern woman will fool you in passing. They may seem like 

a  ball mom, rocker fan, jet setter, novice musician, 

or 

 mysterious bridal model;

actually I will leave you guessing what they do in their community. 

Their degrees of intellectualism will surprise you – characteristic of a southern woman. 

 For all these women have triumphed and surpassed the men of their time. Women may have raised and contributed strong men to our society but these are the women who were sent to mold our future; these are the leaders that we should recognize. They hold the truths in their hands and they will quietly, exquisitely refined, and beautifully set examples for even stronger women that will govern, lead, outlast, and that will save our tomorrow. These are the southern women of the now!

This is the true southern woman I most admire…my mother.

This is my most admired future…my daughter an aspiring literary artist. 

“May our voices sing sweetly across the world!”

ICQ is more like I C U?

Last night about 11:30pm (CST), I noticed like every other night, my niece got on the internet and went to a chat room to speak with people from all over the world about religion and politics. I decided to join in out of curiosity. So I signed into to this chat room call ICQ. After two minutes, I was blasted with all these different private IMs which I found out they were from men all over the world.

I am not stupid by compare but I just detest men and women that think this sexual exploit is exciting! Not only is it not exciting it is boring by far! [Or so I thought.] I wanted intellectual conversation – politics, religion, worldly culture. The first opening statement I received was “asl?” [Age, sex, location] Well of course being a “smart ass”, I explained that American Sign Language is a bit hard to see on the internet without a cam. Big mistake saying cam in private chat room. Everyone wanted to show me their “Polly that needed a cracker.” I was not offended. But a few of these men I spoke with I had to ask if they talked to their mother, daughter, wife or sister in that manner? How would they like it if someone did? I received several apologies. I also spoke with a 15 year old boy. I asked him if his mother knew he was in an adult chat room and that he should be careful as not to get hold of a predator of some sorts.

I even had a person state that “the USA sucks ass!” I agreed that it does suck canal water out of the best asses—look at corporate America. Las Vegas has a great system for water conservation using waste water I had ever seen. I was censored by the ICQ police who felt the word “FXCX” or “TXTs” is appropriate but not what I said. (?) I think it is wonderful when we are censored in the US. It is okay for the vulgar use of slang words but not okay to be a smart ass!

Sometimes they try that censorship on FaceBook, and of course I pull the Constitution bit – yes I am one of those liberal’s that believe in the ACLU—you know the bunch that defends the constitution to its height for all citizens.

I had one young man tell me he was a 23 year old male turkey and ask me if that bothered me? Why should it? I was curious though as to why he called himself a turkey? That is rather an old slang word from the past. It ended up I was the turkey because he was from the Country Turkey. I spoke with men from Illinois, Nigeria, Moscow, Turkey, someone from the Ivory Coast of West Africa-Ghana, and a man from Washington, DC. The man from DC was lonely and a marketing specialist.  Oh please open that door – lobbyist or congressman. I was so hoping to get hold of one or the other. If it was someone I could have identified – what a public copy of the post it would have been to the press this morning!

All I have to say about all of this is people have definitely become disassociated with reality.

Come Join Me in the Lemons

By Julia Burns

December 25, 2011

(Girl Holding Lemon, Bouguereau, 1899)

I am waiting not for you to join me.

         For I have ask more than mine eyes have cried

This very morn the hills have called my name

        And I picked the plumpest fruit, round and deep

For I wait not for you to join me

I thought to slice each one

Prepare the juice of the sun and the drops that weep from above

 While sweet tendrils drip from my breast to drive us

From this pane, for I dare not want you to join me

 As I lower into the cool chamber after slipping down my gown

My lemons afloat are waiting for you

For you have joined me into taking this cool air, rippling water and all

And tasting what all is offered but

I dare not ask for you to join me

You come of your own volition

Come join me in the lemons?

Fashion! ~or~ is it just plain ugly?

I was looking at the Camellia Ball from December 2011 in Mobile, Alabama.  I was so excited to see my first cousin and his little girl (she was a server/hostess) to the debutantes. He was so handsome (but not as handsome as my own son) (mother showing partiality.)

The gowns were absolutely beautiful but interesting on some of the ladies. I was never a hound to fashion until I reached 20 years old. Then when I reached 40 – it was comfort.  My butt became a little more spread out and in a million years I would never have thought I would be writing to criticize women and their fashions for any reason – no, never, not me!

Ladies, now has come the time, I am 52 years old today! I am going to “blast” you. Mardi Gras season is approaching fast.  Get a book on fashion – please and remember a few things (a) it may look good on the model in the magazine, but (b) it may very well look horrid on you personally. I will also blast some of the young men in their finest tuxes (rental or personally owned-matters not.)

Debutante or not, or parent(s), have you all lost your minds? I have to ask this of the photographer too taking some of the pictures. This is supposed to be a Southern young ladies finest hour!

What I saw was not right. I am criticizing (deeply with my heavy southern accent).

(1)               If you have a stomach pooch, do not wear a dress that is designed for a flat stomached woman.

(2)              When a woman descends stairs they are to walk turned to the side not straight down.

(3)              When walking forward, glide, smaller steps. Do not walk like you are taking great big steps to attack.

(4)              Plus size ladies, there is nothing wrong with being plus size. But, buy your gowns or undergarments that do not reveal the third and fourth back breast of our bodies. I am a plus size and this problem is easily attended to with a little imagination.

