Woody Allen said, "Life [is] full of loneliness and misery and suffering and unhappiness, and it's all over much too quickly."

Charles Schulz said, "Most of us are much more acquainted with losing than we are with winning. Winning is great, but it isn't funny."

Lewis Thomas wrote, "We are, perhaps, uniquely among the earth's creatures, the worrying animal. We worry away our lives, fearing the future, discontent with the present, unable to take in the idea of dying, unable to sit still." And he said, "The great secret of doctors, known only to their wives, but still hidden from the public, is that most things get better by themselves; most things, in fact, are better in the morning."

Voltaire said, "Let us read and let us dance -- two amusements that will never do any harm to the world."

Poem: "Loss and Gain" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Public domain. Loss and Gain When I compareWhat I have lost with what I have gained,What I have missed with what attained,Little room do I find for pride.I am aware How many days have been idly spent;How like an arrow the good intentHas fallen short or been turned aside.But who shall dare To measure loss and gain in this wise?Defeat may be victory in disguise;The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.

Robert Louis Stevenson, who said, "Our business in life is not to succeed, but to continue to fail in good spirits."

Teri Sue, First Lady of Ronda

Wow, it was such a shock to me to find out my dear friend and former tres fab hostess at the cafe Teri Sue Rood Storms Opara Rood Varelas husband Vic Varela(both pictured above) has just won the election and now has become Mayor of Ronda NC. But the political BS has just started and I have enclosed an article from the town paper.

Candidate’s Wife Faces Marijuana Charge
Posted in November 1st, 2007
by admin in Wilkes County
Misdemeanor marijuana charges have been served against the wife of a Ronda town mayoral candidate, according to the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office.
Teri Sue Varela, wife of Victor Varela, says a smoking device found at her home belonged to a friend. She also says her husband was not involved or at home during the time.
Lt. Jeff Hemric with the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office says an officer was at the home to investigate a separate incident when he noticed a small smoking device lying on the coffee table. “The officer was investigating some damaged property,” Hemric said. “He stepped inside to talk to her and he observed a smoking device in plain view on the table. She admitted it was hers and smoked for her nerves.”
The pipe did contain marijuana residue, but no substantial amount was found, according to a sheriff’s incident report.
The Elkin Tribune
Not real good publicity five days before an election, but frankly I think this whole thing is really stupid. The woman was not in possession of drugs and no residue was found in it, so what’s the big deal. There are real crimes going on out there and the sheriff’s office is going to piss around with something stupid like this.

Tracy Kidder said, "To write you have to have stories you want to tell, you have to keep your mind alive, and you have to work hard." Something I'm not willing or ready to do right now!

HALLOWEEN

It's Halloween, one of the oldest holidays in the Western European tradition, invented by the Celts, who believed Halloween was the day of the year when spirits, ghosts, faeries, and goblins walked the earth. The tradition of dressing up and getting candy probably started with the Celts as well. Historians believe that they dressed up as ghost and goblins to scare away the spirits, and they would put food and wine on their doorstep for the spirits of family members who had come back to visit the home.Pope Gregory III turned Halloween into a Christian holiday in the eighth century, and people were encouraged to dress up as saints and give food to the poor. But when Irish Catholics brought the Celtic traditions to the United States, Halloween became a holiday for them to let off steam by pulling pranks, hoisting wagons onto barn roofs, releasing cows from their pastures, and committing all kinds of mischief involving outhouses. Treats evolved as a way to bribe the vandals and protect homes.It wasn't until the early 20th century that Halloween became a holiday for children. In 1920, the Ladies' Home Journal made the first known reference to children going door to door for candy, and by the 1950s it was a universal practice in this country. By the end of the 20th century, 92 percent of America's children were trick-or-treating. Tonight, about 70 percent of American households will open their doors and offer candy to children, and Halloween parties are becoming increasingly popular among adults. It's the one day a year that people can freely dress as the opposite gender, as criminals, superheroes, celebrities, animals, or even inanimate objects. But retailers report that the most popular costumes remain some variation on witches, ghosts, and devils.

Jack and Lem

I really want to read this book. It's about JFK and his best Friend for 30 years Lem Billings. I guess the two met in prep school in the 1930"s and they were best friends ever since. Funny thing is that Lem was gay. He actually even had his own room at the White House and when Jackie couldn't go on trips or attend events Lem would go in her place. Nothing really mentions the two were physical intimate but they did have a very deep and special connection. Sounds like a good read to me.