(5)              Sleeveless is ok on some women but not every woman. Work with the flaws that you have. If you have sumo wrestler arms, with a wobble, or an extra layer in the back of the arm, small sleeves can minimize this or a simple cover sleeve (shoulder sleeve.)

(6)              Gentlemen, please make sure your pants are hemmed with a simple break at the shoes. If you wear a 30 in length, do not show up in a 32 length. The baggy “khaki” pants look un-kept and like you just hopped out of bed without a thought in your head and went to a formal dance. Besides, the Camellia Ball was a formal and mothers what are you doing letting you son show up in a blue blazer, khakis, a pair of deck shoes, and a red tie.  Formal means tux; business means blue blazer. Someone take that young boy and shoot him for being a clone!

(7)               If you are going to play the part of the “southern wife” make sure your husband is perfectly dressed and that includes the smile on his face and combed hair. Gentlemen could you at least seem happy to be presenting your most prized offspring at that moment. Talk about tacky and sour!  If your daughter misbehaves maybe it is your unpleasant appearance – fathers!

(8)             If you are in a strapless gown, do not bend over to have any picture made. I am big busted (always have been) but there is nothing more unsightly as seeing sagging, hanging breast on any age woman especially from the front at a formal event. I saw one young lady in a strapless with breast ready to fall out with the wrong move and her cleavage was showing a bit too much? Was she wearing any panties or a strapless slip or strapless bra? Didn’t look like it to me!

(9)              To the woman in the fur coat, loose it. Do not point out and ask questions of the little girls and just don’t point. It is rude to point period! Fur coats are out of season-- out of style!

(10)                      Ladies that have died hair, make sure it isn’t too dead. Make sure the color is compatible with your skin otherwise the picture will capture a washed out woman looking older than she really is.  (My friend who is a hair designer specialists in Mobile would have laughed at your coloring because in several pictures, it was damn dead looking --hair and face.)

(11)                       When choosing a dress, kindly remember, this a ball and not a beauty pageant. Debutantes please wear all white and not different shades of pink. Pink is not a flattering color on every one.

(12)                      Other ladies when attending a formal, a short skirt is not in for every formal. The majority of the ladies were in gowns, short to calf length (tea length) is generally considered cocktail.  Short sequined ensemble is “Hollywood youth” form the Lindsay Lohan collection and not southern gentility.

(13)                      Kill the large flower bouquet until you are finished being escorted by your father’s down the stairs. Look up! Be proud to be there. The chin should be level, with confidence in your eyes looking forward. It never hurts to practice.  Do not look like you are being sacrificed.

(14)                      There is not much I can say about Mardi Gras other than ladies be inventive with your gowns. Do stop wearing that tiring old “crap!” Year after year I see some of the same styles. BORING! Same thing with men! BORING! Ladies remember (if you are older) (or your body type has changed) be unique.

(15)                        Highlight your best features.

Here are some ideas:

Busty women with large plump breast can flaunt them. No problem but not strapless. It is still cool at night during the season. Think heart shaped bust with lighter color sheer chiffon that goes up to the neck attaching to a satin nap at the neck with sleeves that fits to the actual arms, back and neck area. A simple sequin or pearl button in the back followed by a gentle opening with a zipper will make the gown priceless and unique. If not look at the older fashions from the 40s, 50s, and 60s; have your dressed made with silks or satins. A woman floating across the dance floor in layers of satin, silk or chiffon around her waist to the floor is beautiful. It would make her the angel of the ball. Ribbon taffeta, glitter tulle, a lame, or netting would make a great outer layer to any gown but be careful because they are very delicate fabrics. Check out the different fabrics before choosing your gown. Organza, charmeuse, faille, habutae, crinoline, certain mesh, polka dots (yes polka dots), and dare to say “COTTON” or “LINEN” are acceptable. Jackie O wore a linen gown with a back opened empire jacket once. How elegant was that? VERY!

If a woman has a back that is her best feature, flaunt that back but do not flaunt the front at the same time. If her arms and legs are great but not her chest, flaunt those beautiful arms or legs.  A slit in a woman’s gown is definitely a head turning event (especially up the back of the dress.) Her husband will definitely look twice and if he doesn’t just shoot him!  Go sensual not overly trashy sexy. Aloof sensual, delicate, charming, simple, elegant – do not go bold, busty, letting the roles of age be seen in your gowns this coming season.

MEN

It is time you out right purchased tuxedos.  Try looking at the designer specials like Hart Schaffner Max Gold Trumpeter-Capital Collection.  It has a high necked collar which is very “James Bond” cool, sleek, and sexy! Notice the leg break; it should be a slight indentation just at the top of the shoe. You do not have to wear a cumber bun with this outfit unless you just want to. Of course no man can go wrong with Armani unless you buy an Armani knock off. These are generally a great buy if you shop Nordstrom’s.  Get out of the tails and please leave the tail tux (cutaway tails) to the ultra formal wedding or the formal wait staff. If you want to be sleek and sexy—TRY SOMETHING DARING AND NEW! Joseph and Feiss has a black over grey double breasted that would make any man look like a body builder macho dude coming to get his damsel. Calvin Kline is more “Bond, James Bond” with a black single button over all white. (My son looked absolutely dreamy to the young women dressed in this tux.) Kline also has a grey satin edged peaked lapel. What has happened to the Dinner Jacket? Do men not have enough “gonads” to wear Dinner Jackets anymore? Most of these can be purchased at Men’s Warehouse or any other chain for that matter fairly reasonable.

Ok what I am getting at is BE DIFFERENT this year. Be risky be daring! Find a seamstress. Or here is an idea. Buy the dress 2^nd hand and have it reworked with new fabrics. But do something and don’t be the same tiring group that gets together for a formal event.   

December 16th 2011

Take the Time!

Every day I try to understand why negative things happen with our youth. Why have they become disassociated with society; why have gangs been allowed to form and stay strong? I sit and try to find the answer by reading or even “Google’n” on the net to see if I can comprehend what is happening outside my front door.

I got off the subject for a moment and ran across a music video of the Black Eyed Peas Where is the love? I must be getting old, because I couldn’t understand one single word those young men were “rapping.” Its music and words went so fast that I felt like I was on a roller coaster. Now mind you, I get this occasional feeling to watch some music videos and sing along with the artist. After I look up the lyrics and my very own private jam session begins. Life is explosive for me at that moment because I am on stage as the artist. I feel the lights, the electrifying crowd, and cheers in front of me.  Most of what I listen to is Waylon Jennings, ZZ Top, Charlie Daniels Band, Willie Nelson, Beach Boys – the later 60s, all of the 70s and 80s genre of music. But tonight, I really listened to the Black Eyed Peas.

I fell in love with some of their music after reading many of the poetic words. I wanted to sit down and cry in anger. What have we as a society done to our children? We have allowed too much trauma (it matters not how we define trauma) into the world of our youth. Children having sex (at such a young age) without parents being more nurturing is a trauma. According to the song, “Do we practice what we preach?” It seems that we pray in church for our selfish reasons but do we actual pray for someone else in general – our children and help with their guidance? Is the love and human respect actually gone? Do we really have no time to give for the help of one another in the next backyard over? I had to sit and think very hard about all of this.

The children actually see no heroes any more. They see their parents being self absorbed with worry; guilt about not being able to provide because the economy is still so very soft. They hear excuses of why they can’t have a new pair of shoes or someone else may pick on them because their house is not as nice as it once was. They feel ashamed because they are without a stable home. Instead they hear stories of “John Q Public” having his children taken away because the shelters are full; the only place left to live is in their car with little “Johnnie and Susie.” “John Q Public” lost his job and the benefits have run out. [And] for the past 30 years we as a society have swept under the rug our future problems; drank our wine and entertained as if tomorrow wouldn’t exist—because the good life would never end.

Now it is the generation of my children and grandchildren. I am the generation of what our parents were 40 years ago. I see things a little differently and although I continue to be optimistic, I am not so sure. I am scare that when the education of the 18 year old ends in the 12^th year of school or when the college is over with and the degree has been completed what will be left? Let’s look at the facts.

Our economy is in shambles. Our ecology is no better. Our overall society spirituality is really unstable. People are too self-centered on their “individual [I] rights.” Are there no longer any community commitments to help and support one another? The only thing can change all of this now is our adult children, we the parents and we grandparents who are still with us. Get involved and stand strong! The future is hear and it is really scary!     

WWJD

Years back, one of the more popular phrases was “What Would Jesus Do” or WWJD.  It was used quiet often in society by all works of life, especially Christians. Today is not different, even though I am older, I still ask when making a decision of any type (about 75% of the time) “What would he do if in my shoes?” or “What would he do if in their shoes?”

Now, Christians are supposed to be the most supportive non-judgmental people on the face of the earth. HAHAHAHA! Right! We are hypocrites by far, unforgiving, deadly, judgmental jurors on the face of the Earth. Why do you think that is?  Do we all live in glass houses? Must be that we all have an ego that seems somewhat “because we are Christian – we a holier than thou.”

Recently I read an internet article written today (December 1^st, 2011) by Eric Pfeiffer Kentucky church bans interracial marriage. Stella Harville and (fiancée) Ticha Chikuni could no longer participate in church actively because they are interracial (he’s black, she’s white.) This is taking place in 2011 at the Gulnare Freewill Baptist Church, located in Pike County Kentucky according to the article.

Seems they performed a Christian song for the congregation; it must have really up-set the 40 or so delicate sensibilities of the members of the church. Stella was baptized at this church. The former pastor (who recently stepped down was the instigator of all this.) The new minister (Stacey Stepp) advised them to sing whenever you want.  Sounds like this church as some serious issues.

Now I am not going to judge – just want a point a few things out or ask a few questions. Who the heck fire died and allowed these Christians to sit in judgment on any man?  Brother Thompson (former pastor) what color do you think Jesus was? If you say white, someone go to Kentucky and “bitch slip” this man silly just for being unlearned and ignorant backwoods American!  (Common sense about the location where Jesus was born would automatically lean toward a man of “color.”)

Brother Melvin Thompson, since I am not going to judge you, let me just say this part; all though, I would like to accuse you of religious and racial persecution but God will judge you and I will not. I will pity on you and pray very heavily for you soul.

Is there something in the Bible that states interracial marriage is wrong? Let me guess – you shouldn’t marry outside your tribe. Well the best I can remember (from my studies) if you wanted to marry outside your tribe, in the Biblical times, Daddy accepted if the man was worthy of his daughters hand, but he had to pay a few more sheep/livestock to the other tribe for the male to leave his tribe or exchange him for something of equal value. (That was generally done when a tribe had a shortage of men.)

“This recommendation is not intended to judge the salvation of anyone, but is intended to promote greater unity among the church body and the community we serve.” (According to the Gulnare Freewill Baptist Church) What is in your church body and community serve?  Do they all own retired white sheets?  Do you think that God would approve of the prevention of two of his children in sharing their praises to him or Jesus to a community of fellow Christians or a community?