Rest is hard work

I finally got some time off and now I don't know what to do with myself. I wanted to go to Fantasy Fest in Key West but the place I like to stay is booked a year in advance and the only place I found was Best Western with a 3 night minimum at 600.00 a night, ewe! As you can see from the photo people were getting kinda wild. Maybe it's better I stayed home. I would probably need another week to recover from a wild time like that!
So I hung out with the dogs and trimmed some trees and put a big scratch in my new truck. That so sucks!! Another trip to the body shop will kill me. Maybe it can be buffed out. I did have quality time with the pups and they needed it so bad. And it is like doggie therapy for me.
I also had a great workout at the gym with Raumar. He kicked my butt and I'm sure to be sore tomorrow. All in all I'm greatfull to just not have to do a damn thing.

Fantasy Fest

With The Divine Miss M

Time out

what?

I'm attempting to write something today even though the bluury vision is in full swing. so tired can't stay awake so tired can't stay awake. This is most disturbing when it happens while driving, which seems that's all I've been doing this week. Monday is coming aND i WILL FINALLY GET A DAY OFF BUT IT'S OFF TO THE VET TO GET SHOTS FOR DUKE & PEANUT. There so wonderfull I will never resent anything I do for them. They make life so GREAT!!! my little love bugs. Anyway it's off to the grind for me after I do my daily sweep and mop of the floors in my house, my God my life is so glamourous!!! I'm a chore whore. When does the fun start? must keep working, must keep working.

A. J. Liebling said, "Cynicism is often the shamefaced product of inexperience."

No rest in sight

Today is day 13 with no day off and I still have another week. I don't even feel like myself. I've gone from shooting pains in my legs and back to a strange sensation of floating. My eyes have become glassy and I frequently say inappropriate things. Like "who smells like ass?" and "hey lady need a mint?'' Then there's the laughing for no apparent reason sometimes followed by hysterical tears. WHY ME? WHYYYYYYYY? All things considered I'm handling the extra pressure pretty well. I did have fun riding around in my new hummer with Scott Sunday night. I had a huge cash deposit to make in the night drop and Scott was willing to be my lookout. We drove around Sobe like a couple a gangsta thugs. From a stanky sports bar in North Beach to The Big Pink south of fifth. Holla!! They new what we was about, Damn!

Eleanor Roosevelt, who said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."

HEY SCOTT!!!!!

It's the birthday of John Lennon, (albums by this musician) born in Liverpool, England (1940), who formed his first rock band in high school, called the Quarrymen. He was performing at a church social in the summer of 1957 when a boy in the audience named Paul McCartney saw him for the first time. McCartney later said he was impressed by how tough Lennon looked on stage, like he was challenging the audience to a fight. In fact, Lennon had gotten into a fight with his aunt earlier in the evening, and he was just glaring at her while he sang. Lennon and McCartney became friends later that night, and they formed the band that became The Beatles.

Columbus Day

Today is just another day in my 3 week work with no day off marathon. I'm just a little tired and resentful. We were slammin' busy this weekend and my legs are aching and wracked with pain. I will persevere. Always trying to stay grateful for what I have. Thank God I can walk! By the way is Christopher Columbus a good guy or a bad guy?

I got your nose

A couple of years ago we had this customer, he came into the restaurant every once in a while. He was very nice, a little strange but strange seems to be the norm on South Beach. Besides, I love a man who wears a cape to lunch. Anyway, one day he said he just loved my nose and could he take a couple of photos of it? I said, "It's not usually my nose people want to take pictures of but go ahead." So he took photos: top, bottom, front, both sides. I was exhausted! Last week this same fellow comes in and says to me "Guess what I got?" "What?" I said. "I got your nose." he replied. I was quite taken aback because sure enough right in front of me was MY nose! He asked me what I thought. Of course I said, "Wow that's great!" In my head I was thinking wow that's kinda creepy. As it turns out he's a hair artist who is held in very high regard! Very high is what I think of someone when they go out and get my nose. For those of you who want to check him out click on I've got your nose under the things I think I like section.

Brendan Gil said, "Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious."

Me as Brittany, I thought I was a MESS!!!

He's Back

David has returned from his working summer in P-town, looking better than ever. He arrived yesterday and Frank and I were happy to have him home. He's so funny, things just aren't as exciting when he's not here. He does however have a true childlike honesty that is both funny and how should I put this? Brutal! One of his first questions to me was how were my injuries coming along. I proceeded to show him my leg and he responded with an" OH NO!" My legs were one of my best features now scarred for life. Something I try not to dwell on but the OH NO! sure put it front and center. No harm done. Just another dose of reality. He suggested scar gel. I told him this is with scar gel 3 times a day. "OH" he said. To be young and pretty!