The next time, maybe you all better really consider “What would Jesus Do?” (WWJD)

Pfeiffer, Eric. Kentucky church bans interracial marriage. Yahoo! News: 1^st December 2011. Web. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/kentucky-church-bans-interracial-marriage-150009470.html

18th November 2011

It is about one week before Thanksgiving. My son has come home for college and all seems right with the world. Things may not always go well in my life, but you know I am loved and feel such every day I exists. Thinking the other night, I realized that as we get older, each and everyone of us may have nice things but that is just all they are. Then realizing the greatest thing in life that will never leave our sides is our memories. I had just finished watching a Tennessee Williams movie; some of the scenery was what made me think about memories on the Mississippi Delta.
Not being an expert on the Delta, I have many ancestors there in the ground and it is where my father was born. Occassionally we would take summer vacations there just to look and hear the stories of the past from my Dad. I would also frequent the Delta when I was working in Jackson to visit a customer's facility. I know what I am fixing to write sounds utterly silly, but the river speaks to me; the surrounding land speaks to me as if it is continually calling my name in my dreams.
When this all starts, I close my eyes, and I am overlooking the Mississippi River and fields of cotton. It is early in the morning and all is quiet; the mist is rising from the river. All that can be heard is a lite ripple in the water bouncing off the boats. At this point I am in the middle of river looking down witnessing little whirlpools turning in their own intricate pattern while the water flows slowing in a southernly direction. There are just too many permeating smells that I sense which are all euphoric to me. The sun is beaming warmly in little patterns through the trees on my face. I am truly in heaven.

16th October 2011

I made a huge mistake today. I read the Sunday paper.  Shouldn't have done it.  (Then I found out it was the Saturday Paper I was reading of Sunday.) That just opens another door for me to say something about the life in which we live today..the mass confusion of society and that I am not differemt-- I get confused.

According Paul West, (Tribune Newspapers) wrote a brief article about Perry and his plans as president in West Mifflin, PA. He wants more oil and gas useage and to do away with the EPA. I see that governor Perry doesn't want anything left of what might be the legacy of our ancestors.Well he just ought to forget running for president and just blow up the nation, declare a victory and get it over with! (Stand up and cheer everyone!) Underneath Perry's picture, according McClatchy Newspapers and Tribune Newspapers, Perry said on ABC news "Well, I do have one of the finest women in the world that I could be married to and she is passionate." Well Bob Dole was passionate to Elizabeth Dole. So passionate (common knowledge) that she locked him and his Viagra passion out of the house one afternoon. So tell me..just how passionate is Governor Perry?

Further more, according to Mrs. Perry he is a conservative Christian and she "can't argue with those facts." That is the fact, he is most conservative and a Christian. At first glance I thought she was agreeing that she is passionate.

You know what I have to say to all this? Well let me see.  (a) Our earth is screwed up and if we keep destroying it, it will eventually destroy us. I am not one of those environmentalist but what I just stated is a fact.

(b) Creating jobs is great, but when all those men and women die off from dealing with the manufacturing of carcenjens in the environment, then we will save a lot of money in social security disbursements -- because they will all be dead! 

(c) Governor Perry, you being a Christian, conservative, with a passionate wife shouldn't reflect on how well you do a job. I understand according to the US Constitution, that a persons religious preference nor their familial status is non-disclosed fact that the prospective employer is not entitled to in order to qualify them for that job. Did someone ask you about this?  If they asked you about this, I want to know who they are? 

Now, a note for the American Public --just because a person professes to be Christian doesn't make it so. Just because he says his wife is passionate doesn't make it so. In fact it is telling too much about yourself -- one that we really do not need to know.

What are the facts about your previous jobs? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your salary expectations? As governor of Texas, what did you accomplish as governor?

Please list them here: 

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Employer only-coments:

There is nothing listed. Well?_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

Accepted:______________________  Rejected: ______REJECTED__________________

America's Spirituality -- lost?

I have a final paper due in “Mysticism in America” this Sunday. I have researched and organized until I was blue in the face. Not really knowing where to take all the material that I have read and accumulated. Tonight sitting in anguish, it occurred to me where to go with the material I have acquired. Application is the key word here. I will apply it to myself. I have become the dinosaur. Seeing the injustices in our society for the first time [again], I now understand that we are a society of lost hopes and dreams, with a “vast interpretation” of spirituality; those dreams I speak of were focused on an object that can only be obtained through simple living. Hopes and dreams cannot be seen, but they have been replaced with automobiles and fancy cell phones: the perfect body and sexiest clothes: and youth only living for the moment, because many young people of our upcoming society care nothing the deeper meaning of life but for the pleasures of the physical sense and the causes of all this is the generational problems from the ages of 35 up.  Yet we take no responsibility for our actions nor are we really aware there is a problem.

 So many blank faces are searching for the ultimate happiness and the “virtues of morality” that were once spoken by great men long gone and lost in some pages of an obscure book that just now teaches, but provides no definitive answer except in the individualized interpretation. In doing so, we have lost the concept of moderation in the tools we use at hand. (Stegner) Seeing how so closely we are interwoven with each other, there is a need for inter-dependency, but what happens when that has become broken? This is when every many a man or a woman builds an outer wall of very little trust in themselves or their fellow man. “We give people our trust today because they have been trustworthy in the past.” (Berg 113) But what happens when that too is no longer a consistent factor in the society of a Western Culture like America especially since the very trust that was given were to our pseudo-spiritual associates and advisors that we see on a day to day basis? We seek something that is higher than the trust of man and when we feel that is not satisfactory and we pay dearly for it. According to modern philosophers like Pema Chondron, pain is very essential in life. (17)  “We live in difficult times. One senses the strong possibility that conditions may become even worse. (Chodron 146)

Through personal experience, I have witnessed many parent, go to the store and buy for a special occasion like Christmas gifts for one child totaling more than $500.00. I use to wonder why? I can honestly say that I never did this, but have witnessed many relatives that did.  I asked one Christmas not so long ago, why they were buying their child so much. I was not pleased with the answer. “Julia, you had a great up-bringing. We had nothing. I want to give my child everything I did not have. Now it is the other way around, you have nothing and I have everything.” Does possessing so much make us really happy? Are those possessions truly a gift from God as an earthly payment for being a good follower?  I really did not have a lot, but only carried what I had very well.

Another relative through saving over the years (who is more than 10 years my junior) has acquired more than $1 million dollars in savings and personal assets for hard times and retirement. But as we have aged over the years, I noticed they are not happy because they often tell me of the pain they are in emotionally. I have also noticed that relative appears to look almost 10 years my senior in age. In a comparative nature they drive a fancy new car, live in an upper-crust neighborhood, go to their church regularly, take the spiritual existence to a higher power through mediation, and go to collegiate ball games. They also have a designer dog. Yet, they let it be known that they are missing something in their lives. At 35 years old, the husband and wife can barely stand to be in the room with each other. Yet, they play in the summer time and perform charity work through their church winter time. They are constantly trying to improve themselves but never making the steps to figure out why they are unhappy. Their daughters attend the elite schools in a southern city, go to elite functions, have the best parties in comparison of their peers, and are not happy really happy either.

If I were to compare my relatives to their equal counterpart, acquaintances of mine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, their overall outcome is not so nice. They are 100% equal to my younger relatives including in property to 2 daughters the same difference in ages—except older. Both their daughters have had stays in mental illness facilities for being belligerent, cutters, excessive drinkers, and lacking in simple parental affection. They also try drugs of choice at liberty and have multiple sexual partners. They too have attended elite women’s preparatory schools to learn fine wines and different sexual exploitations [in some cases] to protect their virginity. Their parents smile a tremendous amount and seem to have a positive attitude in public. In private, the minute the back door opens, the father reverts to his office [den], closes his doors, and a ball game can be heard on television. The mother sits and figures out what room needs to be redecorated. 

“So what shall we choose – between living reactively or proactively, between selfish desire and desire to share? The correct option seems so obvious—but the desire to receive for the self alone is like a highly addictive drug. We’re hooked on the euphoria it can provide. The drug has become so much a part our lives that we’re not even aware we’re using it anymore?” (Berg 67) Are these families product of a lost spirituality?  “It is a ‘feel good’ spirituality for the urban and affluent and it has nothing to say to the poor and the marginalized in society, other than offering them a regime of compliance, a new ‘opiate for the masses’. (Carrette 107)  Each family only shared when they felt it was required of them for religious standards. If this being the case let us say they represented 75% of their social class. If 75% of this class is proactive then they actually do not have the nature to want to share. Corrette and King followed up in their book by contending that this is somewhat going along with a trend in today’s society where corporate America is becoming more spiritualized by encouraging a more community service front of their management and employees…”a vague do-good-ism.” (28)  This not only enhances specified corporations but lends a human charitable aspect to increase their consumer base and positive reflection in the community. (29)

This is where it is determined that certain social classes in society are just now going through the “motions” of living and not very happily at that. According to Berg the more that we are proactive, the more we are needed to be proactive the “less satisfied the individual will feel.” (Berg 67) There is where an almost catalyst affect begins (or a ‘domino effect’).  This effect of being less satisfied has begun a trend of borrowing traditions from Eastern religions to ease a type of ‘unknown detachment” of the Western Cultures. These traditions are popping up into a new industry of self help guides in Zen, Yoga, or New Age Buddhism. (Carrette 89-94) The books are available to assists the Western Culture in getting back on track, to help get their hopes and dreams back. But if they are so productive then why is it when a new cell phone or a more computerized car comes on the market or even a new play station is introduced, that consumerism of a “need to have” floods the market? Even though we have separation of church and state, why is it that we have taken to individuals who are “highly spiritual” in the political arena—only to be dissatisfied with their performance when realization sets in?

I feel that “a hopelessness” has swept across the Western Cultures due to various factors.  One being the there is a lack in the production of real heroes in the past 20 years. The heroes on the open market are a reproduction of comic strip characters, such as Captain America, which was [common knowledge] introduced during World War II. Other heroes constantly reinvented would be Spiderman, Superman, or X-man. Second would be individual interpretation of spirituality itself in context with Western evangelical religion. This was enhanced by the media political reinvention of the (“Ozzie and Harriet”, “Make Room for Daddy” or “Father Knows Best”) 50s core family values. Audie Murphy died a while ago, but did anyone have a ticker tape parade today for Dakota Meyer? (CMOHS) Where was his press? Where are his movie contracts? Did he make front page on anything like Ted Bundy? Or Bernie Madoff? Yes society is confused and so are our presses.