Daily Crapcast Alert!!!!

Blog cast, podcast, newscast, e-cast, simulcast, seems like everybody has some crap they want to jabber about, myself included. Today I'm avoiding my talent agent Roxanne. She's been texting! I don't think I can handle another casting right now. I need to rest today and not feel less than. It's not really rejection and I know the only way I will get booked is to continue to go on castings but it's oh so tiresome at times to sit in a room full of beautiful pros. Me with my crooked teeth and middle aged ponch, all red faced & nervous as hell being asked to play basketball with a nine year old. Or pretending to be a Japanese sports reporter.( Do I look Japanese? I guess Nike thinks so, I did get a callback.) Or my all time favorite riding up on the back of a garage door. What I really love is when I see the commercials I auditioned for on TV and I see who got the job. Why not me? Looks, untalented or is it my lack of a resume? I just have to keep on but sometimes it just stresses me out. I do love Roxanne, she is always pushing me trying to keep me on track. She says they like me. You just never know when your the right one for the part.

Miguel de Cervantes said, "Too much sanity may be madness and the maddest of all, to see life as it is and not as it should be."

HOLY Elevator

I was in the bowels of the Stephen P. Clark building today to set up a lunch for 50 people at the city managers office. I arrived at the service elevator and there was an African American man of about 50 sitting in a discarded chair waiting for the elevator. I greeted him with a cheerful how ya doing, no response. I stood there in uncomfortable silence for what seemed to be an eternity. I glanced down to see that he was clutching on to a very large Holy Bible. It's not often I run into someone carrying a Bible and I was now even more uncomfortable than before. The elevator finally arrived and we had made no exchange of any kind. When the doors opened a young African American woman elevator operator asked what floor. I said 29 the man with the Bible said nothing and she pressed 18 and 29. He then handed her the Bible and she hid it beneath a stack of debris she had sitting behind her chair in the corner. 18 came and the now Bible free man got off with out uttering a word to either of us. She did not bid him farewell. My floor finally arrived and I said good bye and she said have a nice day. I have spent all day pondering their relationship. Father & daughter? Friends? Spies passing secrets? Lovers passing letters? Minister & parishioner? Deaf Bible borrower? I will never know.

Remembering the Past

Not much happened this week but I did have a fond memory come to me from long ago. I guess the beautiful sunset triggered it.
I remember a long weekend being in a fantastic car with people I barely knew headed for Sanibel Island. I was in the Air Force then and my sense of adventure was far greater. We had had a few drinks and smoked some pot before heading out. Which was very daring for me due to frequent drug tests. I felt so comfortable with those strangers on our way to somewhere new, driving off into the sunset. I felt like no matter what happened it was going to be great and everything was going to be OK. And it was. We drank, ate delicious food, smoked some more and spent three glorious days on the gulf of Mexico in our own little beach house that one of them rented. We even built a fire on the sand. No one watched TV, just spent time together, talking,walking on the beach, watching the sun go down, but for the life of me I can't remember one of there names. Still makes me feel cozy though. Not a worry in the world. Those were the days!

F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "What people are ashamed of usually makes a good story."

Sunday fun at the waverly

What fun we boys had hanging out at the pool at the Waverly. Scotts friend William invited us over we had such a blast laughing at Ray Ray and his total way out anticks. Words like plumage and Piggy were on everones lips. We sure did put on a show. Scott actually seemed to be the most normal person there and you know that means the shit was off the chain. I lost count of how many times shade was served up or Girllll was screamed out. Those poor boys at the other end of the pool playing football will never be the same. Go on Girl, Get out Girl, You go Girl, Girl your shit is spent, Serve it up Girl! Hell I may never be the same. Peace out girl!!!

Samuel Johnson said, "The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good."

Me & my nutty buddy

Taking care of Mikey

Frank sure is sweet and he loves to take care of me. I frequently fall asleep and break out into a nervous sweat while watching TV. I guess detoxing from frightfilled days of mayhem at work. Anyway Franks always blots my head and puts a nice soft towel under it so I don't drench the pillows. Well last night for some reason he pulled my dirty work shirt from the clothes hamper that I had sweat in, done yard work in, thrown on the floor that was covered with dog hair. This is what he used to put under my head. I was awakened by the smell and the dog hair that was stuck in my razor stubble. I shreaked what are you doing. His reply"taking care if Mikey." Sometimes I just don't get it!

I'm one of 35 million

On December 21, just over three months after they left England, the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, their new home. Only half the colonists and crew survived that first winter. But when the Mayflower returned to England in April 1621, none of the colonists chose to return with it. They all remained committed to building the colony they had started. An estimated 35 million people are direct descendants of those Mayflower Pilgrims.