Family values were not realistic but a media invention also [common knowledge]. The religious interpretation, some in the forms of self help materials, would like for the consumer to believe their life would be better served or enhanced. The only thing enhanced for the consumer is the changing of religious interpretations and the pocket of the Eastern producer selling the material. A good example of this is being black: Zen and the Art of living with fearlessness and grace by Angel Kyodo Williams. This particular book is not necessarily about Zen, but how Williams assimilated parts of a traditional religion (Zen) in her life to suit her wants. Other products along these lines would be Yoga, African oils to enhance the spirit, or Mary Hendricks Funky Meditation for the Young. The Yoga will help us maintain a healthy physical lifestyle. In studying all of this, it occurred to me that whatever happened to simple prayer? Why is there a cost for church? Why is there a cost for religion? Hopelessness and interpretation of the spirit from the original meaning is getting lost as religion is redefining itself to meet the needs of the person and not the cause of the religion.    

But I have to ask through all of this, what is morality and virtues dealing with the evolution of today modern spirituality and religious values? In the 1950s, a Supreme Court Justice pointed out that society is changing and very fast. Trends of the needs are changing to the wants of material greed. And soon we will lose our hopes and aspirations of something “bigger or more important than ourselves” we will lose it to our possessions. (Gediman) He was correct. In most cases, society is seeking the want more and forgetting what is a spiritual; and since the actual original aspects of religion has changed from turning off the designer cell in church to the sinful nature of obesity then it explains why hopes and dreams can never be again be because we are too busy texting? 

Citations

Carrette, Jeremy and King, Richard. Selling Spirituality: The Silent Take Over of Religion. Routledge: New York 2006

Gediman, Exec.  Prod. Dan. This I believe. The Bob Edwards Show:  2^nd October 2009.  William O’

Douglas. “My Father’s Evening Star”.  Ca. 1950s.  http://thisibelieve.org/essay/16507/  Web 1^st

October 2011

Berg, Michael. The Way: Using the Wisdom of Kabbalah for spiritual transformation and fulfillment.

John Wiley Publications: New Jersey 2001

Chodron, Pema. When things fall apart: heart advice for difficult times. Shambhala.  Boston 2009.

Gediman, Exec.  Prod. Dan. This I believe. The Bob Edwards Show: 2^nd April 2010.  Robert

Stegner.  “Everything is Dangerous” Circa. 1950s.  http://thisibelieve.org/essay/17017 

Web  1^st October 2011

United States Government. Congressional Medal of Honor Society: 15^th September 2011.

http://www.cmohs.org/recipient-detail/3480/meyer-dakota.php  Web 9^th October 2011.

Dream a little Dream

The American Dream was just a literary pun. Tonight as I sit and write, thousands will be marching in major cities across the United States in protest of “big financial businesses” that they feel have drained our economy for their personal greed. Yet our press down plays this situation because of upcoming national elections. I strongly believe that this is the beginning of a cultural revolution in America. The common masses do not want to budget eat while they are in pain working long laborious days for someone to sit in an office and tell the lower masses how to live.  People are beginning to wake up after a ten year shell shock in our nation dealing with “9/11” only to find that some of their fellow American’s are attempted to devour American’s. They are seeing how the “chosen financially and political savvy” have used “blind justice” against her own people for greedy means which has taken jobs, homes, and destroyed so many just striving for their “fair share” of the American Dream. In doing so there are many who amassed fortunes off the common man (some methods legal but many not.)  They gave no return or even a simple “thank you.” This has spawned much unethical behavior nationwide whereas people think they can use the law for their “pocket” pleasure for they think they own the concept of the American Dream.  Those are the men and women whose ancestors raised not a gun to actually fight for this country but a pen to take away. My ancestor’s blood is in the soil in more than 27 states starting in the 1600s. Even though it is not really known that James T Adams brought the definition of “The American Dream” to the masses in 1931, it is my definition and the definition that I have taught my children that hard work, dedication, education, and community involvement and a deep spirituality with God will get you a great return on your personal investment that no man should be allowed to take away. But we also have the understanding that nothing is permanent; this return may not always be in material objects. The return will be one of self-peace. We must realize that “The American Dream was just a literary term that I would call a “pun.” I intend to have my “pun” as a reality. We need to stand stronger than the almighty dollar in our spirit of what is ethically correct and justifiable in taking back America.

29th August 2011

I ran away from home when I was younger, but not necessarily in a traditional sense. I was 20 years old. When I realized that I really wasn’t the “southern belle” material, college material, or husband material, I didn’t know what to do with myself after high school, so I went to get a job a year later in 1980. I went to the Harris County Personnel Board.  The only job they had open was records clerk. How hard was that? I knew my alphabet. I applied and was rewarded accordingly a whole $989.00 per month. That was a lot of money for my first job! (Especially in 1980)

(For those of you who knew me then, relax. I am only using first names (three fake first names) except for my BFF and I (those are real.)  

This was a fascinating job from 11pm at night until 7am in the morning. I had never done this type of work. It took some getting accustomed to. I was soon promoted to 2^nd shift which was 3pm to 11pm after about 4 months. My job was to record court documents, check for outstanding wants/warrants, and verify all information whether a person could or could not be let out of jail from the Sheriff’s office. Another duty was to answer the phone. In the office next to us was the verification clerk for the actual warrant and her name was Donna.

Donna was this blunt, married red head that ran that office on the 2^nd shift.  She knew her stuff and taught me a lot about warrants and identifiers. Of course, the very nice finger print officers taught me also a lot about identifiers as well. One day, Donna and I were talking. She was breaking up with her husband and asked if I knew anyone looking for a room-mate. (ME!) We moved into to a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment (very sheik) and newly built off of Greenspoint Road in north Houston.  The rent was $300.00 a month.  My life began. I will not tell everything, but I will tell this story.

Donna and my job had expanded to hand delivery of active country warrants to Houston Police Department and to various sub-stations. We did this very well. Sometimes we were called the Dynamic Duo.  Donna had a cool car. She had a real life “Smoky and the Bandit” Trans-Am, t-tops, bird design on the hood, loud sound system, fully loaded. It was so cool my mother went a purchased one. But it was a “plain Jane” with no fancy detailing or t-tops. Sometimes, after work, really late at night, about 3am, she and I would get in both cars on I-45 and drag race. The Shepherd sub-station knew about this because they would often get involved just for the fun of it to break up their boredom. One night was really eventful that I recall.

We had just dropped off some warrants at the Shepherd sub-station when we ran into some of our Houston Police Department finest at a gas station called “O’Neal’s.” It was on the corner of Airline and Little York. It was where everyone who was anyone stopped by nightly. Peg O’Neal was the owner. He knew everything and said nothing about anything. In about 1981, he must have been at least 70 years old and still going strong. He moved like a really old sea turtle, was armed with a pistol and worked all night long every night that I can remember except Sundays. He once told me working all night long was the only way he and the wife stayed married for so very long.

When we saw our two friends up at the gas station, it was about 2:30am and I had a few drinks too many. Of course Donna was driving. (She could drive too.) We exchanged a few obscenities at each other and the race was on. They had bet us $10.00 they could beat Donna in her car against the special package police cruiser. We raced and followed them, gained the lead. Then they followed us a while and gained the lead. This went on for about 30 minutes. They (the police officers) wanted to be funny and shut off their headlights. Because they weren’t paying attention to where they were doing, we watched them hit a culvert and wreck the police cruiser. Everyone was ok, but not knowing the extent of the damage, they “boys” slowly drove the car back to Peg O’Neal’s while we followed.  They pulled around front and we pulled around back, drove into one of the bays, and closed the door. Another friend (officer), Randy, had just pulled up also. Donna and I were in the back room of O’Neal’s about to die laughing so hard and half numb from what had just happened.

Meanwhile, a police dispatch just went out on the radio from the wrecked unit. “This is unit number so-and-so, we are in pursuit of a red Camera, please stand by….disregard, we just hit something in the road. We have stopped pursuit, mechanical malfunction and we are on our way to O’Neal’s – will be advised.”  Of course that radio dispatch didn’t help but make us laugh even harder.  A few minutes later, Randy came walking in and told us, “Ladies you have two choices; shut up or get the hell out of here and never speak of this again. The supervisor is on his way.”  We shut up. We weren’t going to miss this for hell or high water! We knew the supervisor also.

The story was told about the “almost pursuit” and the supervisor stood there looking at the two police officers. We stayed in the back room with Randy (whose cruiser was out of sight as well.) We heard everything that was told. We dared not make a sound. The supervisor called for a tow truck. The axle was broken. He looked at the two patrolmen and said, “You better tell that story more convincingly than what you just did. I will accept it in written form as being fact.”  He shook his head and walked off.

What a night. I still talk to Randy. Occasionally, Donna and I will bring up that night and laugh about it still. I never thought I would write about this but what the heck. All involved have retired. Donna and I do not work in the field anymore. It was just one great memory in the Texas night. 

25th August 2011

I had such a wonderful morning! I do like I have done some many times in the morning since we have become an age of high technology. I get my coffee and I read my Yahoo News. This morning, I noticed that inspectors of the Customs and Border Protection found a Khapra beetle in a ten pound bag shipment of rice to the US from India.  After reading this report, I am glad they are there to prevent a potential catastrophic situation.  We as American Citizens pay good tax dollars for this protection and I for one am glad to see that it is working. However, when I read, I like to also read the comment sections of these articles. This morning was no different. Although I did enjoy the humor of it all!  I would like to share a few posts.

(1)    Why would we be importing rice from India? Texas produces most of the rice consumed in the US. Posted by R.M. 

Well do they? Upon investigation rice production is down. Texas does not produce the most rice consumed in the US. The biggest crop Texas produces is cotton but not rice.  We produce import and export rice on availability, season, and the type of rice that is grown. There is more than just one variety produced. The export of rice from the US and import to the US is big dollar business that changes with every given week. For more information investigate sites like:

The U S Rice Producers
 http://www.usriceproducers.com/
Rice Trade
http://www.rice-trade.com/
Texas Agriculture
http://www.agclassroom.org/kids/stats/texas.pdf

(2)    100 times this year, - STOP IMPORTING THEIR CRAP! Posted by J.P

Well do we import CRAP? I did not know rice was crap. I thought the US had enough crap of its own and we didn’t need to import anymore. When we import this CRAP does it come with toilet paper? Are you using some type of acronym that I am not familiar with like Central Rice Associated Producers? Is there such a creature? I researched it and couldn’t find anything that even resembled the acronym of CRAP. Do we just import CRAP 100 times only?

(3)    We have had these PESTS in this country for a long time, they are called Socialist Liberal Progressive DEMORATS. Posted by SM

The Socialist Liberal Progressive Demorats does not equal the acronym for PESTS.

(4)    If no pest strips had been used in granny panties, well this headline would be moot. Posted by YUS.