Our Guest house Adventure

Lazy Blogger Alert!!!

Well I have been warned. I guess to be a blogger you must but of course BLOG! Silly me.
Scott and I had a funtastic weekend in Key West visiting with old fiends and some new ones. I had a great time at the La Te Da t-dance on Sunday where I met the owners of my favorite and the most fun Nightclub in Indy, Talbot Street. It was where we went in the early 80's. They played Madonna before they knew her even in New York! They didn't remember me of course but we all knew the same characters, Drag Queens, Sluts and cutie bartenders. It was great remembering those fun times while having fun.
Scott and I hung by the pool, ate and did the Duval crawl a couple of times. It was biker weekend so the crowd was extra interesting. That coupled with the gay Malaysian tour group made for some great people watching. I wish we had had a few more days there. Our guesthouse is great and the staff knows us so we are treated like VIP's. (maybe that's because Scott is such a generous tipper.) Can't wait to go back for a little more fun in the sun.

Hang in there baby

Well it's been a crazy week. Franks procedure wasn't a total success and he's a little down. He really seems a little better but he is still having attacks. I haven't had much sleep all week worrying about him.
The dogs are crazy to kill the new cats next door. This gal has three cute kitties and she lets them live outside in a neighborhood that's full of people with dogs. I do what I can to scare them off before I let the dogs out. I even try to send Peanut out as a scout but he waits by the door for the others to play with. He's so cutie!!!! I hope they just stay away. We call our yard the killing field for a reason. Yikes!

Jobs Well Done

I have every reason to believe that Franks surgery was a success. A procedure that was to take from 1 to 6 hours ended up taking eight. The doctors gave it all they had and even went the extra mile. It was a challenge for them since no one has ever seen anything like it. He had some trouble with coming off the anesthesia but other than that he is in great shape a real trouper!

The funniest and yet most embarrassing part of the whole experience was when he was being wheeled on the gurney from recovery to his room. We were in the main lobby of the hospital waiting for the elevators with 15 other people. There are two paintings of hospital donors Baron and Polly Dehirshmeyer hanging in front of us. Frank in a booming and slightly slurred voice introduces the crowd to Polly. " Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to introduce you to Polly Dehirshmeyer! She is wearing the worlds largest emerald ring and thanks to her billion dollar donation to this fine hospital we are all here today!" An uncomfortable silence followed by. " Looks like we have a dead crowd here tonight!" My faced became red hot and Frank turned to me and said. " What's the matter honey did I embarrass you?" Just then two elevators arrived at the same time, oddly no one else got on ours. Hmmm?

Frankies Big Day

Today is Franks heart surgery, I know all will go well but I'm still a little nervous. It's a lot of stress for him and he's handling things very well. Hopefully this time they will fix him for good and he can get on with a more normal and peaceful life. Say a big prayer! The Doctors he has seem to be the best in the business so that makes it seem all the more possible for a positive outcome.

The Unjust Justice System

Today was my day in court to tell my side of what Shanice Lequitia Williams did to me. The court room was fast and furious. I think the Judges goal was one case every two minutes. My turn came and it turns out she wasn't there but her LAWYER was. No money for auto insurance but Shanice drummed up enough for a Lawyer. Anyway the Judge gave her no fines or fees and by the time I coughed out SHE GAVE FALSE INSURANCE INFORMATION TO THE OFFICER! The damage was done. He said the officer could persue her with a felony charge if he wished, but as far as it went for me I could persue her on my own. More money out of my pocket and still no justice. Miami is a legal sesspool.

Day off Doldrums

Not much fun was had today even though it was geogeous out. An hour and a half work out at the gym, trip to the post office and two hours at the dentist plus hand washing my own car made today very productive. Now it's an hour or two of doggie time and off to bed YUM.

Sweet Baby Grace

Study Time

Another Day in Paradise

Just another sultry day in South Beach. The crowd at the restaurant Sunday was even more cranky than usual. I guess the mix of heat and unbridled self importance of all those who remained unrecognized in a sea of unfriendly faces took it's toll.
There were a couple of highlights. The crazy peruvian woman who did not want to wait for a table and acused us all of being filthy immigrants and told everyone in line to dine somewhere else. Which she did and then later came back for ice. Sorry no ice for you madame Freak! Then there was the customer that used to have an affair with the kitchen manager that sued us. He cut the line and when asked to relinquish his table vowed never to return! Score one for the host.
Actually the good far out way the bad. When it's hot people just seem to lose it a lot faster. Can't stand the heat go somewhere with A/C.