Well I am not exactly sure about this. I have never met a “granny” who has ever worn a no pest strip in their panties.  Do you know someone personally? Now that would be headline news! Do you wear granny panties? If not are you an authority on what granny puts in her panties? When do grannies have pest in their panties? If you know a granny with pest in her panties, you need to do the humanitarian thing and get her some assistance if she is not able to do so.  

(5)    Does any one wonder why we are getting a re infestation of bed bugs, head lice, Try the border patrol, Obama won't let them crack down on the illegals entering this country, I hope he gets infested with these pests in the White house. Then he and his family can live on the street and eat the tainted grain we are being sold. If it is good enough for the American public , It is good enough for the White House. Posted by G.

From what this posting is conveying, we are getting re-infested with bed bugs and head lice because Obama will not crack down on the “illegals” entering this country. So does this mean the border patrols are allowing lice and bed bugs to spread?   What is an “illegals?”

“The resurgence of bed bug infestations in recent years has been reported in parts of Europe, North America, and Australia. Modern-day bugs are said to have come from Africa, Asia, and Europe.”

Associate Content from Yahoo Submitted contributor was Jason Urkel, 1^st October 2010.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5838978/where_do_bed_bugs_come_from.html

The last time I read an article on bed-bug infestation, they had narrowed the carrier down to an international elite business travel who brought in some unexpected visitors with him and they decided to stay in that upper class New York Hotel.
Head-lice are a different matter and have nothing to do with cleanliness. I know. My children caught lice at their elementary school from a higher socio-economic child that lived in an extremely influential neighborhood.

Residential Community and Structural Pests, Insect Notes by North Carolina Cooperative extension.
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/lice-faq.htm

(6)    Don't buy from black countries, their standard of hygiene is disgusting. Posted by HN

I can really tell by this post that this “poster” has been to India a lot. Is India a black country and why is it black? I have never seen a black country.  

(7)    Shove them up your mayors arse. No crisis should go to waste right? You all suk for voting a major racist anti-gentile into office. Posted by K.

I am not sure about this post. “arse” “suk” “major racist anti-gentile” What mayor? I thought this subject on bugs? Is there a mayor in office somewhere that is of the Jewish faith that is against gentiles? You used the word “suk” in your comment. You want voting people to go to a market in an Arab country? Oh “arse” you were being vulgar!  

(8)    I thought they grew it in Louisiana and it was one of their most productive crops. What up? Posted by B

Earlier someone thought it was Texas. According to my sources 40% of all US Exports in grain come from Louisiana; but, there is good news. Louisiana is number 3 in the nation for rice growth.

Look at Louisiana Agriculture
http://www.agclassroom.org/kids/stats/louisiana.pdf

(9)    Stupid Asians. Posted by KF

The last time I checked the Asian IQ was a bit higher than the US IQ.

Average IQ of Countries
http://sq.4mg.com/NationIQ.htm

    (10) Arkanas grows the most rice per state. Making the U.S. the largest rice grower in the      world.  Why do we need Idia rice??? or socks from Pakastan? Or Oil from Quate??
At least we buy oil from Canada, they support Unions. Posted by P

First it was Texas – no. Then it was Louisiana – no. Now it is Arkansas – no, not this year anyway due to flooding and rice (plant) diseases. Arkansas is generally the largest rice producer in the US.

University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension, Arkansas Row Crops
http://www.arkansas-crops.com/category/crops/rice/

Where are the countries of Idia, Pakastan, and Quate?  Idia is the Institute for Dental Implant Awareness. Pakastan is not a word that I could find. You must be considering Pakistan. Quate has several web sites, but they deal with cognitive therapy and nuerolinquistics.  Futhermore, what state is Arkanas? It is Akansas.

For my investigation the US only produces and exports 18% of the rice on an international basis. That means we will need to be getting some imports.  We only consume 85% of the rice grown in the US. But even an elementary child can see that 18 + 85 = 103. So either the US figures are off or The Delta Farm Press is incorrect from 2009.

The Delta Farm Press, 2009.
http://deltafarmpress.com/rice/rice-grown-usa

What is the gist of all of this? Ladies and gentlemen, you want to be informed. Well the place to start is by getting an education or simply learning how to research. The subject was a ten pound bag of a shipment of rice had one bug in it.   But, I am now of the opinion people are spiritually angry and they have no idea at what or concept of why or a reasonable explanation to be angry as conveyed on some of these posts.   
Not only do people not understand what subject matter is for a simple objective discussion, I noticed something terribly sad. Most of the posts (1,000+) on this site were written very emotionally and by people who were just plain uninformed, uneducated, or didn’t want to use their common sense. There were a few exceptions but that was a small, small percentage.
In the day of the internet and simple computer programs with spell/grammar check, why are people not using those capabilities?  The internet is a wonderful resource for both good and bad information. What is even worse, these people are the reason our country is in a mess.  They have allowed anyone to persuade them about anything.
A few lessons to those who want to get involved:

(a)    Question everything. Just because it is written and published doesn’t make it true or fact.

(b)   If you are going to be representing the people in America then learn how to represent our USA through intellectual means. Learn how to express yourself in a manner befitting an American and not an “urchin” from a country of that which really doesn’t exist.

(c)    Do not pick on anyone unless it is objectively-- not hateful or harmful. We are supposed to be a country that is humane in the treatments of others. Well, I just read 1,000+ post where people were rude and hateful – wishful thinkers of evil thoughts toward others.

(d)   Last but not least, try to use good grammar, punctuation, and spelling. We wouldn’t want the other countries to think we were a bunch of DUMB ASSES would we?